Patent Document

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0077181, filed on Aug. 3, 2011, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     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. 
     2. Related Art 
     As functions of terminals such as personal computers, laptop computers, cellular phones diversify, the terminals become multimedia players having multiple functions for capturing pictures or moving images, playing music, moving image files and games and receiving broadcasting programs. 
     Terminals can be categorized as mobile terminals and stationary terminals. The mobile terminals can be further comprised of handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals according to whether users can personally carry the terminals. Conventional terminals including mobile terminals provide an increasing number of complex and various functions. 
     To support and enhance the increasing number of functions in a terminal, improving a structural part and/or a software part of the terminal would be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to address the above-noted and other drawbacks of the related art. 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of  FIG. 2 ; 
         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. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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. 
     Hereinafter, a mobile terminal relating to the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, suffixes “module” and “unit” are given to components of the mobile terminal in consideration of only facilitation of description and do not have meanings or functions discriminated from each other. 
     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 radio communication unit  110  may include at least one module that enables radio communication between the mobile terminal  100  and a radio communication system or between the mobile terminal  100  and a network in which the mobile terminal  100  is located. For example, the radio communication unit  110  may include a broadcasting receiving module  111 , a mobile communication module  112 , a wireless Internet module  113 , a local area communication module  114 , and a location (or position) information module  115 . 
     The broadcasting receiving module  111  may receive broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information from an external broadcasting management server through a broadcasting channel. The broadcasting channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel, and the broadcasting management server may be a server that generates and transmits broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information or a server that receives previously created broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information and transmits the broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information to a terminal. 
     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 . 
     The broadcasting related information may exist in various forms. For example, the broadcasting related information may exist in the form of an electronic program guide (EPG) of a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) system or in the form of an electronic service guide (ESG) of a digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system. 
     The broadcasting receiving module  111  may receive broadcasting signals using various broadcasting systems. More particularly, the broadcasting receiving module  111  may receive digital broadcasting signals using digital broadcasting systems such as a digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T) system, a digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S) system, a media forward link only (MediaFLO) system, a DVB-H and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) systems. The broadcasting receiving module  111  may receive signals from broadcasting systems providing broadcasting signals other than the above-described digital broadcasting systems. 
     The broadcasting signals and/or broadcasting related information received through the broadcasting receiving module  111  may be stored in the memory  160 . The mobile communication module  112  may transmit/receive a radio signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal and a server on a mobile communication network. The radio signal may include a voice call signal, a video telephony call signal or data in various forms according to transmission and reception of text/multimedia messages. 
     The wireless Internet module  113  may correspond to a module for wireless Internet access and may be included in the mobile terminal  100  or may be externally attached to the mobile terminal  100 . Wireless LAN (WLAN or Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro), world interoperability for microwave access (Wimax), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) and so on may be used as a wireless Internet technique. 
     The local area communication module  114  may correspond to a module for local area communication. Further, Bluetooth®, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB) and/or ZigBee® may be used as a local area communication technique. 
     The location information module  115  may confirm or obtain the position of the mobile terminal  100 . The position information module  115  may obtain position information by using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The GNSS is a terminology describing a radio navigation satellite system that revolves around the earth and transmits reference signals to predetermined types of radio navigation receivers such that the radio navigation receivers can determine their positions on the earth&#39;s surface or near the earth&#39;s surface. The GNSS may include a global positioning system (GPS) of the United States, Galileo of Europe, a global orbiting navigational satellite system (GLONASS) of Russia, COMPASS of China, and a quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) of Japan among others. 
     A global positioning system (GPS) module is a representative example of the location information module  115 . The GPS module  115  may calculate information on distances between one point or object and at least three satellites and information on a time when the distance information is measured and apply trigonometry to the obtained distance information to obtain three-dimensional position information on the point or object according to latitude, longitude and altitude at a predetermined time. 
     A method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting the calculated position and time information using another satellite may also be used. In addition, the GPS module  115  may continuously calculate the current position in real time and calculate velocity information using the location or position information. 
     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 image frames processed by the camera  121  may be stored in the memory  160  or may be transmitted to an external device through the radio communication unit  110 . The mobile terminal  100  may also include at least two cameras  121 . 
     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. 
     The touch sensor may convert a variation in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display module  151  or a variation in capacitance generated at a specific portion of the display module  151  into an electric input signal. The touch sensor may sense pressure of touch as well as position and area of the touch. 
     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 proximity sensor  141  of the sensing unit  140  may be located in an internal region of the mobile terminal  100 , surrounded by the touch screen, or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor  141  may sense an object approaching a predetermined sensing face or an object located near the proximity sensor using an electromagnetic force or infrared rays without having mechanical contact. The proximity sensor  141  may have a lifetime longer than a contact sensor and may thus have a wide application in the mobile terminal  100 . 
     The proximity sensor  141  may include a transmission type photo-electric sensor, a direct reflection type photo-electric sensor, a mirror reflection type photo-electric sensor, a high-frequency oscillating proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and/or an infrared proximity sensor. A capacitive touch screen may be constructed such that proximity of a pointer is detected through a variation in an electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. The touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor  141 . 
     For ease of convenience of explanation, an action of the pointer approaching the touch screen without actually touching the touch screen may be referred to as a proximity touch and an action of bringing the pointer into contact with the touch screen may be referred to as a contact touch. The proximity touch point of the pointer on the touch screen may correspond to a point of the touch screen at which the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. 
     The proximity sensor  141  may sense the proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch velocity, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch moving state, etc.). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch action and proximity touch pattern may then be displayed on the touch screen. 
     The audio output module  152  may output audio data received from the radio communication unit  110  or stored in the memory  160  in a call signal receiving mode, a telephone call mode or a recording mode, a speech recognition mode and a broadcasting receiving mode. The audio output module  152  may output audio signals related to functions, such as a call signal incoming tone and a message incoming tone, performed in the mobile terminal  100 . The audio output module  152  may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like. The audio output module  152  may output sounds through an earphone jack. The user may hear the sounds by connecting an earphone to the earphone jack. 
     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 haptic module  154  may generate various haptic effects that the user can feel. One example of the haptic effects is vibration. The intensity and/or pattern of vibration generated by the haptic module  154  may also be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be combined and output or may be sequentially output. 
     The haptic module  154  may generate a variety of haptic effects including an effect of stimulus according to an arrangement of pins vertically moving against a contact skin surface, an effect of stimulus according to a jet force or sucking force of air through a jet hole or a sucking hole, an effect of stimulus of rubbing the skin, an effect of stimulus according to contact of an electrode, an effect of stimulus using an electrostatic force, and an effect according to a reproduction of cold and warmth using an element capable of absorbing or radiating heat in addition to vibrations. 
     The haptic module  154  may not only transmit haptic effects through direct contact but may also allow the user to feel haptic effects through a kinesthetic sense of the user&#39;s fingers or arms. The mobile terminal  100  may also include a plurality of haptic modules  154 . 
     The memory  160  may store a program for operation of the controller  180  and temporarily store input/output data such as a phone book, messages, still images, and/or moving images. The memory  160  may also store data about vibrations and sounds in various patterns that are output from when a touch input is applied to the touch screen. 
     The memory  160  may include at least a flash memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory, such as SD or XD memory, a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM) magnetic memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk. The mobile terminal  100  may also operate in relation to a web storage performing the storing function of the memory  160  on the Internet. 
     The interface  170  may serve as a path to external devices connected to the mobile terminal  100 . The interface  170  may receive data from the external devices or power and transmit the data or power to internal components of the mobile terminal  100  or transmit data of the mobile terminal  100  to the external devices. For example, the interface  170  may include a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having a user identification module, an audio I/O port, a video I/O port, and/or an earphone port. 
     The interface  170  may also interface with a user identification module that is a chip that stores information for authenticating authority to use the mobile terminal  100 . For example, the user identification module may be a user identify module (UIM), a subscriber identify module (SIM) and a universal subscriber identify module (USIM). An identification device including the user identification module may also be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the mobile terminal  100  through a port of the interface  170 . 
     The interface  170  may also be a path through which power from an external cradle is provided to the mobile terminal  100  when the mobile terminal  100  is connected to the external cradle or a path through which various command signals input by the user through the cradle are transmitted to the mobile terminal  100 . The various command signals or power input from the cradle may be used as signals for confirming whether the mobile terminal  100  is correctly set in the cradle. 
     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 . 
     According to hardware implementation, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and/or electrical units for executing functions. The embodiments may be implemented by the controller  180 . 
     According to software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with a separate software module executing at least one function or operation. Software codes may be implemented according to a software application written in an appropriate software language. The software codes may be stored in the memory  160  and executed by 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  121   a , 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  121   a  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  121   a.    
     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&#39;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&#39;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  121   b  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  121   b  may be located at the rear side of the mobile terminal  100 . The 3D camera  121   b , which will be described later, may capture a stereoscopic image. 
     The 3D camera  121   b  may capture an image with a plurality of cameras. For example, the 3D camera  12   b  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  121   b . 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  121   c  corresponding to the location of the 3D camera  121   b.    
     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  121   b  may be coupled from the lower end of the main PCB  230  toward the upper end thereof. The first camera coupling hole  121   c  located in the rear body  103  and a second camera coupling hole  121   d  located in the battery cover  102  may be provided at a location corresponding to the 3D camera  121   b  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  121   b  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  121   e . That is, the 3D camera  121   b  may be inserted in the third camera coupling hole  121   e.    
       FIG. 6  is a view illustrating the mounting of the camera of  FIG. 3 . 
     As shown in the drawing, the 3D camera  121   b  according to an embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to the main PCB  230 . 
     The 3D camera  121   b  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  121   b  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 S 1  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 S 2  or S 3 . When the capturing direction is twisted to the second or third position S 2  or S 3 , 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 S 1 . 
     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  121   b  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  121   b , 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  121   b  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  219   a  and  219   b.    
     The first and second reinforcement portions  219   a  and  219   b  may be shaped symmetrically to each other. For example, the first and second reinforcement portions  219   a  and  219   b  may be shaped like the capital letters Ls opposing each other. Because the bracket  210  is provided with the first and second reinforcement portions  219   a  and  219   b , the bracket  210  can be more resistant to external force. The first and second reinforcement portions  219   a  and  219   b  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  219   a  and  219   b . 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  229   a  and  229   b . The first and second coupling portions  229   a  and  229   b  may be provided so as to corresponding to the locations and shapes of the first and second reinforcement portions  219   a  and  219   b.    
     When the first and second reinforcement portions  219   a  and  291   b  are coupled to the first and second coupling portions  229   a  and  229   b , the overall rigidity of the 3D camera  212   b  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  121   b  can be increased. Furthermore, the L shapes of the first and second reinforcement portions  219   a  and  219   b  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  121   b  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  225   a  and a second camera coupling portion  225   b  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  225   a  and  225   b . The cutting portion  224  is located between the connection portion  222  and the first and second camera portions  225   a  and  225   b  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  227   a  and  227   b  corresponding to the first and second camera coupling portions  225   a  and  225   b , 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  225   a  and  225   b  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  121   b  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  121   b  according to another embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to the main PCB  230 . 
     The coupling between the 3D camera  121   b  and the main PCB  230  may be made through first and second connectors  227   a  and  227   b  extending from the 3D camera  121   b . The first and second connectors  227   a  and  227   b  may be coupled to the lower surface of the main PCB  230 . The first connector  227   a  may be a path through which an image captured by the first camera  221  is delivered, and the second connector  227   b  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  121   b  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  225   a  and the second camera coupling portion  225   b  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  225   a . The camera connector  228  may be located between the first and second camera coupling portions  225   a  and  225   b.    
     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  227   a  and  227   b . The first and second connectors  227   a  and  227   b  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  121   b  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&#39;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  121   b  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  121   b  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&#39;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  81   a . The lenticular lens array  81   a  is located between the left and right eyes  82   a  and  82   b  and a display panel  83  in which pixels L to be input to the left eye  82   a  and pixels R to be input to the right eye  82   b  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  82   a  and the pixels R to be input to the right eye  82   b . Accordingly, an image having passed through the lenticular lens array  81   a  is observed separately by the left eye  82   a  and the right eye  82   b , and the human brain carries out the composition of respective images viewed by the left eye  82   a  and the right eye  82   b , 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  81   b  in the form of a vertical lattice. The parallax barrier  81   b  is located between the right and left eyes  82   a  and  82   b  and the display panel  83  in which pixels L to be input to the left eye  82   a  and pixels R to be input to the right eye  82   b  are alternately arranged in a horizontal direction, and allows an image to be observed separately by the left eye  82   a  and the right eye  82   b  through its apertures in the form of a vertical lattice. Subsequently, the human brain conducts the composition of images viewed by the left eye  82   a  and the right eye  82   b , allowing the observer to view a stereoscopic image. Such a parallax barrier  81   b  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  81   b  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  10   a  viewed by a user&#39;s left eye  20   a , and a right-eye image  10   b  viewed by the right eye  20   b.    
     The controller may acquire a binocular parallax d 1  corresponding to the first image object on the basis of the left-eye image  10   a  and the right-eye image  10   b.    
     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 d 1  of the first image object  10  and the binocular parallax d 2  of the second image object  11  are different from each other. Also, as shown in  FIG. 25 , because d 2  is greater than d 1 , 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  10   a  and the right-eye image  10   b  on the display module  151  may be opposite to those shown in  FIG. 24 . When the left-eye image  10   a  and the right-eye image  10   b  are disposed oppositely in terms of location, the left eye  20   a  and the right  20   b  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. 
     The computer readable recording medium may be any data storage device that can store data that can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium may include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, DVD±ROM, DVD-RAM, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable recording medium may also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distribution fashion. 
     A mobile terminal may include a first touch screen configured to display a first object, a second touch screen configured to display a second object, and a controller configured to receive a first touch input applied to the first object and to link the first object to a function corresponding to the second object when receiving a second touch input applied to the second object while the first touch input is maintained. 
     A method may be provided of controlling a mobile terminal that includes displaying a first object on the first touch screen, displaying a second object on the second touch screen, receiving a first touch input applied to the first object, and linking the first object to a function corresponding to the second object when a second touch input applied to the second object is received while the first touch input is maintained. 
     Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments. 
     Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Technology Category: 5