Notebook computer

Abstract

Take proper photographs of the documents. [Solution] The notebook computer 10 comprises a first enclosure 1, a second enclosure 2, a camera 13, a sensor 14, and a processing unit 15. The first enclosure 1 has a first surface on which a display 11 is located. The second enclosure 2 has a second surface on which a keyboard 12 is located. The second enclosure 2 can be positioned to overlap the first enclosure 1 with its first and second surfaces facing outwards. The camera 13 is located on the second surface and performs autofocus. The sensor 14 detects orientation. The processing unit 15 changes the autofocus settings based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notebook computer.

Background Art

[0002] Among notebook PCs (Personal Computers), there is a 2-in-1 notebook PC that can also be used as a tablet terminal. The 2-in-1 notebook PC rotates, for example, so that the surface including the display is arranged on the back side of the surface including the keyboard.

[0003] As a technology related to 2-in-1 notebook PCs, for example, a tablet PC has been proposed in which the tablet housing and the keyboard are less likely to be damaged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Many 2-in-1 notebook PCs are equipped with a camera. The camera can automatically adjust the focus by autofocusing. Here, when the camera performs autofocus suitable for taking pictures of people or landscapes, the four corners may be blurred when taking pictures of documents.

[0006] On one side, the present case aims to appropriately photograph documents.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One design provides a notebook computer comprising a first enclosure, a second enclosure, a camera, a sensor, and a processing unit. The first enclosure has a first surface on which a display is located. The second enclosure has a second surface on which a keyboard is located, and can overlap the first enclosure with the first and second surfaces facing outwards. The camera is located on the second surface and performs autofocus. The sensor detects orientation. The processing unit modifies the autofocus settings based on the orientation detected by the sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect, documents can be photographed appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a notebook computer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a PC according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of a PC hardware configuration. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing examples of PC functions. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of central contrast autofocus. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of area contrast autofocus. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of controlling the position of a camera lens. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the camera settings process. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the autofocus process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following description of this embodiment will be made with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented by combining multiple embodiments within a reasonable scope. [First Embodiment] First, let me describe the first embodiment. The first embodiment is for setting the autofocus function of a notebook computer's camera.

[0011] Figure 1 shows an example of a notebook computer according to the first embodiment. The notebook computer 10 is a computer in the form of a notebook. The notebook computer 10 is, for example, a 2-in-1 notebook PC. The notebook computer 10 is formed by connecting a first enclosure 1 having a display 11 and a second enclosure 2 having a keyboard 12 in a notebook-like configuration.

[0012] The first enclosure 1 has a first surface on which a display 11 is located. The second enclosure 2 has a second surface on which a keyboard 12 is located. A camera 13 is also located on the second surface. The camera 13 is positioned to capture the front of the second surface. The camera 13 is capable of autofocusing. For example, the camera 13 performs autofocusing based on the contrast of a predetermined area of ​​the captured image. The camera 13 calculates the contrast for the predetermined area and moves the lens to maximize the contrast.

[0013] The second enclosure 2 can be positioned so that its first and second surfaces face outwards, overlapping the first enclosure 1. When the first and second enclosures 1 and 2 are overlapping with their first and second surfaces facing outwards, the first and second surfaces are positioned so that they face opposite directions. The notebook computer 10 displays an image of the view in front of the second surface, captured by the camera 13, on the display 11 located on the first surface.

[0014] The notebook computer 10 also has a sensor 14 and a processing unit 15. The sensor 14 detects the orientation of the notebook computer 10. The sensor 14 is, for example, an acceleration sensor that the notebook computer 10 has. The processing unit 15 can control the notebook computer 10 and execute required processing. The processing unit 15 is, for example, a processor or an arithmetic circuit that the notebook computer 10 has. The processing unit 15 changes the autofocus setting based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14. The processing unit 15 obtains the orientation of the notebook computer 10 from the sensor 14. Then, the processing unit 15 changes a predetermined area used for autofocus based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14.

[0015] For example, based on whether the sensor 14 detects that the second surface faces the gravitational direction, the processing unit 15 changes whether to include a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image in a predetermined area. When the sensor 14 detects that the second surface faces the gravitational direction, the processing unit 15 sets the autofocus of the camera 13 so as to include a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image in a predetermined area. Then, the camera 13 calculates the contrast for, for example, the central and four-corner areas of the captured image divided into a plurality of areas. The camera 13 moves the lens so that the calculated contrast becomes maximum.

[0016] Also, when the sensor 14 detects that the second surface does not face the gravitational direction (for example, faces the horizontal direction), the processing unit 15 sets the autofocus of the camera 13 so that a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image is not included in a predetermined area. Then, the camera 13 calculates the contrast for, for example, the central portion of the captured image. The camera 13 moves the lens so that the calculated contrast becomes maximum.

[0017] According to the first embodiment, the first housing 1 of the notebook computer 10 has a first surface on which the display 11 is disposed. The second housing 2 of the notebook computer 10 has a second surface on which the keyboard 12 is disposed, and can be in a state of overlapping the first housing 1 with the first surface and the second surface facing outward. The camera 13 of the notebook computer 10 is disposed on the second surface and performs autofocus. The sensor 14 of the notebook computer 10 detects the orientation. The processing unit 15 of the notebook computer 10 changes the autofocus setting based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14.

[0018] Thereby, the notebook computer 10 can determine whether to photograph a document or a person or a landscape according to the orientation, and can set an appropriate autofocus according to the photographing object. Therefore, the notebook computer 10 can appropriately photograph a document.

[0019] In addition, the processing unit 15 changes the autofocus setting based on whether the sensor 14 detects that the second surface is facing the gravitational direction. Thereby, the notebook computer 10 can appropriately set the autofocus when photographing a document from above.

[0020] In addition, the camera 13 performs autofocus based on the contrast of a predetermined area of the photographed image, and the processing unit 15 changes the predetermined area based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14. Thereby, the notebook computer 10 can perform autofocus even when it does not include a sensor or the like for detecting the distance to the photographing object.

[0021] In addition, the processing unit 15 changes whether to include a predetermined range from the four corners of the photographed image in the predetermined area based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14. Thereby, the notebook computer 10 can photograph without blurring the four corners of the document.

[0022] Furthermore, the processing unit 15 may calculate the distance between the camera 13 and the subject based on the image captured by the camera 13, and change a predetermined area based on the distance. This allows the notebook computer 10 to appropriately determine whether or not it is attempting to photograph a document.

[0023] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment controls the autofocus of a 2-in-1 notebook PC's camera.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example of a PC according to the second embodiment. The PC100 of the second embodiment is a 2-in-1 notebook PC that can be used as both a notebook PC and a tablet terminal. The PC100 has a housing 30a, 30b and a rotating part 31. Housing 30a has a display 21. Housing 30b has a keyboard 22, a touchpad 23 and a camera 108. The keyboard 22, touchpad 23 and camera 108 are arranged on the same surface of housing 30b. The camera 108 is positioned to capture the front of the surface of housing 30b where the keyboard 22 is located. The camera 108 also has an autofocus function.

[0025] Note that housing 30a is an example of the first housing 1 shown in the first embodiment. Also, the side on which the display 21 is located is an example of the first side shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, housing 30b is an example of the second housing 2 shown in the first embodiment. Also, the side on which the keyboard 22 is located is an example of the second side shown in the first embodiment.

[0026] The rotating part 31 connects the housing 30a and the housing 30b so that they can rotate. The rotating part 31 connects the rotation axis of housing 30a and the rotation axis of housing 30b. Housings 30a and 30b can rotate around their respective rotation axes. For example, when PC100 is used as a notebook PC, housings 30a and 30b are rotated so that the side of housing 30a on which the display 21 is located and the side of housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is located are perpendicular. Also, when PC100 is not in use, housings 30a and 30b are rotated so that housings 30a and 30b overlap with the side of housing 30a on which the display 21 is located and the side of housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is located facing inward. Figure 2 shows a view of the unused PC100 from the side of housing 30a.

[0027] Furthermore, when the PC100 is used as a tablet device, the casings 30a and 30b are rotated so that the side of casing 30a on which the display 21 is located and the side of casing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is located are facing outwards, and the casings 30a and 30b overlap. In the example in Figure 2, the PC100 used as a tablet device is shown as viewed from the casing 30a side and then inverted to show a view from the casing 30b side. For example, when the PC100 is used as a tablet device, the camera 108 captures an image of the front of the side on which the keyboard 22 is located and displays it on the display 21. This allows the PC100 to take pictures of the scene in front of the PC100 while viewing the image captured by the camera 108.

[0028] This PC100 is used as a tablet and for taking pictures of people, landscapes, documents, etc. Here, the camera 108, by default, performs autofocus that sharpens the center of the image so that people and landscapes are properly captured. However, when the camera 108 performs autofocus with the default setting, the corners may become blurry when taking pictures of documents. Therefore, the PC100 detects its orientation and changes the autofocus settings of the camera 108 according to the detected orientation.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example of a PC hardware configuration. The entire PC 100 is controlled by a processor 101. The processor 101 is connected to memory 102 and several peripheral devices via a bus 111. The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). At least some of the functions that the processor 101 implements by executing a program may be implemented by electronic circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0030] Memory 102 is used as the main memory of the PC 100. Memory 102 temporarily stores at least a portion of the OS (Operating System) program and application programs that are to be executed by the processor 101. Memory 102 also stores various data used for processing by the processor 101. For memory 102, a volatile semiconductor memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) is used.

[0031] Peripheral devices connected to bus 111 include a storage device 103, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 104, an input interface 105, an optical drive device 106, and a device connection interface 107. Additionally, peripheral devices connected to bus 111 include a camera 108, an accelerometer 109, and a network interface 110.

[0032] The storage device 103 electrically or magnetically writes and reads data from its built-in recording medium. The storage device 103 is used as an auxiliary storage device for a computer. The storage device 103 stores the OS program, application programs, and various data. For example, the storage device 103 can be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0033] A display 21 is connected to the GPU 104. The GPU 104 displays images on the screen of the display 21 according to instructions from the processor 101. The display 21 can be an OLED (Electroluminescence) display device or a liquid crystal display device, among others.

[0034] The input interface 105 is connected to a keyboard 22 and a touchpad 23. The input interface 105 transmits signals from the keyboard 22 and touchpad 23 to the processor 101. Note that the touchpad 23 is just one example of a pointing device, and other pointing devices can also be used. Other pointing devices include a mouse, touch panel, tablet, and trackball.

[0035] The optical drive device 106 reads data recorded on the optical disc 24 using laser light or the like. The optical disc 24 is a portable recording medium on which data is recorded in a way that makes it readable by the reflection of light. Examples of optical discs 24 include DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), DVD-RAM, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable).

[0036] The device connection interface 107 is a communication interface for connecting peripheral devices to the PC 100. For example, a memory device 25 and a memory reader / writer 26 can be connected to the device connection interface 107. The memory device 25 is a recording medium equipped with a communication function with the device connection interface 107. The memory reader / writer 26 is a device that writes data to or reads data from the memory card 27. The memory card 27 is a card-type recording medium.

[0037] The camera 108 generates still image or video data of the scene pointed at its lens, according to instructions from the processor 101. The camera 108 has an autofocus function. The camera 108 has a controller 108a.

[0038] Controller 108a is a controller that controls camera 108. Controller 108a controls the motor that moves the lens of camera 108. Controller 108a also performs image processing on the images captured by camera 108. In camera 108's autofocus, controller 108a calculates the contrast from the image captured by camera 108 and moves the lens according to the calculated contrast.

[0039] The acceleration sensor 109 is a sensor that measures acceleration in three axes. By measuring the acceleration in each direction based on the acceleration due to gravity, the acceleration sensor 109 can detect the orientation of PC100.

[0040] The network interface 110 is connected to the network 20. The network interface 110 transmits and receives data to and from other computers or communication devices via the network 20.

[0041] The PC100 can realize the processing functions of the second embodiment with the hardware configuration described above. The notebook computer 10 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized with the same hardware as the PC100 shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the processor 101 is an example of the processing unit 15 shown in the first embodiment. Also, the acceleration sensor 109 is an example of the sensor 14 shown in the first embodiment.

[0042] The PC100 implements the processing functions of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, for example. The program describing the processing to be executed by the PC100 can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the PC100 can be stored in the storage device 103. The processor 101 loads at least a portion of the program in the storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executes the program. The program to be executed by the PC100 can also be recorded on a portable recording medium such as an optical disc 24, a memory device 25, or a memory card 27. The program stored on the portable recording medium becomes executable after being installed in the storage device 103, for example, under control from the processor 101. The processor 101 can also directly read and execute the program from the portable recording medium. Next, the functions of the PC100 will be described in detail.

[0043] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of PC functionality. PC100 has a setting unit 120, an orientation determination unit 130, and a distance determination unit 140 as functions of the processor 101. The setting unit 120, orientation determination unit 130, and distance determination unit 140 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in memory 102. PC100 also has a contrast calculation unit 150 and a lens movement unit 160 as functions of the controller 108a. The contrast calculation unit 150 and lens movement unit 160 are realized by the controller 108a executing firmware. Note that the processor 101 may also have the functions of the controller 108a.

[0044] The setting unit 120 sets the autofocus method of the camera 108 based on the determination results from the orientation determination unit 130 and the distance determination unit 140. By default, the setting unit 120 sets the camera 108 to central contrast autofocus, which is suitable for photographing people and landscapes. If the setting unit 120 determines that the camera 108 is facing downwards and the distance to the subject is within the range where the document fits in the field of view (for example, 20 to 40 cm), it sets the camera 108 to area contrast autofocus, which is suitable for photographing documents.

[0045] The orientation determination unit 130 determines the orientation of the camera 108. The orientation determination unit 130 obtains the orientation of the PC 100 from the acceleration sensor 109. Then, the orientation determination unit 130 determines whether the side of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is placed is facing the direction of gravity. If the side of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is placed is facing the direction of gravity, the orientation determination unit 130 determines that the camera 108 is facing downwards.

[0046] The distance determination unit 140 acquires the autofocus result from the camera 108 and calculates the distance from the camera 108 to the subject. For example, the distance determination unit 140 calculates the distance from the camera 108 to the subject by substituting the position of the camera 108 lens, which has moved as a result of autofocus, into the relationship formula between the focal length of the lens, the position of the lens, and the distance to the subject.

[0047] The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast from the area of ​​the captured image taken by the camera 108 at the lens position moved by the lens movement unit 160, according to the autofocus setting. The contrast calculation unit 150 acquires the captured image taken by the camera 108. If the central contrast autofocus setting is enabled, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the central area of ​​the captured image. Also, if the area contrast autofocus setting is enabled, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the central and corner areas of the captured image.

[0048] The lens movement unit 160 moves the lens to the position where the contrast calculated by the contrast calculation unit 150 is at its maximum. The lens movement unit 160 moves the lens once the contrast calculation unit 150 has calculated the contrast. For example, if the contrast calculated this time is greater than the contrast calculated last time, the lens movement unit 160 moves the lens in the same direction as last time. Also, if the contrast calculated this time is less than the contrast calculated last time, the lens movement unit 160 moves the lens in the opposite direction as last time. Then, if the calculated contrast increases each time the lens is moved in the same direction and decreases after passing a predetermined position, the lens movement unit 160 determines that this position is the position of maximum contrast and moves the lens to the position of maximum contrast.

[0049] Note that the lines connecting each element shown in Figure 4 represent only a portion of the communication path, and other communication paths besides those shown can also be configured. Next, we will explain the autofocus of camera 108. First, we will explain the central contrast autofocus that camera 108 performs with default settings.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an example of central contrast autofocus. Camera 108 performs central contrast autofocus by default. In central contrast autofocus, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the central part of the captured image 41 taken by camera 108.

[0051] The contrast calculation unit 150 divides a certain range from the center of the captured image 41 into multiple regions (for example, 15 regions). The contrast calculation unit 150 applies a Sobel filter to each divided region. The Sobel filter is a filter that detects edges in an image. The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of a region based on the pixel values ​​of each region to which the Sobel filter has been applied. For example, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the average value, median value, maximum value, etc., of each pixel value in the region to which the Sobel filter has been applied as the contrast of that region. The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the average value of the calculated contrasts of each region as the contrast of the captured image 41. The lens movement unit 160 moves the lens of the camera 108 to maximize the contrast of the central part.

[0052] By adjusting the focus using this central contrast autofocus, the camera 108 can ensure that the central part of the captured image 41 is clearly visible. This allows the camera 108 to properly photograph people and landscapes. Furthermore, by performing autofocus using the captured image, the camera 108 can perform autofocus even without a sensor to detect the distance to the subject.

[0053] However, when camera 108 adjusts the focus using central contrast autofocus, the corners may become blurred, making it impossible to properly photograph documents. Therefore, when camera 108 is pointed downwards, PC100 determines that a document is being photographed and instructs camera 108 to perform area contrast autofocus. Next, we will explain area contrast autofocus.

[0054] Figure 6 shows an example of area contrast autofocus. Camera 108 performs area contrast autofocus when the surface on which the keyboard 22 of the PC 100 and camera 108 are positioned is facing downwards. In area contrast autofocus, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of a predetermined range from the center and four corners of the captured image 42 taken by camera 108.

[0055] The contrast calculation unit 150 divides the captured image 42 into multiple regions (for example, 15 regions). The contrast calculation unit 150 applies a Sobel filter to the central and corner regions of the divided region. The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the region to which the Sobel filter was applied based on the pixel value of that region, and calculates the average value of the calculated contrasts of each region as the contrast of the captured image 42. The lens movement unit 160 moves the lens of the camera 108 to maximize the contrast of the central and corner regions.

[0056] By adjusting the focus using this area contrast autofocus, camera 108 can ensure that the corners of the captured image 42 are also clearly visible. This allows camera 108 to properly photograph documents. Next, the control of the lens position of camera 108 will be described.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of controlling the camera lens position. Graph 51 shows the correspondence between the lens position of the camera 108 and the focus value set by the lens movement unit 160. The horizontal axis of Graph 51 represents the focus value. The focus value is a setting value that controls the motor that moves the lens. The vertical axis of Graph 51 represents the lens position. In the example in Figure 7, the upper part of the vertical axis of Graph 51 represents the lens position that focuses on closer objects, and the lower part of the vertical axis of Graph 51 represents the lens position that focuses on farther objects. Graph 51 shows that as the focus value increases, the lens moves to a position that focuses on closer objects.

[0058] In autofocus mode, the lens movement unit 160 sets a focus value and controls the current flowing to the motor, moving the lens back and forth. The lens movement unit 160 moves the lens until it finds the lens position that maximizes the contrast of the captured image, and then fixes the lens at the position where the contrast of the captured image is maximized.

[0059] The following describes in detail the procedures performed by PC100. First, the camera setup procedure will be explained in detail. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the camera setup process. The process shown in Figure 8 will be explained below according to the step numbers.

[0060] [Step S11] The setting unit 120 sets the camera 108 to central contrast autofocus. [Step S12] The orientation determination unit 130 obtains the orientation of PC100 from the acceleration sensor 109.

[0061] [Step S13] The orientation determination unit 130 determines whether the camera 108 is facing downwards. For example, the orientation determination unit 130 determines that the camera 108 is facing downwards if the angle between the surface of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is placed and the horizontal plane is less than a predetermined value. If the orientation determination unit 130 determines that the camera 108 is facing downwards, the process proceeds to step S14. If the orientation determination unit 130 determines that the camera 108 is not facing downwards, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0062] [Step S14] The distance determination unit 140 obtains the autofocus result from the camera 108 and calculates the distance from the camera 108 to the subject. For example, the distance determination unit 140 calculates the distance from the camera 108 to the subject by substituting the position of the camera 108 lens, which has moved as a result of autofocus, into the relationship formula between the focal length of the lens, the position of the lens, and the distance to the subject.

[0063] [Step S15] The distance determination unit 140 determines whether the distance calculated in step S14 is between 20 and 40 cm. If the distance determination unit 140 determines that the distance is between 20 and 40 cm, it proceeds to step S16. If the distance determination unit 140 determines that the distance is not between 20 and 40 cm, it proceeds to step S17.

[0064] [Step S16] The setting unit 120 sets the camera 108 to area contrast autofocus. Then the process ends. [Step S17] The setting unit 120 maintains the central contrast autofocus setting of the camera 108.

[0065] In this way, the setting unit 120 sets the camera 108 to central contrast autofocus or area contrast autofocus. The setting unit 120 sets the camera 108 to central contrast autofocus as the default setting. This allows the setting unit 120 to configure the camera 108 to appropriately photograph people and landscapes.

[0066] Here, if the user of PC100 points camera 108 downwards and holds PC100 20-40cm away from the subject, it is highly likely that they are trying to photograph a document. Therefore, if the surface on which camera 108 is positioned is facing downwards and the distance from camera 108 to the subject is 20-40cm, the setting unit 120 changes camera 108 to area contrast autofocus. This allows the setting unit 120 to configure camera 108 to properly photograph the document. Next, the procedure for autofocus processing will be explained in detail.

[0067] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the autofocus process. The process shown in Figure 9 will be explained below according to the step numbers. [Step S21] The contrast calculation unit 150 acquires the captured image taken by the camera 108.

[0068] [Step S22] The contrast calculation unit 150 determines whether or not the central contrast autofocus setting is enabled. If the contrast calculation unit 150 determines that the central contrast autofocus setting is enabled, it proceeds to step S23. If the contrast calculation unit 150 determines that the area contrast autofocus setting is enabled, it proceeds to step S24.

[0069] [Step S23] The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast from the central region of the captured image acquired in step S21 using a Sobel filter. For example, the contrast calculation unit 150 divides a certain range from the center of the captured image acquired in step S21 into multiple regions and applies a Sobel filter to each region. The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the region based on the pixel value of each region to which the Sobel filter has been applied, and calculates the average value of the calculated contrasts of each region as the contrast of the captured image. Then the process proceeds to step S25.

[0070] [Step S24] The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast from the center and corners of the captured image acquired in step S21 using a Sobel filter. For example, the contrast calculation unit 150 divides the captured image acquired in step S21 into multiple regions. The contrast calculation unit 150 applies a Sobel filter to the central and corner regions of the divided region. The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the region based on the pixel value of the region to which the Sobel filter was applied, and calculates the average value of the calculated contrasts of each region as the contrast of the captured image.

[0071] [Step S25] The lens movement unit 160 determines whether or not it has found the position with the maximum contrast. For example, if the calculated contrast increases each time the lens is moved in the same direction and decreases after passing a predetermined position, the lens movement unit 160 determines that it has found the position with the maximum contrast. If the lens movement unit 160 determines that it has found the position with the maximum contrast, it proceeds to step S27. If the lens movement unit 160 determines that it has not found the position with the maximum contrast, it proceeds to step S26.

[0072] [Step S26] The lens movement unit 160 changes the focus value and moves the lens. If the contrast calculated this time is greater than the contrast calculated last time, the lens movement unit 160 changes the focus value so that the lens moves in the same direction as last time. Also, if the contrast calculated this time is less than the contrast calculated last time, the lens movement unit 160 changes the focus value so that the lens moves in the opposite direction as last time. Then the process proceeds to step S21.

[0073] [Step S27] The lens movement unit 160 moves the lens to the position with maximum contrast. For example, the lens movement unit 160 sets a focus value corresponding to the position with maximum contrast found in step S25 and moves the lens.

[0074] In this way, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast within a range according to the setting, and the lens movement unit 160 moves the lens to the position where the contrast is maximized. In the central contrast autofocus setting, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the central part of the captured image. This allows the contrast calculation unit 150 to determine the sharpness of the central part of the captured image at the current lens position. Then, by moving the lens to the position where the contrast is maximized, the lens movement unit 160 can be set so that the camera 108 can properly photograph people and landscapes.

[0075] Furthermore, in the area contrast autofocus setting, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the center and corners of the captured image. This allows the contrast calculation unit 150 to determine the sharpness of the center and corners of the captured image at the current lens position. The lens movement unit 160 then moves the lens to the position where the contrast is maximized, allowing the camera 108 to be set to capture documents so that the corners are also sharp.

[0076] According to the second embodiment, the housing 30a has a surface on which the display 21 is located. The housing 30b has a surface on which the keyboard 22 is located, and it is possible for the housing 30b to overlap with the housing 30a with the surface on which the display 21 and the surface on which the keyboard 22 are located facing outwards. The camera 108 is located on the surface on which the keyboard 22 is located and performs autofocus. The accelerometer 109 detects the orientation. The setting unit 120 changes the autofocus settings based on the orientation detected by the accelerometer 109. As a result, the PC 100 can determine whether or not to photograph a document depending on the orientation, and if it decides to photograph a document, it can set the autofocus to be suitable for photographing the document. Therefore, the PC 100 can photograph documents appropriately.

[0077] Furthermore, the setting unit 120 changes the autofocus settings based on whether the acceleration sensor 109 detects that the surface on which the keyboard 22 is placed is facing the direction of gravity. This allows the PC 100 to properly set the autofocus when taking a picture of a document from above.

[0078] Furthermore, the camera 108 performs autofocus based on the contrast of a predetermined area of ​​the captured image, and the setting unit 120 changes the predetermined area based on the orientation detected by the acceleration sensor 109. As a result, the PC 100 can perform autofocus even if it does not have a sensor to detect the distance to the subject being photographed.

[0079] Furthermore, the camera 108 changes whether or not to include a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image in a predetermined area, based on the orientation detected by the acceleration sensor 109. As a result, the PC 100 can capture images without blurring the four corners of the document.

[0080] Furthermore, the distance determination unit 140 calculates the distance between the camera 108 and the subject based on the image captured by the camera 108, and the setting unit 120 changes a predetermined area based on the distance. This allows the PC 100 to appropriately determine whether or not it is attempting to photograph a document.

[0081] Although embodiments have been illustrated above, the configurations of each part shown in the embodiments can be replaced with others having similar functions. Furthermore, other arbitrary components or processes may be added. Moreover, any two or more configurations (features) from the embodiments described above may be combined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. First cabinet 2. Second cabinet 10 Notebook Computers 11 displays 12-key keyboard 13 Cameras 14 sensors 15 Processing Unit

Claims

1. A first enclosure having a first surface on which a display is arranged, A second housing having a second surface on which a keyboard is positioned, and capable of overlapping the first housing with the first and second surfaces facing outwards, A camera that performs autofocus is positioned on the second surface, A sensor that detects orientation, A processing unit that changes the autofocus settings based on the orientation detected by the sensor, A notebook computer that has [a certain feature].

2. The processing unit changes the autofocus setting based on whether or not the sensor has detected that the second surface is facing the direction of gravity. The notebook computer according to claim 1.

3. The camera performs the autofocus based on the contrast of a predetermined area of ​​the captured image. The processing unit changes the predetermined area based on the orientation detected by the sensor. The notebook computer according to claim 1.

4. The processing unit changes whether or not to include a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image in the predetermined area, based on the orientation detected by the sensor. The notebook computer according to claim 3.

5. The processing unit calculates the distance between the camera and the subject based on the image captured by the camera, and modifies the predetermined area based on the distance. The notebook computer according to claim 3.

Images