JP2000050249A - Video transmission control system and video/audio transmission control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an environment where the user resident in a split small space feels, as though the user ware resident in a single floor without partitions. SOLUTION: Cameras 1a-1f, monitors 2a-2f, microphones 3a-3f, loudspeakers 4a-4f and area designation switches 5a-5f are placed respectively in split areas A-F partitioned with floors, walls or the like. In the normal state, on the monitors 2a-2f of the split areas photographed video images by the cameras of all the other split areas are circuitedly displayed in a prescribed order, while being switched by a prescribed time so that all the video images are circuited for a prescribed time. Video and audio data are connected in two-way between the split area, where the user is resident and the designated split area until the split area is released, after it is designated by operating the switches 5a-5f by the user and while the two-way connection is maintained, transmission of the video image is controlled by the similar method as that in the normal state in the other split areas.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention realizes an environment in which a user can feel as if he / she is on a single floor without any gaps, while staying in a small space separated by a floor or even a wall or partition. The present invention relates to a video transmission control method and a video / audio transmission control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, it has been desired in Japanese companies to realize an environment in which employees can work on one floor with no gaps while paying attention to each other's health condition and work conditions. . This is because the superior can grasp the situation of his subordinates, and smooth employee development can be expected, and the employee can work with nervousness while being aware of each other and improve the work efficiency . Furthermore, it is expected that a sense of solidarity between employees can be fostered.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, due to problems such as the site area, the working space of a Japanese company is spread over many floors, and is divided into small spaces by walls and partitions, making it difficult for employees to communicate with each other. It is the current situation that it is.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and it is as if on a floor with no separation, while being in a floor, and even in a small space divided by walls, partitions, and the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a video transmission control system and a video / audio transmission control system for realizing an environment in which a user can feel.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a camera and a monitor are provided in each of a plurality of divided areas, and a monitor provided in each of the divided areas is provided with all other components. The video taken by the camera provided in the divided area is switched every predetermined time in an order determined by a predetermined rule so that all the images make one round within a predetermined time, and is cyclically displayed. It is assumed that.

In the video transmission control system according to the first aspect,
A camera and a monitor are provided as a set in each of a plurality of divided areas (small spaces divided by floors, walls, partitions, and the like). On the monitor provided in each of the divided regions, the images taken by the cameras provided in all the other divided regions are periodically switched and displayed so that all the images make one cycle within a predetermined time (for example, When the number of divided regions is 10 and the time required for one round is set to 45 seconds, the images taken by the cameras provided in the other nine divided regions are displayed on the monitors provided in the respective divided regions. , Displayed every 5 seconds). Therefore, the person who is in each divided area can know the state (the complexion and the state of work) of the person who is in all other divided areas from the video patrolly displayed on the monitor while staying in each divided area. it can.
In other words, persons in different divided areas can know each other's situation.

[0007] The images may be displayed in the order of the room number or randomly (an order determined by the rule of generating random numbers and following them). In addition, when a video image captured by a camera provided in the other divided area is displayed on a monitor provided in the one divided area, a monitor provided in the other divided area is displayed on the monitor provided in the other divided area. May be used to display an image captured by a camera provided in the one divided area), and the pairs may be sequentially recombined. Thus, when one is viewing the other, the other can also visually recognize the other. However, in the case where the number of divided areas is an odd number, the monitor provided in each of the divided areas displays once a prepared image (for example, wallpaper, scenery image, bulletin board) within the above-mentioned predetermined time. And always holds the rule of being bidirectional.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of divided areas includes a camera, a monitor, a microphone, a speaker, and an area designating switch, and the user operates the area designating switch to designate the divided area. Until the area designation is released, the state of the two-way connection of video and audio is maintained between the divided area where the user is and the divided area specified by the user, and the state of the two-way connection is maintained Video transmission is controlled by the method according to claim 1 in a divided area other than the divided area that is bidirectionally connected.

In the video / audio transmission control system of the present invention, a plurality of divided areas are provided with a camera, a monitor, a microphone, a speaker, and an area designating switch as one set. Normally, video transmission is performed by the video transmission control method according to claim 1 in all divided areas. At this time, the audio may or may not be transmitted together with the video.

When the user operates the area designating switch to specify a desired divided area, a two-way video and audio connection is established between the divided area where the user is located and the divided area designated by the user. That is, when an image captured by the camera provided in the specified dividing area is displayed on the monitor provided in the specified dividing area, the monitor provided in the specified dividing area is displayed on the monitor provided in the specified dividing area. Is displayed by the camera provided in the divided area. In addition, when a voice picked up by a microphone provided in the designated dividing area is generated from a speaker provided in the designated dividing area, a speaker provided in the designated dividing area is transmitted from the speaker provided in the designated dividing area. A sound picked up by a microphone provided in the original divided area is generated. In such a two-way connection state, the user, based on the video displayed on the monitor provided in the divided area where the user is located, is in a state where a partner who wants to interact with the designated divided area is present and can communicate. It can be determined whether or not there is. When the user determines from the video that the other party is in a state where the user can talk, the user calls the name of the other party. When the person whose name is called goes to the front of the device (camera, monitor, microphone, speaker, set of area designation switch), it becomes ready for dialogue. On the other hand, if the user cannot confirm from the video that there is a partner who wants to talk to the predetermined divided area, or determines that the other party is on the phone and is not in a state capable of talking, the user sets the area designation switch. Operate to cancel the area specification. As a result, the video transmission by the video transmission control method of the first aspect in the entire divided area is restarted. Note that, even when the conversation ends, the user similarly releases the area designation.

While the state of the bidirectional connection is maintained, video transmission is performed by the video transmission control method according to the first aspect of the present invention in the divided area excluding the divided area that is bidirectionally connected. In addition,
The term “dialogue” in the present specification does not mean a long time such as a discussion, but a short time such as a communication of a notice that does not significantly hinder the video transmission by the method of claim 1. Means things.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a virtual one floor system (hereinafter, referred to as a VOF system) to which a video transmission control system according to the present invention is applied (hereinafter, Embodiment 1). Will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the VOF system according to the first embodiment. This VOF system includes a set of cameras 1a to 1f and monitors 2a to 2f for each of the divided areas (A to F areas) indicated by broken lines. Also, a control device 1 for controlling video transmission in the AF regions
0 is provided.

[0013] As shown in FIG.
A video switch group 100a to 100f that supplies a video signal output from any of the cameras 1a to 1f in the AF region to the monitors 2a to 2f in the AF region, and controls the video switch groups 100a to 100f. And a switch control circuit 101 that performs the control.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining an example of a method of controlling the video switch groups 100a to 100f by the switch control circuit 101. Camera 1a ~
1f, the power supply of the monitor 2a~2f and control device 10 is turned on (in FIG. 3 _t 0), the switch control circuit 101,
A switch 10 for supplying a video signal to the monitor 2a in the A region
0a is controlled to be displayed on the monitor 2a in such a manner that all the images taken by the cameras 1b to 1f in other areas (B to F areas) are displayed in accordance with the rule of.

[0015] All the images make one cycle within the cycle time T (25 seconds). In order of area number (from the number of the own area), the images are switched every predetermined time t (5 seconds). The switches 100b to 100f that supply the video signals to 2f to 2f are similarly switched by the switch control circuit 101.

As a result, for example, a person in area A
The first in the cycle time T (t_N~ (T_N+ T) N: sa
People in the B area at the second ((t)_N+ T) ~
(T _N+ 2t)), the third person ((t_N+
2t) to (t_N+ 3t)) The person who is in the D area, 4th
((T_N+ 3t) to (t_N+ 4t)) in the E area
Person, fifth ((t_N+ 4t) to (t_N+ 5t))
You can see the people in the area. Meanwhile, the cycle
The first person in the F area within the time T is the second in the E area
The third person in the D area is the fourth, and the fourth person in the C area.
The fifth person in the B area is in the A area.
You can see what people are doing. That is, during the cycle
In the interval T, a person in the area A and each of the areas BF
With each other can see each other. other
The same can be said for the region of.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining a modification of the switching control method of the video switch groups 100a to 100f by the switch control circuit 101. The switch control circuit 101 connects the video switch group 100a that supplies a video signal to the monitor 2a in the A region to the monitor 2a.
Then, switching control is performed so that all the images captured by the cameras 1b to 1f in other areas (B to F areas) are displayed according to the rule of. However, at the timing when the image of the own area is displayed, a prepared image (for example, wallpaper, landscape image, bulletin board) is displayed.

All the images are cycled within the cycle time T ′ (30 seconds). In order of the area number (A → B → C → D → E → F). The images are switched every predetermined time t (5 seconds). The switches 100b to 100f that supply video signals to the monitors 2b to 2f in the areas (B to F areas) are similarly controlled by the switch control circuit 101.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining another modification of the switching control method of the video switch groups 100a to 100f by the switch control circuit 101. The switch control circuit 101 switches the switch 100a that supplies a video signal to the monitor 2a in the area A with the monitor 2a.
Then, switching control is performed so that all the images captured by the cameras 1b to 1f in other areas (B to F areas) are displayed according to the rule of.

All the images make a single cycle within the cycle time T (25 seconds). Pairs of bidirectional connections of video are created. Switching occurs every predetermined time t (5 seconds). For example, when the image captured by the camera 1b in the B area is displayed on the monitor 2a in the A area, the image captured by the camera 1a in the A area is displayed on the monitor 2b in the B area. Means to display. In this case, in the state where the person in the area A is visually recognizing the person in the area B, the person in the area B can also visually recognize the person in the area A. During this time, each of the video switches 100b to 100f that supply video signals to the monitors 2b to 2f in other areas (B to F areas) is similarly controlled by the switch control circuit 101.

When the number of divided areas is an odd number, as shown in FIG. 6, the monitor 2a to 2e of each divided area once displays the video (for example, wallpaper, The above rule is maintained by displaying landscape images and bulletin boards.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the images taken by the cameras of all the other divided areas are displayed on the monitor of each divided area so as to make a single cycle within the predetermined time, and the arbitrary images are displayed. Bidirectionality between the two divided areas is ensured. Therefore, persons in different divided areas can know each other's state (complex color and work state). Therefore, there is no gap between each other
You can feel as if you are on the floor.

As a technique related to the present invention, a video conference system and a surveillance camera system are known.
The video conference system distributes video and audio of a speaker to monitors and speakers of conference participants other than the speaker. Therefore, conference participants other than the speaker cannot know each other. Therefore, it is not possible to give the meeting participants the impression that they are on one floor with no gap. Also, the surveillance camera system
This is to unilaterally deliver the video of the monitored side to the monitoring side, and does not perform bidirectional video transmission. Therefore,
The monitored side cannot know the state of the monitoring side. Therefore, the person being monitored cannot be given the impression that he / she is on the one floor without being separated from the person being monitored.

[Embodiment 2] Hereinafter, another embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as Embodiment 2) of a VOF system to which a video / audio transmission control system according to the present invention is applied will be described. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a VOF system according to a second embodiment. In this VOF system, cameras 1a to 1f are provided for each of divided areas (A to F areas) indicated by broken lines.
Monitors 2a to 2f, microphones 3a to 3f, speakers 4a to
4f and area designation switches (hereinafter simply referred to as switches) 5a to 5f are provided as one set. Also,
Control device 1 for controlling video / audio transmission in AF areas
1 is provided.

The switches 5a to 5f are, as shown in FIG. 8, an area switch (A) for designating an area where a user wants to interact (meaning a short time such as transmission of a message). ＦF area), a release switch for releasing the area specification, a BUSY display unit indicating that the specified area is in a dialogue, and the like.

The control device 11, as shown in FIG.
A video switch group 102a to 102f for supplying a video signal output from any of the cameras 1a to 1f in the AF region to the monitors 2a to 2f in the AF region;
Audio switch groups 103a to 103f for supplying audio signals picked up by the microphones 3a to 3f in the A to F areas to the speakers 4a to 4f in the area, and the video switch group 1
02a to 102f and voice switch groups 103a to 103
and a switch control circuit 104 for controlling f.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining an example of a switching control method of the video switch groups 102a to 102f and the audio switch groups 103a to 103f by the switch control circuit 104. Cameras 1a-1
f, monitors 2a to 2f, microphones 3a to 3f, speaker 4
When the powers of the switches a to 4f, the switches 5a to 5f, and the control device 11 are turned on (t _{0 in} FIG. 10), the switch control circuit 1
A switching control unit 04 controls switching of each of the video switch groups 102a to 102f according to the rule described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. Further, the switch control circuit 104 controls each of the audio switch groups 103a to 103f so as not to supply an audio signal to the speakers 4a in the A to F areas (hereinafter, such transmission control of video and audio is performed). Normal operation).

Assume that a person (Mr. A) in the area A wants to interact with a person (Mr. D) in the area D. At this time, Mr. A
Go to the front of the device (set of camera 1a, monitor 2a, switch 5a, microphone 3a, speaker 4a) and switch 5a
Is pressed (t _{ON in} FIG. 10). Thereby, the area designation signal is transmitted to the switch control circuit 104. If the designated D area is in a dialogue, a signal indicating this is transmitted from the switch control circuit 104 to the switch of the designated A area, and the BUSY display is turned on. On the other hand, D
When the area is not in a dialogue, in response to the area specifying signal, the switch control circuit 104 outputs the video switch 102a for supplying the video signal to the monitor 2a in the area A from the camera 1d in the area D to the monitor 2a. The video switch 102d that controls the supply of the video signal and supplies the video signal to the monitor 2d in the D area is set to the monitor 2d.
Is controlled so that the video signal output from the camera 1a in the area A is supplied to the camera.

The switch control circuit 104 controls the audio switch 10 for supplying an audio signal to the speaker 4a in the area A.
The speaker 4a is controlled so that the audio signal picked up by the microphone 3d in the D area is supplied to the speaker 4a, and the audio switch 103d for supplying an audio signal to the speaker 4d in the D area is connected to the speaker 4d in the A area. Microphone 3
Control is performed so that the audio signal picked up by a is supplied. That is, the video and the audio are set in a two-way connection state between the area A and the area D. Further, the switch control circuit 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes each of the remaining video switches 102b, 102c, and 10 so that normal operation is performed in the B, C, E, and F regions.
2e, 102f and each voice switch 103b, 103
c, 103e, and 103f are respectively controlled.

In the two-way connection state, Mr. A is picked up by the video taken by the camera 1d in the D area displayed on the monitor 2a and by the microphone 3f in the D area generated from the speaker 4a. From the voice, it is possible to determine whether or not Mr. D is at the table and is in a state where he can talk.

When Mr. A determines that Mr. D is ready to talk, he calls his name. Mr. D whose name is called goes to the front of the device to be able to talk. Note that the state of the bidirectional connection is such that the dialogue ends (t _{OFF in} FIG. 10),
It is held until either A or D presses the release key of the switch. On the other hand, if Mr. A cannot confirm that Mr. D is in the seat, or judges that Mr. D is on the phone and is not in a state where he can talk, he presses the release key of the switch 5a. When the release key is pressed, an area designation release signal is transmitted to the switch control circuit 104. In response to this area designation release signal, the switch control circuit 104
To perform the normal operation in all the areas of F
It controls the video switch groups 102a to 102f and the audio switch groups 103a to 103f.

It should be noted that a timer is provided for counting the time from the transmission of the area designation signal to each of the switches 5a to 5f.
An area designation release signal may be transmitted to the switch control circuit 104. Thus, it is possible to prevent the normal operation in all the areas A to F from being restarted due to the forgetting to press the release key.

The switch may be of a remote control type using a known controller technology such as infrared communication and wireless communication. Here, in a divided area where the switch can be monopolized (for example, in the president's office), the user does not have to walk to the front of the device (camera, monitor, microphone, speaker, switch set) in order to see the state of the partner with whom he wants to interact. It is conceivable to install the device close to the seat to save time. However, such an installation has a feeling of resistance because one image is enlarged. On the other hand, if the camera, monitor, microphone, and speaker are set as one set and installed at a certain distance from the seat, and the area designation switch is set to the remote control type, the installation of the device to see the other party you want to talk with There is no need to walk to the place, and no one's image is enlarged.

As shown in FIG. 11, a voice recognition device is provided in place of the switch, and personal information (for example, department and name) input from a microphone and information stored in the memory 14 (for example, department) And a table indicating the correspondence between the information of the name and the divided area where the corresponding person is located), and the divided area where the personal information is input and the divided area where the person corresponding to the personal information is located are displayed in the video and audio. May be automatically set to the two-way connection state. This eliminates the hassle of checking the position of the seat of the partner with whom the user wants to have a dialogue or the like in advance.

Further, a function of broadcasting simultaneously to a plurality of divided areas arbitrarily designated by a user in a state where normal operation is performed may be provided.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
When the user operates a switch to specify a desired division area, the division area where the user is located and the division area specified by the user are in a state of two-way video and audio connection. Therefore, the user can talk while staying in different divided areas. In addition, before requesting a dialogue, the user can determine from the video displayed on the monitor whether there is a partner who wants to talk in a predetermined divided area and whether the user can talk. Therefore, unlike a telephone or a videophone, it is possible to request a dialogue after judging the situation of the partner who wants to talk from the video.

In the first or second embodiment, when an outside person who does not want to know the state of the office visits,
It has a function to block or cancel the video transmission between the divided area where the person is and other divided areas, and only the system administrator or a specific registered user can operate it. You may make it. At the time of the cutoff, for example, in a divided area excluding the divided area where an external person is present, a character string such as “OFF-LIMITS” or a character string such as “OFF-LIMITS” is prepared in advance at the timing when the image of the divided area where the person is present is displayed on each monitor. Image (eg, curtain image)
Is displayed. On the other hand, in a divided area where an outside person is present, an image prepared in advance on the monitor (for example,
Image of the curtain). In this case, it is necessary to supply to each video switch group a video signal for displaying the character string and the image in addition to the video captured by the cameras 1a to 1f in the A to F regions. .
By embedding the monitor of each divided area in a wall (the camera may or may not be embedded), a curtain is arranged in front of the monitor and the camera, and the curtain is physically opened and closed by treating the monitor as a window. Video transmission may be blocked or the blocking may be released.

Further, a function for displaying company news or the like in the form of a telop may be provided. In this case, for example, the control device includes an input unit for inputting text image information such as news and a synthesizing unit for synthesizing text image information with image information supplied to each monitor. Further, an area name or an area number may be displayed so that the area of the currently displayed video can be recognized. In this case, for example, a camera having a function of overlaying text information such as an area name or an area number input from the outside on a captured video and outputting the captured video is used.

Here, in the first or second embodiment, if the number of divided areas increases, the bundle of communication lines connected to the control devices 10, 11, and 12 may become thick, and routing may become difficult. In such a case, it is desirable that the video signal or the video / audio signal is frequency-divided and all the video signals are transmitted through two communication lines. Hereinafter, a case where the configuration shown in FIG. 12 is employed instead of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

Each camera 1a to 1f and each monitor 2
Frequency channels are assigned to a to 2f. For example,
Each of the cameras 1a to 1f in the A to F areas has a UHF channel 31 to a UHF 36 channel, and each of the monitors 2a to 2 in the A to F areas.
UHF37 channel to UHF42 channel are respectively allocated to f.

(1) Operation of transmitting a video signal from the cameras 1a to 1f in the AF region to the control device 23 The video signal output from the camera 1a in the A region is transmitted to a modulator (modulator) connected to the camera 1a. ) 20a
In the UHF31 channel RF (RadioFrequenc
y) converted to a signal. The video signal output from the camera 1b in the area B is converted into a UHF 32-channel RF signal by the modulator 20b connected to the camera 1b. Similarly, the video signals output from the cameras 1c to 1f in the respective areas C to F are respectively UHF
It is converted into an RF signal of 33 channels to 36 channels of UHF.

[0042] RF signal of UHF31 channel and UH
The first stage multiplexer 21b is connected to the F32 channel RF signal.
And output to the communication line 22. This combined wave and U
The RF signal of the HF33 channel is combined with the second stage multiplexer 21
The signals are multiplexed at c and output to the communication line 22. Similarly,
The RF signals of the UHF 34 to 36 channels are sequentially multiplexed by the multiplexers 21d to 21f of the third to fifth stages. R from UHF31 channel to UHF36 channel
The composite wave of the F signal is supplied to the control device 23.

(2) Operation in which the control device 23 switches the video signal (see FIG. 13) UHF31 channels to U input to the control device 23
The composite wave of the RF signal of the HF36 channel is supplied to the distributor 110
Demodulators (demodulators) 111a to 111f
Distributed to The demodulator 111a at the uppermost stage extracts the RF signal of the UHF channel 31 from the composite wave and converts it into a video signal. This video signal corresponds to a video captured by the camera 1a in the A region. Similarly, the remaining demodulators 111b to 111f respectively extract the RF signals of the UHF channels 32 to 36 from the composite wave and convert them into video signals. Each video signal is transmitted to the camera 1b in the BF area.
1 to 1f.

The switch control circuit 113 controls switching of each of the video switches 112 a to 112 f according to, for example, the rules described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. As a result, the top modulator 114a has
A video signal to be displayed on each monitor 2a in the area A is supplied. Similarly, the remaining modulators 114b to 114b
The video signals to be displayed on the monitors 2b to 2f in the BF regions are also supplied to f.

The uppermost modulator 114 a converts the supplied video signal into a UHF 37 channel RF signal. Similarly, each of the remaining modulators 114b-
114f also converts the supplied video signal into a UHF3
The signal is converted into an RF signal of 8 channels to 42 channels of UHF. The RF signals output from the modulators 114a to 114f are multiplexed by the multiplexer 115, and
The signal is output to the communication line 24 as a composite wave of the RF signal of the channel to the UHF 42 channel.

(3) Operation of transmitting a video signal from the control unit 23 to the monitors 2a to 2f in the A to F areas UHF 37 channels output from the control unit 23
The composite wave of the RF signal of the UHF channel is distributed by the foremost distributor 25f to the demodulator 26f connected to the monitor 2f in the F region and the distributor 25e (not shown) in the next stage. By the same distribution by the respective distributors, the composite wave is distributed to the remaining demodulators 26a to 26e.

The demodulator 26 a connected to the monitor 2 a in the area A extracts the RF signal of the UHF 37 channel from the composite wave and converts the RF signal into a video signal.
output to a. Similarly, monitor 2 in the remaining BF area
b to 2f are also UHF38 channel to UHF42
The RF signal of the channel is extracted, converted into a video signal, and output to each of the monitors 2b to 2f.

If the NTSC system is adopted, not only video signals but also audio signals can be carried on the communication lines 22 and 24. Therefore, this transmission method can be applied to the second embodiment. However, when performing voice recognition, the control device 2
It is necessary to separate the audio signal from the video signal of each channel decomposed in 3 and to input this to the speech recognition device. When the monitors 2a to 2f have built-in UHF tuners, the demodulators 26a to 26f connected to the monitors 2a to 2f can be omitted.

When the amount of data is relatively small or when data transmission can be performed at high speed, the configuration shown in FIG. 14A may be employed instead of the configuration shown in FIG. Hereinafter, an operation of transmitting a video signal from the cameras 1a to 1f in the AF region to the monitors 2a to 2f in the AF region will be described.

The video signal output from the camera 1a in the area A is digitized, and the source address is assigned as shown in FIG. 14 (b). This data is transmitted on the LAN 31 via the network controller 30a. The control device 32 receives each video signal transmitted on the LAN 31 and attaches an address of a monitor that displays each video signal determined according to the rule described with reference to FIG. Send it up again.

Each network controller 30 a-
30f extracts, from the data transmitted on the LAN 31, data to which its own address is attached, reconstructs an image, and displays it on each of the monitors 2a to 2f. Note that not only video signals but also audio signals can be loaded on the LAN 31. Therefore, this transmission method can be applied to the second embodiment.

As described above, by employing the configuration shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 14A, the number of wirings can be greatly reduced.

[0053]

According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, persons in different divided areas can know each other's state (complex color and work state). Therefore, there is an effect that the user can feel as if they are on one floor with no separation. In particular, when making a pair of two-way video connections, if one is viewing the other, the other can also see one. Therefore, mutual confirmation and communication of intentions are facilitated, and the sense of realism is increased as compared with the case where the patrol display is performed in the order of room numbers or randomly. In addition, when the number of divided areas is large, it takes a long time for people in different divided areas to know each other's state, and thus there is a possibility that awareness that they are being monitored may occur. On the contrary,
When creating a pair of bidirectional connections, such consciousness does not occur.

In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the user operates the area specifying switch to specify a desired divided area, the divided area where the user is located and the divided area specified by the user are used for the image and the divided area. A two-way audio connection is established. Therefore, there is an effect that the user can talk while staying in different small spaces. In addition, before requesting a dialogue, the user can determine from the video displayed on the monitor whether there is a partner who wants to talk in a predetermined divided area and whether or not the user can talk. Therefore, unlike the telephone and the videophone, there is an effect that the dialogue can be requested after judging the situation of the partner who wants to talk from the video.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a VOF system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a control device.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a control method of a switch group by a switch control circuit.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining a modification of the control method.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining another modified example of the control method.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining another modified example of the control method.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a VOF system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an area designation switch.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a control device.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a switch group by a switch control circuit.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a VOF system including a voice recognition device.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a modification of the signal transmission mode.

13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing another modification of the signal transmission mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 camera 2 monitor 3 microphone 4 speaker 5 switch 10, 11, 12 control device 13 voice recognition device 14 memory 20 modulator 21 multiplexer 22, 24 communication line 23 control device 25 distributor 26 demodulator 30 network controller 31 LAN 32 control Device 100, 102 Video switch group 101, 104 Switch control circuit 103 Audio switch group 110 Distributor 111 Demodulator 112 Video switch group 113 Switch control circuit 114 Modulator 115 Multiplexer

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 23, 1999 (1999.6.2
3)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

6. A divided area is provided with a camera, a monitor, a microphone, a speaker, and an area designating switch. Each time the user operates the area designated switch to designate the divided area and cancels the area designation. The divided area where the user is located and the divided area specified by the user maintain the state of the bidirectional connection of video and audio, and the divided area that is bidirectionally connected while the state of the bidirectional connection is maintained. in dividing region excluding the claim 1
6. A video / audio transmission control system, wherein video transmission is controlled by the system according to any one of the above items 5 to 5 .

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0005]

To achieve the above object of the Invention The invention of Claim 5 is provided with a camera and a monitor to each of the plurality of divided regions, a monitor provided in each dividing region, other The images captured by the cameras provided in all the divided areas are switched every predetermined time in an order determined by a predetermined rule so that all the images make a round within a predetermined time, and bidirectional display and It is characterized in that it is displayed cyclically so as to be as follows.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In the video transmission control system according to the first to fifth aspects, a camera and a monitor are provided as a set in each of a plurality of divided areas (floor, further, small spaces divided by walls, partitions, and the like). . On the monitor provided in each of the divided regions, the images taken by the cameras provided in all the other divided regions are periodically switched and displayed so that all the images make one cycle within a predetermined time (for example,
The number of divided regions is 10, and the time required for one round is 45
When set to seconds, the monitor provided for each segmented area
The images captured by the cameras provided in the other nine divided areas are switched and displayed every 5 seconds.) Therefore, the person who is in each divided area, while being in each divided area,
It is possible to know the state of the person (the complexion and the state of the work) in all the other divided areas from the images displayed cyclically on the monitor. In other words, people who are in different divided areas
You can see the other party. Further, claims 1-3
In the invention of the above, the images of the two divided areas are displayed mutually.
In one of the divided areas and the other
At the same timing
You can see it. In the invention of claim 5,
Indicates that the above-mentioned mutual display is possible, except for an arbitrary divided area.
Video can be blocked when an outsider visits
And so on.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of divided areas includes a camera, a monitor, a microphone, a speaker, and an area designating switch, and the user operates the area designating switch to designate the divided area. Until the area designation is released, the state of the two-way connection of video and audio is maintained between the divided area where the user is and the divided area specified by the user, and the state of the two-way connection is maintained In the divided areas other than the divided areas which are bidirectionally connected, the video transmission is controlled by the methods of claims 1 to 5 .

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0009] In video and audio transmission control system according to claim 6, camera plurality of divided regions, a monitor, a microphone, a speaker, a and a region designation switch set. Normally, in all of the divided regions, claims 1 to
The video transmission is performed by the video transmission control method of No. 5 . At this time, the audio may or may not be transmitted together with the video.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

When the user operates the area designating switch to specify a desired divided area, a two-way video and audio connection is established between the divided area where the user is located and the divided area designated by the user. That is, when an image captured by the camera provided in the specified dividing area is displayed on the monitor provided in the specified dividing area, the monitor provided in the specified dividing area is displayed on the monitor provided in the specified dividing area. Is displayed by the camera provided in the divided area. In addition, when a voice picked up by a microphone provided in the designated dividing area is generated from a speaker provided in the designated dividing area, a speaker provided in the designated dividing area is transmitted from the speaker provided in the designated dividing area. A sound picked up by a microphone provided in the original divided area is generated. In such a two-way connection state, the user, based on the video displayed on the monitor provided in the divided area where the user is located, is in a state where a partner who wants to interact with the designated divided area is present and can communicate. It can be determined whether or not there is. When the user determines from the video that the other party is in a state where the user can talk, the user calls the name of the other party. When the person whose name is called goes to the front of the device (camera, monitor, microphone, speaker, set of area designation switch), it becomes ready for dialogue. On the other hand, if the user cannot confirm from the video that there is a partner who wants to talk to the predetermined divided area, or determines that the other party is on the phone and is not in a state capable of talking, the user sets the area designation switch. Operate to cancel the area specification. As a result, the video transmission by the video transmission control method according to the first to fifth aspects in the entire divided area is restarted. In addition,
When the dialogue ends, the user similarly cancels the area designation.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

While the state of the bidirectional connection is maintained, video transmission is performed by the video transmission control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in the divided area except the divided area which is bidirectionally connected. It should be noted that "dialogue" in the present specification does not mean a long-time one such as a debate but does not significantly hinder image transmission by the methods of claims 1 to 5 like transmission of communication information. Means a short time.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A camera and a monitor are provided in each of a plurality of divided areas, and a monitor provided in each of the divided areas is configured to display an image captured by a camera provided in all other divided areas within a predetermined time. A video transmission control system characterized in that the video is switched and displayed cyclically at a predetermined time in an order determined by a predetermined rule so that all the images make one cycle. 2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a camera, a monitor, a microphone, a speaker, and an area designating switch provided in each of the plurality of divided areas, wherein a user operates the area designating switch to designate the divided area and then cancels the area designation. While the divided area where the user is located and the divided area designated by the user maintain the state of the bidirectional connection of video and audio, and the state of the bidirectional connection is maintained while the state of the bidirectional connection is maintained. Claim 1 in the divided area except the divided area
A video / audio transmission control method characterized by controlling video transmission by the above method.