JP2005237026A - Video telephone apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video telephone apparatus which transmits or indicates an appropriate image at all the time by changing the direction of a captured image or of a display image in response to the direction of an image pickup part or of a display part. <P>SOLUTION: In the video telephone apparatus, an image pickup part 1 outputs image data relating to a captured object to a transmission image rotation part 3. On the basis of the perpendicular direction of the image pickup part 1 detected by an image pickup perpendicular direction detecting part 2, the transmission image rotation part 3 rotates the captured image so that the upper side in the perpendicular direction of the image pickup part 1 becomes the upper side of an image to be transmitted to an opposite side, and produces an image signal. An image signal received from the opposite side is demodulated and outputted to a reception image rotation part 5. On the basis of the perpendicular direction of the image pickup part 1 of the image pickup perpendicular direction detecting part 2, namely, on the basis of the direction of a display part 6, the reception image rotation part 5 performs rotation processing so that the upper side of the received image becomes the upper side of the perpendicular direction for the display part 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a videophone device that transmits and receives video information and audio information.

  In recent years, digital lines capable of transmitting and receiving audio information and video information by a multi-channel system such as ISDN (integrated services digital network) have been put into practical use, and accordingly, videophone devices have been widely spread. The videophone device is at least a transmission unit that transmits video and audio captured by the imaging unit from the own side (videophone device user side) to the other side, a reception unit that receives video and audio from the other side, And display means for displaying the received video on a display or the like. This display means is often used because of its advantages such as light and thin liquid crystal panels, but this liquid crystal panel has a narrower viewing angle than cathode ray tubes, and because of the characteristics of the liquid crystal material, it can be viewed in the vertical and horizontal directions. There is a difference in angle, and one viewing angle is further narrowed. Therefore, when there are a plurality of observers, the observer at the center can see a clear image, but other surrounding observers cannot see a clear image.

  In order to solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-56424 discloses a videophone device including a switching circuit and a rotating plate, and the switching circuit inputs signals to two sides of the liquid crystal panel in the horizontal and vertical directions. By reversing the image signal input relationship and changing the vertical and horizontal positional relationship of the liquid crystal panel with respect to the videophone main unit with the rotating plate, the image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel formed in rectangles with different vertical and horizontal lengths. You can observe the recorded video conveniently.

  The configuration of a conventional videophone device is shown in FIG. A conventional videophone apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel 22 used as a monitor for displaying video information, a switching circuit 23 for switching a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of video displayed on the liquid crystal panel 22, and a liquid crystal panel 22. And a rotating plate 24 to be mounted. The switching circuit 23 inverts the relationship of image signals input to the two sides of the liquid crystal panel 22, ie, horizontal and vertical, and switches the horizontal and vertical directions of the video displayed on the liquid crystal panel 22. The rotating plate 24 is mounted with a liquid crystal panel and rotates to change the vertical / horizontal positional relationship of the liquid crystal panel 22 itself with respect to the videophone main body. With such a configuration, for a liquid crystal display device such as a liquid crystal panel whose viewing angle directionality is unavoidable, the vertical and horizontal relationship of the liquid crystal panel can be changed while correctly maintaining the horizontal and vertical display relationship of the image. Thus, it is possible to display an image using the property of the viewing angle effectively.

JP-A-5-56424

  When making a call using the above-described videophone device, particularly a portable videophone device, the user makes a call by placing the handset of the videophone device on the ear (hereinafter referred to as close call). Alternatively, a videophone device main body is placed for use as a videophone, and a telephone call is made without holding it (hereinafter referred to as hands-free). The shape of a portable videophone device is often a rectangular parallelepiped rod. For example, when making a hands-free call, the user is in a stable state not to move the videophone device, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the housing. Is often placed horizontally or vertically with respect to the installation surface.

  As described above, the orientation of the videophone device main body varies depending on the form of the call, and the orientation of the imaging means and display means provided in the videophone device main body also changes. Therefore, it is necessary to process and transmit the direction of the image captured by the imaging unit so that the image is in a normal direction, and it is necessary to process the video displayed on the display unit to be displayed in the normal direction. There is. However, in the conventional videophone device, the direction of an image captured by the imaging unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a captured image) is changed or an image received from the other party by the display unit (hereinafter, referred to as the captured image) according to the form of the call. It is impossible to change the display direction of the received image). For this reason, there is a problem that the direction of the captured image is transmitted to the other party with an unnatural direction, or the direction of the displayed image is unnatural.

  The present invention solves the above problems, and provides a videophone device that can change the orientation of a captured image or a received image according to the orientation of an imaging means or a display means, and can always transmit or display an appropriate image. The purpose is to do.

  Another object of the present invention is to select a receiving means and a transmitting means suitable for the orientation of the imaging means and the display means, that is, to reproduce the transmitted sound by reproducing it with a receiver that uses the received sound close to the ear. Closed conversation, which is a call form that collects sound with a microphone that is used near the mouth, and a hand that is a call form that collects sound that is received using a microphone that is used to keep received voice away from the mouth while playing the received voice away from the ear It is an object of the present invention to provide a videophone device capable of selecting a free call.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a videophone device according to the present invention is a videophone device that is provided with a bent portion and is foldable, and includes a means for receiving an image signal and a video based on the received received image signal. Display means for displaying information, display direction detecting means for detecting the vertical direction of the display means, and rotation of the received image signal received with the longitudinal direction of the main body of the videophone device being horizontal. When the video information is displayed on the display means without processing, and the direction is different from the reference direction, the image in the received image signal is based on the orientation of the display means detected by the display direction detection means. And a rotating means for rotating the direction.

  In addition, the videophone device of the present invention is characterized in that the reference direction is a case where the antenna provided on the main body of the videophone device is installed on the upper side.

  In addition, the videophone device according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates a transmission image signal corresponding to the image of the subject, a communication unit that transmits and receives the transmission image signal and the reception image signal, and the communication unit. Display means for displaying video information based on the received image signal received; in a provided videophone apparatus; based on a detection means for detecting the orientation of the videophone apparatus; and based on the orientation of the videophone apparatus detected by the detection means. And rotating means for rotating the orientation of the image in at least one of the transmission image signal and the reception image signal.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the image picked up by the image pickup means and / or the image sent from the other party is rotated according to the orientation of the videophone device. Therefore, even when the videophone device is used in various directions depending on the form of the call, the captured image is transmitted in the normal direction, and the image sent from the other party is displayed in the normal direction.

  The videophone device according to the present invention is characterized in that the detection means for detecting the orientation of the videophone device has an imaging direction detection means for detecting a vertical direction of the imaging means.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the orientation of the videophone device main body and the orientation of the display means are determined by detecting the vertical direction of the imaging means by the imaging direction detection means. And a captured image is rotated according to the direction of an imaging means, and the received image sent from the other party is rotated according to the direction of a display means. Therefore, even when the videophone device is used in various directions depending on the form of the call, the captured image is transmitted in the normal direction, and the received image transmitted from the other party is displayed in the normal direction.

  The videophone device according to the present invention is characterized in that the detecting means for detecting the orientation of the videophone device comprises a display direction detecting means for detecting the vertical direction of the display means.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the orientation of the videophone device main body and the orientation of the imaging means are determined by detecting the vertical direction of the display means by the display direction detection means. And a captured image is rotated according to the direction of an imaging means, and the received image sent from the other party is rotated according to the direction of a display means. Therefore, even when the videophone device is used in various directions depending on the form of the call, the captured image is transmitted in the normal direction, and the received image transmitted from the other party is displayed in the normal direction.

  The videophone device of the present invention is characterized in that the rotation means includes transmission image rotation means for rotating the direction of the transmission image signal based on the direction of the videophone device. is there.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the direction of the transmission image signal based on the captured image is rotated based on the direction of the videophone device. Therefore, even when the videophone device is used in various orientations depending on the installation form during a call, the captured image is transmitted in a normal orientation.

  The videophone device according to the present invention is characterized in that the rotating means includes received image rotating means for rotating the direction of the received image signal based on the direction of the videophone device. is there.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the direction of the received image signal based on the received image is rotated based on the direction of the videophone device. Therefore, even when the videophone device is used in various orientations depending on the form of the call, the received image sent from the other party is displayed in the normal orientation.

  In addition, the videophone device of the present invention includes a first receiving unit that reproduces a received voice signal received from the communication unit, and a received voice signal received from the communication unit at a signal level different from that of the first receiving unit. It is characterized by comprising: a second receiving means for reproduction; and a receiving switching means for switching between the first receiving means and the second receiving means based on the orientation of the videophone device.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the first receiving means and the second receiving means are switched based on the direction of the videophone device. Therefore, the user can make a call suitable for the situation depending on the call mode of the videophone device.

  Alternatively, the first receiving means and the second receiving means are constituted by a single receiving means, the use form of the videophone device is detected based on the direction of the videophone device, and the voice received by the incoming call switching means. It can also be configured to switch the signal level of the signal. Therefore, the user can make a call suitable for the calling mode of the videophone apparatus with only one receiving means.

  In addition, the videophone device of the present invention includes a first transmission unit that converts voice into an electrical signal to generate a transmission voice signal, and a signal that is different from the first transmission unit by converting voice into an electrical signal. Second transmission means for generating a transmission audio signal of a level, and transmission switching means for switching between the first transmission means and the second transmission means based on the direction of the videophone device. It is characterized by that.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the first transmission means and the second transmission means are switched based on the direction of the videophone device. Therefore, the user can make a call suitable for the situation depending on the call mode of the videophone device.

  Alternatively, the first transmission means and the second transmission means are constituted by a single transmission means, and the usage mode of the videophone device is detected based on the direction of the videophone device, and the speech switching means The signal level of the audio signal to be transmitted can be switched by the above. Therefore, the user can make a call suitable for the call mode of the videophone apparatus with only one transmission means.

  In the videophone device according to the present invention, the reception switching unit switches the imaging reception switch that switches between the first reception unit and the second reception unit based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit detected by the imaging unit detection unit. It is characterized by having a means.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the usage mode of the videophone device is detected based on the orientation of the image pickup means, that is, the orientation of the videophone device body, and the first and second receiving means are switched. . Therefore, the user can make a call suitable for the situation depending on the call mode of the videophone device.

  In the videophone apparatus of the present invention, the reception switching unit is a display reception switching unit, and the first reception unit and the second reception unit are based on a vertical direction or a horizontal direction of the display unit from the display unit detection unit. It is characterized in that it switches between the receiving means.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the usage mode of the videophone device is detected based on the orientation of the display means, that is, the orientation of the videophone device main body, and the first receiving means and the second receiving means are switched. . Therefore, the user can make a call suitable for the situation depending on the call mode of the videophone device.

  In the videophone apparatus of the present invention, the transmission switching unit switches between the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit detected by the imaging unit detection unit. It is characterized by having an imaging / transmission switching means.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the usage mode of the videophone device is detected based on the orientation of the imaging means, that is, the orientation of the videophone device body, and the first and second transmitters are switched. It is. Therefore, the user can make a call suitable for the situation depending on the call mode of the videophone device.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the transmission switching unit switches between the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit based on the vertical direction of the display unit detected by the display unit detection unit. It is characterized by having a display transmission / reception switching means.

  In the videophone device of the present invention, the usage mode of the videophone device is detected based on the orientation of the display means, that is, the orientation of the videophone device body, and the first and second transmission means are switched. It is. Therefore, the user can make a call suitable for the situation depending on the call mode of the videophone device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the videophone device can change the orientation of the captured image or the received image depending on the orientation of the imaging unit or the display unit, and can always transmit or display an appropriate image. There is an effect that an apparatus can be provided.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to select an appropriate receiving means and transmitting means according to the orientation of the imaging means and the display means.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The videophone device according to the embodiment of the present invention is used as a mobile communication device such as a personal handy phone or a mobile phone, and is particularly suitable for a portable device.

[First embodiment]
The videophone device according to the first embodiment rotates the captured image and the received image based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit, thereby converting the captured image and the received image regardless of the form of the telephone call. It can be transmitted and displayed in a normal state. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging vertical direction detection unit, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an installation example of the videophone device main body 10 having the detachable image pickup unit 1b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the videophone device according to the first embodiment captures an image of a subject and generates an image signal corresponding to the image of the subject. The imaging vertical direction detection unit 2 corresponding to the imaging direction detection means for detecting the vertical direction and determining the orientation of the videophone device main body, and the image signal from the imaging unit 1 are received and received by the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2 An image signal (transmission) transmitted from the transmission image rotation unit 3 corresponding to a transmission image rotation unit that performs rotation processing based on the detected vertical direction of the imaging unit 1 and a communication line that is a wireless or wired line. And a communication unit 4 corresponding to communication means for modulating and transmitting (image signal).

  The communication unit 4 receives and demodulates an image signal (received image signal) sent from the other party via a communication line that is a wireless or wired line, and receives the demodulated image signal and performs rotation processing. A reception image rotation unit 5 corresponding to the received image rotation unit to be performed and a display unit 6 corresponding to a display unit for displaying the image signal subjected to the rotation process as a video are provided. Here, it is assumed that the videophone device body, the imaging unit, and the display unit have the same orientation as the videophone device.

A transmission operation and a reception operation in the videophone device will be described below.
(Transmission operation)
When transmitting an image, first, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 1. The imaging unit 1 further converts the image data relating to the imaged subject into an electrical signal to generate an image signal, and outputs the image signal to the transmission image rotation unit 3. At this time, the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2 detects the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1 and outputs the result to the transmission image rotation unit 3 and the reception image rotation unit 5. The imaging vertical direction detection unit 2 detects the vertical direction using, for example, a contact point between mercury and an electrode. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2 includes a casing 7 made of glass, etc., mercury 8 contained in the casing 7, and the vertical direction so as to penetrate the wall surface of the casing 7. It has electrode pairs 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D provided on the left and right. Due to the gravity applied to the mercury 8, the mercury 8 is positioned below the housing 7 as shown in the figure and acts to short-circuit the electrode pair 9A. This also applies to other electrode pairs in the same manner, and the electrode pair located below in the housing is short-circuited by mercury. Therefore, by detecting this short circuit, for example, it can be detected that the electrode pair 9A is on the lower side in FIG. That is, the portion shortened by mercury indicates the lower side in the vertical direction in the housing, and the vertical direction can be detected.

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, the transmission image rotation unit 3 that has received the information on the vertical direction of the imaging unit detected as described above and the image signal of the captured image captured by the imaging unit is the vertical of the imaging unit. Based on the direction information, the image signal is rotated so that the upper side of the imaging unit 1 in the vertical direction, that is, the upper side of the subject in the vertical direction is the upper side of the image transmitted to the other side. Then, the image signal processed by the transmission image rotating unit is modulated by the communication unit 4 and transmitted to the other party via the communication line.

  The imaging vertical direction detection unit 2 is not limited to the one using mercury shown in FIG. For example, as another vertical direction detection method, the edge portion of the image obtained by the imaging unit 1 is extracted using a Hough transform, and a straight line that appears at a certain frequency or more is extracted. There is a method of taking statistics of the angle and setting the most frequently detected angle as the vertical direction. When a subject is imaged by the imaging unit, a building such as a building is used as a background or itself as a subject. Since these buildings are generally built vertically, the captured image includes many vertical straight lines. Therefore, by using Hough transform, straight lines with various angles included in the captured image can be extracted, and the straight line with the most frequently appearing angle can be regarded as the vertical direction, whereby the vertical direction can be detected. However, the vertical direction detection method using the Hough transform has the same result even when rotated 180 degrees. Therefore, for example, the installation angle of the videophone main body is limited to 90 degrees from the vertical to the right side down. Detailed description of the Hough transform is omitted because it is a well-known technique.

(Reception operation)
When receiving an image, first, the image signal received by the communication unit 4 is demodulated and output to the received image rotation unit 5. The received image rotation unit 5 that has received the demodulated image signal is based on the vertical direction information of the imaging unit 1 detected by the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2, that is, the orientation of the videophone device body and the display unit 6. Based on the orientation information, the upper side of the received image is displayed on the upper side in the vertical direction of the display unit 6, that is, the video signal sent from the other side can be normally displayed on the own side. Perform rotation processing. The image subjected to the rotation process is displayed as a video on the display unit 6.

  Next, a first example of the installation example of the videophone device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the videophone device of the first example includes a videophone device body 10, an imaging unit 1a, an imaging vertical direction detection unit 2a, and a display unit 6a provided in the videophone device body 10. The videophone device body 10 is configured as in the first to third installation examples shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C when used in a hands-free manner. In the figure, the description of the same function as the means included in FIG. 1 is omitted.

  FIG. 3A shows an example in which the longitudinal direction of the videophone device body 10 is placed horizontally with respect to the installation surface so that the top surface (antenna side) of the videophone device body is on the left side in the figure. Hereinafter, the installation example of FIG. That is, in FIG. 3A, the image data of the subject 11 captured by the imaging unit 1a is transmitted as a transmission image 12 in a normal direction without performing a rotation process. In addition, it is assumed that the image received via the communication unit 4 is displayed in a normal orientation without performing a rotation process.

  The second installation example in FIG. 3B shows a case where the first installation example in FIG. 3A is installed by rotating 180 degrees. In this case, the subject 11 captured by the imaging unit 1a is output to the transmission image rotation unit 3 as an image inverted by 180 degrees, that is, an image in which the subject 11 is turned upside down. Accordingly, the transmission image rotation unit 3 determines a direction that is above the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1a, that is, above the vertical direction of the subject 11, based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1a detected by the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2a. The image signal of the subject 11 is rotated so as to be on the upper side of the image to be transmitted, and transmitted to the other side as the transmission image 12 via the communication unit 4.

  On the other hand, the received image transmitted from the other party and received by the communication unit 4 is displayed as an image reversed 180 degrees when displayed as it is because the display unit 6a is reversed 180 degrees from the normal orientation. Will be. Therefore, the received image rotating unit 5 is configured so that the upper side of the received image is based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1a detected by the imaging vertical direction detecting unit 2a, that is, based on the information on the orientation of the display unit 6a. The image signal based on the received image is rotated so as to be on the upper side. As a result, the rotated image is displayed in the normal orientation on the display unit 6a as shown in the figure.

  The third installation example in FIG. 3C is a case where the first installation position of the videophone main unit 10 shown in FIG. 3A is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. Therefore, the image rotation process in the transmission image rotation unit 3 is a process of rotating the captured image 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the image in the reference direction (that is, the captured image captured by the imaging unit 1a in FIG. 3A). I do. The received image rotating unit 5 performs a process of rotating the received image 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the image in the reference direction (that is, the image displayed on the display unit 6a in FIG. 3A).

  In this way, according to the orientation of the imaging unit 1a (that is, the orientation of the videophone device body), the upper side of the imaged subject is always converted to be the upper side of the transmitted image, and the received image is By converting the image to be displayed normally when displayed on the display unit 6a, the user can transmit or display a normal image.

  Note that the videophone device is configured to be foldable by providing a bent portion, but is not limited thereto. Further, as shown in the figure, the imaging unit 1a is provided on the button side with the bent portion as the center, but it can also be provided on the display unit 6a side, and this configuration is not limited. Furthermore, the imaging unit 1a may be configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle, and may be provided so as to be able to capture an image at an arbitrary angle according to the position of the user. Further, the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2a can be installed on the front surface or the back surface of the videophone device main body 10, and this configuration is not limited.

  Next, a second example of the installation example of the videophone device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The videophone device in the second example rotates the captured image and the received image on the basis of the orientation of the videophone device body and the display unit with respect to the vertical direction of the image pickup means, regardless of the form of the telephone call. The captured image and the received image can be transmitted and displayed in a normal state. FIGS. 4A to 4C show first to third installation examples in the case where a videophone device configured to be detachable from the imaging unit 1b is used hands-free. In addition, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the thing which acts similarly to the means contained in a 1st example.

  In FIG. 4, the videophone device also serves as a connection terminal for the videophone device main body 10 and the image pickup device 1 b provided on the upper surface (antenna side) and the left and right side surfaces of the videophone device main body 10. An imaging vertical direction detection unit 2b that detects the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1b by the connected terminal (that is, detects the orientation of the main body of the videophone device and the orientation of the display unit) and the orientation of the display unit (not shown) And a display unit 6b that displays an image signal that has been subjected to rotation processing by the received image rotation unit as a video.

  In the second embodiment, the image pickup unit 1 is configured to be detachable from the videophone device main body, and determines the orientation of the videophone device main body depending on where the image pickup unit is inserted into the videophone device main body. That is, when the imaging unit is connected to the right side surface of the videophone device, it is assumed that the left side surface of the videophone device is placed downward, and the received image is rotated by the received image rotation unit 5 so as to match it. . Note that the imaging unit 1 is freely installed by the user so that the subject is normally imaged, so there is no need to perform a rotation process of the captured image.

  FIG. 4A is an example in which the longitudinal direction of the videophone device main body 10 is placed horizontally with respect to the installation surface so that the top surface of the videophone device main body is on the left side in the figure. 4A, the image data of the subject 11 imaged by the imaging unit 1b in FIG. 4A is transmitted in a normal direction as the transmission image 12, and the image received via the communication unit is Displayed in a normal orientation without performing rotation processing.

  The second installation example in FIG. 4 (b) shows a case where the first installation example in FIG. 4 (a) is installed by rotating 180 degrees. In this case, the received image transmitted from the other party and received by the communication unit 4 is displayed as an image inverted by 180 degrees when displayed as it is because the display unit 6b is inverted 180 degrees from the normal orientation. Will be. Therefore, the received image rotating unit 5 is configured such that the upper side of the received image is positioned above the display unit 6b based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1b detected by the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2b, that is, based on the orientation of the display unit 6b. In this way, the image signal based on the received image is rotated. As a result, the rotated image is displayed in the normal orientation on the display unit 6b as shown in the figure. In the third installation example of FIG. 4C, the first installation position of the videophone device main body 10 shown in FIG. 4A is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. Therefore, the received image rotating unit 5 performs a process of rotating the received image 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the image in the reference direction (that is, the image displayed on the display unit 6b in FIG. 4A).

  In this manner, the imaging unit 1b is detachably provided in the videophone device, and the orientation of the videophone device main body 10 and the orientation of the display unit 6b can be detected by the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2b which is a connection terminal of the imaging unit 1b. . According to the orientation of the display unit 6b, the user can view a normal image by rotating the image so that the received image is normally displayed when the image is displayed on the display unit 6b. Become.

[Second Embodiment]
The videophone device according to the second embodiment of the present invention rotates the captured image and the display image based on the vertical direction of the display means, so that the captured image and The display image can be transmitted and displayed in a normal state. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a videophone device main body 10 having a detachable display portion 6c. In the figure, the description of the same function as that included in the first embodiment is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the videophone device according to the second embodiment captures an image of a subject, generates an image signal corresponding to the image of the subject, receives and rotates the image signal from the image capturing unit 1. A transmission image rotation unit 3 that performs processing and a communication unit 4 that modulates and transmits an image signal transmitted from itself via a communication line that is a wireless or wired line.

  In addition, a communication means 4 that receives and demodulates an image signal received via a communication line that is a wireless or wired line, and a display direction for detecting the vertical direction of the display unit 6 and determining the orientation of the main body of the videophone device The display vertical direction detection unit 13 corresponding to the detection means and the received image rotation unit 5 that receives the demodulated image signal and performs a rotation process based on the vertical direction of the display unit 6 detected by the display vertical direction detection unit 13. And a display unit 6 that displays the image signal subjected to the rotation process as a video. Here, it is assumed that the videophone device body, the imaging unit, and the display unit have the same orientation as the videophone device.

  As the transmission operation, first, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit 1, image data relating to the subject imaged by the imaging unit 1 is converted into an electrical signal, and the image data is output to the transmission image rotation unit 3. The display vertical direction detection unit 13 detects the vertical direction of the display unit 6, that is, the orientation of the videophone device main body and the orientation of the imaging unit 1, and outputs the results to the transmission image rotation unit 3 and the reception image rotation unit 5. For example, the display vertical direction detection unit 13 may have the same configuration as that shown in FIG. Next, the transmission image rotating unit 3 that has received the information on the vertical direction of the display unit, that is, the information on the orientation of the image capturing unit and the image signal of the captured image captured by the image capturing unit, includes the information on the vertical direction of the image capturing unit 1. Based on this, the image signal is rotated so that the upper side in the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1 in the captured image is the upper side of the image transmitted to the other side. Then, the image signal processed by the transmission image rotation unit 3 is modulated by the communication unit 4 and transmitted to the other party via the communication line.

  As a reception operation, first, an image signal received by the communication unit 4 is demodulated and output to the received image rotation unit 5. The received image rotation unit 5 is configured to set the upper side of the received image based on the image signal to the upper side of the display unit 6 in the vertical direction based on the vertical information of the display unit 6 detected by the display vertical direction detection unit 13. The image signal is rotated so that the video sent from the other party can be displayed normally on the other side. The image subjected to the rotation process is displayed as a video on the display unit 6.

  Next, an installation example of the videophone device in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the videophone device serves as a connection terminal for the imaging unit 1c and the videophone device main body 10 and detects the vertical direction of the display unit 6c by the terminal to which the display unit 6c is connected (that is, the videophone device main body). A display vertical direction detection unit 13a that detects the orientation, and a display unit 6c that is configured to be detachable from the videophone device main body 10 and that is provided on the upper surface (antenna side) and left and right side surfaces of the videophone device main body 10. Configured. 6 (a) to 6 (c) show first to third installation examples of the videophone main unit 10 when used hands-free. In the figure, the same operation as the means included in FIG. The description of what to do is omitted.

  The display unit 6c in the embodiment of FIG. 6 is detachable from the videophone device body, and determines the orientation of the videophone device body depending on where the display unit 6c is inserted into the videophone device body. That is, when the display unit 6c is connected to the right side surface of the videophone device, it is assumed that the left side surface of the videophone device is placed downward, and the captured image is rotated by the transmission image rotation unit 5 so as to match it. Let Note that the display unit 6c is freely installed by the user so that the image is normally displayed to the user, and thus there is no need to perform a rotation process on the received image.

  FIG. 6A shows an example in which the longitudinal direction of the videophone device main body 10 is placed horizontally with respect to the installation surface so that the top surface of the videophone device main body is on the left side in the figure. 6A as a reference, in FIG. 6A, the image data of the subject 11 imaged by the imaging unit 1 is transmitted in a normal direction as the transmission image 12 without performing the rotation process, and the communication unit is The image received via the screen is displayed in a normal orientation.

  The second installation example shown in FIG. 6B shows a case where the first installation example shown in FIG. In this case, the subject imaged by the imaging unit 1c is output to the transmission image rotation unit 3 as an image inverted 180 degrees, that is, an image with the subject upside down. Therefore, the transmission image rotation unit 3 is based on the vertical direction of the display unit 6c detected by the display vertical direction detection unit 13a, that is, based on the orientation of the imaging unit 1c, that is, on the upper side in the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1c, that is, the subject. The image signal of the subject is rotated so as to be the upper side of the image to be transmitted in the direction above the vertical direction, and transmitted to the other party as the transmission image 12 via the communication unit 4. In the third installation example of FIG. 6C, the first installation position of the videophone device main body 10 shown in FIG. 6A is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. Therefore, the transmission image rotation unit performs a process of rotating the captured image 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the image in the reference direction (that is, the image captured by the imaging unit 1c in FIG. 6A).

  In this way, the display unit 6c is detachably provided in the videophone device, and the orientation of the videophone device body 10 and the orientation of the imaging unit 1c can be detected by the display vertical direction detection unit 13a which is a connection terminal of the display unit 6c. . According to the orientation of the imaging unit 1c, the user can transmit a normal image by converting the imaged subject so that the upper side of the captured subject is the upper side of the image to be transmitted.

  In FIG. 6, the display unit 6 c is detachable and the display vertical direction detection unit 13 a is used as the connection terminal. However, as a modification, the display vertical direction detection unit is a separate unit and is mounted on the back or front of the videophone device main body 10. It can also be installed, and this configuration is not limited. In this case, based on the vertical direction of the display unit 6c of the display vertical direction detection unit 13a, it is necessary to perform a rotation process on the received image by the received image rotation unit 5 so that the display is displayed in a normal direction.

  In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the videophone device has a rectangular parallelepiped and is configured to be foldable by providing a bent portion. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and any videophone device main body is provided. Depending on the shape and the installation position, the orientation of the captured image can be freely changed according to the direction of imaging, and the orientation of the received display image can be freely changed according to the direction of the display unit.

[Third embodiment]
The videophone apparatus according to the third embodiment rotates the captured image and the received image based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit, thereby converting the captured image and the received image regardless of the form of the telephone call. It can be transmitted and displayed in a normal state. Furthermore, the voice transmitted to the other party via the communication means and the voice received from the other party via the communication means can be generated suitable for the form of the telephone call of the videophone device. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same functions as the means included in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the videophone device according to the third embodiment of the present invention captures an object and generates an image signal corresponding to the image of the object, and the vertical direction of the image capturing unit 1. The image pickup vertical direction detection unit 2 that detects the image signal, the transmission image rotation unit 3 that receives the image signal from the image pickup unit 1 and performs rotation processing, and the image signal is transmitted and received via a communication line that is a wireless or wired line, and is modulated. Alternatively, it includes a communication unit 4 that demodulates, a received image rotation unit 5 that receives the demodulated image signal and performs rotation processing on the image signal, and a display unit 6 that displays the image signal subjected to rotation processing as a video.

  Further, a first receiving unit 14 corresponding to a first receiving unit that is a receiver for close communication, a second receiving unit 15 corresponding to a second receiving unit that is a speaker for hands-free calling, and imaging reception switching The image pickup / reception switching unit 16 corresponding to the means, the first transmission unit 17 corresponding to the first transmission unit that is a microphone for close communication, and the second transmission unit that is a microphone for hands-free communication It comprises a corresponding second transmitter 18 and an imaging transmission switching unit 19 corresponding to the imaging transmission switching means. The second receiver 15 has an audio circuit with an amplification factor different from that of the first receiver 14, and reproduces an audio signal received from the communication unit to a signal level different from that of the first receiver 14. The second transmitter 18 has an amplification factor different from that of the first transmitter 17 and generates the input voice signal at a signal level different from that of the first receiver 14. Here, it is assumed that the videophone device body, the imaging unit, and the display unit have the same orientation as the videophone device.

  Based on the output result of the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2, that is, based on the orientation of the videophone device body, the imaging reception switch unit 16 determines whether the videophone device body has the posture shown in FIG. 3 (c), FIG. 4 (c), or FIG. When it is in a state suitable for close talk as shown in FIG. 6 (c), the first receiver 14 which is a receiver for close talk is selected, and FIG. 3 (a), FIG. 3 (b), FIG. When in a state suitable for a hands-free call as shown in (a), FIG. 4 (b), FIG. 6 (a) or FIG. 6 (b), the second receiver 15 which is a receiver for hands-free call. Select the operation.

  In the case where the imaging unit 1 is detachable, when the imaging unit 1 is attached to the videophone main body, the second receiver 15 which is a receiver for hands-free calling is selected, and the imaging unit 1 A configuration may be adopted in which the first receiver 14 that is a receiver for close-up is selected when it is not attached to the videophone main body. In addition, the imaging unit 1 and the first receiving unit 14 as a close-up receiver are attached to each other on the back side of the videophone apparatus so that the imaging unit 1 can be rotated. The second receiver 15 is selected when it is directed in the same direction as the front direction of the telephone device main body, and the first receiver 14 is selected when the first receiver 14 is directed in the same direction as the front direction of the videophone device main body. A configuration to select is also possible. In addition, the first receiver and the second receiver are not separate, and the same speaker is used, and the amplification factor of the received audio signal is switched based on the output result of the imaging vertical direction detector 2, so that the two are different. A configuration for reproducing the signal level is also possible.

  The imaging transmission switch 19 is similar to the imaging reception switching unit 16 on the basis of the output result of the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2, that is, based on the orientation of the videophone main body, and the attitude of the videophone main body is close. The first transmitter 17 is selected as a close-up microphone when it is in a state suitable for the handset, and the second transmitter 18 as a microphone for hands-free call is selected when it is in a state suitable for a handsfree call. Select the operation.

  When the image pickup unit 1 is detachable, the second transmitter 18 which is a microphone for hands-free calling is selected when the image pickup unit 1 is attached to the main body of the video phone device. When not attached to the main body, the first transmitter 17 that is a close-talking microphone may be selected. Further, the imaging unit 1 and the first transmission unit 17 that is a microphone for close-up are attached to each other so as to be pivotable to the videophone device main body, and the imaging unit 1 is rotated by an operator's pivoting operation. The second transmitter 18 is selected when it is directed in the same direction as the front direction of the videophone main body, and the first transmitter is selected when the first transmitter 17 is directed in the same direction as the front direction of the videophone main body. A configuration for selecting the speech unit 17 is also possible. In addition, the first transmitter and the second transmitter are not separate, and the same microphone is used, and the amplification factor of the input audio signal is switched based on the output result of the imaging vertical direction detector 2, and different signals are used. A configuration for generating levels is also possible.

  In the configuration as described above, when transmitting audio, the imaging / transmission switching unit 19 receives the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1 from the imaging vertical direction means 2, and based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit, that is, a television. Based on the orientation of the main body of the telephone device, the first transmitter 17 or the second transmitter 18 can be selected and used, and the transmission voice signal output from the selected transmitter is received and output to the communication unit 4 To do. And the communication part 4 which received the said transmission audio | voice signal produced | generated with the image signal output from the transmission image rotation part 3 modulates both signals, and transmits to the other party via a communication line.

  On the other hand, when audio is received, first, the image signal and audio signal received by the communication unit 4 are demodulated and output to the received image rotation unit 5 and the imaging / acceptance switching unit 16, respectively. The imaging reception switching unit 16 selects the first reception unit or the second reception unit based on the vertical direction of the imaging unit 1 from the imaging vertical direction detection unit 2, that is, based on the orientation of the videophone device main body, and the communication unit 4. The received voice signal output from is output to the selected receiving means. Then, the receiving unit reproduces the sound signal suitable for the form of the telephone call of the videophone device.

  In this way, according to the orientation of the imaging unit 1, that is, the orientation of the videophone device main body, the upper side of the imaged subject is always converted to the upper side of the transmitted image, and the received image is displayed. By converting to display normally when displayed on the unit 6, the user can transmit or display a normal image. Also, the receiving means and the transmitting means can be switched depending on the orientation of the videophone device body, and the user can make a call in a state suitable for the call form.

[Fourth embodiment]
The videophone device according to the fourth embodiment rotates the captured image and the received image based on the vertical direction of the display unit, so that the captured image and the received image are displayed regardless of the form of the telephone call. It can be transmitted and displayed in a normal state. Furthermore, the voice transmitted to the other party via the communication means and the voice received from the other party via the communication means can be generated suitable for the form of the telephone call of the videophone device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same functions as the means included in the first to third embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a videophone device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging unit 1 that generates an image signal corresponding to an image of a subject, and a transmission image rotation unit that rotates the captured image signal. 3, a communication unit 4 that transmits and receives and modulates or demodulates an image signal, a display vertical direction detection unit 13 that detects a vertical direction of the display unit 6, a received image rotation unit 5 that performs rotation processing on the received image signal, And a display unit 6 that displays the image signal subjected to the rotation process as a video.

  Furthermore, a first receiver 14 that is a receiver for close communication, a second receiver 15 that is a speaker for hands-free communication, a display reception switching unit 20 corresponding to display reception switching means, and a microphone for close communication The first transmitter 17, the second transmitter 18 which is a microphone for hands-free calling, and the display transmitter switching unit 21 corresponding to the display transmitter switching means. Here, it is assumed that the videophone device body, the imaging unit, and the display unit have the same orientation as the videophone device.

  Based on the output result of the display vertical direction detection unit 13, that is, based on the orientation of the videophone device main body, the display reception switching unit 20 is in close contact with the videophone device main body in a state suitable for close talk. When the first receiving unit 14 is selected and is in a state suitable for a hands-free call, an operation of selecting the second receiving unit 15 for hands-free call is performed.

  When the display unit 6 is detachable, the second receiving unit 15 for hands-free call is selected when the display unit 6 is attached to the videophone device main body, and the display unit 6 is attached to the videophone device main body. A configuration may be adopted in which the first reception unit 14 for close-talking is selected when it is not attached. Further, the display unit 6 and the first receiving unit 14 for close-up are attached to each other so that the backs of the display unit 6 and the first receiving unit 14 are connected to the main body of the videophone device so that the display portion 6 can be rotated by the operator. The second receiver 15 is selected when it is directed in the same direction as the front direction, and the first receiver 14 is selected when the first receiver 14 is directed in the same direction as the front direction of the videophone main body. Is also possible. In addition, the first receiver and the second receiver are not separate, but the same speaker is used, and the amplification factor of the received audio signal is switched based on the output result of the display vertical direction detector 13, so that two different signals It is also possible to reproduce the level.

  Similarly to the display reception switching unit 20, the display transmission / reception switching unit 21 is based on the output result of the display vertical direction detection unit 13, that is, based on the orientation of the video telephone device main body, so that the attitude of the video telephone device main body is close to the conversation. When in a state suitable for the handset, the first transmission unit 17 for close-talking is selected, and when in a state suitable for the hands-free call, the second transmission unit 18 for hands-free call is selected. .

  When the display unit 6 is detachable, when the display unit 6 is attached to the videophone device body, the second transmitter 18 for hands-free calling is selected, and the display unit 6 is the videophone device body. Alternatively, the first transmitter 17 for close-talking may be selected when it is not attached. Further, the display unit 6 and the first talking unit 17 for close-up are attached to each other on the back side of the videophone device so that the display unit 6 can be pivoted. The second transmitter 18 is selected when directed in the same direction as the front direction of the main body, and the first transmitter 17 is selected when the first transmitter 17 is directed in the same direction as the front direction of the main body of the videophone apparatus. It is also possible to select this. In addition, the first transmitter and the second transmitter are not separate, but the same microphone is used, and the amplification factor of the input audio signal is switched based on the output result of the display vertical direction detector 13, and different signals are used. A configuration for generating levels is also possible.

  In the above configuration, when transmitting voice, the display transmission switching unit 21 receives the vertical direction of the display unit 6 from the display vertical direction detection unit 13, and based on the vertical direction of the display unit 6, that is, Based on the orientation of the videophone device body, the first transmitter 17 or the second transmitter 18 can be selected and used. The display transmission switching unit 21 generates a transmission voice signal based on the voice output from the selected transmission unit, and outputs the transmission voice signal to the communication unit 4. And the communication part 4 which received the said transmission audio | voice signal produced | generated with the image signal processed by the transmission image rotation part modulates both signals, and transmits to the other party via a communication line.

  On the other hand, when receiving audio, first, the image signal and audio signal received by the communication unit 4 are demodulated and output to the received image rotation unit 5 and the display / acceptance switching unit 20, respectively. The display reception switching unit 20 selects the first reception unit or the second reception unit based on the vertical direction of the display unit 6 from the display vertical direction detection unit 13, that is, based on the orientation of the videophone device main body, and the communication unit 4. The received voice signal output from is output to the selected receiving means. Then, the receiving unit reproduces the sound signal suitable for the form of the telephone call of the videophone device.

  In this way, according to the orientation of the display unit 6, that is, the orientation of the videophone device main body, the upper side of the captured subject is always converted to the upper side of the image to be transmitted, and the received image is converted to the display unit. By converting so that the image is normally displayed when the image is displayed on the screen 6, the user can transmit or display a normal image. Further, the receiving means and the transmitting means can be switched depending on the state of the display unit 6, and the user can make a call in a state suitable for the call form.

  According to the videophone device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a videophone device that can change the orientation of the captured image or the received image depending on the orientation of the imaging unit or the display unit, and can always transmit or display an appropriate image. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to select an appropriate receiving means and transmitting means according to the orientation of the imaging means and the display means, and it is useful in the field of videophone devices that transmit and receive video information and audio information. is there.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video telephone apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows one structure of an imaging vertical direction detection part. It is a perspective view which shows the example of installation of a video telephone apparatus main body. It is a perspective view which shows the example of installation of the video telephone apparatus main body which has a detachable imaging part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video telephone apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows one structure of the video telephone apparatus main body which has a display part which can be attached or detached. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video telephone apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video telephone apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the conventional videophone apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging part 2 Imaging vertical direction detection part 3 Transmission image rotation part 4 Communication part 5 Reception image rotation part 6 Display part 13 Display vertical direction detection part 14 1st reception part 15 2nd reception part 16 Imaging reception switch part 17 1st transmission Speaker 18 Second transmitter 19 Imaging transmitter switch 20 Display receiver switch 21 Display transmitter switch

Claims (2)

A videophone device configured to be bent and provided with a bent portion,
Means for receiving an image signal;
Display means for displaying video information based on the received image signal received;
Display direction detection means for detecting the vertical direction of the display means;
When the longitudinal direction of the main body of the videophone device is horizontal, the video information is displayed on the display means without rotating the received image signal received, and the direction is different from the reference direction. In such a case, the videophone apparatus further comprises: a rotation unit that rotates the direction of the image in the received image signal based on the direction of the display unit detected by the display direction detection unit.   2. The videophone apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference direction is a case where the antenna provided on a main body of the videophone apparatus is installed so as to be on an upper side.

Images