JPH10243108A - Multi-point video conference system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the multi-point video conference system to recognize a conference end time and to coordinate revision requests such as extension of a conference time. SOLUTION: A multi-point controller 43 of the multi-point video conference system displays a remaining time up to the end of a conference on a screen of each video conference equipment when a reserved conference end time comes around nearly. Furthermore, an entry means such as a key switch in a system control console 44 that controls the multi-point controller 43 extends a reservation time. In this case, when other conference is reserved after the initial reservation time and number of access points is allowed, the conference transfers to other conference.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multipoint video conference system, and more particularly to a multipoint video conference system in which video conference terminals at three or more locations are connected via a multipoint video conference control device to conduct a conference simultaneously. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional multipoint video conference system of this type, a connection destination telephone number, a video conference start time and a video conference end time are set on a system control console connected to a multipoint video conference controller. It operates and controls multipoint video conferences. The basic operation and control are as follows. A video conference reservation is accepted, and when the video conference start time comes, a video conference call is automatically sent to a video conference terminal at a location registered to attend the video conference. There is a function.

However, according to the basic reservation function, when a preset end time is reached, the multipoint video conference control device automatically and forcibly disconnects the communication, and the conference is forcibly interrupted in the middle. At the end, there was a problem that important information could not be exchanged, communication was made, and decisions could not be made.

Therefore, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-35184, when a predetermined time comes before the video conference end time, the video conference connection device notifies the conference room where the video conference terminal device is installed of a conference end notice. It is considered to be issued. However, even with this method, if the video conference does not end even when the scheduled conference end time is reached, the conference is forcibly terminated, and the above problem cannot be solved.

[0005] Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-208754, the teleconference controller determines whether the conference can be extended by examining a conference reservation file storing the conference reservation status. It is also considered to provide a conference extension function to extend a video conference in response to a voluntary conference extension request from a video conference participant or an extension request based on a conference extension inquiry of a video conference controller. However, this method also presupposes a conference reservation file storing the conference reservation status as described above, so that it is restricted by the reservation status registered in advance,
There is a drawback that the possibility that a desired conference extension can be performed is not high.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a basic object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of a video conference being forcibly terminated during a conference in a multipoint video conference system.

A specific object of the present invention is to increase the possibility of changing the conference time such as extending the video conference time in a multipoint video conference system.

[0008]

A basic feature of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is that in a multipoint video conference system, two or more televisions are successively temporally connected to one multipoint video conference controller. When a conference is reserved, means for rearranging the conference reservation based on a request and operation from the video conference terminal before the scheduled end time of the conference of the preceding video conference is provided.

In this case, one means of the rearrangement is that if there is a different multipoint video conference controller having an acceptable number of points, either the preceding or the subsequent video conference can be performed as described above. Is to transfer to another multipoint video conference controller.

[0010] Other means of rearrangement include the number of points,
In the case where there is a restriction on both time, for example, in a multipoint videoconference control device corresponding to 16 points, a videoconference control device in which 16 terminals participate, a preceding videoconference is continued, and
If the subsequent video conference is new and must be used, one of the preceding video conference terminals, for example, the moderator terminal, among the participating terminals that have reserved the subsequent video conference, for example, The presenter terminal is called before the scheduled end time of the preceding conference to transfer the usage status and change the reservation time. For this purpose, means for setting and changing the time from the terminal, particularly means for setting and correcting the time on the menu screen, are mounted on the terminal device.

As described above, the present invention relates to a multipoint videoconference system, in which a preceding and a subsequent videoconference is sequentially reserved for one multipoint videoconference control device. If a time overlap between the preceding video conference and the subsequent video conference is expected, based on a request from the side of the two video conferences that needs to resolve the time overlap, The inconvenience of the conference due to the time overlap is reduced or eliminated by changing the connection to the multipoint video conference controller and / or adjusting the extension or shortening of the conference time.

In order to smoothly operate the re-arrangement (re-adjustment) of the video conference reservation according to the present invention, the multi-point video conference system of the present invention also requires the video conference to proceed near the reserved conference end time, for example, 10 minutes. It is desirable to display the remaining time from the multipoint control device to the end on the screen of each of the video conference devices when the time comes minutes ago or the like.

Further, the extension time value itself of the video conference is automatically extended by, for example, every 10 minutes by an input means such as a key switch at a system control console for controlling the multipoint video conference controller. Can be set to do so.

The features of the present invention are as follows.

According to a first feature of the present invention, a video conference terminal at three or more locations is connected via a multipoint video conference controller, and a video conference between the three or more video conference terminals is performed simultaneously. In the point-to-point video conference system, when the second video conference is reserved for the first multipoint video conference controller after the scheduled end time of the first video conference, the first video conference and the second In the case where a temporal overlap with the second video conference is expected, a side of the first video conference and the second video conference that needs to resolve the temporal overlap among the two video conferences A multipoint videoconferencing system characterized by performing a connection change to another multipoint videoconference control device and / or a readjustment of the extension / reduction of the conference time based on a request from the multipoint videoconference control device.

According to a second feature of the present invention, video conference terminals at three or more locations are connected via a multipoint video conference controller, and a video conference is simultaneously performed between the three or more video conference terminals. In the point-to-point video conference system, when the second video conference is reserved for the first multipoint video conference controller after the scheduled end time of the first video conference, the first video conference and the second In the case where a temporal overlap with the second video conference is expected, a side of the first video conference and the second video conference that needs to resolve the temporal overlap among the two video conferences When one terminal participating in the video conference of the other side is connected to one terminal scheduled to participate in the video conference of the other side, a dialog for time adjustment is enabled, and the time adjustment is established. Is the multi-site A multi-point video conference system and changes set the conference end time and said second television conference start time of the meeting of the video conference control device previously set to be the first video conferencing.

According to a third feature of the present invention, video conference terminals at three or more locations are connected via a multipoint video conference controller, and a video conference is simultaneously performed between the three or more video conference terminals. In the point-to-point video conference system, when the second video conference is reserved for the first multipoint video conference controller after the scheduled end time of the first video conference, the first video conference and the second In the case where a temporal overlap with the second video conference is expected, a side of the first video conference and the second video conference that needs to resolve the temporal overlap among the two video conferences A second multipoint video conference control device that enables either the first video conference or the second video conference after the conference end reservation time of the first video conference. If Is a multipoint video conference system, characterized in that shifting one of the first video conference and the first teleconference to said second multi-point video conference control device.

According to a fourth feature of the present invention, video conference terminals at three or more locations are connected via a multipoint video conference controller, and a video conference between the three or more video conference terminals is performed simultaneously. In the point-to-point video conference system, when the second video conference is reserved for the first multipoint video conference controller after the scheduled end time of the first video conference, the first video conference and the second In the case where a temporal overlap with the second video conference is expected, a side of the first video conference and the second video conference that needs to resolve the temporal overlap among the two video conferences A second multipoint video conference control device that enables either the first video conference or the second video conference after the conference end reservation time of the first video conference. If the said Of the first video conference and the first video conference are transferred to the second multipoint video conference controller, and if there is no such second multipoint video conference controller, the first video conference and the One terminal participating in the video conference of the side that needs to eliminate the temporal overlap among the two video conferences of the second video conference;
The other side is connected to one terminal scheduled to participate in the video conference, enabling a dialog for time adjustment, and when the time adjustment is established, the multi-point video conference control device is preset. The multi-point video conference system is characterized in that the conference end time of the first video conference and the conference start time of the second video conference are changed and set.

According to a fifth feature of the present invention, the multipoint video conference control device, during the holding of each video conference, before the conference of the video conference ends, the remaining time until the conference end time of the video conference. 6. The multipoint video conference system according to claim 1, wherein the information is superimposed on an image transmitted to each video conference terminal, transmitted, and displayed on a reception screen of each television terminal. It is.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 to 6 indicate functions provided in the multipoint video conference control device 7. An image encoding unit 1 encodes a video signal to be transmitted to each point, and also encodes superimposed characters generated by the character superimposition circuit 2 together. Reference numeral 6 denotes a system console, which registers a conference start / end time, a participation terminal number, and the like by using a personal computer, and controls the multipoint video conference controller 7.

The system console 6 is connected to the conference controller 4 via a serial interface. When a predetermined command from the system console 6, that is, the set conference holding time has come, the conference control unit 4 sends each terminal A constituting the conference.
To the terminal D and operate so as to realize a four-point conference. The conference control unit 4 is connected to the line control unit 5
The connection with the image communication terminal at each point is made via the DN line.

The image decoding unit 3 converts a digital video signal transmitted from each terminal into an analog NTSC signal and combines images received from each point once. For example, in the case of a four-point video conference, FIG. The four-divided composite screen shown in FIG. The synthesized analog synthesized screen is output to the image encoding unit 1 as a video signal synthesized with the superimposed character via the character superimposition circuit 2 for transmission to each terminal.

Here, the system console 6 compares the pre-registered conference end time with the current time to calculate the remaining conference time, and notifies the conference control unit 4 of the value. Since the system console uses a personal computer, the remaining time calculation and the like can be realized by the control program. The remaining conference time notified from the system console is output to the character superimposition circuit 2, superimposed on the transmission video as character information and transmitted, and the video is distributed to each terminal participating in the conference.

FIG. 2 shows a video display example 21 displaying the remaining time until the end of the conference transmitted to each terminal. The remaining meeting time display 22 is set to 1 so as not to disturb the meeting.
For example, after displaying for 30 seconds before 0 minutes, the display is stopped and the normal image is transmitted, and the remaining time is displayed again 5 minutes before,
After that, it operates to always display until the meeting end time. Controlling whether to display or not can also be realized by programming with a system console 6 composed of a personal computer. 1 and 2, a video conference between four points from the terminal A to the terminal D is taken as an example.
The line controller 5 may be configured with hardware so as to support up to 16 points.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed block configuration of the multipoint video conference controller.

The multipoint video conference control device is provided with a number of line interfaces corresponding to the number of points in order to connect the terminal at each point via a communication line. FIG. 3 shows an example of eight points.

The line interface unit 70 includes a driver receiver unit 71 for realizing an ISDN basic interface, and a D channel control unit 7 for performing protocol control.
2. A B-channel control unit 73 for controlling the synchronization of a digital signal including multiplexed audio, video and data, a demultiplexing unit 74 for generating or separating this B-channel signal into audio, video and data signals, and various points And a highway interface section 75 for multiplexing the audio, video and data signals into a highway signal described below or performing distribution from the highway signal for transmission to a terminal at each point.

The highway signal multiplexes the digital signal at each point and operates at a speed of 8 Mb / s. This is 6
A B channel signal having a speed of 4 kb / s is equivalent to 128 channels with one unit. This is a capacity capable of multiplexing signals of up to 64 terminals when terminals of a band corresponding to 2B are connected at multiple points. Here, even when the transmission speed of the terminal is 384 kb / s, a maximum of 20 points can be controlled, but the description is limited to 8 points.

Next, the device control section 80 is provided with a CPU section 81 for controlling each section of the multipoint control apparatus in response to a control signal from the system console, and a signal multiplexed on the highway at a certain timing. And a synchronization control unit 82 for notifying a synchronization signal for indicating which signal at which point.

The voice control unit 90 extracts a voice signal from the highway signal by using the synchronization signal described above, decodes the voice signal into a general PCM code for each point,
An adder 91 that adds the decoded audio signal of each point for all points, subtracts only the received audio from the transmitting terminal for the added audio signal, and then performs audio encoding to transmit to the connected terminal. And a speech encoding / decoding unit 92 for multiplexing on the highway.

The image control unit 95 extracts an image signal from the highway signal using the above-described synchronization signal, and decodes the compression-coded image signal for each point into an NTSC signal. 98, a screen division / synthesis control section 97 for writing the decoded image signal of each point to a set address of one frame memory 96 and synthesizing the images of all points, and further to a terminal to which the synthesized image signal is connected. It is composed of an image encoding unit 99 which performs image encoding for transmission and multiplexes on the highway.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a power supply section for driving the apparatus. The outline of the operation of the multipoint video conference control device shown in FIG. 3 will be described below.

The line interface unit 70 includes a CPU unit 8
1 operates to connect the line with the terminal corresponding to each point, but the transmission number is set based on the number information notified from the system console connected to 81, and the transmission is performed. When a call is originated from a terminal, a line connection with the partner terminal is performed by an automatic call receiving operation. For this behavior,
This is the same as a known video conference terminal. A demultiplexing control unit 7 for demultiplexing a digital signal for each connected terminal;
The signal control operation up to 4 is the same as the known operation.

The separated signal is speed-converted by the highway interface unit 75 into a signal of 8 Mb / s speed as described above, and the signal at each point is sequentially multiplexed. At this time, a synchronization control unit 82 that generates a synchronization signal
, The low-speed signal separated from each point is 8 Mb / s
It is sampled at a speed and time-division multiplexed from point 1 to point 8 sequentially. At the same time, the audio decoding unit and image decoding unit provided for each point from the multiplexed highway signal extract only the signal of the point in charge based on the synchronization signal and decode it into a desired signal. , And images are subjected to screen synthesis processing. The encoding and decoding are the same as those in the known art.

In order for the system console 6 to automatically connect to each terminal, requirements such as those shown in the conference reservation setting screen 31 in FIG. 4 are required as setting conditions. That is, the conference reservation setting screen 31 displays the date 3
2, a start and end time 33, and a part (registration number area) 34 for registering the line (telephone) number of each terminal constituting the multipoint video conference. This screen is
2 is a screen example displayed on a display unit of the system console 6 in FIG. 1. By inputting the setting contents, confirming and correcting the setting contents while viewing this screen, a multipoint video conference with a video conference terminal at a predetermined point can be automatically started at a set time.

FIG. 5 shows a case where the multipoint video conference control device 43 is used so as to hold two conferences continuously after a predetermined time with respect to the system configuration shown in FIG.
For example, a video conference 1 composed of four points from terminal A to terminal D is performed from 13:00 to 15:00, and a video conference 2 composed of another terminal X to terminal Z is performed at 15:00
Suppose we do from 0 to 17:00. In other words, it can be considered that one conference room is equivalent to continuous use by two other members. In this case, there is a request that the video conference 1 is unlikely to end even when the end reservation time of the video conference 1 approaches 15:00, and for example, it is desired to extend it for 15 minutes. In such a case, conventionally, when the set conference end time comes, the system console 44 automatically disconnects the communication line with each of the terminals A to D constituting the video conference 1 and establishes the video conference 2. To automatically connect to each of the terminals X to Z.

On the other hand, in the present invention, in order to solve the problem that the time cannot be adjusted as described above, the time adjustment described above is performed by using the means for confirming the remaining time of the conference as follows. The system can be operated as long as possible. That is, the terminal D corresponding to the moderator who manages the conference 1 stops the communication of the conference 1 and transmits the video conference which operates the next conference 2 to the conference controller 42 via the line controller 41. Multipoint control device 43 for terminal X
From the terminal X to connect to the terminal X. Further, the line control unit 41 operates so as to perform one-to-one bidirectional communication of audio and image signals between the terminal D and the terminal X.

Thus, the fact that the conference time of the video conference 1 is to be extended is adjusted by talking with the member of the video conference 2 to be held next (moderator terminal X in this case), and is set in advance. Via the ISDN line from the console connected to terminal D,
System console 44 connected to multipoint controller 43
Works as it does for The terminal D to be connected has a function of multiplexing a data signal of a data communication terminal such as a personal computer with a voice and image signal and communicating with the other video conference terminal or the multipoint control device via the ISDN line.

In the multipoint video conference controller 43, the line controller 41 operates to separate the multiplexed voice, image, and data signals and output the data signal to the conference controller 42. Console 44 and terminal D
It operates to realize data communication with a console connected to the. Further, when the time has been corrected and reset, the communication from each of the terminals A constituting the conference 1 to the terminal D is automatically cut off, and the conference 1 is terminated. An operation is performed so that a call is automatically transmitted to each of the terminals Z, and communication is connected to start a conference 2.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are time charts showing the operation for controlling the transmission / reception of the video conference 1 described with reference to FIG. 5 and displaying the remaining time until the conference set end time.

First, in FIG. 6, when the conference start time comes with the conference reservation of the video conference 1 being set, the terminal number registered to participate in the video conference 1 is changed from the system control to the multipoint television. Terminals A to D dialed to the conference controller and participating in video conference 1
Are sequentially connected to the multipoint video conference control device, thereby enabling a video conference.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the conference time has elapsed and 10 minutes before the scheduled end time, the remaining time display operation starts. That is, when an instruction to display the remaining time is issued from the system control to the multipoint video conference control device, the multipoint video conference control device superimposes the characters of the remaining time display on the transmission image, and the terminals A to D through the ISDN line. Send to Five minutes before the scheduled end time, the same operation is performed again. Terminals A to D until scheduled end time
If there is no request to extend the conference from the system, when the end time comes, a disconnection instruction is issued from the system control, and the multipoint video conference control device sequentially disconnects the terminals A to D, and Make the connection.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show examples of outgoing / incoming / outgoing control when the contents of a reservation are changed. 5 shows an operation sequence when time adjustment between the video conference 1 and the video conference 2 in the configuration of FIG. 4 is performed.

First, as shown in FIG. 8, using the multipoint video conference controller 1, terminals A to D
During the conference, the terminal X requests a reservation for the video conference 2 in which the terminals X to Z participate, and the multipoint video conference control device 1
In the state where the reservation of the video conference 2 is set, if there is a request to extend the conference of the video conference 1 from the console of the terminal A which is the moderator of the video conference 1, via the multipoint video conference control device 1 , Is communicated to the system console. In the system console, if the extension request of the video conference 1 is not allowed as it is in the multipoint video conference control device 1 as it is, the readjustment operation is started.

In the readjustment operation, a multipoint video conference control device capable of transferring the extension reservation of the video conference 1 or the reservation of the video conference 2 after the initial scheduled end time of the video conference 1 is searched, and the transfer is possible. When there is the multipoint video conference control device 2, the reservation of the video conference 1 or the reservation of the video conference 2 is shifted. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the reservation of the video conference 2 is shifted. If there is no multipoint video conference control device capable of the above-mentioned transition, the system console sends the “moderator terminal X of video conference 2 and the conference time” to the moderator terminal A of video conference 1 that has issued the conference reservation extension request. When a request to start the negotiation is made on the moderator terminal A of the video conference 1, the multipoint video conference controller 1 makes a communication with the moderator terminal A of the video conference 1 and the video conference 2. Is connected to the moderator terminal X, and a call between the two is enabled.

As a result of the above-mentioned call, an agreement between the moderator terminal A of the video conference 1 and the moderator terminal X of the video conference 2 to extend the conference time of the video conference 1 and therefore shorten the conference time of the video conference 2 has been reached. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the moderator terminal A of the video conference 1 performs an operation of changing the reservation setting. This change notification is transmitted from the multipoint video conference control device 1 to the system console, changes the reservation settings on the system console, and transmits the results to the moderator terminal A of the video conference 1 and the moderator terminal of the video conference 2 Notify X and The moderator terminal X of the video conference 2 confirms the change of the reservation setting on its own console.

Thereafter, when the end time after the extension of the video conference 1 or the start time of the video conference 2 comes, the connection of the participating terminals A to D of the video conference 1 is disconnected, or the participating terminals X to Z of the video conference 2 are disconnected. Connection is set.

With the above configuration, the line interface unit 70 operates as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and realizes connection control with another conference terminal for reservation adjustment.

[0050]

As described above, the present invention realizes a system configuration in which the use time of a video conference can be variably adjusted according to the actual conference operation. There is no possibility that the line will be disconnected at the same time, and each participant in the conference will be able to use the progress of the video conference smoothly, and will be able to easily adjust the time as well as the operation of general conference rooms. Utilization becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multipoint video conference system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a received video having a remaining time display until the end of a conference.

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the multipoint video conference control device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a screen of a system console for setting a conference reservation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a transition diagram showing control and connection at the time of setting a video conference reservation and at the start of the conference.

FIG. 7 is a transition diagram showing control and connection when a remaining time of a video conference is displayed and at the end of the conference.

FIG. 8 is a transition diagram showing control and connection when a reservation content is changed.

FIG. 9 is a transition diagram showing control and connection when a reservation content change is set and after the reservation is changed.

[Explanation of symbols]

43: Multipoint video conference controller, 44: System console, A, B, C, D ... Participating terminals of video conference 1,
X, Y, Z: Participating terminals of video conference 1

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A multi-point video conference system in which video conference terminals at three or more locations are connected via a multi-point video conference controller, and a video conference is simultaneously held between the three or more video conference terminals. When the second video conference is reserved for the multipoint video conference controller after the scheduled end time of the first video conference, the time between the first video conference and the second video conference is changed. In the case where a temporal overlap is expected, other video conferences of the first video conference and the second video conference are requested based on a request from the side that needs to eliminate the temporal duplication. A multipoint videoconferencing system characterized in that the connection to the point videoconference control device is changed and / or the extension or shortening of the conference time is readjusted. 2. A multi-point video conference system in which video conference terminals at three or more locations are connected via a multi-point video conference controller and a video conference is simultaneously held between the three or more video conference terminals. When the second video conference is reserved for the multipoint video conference controller after the scheduled end time of the first video conference, the time between the first video conference and the second video conference is changed. If a temporal overlap is expected, one of the first video conference and the second video conference, which is participating in the video conference on the side that needs to resolve the temporal duplication, is one of the video conferences. Terminal,
The other side is connected to one terminal scheduled to participate in the video conference, enabling a dialog for time adjustment, and when the time adjustment is established, the multi-point video conference control device is preset. A multipoint video conference system, wherein the conference end time of the first video conference and the conference start time of the second video conference are changed and set. 3. A multipoint video conference system in which video conference terminals at three or more locations are connected via a multipoint video conference controller and a video conference is simultaneously held between the video conference terminals at the three or more locations. When the second video conference is reserved for the multipoint video conference controller after the scheduled end time of the first video conference, the time between the first video conference and the second video conference is changed. When a temporal overlap is expected, the first video conference and the second video conference are requested to be resolved based on a request from a side that needs to resolve the temporal duplication. If there is a second multipoint video conference control device that enables any of the first video conference and the second video conference after the conference end reservation time of the video conference, The first Multipoint video conference system, characterized in that shifting one of the video conference to the second multipoint video conference control device. 4. A multipoint videoconference system in which videoconference terminals at three or more locations are connected via a multipoint videoconference control device and a videoconference is simultaneously held between the videoconference terminals at three or more locations. When the second video conference is reserved for the multipoint video conference controller after the scheduled end time of the first video conference, the time between the first video conference and the second video conference is changed. When a temporal overlap is expected, the first video conference and the second video conference are requested to be resolved based on a request from a side that needs to resolve the temporal duplication. If there is a second multipoint video conference control device that enables either the first video conference or the second video conference after the conference end reservation time of the video conference, the first video conference and the second First One of the Levi conferences is transferred to the second multipoint video conference controller, and if there is no such second multipoint video conference controller, the first video conference and the second video conference are Of the two video conferences, connect one terminal that is participating in the video conference on the side that needs to eliminate the time overlap and one terminal that is scheduled to participate in the video conference on the other side, and adjust the time When the time adjustment is established, the conference end time of the first video conference and the conference of the second video conference preset in the multipoint video conference control device are enabled. A multipoint video conference system wherein the start time is changed and set. 5. The multipoint video conference controller transmits, to each video conference terminal, information on the remaining time until the conference end time of the video conference during the conference of each video conference and before the conference of the video conference is finished. The multipoint video conference system according to claim 1, wherein the multipoint video conference system is transmitted by being superimposed on an image and displayed on a reception screen of each television terminal.