Patent Description:
Terminals may be divided into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals according to mobility. Also, the mobile terminals may be classified into handheld types and vehicle mount types according to whether or not a user can directly carry.

Mobile terminals have become increasingly more functional. Examples of such functions include data and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Some mobile terminals include additional functionality which supports electronic game playing, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players. Specifically, in recent time, mobile terminals can receive broadcast and multicast signals to allow viewing of video or television programs.

As it becomes multifunctional, a mobile terminal can be allowed to capture still images or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as an integrated multimedia player.

Recently, as performance of cameras has advanced, various functions using cameras have been developed. For example, development of functions to capture a high quality still image or video or generate a 3D image using depth information (or a depth value) of an image received through a camera have been actively developed.

For those various functions using cameras, a role of a light emitting element is important. Here, the light emitting element serves to emit light to a space corresponding to an image received through a camera. Reference in that context is made to prior art documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Thus, the necessity to develop a light emitting element for performing various functions using a camera and a method for controlling a light emitting element have emerged.

Therefore, to obviate those problems, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile terminal including a lighting device capable of emitting light used to extract depth information about a subject using an optimized method, and a method for controlling the mobile terminal.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile terminal including a lighting device optimized to measure a distance using a time of flight (ToF) scheme, and a method of controlling the mobile terminal.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a mobile terminal including: a lighting unit having a plurality of light sources; a sensor unit configured to receive light output from the lighting unit and reflected off a subject; and a control unit configured to: determine, through the sensor unit, an area toward which each of the light sources emits light; adjust the area towards which each of light sources emits the light; and control the lighting unit according to an image capture application running on the mobile terminal, wherein the mobile terminal further comprises: a first optical system configured to refract the lights from the plurality of light sources to be emitted toward areas that do not overlap each other; a second optical system configured to refract the lights from all of the plurality of light sources to be emitted toward a same area; and a driving unit configured to position one of the first and second optical systems in front of the lighting unit,wherein the control unit is further configured to: control the driving unit so that one of the first optical system and the second optical system is located in front of the lighting unit according to the image capture application running on the mobile terminal; and control the at least one of the plurality of light sources to emit light according to the optical system located in front of the lighting unit.

A first light source among the plurality of light sources may be provided to emit light toward a first area, and a second light source, other than the first light source among the plurality of light sources, may be provided to emit light toward a second area other than the first area.

The first area may not overlap the second area.

The control unit may be configured to control the plurality of light sources to vary density of the lights emitted toward the same area.

The control unit may be configured to: control the lighting unit so that a first number of light sources among the plurality of light sources emit light with a first density toward the same area, and control the lighting unit so that a second number of light sources greater than the first number of light sources, among the plurality of light sources, emit light with a second density higher than the first density toward the same area.

The control unit may be configured to, when at least part of the plurality of light sources emits light, control the at least part of the plurality of light sources to emit the light at same time.

The control unit may be configured to, when the at least part of the plurality of light sources (or the plurality of light sources) emits light, control the lighting unit so that the at least part of the plurality of light sources sequentially emits the light one by one.

When the plurality of light sources (or the at least part of the light sources) sequentially emit the light one by one, peak power needed for the plurality of light sources (or the at least part of the light sources) to emit the light may be constant regardless of a number of the at least part of the plurality of light sources emitting the light.

The control unit may be configured to independently control the plurality of light sources.

The control unit may be configured to supply different powers, or power in different periods, or power at different times to the plurality of light sources, respectively.

The control unit may be configured to control the plurality of light sources to emit light at times different from each other.

The control unit may be configured to control times at which and periods in which the plurality of light sources emits the light so that the periods in which the plurality of light sources emits the light partially overlap each other.

The control unit may be configured to generate a signal for measuring, by the sensor unit, a distance to the subject via the plurality of light sources emitting the light at the different times.

In accordance with the detailed description, the present disclosure may provide a new lighting control method capable of measuring a distance only with respect to a partial area of a subject.

In addition, the present disclosure may also provide a new lighting control method capable of varying density of light needed to measure a distance to a subject, and thus, enhancing accuracy of the measurement of the distance to the subject by increasing the density of the light emitted toward the subject as needed.

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. In general, a suffix such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In describing the present disclosure, if a detailed explanation for a related known function or construction is considered to unnecessarily divert the scope of the present disclosure, such explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to scope of the appended claims.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected with" another element, the element can be connected with the another element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety of different types of terminals. Examples of such terminals include cellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digital broadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smart watches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be made with reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, such teachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those types noted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied to stationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and the like.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to the present disclosure, and <FIG> are conceptual views illustrating one example of the mobile terminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal <NUM> may be shown having components such as a wireless communication unit <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a sensing unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, an interface unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a control unit (or control unit) <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>. It is understood that implementing all of the components illustrated in <FIG> is not a requirement. Greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

In more detail, the wireless communication unit <NUM> may typically include one or more modules which permit communications such as wireless communications between the mobile terminal <NUM> and a wireless communication system, communications between the mobile terminal <NUM> and another mobile terminal, or communications between the mobile terminal <NUM> and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit <NUM> may typically include one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal <NUM> to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit <NUM> may include one or more of a broadcast receiving module <NUM>, a mobile communication module <NUM>, a wireless Internet module <NUM>, a short-range communication module <NUM>, and a location information module <NUM>.

The input unit <NUM> may include a camera <NUM> or an image input unit for obtaining images or video, a microphone <NUM>, which is one type of audio input device for inputting an audio signal, and a user input unit <NUM> (for example, a touch key, a mechanical key, and the like) for allowing a user to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, and the like) may be obtained by the input unit <NUM> and may be analyzed and processed according to user commands.

The sensing unit <NUM> may typically be implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, the surrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, and the like. For example, the sensing unit <NUM> may include at least one of a proximity sensor <NUM>, an illumination sensor <NUM>, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scan sensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera <NUM>), a microphone <NUM>, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (for example, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and a chemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor, a biometric sensor, and the like). The mobile terminal disclosed herein may be configured to utilize information obtained from one or more sensors of the sensing unit <NUM>, and combinations thereof.

The output unit <NUM> may typically be configured to output various types of information, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. The output unit <NUM> may be shown having at least one of a display <NUM>, an audio output module <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, and an optical output module <NUM>. The display <NUM> may have an inter-layered structure or an integrated structure with a touch sensor in order to implement a touch screen. The touch screen may function as the user input unit <NUM> which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal <NUM> and the user and simultaneously provide an output interface between the mobile terminal <NUM> and a user.

The interface unit <NUM> serves as an interface with various types of external devices that are coupled to the mobile terminal <NUM>. In some cases, the mobile terminal <NUM> may perform assorted control functions related to a connected external device, in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit <NUM>.

Application programs may be stored in the memory <NUM>, installed in the mobile terminal <NUM>, and executed by the control unit <NUM> to perform an operation (or function) for the mobile terminal <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> typically functions to control an overall operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>, in addition to the operations associated with the application programs. The control unit <NUM> may provide or process information or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and the like, which are input or output by the aforementioned various components, or activating application programs stored in the memory <NUM>.

Also, the control unit <NUM> may control at least some of the components illustrated in <FIG>, to execute an application program that have been stored in the memory <NUM>. In addition, the control unit <NUM> may control at least two of those components included in the mobile terminal <NUM> to activate the application program.

The power supply unit <NUM> may be configured to receive external power or provide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required for operating elements and components included in the mobile terminal <NUM>.

At least part of the components may cooperatively operate to implement an operation, a control or a control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments disclosed herein. Also, the operation, the control or the control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by an activation of at least one application program stored in the memory <NUM>.

Hereinafter, description will be given in more detail of the aforementioned components with reference to <FIG>, prior to describing various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal <NUM>.

First, regarding the wireless communication unit <NUM>, the broadcast receiving module <NUM> is typically configured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. In some embodiments, two or more broadcast receiving modules may be utilized to facilitate simultaneous reception of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switching among broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module <NUM> can transmit and/or receive wireless signals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of a network entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, a server, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobile communication network, which is constructed according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communications (for example, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access <NUM>), EV-DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like).

The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.

The wireless Internet module <NUM> refers to a module for wireless Internet access.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A) and the like.

When the wireless Internet access is implemented according to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module <NUM> performs such wireless Internet access.

Suitable technologies for implementing such short-range communications include BLUETOOTHTM, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like.

Here, another mobile terminal (which may be configured similarly to mobile terminal <NUM>) may be a wearable device, for example, a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which is able to exchange data with the mobile terminal <NUM> (or otherwise cooperate with the mobile terminal <NUM>). The short-range communication module <NUM> may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permit communication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal <NUM>. In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which is authenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, for example, may cause transmission of at least part of data processed in the mobile terminal <NUM> to the wearable device via the short-range communication module <NUM>. Hence, a user of the wearable device may use the data processed in the mobile terminal <NUM> on the wearable device. For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal <NUM>, the user may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a message is received in the mobile terminal <NUM>, the user can check the received message using the wearable device.

The location information module <NUM> is generally configured to detect, calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position (or current position) of the mobile terminal. For example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, a position of the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPS satellite. The location information module <NUM> is a module used for acquiring the position (or the current position) and may not be limited to a module for directly calculating or acquiring the position of the mobile terminal.

The input unit <NUM> is for inputting image or video information (or signal), audio information (or signal), data, or user input. The mobile terminal <NUM> may include one or a plurality of cameras <NUM> through which such image information can be obtained. Such cameras <NUM> may process image frames of still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or image capture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display <NUM> or stored in memory <NUM>. Meanwhile, the cameras <NUM> may be arranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of images having various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal <NUM>. Also, the cameras <NUM> may be located in a stereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images for implementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone <NUM> processes an external audio signal into electric audio (sound) data. The processed audio data can be processed in various manners according to a function being executed in the mobile terminal <NUM>. If desired, the microphone <NUM> may include assorted noise removing algorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

Such user input may enable the control unit <NUM> to control operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The user input unit <NUM> may include one or more of a mechanical input element (for example, a mechanical key, a button located on a front and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal <NUM>, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or a touch-sensitive input element, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitive input element may be a virtual key, a soft key or a visual key, which is displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a touch key which is located on the mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen.

The sensing unit <NUM> is generally configured to sense one or more of internal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like, and generate a corresponding sensing signal. The control unit <NUM> generally cooperates with the sending unit <NUM> to control operations of the mobile terminal <NUM> or execute data processing, a function or an operation associated with an application program installed in the mobile terminal based on the sensing signal. The sensing unit <NUM> may be implemented using any of a variety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor <NUM> refers to a sensor to sense presence or absence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near a surface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the like without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor <NUM> may be arranged at an inner area of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen, or near the touch screen.

When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, the proximity sensor <NUM> can sense proximity of a pointer relative to the touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which is responsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, the proximity sensor <NUM> can sense proximity of a pointer relative to the touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which is responsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximity sensor.

The term "proximity touch" will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to the touch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term "contact touch" will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in which a pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the position corresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to the touch screen, such position will correspond to a position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor <NUM> may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example, distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and the like). In general, control unit <NUM> processes data corresponding to proximity touches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor <NUM>, and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. In addition, the control unit <NUM> can control the mobile terminal <NUM> to execute different operations or process different data (or information) according to whether a touch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either a proximity touch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor senses a touch (or a touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit <NUM>) using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples of such touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes of pressure applied to a specific part of the display <NUM>, or convert capacitance occurring at a specific part of the display <NUM>, into electric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sense not only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressure and/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply a touch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objects include a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signals may be transmitted to a touch control unit. The touch control unit may process the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data to the control unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the control unit <NUM> may sense which area of the display <NUM> has been touched. Here, the touch control unit may be a component separate from the control unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, and combinations thereof.

Meanwhile, the control unit <NUM> may execute the same or different controls according to a type of touch object that touches the touch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen. Whether to execute the same or different control according to the object which provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operating state of the mobile terminal <NUM> or a currently executed application program, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implemented individually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Such touches include a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognize location information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves. The control unit <NUM>, for example, may calculate a position of a wave generation source based on information sensed by an illumination sensor and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the optical sensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wave reaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generation source may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position of the wave generation source may be calculated using the time difference from the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on the light as a reference signal.

The camera <NUM>, which has been depicted as a component of the input unit <NUM>, typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD, CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera <NUM> with a laser sensor may allow detection of a touch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. The photo sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the display device. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of the physical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, the photo sensor may include photo diodes and transistors (TRs) at rows and columns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electrical signal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely, the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical object according to variation of light to thus obtain location information of the physical object.

Also, the display <NUM> may be implemented as a stereoscopic display for displaying stereoscopic images.

A typical stereoscopic display may employ a stereoscopic display scheme such as a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or the like.

The audio output module <NUM> may receive audio data from the wireless communication unit <NUM> or output audio data stored in the memory <NUM> during modes such as a signal reception mode, a call mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like.

A haptic module <NUM> can be configured to generate various tactile effects that a user feels, perceives, or otherwise experiences. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generated by the haptic module <NUM> can be controlled by user selection or setting by the control unit.

When the mobile terminal <NUM> is connected with an external cradle, the interface unit <NUM> can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradle to be supplied to the mobile terminal <NUM> or may serve as a passage to allow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to be transferred to the mobile terminal therethrough. Various command signals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory <NUM> can store programs to support operations of the control unit <NUM> and store input/output data (for example, phonebook, messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory <NUM> may store data related to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output in response to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory <NUM> may include one or more types of storage mediums including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk (SSD) type, a silicon disk drive (SDD) type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like. The mobile terminal <NUM> may also be operated in relation to a network storage device that performs the storage function of the memory <NUM> over a network, such as the Internet.

The control unit <NUM> may typically control operations relating to application programs and the general operations of the mobile terminal <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may set or release a lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control command with respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meets a preset condition.

The control unit <NUM> can also perform the controlling and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize a handwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, the control unit <NUM> can control one or a combination of those components in order to implement various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit <NUM> receives external power or provides internal power and supply the appropriate power required for operating respective elements and components included in the HMD <NUM> under the control of the control unit <NUM>. The power supply unit <NUM> may include a battery, which is typically rechargeable or be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit <NUM> may include a connection port. The connection port may be configured as one example of the interface unit <NUM> to which an external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery is electrically connected.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar medium using, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, the disclosed mobile terminal <NUM> includes a bar-like terminal body. However, the mobile terminal <NUM> may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of different configurations. Examples of such configurations include watch type, clip-type, glasses-type, or a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type, swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combined with each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinations thereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type of mobile terminal. However, such teachings with regard to a particular type of mobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminals as well.

Here, considering the mobile terminal <NUM> as at least one assembly, the terminal body may be understood as a conception referring to the assembly.

The mobile terminal <NUM> will generally include a case (for example, frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of the terminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case <NUM> and a rear case <NUM>. Various electronic components are interposed into a space formed between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>. At least one middle case may be additionally positioned between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> is shown located on the front side of the terminal body to output information. As illustrated, a window 151a of the display unit <NUM> may be mounted to the front case <NUM> to form the front surface of the terminal body together with the front case <NUM>.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to the rear case <NUM>. Examples of those electronic components mounted to the rear case <NUM> may include a detachable battery, an identification module, a memory card and the like. Here, a rear cover <NUM> for covering the electronic components mounted may be detachably coupled to the rear case <NUM>. Therefore, when the rear cover <NUM> is detached from the rear case <NUM>, the electronic components mounted on the rear case <NUM> are exposed to the outside.

As illustrated, when the rear cover <NUM> is coupled to the rear case <NUM>, a side surface of the rear case <NUM> may partially be exposed. In some cases, upon the coupling, the rear case <NUM> may also be completely shielded by the rear cover <NUM>. Meanwhile, the rear cover <NUM> may include an opening for externally exposing a camera 121b or an audio output module 152b.

The cases <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by injection-molding synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form an inner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal <NUM> may be configured such that one case forms the inner space. In this case, a mobile terminal <NUM> having a uni-body is formed in such a manner that synthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal <NUM> may include a waterproofing unit (not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body. For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing member which is located between the window 151a and the front case <NUM>, between the front case <NUM> and the rear case <NUM>, or between the rear case <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>, to hermetically seal an inner space when those cases are coupled.

The mobile terminal <NUM> may include a display unit <NUM>, first and second audio output module 152a and 152b, a proximity sensor <NUM>, an illumination sensor <NUM>, an optical output module <NUM>, first and second cameras 121a and 121b, first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b, a microphone <NUM>, an interface unit <NUM>, and the like.

Hereinafter, as illustrated in <FIG>, description will be given of the exemplary mobile terminal <NUM> in which the front surface of the terminal body is shown having the display unit <NUM>, the first audio output module 152a, the proximity sensor <NUM>, the illumination sensor <NUM>, the optical output module <NUM>, the first camera 121a, and the first manipulation unit 123a, the side surface of the terminal body is shown having the second manipulation unit 123b, the microphone <NUM>, and the interface unit <NUM>, and the rear surface of the terminal body is shown having the second audio output module 152b and the second camera 121b.

However, those components may not be limited to the arrangement. Some components may be omitted or rearranged or located on different surfaces. For example, the first manipulation unit 123a may be located on another surface of the terminal body, and the second audio output module 152b may be located on the side surface of the terminal body other than the rear surface of the terminal body.

The display module <NUM> may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-LCD (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a three-dimensional (3D) display and an e-ink display.

The display unit <NUM> may be implemented using two display devices, according to the configuration type thereof. For instance, a plurality of the display units <NUM> may be arranged on one side, either spaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, or these devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit <NUM> may include a touch sensor that senses a touch with respect to the display unit <NUM> so as to receive a control command in a touch manner. Accordingly, when a touch is applied to the display unit <NUM>, the touch sensor may sense the touch, and a control unit <NUM> may generate a control command corresponding to the touch. Contents input in the touch manner may be characters, numbers, instructions in various modes, or a menu item that can be specified.

On the other hand, the touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touch pattern and disposed between a window 151a and a display (not illustrated) on a rear surface of the window, or may be a metal wire directly patterned on the rear surface of the window. Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with the display. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display, or may be provided inside the display.

In this way, the display unit <NUM> may form a touch screen together with the touch sensor, and in this case, the touch screen may function as the user input unit (<NUM>, see <FIG>). In some cases, the touch screen may replace at least some of functions of a first manipulation unit 123a.

The first audio output module 152a may be implemented as a receiver for transmitting a call sound to a user's ear and the second audio output module 152b may be implemented as a loud speaker for outputting various alarm sounds or multimedia reproduction request sounds.

The window 151a of the display unit <NUM> may include a sound hole for emitting sounds generated from the first audio output module 152a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sounds may be released along an assembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap between the window 151a and the front case <NUM>). In this case, a hole independently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or may otherwise be hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying the appearance of the mobile terminal <NUM>.

The optical output module <NUM> may be configured to output light for indicating an event generation. Examples of such events may include a message reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule alarm, an email reception, information reception through an application, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event, the control unit <NUM> may control the optical output module <NUM> to stop the light output.

The first camera 121a may process image frames such as still or moving images obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video call mode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the display unit <NUM> or stored in the memory <NUM>.

The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b are examples of the user input unit <NUM>, which may be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulating portion. The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may employ any method if it is a tactile manner allowing the user to perform manipulation with a tactile feeling such as touch, push, scroll or the like. The first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may also be manipulated through a proximity touch, a hovering touch, and the like, without a user's tactile feeling.

The drawings are illustrated on the basis that the first manipulation unit 123a is a touch key, but the present disclosure may not be necessarily limited to this. For example, the first manipulation unit 123a may be configured with a mechanical key, or a combination of a touch key and a push key.

The content received by the first and second manipulation units 123a and 123b may be set in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit 123a may be used by the user to input a command such as menu, home key, cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123b may be used by the user to input a command, such as controlling a volume level being output from the first or second audio output module 152a or 152b, switching into a touch recognition mode of the display unit <NUM>, or the like.

On the other hand, as another example of the user input unit <NUM>, a rear input unit (not shown) may be disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rear input unit may be manipulated by a user to input a command for controlling an operation of the mobile terminal <NUM>. The content input may be set in various ways. For example, the rear input unit may be used by the user to input a command, such as power on/off, start, end, scroll or the like, controlling a volume level being output from the first or second audio output module 152a or 152b, switching into a touch recognition mode of the display unit <NUM>, or the like. The rear input unit may be implemented into a form allowing a touch input, a push input or a combination thereof.

The rear input unit may be disposed to overlap the display unit <NUM> of the front surface in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As one example, the rear input unit may be disposed on an upper end portion of the rear surface of the terminal body such that a user can easily manipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal body with one hand. However, the present disclosure may not be limited to this, and the position of the rear input unit may be changeable.

When the rear input unit is disposed on the rear surface of the terminal body, a new user interface may be implemented using the rear input unit. Also, the aforementioned touch screen or the rear input unit may substitute for at least part of functions of the first manipulation unit 123a located on the front surface of the terminal body. Accordingly, when the first manipulation unit 123a is not disposed on the front surface of the terminal body, the display unit <NUM> may be implemented to have a larger screen.

On the other hand, the mobile terminal <NUM> may include a finger scan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The control unit may use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor as an authentication means. The finger scan sensor may be installed in the display unit <NUM> or the user input unit <NUM>.

The microphone <NUM> may be provided at a plurality of places, and configured to receive stereo sounds. The microphone <NUM> may be provided at a plurality of places, and configured to receive stereo sounds.

The interface unit <NUM> may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal <NUM> to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit <NUM> may be at least one of a connection terminal for connecting to another device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or the like), a port for near field communication (for example, an Infrared DaAssociation (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, and the like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The interface unit <NUM> may be implemented in the form of a socket for accommodating an external card, such as Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memory card for information storage.

The second camera 121b may be further mounted to the rear surface of the terminal body. The second camera 121b may have an image capturing direction, which is substantially opposite to the direction of the first camera unit 121a.

The second camera 121b may include a plurality of lenses arranged along at least one line. The plurality of lenses may be arranged in a matrix form. The cameras may be referred to as an 'array camera. ' When the second camera 121b is implemented as the array camera, images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lenses and images with better qualities may be obtained.

The flash <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the second camera 121b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121b, the flash <NUM> may illuminate the subject.

The second audio output module 152b may further be disposed on the terminal body. The second audio output module 152b may implement stereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio output module 152a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone mode for call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be disposed on the terminal body. The antenna may be embedded in the terminal body or formed in the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part of the broadcast receiving module <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be retractable into the terminal body. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed in a form of film to be attached onto an inner surface of the rear cover <NUM> or a case including a conductive material may serve as an antenna.

The terminal body is provided with a power supply unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) for supplying power to the mobile terminal <NUM>. The power supply unit <NUM> may include a batter <NUM> which is mounted in the terminal body or detachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body.

The battery <NUM> may receive power via a power cable connected to the interface unit <NUM>. Also, the battery <NUM> may be (re)chargeable in a wireless manner using a wireless charger. The wireless charging may be implemented by magnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

On the other hand, the drawing illustrates that the rear cover <NUM> is coupled to the rear case <NUM> for shielding the battery <NUM>, so as to prevent separation of the battery <NUM> and protect the battery <NUM> from an external impact or foreign materials. When the battery <NUM> is detachable from the terminal body, the rear case <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the rear case <NUM>.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending the functions of the mobile terminal <NUM> may further be provided on the mobile terminal <NUM>. As one example of the accessory, a cover or pouch for covering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal <NUM> may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the display unit <NUM> to extend the function of the electronic device <NUM>. Another example of the accessory may be a touch pen for assisting or extending a touch input onto a touch screen.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal related to the present disclosure may extract (detect, determine, sense) depth information from an image captured through a camera, using the camera and a lighting device (or a lighting unit, hereinafter used mixed with each other).

Also, the mobile terminal related to the present disclosure may capture (or generate) a 3D image using the camera and the lighting device. For example, the mobile terminal related to the present disclosure may convert (generate) a 2D image captured through the camera into a 3D image on the basis of the extracted depth information. similar manner. In another example, the mobile terminal related to the present disclosure may determine a distance to a subject on the basis of light irradiated from the lighting device and capture (or generate) a 3D image through the camera on the basis of the distance to the subject.

Hereinafter, a method for extracting depth information from an image captured using the camera and the lighting device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, extracting depth information from an image captured through the camera will be described, but related contents may also be inferred and applied to capturing (or generating a 3D image in the same/like manner.

The mobile terminal <NUM> related to the present disclosure may extract depth information received (or captured) through the camera <NUM> (please refer to <FIG>).

The image received through the camera may be referred to as a preview image. In detail, the preview image may refer to an image received through the camera in real time. The preview image may be changed as the mobile terminal having the camera <NUM> is moved by an external force or as a subject moves.

An image captured through the camera may refer to an image obtained by capturing a preview image, for example. For example, the image may be captured as an image capture button output on the display unit of the mobile terminal is touched, as a user's gesture associated to capture a preview image is sensed through the preview image, or as a physical button provided in the mobile terminal is pressed.

An image described in this disclosure may refer to at least one of a preview image and a captured image.

Depth information described in this disclosure may be a depth value. The depth information may refer to a distance (or a distance value) between a subject corresponding pixels included in the image and the mobile terminal (specifically, the camera).

For example, in cases where a subject corresponding to a specific pixel of the image and the mobile terminal is n, depth information of the specific pixel may be a specific value corresponding to n. The specific value corresponding to n may be n or a value converted by a preset algorithm.

Also, the depth information may be a value corresponding to a z axis perpendicular to an x axis and a y axis in cases where coordinates of the image are set to the x axis and the y axis perpendicular to the x axis. An absolute value of the depth information may be increased as a distance between the subject and the mobile terminal is increased.

The depth information may be utilized in various fields. For example, the depth information may be used for capturing/generating a 3D stereoscopic image (stereoscopy), used for generating 3D printing data used in a 3D printer, or used for detecting movement of an object (or subject) around the mobile terminal.

The mobile terminal related to the present disclosure may extract depth information of an image received (or captured) through the camera in various manners. For example, the control unit <NUM> may extract depth information through a stereo vision scheme of extracting depth information using at least two cameras, a structure light scheme of extracting depth information using light emitting elements (or light emitting elements) disposed to form a preset pattern, a time of flight (ToF) scheme of extracting depth information on the basis of time during which light emitted from a light emitting element is reflected to be returned, or any combination thereof.

Hereinafter, extracting depth information using the structure light scheme, among the aforementioned schemes, will be largely described.

The structure light scheme is a scheme of emitting light to a subject by controlling a plurality of light emitting elements disposed to have a preset pattern, sensing light reflected from the subject, and subsequently extracting depth information on the basis of the sensed light (or a pattern of sensed light).

In detail, the structure light scheme is a scheme of extracting depth information by irradiating light to a subject from a plurality of light emitting elements disposed to have a preset pattern and calculating a shift amount (or a shift amount of a reflected light pattern) of reflected light returned with respect to the preset pattern.

For example, the control unit <NUM> of the mobile terminal related to the present disclosure controls the plurality of light emitting elements disposed to have a preset pattern to emit light to the subject. Thereafter, the control unit <NUM> of the mobile terminal may sense light reflected and returned from the subject through the sensing unit <NUM> of <FIG>.

Here, the control unit <NUM> may extract depth information of an image received through the camera <NUM> on the basis of the sensing result. For example, the control unit <NUM> may extract depth information of the image received through the camera <NUM> by comparing the pattern formed by light which is reflected and returned with the preset pattern.

In detail, the control unit <NUM> may extract depth information of the image received through the camera <NUM> by comparing a preset pattern in which a plurality of light emitting elements emit light to the subject (or a preset pattern in which the plurality of light emitting elements are disposed) and a pattern formed by reflected and returned light (or optical spot) and calculating a shift amount regarding each of the reflected and returned light (or optical spot) with respect to the preset pattern (or a changed form, a changed distance, a changed direction, and the like) or a shift amount regarding a pattern of returned light.

In another example, in the structure light scheme, the control unit <NUM> may extract depth information of the image received through the camera <NUM> by comparing time during which light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements is reflected to be returned and strength of reflected and returned light.

To this end, the plurality of light emitting elements may be formed to emit light to a space corresponding to the image received through the camera <NUM>.

The preset pattern may be determined (or set) by the user or may be predetermined when a product of the mobile terminal was manufactured. Also, the preset pattern may be changed according to a user request or by controlling of the control unit.

Also, the plurality of light emitting elements may emit infrared light. Also, the light emitting devices may be laser diodes changing an electrical signal into an optical signal. For example, the light emitting devices may be a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL).

In the present disclosure, depth information of the image may be extracted through one camera (infrared camera or a 3D camera) using the structure light scheme, and even when the subject has a single color, depth information may be extracted. Also, accuracy regarding depth information may be enhanced by combining the structure light scheme and a stereo vision scheme using at least two cameras or combining the structure light scheme and the ToF scheme.

The ToF scheme may be a scheme of measuring depth information of an image by calculating a time during which light directly irradiated on an object is returned as reflected light.

The stereo vision scheme may be a scheme of symmetrically disposing a plurality of cameras (e.g., two cameras) and extracting depth information of an image received through the camera using disparity (or a difference in distance, space) between an image received through a first camera (e.g., a left camera) among the plurality of cameras and an image received through a second camera (e.g., a right camera) among the plurality of cameras.

The mobile terminal related to the present disclosure may use the stereo vision scheme, the structure light scheme, a time of flight (ToF) method, or a combination of two or more thereof.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a camera and a lighting device provided in the mobile terminal related to the present disclosure.

As illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, the mobile terminal related to the present disclosure may have a plurality of cameras 121b and 121c on one surface thereof. Here, one surface of the mobile terminal <NUM> may be at least one of a rear surface, a front surface, and a side surface of the main body of the mobile terminal.

In (a) of <FIG>, it is illustrated that the plurality of cameras 121b and 121c are provided on the rear surface of the main body of the mobile terminal.

Also, a lighting device <NUM> of the present disclosure may be provided on one surface on which the plurality of cameras 121b and 121c are provided.

The lighting device <NUM> may include a plurality of light emitting elements, and as described above, the lighting device <NUM> may irradiate light having a preset pattern to extract depth information of an image through the structure light scheme. Here, the plurality of light emitting elements (or a plurality of light sources) may be, for example VCSEL.

As illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, the mobile terminal of the present disclosure may extract depth information of an image received through the cameras by combining the stereo vision scheme and the structure light scheme using the plurality of cameras 121a and 121b and the lighting device <NUM> capable of irradiating light of a preset pattern.

However, without being limited thereto, although the plurality of cameras 121a and 121b are provided on one surface of the main body of the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal <NUM> of the present disclosure may extract depth information of an image received through the cameras using any one of the stereo vision scheme, the structure light scheme, and the ToF scheme or by combining at least two schemes.

However, without being limited thereto, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, the mobile terminal <NUM> of the present disclosure may extract depth information of an image received through the camera using one camera <NUM> and the lighting device <NUM>, using only the structure light scheme, using only the ToF scheme, or using a combination of the structure light scheme and the ToF scheme.

Meanwhile, the lighting device <NUM> provided in the mobile terminal <NUM> related to the present disclosure may irradiate light to form (or have) a predetermined pattern as described above in the structure light scheme. The lighting device <NUM> may include a plurality of light emitting elements. Here, the light emitting elements may be the aforementioned VCSEL.

The plurality of light emitting elements may be formed to have a preset pattern or only some of the light emitting elements may be turned on to irradiate light in a preset pattern.

The plurality of light emitting elements (or a die including the plurality of light emitting elements) may be referred to as a VCSEL array, for example.

The control unit <NUM> of the mobile terminal related to the present disclosure may individually control each of the plurality of light emitting elements (the plurality of light sources) included in the lighting device <NUM>. In detail, the control unit <NUM> may individually turn on or off the plurality of light emitting elements provided in the lighting device <NUM>. Also, the control unit <NUM> may individually control emission intensity of the plurality of light emitting elements provided in the lighting device <NUM>. Also, the control unit <NUM> may individually control (determine) an emission timing of the plurality of light emitting elements provided in the lighting device <NUM>.

The lighting device <NUM> may be individually turned on or off, varied in emission intensity, or changed in an emission timing under the control of the control unit <NUM>. Accordingly, a pattern (i.e., a preset pattern) of light irradiated from the lighting device <NUM> may be varied.

In this manner, in the lighting device <NUM> included in the mobile terminal of the present disclosure, a pattern (or intensity of light, a timing of light) of irradiated light may be varied by individually controlling the plurality of light emitting elements (the plurality of VCSELs), and in this point of view, the lighting device <NUM> may be referred to as active lighting.

Meanwhile, the lighting device <NUM> related to the present disclosure may irradiate light (or optical spot) of a preset pattern such that the light may be used for extracting depth information of an image. Here, the optical spot may refer to a region (or point) of a subject to which light is irradiated or a region (or a point) of the mobile terminal (or the lighting device <NUM>, the camera, or the sensing unit) to which light reflected from a subject is irradiated.

Here, in the present disclosure, since the plurality of light emitting elements included in the lighting device <NUM> are laser diodes (e.g., VCSELs), and thus, when the plurality of light emitting elements emit light, light (laser) is irradiated on a narrow region (or point) of a subject. Accordingly, an optical spot may be formed in the subject. Also, in the present disclosure, on the basis of light (laser) reflected to be returned from the subject to the mobile terminal, an optical spot irradiated on the subject may be detected.

Meanwhile, the lighting device <NUM> may include a diffractive optical element (DOE). The DOE may be formed to diffract light (laser) output from the light emitting elements.

The DOE may diffract light output from the light emitting element into a plurality of light beams. In this disclosure, diffracting light (laser) may be understood as splitting light, duplicating light, refracting a portion of light, and the like. In cases where one light output from the light emitting element is diffracted (or split) into a plurality of light beams by the DOE, the sum of intensity of the plurality of light beams may be equal to intensity of the one light.

In other words, intensity of each of the plurality of light beams (i.e., any one of the plurality of light beams diffracted by the DOE) may be weaker than intensity of the one light beam before entering the DOE.

Meanwhile, the lighting device of the present disclosure may output a larger number of light beams (optical spots) than the number of the plurality of light emitting elements using the DOE.

For example, in cases where the number of the plurality of light emitting elements is n and the number of light beams (optical spots) output when one light beam passes through the DOE is m, the lighting device <NUM> of the present disclosure may output n*m number of light beams (optical spots) (or irradiate the n*m number of light beams to a subject).

In the present disclosure, the lighting device <NUM> may have a plurality of light emitting elements and a DOE, and the DOE may diffract light output from the plurality of light emitting elements such that a predetermined pattern is formed with respect to each of the plurality of light emitting elements.

That is, the lighting device <NUM> of the present disclosure may include the DOE for diffracting light such that each of the light sources has the predetermined pattern. In other words, the DOE included in the lighting device <NUM> may diffract light such that one light beam output from one light emitting element forms the predetermined pattern. Accordingly, a plurality of light beams output from the plurality of light emitting elements may be diffracted to form the predetermined pattern and pass through the DOE.

In this specification, extracting depth information of an image may include extracting (calculating) distance information from the mobile terminal (or the lighting device) to a subject.

In addition, the mobile terminal in the present disclosure may perform face recognition, space scanning, or 3D image generation by extracting (calculating) the depth information to the object.

Hereinafter, the lighting device described above is referred to as a lighting unit <NUM>, and it is described that, among functions of the camera <NUM>, a function of receiving light is performed by a sensor unit <NUM>.

The sensor unit <NUM> may function as a light reception unit configured to receive light output from the lighting unit <NUM>, reflected by the subject, and returning to the mobile terminal.

Hereinafter, measurement of a distance to a subject using the ToF scheme, among methods of measuring a distance to the subject, is described as an example. However, the measurement of a distance to a subject is not limited thereto. The description in this specification may be identically/similarly applied to the stereo vision scheme, the structure light scheme, or a combination of two or more of the schemes described above.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a distance measurement system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the lighting unit <NUM> (or a lighting device) including a plurality of light sources (or a plurality of light emitting elements), the sensor unit <NUM> (or the camera <NUM>) configured to receive light output from the lighting unit <NUM> and reflected off a subject <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> (or a processor) configured to control the lighting unit <NUM> and the sensor unit <NUM>.

In addition, the mobile terminal in the present disclosure may further include an optical system <NUM> configured to transmit light, output from the lighting unit <NUM>, to be emitted toward the subject.

For example, the light sources may be VCSELs (or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LDs)), and the optical system <NUM> may be a lens.

As another example, the light sources may be VCSELs (or LEDs or LDs), and the optical system <NUM> may be a diffractive element (e.g., a diffuser, a DOE, a microlens array, a grating, a holographic optical element (HOE), etc.).

In addition, as another example, the light sources may be VCSELs (or LEDs or LDs), and the optical system <NUM> may be provided in an order of a lens to a diffractive element, or vice versa.

The lens may include a refractive lens and a reflective mirror.

Lighting may be uniform lighting (LEDs, LDs) or pattern lighting (VCSEL or an LD).

A plurality of lighting units <NUM> including the lighting sources may be present.

The lighting units <NUM> may include an auto focus (AF) unit and/or an iris, and an optical image stabilizer (OIS) driving system.

The optical system <NUM> may be implemented in various forms. The optical system <NUM> will be described later in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

The control unit <NUM> may synchronize, through the sensor unit <NUM>, areas toward which lights output from the light sources are emitted.

For example, referring to (a) of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may synchronize a first light source <NUM>, among the light sources, to emit light toward a first area <NUM> and a second light source <NUM>, other than the first light source <NUM> among the light sources, to emit light toward a second area <NUM> other than the first area <NUM>.

This may mean a process (a synchronization process) in which the control unit <NUM> controls each of the light sources to output light, determines, through the sensor unit <NUM>, an area toward which each of the light sources emits the light, and adjusts the area toward which each of the light sources emits the light.

As another example, referring to (a) of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may synchronize the light sources all to emit light beams toward a same area <NUM>, respectively. For example, the control unit <NUM> may synchronize the first light source <NUM> among the light sources to emit light toward the same area <NUM> and the second light source <NUM> other than the first area <NUM>, among the light sources, to emit light toward the same area <NUM>.

To perform synchronization, the control unit <NUM> may adjust an installation angle, a light-emission angle, a viewing angle, or the like with respect to each of the light sources, or vary the optical system <NUM>.

In addition, the control unit <NUM> may control the lighting unit <NUM> so that at least one of the lighting sources emits light, on a basis of preset conditions.

The preset conditions may refer to conditions on which at least a part of the light sources emits light, for example, a condition on which the lighting unit <NUM> is set to emit light.

For example, the preset conditions may include a case when a user manipulation to turn the lighting unit <NUM> on is performed. a case when a situation in which face recognition is needed occurs (e.g., a case when face recognition is set to be performed when a lock is released, a case when face recognition is set to be performed when user authentication such as log-in, payment, etc. is performed), a case when a mode in which a 3D image is captured is entered on a basis of information about a distance to a subject (or depth information about an image), etc..

The control unit <NUM> may control the lighting unit <NUM> so that at least one of the lighting sources emits light, on the basis of the preset conditions.

A method of controlling the lighting unit <NUM> (that is, a method of controlling the light sources) may vary according to a type of the preset conditions.

When a first condition among the preset conditions is satisfied, the control unit <NUM> may control the light sources using a first control method. When a second condition other than the first condition, among the preset conditions, is satisfied, the control unit <NUM> may control the light sources using a second control method other than the first control method.

Hereinafter, various methods of controlling the lighting unit <NUM> are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

<FIG> and <FIG> are conceptual views illustrating a lighting control method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to the first embodiment, the lighting unit <NUM> in the present disclosure may include a plurality of light sources <NUM> to <NUM> which are first to ninth light sources.

The light sources <NUM> to <NUM> may be provided to emit light toward areas different from each other.

As an example, the lighting unit <NUM> may be provided to emit light toward a predetermined area <NUM>.

Here, the first light source <NUM> among the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> may be provided to emit light toward the first area <NUM>, and the second light source <NUM> other than the first light source <NUM>, among the light sources <NUM> to <NUM>, may be provided to emit light toward the second area <NUM> other than the first area <NUM>.

That is, the first area <NUM> toward which the light output from the first light source <NUM> is emitted may not overlap the second area <NUM> toward which the light output from the second light source <NUM> is emitted.

To do so, the present disclosure may include a first optical system 220a configured to refract (control) light from the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> to be emitted toward areas <NUM> to <NUM> that do not overlap each other.

The control unit <NUM> in the present disclosure may independently control the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> included in the lighting unit <NUM>.

Accordingly, as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may control only the light source <NUM> among the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> to emit light. In this case, the light from the light source <NUM> may be emitted, via the first optical system 220a, toward the area <NUM> to which light emission from the light source <NUM> is allocated.

In addition, as shown in (b) of <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> controls the first, second, fourth, and fifth light sources <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> among the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> to emit light, the light may be emitted toward the areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to which the emission of the light therefrom is allocated and which do not overlap each other, respectively.

In addition, as shown in (a) of <FIG>, when the second, fourth, fifth, sixth, and eighth light sources <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are controlled to emit light, the light may be emitted only toward the areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to which the emission of the light therefrom is allocated, respectively.

In addition, when the control unit <NUM> controls all the first to ninth light sources <NUM> to <NUM> included in the lighting unit <NUM> to emit light, the light may be emitted toward a whole predetermined area <NUM> to which the emission of the light therefrom is allocated, as shown in (b) of <FIG>.

As such, in the present disclosure, a plurality of light sources may be independently controlled, and the light sources may be also controlled to emit light toward areas different from each other according to preset conditions.

In addition, the control unit <NUM> may determine a form of a subject via a camera (or an area of the subject in an image received via the camera), and control at least one of the light sources to emit light on a basis of the form of the subject.

In this case, the control unit <NUM> may control the light sources such that a light source does not emit light when the light source is allocated to emit light toward an area that does not include the subject, and a light source emits light when the light source is allocated to emit light toward an area including the subject.

By doing so, in the present disclosure, light emission toward an unnecessary area may be minimized, and thus, power consumption may be prevented.

<FIG> and <FIG> are conceptual views illustrating a lighting control method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in the present disclosure, a second optical system 220b provided such that each of the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> to emit light toward the same area <NUM> (or referred to as a particular area) may be further included.

That is, unlike the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment, the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in <FIG> may be provided such that the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> all emit light toward the same area <NUM>.

To do so, as illustrated in (a) and (b) of <FIG>, the second optical system 220b refracts light so that the first light source <NUM> among the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> emits light toward the same area <NUM> and the second to ninth light sources <NUM> to <NUM> other than the first light source also emit light toward the same area <NUM>.

In this case, density of the light emitted toward the same area <NUM> may vary according to a number of light sources emitting light, among light sources <NUM> to <NUM>.

That is, the light density means light intensity emitted toward each unit area (or a light strength or a number of light spots). Accordingly, when a number of light sources emitting light increases, the light density may also increase.

That is, the control unit <NUM> may control the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> to vary the light density in the same area <NUM>.

As illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may control the lighting unit <NUM> so that a first number of light sources (e.g., six light sources), among the light sources <NUM> to <NUM>, emits light with a first density toward the same area <NUM>.

In addition, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may control the lighting unit <NUM> so that a second number of light sources (e.g., nine light sources) greater than the first number of light sources, among the plurality of light sources <NUM> to <NUM>, emit light with a second density, higher (greater) than the first density, toward the same area <NUM>.

As such, in the present disclosure, the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> may be controlled to emit light toward areas different from each other via the optical system <NUM>, or controlled to emit light toward the same area <NUM>.

Thus, the first and second optical systems 220a and 220b is provided to be rotated (or replaced) to be positioned in front of the lighting unit <NUM> according to control by the control unit <NUM>.

To do so, the mobile terminal in the present disclosuremeyfurther includes a driving unit (not shown) configured to rotate the first and second optical systems 220a and 220b, and the driving unit is driven according to the control by the control unit <NUM> or a user manipulation.

The first and second optical systems 220a and 220b may be provided to be rotated by the driving unit.

The mobile terminal may selectively include the first or second optical system 220a or 220b.

As another example, the optical system <NUM> may be provided to be varied as the first or second optical system 220a or 220b. For example, the optical system <NUM> may be varied to perform a function of the first optical system 220a or the second optical system 220b according to the control by the control unit <NUM>.

As an example, the optical system <NUM> may be a variable optical system provided to be driven as the first optical system 220a or the second optical system 220b according to an electrical signal.

<FIG> are conceptual views illustrating a method of controlling the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

The description provided with reference to <FIG> may be also applied identically/similarly to the first and second embodiments described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As such, in the present disclosure, the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> may be independently controlled. As the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> may be controlled to emit light toward areas different from each other, the light may be emitted toward only some areas or toward a same area, and thus, light density may be varied.

When the control unit <NUM> in the mobile terminal in the present disclosure controls at least a part (one or more) of the light sources to emit light, the control unit <NUM> may control the at least part of the light sources to emit the light using various methods.

For example, as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> controls at least a part of the light sources to emit light, the control unit <NUM> may control the at least part of the light sources to emit the light at same time.

In this case, as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, when a number of the at least part of light sources increases (from <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, to <NUM> light sources), power (peak power or peak current) needed for lighting may also increase.

As another example, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> controls at least a part of the light sources to emit light, the control unit <NUM> may control the at least part of the light sources to sequentially emit light one by one.

In this case, the control unit <NUM> may control the at least part of the light sources to sequentially emit the light one by one so that times at which the at least part of power sources emit the light do not overlap each other.

When the at least part of the light sources sequentially emits light one by one, peak power needed for the at least part of the light sources to emit the light may be constant regardless of a number of the at least part of the light sources emitting light, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>.

That is, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, when the at least part of the light sources sequentially emit light one by one at times that do not overlap each other, the peak power needed for the light emission from the light sources (that is, the peak power needed for the light emission from the at least part of the light sources) may be constant (identical) regardless of the number of the light sources emitting light (that is, regardless of whether light is emitted by one, three, six, or nine light sources).

The constant peak power may be peak power needed for one light source to emit light.

Since the light sources emit light one by one at different times (that is, at times that do not overlap each other), even when many light sources emitting light are present, the light sources may emit light at the different times. Thus, the peak power needed for the light sources to emit light (at least a part of the light sources) may be identical to (constant with respect to) peak power needed for one light source to emit light.

Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the plurality of light sources may sequentially emit light, and thus, peak power needed for the plurality of light sources to emit light may be reduced.

In the present disclosure, a driver (or a driver device) configured to control the areas <NUM> to <NUM>, which are several split areas, may be further included.

According to a structure of split lighting, the driver may have a structure of a common cathode as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, or a structure of a common anode as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>.

In cases of (a) and (b) of <FIG> in common, the driver device may be provided to independently (separately) control each of the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> (or the split areas <NUM> to <NUM>), respectively.

That is, as described with reference to <FIG>, the driver device may control the light sources (to emit light) simultaneously at same times or sequentially control the light sources (to emit light) in consideration of lighting efficiency.

The control unit <NUM> may supply different powers to the light sources <NUM> to <NUM>, supply power to the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> in different periods, or supply power to the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> at different times.

For example, as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may control at least a part of the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> to periodically emit light with power of constant strength at respective constant times.

As another example. as illustrated in (b) and (c) of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may apply different powers to the light sources <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively.

For example, the control unit <NUM> may supply power with a first magnitude h1 to a light source, or power with a second magnitude h2 greater than the first magnitude h1 to a light source.

In this case, lighting to which power with a great magnitude is supplied may emit bright light.

As such, the control unit <NUM> may independently control supplied power, a period, or a time with respect to light emission to thereby use the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> in correspondence with a situation (or a condition).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may control the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> to emit light at different times.

In this case, as illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may control the times and the periods of light emission from the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> so that periods in which the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> emit light partially overlap each other.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may control the lighting unit <NUM> such that a period when the first light source <NUM> emits light may partially overlap a period when the second light source <NUM> emits light.

In addition, the control unit <NUM> may control the lighting unit <NUM> such that the period when the second light source <NUM> emits the light may partially overlap a period when a third light source <NUM> emits light.

As such, unlike the description provided with reference to <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may control the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> to sequentially emit light such that periods in which the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> emit light partially overlap each other.

In this case, the control unit <NUM> may calculate a difference between times at which light beams emitted from the light sources at different times are reflected off the subject <NUM> and return, respectively, and estimate (extract) information about a distance to the subject <NUM> using the ToF scheme.

To do so, the control unit <NUM> may generate a signal for measuring a distance from the subject <NUM> via the light sources emitting light at different times using the sensor unit <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> may generate a signal such that the light sources sequentially emit light in each constant period T (or a duty or a duty/<NUM>).

In detail, the control unit <NUM> may control the second light source <NUM> to emit light after the constant period T from a time after the first light source <NUM> emits light, and a third light source <NUM> to emit light after the constant period T from the time after the second light source emits the light.

In this case, a period when the first light source <NUM> emits the light may partially overlap a period when the second light source <NUM> emits the light. That is, a period in which each light source emits light may be longer than the constant period T.

In this case, phases Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 of light output from the light sources <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively, may be different from each other (a phase difference).

The control unit <NUM> may calculate a difference in times at which light is output from the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> and reflected off a subject, and then, return, respectively, on a basis of times at which the light sources <NUM> to <NUM> emit light, times at which the light is received via the sensor unit <NUM>, and phases of the received light. Then, on a basis of the time difference, the control unit <NUM> may calculate a distance between the mobile terminal and the subject (or a distance to each part of the subject) (the ToF scheme).

In addition, as illustrated in (a) of <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> performs face recognition (face authentication) or space scanning using the ToF scheme, the control unit <NUM> may control the lighting unit <NUM> not to emit light toward an area in which the face recognition is complete. Thus, power consumed to emit light toward an unnecessary area may be reduced.

In addition, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, when the ToF scheme is used, a lighting control method capable of varying an amount or density of lighting may be provided such that that light with a high density may be emitted to increase accuracy when face authentication or space scanning is performed, and low power may be supplied with a low recognition resolution at a normal mode (a general standby situation).

In addition, the present disclosure may also provide a new lighting control method capable of varying density of light needed to measure a distance to a subject, and thus, enhancing accuracy of measuring the distance to the subject by increasing the density of the light emitted toward the subject as needed.

Claim 1:
A mobile terminal comprising:
a lighting unit (<NUM>) having a plurality of light sources;
a sensor unit (<NUM>) configured to receive light output from the lighting unit and reflected off a subject; and
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to:
determine[<NUM>], through the sensor unit, an area toward which each of the light sources emits light;
adjust the area towards which each of light sources emits the light; and
control the lighting unit (<NUM>) according to an image capture application running on the mobile terminal,
wherein the mobile terminal is characterized in that it further comprises:
a first optical system (220a) configured to refract the lights from the plurality of light sources to be emitted toward areas (<NUM>-<NUM>) that do not overlap each other;
a second optical system (220b) configured to refract the lights from all of the plurality of light sources to be emitted toward a same area (<NUM>); and
a driving unit configured to position one of the first and second optical systems in front of the lighting unit,
wherein the control unit (<NUM>) is further configured to:
control the driving unit so that one of the first optical system (220a) and the second optical system (220b) is located in front of the lighting unit (<NUM>) according to the image capture application running on the mobile terminal; and
control the at least one of the plurality of light sources to emit light according to the optical system located in front of the lighting unit (<NUM>).