JPH06311509A - Video telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To inform the communication operation mode without disturbing a video image displayed on a slave screen by revising a form of a frame of the slave screen in response to the communication operation mode. CONSTITUTION:A key is sensed during processing of key scanning at first and key entry is checked. When no key entry is obtained, the key scanning is finished and only a picture of an opposite party is displayed. On the other hand, when the key entry comes, a kind of a key, is discriminated and when a slave screen on/off switch 10c is depressed, the slave screen display mode is discriminated and a kind of a frame corresponding to the discriminated mode is decided. Then a CPU 11 gives a command of picture-in-picture display to a picture companding circuit 14 and the circuit 14 executes display. When a master/slave screen replacement key as key entry is depressed, the CPU 11 gives a replacement command to the circuit 14, a picture of its own equipment is displayed on the master screen and a picture of the opposite party is displayed on the slave screen. When other key entry is given, the processing corresponding to the key is executed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a videophone device, and more particularly to a compact and lightweight videophone device that transmits intermittent still images in color.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent development of a highly information-oriented society, there is an increasing demand for communication media that transmit large amounts of various information at high speed.

In order to meet such demand, in 1988, TTC (Telecommunication Technology Committee:
JJ as a standard communication method of (Telephone and Telephone Technical Committee)
-40.10 "Analog Telephone Band Still Image Video Communication System"
Since then, it has become possible to exchange black and white image data with each other via a communication line.After that, the standard communication system of TTC was revised in 1989, and not only black and white image data but also It is also possible to send and receive color image data, and various videophone devices conforming to these TTC standard communication systems have been developed.

Depending on the type of communication network to be connected and the type of image and voice transmission function, the video telephone device is connected to, for example, an analog public line to transmit a monochrome still image or a color still image, or a color moving image. There are things that transmit images, etc., and the merit that it is possible to show and transmit information that is difficult to convey to the other party only by explanation with voice,
It is expected to be popular because it has the advantage of being able to make a call while looking at the expression of the other party.

Conventionally, a still picture video-phone device connected to an analog public line to transmit a black and white still image has adopted a method of transmitting image data as it is without compressing it, for example, one screen is 100 × 160. 100 x 1 when handling black and white image data with 64 gradations (6 bits) in pixels
60 x 6 = 96000 bits (about 11.7 kilobytes)
Data was transmitted at a transmission rate of about 8740 bps (Bit Per Second: bits / second), it took about 11 seconds to transmit one screen of image data, but the image data Since the amount is large, it is not practical to process it as it is because of the memory capacity and communication speed.

Therefore, a videophone device 201 as shown in FIG. 17 has been devised.

FIG. 17 is an external view showing a conventional videophone device 201.

This videophone device 201 includes a camera unit 2
02, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) 20 which is a display unit
3, the telephone 204, and the key input unit 205, and transmits image data and audio data to be transmitted, for example, 1/20.
By compressing the data to about 1/100 and transmitting it, it is possible to transmit and receive the moving image of about 2 to 10 frames / second by utilizing the analog telephone band.

By the way, in the compression transmission of image data, since an extremely large amount of data is transmitted, even if some transmission delay occurs, the influence on the progress of the call is not so great, so variable length coding (for example, CCITT) is performed. Recommendation H.261
Variable length coding method based on
On the other hand, in compression transmission of voice data, the average generated bit length can be compressed by digitizing the voice data, but in general, entropy compression (for example, Huffman coding) in which the maximum bit length is not guaranteed is used for the voice signal. When applying to entropy compression, if a voice signal is generated with a long bit length, a large transmission delay occurs in the voice signal and it has a large effect on the progress of the call, so it is encoded with a fixed bit length. Is being transmitted.

A video telephone device connected to such an analog communication network has a communication function of transmitting and receiving by multiplexing image information and audio information, and communication corresponding to the connected communication network. Regarding the procedure and the encoding method of the image information and the voice information which are transmitted / received in addition to the communication signal based on the communication procedure, according to CCITT (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) recommendation etc., It is prescribed.

Then, in the videophone device 201, it is easier to confirm the image if the image data to be transmitted and the received image data can be seen at once, as shown in FIG. The entire display area is the main screen,
By displaying a child screen having a size of about ¼ of the parent screen by picture-in-picture at the lower right position of the display area, the parent screen and the child screen can be displayed at the same time.

[0012]

However, in the conventional videophone device 201 which simultaneously displays the transmission screen and the reception screen, when the reception screen and the transmission screen are viewed at the same time, the parent picture-by-picture is used. Since the inset screen is displayed over the screen, there are problems as described below.

That is, normally, the videophone device 201 is provided with a plurality of communication operation modes for transmitting image data, and as shown in FIG. 18, in order to inform the operator of the communication mode currently in communication. , Character information indicating the communication operation mode (for example, “mode 1”,
"Mode 2" etc. is displayed on-screen at a fixed position on the main screen (in this case, the upper right position of the screen). In this case, the screen size of the main screen is about 3 inches. When set to, the size of the child screen is 1.3 to 1.4
Since the size is about inch, the pixel area necessary for displaying information cannot be secured in this small screen area and the information is displayed in a thinned form, so the smallest size of character information that can be recognized is displayed. When the screen is displayed on-screen, there is a problem in that the displayed characters make it almost impossible to see the image on the inset screen.

An object of the present invention is to notify a communication operation mode without hindering an image displayed on a child screen, and to secure a sufficient display area while simultaneously referring to a plurality of screens depending on the purpose. To provide a device.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a videophone device that displays at least two types of images by a parent screen and a child screen, the frame shape of the child screen is changed to a communication operation mode. It is characterized by changing according to.

In this case, as described in claim 2, in addition to the invention described in claim 1, the color of the frame of the sub-screen is changed in accordance with the communication operation mode, or in claim 3. As described above, in addition to the invention described in claim 1, it is preferable to change the line type of the frame of the child screen in accordance with the communication operation mode.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, in a videophone device which displays at least two types of images by a parent screen and a child screen, the frame shape of the child screen is changed to the type of image to be displayed. The feature is that it is changed accordingly.

In this case, as described in claim 5, in addition to the invention described in claim 4, the color of the frame of the sub-screen is changed according to the type of image to be displayed, or the claim As described in Item 6, in addition to the invention described in Item 4, it is preferable to change the line type of the frame of the child screen in accordance with the type of image to be displayed.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7, a camera section for picking up an image of a subject and taking it in as image data, and a first memory for storing the image data picked up by the camera section,
A second memory for storing compressed image data sent via a telephone line; and a sound decompression output means for decompressing and outputting compressed audio data sent via the telephone line,
An image decompression unit for decompressing the compressed image data stored in the second memory, a third memory in which the image data decompressed by the image decompression unit is written, a start address, size, and display of a window for predetermined image data. A window control memory for storing the order, window control means for writing the image data stored in the first memory and the image data expanded by the image expansion means to the third memory according to the stored contents of the window control memory, It is characterized by comprising a display unit for displaying the image data written in the third memory and a window changing unit for changing the contents of the window control memory.

In this case, as described in claim 8, in addition to the invention of claim 7, a video input terminal is provided, and the image data input from the video input terminal is stored in the first memory. Further, as described in claim 9, in addition to the invention of claim 7, a television broadcast receiving section and a television image signal which is an analog signal received by the television broadcast receiving section are provided. A / D conversion means for converting into a digital signal, and the television image signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion means is stored in the third memory by the window control means based on the contents of the window control memory. Writing is effective.

Further, in this case, as described in claim 10, in addition to the invention according to claim 7, regardless of the change of the window display form by changing the contents of the window control memory by the window changing means. ,
It is effective that the voice expansion output means continues to output the voice data sent through the telephone line.

[0022]

According to the invention described in claim 1, at least two types of images are displayed by the parent screen and the child screen, and the frame shape of the child screen is changed according to the communication operation mode, so that the frame is displayed. As a mode, for example, the current communication operation mode can be confirmed from the color of the frame as in the invention of claim 2 and the line type of the frame as in the invention of claim 3.

According to the invention described in claim 4, at least two types of images are displayed by the parent screen and the child screen, and the frame shape of the child screen is changed according to the type of the displayed image. By doing so, as the form of the frame, for example,
The current communication operation mode can be confirmed from the color of the frame as in the invention of claim 5 and the line type of the frame as in the invention of claim 6.

That is, even if no character information is displayed in the display area of the child screen, the frame of the child screen represents the current communication operation mode, so that the image displayed on the child screen is not hindered and the current communication is performed. The operating mode is notified.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, the image data stored in the first memory and the second memory is written in the third memory, and the window data for the predetermined image data stored in the window control memory is displayed. The image data written in the third memory is displayed in a window based on the start address, size, and display order.

In this case, according to the invention of claim 8,
In addition to the invention described in claim 7, a video input terminal is provided, and the image data input from this video input terminal is stored in the first memory, so that a window display of a video image is possible.

According to the invention described in claim 9, in addition to the invention described in claim 7, the television image signal received by the television broadcast receiver is written in the third memory based on the contents of the window control memory. As a result, it is possible to display a TV image in a window.

Further, in this case, according to the invention described in claim 10, in addition to the invention described in claim 7, even if the window display mode is changed by changing the contents of the window control memory, the output of the audio data is performed. Is continued.

That is, while sufficiently securing the display area,
Multiple screens can be referenced simultaneously depending on the purpose.

[0030]

EXAMPLES Examples will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 1 to 12 are views showing an embodiment of a videophone device according to the present invention.

First, the structure will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view showing a videophone device of the present invention. The case where an analog telephone general subscriber line is used as a communication line will be described below.

In FIG. 1, the videophone device 1 is provided with a color liquid crystal display panel having a screen size of 3 inches and 110 × 160 pixels, and is provided with input / output terminals 24L and 24T which will be described later on the back surface.

This videophone device 1 is installed between an input / output terminal modular jack type outlet 101 and a telephone set 102, and a modular cable 104 having a modular plug 103 at both ends is used to connect the modular jack type outlet 101 and the input / output terminal 24L. , And the input / output terminal 24T and the telephone set 102, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the videophone device 1 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the videophone device 1 includes a key input unit 2, a control unit 3, an image processing unit 4, an audio processing unit 5, a modulation / demodulation unit 6, a camera unit 7, and a liquid crystal display unit 8. The input unit 2, the control unit 3, the image processing unit 4, the audio processing unit 5, and the modulation / demodulation unit 6 are
Each is connected to the bus 9.

As shown in FIG. 1, the key input section 2 is composed of a plurality of key switches 10 and is used by an operator to instruct various operations in the videophone apparatus 1. The key switches 10 include a video on / off switch 10a, an image capture switch 10b, a small screen on / off switch 10c, and the like. The video on / off switch 10a displays the LCD screen on the liquid crystal display unit 8. The toggle switch for instructing the presence / absence and the image capture switch 10b are switches for instructing the storage of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 as image data in a predetermined memory, and the small screen on / off switch 10c is a transmission screen. A toggle switch for displaying either one of the transmission screen and the reception screen as a parent screen on the liquid crystal display unit 8 and the other screen as a child screen when the user wants to view the screen and the reception screen at the same time. Is.

The control unit 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing).
Unit) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12,
It is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13.

The CPU 11 outputs various control signals for controlling each unit in the video telephone 1 to each unit via the bus 9 and executes a communication control program according to the type of communication line to be connected. , Again, CPU11
Receives the image / audio data multiplexed and transmitted from the other party's videophone device, and when demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 6 and input, the demodulated image / audio data is separated and compressed. Image data compression via bus 9
It outputs the compressed audio data to the audio compression / expansion circuit 20 via the bus 9 as well as to the expansion circuit 14. Further, the CPU 11 has an image compression / expansion circuit 14
From the audio compression / decompression circuit 20 via the bus 9, and the compressed image data input via the bus 9 from the audio compression / decompression circuit 20 is multiplexed on the bus 9 as image / audio data.
Is output to the modulation / demodulation unit 6 via.

The RAM 12 is a semiconductor memory that stores program data used in the program processing executed by the CPU 11, compressed image data, audio data, and the like.

The ROM 13 is a semiconductor memory that stores programs and data used in the videophone device 1.

The image processing section 4 includes an image compression / expansion circuit 1
4. Buffer memory 14a, which is the second memory, ADC
(Analog to Digital Converter: A / D converter)
15, video memory (VRAM) 16 which is the first memory
a, a video memory 16b as a third memory, a DAC (Di
gital to Analog Converter: D / A converter) 17
It consists of Reference numeral 18 is an image input terminal.

The image compressing / expanding circuit 14 uses, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic) according to a predetermined encoding method of the image data stored in the video memory 16a, that is, the type of image to be handled (still image in this case). (Codin
g) Experts Group) Performs compression processing (encoding) by DCT (discrete cosine transform), quantization, and Huffman encoding for each 8 × 8 pixel block, and receives and modulates via a communication line. Decompression (decoding) processing of the reception compressed image data demodulated by the demodulation unit 6 is performed, and the decompressed image data is stored in the video memory 1.
It is output to 6b and stored. The data compression rate in the image compression processing is about 7/100 (about 68/1000) in relation to the image quality after decompression.

The buffer memory 14a temporarily stores the compressed image data compressed by the image compression / expansion circuit 14, and the image data stored in the buffer memory 14a in a compressed state is stored in the CPU 11 by the CPU 11. Are sequentially read out based on the control command. Further, the buffer memory 14a also includes a window control memory for storing the start address, size, and display order of the window for the image data.

The ADC 15 converts the image signal (analog signal) input from the camera unit 7 into a signal (digital signal) that can be processed in the image processing unit 4, and the video memory 16
Is output to.

The video memories 16a and 16b are VRAMs.
(Video RAM), video memory 16a
Is a semiconductor image memory for storing image data (digital data) output from the ADC 15, that is, a memory for storing image data picked up by the camera unit 7, and the video memory 16b is an image compression / compression unit. This is a semiconductor image memory for storing image data (digital data) compressed and expanded by the expansion circuit 14, and a display buffer 16c is provided in the video memory 16b.

The DAC 17 converts the image signal (digital signal) of the image data stored in the video memory 16 into a signal (analog signal) which can be displayed by the liquid crystal display unit 8 and outputs it. In this embodiment, since an analog data driver is used as a data driver for the LCD 28 described later, a DAC (D / A converter) is used.
However, if a digital data driver is used as the data driver, this DAC17
Is unnecessary.

The voice processing section 5 includes an ADC 19, voice compression /
The expansion circuit 20, the buffer memory 20a, and the DAC 21 are included.

The ADC 19 converts the audio signal (analog signal) input from the modulation / demodulation unit 6 into a signal (digital signal) that can be processed in the audio processing unit 5 and outputs it to the audio compression / expansion circuit 20. Is.

The audio compression / expansion circuit 20 converts the digital audio data input from the ADC 19 into, for example, CEL.
The P (Code Excited Linear Predivion) algorithm is used to analyze the input data for a fixed time, to synthesize the waveform based on the analyzed parameters, and to calculate the error between the input waveform and the synthesized waveform. The input data from 9 is compressed (encoded), the compressed audio data is output to the DAC 21, and the received compressed audio data demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 6 is expanded (decoded). The processing is executed and the expanded audio data is output to the DAC 21.
Note that the data compression rate in the voice compression process is about 5/100 (about 50/100) in consideration of the voice quality after decompression.
0).

The buffer memory 20a temporarily stores the compressed voice data compressed by the voice compression / expansion circuit 20, and the voice data stored in the buffer memory 20a in the compressed state is stored in the CPU 11 by the CPU 11. Are sequentially read out based on the control command.

The modulation / demodulation unit 6 is a modem (MODEM, MOdula
tion and DEModulation) 22, NCU (Network Cont
rol unit) 23. 24L,
24T is an input / output terminal for the above-mentioned communication line (in this case, a general subscriber line).

The modem 22 and NCU 23 transmit serial digital signals output from a computer or terminal device,
A function as a "modulator" that converts and transmits to a transmission signal (analog signal) that can be transmitted on a communication line,
Conversely, it has a function as a "demodulator" that converts a transmission signal (analog signal) sent via a communication line back into a digital signal that can be decoded by a computer or a terminal device. The NCU 23 makes it possible to use a general subscriber line as a communication line to be used.

Further, the modems 22 and N in this embodiment are
The CU 23 is capable of signal transmission at the maximum data transmission rate of 14400 bps that can be used on an analog public line, and bidirectionally transmits image data and audio data by incorporating a video code and an audio code in one frame which is a processing unit. Image data for one screen every 3 seconds
It is transmitted as an intermittent image at the rate of frames.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of one frame of the multiplexed code.

The multiplex code which constitutes one frame is about 256 bytes (about 204 bytes) including a video header and a video code.
It is composed of video data of 8 bits) and audio data of about 256 bytes (about 2048 bits) including an audio header and an audio code. The video code and the audio code include an error correction code, and the video code Since the video header and the audio header are respectively added before and the audio code, the total transmission data amount of the image data included in the actual video code and the audio data included in the audio code is 9600b.
ps, which uses 4800 bps for image data and 4800 bps for audio data.

Specifically, the data length of one frame is about 256 bytes for video data and about 256 bytes for audio data, which is a total of about 512 bytes (about 4098 bits).
At a transmission rate of 14400 bps, the data transmission time for one frame is approximately 280 ms (approximately 14
Since it is 0 ms and about 140 ms for audio data, about 3.57 frames of data are transmitted per second, and video data transmitted per second is about 7300 bits (256 x 8).
× 3.57 = 7311). That is, in this embodiment, about 2300 which is obtained by subtracting the actual image data (4800 bps) from the data of about 7300 bits transmitted per second is used.
The 500-bit data includes the information about the screen size, the command about the image data transmission, the error correction code, and the like.

That is, as image data, one screen has 110 × 160 pixels and 4096 colors (12
When handling (bit) color image data, the amount of image data for one screen is 110 × 160 × 12 = 211200 bits (about 25.8 kilobytes), and by compressing the data to about 68/1000 by image compression processing 1
The image data is 4400 bits, and the intermittent still image is transmitted at a rate of 1 frame in a time period (that is, 14400/4800 = 3 seconds) obtained by dividing the 14400 bits by the number of bits (4800 bits) that can be transmitted in 1 second.

Therefore, in actuality, 70,400 bits (about 8.6) obtained by dividing 21,1200 bits by 3
The image data of kilobytes is compressed to about 68/1000 to form a video code including the image data of 4800 bits.

In this case, as the image data to be transmitted, the image data for one screen may be collectively compressed and the compressed image data may be transmitted, or at the time of transmitting the image data to be transmitted. The image data may be divided in advance based on the above, and the compression processing may be performed on the divided image data units.

On the other hand, the voice data is 12 bits / 8 kHz.
It is treated as digital data sampled by z, and this 12 × 8000 = 96000 bit voice data is compressed to about 50/1000 to obtain a voice code containing 4800 bit voice data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of one frame of the multiplexed code.

The camera section 7 includes a lens 25, a CCD (Char
ge Coupled Device) 26.

The lens 25 is an optical lens made of glass or plastic provided in the main body of the videophone device 1, and the CCD 26 generates an electric signal based on the intensity of the light imaged by the lens 25, and the electric signal is generated. A signal (analog signal) is output to the image processing unit 4.

The liquid crystal display unit 8 is a DD (Display Driver).
27 and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 28. In addition, 29 is a TV tuner, 30 is A
It is DC.

The DD 27 drives the LCD 28 to display an image on the LCD 28 based on the video signal input from the image processing section 4.

The LCD 28 is composed of a color liquid crystal display device having a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) type liquid crystal display panel which is one of the active matrix systems, and D
Maximum of 4096 colors (12 bits) driven by D27
The color video signal of is displayed. Note that, as described above, the number of display pixels on the LCD 28 is 110 × 160.

The TV tuner 29 receives a predetermined TV radio wave and outputs a video signal to the buffer memory 14a via the ADC 30.

The ADC 30 converts a video signal, which is an analog signal input from the television tuner 29, into a digital signal.

The liquid crystal display device (LCD) is extremely thin and easy to be made small and lightweight as compared with an image display means such as a CRT, and an active matrix type L
Compared to a simple matrix type LCD, a CD can control fine halftones, can secure a high contrast ratio, and has a high response speed.
It is an effective device in the field where high-quality and multi-gradation color display is required, and especially TF which is a three-terminal element.
The active matrix type LCD using T can obtain a high image quality comparable to that of a CRT.

Further, the videophone device 1 according to the present embodiment.
Since the bidirectional transmission of data is performed by the modulation / demodulation unit 6, it is easier to check the image when the image data to be transmitted and the received image data can be seen at once. As shown in FIG. 4, the entire display area of the LCD 28 is used as the parent screen, and 1 / of the parent screen is placed at the lower right position of this display area.
By displaying a child screen having a size of about 4 by picture-in-picture, the parent screen and the child screen can be displayed at the same time.

The bus 9 is a common signal path for connecting the key input unit 2, the control unit 3, the image processing unit 4, the audio processing unit 5, and the modulation / demodulation unit 6, and is an address bus for instructing an address. And a data bus for transferring data.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

First, the operation of the control unit 3 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. A program corresponding to the processing operation of the CPU 11 in the control unit 3 is also stored in the ROM 13 in the control unit 3.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the processing operation of the CPU 11.

First, after turning on the power of the videophone device 1, initial settings such as initialization in the control unit 3 and clearing of each memory are performed (step S1), and whether or not there is an input from the key input unit 2 is checked. A key scan is performed for checking (step S2), and when there is a key input, necessary processing described later is executed according to the key operation.

Next, the reception flag is once turned off (= "0").
Then, the line voltage level of the NCU 23 is monitored (step S3), and in this state, the ringer tone is detected to check whether there is a call from the communication partner (step S4).

If it is determined that it is the ringer tone section, the reception flag is turned on (= "1") (step S5), the line voltage level of the NCU 23 is monitored again, and the call is now in progress. It is determined whether or not (step S6).

If it is determined that the communication is not in progress, it is determined whether or not the video on / off switch 10a has been pressed. If not, the process is repeated from step S2 (step S7). ).

On the other hand, in the processing of step S6,
If it is determined that the call is in progress, then it is checked whether the reception flag is on (step S
8) If the reception flag is off (= “0”), the display screen (LCD 28) of the liquid crystal display unit 8 is displayed as in the case where the video on / off switch 10a is pressed in the process of step S7. Initial setting is performed (step S
9).

When the initial setting of the LCD 28 is completed, the image data stored in the video memory 16a is read into the image compression / expansion circuit 14, and the video memory 16b is used as it is.
The image data is transferred from the video memory 16a to the video memory 16b by being output to (step S10).

Next, a key scan is performed to check whether or not there is an input from the key input unit 2 (step S11), and it is determined whether or not the video on / off switch 10a has been pressed (step S11). S12),
It is determined whether or not the call is currently being made (step S13).

Here, in the determination processing of steps S12 and S13, the video on / off switch 1
If 0a is not pressed and a call is in progress, the process is repeated from step S10. In addition, in the determination processing of steps S12 and S13, the image on / off switch 10a is not pressed,
In addition, when not in a call, the LCD 2 of the liquid crystal display unit 8
The screen displayed in 8 is erased (step S14), and the process is repeated from step S2. Further, in the judgment processing of the step S12, if the video on / off switch 10a is pressed, it is judged whether or not the call is currently in progress (step S15). If the call is not in progress, the step S14, When the process is performed again from the process of step S2 and the communication is in progress, FIG.
Proceed to the process shown in.

If the reception flag is on (= "1") in the process of step S8, a key scan is performed to check whether there is an input from the key input unit 2 (step S16). ), It is determined whether or not the video on / off switch 10a is pressed (step S17), and it is determined whether or not the telephone call is currently in progress (step S18).

Here, in the determination processing of steps S17 and S18, the video on / off switch 1
If 0a is not pressed and the call is in progress, the process from step S16 is executed again, and the video on / off switch 10a is pressed in the determination process of steps S17 and S18. Not
If the call is not in progress, the above step S14,
The process is repeated from the process of step S2. On the other hand, when the video on / off switch 10a is pressed in the determination process of step S17, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG. 6 described later.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the processing operation of the CPU 11 following FIG.

If a call is being made in the determination process of step S15, or if the video on / off switch 10a is pressed in the determination process of step S17, the negotiation process is performed (step S21), and the liquid crystal display is displayed. The screen of the unit 8 is initialized (step S2).
2).

Next, the CPU 11 issues a command to the image compression / expansion circuit 14 for image data compression / expansion processing (step S23), and causes the audio compression / expansion circuit 20 to compress / expand the audio data. A processing command for processing is issued (step S24), and the CPU 11 modulates
It issues a processing command for communication processing to the demodulation unit 6 (step S25).

Then, a key scan is performed to check whether or not there is an input from the key input unit 2 (step S26), and it is determined whether or not the telephone call is currently in progress (step S27).

Here, if a call is in progress, the above step S2
When the process from step 3 is executed again and the call is not in progress, FIG.
The processing is executed again from the processing of steps S14 and S2 described above.

The compression / expansion processing of image data in step S23, the compression / expansion processing of audio data in step S24, and the data communication processing in step S25 will be described below. Since the videophone device 1 of the present embodiment simultaneously executes image data processing and audio data processing in parallel in the transmission processing and the reception processing, the transmission processing and the reception processing will be separately described below. To do.

(Transmission Processing) The image data picked up by the camera section 7 is A / D converted by the ADC 15.
Image data corresponding to one screen output from the ADC 15 in response to a trigger signal from the CPU 11 is stored in the video memory 1.
It is taken in by 6a. The image data captured in the video memory 16a is compressed by the image compression / expansion circuit 14 and temporarily stored in the buffer memory 14a. Then, the image data stored in the buffer memory 14a in a compressed state is sequentially read based on a control signal from the CPU 11.

Here, when it is desired to record a self-portrait (transmitted image) displayed on the LCD 28 during a call, the operator depresses the image capturing switch 10b, so that the image data stored in the buffer memory 14a is stored. R
It is stored in AM12.

In this case, since the data amount of the compressed image data for one screen is 14400 bits (about 1.76 kilobytes), in order to store the compressed image data for 10 screens, the image data is stored in the RAM 14. Storage area is about 1
8 kilobytes is enough.

On the other hand, the voice data input from the telephone set 102 is A / D converted by the ADC 19 from the input / output terminal 24T on the TEL side via the NCU 23, and then compressed by the voice compression / expansion circuit 20 to be stored in the buffer memory. 20a is temporarily stored. The audio data stored in the buffer memory 20a in the compressed state is C
It is sequentially read based on the control signal from the PU 11.

The CPU 11 sequentially reads the compressed image data and audio data, combines the image data and the audio data, and outputs them to the modem 22. Then, after the input compressed data is modulated by the modem 22 and D / A converted, the input / output terminal 2 on the LINE side from the NCU 23
It is output to the analog public line via 4L.

(Reception Processing) The compressed image data and audio data are input from the analog public line to the modem 22 via the LINE side input / output terminal 24L and the NCU 23. The image data and audio data demodulated by the modem 22 are processed by the DSP (Digital
A / D conversion is performed by the signal processor and output to the bus 9 and sequentially transferred to the CPU 11 via the bus 9.

The CPU 11 separates the combined data into image data and audio data, the compressed image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 14a, and the compressed audio data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 20a.

The image compression / decompression circuit 14 sequentially reads the written image compressed data from the buffer memory 14a, decompresses it, and writes it in the video memory 16b.

Here, when it is desired to record the partner image (received image) displayed on the LCD 28 during a call, the image data stored in the buffer memory 14a is pressed by the operator pressing the image capture switch 10b. Is R
It is stored in AM12.

In this case, the data amount of the compressed image data for one screen is about 2 as described in the above transmission processing.
Since it is 5.8 kilobytes, if the image data storage area of the RAM 12 is 256 kilobytes, about 10
Since 10 screens can be stored, the storage area for 10 screens can be stored in, for example, 3 screens for storing image data for transmission.
The image data for reception can be divided into seven screens and used.

On the other hand, the voice compression / expansion circuit 20 sequentially reads the written voice compression data from the buffer memory 20a, decompresses it, and outputs it to the DAC 21 at a constant rate. Then, the decompressed analog voice data is the NCU.
23 to the telephone 1 via the input / output terminal 24T on the TEL side
It is output to 02 and can be heard from the handset.

The above transmission / reception processing is repeatedly executed until the receiver of the telephone set 102 is placed.

That is, in this embodiment, the modulation / demodulation unit 6
Based on the data compression rate (about 7/100) in the image compression / expansion circuit 14 and the image data transmission rate (4800 bps) of the modulation / demodulation unit 6, the image data and the audio data compressed by LCD
Image data for one screen (211
(200 bits) is divided into three and transmitted,
High-quality images are transmitted over the analog public line. That is, the screen size of the LCD 28 is 3 inches, and one screen is 1
10 × 160 pixels × 12 bits (4096 colors) = 211
Since it has 200-bit data, image data is transmitted at a rate of 1 frame every 3 seconds. However, as the number of pixels and the number of colors (the number of gradations) of one screen increases or decreases as the screen size changes, The time for transmitting one screen of image data is changed.

Specifically, for example, the mode for transmitting image data in 4096 colors is set to the normal mode, and the same number of pixels (1
When the mode for displaying 65536 colors (16 bits) with 10 × 160 pixels) is set to the high image quality mode, when transmitting image data in the high image quality mode, the image data amount for one screen is 110 × 160 × 16 = It becomes 281600 bits (about 34.4 kilobytes), which is 1 when the data is compressed to about 68/1000 by the image compression process.
It is image data of 9200 bits, and this 19200 bits is divided by the number of bits (4800 bits) that can be transmitted in 1 second (that is, 19200/4800 = 4 seconds).
Intermittent still images are transmitted at a rate of one frame. That is, in this case, the image data of 70400 bits (about 8.6 kilobytes) obtained by dividing 281600 bits by 4 is compressed to about 68/1000, and as shown in FIG. 3, a video including the image data of 4800 bits. It is a code.

FIGS. 7 to 9 are views showing an embodiment for screen display of the videophone device according to the present invention. The present embodiment has two communication modes, a normal mode in which image data is transmitted frame by frame in 3 seconds and a high image quality mode in which image data is transmitted frame by frame in 4 seconds. In order to inform the middle communication mode, for example, as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 13, character information by on-screen display showing the current communication mode at a fixed position of the main screen (in this case, the upper right position of the screen). (For example, "normal mode",
"High-quality mode" etc. may be displayed, but as mentioned above, even if the smallest character information within the recognizable range is displayed on the on-screen display on the child screen, which is a relatively small screen, I couldn't see most of the images.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 7A, the color of the frame of the sub-screen is black, while in the high image quality mode, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the color of the frame of the sub-screen is blue so that the current communication mode can be confirmed only by looking at the color of the frame of the sub-screen.

Further, in this case, in the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 8A, the line of the frame of the sub-screen is a thin line, while in the high image quality mode, it is shown in FIG. 8B. As described above, the current communication mode may be determined by making the frame line of the sub-screen thick so that the sub-screen of the sub-screen is displayed in the normal mode as shown in FIG. 9A. The same applies to the case where the line type of the frame is a solid line and the line type of the frame of the sub-screen is a broken line as shown in FIG. 9B in the high image quality mode.

As a result, the communication operation mode can be grasped without hindering the image displayed on the small screen.

Hereinafter, the parent-child screen display (picture in.
Display control in a picture will be described.

In order to display picture-in-picture, a screen corresponding to picture-in-picture is drawn in the display buffer 16c for the LCD 28,
The drawn data is displayed as it is. CPU11
Is for executing, stopping the picture-in-picture display,
Only the command for exchanging the parent screen and the child screen is sent to the image compression / expansion circuit 14, and each process is executed in response to each command sent from the CPU 11.
4 is what it does.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the display control of the parent-child screen display.

During the key scan process shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, first, the key is fetched (step P1),
It is checked whether there is a key input (step P
2).

Here, if there is no key input, the key scan processing ends and only the image of the other party is displayed.

On the other hand, if there is a key input, the type of the key is judged (step P3), and the small screen on / off switch 1
When 0c is pressed, it is determined which mode the display content mode displayed on the child screen is (step P4), and the type of frame corresponding to the mode determined by the mode determination processing is determined (step P5). .

Then, the CPU 11 issues a picture-in-picture display command to the image compression / expansion circuit 14, and the image compression / expansion circuit 14 performs picture-in-picture display (step P).
6). By the way, in this state, the image on your side is displayed on the child screen.

Here, when a parent-child screen exchange key (not shown) is pressed as a key input, the CPU 11 issues an instruction to the image compression / expansion circuit 14 to exchange the parent screen and the child screen. That is, the image of the user's side is displayed on the parent screen, and the image of the other party is displayed on the child screen (step P7).

In addition, another key (for example, zoom, reverse,
If there is an input by the screen stillness or the like), other processing corresponding to the pressed key is performed (step P8). In this case, other processing is not limited to the above-described zooming, reversing, screen stillness, etc., but includes reception of TV broadcasts, etc., and changes the frame type according to the type of image displayed on the child screen. May be

As described above, in this embodiment, when the transmission screen and the reception screen are displayed in picture-in-picture on the parent screen and the child screen, the color and line type of the frame of the child screen are set in the communication operation mode. It is possible to grasp the current communication operation mode and the type of image to be displayed by changing it according to the type of the image to be displayed.

As a result, the current communication operation mode and the type of display image can be grasped without displaying the character information in the display area of the child screen, so that the current image can be displayed without hindering the image displayed on the child screen. The communication operation mode of can be recognized.

FIGS. 13 to 16 are views showing another embodiment of the video telephone device according to the present invention, and FIG.
(B) is a diagram showing a screen display example in the videophone device of the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of display areas called file folders are set at predetermined positions and have a predetermined size, and the reception screen and the transmission screen are displayed in windows in the respective file folders while overlapping with each other to form the reception screen. The display contents are displayed on the transmission screen and the display screen respectively.

In this case, every time the window switch 10c for switching the position of the file folder is pressed, the file folder of the receiving screen is displayed on the top of the plurality of file folders which are stacked as shown in FIG. 13 (a). Alternatively, or as shown in FIG. 13B, the file folder of the transmission screen is displayed at the top of the plurality of file folders that are stacked.

That is, in the above-described conventional videophone device 201, when the receiving screen and the transmitting screen are viewed at the same time, the child screen is displayed by superimposing the parent screen by picture-in-picture. Although the parent screen is hidden about 1/4 by the screen and the child screen is smaller and hard to see, in the present embodiment, a predetermined size (for example, 9
A display area of 0 × 130 dots) is secured.

In this case, the display contents of the portion hidden by the overlap are displayed on the reception screen and the transmission screen as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), for example, when the operator depresses the window switch 10c. It can be displayed by switching the display position.

Further, in this case, since the reception screen and the transmission screen are fixedly displayed on the LCD 28, it is possible to distinguish between the reception screen and the transmission screen by simply looking at the location of the screen in which they are reflected. The selection is intuitive and easy to recognize.

Display control in window screen display (file folder) will be described below.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing information set for drawing a file folder, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a start address position of the file folder.

In order to display a window with a plurality of file folders, the screen corresponding to the file folder is drawn in the display buffer 16c for the LCD 28, and the image data of the drawn file folder is displayed as it is.

In this case, the CPU 11 only sends commands to the image compression / expansion circuit 14, such as execution of window display, stop, replacement of the file folder displayed at the top, etc. The image compression / expansion circuit 14 performs each process in response to the command.

Specifically, in order to draw a file folder, the start address of each file folder, the size of the file folder, the priority of display, and a flag indicating whether or not to display are set, and display is performed. By drawing the images in the display buffer 16c from the one with the lowest priority, the part where the file folders overlap, that is, the part that is drawn first is overwritten.
As a result, the window display as shown in FIG. 15 is performed.

In this case, the window display is performed by the display control of the window screen display described above (see FIG. 10).

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the screen display of the video telephone device according to the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the two screens to be displayed, that is, the reception screen and the transmission screen, are displayed as windows as file folders, but in the present embodiment, they are provided outside the liquid crystal display unit 8. The file folders are also allocated to the video input from the TV tuner 29 via the ADC 30 to the buffer memory 14a.

That is, in this embodiment, the screens corresponding to the file folders to be displayed are drawn in the display buffer 16c in order from the lowest priority based on the priority of displaying the file folders. Image data stored in the buffer memory 14a via the ADC 30 is the received image received by
The image compression / expansion circuit 14 writes the externally input video into the display buffer 16c in the video memory 16b, and then the image data stored in the video memory 16a is converted by the image compression / expansion circuit 14 into a video as a transmission screen. The image data which is written in the display buffer 16c in the memory 16b and input from the modulation / demodulation unit 6 via the bus 9 is displayed in the display buffer 16c in the video memory 16b as a reception screen by the image compression / expansion circuit 14. Written. Then, the written image data of the file folder is displayed on the LCD 28 as it is, and the image is drawn in the display buffer 16c from the one having the lower priority to be displayed. The previously drawn portion is overwritten as shown in FIG.

In this case, the CPU 11 issues a command such as execution of window display, stop, or replacement of the file folder displayed at the top, to the image compression / expansion circuit 14.
The image compression / expansion circuit 14 performs each process in response to each command sent from the CPU 11.

Therefore, when it is desired to watch the TV image during the transmission / reception of the image data, the file folder for displaying the image from the TV tuner 29 is drawn at the end of the display buffer 16c to be displayed at the top of the window display. can do.

In this case, the CPU 11 only sends each command to the image compression / expansion circuit 14, and C
Since the image compression / expansion circuit 14 performs each processing in response to each command sent from the PU 11, even if the display form of the window is changed, the sound sent by the audio compression / expansion circuit 20 via the telephone line. The data output state continues as it is.

As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of file folders each having a predetermined display area are used as independent image display areas, so that a sufficient display area can be secured and a plurality of file folders can be provided according to the purpose. You can refer to the screen at the same time.

Furthermore, the video telephone device 1 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the device main body 1a to the camera unit 7
Is detachably provided, and the apparatus main body 1a and the camera section 7 are connected by a video cable 7a, so that the conventional videophone device 2 shown in FIG.
In 01, since the camera unit 702 is fixed to the device body, the image capturing range is limited, but in the videophone device 1 of this embodiment, the camera unit 7 can be separated from the device body 1a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, regardless of the arrangement position of the apparatus main body 1a, it is possible to freely photograph (capture an image) according to the operator's preference.

Further, in the conventional videophone device 201 as shown in FIG. 17, in order to record the sent image, another recording device (for example, an audio cassette tape recorder or the like) is necessary for recording. However, if the user wants to record an image during a call by installing the large-capacity video memory 16, he / she can easily save his / her favorite image by pressing the key switch 10. Incidentally, when it is desired to record a compressed image, the image data in the video memory 16 is compressed by the image compression / expansion circuit 14,
It may be stored in the AM 12.

Then, a videophone device 201 for compressing and transmitting image data and audio data as shown in FIG.
Since it was made on the premise of a stationary type, and once installed, it was impossible to move it to another place and use it. Therefore, in order to transmit compressed data, the camera unit 702, which is an image input unit, displays an image. Since the CRT 203 as a unit and the telephone 204 as a voice input / output unit are integrally configured, it is difficult to reduce the size and weight of the device, it is difficult to obtain a portable device, and the existing telephone cannot be used. In this embodiment, due to the recent high image quality of the liquid crystal display device,
By adopting a liquid crystal display device as a display device, it is possible to reduce power consumption and to reduce the size and weight of the device.

The image data compression method is not limited to the JPEG algorithm in this embodiment, but may be, for example, a block coding method, a predictive coding method, an orthogonal transform coding method, or the like. The data compression method is not limited to the CELP algorithm in this embodiment, but may be, for example, AD-PCM (Adaptive Differentia).
l Palse Code Modulation) method, VSELP (Vector
The Sum Excited Linear Prediction) method or the like may be used.

Further, by providing a composite video input terminal, an S terminal, or the like as the image input terminal 18 provided in the image processing section 4, the video cassette recorder (VC
R) or a laser disc player (LD) and other video equipment can be connected, and the video input from the video equipment such as a video cassette recorder or a laser disk player is captured as image data and transmitted to the communication partner. It is also possible to do so.

[0143]

According to the present invention, one of the transmission screen and the reception screen is displayed as a parent screen in the display area of the color liquid crystal display means, and the other is displayed as a child screen in a partial predetermined area of the parent screen. Is displayed, and the color and line type of the frame of the child screen are changed according to the communication operation mode, so that the current communication operation mode can be grasped.

As a result, the current communication operation mode can be grasped without displaying the character information in the display area of the child screen, so that the current communication operation mode can be displayed without disturbing the image displayed on the child screen. Can be recognized.

Further, the image data stored in the third memory can be displayed on the window based on the start address, size and display order of the window for the predetermined image data stored in the window control memory. A plurality of pieces of image information having a display area can be displayed in any display order.

With this, it is possible to simultaneously refer to a plurality of screens according to the purpose while securing a sufficient display area.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a videophone device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the videophone device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of one frame of a multiplexed code.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of simultaneous display of a reception screen and a transmission screen.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of a control unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control unit continued from FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a communication mode on a child screen in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a communication mode on a child screen which replaces FIG. 7.

9 is a diagram showing a display example of a communication mode on a child screen which replaces FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing display control of parent-child screen display.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an external appearance of the videophone device of FIG. 1 with a camera section removed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of use of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display on the videophone device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing information set for drawing a file folder.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a start address position of a file folder.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the screen display of the videophone device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an external view showing a conventional videophone device.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a problem of the conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Videophone Device 1a Device Main Unit 2 Key Input Unit 3 Control Unit 4 Image Processing Unit 5 Audio Processing Unit 6 Modulation / Demodulation Unit 7 Camera Unit 7a Video Cable 8 Liquid Crystal Display 9 Bus 10 Key Switch 10a Video On / Off Switch 10b Image Capture switch 10c Window selector switch 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 ROM 14 Image compression / expansion circuit 15 ADC 16a Video memory 16b Video memory 16c Display buffer 17 DAC 18 Image input terminal 19 ADC 20 Audio compression / expansion circuit 21 DAC 22 Modem 23 NCU 24L input / output terminal 24T input / output terminal 25 lens 26 CCD 27 DD 28 LCD 29 TV tuner 30 ADC 101 modular jack type outlet 102 telephone 103 modular plug 104 modular Cable 201 videophone apparatus 202 camera unit 203 display unit 204 phone 205 key input unit

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 22, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0077

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

When it is determined that the communication is not in progress, it is determined whether or not the video on / off switch 10a is pressed (step S7). If not, the process is repeated from step S2. It This allows
A loop A is configured in a state where the video on / off switch 10a is not pressed, not in a call state.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0080

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Next, a key scan is performed to check whether or not there is an input from the key input unit 2 (step S11), and by monitoring the line voltage level of the NCU 23, it is determined whether or not a call is in progress. (Step S12), it is determined whether or not the video on / off switch 10a has been pressed when not in a call (Step S13).

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0081

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

If the video on / off switch 10a is not pressed in the determination process of step S13, the process is repeated from step S10. As a result, the loop B in which the video on / off switch 10a is pressed, not in the call state, is configured.
Further, in the determination process of step S13, if the video on / off switch 10a is pressed, the screen displayed on the LCD 28 of the liquid crystal display unit 8 is erased (step S14), and the process of step S2 is performed. Will be executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S12 that a call is in progress, the process proceeds to step S16 described below. That is, when not in a call, by pressing the video on / off switch 10a to turn it on, the video imaged by the camera unit 7 of the portable videophone device 1 can be displayed on the LCD 28 of the liquid crystal display unit 8. Further, in this state, by pressing the video on / off switch 10a to turn it off, the display on the LCD 28 of the liquid crystal display unit 8 can be turned off.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0082

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process in step S6 that the telephone is in a call state, and if the reception flag is subsequently OFF (= "0"), the liquid crystal is displayed as in the process in step S9. Display screen of the display unit 8 (LCD 28)
Is initialized (step S15). Then, a key scan is performed to check whether there is an input from the key input unit 2 (step S16), and it is determined whether or not the call is currently in progress (step S17).
In the determination process of step S17, if the call is not in progress, the process is repeated from step S14 and step S2 described above. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S17 that the communication is currently in progress, it is determined whether or not the video on / off switch 10a is pressed (step S18).

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0083

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In the determination processing of step S18,
If it is determined that the video on / off switch 10a has not been pressed, the process is repeated from step S16. As a result, the loop C in the call state but not transmitting / receiving the video is configured. On the other hand, the above step S
In the determination processing of 18, the video on / off switch 10
If a is pressed, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0085

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

If the video on / off switch 10a is pressed in the determination processing of step S18, negotiation processing is performed (step S21), and the liquid crystal display unit 8
The screen is initialized (step S22).

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0088

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Here, if a call is in progress, the above step S2
The processing from 3 is executed again. As a result, a loop D in a call state and transmitting / receiving a video is formed. On the other hand, when the call is not in progress, the processing is repeated from the processing of steps S14 and S2 shown in FIG. That is, when a call is in progress, the image can be transmitted / received by pressing the image on / off switch 10a.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 5

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 5]

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 6

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 6]

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A videophone device for displaying at least two kinds of images by a main screen and a subscreen, wherein the form of the frame of the subscreen is changed according to a communication operation mode. apparatus. 2. The videophone device according to claim 1, wherein the color of the frame of the sub-screen is changed according to the communication operation mode. 3. The videophone device according to claim 1, wherein the line type of the frame of the child screen is changed according to the communication operation mode. 4. A videophone device for displaying at least two types of images by a main screen and a child screen, wherein the frame shape of the child screen is changed according to the type of the displayed image. Videophone device. 5. The videophone apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the color of the frame of the sub-screen is changed according to the type of the displayed image. 6. The line type of the frame of the child screen is changed according to the type of the displayed image.
The videophone device described. 7. A camera section for picking up an image of a subject and capturing it as image data, a first memory for storing image data picked up by the camera section, and a first memory for storing compressed image data sent via a telephone line. Two memories, an audio decompression output means for decompressing and outputting the compressed audio data sent via the telephone line, an image decompressing means for expanding the compressed image data stored in the second memory, and the image A third memory into which the image data decompressed by the decompression means is written, the start address of the window for the predetermined image data,
A window control memory for storing the size and display order, a window for writing the image data stored in the first memory and the image data expanded by the image expansion means to the third memory according to the storage contents of the window control memory. A videophone device comprising: a control unit; a display unit that displays the image data written in the third memory; and a window changing unit that changes the contents of the window control memory. 8. The videophone device according to claim 7, further comprising a video input terminal, wherein the image data input from the video input terminal is stored in the first memory. 9. A television broadcast receiving section, and an A / D conversion means for converting a television image signal, which is an analog signal received by the television broadcast receiving section, into a digital signal, the A / D conversion means 8. The videophone device according to claim 7, wherein the video image signal converted into a digital signal is written in the third memory by the window control means based on the contents of the window control memory. 10. The audio decompression output means outputs the audio data sent via a telephone line regardless of the change of the window display form by changing the contents of the window control memory by the window changing means. The videophone device according to claim 7, which is continued.