JPH0746564A - Video conference system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To move a reduced picked-up image to any arbitrary position by inputting new synthesizing position data with an input means after a synthetic image is displayed. CONSTITUTION:A person image A is picked up by a person photographing camera 1 and outputted to a variable reduction circuit 15. The person image A is reduced into the 1/0 size by the variable reduction circuit 15 and stored in an image memory 18. A position pointer and a selection circuit 15 send the reduction scale data inputted by a user to the variable reduction circuit 15, an address or the like for storing the reduced person image A into the image memory 18 is controlled and further, the reduced person image A is controlled so as to be through to a synthesizing switch matrix circuit 21. A received image and the reduced figure image A are synthesized by a synthesizing matrix circuit 24 and displayed on a monitor 11. At such a time, the position pointer and he selection circuit 25 instruct and control the synthesizing position according to the synthesizing position data inputted by the user.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video conference apparatus for transmitting television images to each other and having a conversation while watching a partner or a material on a screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, bidirectional image communication systems such as video conferences and video phones have been rapidly developed due to the progress of communication technologies such as ISDN and image processing technologies such as image / audio compression / reproduction technology.

A conventional videophone device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-3139.
It is a figure which shows the structure of the conventional video telephone apparatus shown by the 84th publication.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1 denotes a person camera which is installed in the own terminal and captures a person image A, 2 is installed in the own terminal and is a document camera which captures a book image B, and 3 is a person camera 1
And a matrix circuit connected to the document camera 2, 4 is a reduction circuit connected to the matrix circuit 3, and 5 is a reduction circuit 4.
To the matrix circuit 3, the reduction circuit 4 and the coordinate position designating circuit 5, and a transmission picture-in-picture circuit (PinP) circuit 7, and a transmission picture-in-picture circuit 6 and an external circuit. Connected to the matrix circuit, 8 is a reduction circuit connected to the matrix circuit 7, 9 is a coordinate position designation circuit connected to the reduction circuit 8, 10 is connected to the matrix circuit 7, the reduction circuit 8 and the coordinate position designation circuit 9. The reception picture-in-picture (PinP) circuit 11 is a monitor connected to the reception picture-in-picture circuit 10.

A person image A and a book image B respectively captured by the person camera 1 and the document camera 2 installed in the terminal.
Is input to the Matrices circuit 3 and sets one of the images as the main screen and the other as the sub screen. The image set on the sub-screen is input to the reduction circuit 4 and reduced to an image having a prescribed size. The display position of the reduced image on the main screen is designated by the coordinate position designating circuit 5,
The combined image is input to the picture-in-picture circuit 6 for transmission together with the image set in the main screen, and a composite image in which the reduced sub-screen is inserted in the main screen is formed.

This composite image is input to the encoding circuit of the codec and transmitted as a transmission image to the partner terminal through the network.

The transmitted image is input to the matrisk circuit 7 together with the received image from the partner terminal, and one is set as the main screen and the other is set as the sub screen. The sub-screen is reduced by the reduction circuit 8, and the reduced sub-screen has a predetermined display position with respect to the main screen designated by the coordinate position designating circuit 9, and together with the image set on the main screen, the reception picture-in It is input to the picture circuit 10. In the picture-in-picture circuit for reception 10, a sub-screen is inserted at a designated position on the main screen and displayed on the monitor 11.

Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image on a monitor of a conventional videophone apparatus. In FIG. 8, 12 is a main screen (television image) and 13 is a sub-screen (auxiliary image). In addition, A to I are positions for displaying the sub-screen, and are fixedly displayed at positions specified by the coordinate position specifying circuits 5 and 9.

In the conventional videophone device, as shown in FIG. 8, the screen is divided into N (for example, 4 to 150) and an address is given to each, and the image to be displayed at the address is, for example, the position of I. Switch a part of the whole image to display.

[0010]

In the conventional videophone apparatus as described above, the position where two images are combined on the monitor screen is selectively fixed as shown in FIG. It can not be changed. Therefore, when combining with the image of the other party, there is a problem that it is necessary to take the auxiliary image in consideration of a portion hidden by a small image.

Further, in a video conference in which a large number of people participate in the U-shaped table, there is a problem that when the whole view is photographed, the portion of the whole view that is desired to be seen is hidden due to the overlapping of auxiliary images.

The present invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. As described above, the user does not have to devise the photographing method, but can freely photograph without considering the composite position. An object of the present invention is to obtain a video conference device that can freely change the position to be combined into a position that does not disturb the user and can improve the presentation effect by moving the combination position during a conference.

[0013]

A video conference apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises the following means, and a picked-up image reduced by inputting new composite position data by the input means after displaying the composite image. Can be moved to any position. [1] Input means for inputting reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and synthetic position data for designating an arbitrary position on the entire television image. [2] Image reduction means for reducing the captured image based on the input reduction rate data. [3] Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced captured image at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data.

The video conference apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention comprises the following means, and the captured image reduced to a desired size by inputting new reduction rate data by the input means after the composite image is displayed. Is what you can do. [1] Input means for inputting reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and synthetic position data for designating an arbitrary position on the entire television image. [2] Image reduction means for reducing the captured image based on the input reduction rate data. [3] Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced captured image at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data.

A video conference apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention comprises the following means. [1] Input means for inputting reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and synthetic position data for designating an arbitrary position on the entire television image. [2] First image reducing means for reducing the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data. [3] Second image reducing means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. [4] Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced first and second captured images by superimposing them at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data.

A video conference apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention is provided with the following means, and the first picked-up image reduced by inputting new reduction rate data by the inputting means after the composite image is displayed And the reduced second captured image can be made into the second arbitrary size. [1] Input means for inputting reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and synthetic position data for designating an arbitrary position on the entire television image. [2] First image reducing means for reducing the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data. [3] Second image reducing means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. [4] Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced first and second captured images at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data.

A video conference apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is provided with the following means, and the image synthesizing means is superimposed and synthesized by inputting display priority order data by the input means after displaying the synthesized image. First and second done
The front and back of the captured image of are replaced. [1] Input means for inputting reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and synthetic position data for designating an arbitrary position on the entire television image. [2] First image reducing means for reducing the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data. [3] Second image reducing means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. [4] Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced first and second captured images by superimposing them at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data.

[0018]

In the video conference apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, the reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image are input by the input means. To be done. Further, the image reduction means reduces the captured image based on the input reduction rate data. Furthermore, the image synthesizing unit synthesizes the reduced captured image at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data. Then, the captured image reduced in size can be moved to an arbitrary position by inputting new synthetic position data by the input means after the synthetic image is displayed.

In the video conference apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention, the reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image are input by the input means. To be done. Also,
The image reduction means reduces the captured image based on the input reduction rate data. Furthermore, the image synthesizing unit synthesizes the reduced captured image at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data.
Then, by inputting new reduction rate data through the input means after the composite image is displayed, the reduced captured image can be made to have an arbitrary size.

In the video conference apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention, the reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image are input by the input means. To be done. Also,
The first image reduction means reduces the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data. further,
The second image reduction means reduces the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. And
The image synthesizing means synthesizes the reduced first and second captured images in an overlapping manner at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data.

In the video conference apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention, the reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image are input by the input means. To be done. Also,
The first image reduction means reduces the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data. Further, the second image reduction means reduces the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. Further, the image synthesizing unit synthesizes the reduced first and second captured images at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data. Then, the first captured image reduced by inputting the new reduction rate data by the input unit after the composite image is displayed has a first arbitrary size, and the reduced second captured image is the second arbitrary image. Can be of any size.

In the video conference apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image are input by the input means. To be done. Also,
The first image reduction means reduces the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data. Further, the second image reduction means reduces the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. Further, the image synthesizing unit synthesizes the reduced first and second captured images in an overlapping manner at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data. Then, the display priority data is input by the input unit after the combined image is displayed, so that the image synthesizing unit switches the front and rear of the reduced first and second captured images that are superimposed and combined.

[0023]

EXAMPLES Example 1. The configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.
The document camera 2 and the monitor 11 are the same as those of the conventional device described above. In each figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

In FIG. 1, 14 is installed in its own terminal,
A person camera that captures a person image C, and 15 is a person camera 1
, 16 is a variable reduction circuit connected to the document camera 2, 17 is a variable reduction circuit connected to the person camera 14, 18 is an image memory connected to the variable reduction circuit 15, and 19 is variable. An image memory connected to the reduction circuit 16, 20 is an image memory connected to the variable reduction circuit 17, and 21 is a composition / switch matrix circuit connected to the image memories 18, 19 and 20. The synthesis / switch matrix circuit 21 is connected to the sending circuit.

Reference numeral 22 is a variable reduction circuit connected to the receiving circuit, 23 is an image memory connected to the variable reduction circuit 22, and 24 is a combination matrix circuit connected to the combination / switch matrix circuit 21 and the image memory 23. is there. Further, 25 is a position pointer and a selection circuit, which are variable reduction circuits 15, 16, 17 and image memories 18, 19, 2.
0, the combination / switch matrix circuit 21, the variable reduction circuit 22, the image memory 23, and the combination matrix circuit 24. The monitor 11 is connected to the synthesis matrix circuit 24.

By the way, the input means according to claim 1 of the present invention is the position pointer and selection circuit 2 in the first embodiment.
The image reduction means according to claim 1 of the present invention corresponds to the variable reduction circuits 15, 16, 17, in the first embodiment.
22 and image memories 18, 19, 20 and 23, and the image composition means according to claim 1 of the present invention corresponds to the composition matrix circuit 24 in the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the above-described first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen on the monitor 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows an image in which the composite position of the picture-in-picture (PinP) screen is changed. Reference numeral 12 is a television image, 13A is an auxiliary image in the original composite position, and 13A 'is an auxiliary image in the composite position after the user changes the arrangement. It should be noted that the composite position is not an N-divided whole screen of the monitor 11 but an arbitrary position.

The user has a position pointer and a selection circuit 25.
By operating, the display position of the auxiliary image 13A is designated and changed.

That is, for example, in a video conference,
Received image showing the chair is received circuit, variable reduction circuit 2
The image data is stored in the image memory 23 via 2 in FIG. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 controls the variable reduction circuit 22 to pass through the received image, and the image memory 2
For 3, the address and the like for storing the received image is controlled.

On the other hand, the person image A of the own terminal participating in the video conference is picked up by the person camera 1 and output to the variable reduction circuit 15. The person image A is reduced to 1/9 by the variable reduction circuit 15 and stored in the image memory 18. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data inputted by the user to the variable reduction circuit 15, and the address for storing the reduced person image A to the image memory 18. And the like, and further controls the combining / switch matrix circuit 21 to pass through the reduced portrait image A. The person image A to be sent to the partner terminal is sent without being subjected to the reduction processing.

The received image and the reduced person image A are
The reception image is the main television image 12 and the reduced person image A is the auxiliary image 13 by the synthesis matrix circuit 24.
It is synthesized as A and displayed on the monitor 11 as shown in FIG. At this time, the position pointer and the selection circuit 25
Controls the composition position to the composition matrix circuit 24 according to the composition position data input by the user.

When changing the composite position of the auxiliary image 13A, the user inputs new composite position data (coordinate data etc.) by the position pointer / selection circuit 25. The position pointer / selection circuit 25 is a combination matrix circuit 24.
On the other hand, the composite position is instructed and controlled according to the composite position data input by the user. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary image 13A ′ with the combined position changed is displayed. Although not shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of auxiliary images can be combined at arbitrary positions.

The first embodiment of the present invention, as described above,
In a video conferencing device, a device for displaying small screens by combining them is provided with a degree of freedom in screen configuration. In a picture-in-picture system that consists of the main screen of the video conferencing device and a small auxiliary screen displayed inside it, the user can freely change the display position of the auxiliary screen, not the fixed or selective display method. The configuration is such that it can be used by changing the configuration such as the layout of the auxiliary screen. A video conference apparatus in which another image is incorporated into the screen of the monitor 11 and displayed at the same time is provided with a position pointer and a selection circuit 25 for the user to move to an arbitrary position, which is transmitted and used as a display image of its own terminal. . Therefore, the user can change the screen configuration and can freely hold a meeting without being restricted by the shooting angle.

Example 2. In the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the display position and the display size can be changed. It is provided with a position pointer and a selection circuit 25 that can be realized by changing the size when it is necessary to see the details, such as when necessary. The configuration of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment described above.

When the display size of the auxiliary image 13B is changed, the user inputs new composite position data and display size (reduction rate) data using the position pointer and the selection circuit 25. The position pointer / selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data input by the user to the variable reduction circuit 15, and controls the address etc. for storing the reduced person image A to the image memory 18. Then, the composition / switch matrix circuit 21 is controlled so as to pass through the reduced person image A.

Further, the position pointer and selection circuit 25
Controls the composition position to the composition matrix circuit 24 according to the composition position data input by the user. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the display size,
The auxiliary image 13B 'whose combined position has been changed is displayed.

The second embodiment of the present invention, as described above,
A position pointer that allows the user to change the size of the image, a selection circuit 25, a variable reduction circuit 15, an image memory 1
It is equipped with 8 etc. Since the size of the auxiliary image on the monitor 11 can be changed by the user, it is possible to hold a video conference with a high degree of freedom.

Example 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the third embodiment of the present invention is provided with a composition matrix circuit 24, a position pointer, a selection circuit 25, etc. that can move a plurality of auxiliary images and superimpose the auxiliary images. It is possible to revisit the screen information of the auxiliary image that is hidden below by reducing the area occupied by the auxiliary screen on the main screen and moving unnecessary auxiliary images or changing the priority order when needed. It will be. In addition, this Example 3
The configuration of is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

That is, for example, in a video conference,
Received image showing the chair is received circuit, variable reduction circuit 2
The image data is stored in the image memory 23 via 2 in FIG. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 controls the variable reduction circuit 22 to pass through the received image, and the image memory 2
For 3, the address and the like for storing the received image is controlled.

On the other hand, the person image A of the own terminal participating in the video conference is picked up by the person camera 1 and output to the variable reduction circuit 15. The person image A is reduced to 1/9 by the variable reduction circuit 15 and stored in the image memory 18. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data inputted by the user to the variable reduction circuit 15, and the address for storing the reduced person image A to the image memory 18. And the like, and further controls the combining / switch matrix circuit 21 to pass through the reduced portrait image A. The person image A to be sent to the partner terminal is sent without being subjected to the reduction processing.

The document image B of the terminal itself is picked up by the document camera 2 and output to the variable reduction circuit 16. Calligraphy image B
Is reduced to 1/9 by the variable reduction circuit 16 and stored in the image memory 19. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data input by the user to the variable reduction circuit 16 and the address for storing the reduced writing image B to the image memory 19. Etc., and further, the synthesis / switch matrix circuit 21
In contrast, control is performed so as to pass through the reduced print image B.

The received image and the reduced person image A and the handwritten image B are combined by the synthesis matrix circuit 24 so that the received image is the main television image 12, the reduced person image A is the auxiliary image 13C, and the reduced handwritten image. B is the auxiliary image 13D
Is displayed as shown in FIG. 4 on the monitor 11. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25
The composite matrix circuit 24 is instructed and controlled in accordance with the composite position data input by the user. In this case, the auxiliary image 13C has a higher priority to be displayed.

When changing the display priority of the auxiliary images 13C and 13D, the user inputs new priority data using the position pointer / selection circuit 25. The position pointer / selection circuit 25 controls the composition matrix circuit 24 to change the priority order to be displayed according to the priority order data input by the user. Then, the display priority is changed, the combining positions are switched, and the auxiliary image 13D is displayed above the auxiliary image 13C. Therefore, in this case, the contents of the calligraphic image B can be seen.

The third embodiment of the present invention, as described above,
A composite matrix circuit 24 that can display (overlap) two or more auxiliary images, a position pointer,
The selection circuit 25 and the like are provided. Since a plurality of auxiliary images on the monitor 11 can be displayed in an overlapping manner, it is possible to hold a video conference with a high degree of freedom.

Example 4. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when three or more images are displayed, as shown in FIG.
By displaying one auxiliary image large and the other auxiliary image small, it became possible to confirm and interact with other information as well while confirming the details of the information due to the importance of many image information. It is a thing. The configuration of the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment described above.

That is, for example, in a video conference,
Received image showing the chair is received circuit, variable reduction circuit 2
The image data is stored in the image memory 23 via 2 in FIG. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 controls the variable reduction circuit 22 to pass through the received image, and the image memory 2
For 3, the address and the like for storing the received image is controlled.

On the other hand, the person image A of the own terminal participating in the video conference is picked up by the person camera 1 and output to the variable reduction circuit 15. The person image A is reduced to 1/16 by the variable reduction circuit 15 and stored in the image memory 18.
At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data inputted by the user to the variable reduction circuit 15, and the address for storing the reduced person image A to the image memory 18. And the like, and further controls the combining / switch matrix circuit 21 to pass through the reduced portrait image A. The person image A to be sent to the partner terminal is sent without being subjected to the reduction processing.

Further, the person image C of the own terminal is taken as the person camera 1
The image is picked up by 4 and output to the variable reduction circuit 17. The person image C is reduced to 1/4 by the variable reduction circuit 17 and stored in the image memory 20. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data input by the user to the variable reduction circuit 17, and the image memory 2
For 0, an address or the like for storing the reduced person image C is controlled, and further, the synthesis / switch matrix circuit 21 is controlled so as to pass through the reduced person image C.

The received image and the reduced person image A and person image C are converted to the main television image 12 and the reduced person image A by the synthesis matrix circuit 24.
Is the auxiliary image 13E, and the reduced person image C is the auxiliary image 1
3F is combined and displayed on the monitor 11 as shown in FIG. At this time, the position pointer and the selection circuit 25
Controls the composition position to the composition matrix circuit 24 according to the composition position data input by the user.

The auxiliary image 13E is enlarged and the auxiliary image 13F is enlarged.
When changing to a smaller value, the user inputs new display size (reduction rate) data using the position pointer / selection circuit 25. The position pointer / selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data input by the user to the variable reduction circuit 15, and the reduced person image A (enlarged from the previous one) is input to the image memory 18. The address and the like for storing is controlled, and further, the combination / switch matrix circuit 21 is controlled so as to pass through the reduced person image A.

Further, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 is
The reduction ratio data input by the user is sent to the variable reduction circuit 17, and the image memory 20 is provided with an address and the like for storing the reduced person image C (which has been reduced from before). Then, the combination / switch matrix circuit 21 is controlled so as to pass through the reduced person image C. Then, as shown in FIG.
The auxiliary image 13E is enlarged to the auxiliary image 13E ', and the auxiliary image 13F is reduced to the auxiliary image 13F'.

The fourth embodiment of the present invention, as described above,
The variable reduction circuits 15 and 17, the image memories 18 and 2 that allow the user to change the sizes of a plurality of auxiliary images separately.
0, a position pointer, a selection circuit 25 and the like. Since the sizes of the plurality of auxiliary images on the monitor 11 can be changed separately, it is possible to hold a video conference with a high degree of freedom.

Example 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the fifth embodiment of the present invention is provided with a position pointer, a selection circuit 25, etc. for changing the display order later when the auxiliary images are displayed in an overlapping manner. When you are in contact with each other at different places at the same time in many places, you can have one person wait at a time, and you can hold a meeting with one person at a time, and hide the images of other meetings behind them. It is easy to use when you want to proceed while being aware of what you are doing. The configuration of the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment described above.

That is, for example, in a video conference,
The person image A of the own terminal in which the chairman is reflected is the person camera 1,
The image is stored in the image memory 18 via the variable reduction circuit 15. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 controls the variable reduction circuit 15 to pass through the human image A,
For the image memory 18, an address or the like for storing the person image A is controlled.

On the other hand, the received image G showing the person of the other terminal participating in the video conference is stored in the image memory 23 through the receiving circuit and the variable reduction circuit 22. Received image G
Is reduced to 1/9 by the variable reduction circuit 22 and stored in the image memory 23. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data input by the user to the variable reduction circuit 22, and the address for storing the reduced received image G to the image memory 23. Etc.

Further, the received image H showing the person of another partner terminal participating in the video conference is stored in the image memory 23 via the receiving circuit and the variable reduction circuit 22. The received image H is reduced to 1/9 by the variable reduction circuit 22 and stored in the image memory 23. At this time, the position pointer,
The selection circuit 25 sends the reduction ratio data input by the user to the variable reduction circuit 22, and controls the address and the like for storing the reduced received image H to the image memory 23.

The person image A and the reduced received image G and received image H are combined into a person image A by the synthesis matrix circuit 24.
Is the main television image 12, the reduced received image G is the auxiliary image 13G, and the reduced received image H is the auxiliary image 13H.
Are combined and displayed on the monitor 11 as shown in FIG. At this time, the position pointer / selection circuit 25
The composite matrix circuit 24 is instructed and controlled in accordance with the composite position data input by the user. In this case, the auxiliary image 13G has a higher priority to be displayed.

When changing the display priority of the auxiliary images 13G and 13H, the user inputs new priority data by the position pointer / selection circuit 25. The position pointer / selection circuit 25 controls the composition matrix circuit 24 to change the priority order to be displayed according to the priority order data input by the user. Then, the display priority is changed, the combining positions are switched, and the auxiliary image 13H is displayed above the auxiliary image 13G. This is effective in a video conference when the user talks with the person of the other terminal and then talks with the person of another partner terminal.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention, as described above,
A composite matrix circuit 24, a position pointer, a selection circuit 25, and the like, by which the user can change the display order of the auxiliary images of the partner terminal displayed in an overlapping manner, are provided. The display order can be changed depending on the other party of the dialogue, and a video conference with a high degree of freedom can be performed.

[0061]

As described above, the video conference apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention has the reduction ratio data for designating an image in an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position in the entire television image. Input means, an image reducing means for reducing the captured image based on the input reduction rate data, and the reduced captured image at a position specified based on the input composite position data. The image pickup means for moving the reduced image can be moved to an arbitrary position by inputting new synthetic position data by the input means after the synthetic image is displayed. It is possible to arrange, the restriction of the usage method is reduced, and it is possible to hold a conference with a high degree of freedom.

As described above, the video conference apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention inputs the reduction rate data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image. Input means, an image reducing means for reducing a captured image based on the input reduction rate data, and an image for combining the reduced captured image at a position specified based on the input combining position data Since the reduced captured image can be made to have any size by inputting new reduction rate data by the input means after the synthesized image is displayed, the user can rearrange the monitor image. In addition, there are less restrictions on the usage method, and it is possible to hold a highly flexible conference.

As described above, the video conference apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention inputs the reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image. Input means for reducing the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data, and first image reduction means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. Since the second image reducing means and the image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced first and second captured images at the position designated based on the input synthetic position data are synthesized, the monitor image The effect that the user can relocate, the restrictions on the method of use can be reduced, and a highly flexible conference can be held.

As described above, the video conference apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention inputs the reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image. Input means for reducing the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data, and first image reduction means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. 2 image reducing means and image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced first and second captured images at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data, and inputting after the synthetic image is displayed. Inputting new reduction rate data by means to make the reduced first captured image a first arbitrary size and the reduced second captured image a second arbitrary size. Since it, the monitor image user can relocate constraints usage is reduced, an effect that can be performed with high flexibility conference.

As described above, the video conference apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention inputs the reduction rate data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and the composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image. Input means for reducing the first captured image based on the input reduction rate data, and first image reduction means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction rate data. 2 image reducing means and image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced first and second captured images by superimposing them at a position designated based on the input synthetic position data, and displaying the synthesized image. By inputting the display priority order data by the input means, the image synthesizing means replaces the front and rear of the reduced first and second captured images which are superimposed and synthesized, so that the monitor image The user can relocate constraints usage is reduced, an effect that can be performed with high flexibility conference.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a composite image obtained by moving an auxiliary image according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a composite image in which the display size of an auxiliary image is changed according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a composite image in which auxiliary images according to the third embodiment of the present invention are displayed in an overlapping manner.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a composite image in which the display sizes of auxiliary images according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are changed separately.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a composite image in which the order in which auxiliary images are overlapped is changed according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional videophone device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a composite image of a conventional videophone device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 14 Portrait camera 2 Document camera 11 Monitor 15, 16, 17, 22 Variable reduction circuit 18, 19, 20, 23 Image memory 21 Synthesis / switch matrix circuit 24 Synthesis matrix circuit 25 Position pointer, selection circuit

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 5, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

A person image A and a book image B respectively captured by the person camera 1 and the document camera 2 installed in the terminal.
Is input to the matrix circuit 3 and sets one of the images as the main screen and the other as the sub screen. The image set on the sub-screen is input to the reduction circuit 4 and reduced to an image having a prescribed size. The display position of the reduced image on the main screen is designated by the coordinate position designating circuit 5,
The combined image is input to the picture-in-picture circuit 6 for transmission together with the image set in the main screen, and a composite image in which the reduced sub-screen is inserted in the main screen is formed.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The transmitted image is input to the matrix circuit 7 together with the received image from the partner terminal, and one is set as the main screen and the other is set as the sub screen. The sub-screen is reduced by the reduction circuit 8, and the reduced sub-screen has a predetermined display position with respect to the main screen designated by the coordinate position designating circuit 9, and together with the image set on the main screen, the reception picture-in It is input to the picture circuit 10. In the picture-in-picture circuit for reception 10, a sub-screen is inserted at a designated position on the main screen and displayed on the monitor 11.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. Input means for inputting reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image, and a captured image based on the input reduction ratio data. And image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced captured image at a position designated based on the input synthesized position data, and the synthesized image data is displayed by the input means after the synthesized image is displayed. The video conferencing apparatus is characterized in that the reduced captured image can be moved to an arbitrary position by inputting. 2. Input means for inputting reduction rate data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image, and a captured image based on the input reduction rate data. And image synthesizing means for synthesizing the reduced captured image at a position specified on the basis of the input synthesizing position data, and the new reducing rate data by the input means after the synthesized image is displayed. The video conferencing apparatus is characterized in that the reduced captured image can be made into an arbitrary size by inputting. 3. Input means for inputting reduction ratio data designating an image to an arbitrary size and composite position data designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image, and a first means based on the input reduction ratio data. Image reducing means for reducing the captured image of No. 2, second image reducing means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction ratio data, and the reduced first and second imaging A video conferencing apparatus comprising: an image synthesizing unit for superimposing and synthesizing images at a position designated based on the input synthesizing position data. 4. Input means for inputting reduction rate data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image, and a first means based on the input reduction rate data. Image reducing means for reducing the captured image of No. 2, second image reducing means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction ratio data, and the reduced first and second imaging An image synthesizing unit for synthesizing an image at a position designated based on the input synthesizing position data is provided, and the reduced first imaging is performed by inputting new reduction rate data by the input unit after displaying the synthesized image. A video conference device, wherein an image can be made into a first arbitrary size and the reduced second captured image can be made into a second arbitrary size. 5. Input means for inputting reduction ratio data for designating an image to an arbitrary size and composite position data for designating an arbitrary position of the entire television image, and a first means based on the input reduction ratio data. Image reducing means for reducing the captured image of No. 2, second image reducing means for reducing the second captured image based on the input reduction ratio data, and the reduced first and second imaging An image synthesizing unit for superimposing and synthesizing images at a position designated based on the input synthesizing position data is provided, and the image synthesizing unit is configured to input the display priority data by the input unit after the synthesized image is displayed. A teleconferencing device, characterized in that the reduced first and second captured images that are superimposed and combined are replaced with each other.