DE19734511A1 - Communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication device, especially a multimedia telephone box comprising a camera (KAM) which records an interaction component (INTK) pertaining to a user (BEN), a display area (DB) to project an operator's station (BE), and a projector (PROJ) which is controlled by a computer (RE). The operator's station (BE) is projected onto the display area (DB) and a movement of the recorded interaction component (INTK) is converted to enable perception of a service. A microphone (MIK) is provided as an audio input unit and a loudspeaker (LAUT) acts as an audio output unit.

Description

The invention relates to a communication device, especially a multimedia telephone booth.

A method for gesture recognition is from [1], a method for tracking the head movement known from [2]. Furthermore are a method and an arrangement for contactless input (Gesture computer, virtual touch screen) known from [3].

Service provides an opportunity to Communication referred to as preferred, but not necessarily, is perceived via a network. A network (also: Communication network) marks the union of several Instances over a logical connection, preferably is determined by predetermined processes (protocols). The At least one service is preferred via a communication device. The attribute "multimedia" denotes the optional perception of several Services, where these services provide information different types (e.g. language, text, image, etc.) transfer.

In a known telephone booth, it is disadvantageous that Massive telephone device itself, mostly from one Stainless steel case with a special keyboard and one Hearing and headset on a metal jacket cable, is designed to provide adequate protection against vandalism Offer. Such configurations are due to their robustness accordingly expensive. It is also disadvantageous that Telephone books in paper form are available and therefore easy can be damaged. It is also expensive Telephone books every time a new edition is published in every telephone booth exchange.  

After all, phone booths don't offer any about that either Service beyond telephony; there is one Restriction to purely acoustic communication.

The invention has for its object a multimedia Telephone booth specify the disadvantages described above avoids and offers additional services.

This object is achieved in accordance with the features of patent claim 1 solved.

A communication device, in particular a multimedia telephone booth, has a camera, the one Interaction component of a user. Farther the communication device has a display area to project a control unit. The Communication device further comprises a projector which is controlled by a computer, the control unit projected the display area and a movement of the interaction component recorded by the camera Perception of a service.

In a further development, the communication device comprises a sound input unit and a sound output unit.

Another training is the To design the sound input unit as a microphone. Preferably, the microphone becomes non-contact Voice input (hands-free) used.

An additional training is that a second Camera is provided and designed such that it is a Portrait of the user takes. This is especially for the "Telephony" service advantageous. With the second camera can in particular the head or face of the user recorded and transmitted to another participant become.  

It is also a further development that the projected Control unit includes a keyboard. With the keyboard you can flexible entries are quick and easy.

Generally it is advantageous if the projected Control unit tailored to the respective service Provides input options for the user. This can for example by appropriate subdivision of the Display area in different logically separable Blocks happen. So, as mentioned above, a logical one Block the keyboard include, another logical block for example a picture of the other person during a Videotelephony and a third logical block a selection special for the "videotelephony" service Input fields, for example for conference calls, brokering or other quality of service characteristics.

An identification card denotes a Identification medium in the form of a card, e.g. B. chip card, for the user. With the help of the identification card (if possible) the identity of the user beyond any doubt detected. This is e.g. B. important for the service "EMail", since it must be ensured that the electronic message is authentic. It can also be different Securing mechanisms known to those skilled in the art alone (e.g. additional password request) or in combination with the card (e.g. fingerprint on the card) come. A credit can be made with the identification card connected, which is reduced when using the services. It is also conceivable to agree a loan with the card is connected and according to a standard today Credit card real to the user at a given time is billed.

In a development of the invention, at least one of the following services:  

a) Telephony

The user wants to make a "normal" call. To it becomes a predefinable number over the projected Enter the control unit and the addressee hold the desired call. Instead of manual Entering the phone number can be automated Procedure in which, on an identification card, which the user has before calling the Communication device must provide information, various information tailored to the user, e.g. B. phone numbers are stored. Calling a These stored phone numbers can be saved using a Speed dial key. A clear presentation the stored phone numbers as a personal one Phonebook leaves on the display area as well possible.

b) Video telephony

In principle, this corresponds to that described above Telephony, with the training that additionally Image information is transmitted. This can be beneficial an image of the people involved in video telephony be. It is possible that, for. B. via a Conference call, more than two people on one Participate in a (picture) call. Especially in the case of Videotelephony can be on the display area Overview are shown, all on video telephony shows people involved. It should be noted that Different quality of service characteristics Service QoS) can be perceived. examples for Quality of service characteristics are flaws, conference calls, Call waiting and parking.

c) Fax

The user can also be sent to a specified addressee Send a fax (or to several addressees). For this is, preferably with the camera, which is also the  Interaction component (s) records, the paper whose Content to be faxed, digitized. The so The data obtained can be faxed directly to an addressee become. In addition, it is possible to use a special Camera the paper whose content is to be faxed to record. This can make a higher one Transmission quality can be guaranteed.

d) Email

With the identification card, the identity of the Be determined by the user. Through this mapping is it is possible to email from the communication facility to be sent with the correct sender. Appropriate Security mechanisms are advantageous Authenticity of the sender secure. On the presentation A keyboard is preferably projected in the area the user can use to create their email. As mentioned above, here described services are also perceived in parallel, by dividing the viewport into different logical blocks, preferably assigned to the services is divided.

e) Radio service

In the same way that the user writes an email, he can also send short messages (e.g. short message service Send SMS, Scall, Quix) via specified radio services. The notification of one of the Radio services operator, the, at correspondingly high remuneration, the desired too transmitting messages are dictated.

f) Online service

Depending on the network, different online Services perceived via the communication device become. According to the identification card special service providers can be called, one  Community of interests between the publisher of the Identification card and the online service to be called can exist.

g) Internet

The service can be carried out by means of the communication device "Internet" are perceived. Navigation in the Internet is different based on the Display area of projected control units possible. Again, the billing of the service "Internet" perceived offer, ie the caused Cost of navigating the Internet, with one Provider that enables access to the Internet, and be linked using the identification card.

This link has the advantage that the provider wants to sell his identification cards to the user, since this ensures that the user corresponding access provided by the provider used on the Internet. This can increase the attractiveness for Providers at the communication facility are increasing what u. a. for increased acceptance and easy financing leads the communication device.

The depicted relationship between the provider and the user is not limited to the internet, but can be applied to other services as well.

h) Local and / or regional information service

Depending on the location of the communication device interesting information locally or regionally to be provided. These are an example Representation of travel times of different means of transport, e.g. B. train or plane, information about rental cars or Rental car rental, hotel information or Hotel reservation, theater events, cinema dates or information about exhibitions.  

i) Electronic phone book

It is also useful in traditional phone booths Existing telephone books electronically in paper form to provide. This can easily be done through a Database containing a given amount of Contains phone book entries. It is advantageous that an update of this electronic phone book by updating the entries in the database is carried out. This database can be found locally in the Telephone booth be executed or over a Communication connection from a central computer to be provided.

The database enables a convenient search in the electronic phone books. It is an advantage that this search on a much larger amount of data leads to a result in a much shorter time. Furthermore, the electronic phone book can do much more Have entries than exist in paper form Phonebooks in a multimedia phone booth fit. For example, in everyone Communication device a current electronic Telephone book provided at least by the whole of Germany become.

The interaction component can be a hand, a finger or be the user's head.

Another display is the display area designed with reflective material. Thus one projected onto the display area via the projector The user can recognize the scene in good quality.

Another development is that the Interaction component with one that is visible to the camera Marking is provided.  

It is also a further development of the invention that the Interaction component is recognized in that this with Infrared light in one that is visible to the camera Waveband is illuminated. This is particularly beneficial in adverse lighting conditions, e.g. B. in sunlight or at night.

As part of another training course Communication facility open to the public. In this In this case, the communication device can be the one known today replace conventional phone booth.

It is also an advanced training course, at least one of the Component camera, additional camera for video telephony, Non-destructive projector, microphone and computer to install. This can be done advantageously in that this behind a protective layer, e.g. B. one Plexiglass panel (with holes for the microphone), built-in are.

Further developments of the invention also result from the dependent claims.

Exemplary embodiments of the Invention presented in more detail.

Show it

Fig. 1 is a communication device, in particular a multimedia telephone booth,

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operating unit, which is projected on a display area and is operated via an interaction component,

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a display area for the performance of the service fax,

Fig. 4 shows a communication device for performing the video telephony service.

In Fig. 1 is a communication device KE, in particular a multimedia telephone booth, is shown. An optical module for in-ceiling installation has a projector PROJ, a camera KAM and lighting BEL, which preferably contains several sources. The camera KAM records an interaction component INTK of the user BEN. An operating unit BE is projected onto a display area DB using the projector PROJ. A computer RE controls the corresponding output on the display area DB using the projector PROJ in accordance with the input made to the display area DB using the interaction component INTK, the computer RE using the camera KAM to implement the movement of the recorded interaction component INTK to perform a predefinable service. A sound input unit MIK and a sound output unit LAUT are also arranged in the communication device KE. A telephone receiver or a microphone which is designed for hands-free calling can be provided as the sound input units.

Fig. 2 shows the served via the interaction component INTK display area DB, the different control units having BE. The control units BE are projected onto the display area using the PROJ projector. The camera KAM records the interaction component INTK, transmits the corresponding recordings to the computer RE, which evaluates the position of the interaction component INTK over the display area DB in such a way that a predetermined operating unit BE is triggered when the interaction component INTK for a predefinable period of time the control unit BE remains. As an example, a keypad modeled on the telephone is projected as part of the control unit BE in FIG. 2. Additional functions such as telephone book, flight information, train information or Internet services can be called up using additional buttons on the right side of the BE control unit. After each entry, a completely different control unit BE can be projected onto the display area DB. In addition to the projection of an operating unit, it is possible to display information in different ways and in different sub-areas of the display area DB, preferably in logical blocks. There is no limit to the variety of display options.

FIG. 3 shows a projection onto the display area DB similar to FIG. 2. In addition to the keyboard arrangement known from the telephone, a field is provided on which a document which is to be faxed can be placed. After entering a control unit BE specially provided for sending the fax, the field FAX is digitized via the camera KAM and sent to an addressee.

In FIG. 4, 1, the communication device KE is similar to FIGS., Wherein an additional camera CAMERA 2 is provided for receiving the user's face BEN. In this way, the video telephony service can be performed. Furthermore, it is possible to attend a video conference in a communication device KE, the display area being able to be used to perform other services, such as "document sharing", ie the processing of an electronic document by several users.

The following publications have been cited in this document:

[1] Gesture recognition, e.g. B. DE 195 16 664
[2] Head detection, e.g. B. DE 195 16 664
[3] Projection with gesture operation and evaluation in the visible area US 5,528,263.

Claims (16)

1. communication device, in particular a multimedia telephone booth,

• a) which has a camera (KAM) which records an interaction component (INTK) of a user (PERS),
• b) which has a display area (DB) for projecting an operating unit (BE),
• c) which has a projector (PROJ) which is controlled by a computer (RE), projects the operating unit (BE) onto the display area (DB) and implements a movement of the recorded interaction component (INTK) to perform a service.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, the one sound input unit (MIK) and one Sound output unit (LOUD) has. 3. Arrangement according to claim 2, where the sound input unit as a telephone handset or a microphone is designed for hands-free talking. 4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, where a second camera (KAM2) records the user. 5. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, where the projected control unit is a keyboard includes. 6. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the control unit to the respective service provides coordinated input options. 7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the following services is performed:

• a) telephony;
• b) video telephony;
• c) fax;
• d) email;
• e) short messages service;
• f) radio service (short message service SMS, Scall, Quix);
• g) online service;
• h) Internet;
• i) local and / or regional information service;
• j) electronic phone book.

8. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, where the interaction component is a hand of the User. 9. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, where the interaction component is a finger of the User. 10. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, where the interaction component is the user's head is. 11. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, where the display area is one with reflective Material designed surface is. 12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, where the interaction component with one for the Camera is provided with visible marking. 13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, where the interaction component is recognized that this with infrared light in one for the camera visible wave range is illuminated.   14. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, where the communication facility is public is accessible. 15. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one of the camera components, the second Camera, projector, sound input unit, sound output unit, Computer is installed non-destructively. 16. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, in which the local and / or regional information service provides at least one of the following services:

• a) travel times of means of transport (train, aircraft);
• b) car rental information and car rental;
• c) hotel information and hotel reservation;
• d) regional / local events (theater, cinema, exhibitions).