JPH0622312A - Satellite inter-multipoint video communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize an economical system employing the hybrid system of satellite and ground lines and to obtain a build-up system in which visual lines of a camera and a monitor are made coincident with each other in an inter- multipoint communication system by video image. CONSTITUTION:Video images of remote stations 11 are synthesized by a video synthesizer 6 and the synthesized image is transmitted and visual lines are made coincident with each other by a prompter monitor 2 and a prompter camera 3 through hybrid configuration employing a satellite line used for transmitting a video image from a center station 7 and a ground line used for transmitting a video image from the remote station 11. Thus, the economical inter multipoint video communication system is obtained, in which visual lines are made coincident with each other.

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 mainly using a satellite line, and more specifically, it can be applied to a remote education system having the same system configuration and applications involving various questions. The present invention relates to a satellite multipoint video communication method and system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A multipoint video conference system using a satellite line, which has been already realized, has been disclosed in JP-A-2-65.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 426, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-73758, etc., it is a method of transmitting an image directly from each base through a satellite.

[0003]

For this reason, the earth station must use a transmission / reception type, which is expensive, and the total cost of the system is high.

In the conventional TV conference system and the like, since the positions of the camera and the monitor are different, there is a problem that the line of sight faces the monitor and does not match the camera.

Further, when voice is transmitted using a satellite line, there is an operational problem that a ringing occurs due to a return voice via the satellite and a state in which a speaker cannot speak easily occurs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multipoint video communication method and system capable of reducing the operating cost of the entire system in a multipoint video conference system using a satellite line.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multipoint video communication method and system that solves the problem that the line of sight of the speaker does not match the camera and lacks a sense of presence compared to normal conversation. is there.

Still another object of the present invention is to hold / disconnect a received video / audio signal, a selection function, and a return to a selected remote station via a satellite when a plurality of ground lines are connected to a center station. It is to provide a talking station selection device having a function of controlling voice.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multipoint video communication method and system in which a center station for performing broadcast communication is a mobile station.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multipoint video communication method and system in which a center station includes a function as a remote station.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multipoint video communication method and system using a terrestrial line when a line by a communication satellite becomes unavailable.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention, in the case of a multipoint video conference carried out between a plurality of bases, usually one base is the center and proceedings are proceeding. Therefore, the bases other than the center are in the form of speaking sequentially. Therefore, by switching the ground line such as ISDN line and transmitting it to the center, combining the image of the center with the center image and transmitting to the other point by satellite line, the earth station of each base is a reception-only type Therefore, the total cost of the system will be reduced compared to the case where a transmitting / receiving earth station is introduced, and the running cost will be reduced by using a metered line such as ISDN.

Further, in order to match the line of sight of the speaker with the camera, which is the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention is realized by making the position of the camera and the monitor for displaying the image of the other person the same. As a device itself, a prompter camera for projecting a document on the front surface of the camera has already been developed.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, a request for a uttering station from a remote station is simultaneously generated from a plurality of stations and transmitted to a center station through a ground line. By selecting, the speech is permitted, but the speaker voice of the permitted remote station returns from the center station to its own station via the satellite line.
Only the station concerned controls the return voice.

Further, the center station is equipped with the speech station selection device having these functions, and by simply selecting the speech station, the video / audio signal of the station to be transmitted on the satellite line is output. , And automatically sends a signal for controlling voice to the selected station.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention uses a mobile station as a center station and makes an apparatus included in the center station portable.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a system including a function of a remote station by using a center station antenna for transmission and reception.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention transmits information to be transmitted from a center station to a communication satellite to a video conference unit connected to a ground line.

[0019]

In the video conference system between a plurality of bases using satellite communication according to the present invention, only the center earth station that is proceeding with the proceedings is of a transmission / reception type, and the image transmitted from the center station is transmitted by the satellite line in a broadcast manner. Remote stations with a large number of stations participating in the conference are transmitted to the center station via a ground line such as ISDN, combined with the image of the center station and transmitted to all remote stations via a satellite line. Is a receive-only type, and the total cost of the system can be reduced.

In the case of a video conversation, since the user talks to the other person, it is unavoidable to look at the monitor on which the other person's image is displayed. Therefore, it is necessary to assume that the line of sight is directed at the monitor, and as a result, unless the monitor position and the camera position are the same, the line of sight and the camera do not match, so a prompter camera is used instead of the camera of the video conference system. It can be realized by doing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of remote stations request utterances through the terrestrial line and several of them are allowed to speak sequentially, the line is put on hold. , Can be switched without a time lag. If the return voice from the satellite is not controlled for the station that is speaking, not only is it difficult to speak with the voice of the speaker who is delayed on the satellite line, but also howling occurs.
Therefore, it is indispensable to control the voice at the same time as permitting the uttering station, but this can be realized by providing the uttering station selecting device for instantaneously controlling the uttering station only in one touch, in the center station.

By using the center station, which is another aspect of the present invention, as a mobile station, it becomes possible to provide a multipoint video communication method and system at various points.

By including the function of the remote station in the center station which is another aspect of the present invention, for example, when there are a plurality of points that can be the center stations, any one of the plurality of center stations can be used as necessary. As a center station to be broadcast, it is possible to switch the center stations between arbitrary multipoints.

By transmitting the information for satellite communication, which is another aspect of the present invention, through the terrestrial line, it becomes possible to perform reliable information communication through the terrestrial line when a problem occurs in the communication through the satellite line.

[0025]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a multipoint video conference consisting of a center station having a chairman 1 who is proceeding with proceedings and remote stations participating in the conference. As for the holding of the conference, the dates and times are notified to each base in advance, and the conference is started on the day. At the same time, the video and audio of the chairperson 1 are transmitted from the camera 3 and the microphone 16 to the transmitter of the center station 7 and modulated, and then the communication satellite 8 It is broadcast to the receiving devices such as remote stations 10 and 11 nationwide via the route. Each remote station demodulates the received signal into video and audio and outputs it to the monitor 12, and also to the monitor 14 of the videophone by connecting it to the external video input terminal of the videophone, for example, HV-100 manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd. Is output. When the person 15 of the remote station 10 wants to speak as the conference progresses, a signal is transmitted via the ISDN line by calling from the videophone to the center station, and the center station picks up the receiver to connect to the line. Is set. When the line is set, the video and audio of the person 15 are sent from the camera 13 and the microphone 17 to the videophone of the center station via the ISDN line, and the video is displayed on the monitor unit 2 of the prompter camera and input to the video synthesizer 6. Then, it is combined with the video of the chairperson 1 and input to the transmitter of the center station 7. On the other hand, the voice is monitored by the speaker 18 and is also input to the center station. If the voice of the chairman 1 collected by the microphone 16 is voice R, the voice L is transmitted to the remote stations nationwide together with the video. Be informed. Therefore, at a remote station other than the one that is speaking, the video of chair 1 and the speaker 1
Since the stereoscopic audio in which the video of channel 5 is synthesized and the audio of the chairman 1 and the audio of the speaker 15 are assigned to the two channels R and L respectively, the conversation contents of both can be viewed. Become. When the talk of the speaker 15 ends and the ISDN line is disconnected by placing the receivers of the video telephone at both the center station and the remote station, the video telephone of the remote station 11 makes a new call to the center station. The line is set up and proceedings proceed. Therefore, the speaker video of each remote station, which is always switched to the chairman 1 in the satellite line, is broadcast along with the voice, and the ISDN line is also switched one line in sequence, so theoretically the number of remote stations is infinitely increased. If the conference time is the same, the line cost will be constant regardless of the number of remote stations. Further, since the earth station may be a reception-only station, it becomes an economical system as compared with an expensive transceiver station.

Next, the matching structure between the line of sight and the camera in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the speaker image of the remote station transmitted via the ISDN line, the line of sight of the chair 1 and the prompter camera. As described above, the speaker image of the remote station is received by the videophones 4 and 5 of the center via the ISDN line. The received video is sent from the video output terminal of the videophone to the monitor 2 of the prompter camera.
Is output to the video synthesizer 6. The speaker image is displayed on the image of the monitor 2, and the speaker 1 can see the speaker image by being projected on the half mirror 20 installed on the monitor 2. On the other hand, the camera 3 for photographing the image of the chairperson 1 is located on the extension line of the half mirror 20 on the face of the chairperson 1. Therefore, since the chairman 1 holds a meeting while watching the speaker image reflected on the half mirror 20, the chairman's line of sight is directed to the camera 3, and therefore the chairman 1's line of sight from the video synthesizer 6 becomes The speaker image is combined and output.

Further, although the prompter camera is used only in the center station, the prompter camera is also used in the remote station and the output of the camera 3 is connected to the video input terminals of the videophones 4 and 5 to make a speech. The person's image can also have a line of sight that matches the camera.

Although the above embodiments have been described on the premise of a multi-point video conference, the same system configuration is used, but mainly for video broadcasting such as a two-way communication distance learning system and an in-house one-way communication information transmission system. Applicable to all applications. In the case of a distance education system, replacing chairperson 1 with a lecturer enables remote education for remote classrooms nationwide, and when questions arise, students in each remote classroom can ask questions via videophone, similar to the above system. , Q & A with teacher and questioner can be viewed in all other remote classrooms. In addition, even in a system that is currently performing only video broadcasting, the system according to the present invention can be easily expanded.

In the above embodiments, the videophone, the prompter camera, and the video synthesizing device are independent devices. However, a device having a function integrating these makes it possible to form a simple structure of only the receiving dedicated station and the device. If the specification is such that the connection between the devices can be changed if necessary, the same device can be used as a simple device for land line regardless of the center or remote. In this case, the device is housed in one housing, and therefore the distance between the person and the device is increased. However, since it is necessary to connect to the center through a terrestrial public line such as ISDN, a terminal device in which a telephone function unit main body and a microphone are integrated is installed and operated by a person. Furthermore, by connecting the main device and the terminal device wirelessly, a simple configuration without a connection cable can be realized.

In particular, in the center station, when a plurality of remote stations request to speak, the line is connected and held, the speaking station is selected, and the return voice of the remote station via the satellite is cut and controlled. An all-in-one type configuration can be achieved by integrating it with a voice station selecting device having a function. In this case, it is necessary to add a control function of receiving the voice control signal from the center station and cutting the voice to the device of the remote station.

An embodiment of a system in which the center station targets a plurality of remote stations will be described below. Fig. 3 shows ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network: Int) for up to 12 remote stations and center stations at the same time.
integrated Services Digital
It is a system that connects through a network. The center station 100 has a teleconference unit 24 for establishing a line connection with the remote station 200, a prompter camera 22 as an image information input unit and a display unit, a microphone 44 as an audio information input unit, and a center station image information remote. An image synthesizing device 25 for synthesizing station image information as a child screen, an image synthesizing device 26 for synthesizing output image information of the image synthesizing device 25 and image information from the video conference unit 24 into one screen, and a monitor television for displaying the image information 23, the talk station selection device 2 for controlling the switching of the matrix switcher 28 and the voice information of an arbitrary remote station
7. Matrix switcher 28 that switches input video information or audio information to arbitrary output information to obtain output information, scrambler 43 for cryptographic processing for limitedly broadcasting video information and audio information, and encryption to communication satellite 32 A center station antenna 21 for transmitting signals of the converted video information and audio information is included.

On the other hand, the remote station 200 is the center station 100.
CS tuner 3 for receiving information sent from
7. A scramble decoder 38 for deciphering the encrypted received signal, a monitor TV 35 for displaying video information and audio information, and a control signal from the uttering station selecting device 27 of the uttering station of the center station for the voice information of the own station uttered via the communication satellite 32. It includes a voice control device 36 for control based on the above, a video conference unit 34 for communication through an ISDN line, and a document drawing device 39.

However, the video conference unit mentioned here is a unit in which the camera 13, the monitor 14 and the microphone 17 shown in FIG. 1 are integrated, and is capable of processing voice information and image information.

FIG. 4 shows the simplest configuration without using the video conference unit.

FIG. 4 shows audio information from the terminal adapter 70 connecting the remote station and the center station, the microphone 44, the video information from the camera 22, and the television monitor 23.
Codec 71 that processes the output information to the communication satellite 32 and the output information to the communication satellite 32, the distributor 72 that distributes the video information or the audio information in parallel, the audio information from the microphone 44 and the audio information of the arbitrary terminal adapter 70. FIG. 3 is a system diagram of a center station including a combiner 73 for combining

In the above system as well, the center station can broadcast information including center station information and arbitrary remote station information to all remote stations.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to transmit the remote station video information as a digitally compressed moving image, one input terminal and two output terminals for video information and one input terminal for audio information are provided. And an ISDN line compatible video conference unit having two output terminals and one data interface port, for example, the device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 265086/1992, or Hitachi Review (Vol.74 No.9 P15-P.
Although it is a system including the device described in 20), a system including a videophone corresponding to a still image may be used by setting the moving image as a still image.

The basic operation for carrying out this embodiment is shown in the flow chart of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing details of the embodiment shown in FIG. In the figure, V is a video signal, A is an audio signal,
A (R) / A (L) represents right / left of stereo sound, and C represents a control signal.

A case where the center station information is broadcast via the communication satellite 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The center station 100 outputs image information such as a document placed in the document drawing device 31 to the matrix switcher 2.
The video is displayed on the monitor of the prompter camera 22 via 8, and the center station video information for proceeding with the proceedings is photographed by the prompter camera 22 based on the manuscript or the like.

The captured center station image information is input to the matrix switcher 28 via the image distributor 45.
Together with the center station voice information from the microphone 44, it is broadcast to each remote station via the center station antenna 21 and the communication satellite 32 (step 500).

On the other hand, each remote station has a remote station antenna 33, a CS tuner 37, and a scramble decoder 3.
The video information, the audio information, and the like that have been broadcast via 8 are received (steps 510 to 520).

Next, the remote station 200 transmits the voice information and the video information to the center station 100 through the land line.

Each remote station uses its own video conference unit 34 to connect to the video conference unit 24 of the center station.
To call (steps 530 to 540) and connect to the ground line. It is assumed that there are utterance requests from 12 remote stations and that the 12 remote stations and the center station are connected to each other. The video information of each remote station is input to the matrix switcher 28 directly from the video conference unit 24 or via the image synthesizer 26 and displayed on the monitor television 23 (step 550).

Next, the center station is the matrix switcher 28.
An arbitrary one remote station is designated by the uttering station selecting device 27 linked with (step 560). This is achieved by selecting the matrix switcher 28 and the video conference unit 24 by the control signal for controlling the selection from the talk station selecting device 27. The image information of the selected video conference unit 24 is synthesized by the image synthesizing device 25 as a child screen in the image information of the prompter camera 22, and further, the image synthesizing device 26 outputs the image information of the image synthesizing device 25. And the video information of all video conference units 24 are combined.

On the other hand, the selected video conference unit 2
The video information of No. 4 can also be displayed on the monitor of the prompter camera 22 via the matrix switcher 28, and the center station 100 is exactly as shown in FIG.

In addition, the selected video conference unit 24
Is input to the monitor television 23 via the matrix switcher 28.

In the monitor television 23, in addition to the selected audio information, the input video information of the matrix switcher 28 is (1-1) the video information from the prompter camera 22, (1)
-2) Any one of the video information from the image synthesizing device 25 and (1-3) video information from the image synthesizing device 26 is transmitted (step 570).

The center station includes (2-1) voice information of an arbitrary remote station and (2-2)
The voice information from the microphone 44 and (2-3) (1-1) to (1) input to the matrix switcher 28 are input.
-3) Any one of the video information and the scrambler 3
0, broadcasts to all remote stations via the center station antenna 21 and communication satellite 32.

That is, the center station puts arbitrary remote station information on the center station information and broadcasts to all remote stations.

The video information broadcast is received by the remote station (Step 580), and a television conversation is executed between the remote station and the center station (Steps 530-58).
0). However, an arbitrary remote station selected by the center station returns its own voice information via the center station antenna 21 and the communication satellite 32, so that howling occurs and an environment in which it is difficult to talk due to delay of the sanitary line, etc. A problem arises. Therefore, howling and the like are prevented by preliminarily distinguishing the input voice information of the center station and the voice information of an arbitrary remote station into, for example, the L side and the R side of stereo voice used in satellite communication.

In order to prevent howling, the center station selects an arbitrary video conference unit 24 by the uttering station selection device 27 and transmits a control signal to the video conference unit 34 of an arbitrary remote station via the ground line. . In the remote station that has received the control signal, the video conference unit 34 controls the audio control device 36. For example, when the center station transmits audio information by dedicating the L side of stereo audio, This is to block the return of voice information, that is, the voice information of the user. This realizes a smooth dialogue between the center station and the remote station.

In the remote station shown in FIG. 5, the voice information input to the voice control device 36 is only the R side of the stereo voice, but the R side and the L side of the stereo voice are input to the voice control device 36. It is also possible to select and block any one.

Further, in the present embodiment, the discrimination between the center station voice information and the remote station voice information is performed by the R side and the L side of the stereo voice. Needless to say, howling and the like at the remote station can be prevented if it can be identified whether it is voice information.

Here, the operating principle of the matrix switcher 28 and the utterance station selection device 27 are shown in FIGS.

FIG. 7 shows the image information processing operation of the matrix switcher 28. Although the matrix switcher 28 is divided into three parts 28A, 28B and 28C in FIGS. 6 and 12, one matrix switcher can sufficiently operate.

Further, the circle in the figure indicates the station selecting device 27.
Indicates a point selected by, and a cross indicates an electrical contact.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the video information input to the matrix switcher 28 is (3-1) video information output from the prompter camera 22 and distributed by the video distributor 45.

(3-2) Video information obtained by synthesizing the video information distributed by the video distributor 45 and arbitrary remote station video information output from the matrix switcher 28 by the image synthesizing device 25.

(3-3) The output video information of the image synthesizing device 25 and the video information of 12 remote stations output from the 12 video conference units 24 are combined with the image synthesizing device 26.
Video information synthesized in.

(3-4) Image information from the document drawing device 31.

(3-5) 12 video conference units 2
4 video information.

The above five items are included.

The matrix switcher 28 uses any one of the above-mentioned input information as its output information. The outputs of the matrix switcher 28 of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 6 are: (4-1) Monitor TV 23 Video information to.

(4-2) Image information to the center station antenna 21.

(4-3) Video information on the monitor of the prompter camera 22.

(4-4) Video information to the image synthesizer 25.

The above-mentioned four video information are included, and the output video information is (3-1) to (3-5) of the input video information according to the control signal of the utterance station selection device 27.
Selected from among.

For example, in FIG. 7, by the control signal transmitted from the utterance station selection device 27, the video information (3-) of the 12 video conference units 24, which is the video information inputted, is inputted.
Select any one remote station from 5),
The selected remote station video information is used as video information (4-3) to the monitor of the prompter camera 22 and video information (4-4) to the image synthesizing device 25, and by the control signal, (2-1 ) To (2-4), the video information (4-
1) and image information (4-
2).

Note that FIG. 7 is only one example of the combination of the input video information and the output video information. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, information for inverting the information input to the image synthesizing device 25. By providing the switching unit 74, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the PinP parent screen and the child screen can be reversed.

FIG. 9 shows the processing operation of the audio information of the matrix switcher 28.

The audio information input to the matrix switcher 28 is (5-1) audio information from 12 video conference units 24.

(5-2) Audio information from the microphone 44.

The above two items are included.

The output of the matrix switcher 28 for the input information is (6-1) audio information to the monitor television 23.

(6-2) Audio information to the communication satellite 32.

It includes the above two.

According to the control signal from the utterance station selection device 27, the voice information to be output is any remote station voice information (5) from the voice information of the 12 video conference units 24 which is the input voice information. -1) is selected, and the audio information is transmitted to the monitor television 23 as audio information (6
-1) and audio information (6-2) to the communication satellite 32.

The voice information (5-2) from the microphone 44 becomes the voice information (6-2) to the communication satellite 32.

However, the voice information (6-
The audio information (5-1) from the 12 video conference units 24 and the audio information (5-2) from the microphone 44, which are 2), are A (L) / A (R) of the stereo audio of the communication satellite 32, respectively. ), Independently entered.

As described above, the matrix switcher 28
Converts the input video information and audio information into arbitrary output information by interlocking with the utterance station selection device 27.

Next, the speech station selection device 27 is shown in FIG.

The uttering station selection device 27 includes a prompter display switching unit 6 for switching the video information of the prompter camera 22.
0, Video output selection device A6 for selecting video output to satellite
1. Video output selection device B for selecting video output to the monitor
62, a uttering station selecting unit 63 having means for selecting an arbitrary remote station from 12 remote stations, and means for generating a control signal to the arbitrary remote station, and a line connected to the remote station. A disconnection / holding switching section 64 for selecting disconnection / holding, a simultaneous connection requesting section 65 for simultaneously establishing a line connection with a predetermined remote station, and a power switch section for turning on / off the power supply to the talking station selection device. This is a configuration including 66 and.

The video output selection device A61, for example, in the full-screen selection unit 61a for selecting the output video information of the image synthesizing device 26 and the output video information of the image synthesizing device 25, displays the video information of the parent screen and the parent screen. Main screen / slave screen switching unit 61b for switching the main screen / slave screen with the video information of the built-in slave screen, prompter camera video information selection unit 61c for selecting the video information from the prompter camera, output information of the document drawing device 31 And a document image information selection unit 61d for selecting.

The video output selection device B62 selects, for example, a full-screen selection section 62a for selecting output video information of the image synthesizing device 26 and P for selecting output video information of the image synthesizing device 25.
inP screen selection unit 62b, prompter camera video information selection unit 62 for selecting video information from the prompter camera
c, and a document image information selection unit 62d that selects output information of the document device 31.

As the voice information, the voice information from the microphone 44 of the center station and the voice information selected by the speaking station selection unit 63 are transmitted to the center station antenna 21.

The interlocking operation of the utterance station selection device 27 of FIG. 10 and the matrix switcher 28 of FIGS. 7 to 9 will be described.

The prompter display switching section 60 sends a control signal to the matrix switcher 28 to use either the image information of the document drawing device 31 or the image information of an arbitrary remote station as output information to the prompter camera 22. Decide

The video output selection device A61 sends a control signal to the matrix switcher 28 so that any one of the image information of the document drawing device 31, the image information from the prompter camera 22 and the image information of the image synthesizing device 26 is displayed. It is determined whether to use the output information to the communication satellite 32 via the scrambler 43. Further, the control signal is transmitted to the information switching unit 74, and screen switching between the information of the parent screen and the information of the child screen, which is the output information of the image synthesizing device 25, is performed.

The video output selection device B62 sends a control signal to the matrix switcher 28, so that the image information of the document drawing device 31, the image information from the prompter camera 22, the image information of the image synthesizing device 26, and the image synthesizing process are performed. Device 2
Which of the 5 video information is to be output information to the monitor television 23 is determined.

The uttering station selecting unit 63 selects video information and audio information of an arbitrary remote station by transmitting a control signal to the matrix switcher 28.

The selected video information becomes the output information to the prompter camera 22 and the output information to the image synthesizing device 25.

The selected audio information serves as output information to the monitor television 23 and output information to the communication satellite 32 via the scrambler 43 (stereo audio A (R)).

The control signal is audio information transmitted to the voice control device 36 through the data interface of the selected video conference unit 24 and the video conference unit 34 of the remote station and received by the remote station. A (R) of a certain stereo sound is deleted.

The disconnection / holding switching unit 64 is used by the speaking station selection unit 6
In conjunction with 3, the line connection between the video conference units of the center station and any remote station is disconnected.

When the disconnection / holding switching unit 64 is set to the disconnection mode, for example, in the voice station selection device 27, another remote station different from the arbitrary remote station selected by the voice station selection unit 63 is selected, The line connection is released by identifying whether or not the uttering station selecting unit corresponding to the arbitrary remote station is selected again.

The simultaneous connection request unit 65 sends a control signal to the video conference unit 24 to automatically dial a telephone number or abbreviated number registered in advance in the video conference unit 24. Video conferencing unit 34 of the remote station corresponding to
Make a line connection with.

However, although not shown in FIG. 10, various control signals transmitted from the above-mentioned speech station selection device 27 are transmitted from the control unit in the speech station selection device 27.

In this embodiment, as described above, the utterance request from the remote station is accepted at any time, and the remote station and the center station that have requested the utterance request the video conference unit 2 of each other.
This is applied to the case where any one remote station is selected from among the connections by 4 and 34 (for example, an education system).

However, this embodiment can also be applied to, for example, a television conference system mainly composed of center stations by connecting each remote station and the center station in advance.

When the fields of the education system and the video conference system described above are carried out in the present embodiment, the connection between the video conference units of the center station and an arbitrary remote station needs to be released particularly in the education system. 10 disconnection / holding switching units 64 are required.

However, even if this embodiment is applied to a video conference system or an education system, there is no problem except for the method of releasing the connection between the video conference units described above.

Here, a case where the communication system shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 is used for a video conference is shown. When a video conference is held by the communication systems of FIGS. 3 and 6, the center station first selects the prompter camera image information selection unit 61c and the PinP screen selection unit 62b in the utterance station selection device 27.

After that, the simultaneous connection requesting unit 65 in the speaking station selecting device 27 is selected. The simultaneous connection request unit 65
By transmitting an arbitrary control signal to the V conference unit 24, the telephone number or abbreviated number registered in advance in the TV conference unit 24 is automatically dialed.

Similarly, the center station broadcasts the image information from the prompter camera to all remote stations.

When the line connection between the center station and the remote station is terminated, the video information from the prompter camera 22 is displayed on the monitor television 35 of each remote station, and the monitor television 23 of the center station is monitored by the prompter camera 22. The video information of the image synthesizing device 26 incorporating the video information of the above and the video information of all remote stations is displayed.

The center station confirms the connection completion of the members of the video conference and the land line by this screen configuration.

Under these circumstances, a video conference is held with the center station as the main body.

Next, a case where the center station permits a remote station to speak is shown.

The remote station desiring to speak sends a speech request signal to the teleconferencing unit 24 of the center station via the data channel of the teleconferencing unit 34.

Upon receiving this, the video conference unit 24 of the center station illuminates, for example, one of the panel units 1 to 12 of the utterance station selection unit 63 corresponding to the remote station which wants to speak.

The center station will select the lit panel section.

The selected panel section transmits a control signal to the corresponding video conference unit 24 and matrix switcher 28. The control signal sent to the video conference unit 24 is transmitted to the audio control device 36 via the video conference unit 34 of an arbitrary remote station via the terrestrial line, and the audio information A (R) which is the reception signal of the remote station antenna 33. That is, the return of the voice information of the remote station is deleted.

On the other hand, the control signal sent to the matrix switcher 28 determines the video information to be sent to the image synthesizing device 25 as the video information of the remote station, and further the audio information of the remote station to the monitor television 23. And output information to the communication satellite 32.

When the panel section is selected, the video information for the prompter camera 22 and the video information for the communication satellite 32 are automatically switched to arbitrary remote station video information.

When the utterance from the remote station is finished, the uttering station selecting unit 63 similarly switches to the remote station which desires the next utterance, and the video conference is started. Up to now, the embodiment was fixed to the center station. Next, FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the center station is a mobile station and an on-vehicle station is used.

The prompter camera 22, microphone 44, document device 31, monitor television 23, video conference unit 24, scrambler 43, and center station antenna 21 shown in FIG. 11 are the same as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

However, in this case, the center station antenna 21
Use an onboard antenna for.

The portable speech station selection device 80 of FIG. 11 will be described.

The portable speech station selection device 80 is the image synthesis device 25, the image synthesis device 26, the speech station selection device 27 of FIG.
The matrix switcher 28 is included, and as its input terminals, an input terminal for video information from the prompter camera 22, an input terminal for audio information from the microphone 44, an input terminal for image information from the drawing device 31, Including an input terminal for video information and an input terminal for audio information from the video conference unit 24, and as its output terminal,
Output terminals for video information and audio information to the monitor TV 23, two output terminals (A (R) / A (L)) for audio information to the scrambler 43 of the vehicle-mounted station 81, and video information Output terminal and an input / output terminal for a data channel with the video conference unit 24.

The input information and output information of each terminal described above are processed by the information flow shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

Thus, as long as the connection between the video conference unit 24 and the video conference unit 34 of the remote station can be secured by the ground line, the communication system described above can be performed from various places.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which the center station receives from the communication satellite 32.

FIG. 12 is a diagram in which a CS tuner 37, a scramble decoder 38, and a voice control device 36 are added to the constituent elements of the center station shown in FIG.

The reception of the transmission information from the communication satellite 32 is the same as the reception process performed by the remote station shown in FIG.

Video information and audio information A (L) from the scramble decoder 38 shown in FIG.
And the audio information A (R) is input to the monitor television 23 via the audio control device 36.

Also, the center station is the video conference unit 24.
Video conferencing unit 24 using any one of
The video information and audio information transmitted to the monitor television 23
And the control signal from the video conference unit 24 is input to the voice control device 36.

When the center station includes such a constituent element, the center station can operate as the remote station shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

For example, considering a case in which there are a plurality of points that can serve as center stations, any one of the plurality of center stations can be used as a center station to perform broadcast communication, if necessary.
It becomes possible to operate the communication system shown in FIG. 5 for the remaining center stations or remote stations, and to switch the center station to perform the broadcast communication to the above-mentioned remaining center station. As a result, it becomes possible to operate a communication system centered on various points.

Next, FIG. 13 shows a communication system when the line by the communication satellite 32 becomes unavailable.

When the line by the communication satellite 32 becomes unusable, the video information to the communication satellite 32 via the scrambler 43, which is the output of the matrix switcher 28, is transmitted to all televisions by an arbitrary control signal from the voice station selection device 27. To the conference unit 24 and its audio information A (R) / A
(L) will be transmitted to the circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows a structure including a matrix switcher 28 and a voice synthesizing section 90 which uses voice information A (R) and A (L) as one voice information.

The matrix switcher 28 outputs A (L) which is voice information from the microphone 44, A (L) which is voice information from the microphone 44 and A (R) which is voice information from an arbitrary remote station. The combined voice information is used as input information, A (L) which is the voice information from the microphone 44 is output to the arbitrary remote station, and the synthesized voice information is output to the other remote stations. Is output.

Regarding the video information, the matrix switcher 28 distributes the information in parallel and transmits the same information to all the remote stations, so that the center station information is overlaid with arbitrary remote station information or all remote station information on the ground line. It is possible to send information to remote stations.

[0137]

According to the present invention, each base can be configured as a reception-only station by the method of transmitting a speaker video from a base other than the center to the chair station by using a ground line such as ISDN. For example, about 1/6 per base
The cost can be reduced. Further, even in a system in which a reception-only station has already been installed for another purpose, it can be easily expanded to a bidirectional system.

Further, the network can be easily expanded simply by adding a reception-only station and a videophone or a videoconference system, and the conference can be compared with a network with only a ground line in which the number of participating points in the conference is limited in advance. There is no limit on the number of participating locations and the running cost is not increased.

Further, by adopting the prompter camera, it is possible to have a conversation while watching the image of the other person, so that the image can be naturally immersive without being aware of the camera.

Further, the original document, which is the original purpose of the prompter camera, can be displayed by switching, and the same system configuration can be used for applications other than the video conference, such as an education system.

Furthermore, by making the center station a mobile station,
It enables multipoint video communication from various points.

Further, by providing the center station with a function as a remote station, it becomes possible to switch the center station between arbitrary multipoints.

Furthermore, by performing broadcast communication using the terrestrial line as needed, it is possible to operate the system which is not affected by the line quality of the satellite line.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship between a prompter camera used in the present invention and a line of sight.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram for performing a ground line connection between the center station of the present invention and a plurality of remote stations.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the system configuration diagram shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart of the system configuration diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the system configuration diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing input / output signals of a matrix switcher.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing input / output signals of a matrix switcher.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing input / output signals of a matrix switcher.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a speech station selection device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the center station of the present invention is a mobile station.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a center station of the present invention is provided with a remote station function.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a case where a broadcast communication is performed by a ground line according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... chairman, 2 ... prompter camera monitor, 3 ... prompter camera camera, 4 ... videophone camera, 5 ... videophone monitor, 6 ... video synthesizer, 7 ... center station, 8 ... communication satellite, 9 ... ISDN network, 10 ... remote station, 11 ... remote station, 12 ... monitor, 13 ... videophone camera, 14 ... videophone monitor, 15 ... remote station speaker, 16 ... microphone, 17 ... microphone, 20 ... prompter Half mirror of the camera. 21 ... Center station antenna, 22 ... Prompter camera, 23, 35 ... Monitor TV, 24, 34 ... Video conference unit, 25, 26 ... Image synthesizing device, 27 ... Speaking station selecting device, 28 ... Matrix switcher, 31, 39 ... Document drawing device, 32 ... Communication satellite, 33 ... Remote station antenna, 36 ... Voice control device, 37 ... CS tuner, 38 ... Scramble decoder, 43 ... Scrambler, 44 ... Microphone, 60 ... Prompter camera display switching unit, 61 ... Video Output selection device A, 62 ... Video output selection device B, 63 ... Speaker selection part, 64 ... Disconnect / hold switching part, 65 ... Simultaneous connection request part, 66 ... Power switch part, 70 ... Terminal adapter, 71 ... Codec, 72 ... Distributor, 73 ... Combiner, 74 ... Information inverting section, 80 ... Portable speech station selection device, 9 0 ... Voice synthesizer, 100 ... Center station, 200 ... Remote station.

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. In a video communication system by satellite communication between multiple points including a center station and a plurality of remote stations, a video signal is transmitted from an arbitrary remote station to the center station by using a ground line, and the center station transmits the video signal. A video signal from an arbitrary remote station is combined with a video signal to be transmitted from the center station, and the combined video signal is transmitted from the center station to the plurality of remote stations using a satellite line. Video communication method. 2. The satellite multipoint video communication method according to claim 1, wherein the center station transmits the combined video signal to the plurality of remote stations by broadcast communication from a satellite. . 3. The center station receives, from the plurality of remote stations, a dialogue request signal by a video signal including an audio signal so as to be able to overlap with each other, buffers the same, and from the plurality of buffered remote stations. 2. The satellite multipoint video communication method according to claim 1, wherein the dialogue request signal is selected by a selection signal, and the video signal of the selected remote station is transmitted to the plurality of remote stations through a satellite line. 4. The center station transmits a selection signal for selecting an arbitrary remote station to the transmission source remote station corresponding to the selected video signal through the land line, and the transmission source remote station receives the selection signal. In response to the selection signal, the audio signal included in the video signal received by the satellite line is suppressed and controlled, thereby eliminating the reproduction of the outgoing voice of the remote station. 5. The satellite multipoint video communication method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the center station and the plurality of remote stations is a mobile station. 6. The satellite multipoint video communication method according to claim 1, wherein said ground line is an ISDN line. 7. The center station matches the line of sight of the speaker of the center station with the camera and displays the images of the speakers from a plurality of remote stations transmitted through the ground line on the monitor screen of the center station. The satellite multipoint video communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that. 8. A means for synthesizing a video signal of a remote station, which is transmitted from an arbitrary remote station to a center station through a ground line, in a multipoint video communication system by satellite communication, Satellite multipoint video communication system including means for transmitting the video signal to the at least one remote station via a satellite line. 9. In a multipoint video communication system by satellite communication, a center station uses a prompter camera as a camera of a center station for generating a video signal to be transmitted through a satellite line so as to match the line of sight of a speaker with the camera. And a satellite multipoint video communication system including a monitor for displaying the video of the other person from the remote station transmitted via the ground line. 10. A means for transmitting an audio signal and a video signal by a ground line from a plurality of remote stations to a center station, a buffer means for holding the plurality of line signals at the center station, and a signal for selecting any one station. Means for selecting the buffer means and a remote station for controlling howling by controlling the return voice signal of the station via the communication satellite of the station from the center station by the selection signal via the ground line. A multipoint video communication system by satellite communication, comprising self-pronunciation means provided in the. 11. Ground line means for transmitting a video signal from an arbitrary remote station to a center station through a ground line,
A synthesizing means provided in the center station for synthesizing a video signal from the arbitrary remote station into a video signal to be transmitted from the center station to the remote station; and a synthesizing video signal coupled with the synthesizing means. A multipoint multipoint video communication system by satellite communication, comprising satellite line transmission means for transmitting from a center station to the plurality of remote stations using a satellite line. 12. The satellite communication multipoint image according to claim 11, wherein said satellite line transmission means includes means for broadcasting an image signal from a center station to a plurality of remote stations using a satellite. Communications system. 13. The center station includes buffer means for overlappingly receiving and buffering a dialogue request signal of a video signal including an audio signal from the plurality of remote stations, and a plurality of remote means of the buffer means. A means for selecting a dialogue request signal from a station by a selection signal, and means for transmitting a video signal of the remote station selected by the selection means to the plurality of remote stations through the satellite line. Item 11. A satellite multipoint video communication system according to Item 11. 14. A selection signal provided in a center station for transmitting the selection signal provided by the video selection means to a transmission source remote station corresponding to a video signal selected from the center station via the land line. In the transmission means and the source remote station, in response to the received selection signal,
14. The multi-satellite system according to claim 13, further comprising a voice erasing unit for suppressing a voice signal included in a video signal received by the satellite line, thereby eliminating reproduction of a voice transmitted by the remote station. Point-to-point video communication system. 15. The satellite multipoint video communication system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the center station and the plurality of remote stations includes a mobile station. 16. The satellite multipoint video communication system according to claim 11, wherein said ground line includes an ISDN line. 17. A prompter camera provided in the center station as an image pickup camera for aligning the line of sight of a speaker of the center station with the camera,
The satellite multipoint video communication system according to claim 11, further comprising a monitor screen for displaying a speaker video from a plurality of remote stations transmitted through the ground line. 18. A means for controlling the terrestrial line transmission means and the terrestrial line transmission means so as to establish a communication loop so as to simultaneously and interactively fill a center station and a remote station. 12. The multipoint satellite multipoint video communication system according to claim 11. 19. The video signals generated at the remote station and the center station include first and second audio signals, respectively, and the center station makes the first and second audio signals different from each other. 12. The multi-satellite system according to claim 11, wherein the remote station includes means for allocating and modulating voice channels, and each remote station includes means for demodulating into the different first and second channels to separate the first and second voices. Point-to-point video communication system. 20. A multi-point television interactive system using a hybrid line of a communication satellite and a ground line, for transmitting a video signal and an audio signal to the communication satellite and broadcasting the transmission signal from the communication satellite. A master station including a first transmitting means, a receiving means for receiving a broadcast video signal and an audio signal, and a second means for transmitting a video and audio signal from the own station to the master earth station through a ground line. A multipoint communication system including a slave earth station including a transmission means. 21. In a multipoint video communication system including a center station and a plurality of remote stations, a video signal is transmitted from an arbitrary remote station to the center station by using a ground line, and the center station transmits the remote signal. A video characterized by synthesizing a video signal from a station with a video signal to be transmitted from the center station, and transmitting the synthesized video signal from the center station to the plurality of remote stations using a ground line. Communication method. 22. In a multipoint video communication system including a plurality of center stations and a plurality of remote stations, the center station can overlap a dialogue request signal by a video signal including an audio signal from the plurality of remote stations. A buffer means for receiving and buffering the received signal to a plurality of remote stations, a means for selecting a dialogue request signal from a plurality of remote stations of the buffer means by a selection signal, and a video signal of the remote station selected by the selecting means on the satellite line. Means for transmitting to the plurality of remote stations through the receiver, and receiving means for receiving a transmission signal from the satellite as much as possible to the remote station, if necessary. .