laptop computer

Abstract

Photograph your documents appropriately. [Solution] A notebook computer 10 has a first housing 1, a second housing 2, a camera 13, a sensor 14, and a processing unit 15. The first housing 1 has a first surface on which a display 11 is arranged. The second housing 2 has a second surface on which a keyboard 12 is arranged. The second housing 2 can be placed on top of the first housing 1 with the first and second surfaces facing outwards. The camera 13 is arranged 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 technology]

[0002] Among personal computers (laptop PCs), there are 2-in-1 laptop PCs that can also be used as tablet devices. For example, a 2-in-1 laptop PC can be rotated so that the side including the display is located behind the side 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 keyboard are resistant to scratches. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7068600 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Many 2-in-1 laptops are equipped with cameras. Cameras can automatically adjust the focus using autofocus. However, if the camera uses autofocus that is suitable for photographing people or landscapes, the corners of documents may become blurry.

[0006] In one respect, this case aims to ensure proper photographing of documents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one proposal, a notebook computer is provided that includes a first housing, a second housing, a camera, a sensor, and a processing unit. The first housing has a first surface on which a display is arranged. The second housing has a second surface on which a keyboard is arranged, and can be placed on top of the first housing with the first and second surfaces facing outward. The camera is arranged on the second surface and performs autofocus. The sensor detects orientation. The processing unit changes the autofocus settings based on the orientation detected by the sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect, a document can be photographed appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a notebook computer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a PC according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a PC. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a PC. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of center contrast autofocus. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of area contrast autofocus. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of control of the lens position of a camera. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a camera setting process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for autofocus processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented in combination with a plurality of other embodiments within a range that does not contradict each other. [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment is for setting the autofocus executed by the camera of a notebook computer.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a notebook computer according to a first embodiment. The notebook computer 10 is a notebook-shaped computer. The notebook computer 10 is, for example, a 2-in-1 notebook PC. The notebook computer 10 is formed by connecting a first housing 1 having a display 11 and a second housing 2 having a keyboard 12 to form a notebook computer.

[0012] The first housing 1 has a first surface on which a display 11 is arranged. The second housing 2 has a second surface on which a keyboard 12 is arranged. A camera 13 is also arranged on the second surface. The camera 13 is installed so that it can capture an image in front of the second surface. The camera 13 is capable of performing autofocus. For example, the camera 13 performs autofocus 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 so that the contrast is maximized.

[0013] The second housing 2 can be placed on top of the first housing 1 with the first and second faces facing outward. When the first and second housings 1 and 2 are placed on top of each other with the first and second faces facing outward, the first and second faces face in opposite directions. The notebook computer 10 displays an image of the view in front of the second face, captured by the camera 13, on the display 11 located on the first face.

[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 included in the notebook computer 10. The processing unit 15 controls the notebook computer 10 and is capable of executing required processing. The processing unit 15 is, for example, a processor or arithmetic circuit included in the notebook computer 10. The processing unit 15 changes the autofocus setting based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14. The processing unit 15 acquires the orientation of the notebook computer 10 from the sensor 14. Then, the processing unit 15 changes the predetermined area used for autofocus based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14.

[0015] For example, processing unit 15 changes whether a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image is included in the predetermined region based on whether sensor 14 detects that the second surface faces the direction of gravity. When sensor 14 detects that the second surface faces the direction of gravity, processing unit 15 sets the autofocus of camera 13 so that a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image is included in the predetermined region. Then, camera 13 calculates contrast for, for example, the center and four corner regions of the captured image divided into multiple regions. Camera 13 moves the lens to maximize the calculated contrast.

[0016] Furthermore, when sensor 14 detects that the second surface is not oriented in the direction of gravity (for example, oriented horizontally), processing unit 15 sets the autofocus of camera 13 so that a predetermined area does not include a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image. Then, camera 13 calculates the contrast for, for example, the center of the captured image. Camera 13 moves the lens so that the calculated contrast is maximized.

[0017] According to the first embodiment, a first housing 1 of a notebook computer 10 has a first surface on which a display 11 is arranged. A second housing 2 of the notebook computer 10 has a second surface on which a keyboard 12 is arranged, and can be placed on top of the first housing 1 with the first and second surfaces facing outward. A camera 13 of the notebook computer 10 is arranged on the second surface and performs autofocus. A sensor 14 of the notebook computer 10 detects its orientation. A processing unit 15 of the notebook computer 10 changes the autofocus settings based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14.

[0018] This allows the notebook computer 10 to determine whether to photograph a document or a person or landscape depending on the orientation, and to set the autofocus appropriately depending on the subject, thereby enabling the notebook computer 10 to appropriately photograph documents.

[0019] Furthermore, the processing unit 15 changes the autofocus setting based on whether the sensor 14 detects that the second surface faces the direction of gravity, thereby enabling the notebook computer 10 to appropriately set the autofocus when photographing a document from above.

[0020] Furthermore, camera 13 performs autofocus based on the contrast of a predetermined area of ​​the captured image, and processing unit 15 changes the predetermined area based on the orientation detected by sensor 14. This allows notebook computer 10 to perform autofocus even if it does not have a sensor or the like that detects the distance to the subject.

[0021] Furthermore, the processing unit 15 determines whether or not a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image is included in the predetermined region, based on the orientation detected by the sensor 14. This allows the notebook computer 10 to capture an image without blurring the four corners of the document.

[0022] 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 the predetermined area based on that distance. This allows the notebook computer 10 to appropriately determine whether or not a document is being photographed.

[0023] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described, which controls autofocusing by a camera of a 2-in-1 notebook PC.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PC according to a second embodiment. The PC 100 according to the second embodiment is a 2-in-1 notebook PC that can be used as a notebook PC and a tablet terminal. The PC 100 has housings 30a and 30b and a rotating unit 31. The housing 30a has a display 21. The housing 30b has a keyboard 22, a touchpad 23, and a camera 108. The keyboard 22, the touchpad 23, and the camera 108 are arranged on the same surface of the housing 30b. The camera 108 is installed so as to be able to capture an image of the front of the surface of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is arranged. The camera 108 also has an autofocus function.

[0025] The housing 30a is an example of the first housing 1 shown in the first embodiment. The surface on which the display 21 is arranged is an example of the first surface shown in the first embodiment. The housing 30b is an example of the second housing 2 shown in the first embodiment. The surface on which the keyboard 22 is arranged is an example of the second surface shown in the first embodiment.

[0026] The rotation unit 31 rotatably connects the housing 30a and the housing 30b. The rotation unit 31 connects the rotation axis of the housing 30a and the rotation axis of the housing 30b. The housings 30a and 30b can rotate around their respective rotation axes. For example, when the PC 100 is used as a notebook PC, the housings 30a and 30b are rotated so that the surface of the housing 30a on which the display 21 is arranged and the surface of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is arranged are perpendicular to each other. When the PC 100 is not in use, the housings 30a and 30b are rotated so that the surface of the housing 30a on which the display 21 is arranged and the surface of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is arranged are on the inside, and the housings 30a and 30b overlap each other. The example in FIG. 2 shows the unused PC 100 as seen from the housing 30a side.

[0027] Furthermore, when the PC 100 is used as a tablet terminal, the housings 30a and 30b are rotated so that the side of the housing 30a on which the display 21 is located and the side of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is located are facing outward, and the housings 30a and 30b are overlapping. The example in FIG. 2 shows the PC 100 used as a tablet terminal as seen from the housing 30a side and an inverted view as seen from the housing 30b side. For example, the PC 100 used as a tablet terminal displays on the display 21 an image captured by the camera 108 of the front of the side on which the keyboard 22 is located. This allows the PC 100 to capture a scene in front of the PC 100 while viewing the image captured by the camera 108.

[0028] Such a PC 100 is used as a tablet to photograph people, landscapes, documents, etc. Here, the camera 108 performs autofocus as a default setting to make the center of the image clear so that people and landscapes are photographed appropriately. However, when the camera 108 performs autofocus with the default setting, the corners may become blurred when photographing a document. Therefore, the PC 100 detects the orientation of the PC 100 and changes the autofocus setting of the camera 108 according to the detected orientation.

[0029] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a PC. The entire PC 100 is controlled by a processor 101. A memory 102 and multiple peripheral devices are connected to the processor 101 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 realized by the processor 101 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

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

[0031] The peripheral devices connected to the 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. The peripheral devices connected to the bus 111 also include a camera 108, an acceleration sensor 109, and a network interface 110.

[0032] The storage device 103 electrically or magnetically writes and reads data to and from a built-in recording medium. The storage device 103 is used as an auxiliary storage device for a computer. The storage device 103 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data. Note that the storage device 103 may be, for example, 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 an image on the screen of the display 21 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 101. The display 21 may be a display device using an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a liquid crystal display, or the like.

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

[0035] The optical drive device 106 uses a laser beam or the like to read data recorded on an optical disc 24. The optical disc 24 is a portable recording medium on which data is recorded so that it can be read by reflected light. The optical disc 24 includes a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a CD-R (Recordable) / RW (Rewritable), etc.

[0036] The device connection interface 107 is a communication interface for connecting peripheral devices to the PC 100. For example, a memory device 25 or 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 function for communicating with the device connection interface 107. The memory reader / writer 26 is a device for writing data to the memory card 27 or reading data from the memory card 27. The memory card 27 is a card-type recording medium.

[0037] Camera 108 generates still image or video data of a scene pointed at the lens of camera 108 in accordance with instructions from processor 101. Camera 108 has an autofocus function. Camera 108 also has controller 108a.

[0038] Controller 108a is a controller that controls camera 108. Controller 108a controls a motor that moves the lens of camera 108. Controller 108a also performs image processing on images captured by camera 108. In autofocus of camera 108, controller 108a calculates 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 axial directions. The acceleration sensor 109 can detect the orientation of the PC 100 by measuring the acceleration in each direction based on the acceleration of gravity.

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

[0041] The PC 100 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 hardware similar to that of the PC 100 shown in FIG. 3. The processor 101 is an example of the processing unit 15 shown in the first embodiment. The acceleration sensor 109 is an example of the sensor 14 shown in the first embodiment.

[0042] The PC 100 realizes the processing functions of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The program describing the processing to be executed by the PC 100 can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the PC 100 can be stored in a storage device 103. The processor 101 loads at least a part of the program in the storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executes the program. The program to be executed by the PC 100 can also be recorded on a portable recording medium such as an optical disk 24, a memory device 25, or a memory card 27. The program stored on the portable recording medium becomes executable after being installed on the storage device 103 under the control of, for example, the processor 101. The processor 101 can also read and execute the program directly from the portable recording medium. Next, the functions of the PC 100 will be described in detail.

[0043] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of a PC. The PC 100 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, the orientation determination unit 130, and the distance determination unit 140 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102. The PC 100 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 the lens movement unit 160 are realized by the controller 108a executing firmware. Note that the processor 101 may have the functions of the controller 108a.

[0044] Setting unit 120 sets the autofocus method for camera 108 based on the determination results by orientation determination unit 130 and distance determination unit 140. As a default setting, setting unit 120 sets camera 108 to center contrast autofocus, which is suitable for photographing people and landscapes. When setting unit 120 determines that camera 108 is facing downward and the distance to the subject is within a distance range where a document fits within the angle of view (for example, 20 to 40 cm), it sets 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 acquires the orientation of the PC 100 from the acceleration sensor 109. Then, the orientation determination unit 130 determines whether or not the surface of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is placed faces the direction of gravity. If the surface of the housing 30b on which the keyboard 22 is placed faces the direction of gravity, the orientation determination unit 130 determines that the camera 108 faces downward.

[0046] Distance determination unit 140 acquires the autofocus result of camera 108 and calculates the distance from camera 108 to the subject. For example, distance determination unit 140 calculates the distance from camera 108 to the subject by substituting the position of the lens of camera 108, which has moved as a result of autofocus, into a relational expression 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 contrast from a region of the captured image captured by the camera 108 at the position of the lens moved by the lens movement unit 160, according to the autofocus setting. The contrast calculation unit 150 acquires the captured image captured by the camera 108. When center contrast autofocus is set, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the central region of the captured image. When area contrast autofocus is set, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the central and four corner regions of the captured image.

[0048] The lens moving unit 160 moves the lens to a position where the contrast calculated by the contrast calculation unit 150 is maximum. The lens moving unit 160 moves the lens when the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast. For example, if the contrast calculated this time is greater than the contrast calculated last time, the lens moving unit 160 moves the lens in the same direction as last time. On the other hand, if the contrast calculated this time is smaller than the contrast calculated last time, the lens moving unit 160 moves the lens in the opposite direction to 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 moving unit 160 determines that position to be the position where the contrast is maximum, and moves the lens to the position where the contrast is maximum.

[0049] 4 indicate only a portion of the communication paths, and communication paths other than those shown can also be set. Next, the autofocus of the camera 108 will be described. First, the center contrast autofocus that the camera 108 performs with the default settings will be described.

[0050] 5 is a diagram showing an example of center contrast autofocus. Camera 108 executes center contrast autofocus by default. In center contrast autofocus, contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the center of captured image 41 captured 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 the region to which the Sobel filter is applied based on each pixel value of the region. For example, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the average, median, maximum, etc. of each pixel value of the region to which the Sobel filter is applied as the contrast of the region. The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the average value of the calculated contrast of each region as the contrast of the captured image 41. The lens movement unit 160 moves the lens of the camera 108 so as to maximize the contrast in the center.

[0052] By adjusting the focus using such center contrast autofocus, camera 108 can clearly capture the center of captured image 41. This allows camera 108 to properly capture people and scenery. Furthermore, by performing autofocus using the captured image, camera 108 can perform autofocus even if it is not equipped with a sensor or the like that detects the distance to the subject.

[0053] However, when camera 108 adjusts the focus using center contrast autofocus, the corners become blurred, and the document may not be captured properly. Therefore, when camera 108 is facing downward, PC 100 determines that a document should be captured and causes camera 108 to perform area contrast autofocus. Next, area contrast autofocus will be described.

[0054] 6 is a diagram showing an example of area contrast autofocus. Camera 108 performs area contrast autofocus when the surface on which keyboard 22 of PC 100 and camera 108 are placed faces downward. In area contrast autofocus, contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast within a predetermined range from the center and four corners of image 42 captured by camera 108.

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

[0056] By adjusting the focus using area contrast autofocus, camera 108 can clearly capture the four corners of captured image 42. This allows camera 108 to properly capture an image of a document. Next, control of the lens position of camera 108 will be described.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of camera lens position control. Graph 51 shows the correspondence relationship between the lens position of camera 108 and the focus value set by 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 of FIG. 7, the upper side of the vertical axis of graph 51 represents the lens position that focuses on a closer object, and the lower side of the vertical axis of graph 51 represents the lens position that focuses on a more distant object. Graph 51 shows that as the focus value increases, the lens moves to a position that focuses on a closer object.

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

[0059] The following is a detailed description of the processing procedures executed by the PC 100. First, the camera setting processing procedures will be described in detail. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the camera setting process. The process shown in FIG. 8 will be explained below in order of step number.

[0060] [Step S11] The setting unit 120 sets the camera 108 to center contrast autofocus. [Step S12] The orientation determination unit 130 acquires the orientation of the PC 100 from the acceleration sensor 109.

[0061] [Step S13] The orientation determination unit 130 determines whether the camera 108 is facing downward. For example, 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, the orientation determination unit 130 determines that the camera 108 is facing downward. If the orientation determination unit 130 determines that the camera 108 is facing downward, the process proceeds to step S14. If the orientation determination unit 130 determines that the camera 108 is not facing downward, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0062] [Step S14] Distance determination unit 140 acquires the autofocus result of camera 108 and calculates the distance from camera 108 to the subject. For example, distance determination unit 140 calculates the distance from camera 108 to the subject by substituting the position of the lens of camera 108, which has moved as a result of autofocus, into a relational expression 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, and the process then ends. [Step S17] The setting unit 120 maintains the center contrast autofocus setting of the camera 108.

[0065] In this way, the setting unit 120 sets the camera 108 to center contrast autofocus or area contrast autofocus. The setting unit 120 sets the camera 108 to center contrast autofocus as a default setting. This allows the setting unit 120 to set the camera 108 so that it can appropriately photograph people and landscapes.

[0066] Here, if the user of PC 100 points camera 108 downward and places PC 100 20 to 40 cm away from the subject, it is highly likely that the user is attempting to photograph a document. Therefore, when the surface on which camera 108 is placed is facing downward and the distance from camera 108 to the subject is 20 to 40 cm, setting unit 120 changes camera 108 to area contrast autofocus. This allows setting unit 120 to set camera 108 so that it can properly photograph documents. Next, the procedure for the autofocus process will be described in detail.

[0067] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for autofocus processing. The processing shown in FIG. 9 will be explained below in order of step number. [Step S21] The contrast calculation unit 150 acquires an image captured by the camera 108.

[0068] [Step S22] The contrast calculation unit 150 determines whether center-contrast autofocus is set. If the contrast calculation unit 150 determines that center-contrast autofocus is set, it proceeds to step S23. If the contrast calculation unit 150 determines that area-contrast autofocus is set, it proceeds to step S24.

[0069] [Step S23] The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates 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 values ​​of the region to which the Sobel filter is applied, and calculates the average value of the calculated contrast for 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 contrast from the center and four 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 the Sobel filter to the center and four corner regions of the multiple divided regions. The contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the region based on the pixel values ​​of each region to which the Sobel filter has been applied, and calculates the average value of the calculated contrast for each region as the contrast of the captured image.

[0071] [Step S25] The lens moving unit 160 determines whether or not the position of maximum contrast has been found. For example, if the calculated contrast increases each time the lens is moved in the same direction and decreases when a predetermined position is passed, the lens moving unit 160 determines that the position has been found as the position of maximum contrast. If the lens moving unit 160 determines that the position of maximum contrast has been found, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if the lens moving unit 160 determines that the position of maximum contrast has not been found, the process proceeds to step S26.

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

[0073] [Step S27] The lens moving unit 160 moves the lens to the position where the contrast is maximum. For example, the lens moving unit 160 sets a focus value corresponding to the position where the contrast is maximum 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 a position where the contrast is maximized. In the center contrast autofocus setting, the contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the center of the captured image. This allows the contrast calculation unit 150 to determine the clarity of the center of the captured image at the current lens position. Then, the lens movement unit 160 moves the lens to a position where the contrast is maximized, thereby enabling the camera 108 to be set to appropriately capture people and landscapes.

[0075] In addition, when area contrast autofocus is set, contrast calculation unit 150 calculates the contrast of the center and four corners of the captured image. This allows contrast calculation unit 150 to determine the clarity of the center and four corners of the captured image at the current lens position. Then, lens movement unit 160 can set camera 108 to capture a document so that the four corners are also clear by moving the lens to a position where the contrast is maximum.

[0076] According to the second embodiment, the housing 30a has a surface on which the display 21 is arranged. The housing 30b has a surface on which the keyboard 22 is arranged, and can be placed on top of the housing 30a with the surface on which the display 21 and the surface on which the keyboard 22 are arranged facing outward. The camera 108 is arranged on the surface on which the keyboard 22 is arranged and performs autofocus. The acceleration sensor 109 detects the orientation. The setting unit 120 changes the autofocus setting based on the orientation detected by the acceleration sensor 109. This allows the PC 100 to determine whether to photograph a document depending on the orientation, and when photographing a document, to set the autofocus appropriate for photographing the document. This allows the PC 100 to appropriately photograph a document.

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

[0078] Furthermore, camera 108 performs autofocus based on the contrast of a predetermined area of ​​the captured image, and setting unit 120 changes the predetermined area based on the orientation detected by acceleration sensor 109. This allows PC 100 to perform autofocus even if it does not have a sensor or the like that detects the distance to the subject.

[0079] Furthermore, camera 108 changes whether or not a predetermined range from the four corners of the captured image is included in the predetermined region, based on the orientation detected by acceleration sensor 109. This allows PC 100 to capture an image without blurring the four corners of the document.

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

[0081] Although the embodiments have been described above, the configuration of each part shown in the embodiments can be replaced with other parts having similar functions. Also, any other components or processes may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. First enclosure 2 Second enclosure 10. Laptop Computers 11 Display 12 keyboards 13 Camera 14 Sensors 15 Processing section

Claims

1. a first housing having a first surface on which a display is disposed; a second housing having a second surface on which a keyboard is arranged and capable of being placed on top of the first housing with the first surface and the second surface facing outwards; a camera disposed on the second surface, capable of performing a first autofocus based on the contrast of a first region that is one location in the center of a captured image, and a second autofocus based on the contrast of a second region that is five locations in the center and four corners of the captured image; A sensor that detects orientation; a processing unit that determines whether the camera performs the first autofocus or the second autofocus based on the orientation detected by the sensor; A notebook computer having:

2. the processing unit determines whether the camera performs the first autofocus or the second autofocus based on whether the sensor detects that the second surface faces the direction of gravity.

2. The notebook computer according to claim 1.

3. the processing unit calculates a distance between the camera and a subject based on an image captured by the camera, and determines whether the camera should perform the first autofocus or the second autofocus based on the direction detected by the sensor and the distance; 2. The notebook computer according to claim 1.

Images