Electronic device and operating method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device includes a display body, a hinge structure, and a processing unit. The display body includes a display module. The processing unit includes a processing unit, a camera window, and a switchable camera module, each having a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The switchable camera module and the camera window are configured adjacent to the second end. The switchable camera module includes a carrying element, at least one camera unit, a blocking member, and a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is connected to the carrying element and is used to drive the carrying element to switch between exposing only one of the at least one camera unit and the blocking member to the camera window. When at least one camera unit is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display a camera mode screen. When the blocking member is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display a privacy mode screen.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device and its operating method, and more particularly to an electronic device and its operating method having a switchable camera module. [Previous Technology]

[0002] As an essential tool for modern life and work, laptops have seen the emergence of designs that integrate mode switching functionality into the operating or display end to enhance the user experience and provide different interactive experiences. Traditional laptops typically use external modules to add cameras for easy use or disassembly and storage; however, such designs require relatively extra labor and cost, and there are also compatibility issues with the system. In addition, built-in mode switching modules can provide consumers with additional interactive experiences. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] The present invention provides an electronic device and its operating method, which can switch to different camera modes and automatically execute corresponding application software or provide privacy protection through simple operation.

[0004] This invention provides an electronic device, including a display body, a hinge structure, and a computing body. The display body includes a display module. The hinge structure is pivotally connected to the display body. The computing body is pivotally connected to the display body. The computing body includes a processing unit, a camera window, and a switchable camera module, and has opposing first and second ends. The first end is pivotally connected to the hinge structure. The camera window is disposed on the operating surface of the computing body. The switchable camera module and the camera window are disposed adjacent to the second end. The switchable camera module includes a carrying element, at least one camera unit, a blocking member, and a switching mechanism. At least one camera unit is disposed on the carrying element. The blocking member is disposed on the carrying element. The switching mechanism is connected to the carrying element and is used to drive the carrying element to switch only one of the at least one camera unit and the blocking member to be exposed to the camera window. When at least one camera unit is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display a camera mode screen. When the obstruction is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display the privacy mode screen.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned computing body further includes a keyboard module and a touch panel exposed on the operation surface. The keyboard module is configured adjacent to the first end, the touch panel is configured adjacent to the second end, and the switchable camera module and camera window are located on the same side of the touch panel.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first end and the second end have opposite sides, and the camera module and the camera window can be switched to be located on one of the adjacent sides.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, an opening is provided on one of the two sides of the switchable camera module and the camera window, and the switching mechanism is partially exposed to the opening.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned carrying element is a rotating disk, the switching mechanism is a drive gear meshing with the carrying element, and the switching mechanism with the exposed opening portion is used to allow the user to turn it in the opening to drive the carrying element to rotate.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned carrying element and the switching mechanism are integrally formed sliding members. The switching mechanism has a lever exposed in part of the opening, so that the user can slide in the opening along the extension direction of the corresponding two sides to drive the carrying element.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one camera unit includes a first camera unit and a second camera unit, and the optical zoom ratio of the first camera unit is different from that of the second camera unit.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first camera unit or the second camera unit is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display the camera mode confirmation screen.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the above-mentioned display module displays a camera mode confirmation screen, the processing unit controls the display module to display a first camera mode screen or a second camera mode screen according to the confirmation information.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned electronic device further includes an angle sensor for sensing the rotation angle of the rotating shaft structure to obtain angle information, and the processing unit switches the electronic device to laptop mode or tablet mode according to the angle information.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the above-mentioned electronic device is in tablet mode, the camera window faces away from the display surface of the display body.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned electronic device further includes a motion sensor for sensing the orientation of the display module and the switchable camera module to provide orientation information. When the electronic device is in tablet mode, the processing unit adjusts the orientation of the display screen of the display module according to the orientation information.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display screen of the above-mentioned display module includes a camera function icon. When the electronic device is in tablet mode, the processing unit adjusts the display position of the camera function icon on the display screen according to the position of the switchable camera module and the camera window, so that the position of the camera function icon corresponds to the adjacent switchable camera module and the camera window.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the switchable camera module further includes a light-emitting unit electrically connected to the processing unit. When the electronic device is in tablet mode and at least one camera unit is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit activates the light-emitting unit to provide illumination.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned display body further includes a touch module electrically connected to the processing unit. The processing unit controls the display module to display multiple software touch icons and launch multiple corresponding software programs based on the touch information of the display module.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned processing unit controls the display module to display multiple software touch icons and launch multiple corresponding software programs based on the touch pressure information of the switching mechanism.

[0020] This invention provides an operation method for an electronic device, the electronic device including a display body, a hinge structure, and a computing body. The display body includes a display module, and the computing body includes a processing unit, a camera window, and a switchable camera module, and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The hinge structure is pivotally connected between the first end and the display body. The camera window is disposed on the operating surface of the computing body. The switchable camera module and the camera window are disposed adjacent to the second end, and the switchable camera module includes a carrying element, at least one camera unit, a blocking member, and a switching mechanism. At least one camera unit is disposed on the carrying element. The blocking member is disposed on the carrying element. The switching mechanism is connected to the carrying element to drive the carrying element. The operation method of the electronic device includes: operating the switching mechanism to switch at least one camera unit to be exposed to the camera window, and causing the display module to display at least one camera mode screen accordingly; and operating the switching mechanism to switch the blocking member to be exposed to the camera window, and causing the display module to display a privacy mode screen accordingly.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned at least one camera unit includes a first camera unit and a second camera unit with different optical zoom ratios. The operation method of the electronic device further includes: controlling a display module to display a first camera mode screen or a second camera mode screen based on confirmation information.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned operation method further includes: sensing the angle between the display body and the computing body to provide angle information; and switching the electronic device to laptop mode or tablet mode according to the angle information.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the electronic device is in tablet mode, the display screen of the display module further includes a camera function icon. The operation method of the electronic device further includes: sensing the orientation of the display module and the switchable camera module to provide orientation information; adjusting the orientation of the display screen of the display module according to the orientation information; and controlling the display position of the camera function icon on the display screen so that the position of the camera function icon corresponds to the adjacent switchable camera module and camera window.

[0024] Based on the above, in the electronic device and its operation method of the present invention, the electronic device includes a display body, a hinge structure, and a computing body. The display body includes a display module, and the computing body includes a processing unit, a camera window, and a switchable camera module, and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The hinge structure is pivotally connected between the first end and the display body. The camera window is disposed on the operating surface of the computing body. The switchable camera module and the camera window are disposed adjacent to the second end, and the switchable camera module includes a carrying element, at least one camera unit, a blocking member, and a switching mechanism. At least one camera unit is disposed on the carrying element. The blocking member is disposed on the carrying element. The switching mechanism is connected to the carrying element to drive the carrying element. Wherein, when the switching mechanism is operated to switch at least one camera unit to be exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display at least one camera mode screen accordingly. In addition, when the switching mechanism is operated to switch the blocking member to be exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display a privacy mode screen accordingly. In this way, different camera modes can be switched with simple operation and the corresponding application software can be executed automatically or privacy protection can be provided.

[0025] In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below, and detailed descriptions are given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Implementation Method

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to Figure 1. This embodiment provides an electronic device 100, including a display body 110, a computing body 120, and a hinge structure 130. The display body 110 is pivotally connected to the computing body 120 via the hinge structure 130, and is used to rotate at the pivot point to unfold or close. The electronic device 100 is, for example, a notebook computer, and the display body 110 and the computing body 120 are, for example, a display terminal and an input interface terminal, respectively. The display body 110 includes a display module 112 for providing images. The display module 112 is, for example, a light-emitting diode display panel (LED display), an organic light-emitting diode display panel (OLED display), or other types of display panels; the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0028] The computing unit 120 includes a processing unit (not shown), a camera window C, and a switchable camera module 200, and has a first end A1 and a second end A2 opposite to each other, wherein the first end A1 is pivotally connected to the hinge structure 130. The computing unit 120 has an operating surface S, and the camera window C is disposed on the operating surface S of the computing unit 120 to expose part of the switchable camera module 200. The switchable camera module 200 and the camera window C are disposed adjacent to the second end A2 of the computing unit 120. Specifically, the computing unit 120 also includes a keyboard module 122 and a touchpad 124 exposed on the operating surface S. The keyboard module 122 is disposed adjacent to the first end A1 of the computing unit 120, and the touchpad 124 is disposed adjacent to the second end A2 of the computing unit 120, and the switchable camera module 200 and the camera window C are located on the same side of the touchpad 124. More specifically, the computing unit 120 has two opposing sides A3 between its first end A1 and second end A2, and the switchable camera module 200 and the camera window C are located on one of the adjacent sides A3. For example, in this embodiment, the switchable camera module 200 can be selectively configured at one of the two corners of the second end A2 of the computing unit 120, such that the camera window C is located opposite each other at the two corners of the computing unit 120.

[0029] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the switchable camera module of the electronic device of Figure 1. For ease of explanation, Figure 2B shows the housing of the operating surface S of the computing unit 120 in a hidden view. Please refer to Figures 1 to 2B. The switchable camera module 200 includes a carrying element 210, at least one camera unit 220, a blocking member 230, and a switching mechanism 240. The carrying element 210 carries at least one camera unit 220 and the blocking member 230, and connects to the switching mechanism 240. At least one camera unit 220 is disposed on the carrying element 210. In this embodiment, at least one camera unit 220 includes a first camera unit 222 and a second camera unit 224, and the optical zoom ratio of the first camera unit 222 is different from that of the second camera unit 224. For example, the first camera unit 222 is a wide-angle lens, and the second camera unit 224 is an ultra-wide-angle lens, used for general shooting mode or macro shooting mode, respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0030] The shielding member 230 is, for example, a light-shielding plate, disposed on the carrier element 210, and its material can be the same as the housing material of the computing unit 120. Specifically, the first camera unit 222, the second camera unit 224, and the shielding member 230 are located at different positions on the carrier element 210, and are exposed to the camera window C by the rotation or movement of the carrier element 210. The detailed implementation will be described in the following paragraphs.

[0031] The switching mechanism 240 is connected to the carrier element 210 and is used to drive the carrier element 210 to switch only one of at least one camera unit 220 and the blocking member 230 exposed to the camera window C. In this embodiment, the carrier element 210 is, for example, a rotating disk, and the switching mechanism 240 is, for example, a drive gear, and is engaged with the carrier element 210. Operationally, one of the two sides A3 adjacent to the switchable camera module 200 and the camera window C has an opening D, and the switching mechanism 240 of the switchable camera module 200 is partially exposed to the opening D. In other words, the switching mechanism 240 exposed at the opening D allows the user to move the switching mechanism 240 at the opening D position to drive the carrier element 210 to rotate, as shown in FIG2A. Therefore, the user can switch one of the first camera unit 222, the second camera unit 224, and the blocking member 230 to be exposed to the camera window C by moving the switching mechanism 240. In this embodiment, the switchable camera module 200 also includes a light-emitting unit 250, which is electrically connected to the processing unit and is activated by the processing unit to provide illumination light.

[0032] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of a switchable camera module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 100A shown in this embodiment is similar to the electronic device 100 shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The difference is that, in this embodiment, the carrying element 210 and the switching mechanism 240 of the switchable camera module 200A are integrally formed sliding members, wherein the switching mechanism 240 has a lever exposed in part of the opening D, which allows the user to slide along the extension direction of the corresponding two sides A3 at the opening D position to drive the carrying element 210. Therefore, the user can switch one of the first camera unit 222, the second camera unit 224 and the blocking member 230 to be exposed in the camera window C by moving the switching mechanism 240.

[0033] Figures 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of the electronic device of Figure 1 in different camera mode screens. Please refer to Figures 2A to 2B and Figures 4A to 4C. The processing unit is electrically connected to the display module 112 and the switchable camera module 200, and controls the display screen of the display module 112 according to the switching state of the switchable camera module 200. When at least one camera unit 220 is exposed to the camera window C, the processing unit activates the function of at least one camera unit 220 and controls the display module 112 to display the camera mode screen. For example, when the first camera unit 222 is exposed to the camera window C, the processing unit activates the function of the first camera unit 222 and controls the display module 112 to display the first camera mode screen, such as the normal camera mode, as shown in Figure 4A. When the second camera unit 224 is exposed to the camera window C, the processing unit activates the function of the second camera unit 224 and controls the display module 112 to display the second camera mode screen, such as the macro camera mode, as shown in FIG4B. When the occluder 230 is exposed to the camera window C, the processing unit only controls the display module 112 to display the privacy mode screen, as shown in FIG4C. In this way, different camera modes can be switched through simple operation and the corresponding application software can be executed automatically or privacy protection can be provided. It is worth mentioning that in this embodiment, when switching to the first camera mode screen, the second camera mode screen, or the privacy mode screen, the corresponding icon can be displayed for several seconds to indicate the mode status to the user. For example, when the switchable camera module 200 switches to the macro camera mode, the corresponding macro camera mode icon will be displayed for several seconds and then disappear, so that school-aged users can intuitively know the type of current camera mode.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the camera mode confirmation screen displayed by the electronic device in Figure 1 when switching camera modes. Referring to Figures 4A to 5, in this embodiment, when the first camera unit 222 or the second camera unit 224 is switched to be exposed to the camera window C, the processing unit controls the display module 112 to display the camera mode confirmation screen, as shown in Figure 5, thereby prompting the user to switch modes to enhance privacy. It is worth noting that when the blocking member 230 is exposed to the camera window C, since the camera unit cannot function, the processing unit is not required to control the display module 112 to display the camera mode confirmation screen shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the display module 112 displays the camera mode confirmation screen, the processing unit can also control the display module 112 to display the first camera mode screen or the second camera mode screen based on the confirmation information. For example, when the display module 112 displays the camera mode confirmation screen, and the user selects "confirm," the processing unit controls the display module 112 to display either the first camera mode screen or the second camera mode screen, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. If the user selects "negative" on the camera mode confirmation screen, the processing unit will control the display module 112 to maintain the original display screen, i.e., the privacy mode screen, as shown in Figure 4C. In this way, the privacy stability of using the electronic device 100 can be improved.

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of placing the target object onto the electronic device of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the display screen of the electronic device of Figure 6. In this embodiment, the user can selectively place the target object 10 (e.g., a petri dish) above the camera window C of the computing unit 120. When the target object 10 is placed on the camera window C and the second camera unit 224 is switched to be exposed to the camera window C, the processing unit can control the display module 112 to further detect and switch to the observation mode, so as to control the display module 112 to display the icon of the observation mode, thereby prompting the user that in addition to the macro camera mode, the observation mode function is also available, as shown in Figure 7.

[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the electronic device of Figure 1 in tablet mode. Figures 9A and 9B are enlarged views of different parts of the electronic device of Figure 8. Please refer to Figures 8 to 9B. In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 can be switched to tablet mode by bending the display body 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electronic device 100 also includes an angle sensor (not shown) to sense the angle between the display body 110 and the computing body 120. For example, the angle sensor can be connected to the hinge structure 130 to obtain the rotation angle information of the hinge structure 130. The processing unit then switches the electronic device 100 to laptop mode or tablet mode according to the angle information. In other words, when the user bends the display body 110 or the computing body 120 to an unfolded state, the processing unit will switch the system of the electronic device 100 to laptop mode. When the user bends the display body 110 or the computing body 120 to a closed state and the display module 112 faces outward, the processing unit will switch the system of the electronic device 100 to tablet mode. When the electronic device 100 is in tablet mode, the camera window C faces away from the display surface of the display unit 110, as shown in Figure 8. In tablet mode, as shown in Figure 9, the user can still switch between exposing at least one camera unit 220 and the blocking member in the camera window C by toggling the switching mechanism 240 at the opening D, similar to laptop mode, and the processing unit controls the display module 112 to display the corresponding screen. In this way, through the configuration of the camera window C and the display surface of the display unit 110, the user can hold the electronic device 100 to take pictures. In addition to being able to directly view the screen from the display unit 110, the user can also easily and manually switch to different camera modes and automatically execute corresponding application software or provide privacy protection.

[0037] However, in this embodiment, the display unit 110 also includes a touch module (not shown), disposed in the housing of the display unit 110 and electrically connected to the processing unit. The processing unit can control the display module 112 to display multiple software touch icons E and launch multiple corresponding software programs based on the touch information of the display module 112. In other words, in tablet mode, the user can directly touch the display module 112 to launch the corresponding software program, such as a camera, video recording, or multitasking application. In different embodiments, the processing unit can perform different software operations based on different types of touch actions (such as clicking or dragging) of the user on the touch module, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0038] Furthermore, the processing unit can also control the display module 112 to display multiple software touch icons E and launch corresponding multiple software programs based on the touch pressure information of the switching mechanism 240. In other words, in tablet mode, the user can also launch the corresponding software program by touching the switching mechanism 240. Therefore, diverse interaction methods can be achieved according to different user operating habits. On the other hand, in tablet mode, when at least one camera unit 220 is exposed to the camera window C, the processing unit can automatically activate the light-emitting unit 250 to provide illumination based on the brightness of the display screen, or provide a prompt message indicating whether to activate the light-emitting unit 250 based on the brightness of the display screen. The present invention is not limited thereto.

[0039] Figures 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of the camera mode screen of the electronic device in Figure 8. Please refer to Figures 10A and 10B. In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 also includes a motion sensor (not shown), such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) containing components such as an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, to sense the orientation of the display module 112 and the switchable camera module 200 to provide orientation information, thereby allowing the processing unit to adjust the orientation of the display screen of the display module 112 according to the orientation information. Further, in this embodiment, the display screen of the display module 112 includes a camera function icon F. When the electronic device 100 is in tablet mode, the processing unit adjusts the display position of the camera function icon F on the display screen according to the position of the switchable camera module 200 and the camera window C, so that the position of the camera function icon F corresponds to the adjacent switchable camera module 200 and the camera window C. For example, when the user holds the electronic device 100 in tablet mode and the switchable camera module 200 is located on the back in the upper right corner (i.e., the hinge body 130 is not rotating), the processing unit adjusts the position of the camera function icon F displayed on the display module 112 to be adjacent to the upper right corner of the display module 112. When the switchable camera module 200 is located on the back in the lower left corner (i.e., the hinge body 130 is rotated 180 degrees), the processing unit adjusts the position of the camera function icon F displayed on the display module 112 to be adjacent to the lower left corner of the display module 112. In this way, appropriate display images and icon positions can be provided according to the user's holding direction.

[0040] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the corresponding screens of the switchable camera module and camera mode of the electronic device in Figure 1 under different operations. Please refer to Figure 11. In this embodiment, the computing unit 120 of the electronic device 100 also includes an interactive component 126, which is configured adjacent to the switchable camera module 200. The processing unit can be used to execute a predetermined software function based on the pressing information of the interactive component 126, which can be understood as a confirmation button. For example, after capturing a video, the processing unit can control the display module 112 to display the corresponding software function icon G, such as generative AI software, based on the captured video information. At this time, the user can select the desired software function icon G by toggling the switching mechanism 240. Then, after selecting the desired software function icon G, the user can start the software program corresponding to the selected software function icon G by pressing the switching mechanism 240 or the interactive component 126. During software execution, the user can further switch to different software operations by toggling the switching mechanism 240 and then pressing the switching mechanism 240 / interactive component 126, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] Figures 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of the camera mode screen of the electronic device in Figure 8 in different directions. Please refer to Figures 12A and 12B. Similar to the effect of providing appropriate display screen and icon positions shown in Figures 10A and 10B, in this embodiment, when the camera unit 220 is exposed to the camera window C and the camera function is activated, the processing unit can adjust the display screen direction of the display module 112 according to the direction information. For example, when the switchable camera module 200 is located on the back of the upper right corner (i.e., the hinge body 130 is not rotating) and the camera function is activated, the processing unit adjusts the real-time camera screen H displayed by the display module 112 to be adjacent to the upper right corner position of the display module 112. When the switchable camera module 200 is located on the back of the lower left corner (i.e., the hinge body 130 is rotated 180 degrees) and the camera function is activated, the processing unit adjusts the real-time camera screen H displayed by the display module 112 to be adjacent to the lower left corner position of the display module 112. In this way, in tablet mode, an appropriate display screen can be provided based on the user's hand orientation. On the other hand, in tablet mode, no matter how the display screen orientation of the display module 112 is rotated, the camera screen H is always away from the hinge body 130 and close to the switchable camera module 200, thereby indicating the position of the switching mechanism 240 of the switchable camera module 200 to the user.

[0042] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to Figures 1 to 2B, 4A to 4C and Figure 13. This embodiment provides an operation method for an electronic device 100, which can be applied to at least the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, this is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, firstly, step S200 is performed, in which the switching mechanism 240 is operated to switch at least one camera unit 220 to be exposed to the camera window C, and the display module 112 is made to display at least one camera mode screen accordingly, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Then, step S201 is performed, in which the switching mechanism 240 is operated to switch the shielding member 230 to be exposed to the camera window C, and the display module 112 is made to display a privacy mode screen accordingly, as shown in Figure 4C. Specifically, the user can operate the switching mechanism 240, which exposes the switchable camera module 200 through the opening D of the computer body 120, thereby switching one of the first camera unit 222, the second camera unit 224, and the blocking member 230 to be exposed in the camera window C of the computer body 120. The processing unit then controls the display module 112 to display the corresponding camera mode screen based on the object exposed in the camera window C. In this way, different camera modes can be switched through simple operation, and corresponding application software can be automatically executed or privacy protection can be provided.

[0043] In summary, in the electronic device and its operation method of the present invention, the electronic device includes a display body, a hinge structure, and a computing body. The display body includes a display module, and the computing body includes a processing unit, a camera window, and a switchable camera module, and has opposing first and second ends. The hinge structure is pivotally connected between the first end and the display body. The camera window is disposed on the operating surface of the computing body. The switchable camera module and the camera window are disposed adjacent to the second end, and the switchable camera module includes a carrying element, at least one camera unit, a blocking member, and a switching mechanism. At least one camera unit is disposed on the carrying element. The blocking member is disposed on the carrying element. The switching mechanism is connected to the carrying element to drive the carrying element. Wherein, when the switching mechanism is operated to switch at least one camera unit to be exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display at least one camera mode screen accordingly. In addition, when the switching mechanism is operated to switch the blocking member to be exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display a privacy mode screen accordingly. In this way, different camera modes can be switched with simple operation and the corresponding application software can be executed automatically or privacy protection can be provided.

[0044] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the switchable camera module of the electronic device of Figure 1. Figures 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of the switchable camera module of another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams of the electronic device of Figure 1 in different camera mode screens. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the camera mode confirmation screen displayed when the electronic device of Figure 1 switches camera modes. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of placing a target object onto the electronic device of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the display screen of the electronic device of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the electronic device of Figure 1 in a flat state. Figures 9A and 9B are different enlarged schematic diagrams of the electronic device of Figure 8. Figures 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of the camera mode screens of the electronic device of Figure 8. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the corresponding switchable camera module and camera mode screens of the electronic device of Figure 1 under different operations. Figures 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of the camera mode screens of the electronic device of Figure 8 in different directions. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: The display body includes a display module; a pivot structure is pivotally connected to the display body. The system includes a processing unit, a camera window, and a switchable camera module, each having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the rotating shaft structure. The camera window is disposed on the operating surface of the processing unit. The switchable camera module is disposed adjacent to the second end, and the switchable camera module includes: a carrying element; at least one camera unit disposed on the carrying element; a blocking element disposed on the carrying element; and a switching mechanism connected to the carrying element for driving the carrying element to switch only one of the at least one camera unit and the blocking element to be exposed to the camera window. When the at least one camera unit is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display a camera mode screen; when the blocking element is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display a privacy mode screen.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the computing body further includes a keyboard module and a touchpad exposed on the operating surface, the keyboard module being disposed adjacent to the first end, the touchpad being disposed adjacent to the second end, and the switchable camera module and the camera window being located on the same side of the touchpad.

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end have opposing side sides, and the switchable camera module and the camera window are located adjacent to one of the side sides.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein an opening is provided on one of the two sides adjacent to the switchable camera module and the camera window, and the switching mechanism is partially exposed to the opening.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the carrying element is a rotating disk, the switching mechanism is a drive gear engaged with the carrying element, and the switching mechanism in the exposed portion of the opening is for a user to turn within the opening to rotate the carrying element.

6. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the carrying element and the switching mechanism are integrally formed sliders, the switching mechanism having a lever exposed in a portion of the opening for allowing a user to slide within the opening along the extension direction of the corresponding two sides to move the carrying element.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one camera unit includes a first camera unit and a second camera unit, and the optical zoom ratio of the first camera unit is different from that of the second camera unit.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein when the first camera unit or the second camera unit is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit controls the display module to display a camera mode confirmation screen.

9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein when the display module displays the camera mode confirmation screen, the processing unit controls the display module to display a first camera mode screen or a second camera mode screen based on the confirmation information.

10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1 further includes an angle sensor for sensing the rotation angle of the hinge structure to obtain angle information, wherein the processing unit switches the electronic device to laptop mode or tablet mode based on the angle information.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein when the electronic device is in the tablet mode, the camera window faces away from the display surface of the display body.

12. The electronic device as claimed in claim 10 further includes a motion sensor for sensing the orientation of the display module and the switchable camera module to provide orientation information, wherein when the electronic device is in tablet mode, the processing unit adjusts the orientation of the display screen of the display module according to the orientation information.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the display screen of the display module includes a camera function icon, and when the electronic device is in tablet mode, the processing unit adjusts the display position of the camera function icon on the display screen according to the position of the switchable camera module and the camera window, so that the position of the camera function icon is adjacent to the switchable camera module and the camera window.

14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the switchable camera module further comprises a light-emitting unit electrically connected to the processing unit, wherein when the electronic device is in the tablet mode and the at least one camera unit is exposed to the camera window, the processing unit activates the light-emitting unit to provide illumination.

15. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display body further includes a touch module electrically connected to the processing unit, the processing unit controlling the display module to display a plurality of software touch icons and launch a plurality of corresponding software programs based on touch information from the display module.

16. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processing unit controls the display module to display a plurality of software touch icons and launch a plurality of corresponding software programs based on the touch pressure information of the switching mechanism.

17. A method of operating an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a display body, a hinge structure, and a computing body, the display body comprising a display module, the computing body comprising a processing unit, a camera window, and a switchable camera module, and having opposing first ends and second ends, the hinge structure being pivotally connected between the first end and the display body, the camera window being disposed on the operating surface of the computing body, the switchable camera module being disposed adjacent to the second end along with the camera window, and the switchable camera module comprising: The device includes a carrying element, at least one camera unit, a blocking element, and a switching mechanism. At least one camera unit is disposed on the carrying element, the blocking element is disposed on the carrying element, and the switching mechanism is connected to the carrying element to drive the carrying element. The operation method of the electronic device includes: operating the switching mechanism to switch the exposure of the at least one camera unit to the camera window and causing the display module to display at least one camera mode screen accordingly; and operating the switching mechanism to switch the exposure of the blocking element to the camera window and causing the display module to display a privacy mode screen accordingly.

18. A method of operating an electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one camera unit includes a first camera unit and a second camera unit having different optical zoom ratios, the method of operating the electronic device further comprising: Based on the confirmed information, the display module is controlled to display either the first camera mode screen or the second camera mode screen.

19. The method of operating the electronic device as described in claim 17, further comprising: Sensing the angle between the display unit and the computing unit to provide angle information; And based on the angle information, switch the electronic device to laptop mode or tablet mode.

20. The method of operating the electronic device as described in claim 19, wherein when the electronic device is in tablet mode, the display screen of the display module further includes a camera function icon, and the method of operating the electronic device further includes: Sensing the orientation of the display module and the switchable camera module to provide orientation information; The orientation of the display screen of the display module is adjusted according to the orientation information; And control the display position of the camera function icon on the display screen, so that the position of the camera function icon corresponds to and is adjacent to the switchable camera module and the camera window.

Images