JPH11205376A - Media conversion system and storage medium recording media conversion program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain information communications among different media such that character data sent via a facsimile equipment are converted into voice data and outputted from a speaker. SOLUTION: The system has 'input devices' such as a telephone set, a personal computer, a facsimile equipment, a video tape recorder(VTR) handling a variety of information like a voice, a character, a moving image and a still image, etc., and similarly it has 'output devices' such as a telephone set, a personal computer, a facsimile equipment, a pocket beeper, a video tape recorder(VTR) and a monitor handling various information like a voice, a character, a moving image and a still image, etc. Then the variety of information like a voice, a character, a moving image and a still image or the like received as 'input' is converted into the variety of information like a voice, a character, a moving image and a still image, etc., by a media conversion system and the converted information is fed to the 'output'.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, converting voice data transmitted via a telephone into character data and displaying it on a display screen of a personal computer, or converting an e-mail transmitted via the Internet into a voice. The data is converted to data, output as an audio output via the speaker device, and further, the image transmitted via the facsimile device is converted into a data form that can be handled by a personal computer device and displayed on a display screen. The present invention relates to a media conversion system that converts information from a specific medium into information compatible with different media and outputs the same, and a recording medium that records a media conversion program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, various media have become widespread as expressed by the phrase "multimedia", and information communication with the other party has been achieved through these various media. I have. In particular,
A telephone is mainly used for communicating with the other party by voice, and a facsimile apparatus is mainly used for communicating with characters or images. Recently, personal computers have become widespread in general households, and character data (and characters) have been transmitted to a partner personal computer via the Internet (and a provider) using the personal computer and a communication modem. Electronic mail for transmitting image data and the like is widely used.

[0003]

However, in the past, in spite of the widespread use of various media as described above, each media could communicate only with the corresponding media of the other party. That is, for example, even if an image is transmitted using a facsimile machine, the other party cannot receive the transmitted image unless the other party has the facsimile machine. Similarly, when attempting to transmit voice data to the other party using a telephone, the other party cannot receive the transmitted voice data unless the other party has a telephone. As described above, the conventional information communication requires that the other party has the same media, and if this condition is not satisfied,
There was a problem that communication could not be made smoothly.

[0004] Here, with the spread of various media, it is expected that information, communication devices and home electric appliances will be integrated in the future. This tendency will become more prominent in the future, and it will be desirable to develop a system that acts as an intermediary for each media.

[0005] The present invention is a creation of a pioneering technical idea based on such a viewpoint, so to speak, a media conversion system and media which enable information communication between different media and enable smooth communication. It is intended to provide a recording medium on which a conversion program is recorded.

[0006]

The media conversion system according to the present invention has the following novel features (1) to (5) in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

(1) Information format conversion means for converting various types of information input from a plurality of input media into an information format that can be handled by an output medium, and transferring the information in the converted information format to corresponding output media. A media conversion system comprising:

[0008] (2) The various information input from the input medium to the information form conversion means is audio information and / or character information and / or image information. The information is converted into character information and / or image information, the character information is converted into audio information and / or image information, and the image information is converted into audio information and / or character information and output to each corresponding output medium. The media conversion system according to the above (1), wherein:

(3) Information input from the input medium is provided with control information for controlling a predetermined device, and the information form conversion means extracts the control information from the input information. The control information is transferred to a corresponding output medium, and the media conversion system according to the above (1) or (2),

(4) There is provided a storage unit in which information of the information format for each output medium corresponding to the information input from the input medium is stored in advance, and the information format conversion unit stores the information from the input medium. When input, the information in the information form corresponding to the output medium to which the input information is transferred is read out from the storage means and transferred to the corresponding output medium. The media conversion system according to any one of the above.

(5) The output medium is assigned a priority, and the information form conversion means transfers information in order from the output medium having the highest priority.
The media conversion system according to any one of the above (1) to (4), wherein the conversion of the information form of the input information is performed.

Further, a recording medium on which a medium conversion program according to the present invention is recorded has a novel structure described in the following (6) to (9) in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

(6) A conversion step of converting various types of information input from a plurality of input media into an information format that can be handled by the output media, and an output for transferring the information in the converted information format to the corresponding output media. And a recording medium having recorded thereon a media conversion program.

(7) An extraction step of extracting control information for controlling a predetermined device, attached to the information input from the input medium, wherein the output step includes:
The recording medium according to (6), wherein the control information extracted in the extracting step is transferred to a corresponding output medium.

(8) In the converting step, when information is input from the input medium, information in an information form for each output medium corresponding to the information input from the input medium is stored in advance. Reading the information in the information format for the output medium from the storage medium, and transferring the information read from the storage means to the corresponding output medium in the output step (6) or (7).
A recording medium on which the described media conversion program is recorded.

(9) In the conversion step, the information format of the input information is converted so that the information is transferred in order from the output medium having the highest priority. A) a recording medium on which the media conversion program described in any one of the above is recorded.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a media conversion system and a recording medium in which a media conversion program is recorded according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. For the sake of simplicity, the concept of a media conversion system and a recording medium storing a media conversion program according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 conceptually shows the media conversion system. A telephone which handles various information such as voice, text, moving image, still image, etc. as "input" is shown in FIG.
Telephones, personal computer devices (personal computers) that have a personal computer device (personal computer), facsimile device, video tape recorder device (VTR device), etc., and handle various types of information such as voice, characters, moving images, still images, etc. ), A facsimile device, a pager, a video tape recorder device, a monitor device, and the like. It is the media conversion system that acts as an intermediary between the “input” and the “output”, and the media conversion system executes the media conversion program recorded on the recording medium according to the present invention, so that the media conversion system receives the input from a certain medium. The information is converted into an information format corresponding to a predetermined medium and output.

For example, when various information such as voice, text, moving image, and still image is supplied as “input”, the media conversion system converts them into various information such as voice, text, moving image, and still image. And supplies this to the "output".

Specifically, assuming that a still image is supplied from a facsimile machine as "input", the media conversion system can handle the still image in an information form designated by a user, for example, a personal computer device. The information is converted into a simple information form, supplied to a personal computer, and displayed on a display screen. As a result, a facsimile image that can be confirmed only on facsimile paper can be confirmed as a computer image. Similarly, assuming that audio information is supplied from the telephone as "input", the media conversion system converts the audio information into, for example, text information, which is an information form specified by the user, and converts the audio information into a television signal. This is supplied to a television receiver. Thus, a message or the like transmitted via the telephone can be visually recognized via the television receiver.

As described above, the recording medium on which the media conversion system and the media conversion program are recorded can store information input from a certain medium in this way.
By converting to an information format corresponding to the media specified by the user, bidirectional communication is possible between different media as well as the same media, and smooth communication can be realized.

Next, the concept of the media conversion system and the recording medium storing the media conversion program according to the present invention can be understood in the above description. When such a concept is embodied, as shown in FIG. Become.

That is, in FIG. 2, the media conversion system described as an embodiment of the present invention converts information (data) input from a certain medium into a data form corresponding to the medium specified by the user. The media conversion system 1, a keyboard 6 and a mouse 7 for allowing a user to select a data format and the like to be converted by the media conversion system 1, and a visual (and audible) conversion of the data converted by the media conversion system 1. And a display unit 8 that enables recognition.

The media conversion system 1 uses the “input”
A plurality of input interfaces 2 connected to each medium to be output, a plurality of output interfaces 4 connected to each medium to be the “output”, and data supplied through the input interface 2 to a keyboard 6 or a mouse. And an arithmetic unit 3 (CPU) for converting the data into a data format designated through the interface 7 and supplying the data to the output interface 4 of the corresponding media. The media conversion system 1 stores data received via the input interface 2, converted data output via the output interface 4, and the like, for example, a hard disk (HDD), a semiconductor memory (RAM), and an optical disk ( Data storage unit 5 such as rewritable disk (MO)
have.

A recording medium in which a media conversion program according to the present invention is recorded is applied to a memory provided inside or outside the CPU 3 or to the data storage unit 5. By executing the media conversion program, various types of information of a plurality of input media are appropriately converted to information of a plurality of output media and output.

The media conversion program executes a program stored in the memory inside or outside the CPU 3 or the data storage unit 5 in addition to a program reproduced from a recording medium such as a CDROM and installed in an HDD or the like.
3 may be executed, or the media conversion program transmitted via the Internet or the like may be installed in an HDD or the like, and the CPU 3 may execute the program.

Although the media conversion system 1 has a plurality of different physical input / output interfaces 2 and 4, one interface logically has a plurality of services. For example, on a physical interface such as a telephone line, there are different logical interfaces such as communication of character data, image data, communication of voice data, and communication of computer data by a facsimile machine. When there are N logical interfaces, N ² combinations are provided to convert and process data and output the data to different (or the same) logical interfaces. Incidentally, the data storage unit 5 is also included in the N ² pieces.

The display unit 8 includes, for example, a display screen (cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display unit) of a personal computer, a television receiver, and the like. Further, a command from a user is transmitted to the display unit 8 via a remote controller 9 (remote controller), and data is received from the CPU 3 in response to the command. .

Next, the operation of the media conversion system having such a configuration will be described. In this description of the operation, as an example, the logical input is classified into a moving image, a still image, a sound, a document, a state, a voice mail, and an e-mail (E-mail), and the operation in each case will be described. I decided to.

[Operation at the Time of Moving Image Input] First, the operation when a moving image is input via the input interface 2 as an input is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 3 starts when the power is supplied to the media conversion system 1, and the process proceeds to step S1.

In step S1, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a moving image has been input through any of the input interfaces 2. If NO, the CPU 3 repeats the routine of step S1 until a moving image is input. The process is repeatedly executed, and in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S2. Step S2
Then, the CPU 3 determines whether or not transfer of the input moving image is permitted. If NO, the CPU 3 terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 without executing the subsequent steps. If YES, step S3
Proceed to.

The "transfer setting" is for setting (selecting) a medium for outputting (transferring) the input data, and is set in advance by the user using the keyboard 6 or the mouse 7. The CPU 3 determines in step S
In step 2, it is determined whether or not the transfer setting is made. If the transfer setting is made, the set medium is determined as described below, and the corresponding data processing is performed to transfer the data to the medium. Becomes

That is, in step S2, it is determined that the transfer setting has been made, and when the flow advances to step S3, the CPU 3 sets the transfer-set medium to the handling of a moving image such as a television receiver or a VTR device. It is determined whether or not the medium is a possible medium (moving image medium).
In the case of ES, the process proceeds to step S8, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S8, since the moving image medium has been set as the transfer-set medium, the CPU 3
Transfers the moving image data supplied via the input interface 2 to the moving image medium via the output interface 4 and terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. This allows the user to view the moving image supplied via the input interface 2 via, for example, a television receiver.

In this case, since the input as a moving image is output as a moving image as it is,
The data format conversion by PU3 is not performed. However, when the input rate of the input moving image data is different from the data rate of the medium for outputting the same, the CPU 3 converts the input rate of the input moving image data to the data rate of the output medium. As a matter of course, the medium is converted into a form that can be handled and output.

If it is determined in step S3 that a medium other than a moving image medium is set as the transfer-set medium, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the CPU 3 sets the transfer-set medium as follows.
For example, it is determined whether or not the medium is a medium that can handle audio (sound medium) such as a speaker device. If YES, the process proceeds to step S9. If NO, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S9, the CPU 3 extracts the audio data added to the moving image data and input, and proceeds to step S10, outputs the extracted audio data to the audio media via the output interface 4, and outputs the extracted audio data to the audio media. All the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 are ended. This allows the user to pseudo-recognize the moving image supplied via the input interface 2 as sound via the speaker device.

Next, if the medium set to be transferred in step S4 is not an audio medium, step S4 is executed.
Then, in step S5, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the transfer-set medium is a medium (paper medium) that handles data in a facsimile apparatus, a printer apparatus, or the like in a paper manner, and if YES, proceeds to step S11. The process proceeds to NO in the case of NO.

In step S11, it is determined that the medium set for transfer is a paper medium.
Performs sampling processing on the moving image data at a predetermined sampling rate, determines a transfer rate corresponding to a paper medium for outputting the sampling data of the moving image in step S12, and determines the transfer rate via the output interface 4 in step S13. The sampling data of the moving image is output to the paper medium at the determined sampling rate, and the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 ends. Thus, the user can recognize the moving image supplied via the input interface 2 by using an image printed on facsimile paper or print paper.

Next, steps S3, S4,
In step S5, when it is determined that the medium to which the input moving image is to be transferred is not any of the moving image medium, the audio medium, and the paper medium, the process proceeds to step S6, and the CPU 3 transfers the input moving image to the medium. For example, it is determined whether or not a unique device such as a videophone or a surveillance camera device is set. If YES, the process proceeds to step S14, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the transfer setting for transferring the input moving image has been made. However, since there is no medium for transferring the moving image, the CPU 3 transfers the input moving image to the HDD shown in FIG. In addition to controlling the accumulation in the data accumulating unit 5, the information indicating that the information input to the data accumulating unit 5 has been accumulated is displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the input moving image disappears. Further, the user can know from the display indicating that the storage has been performed that the input information is stored in the data storage unit 5, and can reproduce and appropriately process the information later.

On the other hand, when the videophone is set as the unique device and the transfer of only the audio in the moving image is set, the respective routines from step S14 to step S18 will be described. Assuming that only the audio transfer is set in the image,
The PU 3 extracts only the voice from the moving image input in step S14, ascertains the extracted voice in step S15, and extracts the command attached to the voice extracted in step S16.

This command is transmitted, for example, by the sender of a moving image being superimposed on the audio information of the moving image to be input. In this case, for example, the transmission of the audio information of the moving image to the videophone is performed. The command to be specified.
In step S17, the CPU 3 determines whether or not this command is valid. If YES, the CPU 3 transfers the extracted voice to the videophone, and ends all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this case, the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is terminated without transferring the extracted voice.

Note that steps S14 to S18
In the description of each of the routines, only the audio was extracted from the input moving image and transferred, but this may be done by extracting and transferring only the moving image, or both the moving image and the sound. You may make it transfer. For example, when a monitoring camera device is set as a unique device for transferring a moving image, it is meaningless to transfer a sound, so that only the moving image is transferred. In addition, a videophone is set as a unique device for transferring a moving image, but if the data processing capability of the videophone does not match the transfer rate of the moving image (the videophone cannot process the moving image with the data processing capability of the videophone). In the case where the moving image cannot be processed, the moving image may be thinned out at predetermined time intervals and transferred.

[Operation at Input of Still Image] Next, the operation when a still image is input via the input interface 2 as an input is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 4 is started when the power is turned on to the media conversion system 1 and proceeds to step S21.

In step S21, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a still image has been input through any of the input interfaces 2. If NO, the CPU 3 repeats the routine in step S21 until a still image is input. The process is repeatedly executed, and in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the CPU 3 determines whether or not transfer of the input still image is permitted, and if NO, terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 without executing the subsequent steps. Then, in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the transfer-set medium is a moving image medium such as a television receiver or a VTR.
In the case of ES, the process proceeds to step S29, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S29, since the moving image medium is set as the transfer-set medium, the CPU
3 transfers the still image supplied via the input interface 2 to the moving image medium via the output interface 4 and terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. This allows the user to view the still image supplied via the input interface 2 via, for example, a television receiver.

If it is determined in step S23 that a medium other than a moving image medium has been set as the transfer-set medium, the flow advances to step S24. In step S24, the CPU 3 sets the transfer-set medium to, for example, a speaker device. It is determined whether or not it is an audio medium such as....
In the case of O, the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S30, the CPU 3 optically reads a still image using, for example, a scanner or the like, and performs OCR processing (OCC processing) for performing character recognition based on the read result.
R: Optical character recognition), and then proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the CPU 3 determines whether or not valid data exists in the character (text) read by the OCR processing (whether or not text exists in the still image). S3
The process proceeds to step S2, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, since the still image cannot be converted into voice and no valid character (text) exists in the still image, the CPU 3 sets the deemed voice data to form a so-called "beep sound". A conversion process is performed, and this is transferred to the audio media in step S35, and the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 ends. As a result, for example, a beep sound is output as an acoustic output through the speaker device, and the user can recognize that a still image has been input through the input interface 2 by using the beep sound. This sound can be restored to obtain a still image.

In this case, a voice message indicating that no text exists in the still image may be transmitted. As a result, the voice message is output via the speaker device, and the user can recognize that the still image has been input via the input interface 2.

Next, in step S31, if valid data is present in the still image, that is, if it is determined that text is present in the still image, in step S32, the CPU 3 replaces the characters of this text. TTS conversion processing (TTS: Text to Spee)
ch), and transfers this to the audio media, and ends all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. As a result, the sound corresponding to the text included in the still image is output through, for example, the speaker device, and the user can recognize the content of the input still image.

Next, if the medium set to be transferred in step S24 is not an audio medium, the flow advances to step S25.
However, it is determined whether or not the transfer-set medium is a paper medium such as a facsimile machine or a printer, and YES
In the case of, the process proceeds to step S36, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S36, it is determined that the medium set for transfer is a paper medium.
Transforms the still image data into a predetermined format corresponding to the paper medium, transfers the formatted still image data to the paper medium via the output interface 4 in step S37, All routines shown are terminated. Thereby, the user can recognize the still image supplied via the input interface 2 by the image printed on the facsimile paper or the print paper.

Next, in step S26, when it is determined that the medium to which the input still image is to be transferred is not a paper medium, the process proceeds to step S26, in which the CPU 3
However, it is determined whether or not an electronic medium such as a personal computer is set as a medium to which the input still image is transferred. If YES, the process proceeds to step S38, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S38, the CPU 3 divides the input still image into a text portion and an image portion, shapes the text portion into a so-called electronic mail (e-mail) format, and attaches the image portion to the attached e-mail. In step S39, these are transferred to the electronic medium, and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are completed. Thus, the user can recognize the still image (and the text) via, for example, the display screen of the personal computer device by capturing the e-mail via the Internet.

Next, step S23, step S2
4. In step S25 and step S26, the medium for transferring the input still image is a moving image medium,
If it is determined that it is not any of audio media, paper media, and electronic media, the process proceeds to step S27, where the CPU
3 is a medium for transferring the input still image,
For example, it is determined whether or not a unique device such as a VTR controller that controls recording and reproduction of a VTR device and a TV controller that controls display of a television receiver or the like is set. If YES, the process proceeds to step S40 and NO If so, the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S28, although the transfer setting for transferring the input still image has been made, since there is no medium for transferring the still image, the CPU 3 transfers the input still image to the HDD shown in FIG. In addition to controlling the accumulation in the data accumulating unit 5, the information indicating that the information input to the data accumulating unit 5 has been accumulated is displayed. This can prevent the inconvenience of losing the input still image. Further, the user can know from the display indicating that the storage has been performed that the input information is stored in the data storage unit 5, and can reproduce and appropriately process the information later.

On the other hand, as the unique device, for example, a VTR
A description will be given of each routine of steps S40 to S44 in the case where a controller is set and a command for controlling recording and reproduction of the VTR device is added to the input still image as text.
U3 reads the text by performing the OCR process on the still image input by the scanner device or the like in step S40. In step S41, the CPU 3
It is determined whether or not text (valid data) is present in the still image. If YES, the process proceeds to step S42,
If NO (if no valid data exists), all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are ended.

In step S42, the CPU 3 analyzes the command in the text, and determines in step S43 whether the command is valid. If the command is not valid, the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is terminated, and if the command is valid, the command determined to be valid is transferred to, for example, a VTR controller in step S44, and All the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Thus, for example, the recording / reproduction control of the VTR device can be performed by the command included in the text of the input still image.

[Operation at the time of voice input] Next, the operation when a voice is input via the input interface 2 as an input is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 5 is started when the power is turned on to the media conversion system 1 and proceeds to step S51.

In step S51, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a voice has been input through any of the input interfaces 2. If NO, the routine of step S51 is repeatedly executed until a voice is input. Then, in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S52. Step S
At 52, the CPU 3 determines whether or not transfer of the input voice is permitted. If NO, the CPU 3 terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 without executing the subsequent steps. If YES, step S53
Proceed to.

In step S53, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the transfer-set medium is a moving image medium such as a television receiver or a VTR device.
In the case of ES, the process proceeds to step S59, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S54.

In the step S59, since the moving image medium is set as the transfer-set medium, the CPU
3 transfers the audio supplied via the input interface 2 to the moving image media via the output interface 4, and terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. This allows the user to listen to the sound supplied via the input interface 2 via, for example, a speaker device provided in the television receiver.

If it is determined in step S53 that a medium other than a moving image medium has been set as the transfer-set medium, the flow advances to step S54. In step S54, the CPU 3 sets the transfer-set medium to, for example, a speaker device. It is determined whether or not the audio media is the same, and in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S60, where the input audio information is transferred to the audio media, and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this case, the process proceeds to step S55.

Next, if the medium set to be transferred in step S54 is not an audio medium, the flow advances to step S55.
However, it is determined whether or not the transfer-set medium is a paper medium such as a facsimile machine or a printer, and YES
In the case of, the process proceeds to step S61, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S56.

In step S61, it is determined that the medium set for transfer is a paper medium.
Performs voice recognition based on the voice information, and in step S62, converts the recognized voice into character data. In step S63, the character data corresponding to the voice is transferred to the paper medium and
All the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. Thus, the user can recognize the voice supplied via the input interface 2 by the characters printed on the facsimile paper or the print paper.

Next, in step S55, when it is determined that the medium to which the input sound is to be transferred is not a paper medium, the process proceeds to step S56, and the CPU 3 determines whether the input sound is to be transferred to a medium such as a personal computer. It is determined whether or not an electronic medium such as a device is set. If YES, the process proceeds to step S64, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S57.

In step S64, the CPU 3 converts the input audio format into an electronic media audio format. In step S65, the CPU 3 transfers the input audio format to the electronic media, and terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. . Thereby, the user can recognize the voice via the speaker device provided in the personal computer device, for example.

Next, step S53, step S5
4. If it is determined in step S55 and step S56 that the media to which the input audio is to be transferred is not any of moving image media, audio media, paper media, and electronic media, the process proceeds to step S57, and the CPU 3
Determines whether a specific device such as a VTR controller for controlling recording / reproduction of a VTR device or a TV controller for controlling display of a television receiver is set as a medium for transferring the input audio. And
In the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S66, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S58.

In step S58, although the transfer setting for transferring the input sound has been made, since there is no medium for transferring the input sound, the CPU 3 transfers the input sound to the HDD or the like shown in FIG. The storage control is performed in the data storage unit 5 and a display indicating that the information input to the data storage unit 5 has been stored is made, and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the input voice is lost. Also,
The user can know that the input information is stored in the data storage unit 5 by the display indicating that the storage has been performed, and can reproduce and appropriately process the information later.

On the other hand, when a TV controller is set as the unique device, for example, step S6
Explaining each routine from 6 to step S69, in this case, the CPU 3 performs voice recognition based on the input voice information in step S66, and controls the television receiver attached to the voice information in step S67. Then, a command for performing the operation is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S68. Then, in a step S68, it is determined whether or not the extracted command is valid. If NO, all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are terminated, and if YES, the extracted command is transmitted to the TV. The program is transferred to the controller and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are completed. Thus, for example, on / off control of a television receiver, transfer of a received image, and the like can be controlled by a command included in the input audio.

[Operation at the time of document input] Next, the operation when a document is input via the input interface 2 as an input is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 6 starts when the power is turned on to the media conversion system 1, and the process proceeds to step S71.

In step S71, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a document has been input through any of the input interfaces 2. If NO, the routine of step S71 is repeatedly executed until a document is input. Then, in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S72. Step S
At 72, the CPU 3 determines whether the transfer of the input document is permitted, and if NO, terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 without executing the subsequent steps. If YES, step S73
Proceed to.

In step S73, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the transfer-set medium is a moving image medium such as a television receiver or a VTR device.
In the case of ES, the process proceeds to step S78, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S74.

In step S78, since the moving image medium is set as the transfer-set medium, the CPU
3 develops the document supplied via the input interface 2 into an image (image development), transfers this to the moving image media via the output interface 4, and ends all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. . Thereby, the user can visually recognize the document supplied via the input interface 2 via, for example, a display screen of a television receiver.

Next, in step S73, if a medium other than a moving image medium has been set as the transfer-set medium, the process proceeds to step S74. In step S74, the CPU 3 sets the transfer-set medium to, for example, a speaker device. It is determined whether or not it is an audio medium such as.
In the case of O, the process proceeds to step S75.

In step S80, the CPU 3 performs a voice conversion process for converting the character data constituting the input document into voice data. In step S81, the voice data is transferred to voice media, and the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. All routines shown are terminated. Thereby, the user can listen to the document supplied via the input interface 2 by, for example, sound output from the speaker device.

Next, if the medium set to be transferred in step S74 is not an audio medium, the flow advances to step S75.
However, it is determined whether or not the transfer-set medium is a paper medium such as a facsimile machine or a printer, and YES
In the case of, the process proceeds to step S82, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S76.

In step S82, since the medium set to be transferred is determined to be a paper medium,
Shapes the input document into a form that can be handled by the paper medium set for transfer,
3 and the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is completed. Thereby, the user can recognize the document supplied via the input interface 2 by the characters printed on the facsimile paper or the print paper.

Next, if it is determined in step S75 that the medium to which the input document is to be transferred is not a paper medium, the flow advances to step S76. It is determined whether or not an electronic medium such as a device has been set. If YES, the process proceeds to step S84; if NO, the process proceeds to step S77.

In step S84, the CPU 3 converts the format of the input document into a document format for electronic media, transfers it to the electronic media in step S85, and ends all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. . Thus, the user can visually recognize the input document via, for example, a display screen of a personal computer device.

Next, step S73, step S7
4. If it is determined in step S75 and step S76 that the medium to which the input document is to be transferred is not any of moving image media, audio media, paper media, and electronic media, the process proceeds to step S77, and the CPU 3
Determines whether a specific device such as a VTR controller that controls recording and reproduction of a VTR device and a TV controller that controls display of a television receiver is set as a medium for transferring an input document. And
In the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S86, and in the case of NO, the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends.

If the determination in step S77 is NO, the input document is stored in the data storage unit 5 as described in steps S7, S28, and S58. Good.

In step S86, since the medium for which the transfer is set is the unique device, the CPU 3 extracts the command attached to the input document, and determines in step S87 whether the command is valid. Determine.
If this command is invalid, the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is terminated. If the command is valid, the process proceeds to step S88, where the user sets, for example, the VTR controller or T
The command is transferred to a unique device such as a V controller, and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 are completed. Thus, for example, recording / reproduction of a VTR device, on / off of a television receiver, and the like can be controlled by a command included in the input document.

[Operation at State Input] Next, the operation when a state is input via the input interface 2 as an input is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this example, the “state” includes, for example, a sensor output of an infrared sensor (alarm: human body sensor),
It is assumed that an image output (and an audio output) of the surveillance camera or an audio output (and an image output) of the intercom is provided.

Assuming that this is the case, the flow chart of FIG. 7 starts when the power of the media conversion system 1 is turned on, and the flow proceeds to step S91.

In step S91, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a state has been input through any of the input interfaces 2. If NO, the routine of step S91 is repeatedly executed until a state is input. Then, in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S92. Step S
At 92, the CPU 3 determines whether the transfer of the input state is permitted or not, and if NO, terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 without executing the subsequent steps. If YES, step S
Go to 93.

In step S93, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the transfer-set medium is a moving image medium such as a television receiver or a VTR.
In the case of ES, the process proceeds to step S99, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S94.

Here, a moving image, a still image, a voice, data, a command, and the like corresponding to a state in which an input is assumed are stored in advance in the data storage unit 5 of the media conversion system 1. In S99 to S103, these various types of information according to the input state are transferred to each medium.

That is, in step S93,
If it is determined that the transfer-set medium is a moving image medium, the CPU 3 reads a moving image corresponding to the state stored in the data storage unit 5 in advance in step S99, and transfers this to the moving image medium. Then, all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 are completed. Accordingly, the user can visually recognize an image corresponding to the state supplied via the input interface 2 via, for example, a display screen of a television receiver.

Next, in step S93, if a medium other than a moving image medium is set as the transfer-set medium, the process proceeds to step S94. In step S94, the CPU 3 sets the transfer-set medium to, for example, a speaker device. It is determined whether or not the audio medium is a sound medium such as. If YES, the process proceeds to step S100.
If NO, the process proceeds to step S75.

In step S100, CPU 3 reads out the voice corresponding to the input state from data storage unit 5, transfers this to the voice media, and ends all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. Thus, the user can recognize the state supplied via the input interface 2 by sound output from a sound medium such as a speaker device.

Next, if the medium set to be transferred in step S94 is not an audio medium, the flow advances to step S95, and the CPU 3 determines whether the medium set to be transferred is a paper medium such as a facsimile apparatus or a printer. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S101, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S96.

In step S101, it is determined that the medium set for transfer is a paper medium.
Reads the character data corresponding to the input state or the image (image) data corresponding to the input state from the data storage unit 5 and transfers the read data to the paper medium to execute the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. To end.
Thereby, the user can recognize the state supplied via the input interface 2 by characters or images printed on facsimile paper or print paper.

Next, in step S95, when it is determined that the medium to which the input state is to be transferred is not a paper medium, the process proceeds to step S96. It is determined whether or not an electronic medium such as a device is set. If YES, the process proceeds to step S102, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S97.

In step S102, the CPU 3 stores the character data corresponding to the input state or the image (image) data corresponding to the input state in the data storage unit 5.
And transfer it to the electronic media to
All the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize the state supplied via the input interface 2 through, for example, a display screen of a personal computer device.

Next, step S93 and step S9 are performed.
4. If it is determined in step S95 and step S96 that the media to which the input state is to be transferred is not any of moving image media, audio media, paper media, and electronic media, the process proceeds to step S97, and the CPU 3
Determines whether a specific device such as a VTR controller that controls recording and reproduction of a VTR device and a TV controller that controls display of a television receiver is set as a medium for transferring the input state. And
In the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S103, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S98.

In step S98, the transfer setting for transferring the input state has been made. However, since there is no medium for transferring the state, the CPU 3 stores the information (status) of the input state in data. The storage control is performed in the storage unit 5 and a display to the effect that the information input to the data storage unit 5 has been stored is displayed, and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. As a result, the inconvenience of losing the input information can be prevented.
Further, the user can know from the display indicating that the storage has been performed that the input information is stored in the data storage unit 5, and can reproduce and appropriately process the information later.

On the other hand, in step S103, since the medium for which the transfer is set is a unique device, the CPU 3 reads a command corresponding to the input state from the data storage unit 5, and reads this command from the data storage unit 5, such as a TV controller or VTR controller. The data is transferred to the device and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 are completed. As a result, the TV controller or the VTR can be operated by a command corresponding to the input state.
The television receiver and the VTR device are controlled via the controller, and the user can indirectly change the state input via the input interface 2 by using a display image of the television receiver or a reproduced image of the VTR device. Can be recognized.

[Operation at Receiving Voice Mail] Next, in addition to so-called e-mail (E-mail) for distributing a written mail to a designated user via a provider on the Internet today, for example, a public telephone or a portable telephone 2. Description of the Related Art Voice mail that delivers a voice message transmitted via a telephone to a designated user in a voice state is known.

FIG. 8 shows the conversion state of the media conversion system 1 when a voice mail arrives. That is,
In the media conversion system 1, when a voice mail arrives via the input interface 2, the voice mail is transmitted to an emergency mailbox virtually formed in the CPU 3. When the voice mail is transmitted to the emergency mailbox, the CPU 3 converts the voice mail into a form of, for example, e-mail, character data, voice data, a command, etc. in accordance with the "priority" specified by the user. Through the output interface 4 to a computer device, facsimile device, speaker device, television receiver, TV controller, or the like.

More specifically, the operation at the time of receiving a voice mail is as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 starts when the power is supplied to the media conversion system 1, and the process proceeds to step S111. In the description of the flowchart of FIG. 9, the priority order of the forwarding destination of the voice mail set by the user is determined by the mobile phone, the facsimile machine,
It is assumed that e-mail (computer device) and unique equipment are set in this order.

In step S111, the CPU 3 determines whether or not voice mail (voice message) has been transmitted to the emergency mailbox virtually provided in the CPU 3, and if NO, repeats step S111. Execute, and if YES, proceed to Step S112.
In step S112, the CPU 3 determines whether the transfer of the incoming voice mail is permitted, and if NO, terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 without executing the subsequent steps. If YES, the process proceeds to step S113.

As described above, in this example, the mobile phone is set as the highest priority as the transfer destination of the voice mail, and therefore, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a telephone number registered in advance exists in step S113. If YES, the process proceeds to step S118, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S118.
Proceed to 114.

In step S118, since there is a telephone number registered in advance, CPU 3 transfers the incoming voice mail to the user's mobile phone, and proceeds to step S119. Thereby, the user can listen to the voice mail arriving as an emergency mail, for example, at a place where the user is currently present, such as a destination.

At step S119, CPU 3 determines whether or not the transferred voice mail has been correctly transferred. If the transferred voice mail is correctly transferred (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step S115 because the transfer setting may be duplicated with other priority media, and the transferred voice mail is If the transfer has not been correctly performed (NO), step S114 is performed to determine whether or not the transfer setting is duplicated for the medium of the next priority in order to ensure the transfer of the voice mail. Proceed to.

In step S114, since the facsimile machine is set as the next transfer destination of the voice mail in this example, the CPU 3
It is determined whether or not a number exists, and in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S120, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S115.

In step S120, since the fax number exists, the CPU 3 performs voice recognition of the incoming voice mail as voice information. In step S121, the recognized voice text is converted into image data for the facsimile apparatus. After the conversion, in step S122, the voice mail converted into the image data is transferred to the facsimile apparatus having the designated FAX number. As a result, the user can recognize the voice mail that has arrived as a voice message by using the characters of the facsimile machine. After the execution of step S122, the CPU 3 proceeds to step S115 because there is a case where the transfer setting is duplicated for another medium of another priority.

In step S115, since the computer is set as the next transfer destination of the voice mail in this example, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the transfer address of the e-mail registered in advance exists. YES
In the case of, the process proceeds to step S123, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S123, since there is a transfer address of the electronic mail registered in advance, the CPU 3
The received voice mail is attached to the electronic mail as an attached file, which is transmitted to the computer at the specified address, and the entire routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is completed. Thereby, the user can recognize the voice mail received as a voice message by the attached file of the electronic mail.

Next, in step S116, in this example, as a next transfer destination of the voice mail, for example, a VTR controller for controlling recording and reproduction of a VTR device, a TV controller for controlling display of a television receiver, and the like are used. Since the device is set, the CPU 3 determines whether or not a unique device registered in advance exists. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S124. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.
Go to 117.

In step S117, the voice mail transfer setting has been made. However, since there is no medium for transferring the voice mail, the CPU 3 controls the storage of the received voice mail in the data storage unit 5, A display indicating that the incoming voice mail has been stored in the storage unit 5 is displayed, and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 are completed. This can prevent the inconvenience of losing the incoming voice mail. Also, the user
From the display indicating that the storage has been performed, it is possible to know that the incoming voice mail is stored in the data storage unit 5, and it is possible to reproduce this later and take appropriate action.

On the other hand, in step S124, since there is a unique device to which the transfer is set, the CPU 3 stores the command corresponding to the incoming voice mail among the commands registered in advance for each voice mail in the data storage unit. 5
And transfers it to a unique device such as a TV controller or a VTR controller, and terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. As a result, the television receiver and the VTR device are controlled via the TV controller and the VTR controller by the command corresponding to the incoming voice mail, and the user can receive the incoming voice mail message and the like by the television receiver. Can be indirectly recognized from a display image of the VTR device or a reproduced image of the VTR device.

[Operation at E-mail (Emergency Mail) Incoming] Next, the operation when an e-mail arrives via the input interface 2 as an input is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 10 starts when the power is turned on to the media conversion system 1, and the process proceeds to step S131.

In step S131, the CPU 3 determines whether an e-mail has arrived through any of the input interfaces 2. If NO, the routine of step S131 is repeatedly executed until an e-mail arrives. Then, in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S132. In step S132, the CPU 3 determines whether the transfer of the incoming e-mail is permitted or not, and if NO, terminates all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 without executing the subsequent steps. Then, in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S133.

In step S133, CPU 3 reads data indicating the degree of urgency attached to the incoming e-mail to determine whether or not the e-mail is an urgent mail. Since the e-mail is not an urgent mail, the incoming e-mail is stored and controlled in the data storage unit 5, and the fact that the received e-mail is stored in the data storage unit 5 is displayed, and all the routines shown in the flowchart of FIG. To end. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the received e-mail is lost. Further, the user can know from the display indicating that the storage has been performed that the received electronic mail is stored in the data storage unit 5, and can reproduce the received electronic mail later and take appropriate action.

Next, in step S134, the CPU 3
However, it is determined whether the coping method for the urgent mail set in advance by the user is, for example, a method of calling a mobile phone, and in the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S139,
If NO, the process proceeds to step S135.

In step S139, since the transfer destination of the emergency mail is a mobile phone, the CPU 3 shapes the incoming emergency mail into a form that can be converted to voice, converts it into voice in step S140, and converts it into voice in step S141. Then, the voice is transferred to the mobile phone of the designated telephone number. Thus, the user can listen to the contents of the incoming emergency mail in the form of voice via the mobile phone. After this transfer, the CPU 3 proceeds to step S135 because there may be other coping methods set in advance by the user.

At step S135, CPU 3 determines whether or not the coping method for the urgent mail set by the user in advance is a method of transmitting the facsimile to the facsimile apparatus. If YES, the process proceeds to step S142; if NO, Goes to step S136.

In step S142, since the transfer destination of the emergency mail is a facsimile machine, the CPU 3 converts the document form of the incoming emergency mail into a form that can be handled by the facsimile machine. Then, in step S143, the converted emergency mail is transferred to the facsimile machine of the designated FAX number. Thus, the user can recognize the content of the incoming emergency mail by the character of the facsimile machine. After this transfer, the CPU 3 proceeds to step S136 because there may be other coping methods set in advance by the user.

In step S136, the CPU 3 determines whether or not the coping method for the urgent mail set in advance by the user is a method of moving a predetermined device.
In the case of ES, the process proceeds to step S144, and in the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S137.

In step S142, since the method for responding to the emergency mail is to move a predetermined device, the CP
U3 extracts the command for driving and controlling a predetermined device attached to the emergency mail, and extracts the command in step S14.
In step 5, this command is transferred to the corresponding device, and the flow advances to step S137. Specifically, the “predetermined device” is, for example, a pager, a lighting device connected to the home LAN, an air conditioner, or a device related to security, and executes each routine of steps S144 and S145. Thus, these devices and devices operate in response to the command of the emergency mail.

Next, in step S137, the CPU
No. 3 determines whether or not the setting for deleting the incoming emergency mail is made. If the setting is made to delete the incoming emergency mail (in the case of YES), this is deleted, all the routines in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 are ended, and the setting is made to store the incoming emergency mail. If yes (NO), the process proceeds to step S138, where it is stored in the data storage unit 5, and all the routines in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 are ended. This allows
It can be stored or deleted as needed or unnecessary for urgent mail.

As is apparent from the above description, the media conversion system according to the present embodiment can convert information input from a certain medium into an information form corresponding to the medium specified by the user and transfer the converted information. it can. Therefore, two-way communication can be performed not only with the same medium but also with different media, and smooth communication can be realized.

Now that various media have spread,
It should be added that the media conversion system of this embodiment is very useful in the future where information, communication devices and home appliances will be integrated.

Finally, the description of the above embodiment is only an example of the present invention. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made according to the design and the like within a range not departing from the technical idea according to the present invention. .

[0130]

The recording medium in which the media conversion system and the media conversion program according to the present invention are recorded enables information communication between different media, and enables smooth communication.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of a media conversion system and a recording medium on which a media conversion program is recorded according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a media conversion system according to an embodiment to which a media conversion system according to the present invention and a recording medium on which a media conversion program is recorded are applied.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the media conversion system of the embodiment when a moving image is input.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the media conversion system according to the embodiment when a still image is input.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the media conversion system of the embodiment at the time of voice input.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the media conversion system according to the embodiment at the time of inputting a document.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the media conversion system of the embodiment at the time of state input.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation of the media conversion system according to the embodiment when a voice mail is received.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the media conversion system of the embodiment when a voice mail arrives;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the media conversion system of the embodiment when an electronic mail (emergency mail) arrives.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Media conversion system, 2 ... Input interface, 3 ... Operation part (CPU) 4 ... Output interface, 5 ... Data storage part, 6 ... Keyboard, 7 ... Mouse 8 ... Display part, 9 ... Remote controller (remote control)

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04M 11/00 303

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An information format conversion means for converting various information input from a plurality of input media into an information format that can be handled by an output medium, and transferring the information in the converted information format to a corresponding output media. A media conversion system comprising: 2. The various information input from the input medium to the information form conversion means is audio information and / or character information and / or image information. Is converted into character information and / or image information, the character information is converted into sound information and / or image information, and the image information is converted into sound information and / or character information and output to each corresponding output medium. The media conversion system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. Information input from the input medium is provided with control information for controlling a predetermined device, and the information form conversion unit extracts the control information from the input information. 3. The media conversion system according to claim 1, wherein the control information is transferred to a corresponding output medium. 4. A storage unit in which information of an information form for each output medium corresponding to information input from the input medium is stored in advance, and the information form conversion unit receives information from the input medium. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: reading information in an information form corresponding to an output medium to which the input information is to be transferred from the storage unit, and transferring the read information to the corresponding output medium. The media conversion system according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. The output medium is given a priority order, and the information form conversion means converts the information form of the inputted information so that the information is transferred in order from the output medium having the highest priority order. The media conversion system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conversion is performed. 6. A conversion step of converting various information input from a plurality of input media into an information form that can be handled by an output medium, and an output step of transferring the information in the converted information form to a corresponding output medium. And a recording medium having a media conversion program recorded thereon. 7. An extraction step for extracting control information for controlling a predetermined device attached to information input from the input medium, wherein the output step includes the control information extracted in the extraction step. 7. A recording medium on which the media conversion program according to claim 6 is transferred to a corresponding output medium. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, when the information is input from the input medium, the information in the information form for each output medium corresponding to the information input from the input medium is stored in advance from a storage unit. The medium according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the information in the information format for the output medium is read, and the output step transfers the information read from the storage unit to a corresponding output medium. A recording medium on which a conversion program is recorded. 9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the converting step converts the information format of the input information so that the information is transferred in order from the output medium having the highest priority. A recording medium on which the media conversion program according to any one of the claims is recorded.