JP7590391B2 - Electronic device and method for controlling electronic device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device.

Patent document 1 discloses an electronic device that includes a camera and a shutter that can cover the camera. This shutter covers the camera when it is not in use, reducing the psychological burden felt by the user.

Utility Model Registration No. 3170619

Incidentally, a camera mounted on an electronic device may be provided with a light (e.g., a white light) to illuminate the subject (e.g., the user) being photographed by the camera. A violet light may also be provided with the camera, for example, to inhibit the progression of the user's myopia.

In this way, in electronic devices equipped with a camera, light, and violet light, from the standpoint of design and the like, it may be desirable to have a configuration in which not only the camera but also the light and violet light can be blocked by a shutter. Also, for example, it may be desirable to have a configuration in which the blocking state of each of the camera and two types of lights can be appropriately switched depending on the usage situation of the camera and two types of lights. However, if separate shutters are provided for each of the camera, light, and violet light, this could lead to an increase in the number of parts in the electronic device and complication of shutter operation, etc.

The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide an electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device that can easily and appropriately switch between the shielding states of the camera, the light, and the violet light.

In order to solve the above problem, the electronic device according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes a camera, a light that illuminates an object to be photographed by the camera, a violet light, and a shutter having a movable part that can simultaneously block the camera, the light, and the violet light, and the shutter is configured to be switchable between a first state in which the movable part blocks the violet light and does not block the camera and the light, a second state in which the movable part blocks the light and the violet light and does not block the camera, a third state in which the movable part blocks the camera and the light and does not block the violet light, and a fourth state in which the movable part blocks the camera, the light, and the violet light.

According to aspect 1 of the present invention, the number of components in the electronic device can be reduced and the shutter can be operated more easily, compared to a case where separate shutters are provided for each of the camera, white light, and violet light. In addition, by switching the state of the shutter depending on the usage status of the camera and the two types of lights, the shielding state of the camera and the two types of lights can be appropriately switched.

In order to solve the above problem, the electronic device according to aspect 2 of the present invention includes a camera, a light that illuminates an object to be photographed by the camera, a violet light, and a shutter having a movable part that can simultaneously block the camera, the light, and the violet light, and the camera, the light, and the violet light are arranged in this order in the direction in which the movable part moves.

According to aspect 2 of the present invention, the number of components in the electronic device can be reduced and the shutter can be operated more easily, compared to a case where separate shutters are provided for the camera, the white light, and the violet light. In addition, the shielding state of the camera and the two lights can be appropriately switched by moving the movable part of the shutter depending on the usage status of the camera and the two lights.

In addition, in aspect 3 of the present invention, in the electronic device of aspect 1 or aspect 2, the electronic device further includes an illuminance sensor and a control unit that switches the shutter between a first state in which the movable part blocks the violet light and does not block the camera and the light, a second state in which the movable part blocks the light and the violet light and does not block the camera, a third state in which the movable part blocks the camera and the light and does not block the violet light, and a fourth state in which the movable part blocks the camera, the light, and the violet light, depending on whether the camera is in use or not and the output of the illuminance sensor.

According to aspect 3 of the present invention, the shielding state of the camera and two types of lights can be automatically switched by the control unit.

In addition, in aspect 4 of the present invention, in the electronic device of aspect 3, the control unit prohibits the violet light from turning on when the camera is used.

According to aspect 4 of the present invention, the problem of the image captured by the camera having an overall bluish cast can be avoided, and the subject captured by the camera can be displayed better on the screen.

In addition, in aspect 5 of the present invention, in the electronic device of aspect 3 or aspect 4, the control unit prohibits the light from being turned on when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor is greater than a first predetermined value.

According to aspect 5 of the present invention, unnecessary illumination of the white light is suppressed, and power consumption of electronic devices can be reduced.

In addition, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the electronic devices according to the third to fifth aspects, when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor is greater than a second predetermined value, the violet light is prohibited from being turned on.

According to aspect 6 of the present invention, unnecessary illumination of the violet light is suppressed, and power consumption of electronic devices can be reduced.

In addition, in aspect 7 of the present invention, in any one of the electronic devices in aspects 3 to 6, the control unit prohibits the light and the violet light from being turned on at the same time.

According to aspect 7 of the present invention, it is possible to avoid the problem of excessive heat generation around the two types of lights.

In order to solve the above problem, the electronic device control method according to aspect 8 of the present invention is an electronic device including a camera, a light that illuminates an object photographed by the camera, a violet light, a shutter having a movable part that can simultaneously block the camera, the light, and the violet light, and an illuminance sensor, and switches the shutter between a first state in which the movable part blocks the violet light and does not block the camera and the light, a second state in which the movable part blocks the light and the violet light and does not block the camera, a third state in which the movable part blocks the camera and the light and does not block the violet light, and a fourth state in which the movable part blocks the camera, the light, and the violet light, depending on whether the camera is in use or not and the output of the illuminance sensor.

According to aspect 8 of the present invention, the shielding state of the camera and two types of lights can be easily and appropriately switched.

The above aspects of the present invention provide an electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device that can easily and appropriately switch between the shielding states of the camera, the light, and the violet light.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a part of the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the shutter according to the embodiment of the present invention is in a first state. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the shutter according to the embodiment of the present invention in a second state. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the shutter according to the embodiment of the present invention in a third state. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the shutter according to the embodiment of the present invention in a fourth state. 4 is a table illustrating control performed by a control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed in the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<Electronic devices>
Hereinafter, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The electronic device 10 according to this embodiment is a so-called clamshell-type laptop computer, and includes a display housing and a system housing (not shown) that are rotatably connected to each other. The display housing has a display 7 (see FIG. 1). The system housing has a motherboard, a keyboard, a click pad, etc. (none of which are shown). However, the type of electronic device 10 is not limited to a laptop computer. The electronic device 10 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game console, etc. In these cases, the electronic device 10 does not need to include a system housing, and the display housing may have a motherboard.

As shown in FIG. 1, electronic device 10 according to this embodiment has a display 7, a bezel 8, a camera 1, a white light 2 (light), a violet light 3, and an illuminance sensor 5. Bezel 8 surrounds display 7. Camera 1, white light 2, violet light 3, and illuminance sensor 5 are built into one side of bezel 8. A light-transmitting portion 8a that transmits light is provided in the portion of bezel 8 in which camera 1, white light 2, violet light 3, and illuminance sensor 5 are built into. The light-transmitting portion 8a according to this embodiment is a transparent plate-shaped member.

(Direction definition)
In this embodiment, the direction in which one side of the bezel 8 in which the camera 1 and the like are built extends is referred to as the left-right direction X. A direction perpendicular to the left-right direction X and parallel to the display 7 is referred to as the up-down direction Y. A direction perpendicular to the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Y, i.e., the thickness direction of the display 7, is simply referred to as the thickness direction Z.

2 is a block diagram showing electronic device 10 according to this embodiment. In addition to camera 1, white light 2, violet light 3, and illuminance sensor 5 described above, electronic device 10 according to this embodiment has shutter 4, control unit 11, storage device 12, light control unit 13, shutter control unit 14, timer 15, input device 16, output device 17, and communication I/F 18. Control unit 11, storage device 12, light control unit 13, shutter control unit 14, timer 15, input device 16, output device 17, communication I/F 18, camera 1, and illuminance sensor 5 are connected via bus 19. However, the configuration of electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate.

Camera 1 captures an image of a target (e.g., a user of electronic device 10) through transparent portion 8a. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of camera 1 as long as it has the function of capturing an image of a target.

The white light 2 emits white light. As a result, the white light 2 illuminates the subject being photographed by the camera 1 through the transparent portion 8a. A so-called diffusion ink may be provided on the portion of the transparent portion 8a that overlaps with the white light 2 when viewed from the thickness direction Z. The diffusion ink has a role of suppressing the glare of the light emitted from the white light 2. The white light 2 emits white light in response to, for example, an electrical signal (voltage) output from the light control unit 13.

The violet light 3 emits violet light. Violet light is defined as light with a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm. Violet light is known to have the effect of suppressing the progression of myopia. As in the case of the white light 2, a diffusing ink may be provided in the portion of the transmissive portion 8a that overlaps with the violet light 3 when viewed from the thickness direction Z. The violet light 3 emits violet light in response to, for example, an electrical signal (voltage) output from the light control unit 13.

As shown in Figures 3A to 3D, the camera 1, white light 2, violet light 3, shutter 4, and illuminance sensor 5 according to this embodiment are mounted on a substrate 6. The substrate 6 according to this embodiment has a plate-like shape extending in the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Y. The substrate 6 may be a multi-layer substrate (build-up substrate) or a single-layer substrate. The configuration of the substrate 6 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected from known configurations.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the shutter 4 according to this embodiment has a movable part 4a and a drive part 4b. The movable part 4a according to this embodiment is an integral plate-like member extending in the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Y. The movable part 4a according to this embodiment is movable in the left-right direction X. More specifically, the movable part 4a is movable in the left-right direction X relative to the substrate 6. The movable part 4a is made of a material that does not transmit light.

The shutter 4 according to this embodiment is configured to be switchable between a first state S1 shown in FIG. 3A, a second state S2 shown in FIG. 3B, a third state S3 shown in FIG. 3C, and a fourth state S4 shown in FIG. 3D. Here, the first state S1 is a state in which the movable part 4a blocks the violet light 3 and does not block the camera 1 and the white light 2. The second state S2 is a state in which the movable part 4a blocks the white light 2 and the violet light 3 and does not block the camera 1. The third state S3 is a state in which the movable part 4a blocks the camera 1 and the white light 2 and does not block the violet light 3. The fourth state S4 is a state in which the movable part 4a blocks the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3. In the fourth state S4, the movable part 4a simultaneously blocks the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3. Here, the shutter 4 can take the above four states (first state S1 to fourth state S4) because the camera 1, white light 2, and violet light 3 are arranged in this order in the direction in which the movable part 4a moves (left-right direction X in this embodiment) (see Figures 3A to 3D).

Hereinafter, the position of the movable part 4a in the first state S1 may be referred to as the first position, the position of the movable part 4a in the second state S2 may be referred to as the second position, the position of the movable part 4a in the third state S3 may be referred to as the third position, and the position of the movable part 4a in the fourth state S4 may be referred to as the fourth position. The shutter 4 is configured so that the movable part 4a does not block the illuminance sensor 5 in any of the first state S1 to the fourth state S4. A notch 4d is formed at the corner of the movable part 4a. This prevents the movable part 4a from blocking the white light 2 in the first state S1 (see FIG. 3A), from blocking the camera 1 in the second state S2 (see FIG. 3B), and from blocking the illuminance sensor 5 in the third state S3 (see FIG. 3C).

In this specification, "the movable part 4a shields the camera 1" means that the movable part 4a and the camera 1 overlap when viewed from the direction in which the camera 1 and the object (hereinafter simply referred to as the "object") face each other (in this embodiment, the thickness direction Z). Similarly, "the movable part 4a shields the white light 2" means that the movable part 4a and the white light 2 overlap when viewed from the direction in which the white light 2 and the object face each other (in this embodiment, the thickness direction Z). "The movable part 4a shields the violet light 3" means that the movable part 4a and the violet light 3 overlap when viewed from the direction in which the violet light 3 and the object face each other (in this embodiment, the thickness direction Z). "The movable part 4a shields the illuminance sensor 5" means that the movable part 4a and the illuminance sensor 5 overlap when viewed from the thickness direction Z. In addition, the term "shield" in this specification can also be rephrased as "cover".

The driving unit 4b in this embodiment moves the movable unit 4a in the left-right direction X via the arm 4c connected to the movable unit 4a. The driving unit 4b has, for example, a motor for extending and retracting the arm 4c in the left-right direction X. The driving unit 4b extends and retracts the arm 4c in response to, for example, an electrical signal (voltage) output from the shutter control unit 14, thereby moving the movable unit 4a. In other words, the driving unit 4b switches the position of the movable unit 4a between the first position to the fourth position.

The illuminance sensor 5 acquires the illuminance of the light that has entered the illuminance sensor 5 through the transmission portion 8a. In other words, the illuminance sensor 5 acquires the brightness of the environment in which the electronic device 10 is placed. The illuminance sensor 5 outputs the acquired illuminance to the control unit 11.

The light control unit 13 generates an electrical signal (voltage) based on, for example, an instruction from the control unit 11, and outputs the electrical signal (voltage) to the white light 2 or the violet light 3. As a result, the light control unit 13 turns on the white light 2 or the violet light 3. The instruction that the control unit 11 outputs to the light control unit 13 includes at least an instruction regarding whether the white light 2 or the violet light 3 is to be turned on.

The shutter control unit 14 generates an electrical signal (voltage) based on, for example, an instruction from the control unit 11, and outputs the electrical signal (voltage) to the shutter 4 (drive unit 4b). As a result, the shutter control unit 14 drives the drive unit 4b to move the movable unit 4a between the first position and the fourth position. The instruction that the control unit 11 outputs to the shutter control unit 14 includes at least an instruction regarding to which of the first position, second position, and fourth position the movable unit 4a should be moved.

The storage device 12 stores various information input to the electronic device 10. The storage device 12 may store setting information regarding whether or not the user wishes to use the violet light 3. The storage device 12 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SDD). The input device 16 functions as an interface when the user inputs information to the electronic device 10. The input device 16 includes, for example, a keyboard and a click pad. The output device 17 functions as an interface when the user refers to information output by the electronic device 10. The output device 17 includes, for example, a display 7.

The control unit 11 controls the functions of each unit (e.g., the camera 1, the white light 2, the violet light 3, and the shutter 4) of the electronic device 10. The control unit 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 11 according to this embodiment switches the white light 2 and the violet light 3 on and off, and switches the shutter 4 between the first state S1 to the fourth state S4, depending on whether the camera 1 is in use or not and the output of the illuminance sensor 5.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the camera 1 is used (camera 1 is ON) and the electronic device 10 is used in a dark room, the control unit 11 according to this embodiment turns off the violet light 3 (turns the violet light 3 OFF) and turns on the white light 2 (turns the white light 2 ON). At this time, the control unit 11 switches the shutter 4 to the first state S1. As a result, of the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3, only the violet light 3 is blocked by the movable part 4a. Therefore, it is possible to block the violet light 3 while preventing the shutter 4 from interfering with the camera 1's photography or the white light 2 from illuminating the subject, and to enhance the design of the electronic device 10.

Furthermore, when camera 1 is used (camera 1 is ON) and electronic device 10 is used outdoors in bright light, control unit 11 turns off violet light 3 (turns violet light 3 OFF) and turns off white light 2 (turns white light 2 OFF). At this time, control unit 11 switches shutter 4 to second state S2. As a result, of camera 1, white light 2, and violet light 3, white light 2 and violet light 3 are blocked by movable unit 4a. Therefore, it is possible to block white light 2 and violet light 3 while preventing shutter 4 from interfering with camera 1 shooting, thereby improving the design of electronic device 10.

The output of the illuminance sensor 5 is used to determine whether the environment in which the electronic device 10 is placed is dark or bright. That is, the control unit 11 according to this embodiment allows the white light 2 to be turned on when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor 5 is equal to or less than a first predetermined value, and prohibits the white light 2 from being turned on when the illuminance value is greater than the first predetermined value. The first predetermined value can be changed appropriately according to the brightness of the room light, but is set to 100 lx, for example. With this configuration, when it is not necessary to illuminate the user with the white light 2 when taking a picture with the camera 1, that is, when the user is illuminated by the room light, the white light 2 is prohibited from being turned on. This prevents the white light 2 from being turned on unnecessarily, and the power consumption of the electronic device 10 can be reduced.

Furthermore, when camera 1 is not in use (camera 1 is OFF) and electronic device 10 is used indoors, control unit 11 turns on violet light 3 (turns violet light 3 ON) and turns off white light 2 (turns white light 2 OFF). At this time, control unit 11 switches shutter 4 to third state S3. As a result, camera 1 and white light 2 out of camera 1, white light 2, and violet light 3 are blocked by movable unit 4a. Therefore, it is possible to block white light 2 while preventing shutter 4 from interfering with violet light 3 irradiating an object with violet light, thereby improving the design of electronic device 10. Also, blocking camera 1 by shutter 4 has the effect of reducing the psychological burden on the user.

Furthermore, when the camera 1 is not being used (camera 1 is OFF) and the electronic device 10 is being used outdoors, the control unit 11 according to this embodiment turns off the violet light 3 (turns the violet light 3 OFF) and turns off the white light 2 (turns the white light 2 OFF). At this time, the control unit 11 switches the shutter 4 to the fourth state S4. As a result, the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3 are all blocked by the movable part 4a. This enhances the design of the electronic device 10 and reduces the psychological burden on the user.

The output of the illuminance sensor 5 is used to determine whether the electronic device 10 is used indoors or outdoors. That is, the control unit 11 according to the present embodiment allows the violet light 3 to be turned on when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor 5 is equal to or less than a second predetermined value, and prohibits the violet light 3 from being turned on when the illuminance value is greater than the second predetermined value. The second predetermined value can be changed appropriately according to the brightness of sunlight, but is set to 1000 lx, for example. With this configuration, when there is no need to irradiate the user with violet light by the violet light 3, that is, when the user is illuminated by sunlight, the turning on of the violet light 3 is suppressed. This suppresses unnecessary turning on of the violet light 3, and the power consumption of the electronic device 10 can be suppressed.

The control unit 11 according to this embodiment also performs the control shown in FIG. 4 to prohibit the violet light 3 from turning on when the camera 1 is in use. If the camera 1 takes a picture while the violet light 3 is in use, the image taken by the camera 1 will have an overall bluish cast. By prohibiting the violet light 3 from turning on when the camera 1 is in use, this problem can be avoided and the subject can be displayed better on the screen.

The control unit 11 according to this embodiment also performs the control shown in FIG. 4 to prohibit the white light 2 and the violet light 3 from being turned on at the same time. If the white light 2 and the violet light 3 are turned on at the same time, there are cases where the heat generated around the lights 2 and 3 becomes large. By prohibiting the lights 2 and 3 from being turned on at the same time, such a problem can be avoided.

<Control method of electronic device>
Next, an example of a process performed by the electronic device 10 according to the present embodiment to realize the control shown in Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the electronic device 10 according to the present embodiment. However, as long as the control shown in Fig. 4 can be realized, the process performed by the electronic device 10 is not limited to the following example and can be changed as appropriate.

(Step S11) First, the control unit 11 judges whether the camera 1 is being used. If the control unit 11 judges that the camera 1 is being used (Step S11; YES), the process of step S12 is performed, and if the control unit 11 judges that the camera 1 is not being used (Step S11; NO), the process of step S13 is performed.

(Step S12) The control unit 11 determines whether the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor 5 is greater than a first predetermined value (100 lx in the example of FIG. 5).

When it is determined that the illuminance value is greater than the first predetermined value (step S12; YES), the control unit 11 prohibits the white light 2 and the violet light 3 from being turned on, and switches the shutter 4 to the second state S2. More specifically, the control unit 11 outputs an instruction to the light control unit 13 not to turn on the white light 2 and the violet light 3, and outputs an instruction to the shutter control unit 14 to move the movable unit 4a to the second position.

When it is determined that the illuminance value is equal to or less than the first predetermined value (step S12; NO), the control unit 11 prohibits the violet light 3 from being turned on, turns on the white light 2, and switches the shutter 4 to the first state S1. More specifically, the control unit 11 outputs an instruction to the light control unit 13 to turn on the white light 2 and not turn on the violet light 3, and outputs an instruction to the shutter control unit 14 to move the movable unit 4a to the first position.

(Step S13) The control unit 11 judges whether or not the user wishes to use the violet light 3. In making this judgment, for example, the control unit 11 reads the above-mentioned setting information (setting information regarding whether or not the user wishes to use the violet light 3) from the storage device 12. The setting information may be, for example, input in advance by the user, or the control unit 11 may request input from the user via an output device 17 such as the display 7 when making this judgment.

If the control unit 11 determines that the user wishes to use the violet light 3 (step S13; YES), processing of step S14 is performed.

If it is determined that the user does not wish to use the violet light 3 (step S13; NO), the control unit 11 prohibits the white light 2 and the violet light 3 from being turned on, and switches the shutter 4 to the fourth state S4. More specifically, the control unit 11 outputs an instruction to the light control unit 13 not to turn on the white light 2 and the violet light 3, and outputs an instruction to the shutter control unit 14 to move the movable unit 4a to the fourth position.

(Step S14) The control unit 11 determines whether the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor 5 is greater than a second predetermined value (1000 lx in the example of FIG. 5).

When it is determined that the illuminance value is greater than the second predetermined value (step S14; YES), the control unit 11 prohibits the white light 2 and the violet light 3 from being turned on, and switches the shutter 4 to the fourth state S4. More specifically, the control unit 11 outputs an instruction to the light control unit 13 not to turn on the white light 2 and the violet light 3, and outputs an instruction to the shutter control unit 14 to move the movable unit 4a to the fourth position.

When it is determined that the illuminance value is equal to or less than the second predetermined value (step S14; NO), the control unit 11 prohibits the white light 2 from being turned on, turns on the violet light 3, and switches the shutter 4 to the third state S3. More specifically, the control unit 11 outputs an instruction to the light control unit 13 to turn on the violet light 3 and not turn on the white light 2, and outputs an instruction to the shutter control unit 14 to move the movable unit 4a to the third position.

In the embodiment described above, the state of the shutter 4 is automatically switched by the control unit 11, but this switching does not have to be performed automatically. In other words, the user may manually move the movable part 4a between the first position and the fourth position to switch the shutter 4 between the first state S1 and the fourth state S4.

As described above, the electronic device 10 according to this embodiment includes the camera 1, the white light 2 (light) that illuminates the subject photographed by the camera 1, the violet light 3, and the shutter 4 having the movable part 4a that can simultaneously block the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3. The shutter 4 is configured to be switchable between a first state S1 in which the movable part 4a blocks the violet light 3 and does not block the camera 1 and the white light 2, a second state S2 in which the movable part 4a blocks the white light 2 and the violet light 3 and does not block the camera 1, a third state S3 in which the movable part 4a blocks the camera 1 and the white light 2 and does not block the violet light 3, and a fourth state S4 in which the movable part 4a blocks the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3. In the electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3 are arranged in this order in the direction in which the movable part 4a moves.

This configuration reduces the number of parts in electronic device 10 and makes it easier to operate shutter 4, compared to when separate shutters are provided for camera 1, white light 2, and violet light 3. In addition, by switching the state of shutter 4 depending on the usage of camera 1 and lights 2 and 3, the shielding state of camera 1 and lights 2 and 3 can be appropriately switched. More specifically, it is possible to improve the design of electronic device 10 and reduce the psychological burden on the user while preventing shutter 4 from interfering with the functions of camera 1 and lights 2 and 3.

The electronic device 10 according to this embodiment further includes an illuminance sensor 5 and a control unit 11 that switches the shutter 4 between a first state S1, a second state S2, a third state S3, and a fourth state S4 depending on whether the camera 1 is in use and the output of the illuminance sensor 5. With this configuration, the shielding states of the camera 1 and the lights 2 and 3 can be automatically switched by the control unit 11.

The control unit 11 also prohibits the violet light 3 from being turned on when the camera 1 is in use. This configuration avoids the problem of the image captured by the camera 1 having an overall bluish cast, and improves the appearance of the subject captured by the camera 1 on the screen.

In addition, the control unit 11 prohibits the white light 2 from being turned on when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor 5 is greater than a first predetermined value. This configuration prevents the white light 2 from being turned on unnecessarily, thereby reducing the power consumption of the electronic device 10.

In addition, the control unit 11 prohibits the violet light 3 from being turned on when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor 5 is greater than a second predetermined value. With this configuration, unnecessary turning on of the violet light 3 is suppressed, and power consumption of the electronic device 10 can be suppressed.

The control unit 11 also prohibits the white light 2 and the violet light 3 from being turned on at the same time. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the problem of excessive heat generation around the lights 2 and 3.

The electronic device control method according to this embodiment switches the shutter 4 among a first state S1, a second state S2, a third state S3, and a fourth state S4 in the electronic device 10 described above, depending on whether the camera 1 is in use or not and the output of the illuminance sensor 5.

This configuration allows the shielding state of the camera 1 and the lights 2 and 3 to be appropriately switched. More specifically, it is possible to prevent the shutter 4 from impairing the functions of the camera 1 and the lights 2 and 3, while improving the design of the electronic device 10 and reducing the psychological burden on the user.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the movable part 4a moves in the left-right direction X, but the direction in which the movable part 4a moves can be changed as appropriate. The movable part 4a may also move in a curved line. In this case, the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3 may be arranged in a curved line.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the electronic device 10 has a white light 2, but instead of (or in addition to) the white light 2, a light that emits light of a color other than white may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 determines whether to turn on the white light 2 or the violet light 3 based on the output of the illuminance sensor 5, but this determination may be made by the light control unit 13. Similarly, the shutter control unit 14 may determine to which of the first to fourth positions the movable unit 4a should be moved. Furthermore, as long as the above-mentioned control can be executed, the entity that makes these determinations is not particularly limited, and the determination may be made by an entity other than the control unit 11, the light control unit 13, and the shutter control unit 14.

In addition, while the transparent portion 8a in the above embodiment was a transparent plate-like member that overlaps with all of the camera 1, the white light 2, and the violet light 3 when viewed from the thickness direction Z, the configuration of the transparent portion 8a is not limited to this. For example, the transparent portion 8a may have three transparent members, each of which is provided separately for the camera 1 and the lights 2 and 3. Alternatively, the transparent portion 8a may be a hole formed in the bezel 8. In other words, as long as the camera 1 can photograph an object and the lights 2 and 3 can irradiate light onto the object, the configuration of the transparent portion 8a can be changed as appropriate.

In addition, in the examples shown in Figures 3A to 3D, the camera 1, white light 2, and violet light 3 are arranged in this order from the right side of the paper to the left side of the paper, but the camera 1, white light 2, and violet light 3 may be arranged in this order from the left side of the paper to the right side of the paper. Also, if the shutter 4 can be switched between the first state S1 to the fourth state S4, the camera 1, white light 2, and violet light 3 do not have to be arranged in a straight line. More specifically, the positions of the camera 1, white light 2, and violet light 3 may be shifted from each other in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the movable part 4a moves (the vertical direction Y in the examples shown in Figures 3A to 3D).

In addition, the locations where the camera 1, lights 2, 3, etc. are provided are not limited to the bezel 8 and can be changed as appropriate.

In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate.

The above-mentioned control unit 11 has a computer system inside. A program for realizing the functions of the control unit 11 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the processing in the control unit 11. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices.

Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

10...Electronic device 1...Camera 2...White light (light) 3...Violet light 4...Shutter 4a...Moving part 5...Illuminance sensor 11...Control unit

Claims (8)

A camera and
A light that illuminates an object to be photographed by the camera;
Violet light and
a single shutter having a movable part capable of simultaneously blocking the camera, the light, and the violet light;
The shutter is configured to be switchable among a first state in which the movable part blocks the violet light and does not block the camera and the light, a second state in which the movable part blocks the light and the violet light and does not block the camera, a third state in which the movable part blocks the camera and the light and does not block the violet light, and a fourth state in which the movable part blocks the camera, the light, and the violet light.
Electronic devices. A camera and
A light that illuminates an object to be photographed by the camera;
Violet light and
a single shutter having a movable part capable of simultaneously blocking the camera, the light, and the violet light;
The camera, the light, and the violet light are arranged in this order in a direction in which the movable part moves.
Electronic devices. An illuminance sensor;
a control unit that switches the shutter among a first state in which the movable unit blocks the violet light and does not block the camera and the light, a second state in which the movable unit blocks the light and the violet light and does not block the camera, a third state in which the movable unit blocks the camera and the light and does not block the violet light, and a fourth state in which the movable unit blocks the camera, the light, and the violet light, depending on whether the camera is being used or not and an output of the illuminance sensor.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit prohibits the violet light from being turned on when the camera is used.
4. The electronic device according to claim 3. The control unit prohibits turning on the light when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor is greater than a first predetermined value.
4. The electronic device according to claim 3. The control unit prohibits turning on the violet light when the illuminance value output by the illuminance sensor is greater than a second predetermined value.
4. The electronic device according to claim 3. The control unit prohibits the light and the violet light from being turned on simultaneously.
4. The electronic device according to claim 3. A camera and
A light that illuminates an object to be photographed by the camera;
Violet light and
a single shutter having a movable part capable of simultaneously blocking the camera, the light, and the violet light;
An electronic device including an illuminance sensor,
depending on whether the camera is in use and on an output of the illuminance sensor, the shutter is switched among a first state in which the movable part blocks the violet light and does not block the camera and the light, a second state in which the movable part blocks the light and the violet light and does not block the camera, a third state in which the movable part blocks the camera and the light and does not block the violet light, and a fourth state in which the movable part blocks the camera, the light, and the violet light.
A method for controlling electronic devices.

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