JP2010074456A - Imaging direction controller, remote conference device, imaging direction control method, and imaging direction control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging direction controller for controlling an imaging direction so as to easily and rapidly display conference participants with common attribute, and to provide remote conference devices, an imaging direction control method, and an imaging direction control program. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging direction controller specifies who the conference participants are (S12). Specific imaging direction information being imaging direction information in imaging the respective conference participants is specified (S13). This specific imaging direction information is stored by post (S14). When attribute information indicating the post is inputted (S15:YES), the specific imaging direction information stored in association with the post indicated by the attribute information is transmitted to the respective remote conference devices by the imaging direction controller (S16-S18). The respective remote conference devices switch the imaging direction of an imaging apparatus, so as to allow the imaging direction to be the direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging direction control device for controlling an imaging direction in a remote conference performed by imaging conference participants at a plurality of locations and displaying the captured conference participants via a network. The present invention relates to a conference apparatus, an imaging direction control method, and an imaging direction control program.

  In recent years, remote conferencing apparatuses are installed at a plurality of bases, and remote conferencing between a plurality of bases is often performed. The remote conference apparatus includes an imaging unit that images conference participants who participate in the remote conference. Then, the image of the conference participant captured by the imaging unit is transmitted to another remote conference device via the network, and the image of the conference participant transmitted from the other remote conference device is displayed. Therefore, the conference participants at each site can participate in the remote conference while grasping the state of the conference participants at other sites.

  In addition, for example, a remote conference apparatus is known that includes a switching unit that switches an imaging direction of an imaging unit in order to capture an image of a specific conference participant such as a conference participant in conversation with the imaging unit (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2). The remote conference device described in Patent Literature 1 detects the position of a conference participant and captures specific imaging direction information indicating the imaging direction of the imaging unit when the detected conference participant is imaged for each conference participant. Is stored with a preset number. Then, the conference participant is displayed on the screen, and the preset number is displayed corresponding to the conference participant. In a remote conference, when a preset number corresponding to a conference participant to be displayed on the screen is selected by the remote controller, the switching unit has an imaging direction indicated by specific imaging direction information corresponding to the preset number. As described above, the imaging direction of the imaging means is switched. Thus, a conference participant can display a specific conference participant simply by selecting a preset number. That is, the conference participant can quickly display a specific conference participant.

On the other hand, the remote conference device described in Patent Literature 2 preferentially displays conference participants who are deeply related to the remote conference and conference participants who make a speech deeply related to the remote conference. Specifically, the specific imaging direction information is set in advance by a conference participant. When a remote conference is carried out, the remote conference device gives priority to each conference participant by referring to pre-registered profile information or by recognizing speech in the remote conference. Then, the switching unit switches the imaging direction of the imaging unit so as to preferentially capture the high-priority conference participants. Thereby, since a specific conference participant is automatically displayed in the remote conference, the operation burden on the conference participant can be reduced. Furthermore, since the displayed conference participant is likely to be a person deeply related to the remote conference, each conference participant can more easily participate in the remote conference.
JP-A-11-122593 JP 2007-67972 A

  By the way, in a remote conference, for example, there are cases where it is desired to display conference participants having common attributes such as conference participants of the same position. In such a case, since the remote conference apparatus of Patent Document 1 does not grasp the attributes of each conference participant, it is necessary to select the preset number corresponding to the conference participant having the same attribute at each site with the remote controller. Therefore, there is a problem that the operation burden on the conference participants is large. There is also a problem that it takes time to display conference participants having the same attributes.

  On the other hand, since the remote conference device of Patent Document 2 automatically displays specific conference participants such as conference participants closely related to the remote conference, unwilling conference participants with no common attributes are displayed. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a remote conference that is performed by imaging conference participants at a plurality of bases and displaying the captured conference participants via a network. The present invention provides an imaging direction control device, a remote conference device, an imaging direction control method, and an imaging direction control program that can control the imaging direction so that conference participants having common attributes can be displayed easily and quickly.

  In order to achieve the above object, the imaging direction control apparatus according to claim 1 is configured to capture an image of a conference participant who participates in a remote conference, and to capture a specific conference participant using the imaging unit. A teleconferencing device comprising switching means for switching the imaging direction of the imaging means based on imaging direction information indicating the imaging direction of the means is installed at a plurality of bases, and each remote conference device captures a conference participant captured by itself In the remote conference implemented by displaying the image of the conference participant transmitted from the other remote conference device while transmitting the image of the video to the other remote conference device via the network, each remote conference device An imaging direction control device for controlling the imaging direction of the imaging means, a specific information acquisition means for acquiring specific information that is information for specifying a conference participant, and stored in a storage means A profile made up of one or more pieces of attribute information including the specific information of a conference candidate who may participate in a remote conference, and the specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition means, Participant specifying means for identifying each of the meeting participants as candidates for the meeting participation, and specifying the imaging direction information when the imaging means images the meeting participant specified by the participant specifying means Of the conference participants specified by the participant specifying means, the setting means sets the imaging direction specifying means for specifying the imaging direction information, the setting means for setting any of the attribute information constituting the profile Transmission means for transmitting the specific imaging direction information corresponding to a conference participant whose profile information is included in a profile to each remote conference device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the imaging direction control device displays attribute information constituting the profile by the remote conference device and selects the attribute information for the conference participant. By doing so, the setting means sets any one of the attribute information constituting the profile.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to the first or second aspect, the imaging direction control device is displayed when the remote conference device zooms in and displays the conference participants. Is characterized by having a constant size.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the imaging direction control device further includes participation base information that can specify at which base a conference participant participates in the remote conference. Based on the participation base information acquisition means acquired by the participation base information acquisition means and the participation base information acquisition means, a plurality of conference participants in which the attribute information set by the setting means is included in the profile at the same base And selecting means for selecting one of the conference participants, and the transmitting means transmits only the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant selected by the selecting means to each remote conference device. It is characterized by doing.

  The remote conference apparatus according to claim 5 is a remote conference apparatus provided at a plurality of bases and connected to a network, and imaging means for imaging conference participants participating in the remote conference; and the imaging means A first transmission unit that transmits an image of a conference participant to another remote conference device via the network; a first reception unit that receives an image of a conference participant transmitted from another remote conference device; Display means for displaying the image of the conference participant received by the first receiving means, and each remote conference device further includes specific information acquisition means for acquiring specific information that is information for specifying the conference participant, and storage means And a profile made up of one or more pieces of attribute information including the specific information of the conference candidate who may participate in the remote conference, and the specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition means When the imaging means images the participant identifying means for each meeting participant to identify someone among the meeting candidate candidates, and the meeting participant identified by the participant identifying means Imaging direction specifying means for specifying specific imaging direction information indicating the imaging direction of the imaging means, setting means for setting any of the attribute information constituting the profile, and attribute information set by the setting means. Second transmission means for transmitting to the remote conference apparatus, second reception means for receiving the attribute information transmitted from another remote conference apparatus, and the attribute information set by the setting means or the second reception means Is used to switch the imaging direction of the imaging unit so that the attribute information received by the user is the imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant included in the profile. Characterized in that it comprises a means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the invention, the display means displays the attribute information constituting the profile and allows the conference participants to select the attribute information. The setting means sets any of attribute information constituting the profile.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to the fifth or sixth aspect, when the display means zooms in and displays the conference participants, the displayed conference participants are fixed. It is characterized by making it become the magnitude | size of.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the teleconference device according to claim 8 includes the attribute information set by the setting unit or the attribute information received by the second receiving unit. If there are a plurality of conference participants included in the profile, the profile further includes a selection unit that selects any one of the conference participants, and the switching unit corresponds to the conference participant selected by the selection unit. The imaging direction of the imaging unit is switched so that the imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information is obtained.

  The imaging direction control method according to claim 9 is an imaging unit that images a conference participant who participates in a remote conference, and an imaging direction that indicates an imaging direction of the imaging unit in order to capture a specific conference participant by the imaging unit. A remote conference device comprising switching means for switching the imaging direction of the imaging means based on information is installed at a plurality of bases, and each remote conference device transmits an image of a conference participant captured by the remote conference device via a network. In the remote conference implemented by displaying the images of the conference participants transmitted from the other remote conference devices while transmitting to the other remote conference devices, the imaging direction of the imaging means of each remote conference device is changed. An imaging direction control method for controlling, a specific information acquisition step for acquiring specific information which is information for specifying a conference participant, and participation in a remote conference stored in a storage means. Each conference participant checks the profile of one or more pieces of attribute information including the specific information of the conference participation candidates that can be matched with the specific information acquired in the specific information acquisition step. Participant identification step that identifies someone among the participation candidates, and imaging that identifies specific imaging direction information that is the imaging direction information when the imaging unit images the conference participant identified in the participant identification step Of the conference identification specified in the direction specifying step, the attribute information constituting the profile, and the conference identification specified in the participant specifying step, the attribute information set in the setting step is the profile. A transmission scan that transmits the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the included conference participants to each remote conference device. Tsu, characterized in that it comprises a flop.

  An imaging direction control program according to claim 10 causes a computer to execute various processing steps of the imaging direction control method according to claim 9.

  According to the imaging direction control apparatus of the first aspect, the specific information acquisition unit can acquire specific information that is information for specifying a conference participant. The participant specifying means includes a profile made up of one or more pieces of attribute information including specific information of a conference participation candidate who has a possibility of participating in a remote conference, and a specific information acquiring means stored in the storage means. By collating with the acquired specific information, each conference participant can specify someone among the conference participation candidates. On the other hand, the imaging direction specifying means can specify specific imaging direction information that is imaging direction information when the imaging means images the conference participant specified by the participant specifying means. Further, the setting means can set any of the attribute information constituting the profile. Then, the transmission unit transmits the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant whose attribute information set by the setting unit is included in the profile among the conference participants specified by the participant specifying unit to each remote conference device. can do.

  Therefore, each remote conference device can switch the imaging direction of the imaging unit by the switching unit so that the imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information is obtained. In other words, if the attribute information is set by the setting means, the imaging direction can be controlled so that conference participants with common attributes can be displayed easily and quickly.

  According to the imaging direction control apparatus of claim 2, the remote conferencing apparatus displays the attribute information constituting the profile, and the setting means configures the attribute constituting the profile by causing the conference participant to select the attribute information. Any of the information can be set. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the image capturing direction control apparatus of claim 2 can easily set attribute information for the conference participants.

  In addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1, the imaging direction control device according to claim 3 is configured such that when the remote conference device zooms in and displays the conference participant, the displayed conference participant is Since it becomes a certain size, it is easy to visually recognize the conference participants.

  In addition, according to the imaging direction control apparatus of the fourth aspect, the participation base information acquisition unit acquires the participation base information that can specify at which base the conference participant participates in the remote conference. In addition, the selection means is based on the participation base information acquired by the participation base information acquisition means, and when there are a plurality of conference participants in the same base where the attribute information set by the setting means is included in the profile, one of them Select a meeting participant. And a transmission means transmits only the specific imaging direction information with respect to the conference participant which the selection means selected to each remote conference apparatus.

  As described above, when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same attribute at the same site, only the specific imaging direction information for any one of the conference participants is transmitted to each remote conference device. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first to third aspects of the invention, the remote conference apparatus can determine which conference participant is to be imaged even when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same attribute at the same site.

  According to the remote conference device of the fifth aspect, the specific information acquisition means can acquire specific information that is information for specifying a conference participant. The participant specifying means includes a profile made up of one or more pieces of attribute information including specific information of a conference participation candidate who has a possibility of participating in a remote conference, and a specific information acquiring means stored in the storage means. By collating with the acquired specific information, each conference participant can specify someone among the conference participation candidates. Further, the imaging direction specifying means can detect specific imaging direction information that is imaging direction information when the imaging means images the conference participant specified by the participant specifying means. The setting means sets one of the attribute information constituting the profile, and the second transmission means can transmit the set attribute information to another remote conference apparatus. The second receiving means can receive attribute information transmitted from another remote conference apparatus. And the switching means, the attribute information set by the setting means or the attribute information received by the second receiving means is in the imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant included in the profile, The imaging direction of the imaging means can be switched.

  Thus, if the attribute information is set by the setting means, the imaging direction can be controlled so that conference participants having the same attribute are displayed easily and quickly.

  According to the teleconferencing apparatus of claim 6, the display means displays the attribute information constituting the profile and causes the conference participant to select the attribute information so that the setting means can select the attribute information constituting the profile. You can set one of them. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention according to the fifth aspect, the conference participant can easily set the attribute information.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fifth or sixth aspect, when the display means zooms in and displays the conference participants, the displayed conference participants are fixed. Since the size is large, it is easy to visually recognize the conference participants.

  Further, according to the remote conference device of claim 8, when there are a plurality of conference participants in which the profile includes the attribute information set by the setting unit or the attribute information received by the second receiving unit, Select one of the meeting participants. The switching unit switches the imaging direction of the imaging unit so that the imaging direction is indicated by the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant selected by the selection unit.

  Therefore, in addition to the effects of the inventions according to claims 5 to 7, when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same attribute at the same base, one of the conference participants is imaged. That is, even when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same attribute at the same base, it is possible to determine which conference participant is to be imaged.

  According to the imaging direction control method of the ninth aspect, in the specific information acquisition step, specific information that is information for specifying a conference participant can be acquired. In the participant identification step, in the identification information acquisition step, a profile comprising one or more attribute information including the identification information of the conference participation candidate who has the possibility of participating in the remote conference stored in the storage means The acquired specific information is collated, and each conference participant can specify someone among the conference participation candidates. On the other hand, in the imaging direction specifying step, specific imaging direction information that is imaging direction information when the imaging means images the conference participant specified in the participant specifying step can be specified. In the setting step, any of the attribute information constituting the profile can be set. And in the transmission step, among the conference participants specified in the participant specifying step, the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant in which the attribute information set in the setting step is included in the profile is included in each remote conference device Can be sent to.

  Therefore, each remote conference device can switch the imaging direction of the imaging unit by the switching unit so that the imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information is obtained. That is, if the attribute information is set in the setting step, the imaging direction can be controlled so that conference participants with common attributes can be displayed easily and quickly.

  Further, if the computer is caused to execute the imaging direction control program of claim 10, the effect of claim 9 can be obtained.

(First embodiment)

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an imaging direction control device, a remote conference device, and an imaging direction control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a remote conference system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote conference system 1 includes an imaging direction control device 10, remote conference devices 20 a to 20 c, a first storage device 30, a network 40, and an ID reading device 60. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the remote conference device 20a is provided at the site A, the remote conference device 20b is provided at the site B, and the remote conference device 20c is provided at the site C. In addition, the ID reader 60 is provided for each seat where a conference participant in a conference room where a remote conference is held sits at each base.

  In the remote conference system 1, a table 31 in which a plurality of conference participation candidate profiles that may participate in a remote conference are recorded in the first storage device 30. The first storage device 30 corresponds to “storage means” of the present invention. For example, a hard disk or a flash memory is used as the first storage device 30. The profile recorded in the table 31 includes “ID”, “name”, “title”, and “face photo”. Note that “ID” corresponds to “specific information” of the present invention, and “title” corresponds to “attribute information” of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a profile table 31 stored in the first storage device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, “ID” is assigned to each conference participation candidate. For example, the name of the conference candidate with “ID” 1 is “AAAA”, and “title” is the general manager. A “face photo” is also stored. In FIG. 2, the profiles of candidate conference participants whose “ID” is 1 to 9 are shown, but the profiles of other candidate conference participants who have “ID” are also stored in the first storage device 30. Is remembered.

  Each conference participant candidate has an ID card in which his / her “ID” is stored. This ID card is composed of an IC card with a built-in microchip. As an example, the ID reading device 60 has an ID card contact surface and an ID card reading mechanism (not shown), and “ID” stored in the microchip of the ID card in contact with the ID card contact surface. Can be read. Each ID reading device 60 is assigned a device ID. When participating in a remote conference, the candidate for participation in the conference causes the ID reader 60 installed for each seat in the conference room to read the “ID” stored in his / her ID card. Each ID reading device 60 transmits the read “ID” and device ID connected to the network 40 to the imaging direction control device 10 via the network 40.

  First, the configuration of the imaging direction control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging direction control device 10 includes a control circuit 101, a second storage device 102, and a network card (not shown) that connects to the network 40. Further, the control circuit 101 of the imaging direction control device 10 includes a CPU 103, a ROM 104, and a RAM 105. Further, the CPU 103, the ROM 104, and the RAM 105 are connected to each other through a bus. Then, the CPU 103 executes various arithmetic processes according to the program stored in the ROM 104. For example, when the remote conference devices 20a to 20c are connected to the network 40, each remote conference device 20a to 20c executes an imaging direction control process for imaging a specific conference participant. This imaging direction control process will be described later with reference to a flowchart described later. In parallel with the imaging direction control process, the CPU 103 receives captured images captured by the remote conference apparatuses 20a to 20c via the network 40, combines the captured images into one image, and combines the combined images. A process of transmitting the synthesized image to the remote conference devices 20a to 20c via the network 40 is executed.

  Further, a table 106 is stored in the ROM 104 as shown in FIG. In this table 106, in each of the bases A to C, the position information of each seat is associated with the seat number for identifying each seat in the conference room, and the imaging device 202 of the remote conference devices 20a to 20c described later is assigned to each seat. Is recorded as image capturing direction information indicating the image capturing direction of the image capturing apparatus 202 when facing the camera. In addition, the table 106 records the device ID of the ID reading device 60 installed at each seat in association with each seat number. For example, when each of the bases A to C has three seats, as shown in FIG. 3, the table 106 stored in the ROM 104 has a seat number “A1” as an example. ”To“ A3 ”,“ B1 ”to“ B3 ”, and“ C1 ”to“ C3 ”. The position information of each seat is recorded as “θA1” to “θA3”, “θB1” to “θB3”, and “θC1” to “θC3”. Furthermore, the device IDs of the ID readers 60 installed at each seat are recorded as “MA1” to “MA3”, “MB1” to “MB3”, and “MC1” to “MC3”.

  In the imaging direction control process, the second storage device 102 includes specific imaging direction information, which is imaging direction information when the imaging device 202 described later images a specific conference participant, in the profile of the conference participant. It is stored in association with “position” (attribute information). Here, the contents stored in the second storage device 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the contents stored in the second storage device 102. As shown in FIG. 7, the second storage device 102 stores a base where the manager is located and specific imaging direction information for photographing the person corresponding to each title.

  Next, the configuration of the remote conference devices 20a to 20c will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote conference devices 20a to 20c. As shown in the figure, each of the remote conference devices 20a to 20c includes a control circuit 201, an imaging device 202, a switching device 203, an input device 204, a voice input / output device 205, and a display device 206.

  The control circuit 201 is connected to the network 40, and a CPU 207, a ROM 208, and a RAM 209 are provided inside the control circuit 201. The CPU 207, the ROM 208, and the RAM 209 are connected to each other via a bus. Then, the CPU 207 executes main processing according to the program stored in the ROM 208. This main process will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the control circuit 201 connects itself to the network 40, the control circuit 201 transmits a connection signal indicating connection to the imaging direction control device 10. On the contrary, when disconnecting from the network 40, the control circuit 201 transmits a disconnection signal indicating disconnection. The image is transmitted to the imaging direction control device 10. Further, when switching the imaging direction of the imaging device 202, the control circuit 201 transmits imaging direction information indicating the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 to the switching device 203.

  The imaging device 202 is installed in a conference room where a remote conference is held, at a position away from a seat where a conference participant is seated by a predetermined distance. The imaging device 202 is electrically connected to the control circuit 201 and images the conference participants who participate in the remote conference. Here, as an example, the imaging device 202 includes a known digital camera and includes an electric zoom lens (not shown). The electric zoom lens is controlled by the control circuit 201 so that all the participants in the conference can be imaged. Further, the imaging device 202 can transmit a captured image obtained by capturing the conference participant to the control circuit 201. For example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor is used as the imaging element of the imaging device 202.

  The switching device 203 is provided in each of the imaging devices 202, includes a step motor, an actuator, and the like, and is electrically connected to the control circuit 201. The switching device 203 receives the imaging direction information from the control circuit 201 and switches the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 so that the imaging direction indicated by the imaging direction information is obtained.

  The input device 204 includes, for example, a remote controller, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and inputs various signals to the control circuit 201. As various signals, for example, a signal for switching the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 or a “post” is indicated in order to cause the imaging device 202 to take an image of a conference participant having a specific “post” in the profile. There is a signal of attribute information. When the attribute information is input from the input device 204, the control circuit 201 transmits the attribute information to the imaging direction control device 10. In addition, the conference participant can input a menu display instruction signal for causing the display device 206 to display a menu showing a list of “titles” in order to input attribute information.

  Further, the conference participant can input a connection instruction signal by the input device 204 when he / she wants to connect the remote conference devices 20a to 20c to the network 40. Then, when receiving the connection instruction signal, the control circuit 201 connects itself to the network 40 and transmits the connection signal to the imaging direction control device 10. On the other hand, when a conference participant wants to disconnect the remote conference devices 20a to 20c from the network 40, the input device 204 can input a disconnection instruction signal. When receiving the disconnection instruction signal, the control circuit 201 disconnects itself from the network 40 and can transmit the disconnection signal to the imaging direction control device 10.

  The voice input / output device 205 includes a microphone and a speaker. In a remote conference, the voice input / output device 205 converts a voice uttered by a conference participant into an electrical signal, inputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 201, and transmits the conference participation transmitted from the control circuit 201. An electrical signal corresponding to the voice uttered by the person is output as voice. That is, the voice input / output device 205 transmits the voices uttered by the conference participants to the other bases A to C and outputs the voices transmitted from the other bases A to C at the respective bases A to C. Used for.

  The display device 206 displays a composite image that is an image of a conference participant at each of the bases A to C transmitted from the imaging direction control device 10 and displays the conference participant of a specific “position” in order to display the conference participant. Display the menu.

  Next, imaging direction control processing executed by the control circuit 101 of the imaging direction control apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing imaging direction control processing executed by the control circuit 101, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining how to specify specific imaging direction information. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that conference participation candidates whose IDs shown in FIG. 2 are 1 to 9 participate in the remote conference. Candidates with conference IDs 1, 3, and 5 will participate in the remote conference at site A, and conference participants with IDs 2, 4, and 7 will participate in the remote conference at site B. Assume that the conference participation candidates whose IDs are 6, 8, and 9 participate in the remote conference at the site C. The imaging direction control process is started when a connection signal is received from the remote conference devices 20a to 20c.

  First, each conference participant candidate brings his / her ID card into contact with the ID card contact surface of the ID reader 60, and the “ID” stored in the microchip of the ID card is read. Are transmitted to the imaging direction control device 10 together with the device ID of the image. The CPU 103 of the control circuit 101 of the imaging direction control device 10 acquires the conference participant ID and device ID transmitted from each ID reader 60 (S11). The CPU 103 that executes S11 corresponds to the “specific information acquisition unit” of the present invention, and S11 corresponds to the “specific information acquisition step” of the present invention. In addition, referring to the table 106 shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to specify at which site A to C the conference participant participates in the remote conference from the device ID, so the device ID is included in the “participating site information” of the present invention. The CPU 103 that executes S11 corresponds to the “participating site information acquisition unit” of the present invention. Then, the “ID” is collated with the “ID” in the table 31 of the conference participation candidate profile stored in the first storage device 30 to identify the conference participant (S12). In this case, conference participation candidates whose “ID” is 1 to 9 are specified as conference participants. The CPU 103 executing S12 corresponds to “participant specifying means” of the present invention, and S12 corresponds to “participant specifying step” of the present invention.

  Next, specific imaging direction information which is imaging direction information when the imaging device 202 images each conference participant is specified (S13). The CPU 103 that executes S13 corresponds to “imaging direction specifying means” of the present invention, and S13 is a process that corresponds to “imaging direction specifying step”. Hereinafter, the process (S13) which specifies specific imaging direction information is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 6, three seats are prepared in each of the bases A to C, and an imaging device 202 is installed in front of the seats. Of the three seats at the base A, the seat number of the leftmost seat as viewed from the imaging device 202 is “A1”, the seat number of the middle seat is “A2”, and the seat number of the rightmost seat is “ A3 ". Of the three seats at the base B, the seat number of the leftmost seat as viewed from the imaging device 202 is “B1”, the seat number of the middle seat is “B2”, and the seat number of the rightmost seat is “B1”. B3 ". Of the three seats at the base C, the seat number of the leftmost seat as viewed from the imaging device 202 is “C1”, the seat number of the middle seat is “C2”, and the seat number of the rightmost seat is “C1”. C3 ".

  Then, it is assumed that the conference participant with “ID” 1 is seated in the seat of seat number “A1”. As described above, since the device ID of the ID reading device 60 installed in the seat of the seat number “A1” is “MA1” (see FIG. 3), it is read by the ID reading device 60 in the process of S11. The conference participant ID: 1 and the device ID: MA1 of the ID reading device 60 are transmitted from the ID reading device 60 to the imaging direction control device 10 via the network 40. Then, the CPU 103 of the control circuit 101 of the imaging direction control device 10 acquires the device ID “MA1” together with the conference participant ID “1”. Further, since the conference participant is specified in the process of S12, the table 106 stored in the ROM 104 shown in FIG. 3 is referred to, and the seat position information “θA1” corresponding to the device ID “MA1” is obtained. The specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 1 is used. Similarly, specific imaging direction information for conference participants whose “ID” is 2 to 9 is specified (S13).

  In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 6, a conference participant whose ID is 1 is a seat of seat number “A1”, and a conference participant whose ID is 3 is a seat. Assume that a conference participant whose ID is 5 is seated in a seat with the seat number “A3” in a seat with the number “A2”. Also, a conference participant with “ID” 7 is a seat with seat number “B1”, a conference participant with “ID” 4 is a seat with seat number “B2”, and a conference participant with “ID” 2 is Assume that the user sits on the seat of seat number “B3”. Further, a conference participant with “ID” 8 is a seat with seat number “C1”, a conference participant with “ID” 6 is a seat with seat number “C2”, and a conference participant with “ID” 9 is Assume that the user sits on the seat of seat number “C3”.

  Therefore, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 1 is “θA1”, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 3, and the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 5. The specific imaging direction information is specified as “θA3” (S13). Also, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 7 is “θB1”, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 4, and the specific imaging direction information is “θB2” and the conference ID whose ID is 2. The specific imaging direction information is specified as “θB3” (S13). The specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 8 is “θC1”, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 6 is “θC2”, and the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 9 The specific imaging direction information is specified as “θC3” (S13). Note that the switching device 203 incorporates a motor, and the rotation direction determines the imaging direction of the imaging device 202. Here, the specific imaging direction information “θA1” to “θC3” is rotation angle data with respect to a reference position of the motor when a motor such as a step motor is used for each switching device 203. Further, when an actuator is used, this is data on the amount of operation of the actuator.

  When the process of S13 is completed, the conference participation candidate profile table 31 (see FIG. 2) stored in the first storage device 30 is then referred to and divided into “positions” in the second storage device 102. The specific imaging direction information is stored in the obtained table (S14). At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, each specific imaging direction information is associated with each of the bases A to C so that the control circuit 101 can recognize which base A to C the conference participant is at. Specific imaging direction information is stored in the second storage device 102. In FIG. 7, “ID” of the conference participant corresponding to the specific imaging direction information is shown in parentheses listed in parallel with the specific imaging direction information. As shown in FIG. 7, a conference participant whose manager is “Job title” has “ID” 1, 2, and 6, and specific imaging direction information is “θA1”, “θB3”, and “θC2”, respectively. In addition, the conference participants whose section is “Title” have “ID” of 3, 7, and 9, and the specific imaging direction information is “θA2”, “θB1”, and “θC3”, respectively. In addition, the conference participant whose chief is “title” has “ID” 4, 5, and 8, and the specific imaging direction information is “θB2”, “θA3”, and “θC1”, respectively.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the conference participants who participate in the remote conference at the same bases A to C have different “position” attributes. However, among the conference participants who participate in the remote conference at the same bases A to C, there may be a conference participant of the same “position”. Even in this case, the specific imaging direction information is stored in the same “position” table. For example, when there are a plurality of meeting participants whose manager is “Job title” at the site A, the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the plurality of conference participants is added with the information of the site A, and “Job title” is the manager. Is stored in a table.

  Next, the control circuit 101 of the imaging direction control device 10 determines whether or not the attribute information transmitted from the remote conference devices 20a to 20c has been received (S15). If the attribute information is received (S15: YES), referring to the specific imaging direction information stored in the second storage device 102, the conference participation in which “positions” are common in the same bases A to C It is determined whether there are a plurality of persons (S16). In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, conference participants who participate in the remote conference at the same bases A to C have different “position” attributes. Accordingly, the determination in S16 is NO, and the specific imaging direction information stored in the second storage device 102 in association with the “position” indicated by the attribute information is transmitted to each of the remote conference devices 20a to 20c ( S18). At this time, the specific imaging direction information stored in association with the site A is transmitted to the remote conference device 20a installed at the site A. The specific imaging direction information stored in association with the site B is transmitted to the remote conference device 20b installed at the site B. Further, the specific imaging direction information stored in association with the base C is transmitted to the remote conference device 20c installed at the base C. For example, when the “title” indicated by the attribute information is a general manager, as shown in FIG. 7, the specific imaging direction information “θA1” is transmitted to the remote conference device 20a, and the specific imaging direction information “θB3” is remote. The specific imaging direction information “θC2” is transmitted to the teleconference device 20c. The process in which the determination in S15 is YES is a process corresponding to the “setting unit” and “setting step” of the present invention.

  In the determination of S16, when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same “position” corresponding to the received attribute information at the same bases A to C (S16: YES), among the plurality of conference participants, The conference participant with the smallest “ID” is selected (S17). For example, if there are a plurality of conference participants whose managers are “directors” at the base A, and the “ID” of those conference participants is 1, 3, and 5, the conference participants whose “ID” is 1 in S17 Is selected. Thereafter, the specific imaging direction information stored in the second storage device 102 in association with the “position” indicated by the attribute information received in S15 is transmitted to each of the remote conference devices 20a to 20c (S18). At this time, only the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant selected in S17 is transmitted to the bases A to C where there are a plurality of conference participants having the same “title” (S18). By doing so, the remote conference devices 20a to 20c can determine which conference participants are to be imaged. The CPU 103 that executes the process of S17 corresponds to the “selecting unit” of the present invention. The CPU 103 that executes S18 corresponds to the “transmission means” of the present invention, and S18 corresponds to the “transmission step” of the present invention.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the remote conference is ended depending on whether or not the disconnection signal has been received from all the remote conference devices 20a to 20c (S19). If it is determined that the remote conference is ended (S19: YES), the imaging direction control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remote conference has not ended yet (S19: NO), the process returns to S15. If it is determined in S15 that the attribute information has not been received (S15: NO), the process of S19 is executed. Therefore, until the remote conference is ended, the attribute information is waited to be received.

  Next, main processing executed by the control circuit 201 of the remote conference apparatuses 20a to 20c will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is executed at regular intervals.

  First, it is determined whether or not a signal is input to the control circuit 201 (S31). If there is no input (S31: NO), the main process is terminated. On the other hand, when a signal is input (S31: YES), the type of the signal is determined (S32). Here, when the input signal is the connection instruction signal, the control circuit 201 is connected to the network 40, and a connection process is performed in which the connection signal is transmitted to the imaging direction control device 10 (S33). Processing is terminated. If the input signal is the disconnection instruction signal, a disconnection signal is transmitted to the imaging direction control device 10, and then a disconnection process is performed in which the control circuit 201 is disconnected from the network 40 (S33). Processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the input signal is the menu display instruction signal, a menu showing a list of “titles” is displayed on the display device 206 (S34). For example, a list of department managers, section managers, section managers, and the like is displayed on the display device 206. Next, based on the menu, it is determined whether or not any of the display of department manager, section manager, assistant manager, etc. has been selected with the mouse or the like and attribute information has been input (S35). When attribute information such as a general manager, section manager, or chief is selected and input (S35: YES), the attribute information is transmitted to the imaging direction control device 10 (S36), and the main process is terminated. If it is determined that no attribute information has been input (S35: NO), the process returns to S35 and waits for input of attribute information.

  On the other hand, when the input signal is the specific imaging direction information transmitted from the imaging direction control device 10 in S32, the control circuit 201 controls the switching device 203 based on the specific imaging direction information to perform imaging. The imaging direction of the device 202 is switched (S37). Specifically, the control circuit 201 switches the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 by controlling the motor, the actuator, and the like of the switching device 203 so that the imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information is obtained. For example, when the specific imaging direction information is “θA1”, the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 is the seat number “A1”.

  Next, in order to zoom up and display the conference participants, the zoom of the imaging device 202 is controlled by a predetermined degree (S38), and the main process is terminated. In this zoom-up process, as an example, the face image of the conference participant photographed by the imaging device 202 is recognized by a known face recognition technique, and the distance between both eyes becomes a preset distance, for example. Thus, the electric zoom lens of the imaging device 202 may be controlled to the telephoto side or the wide angle side. Note that the distance between both eyes set in advance is set the same in each of the remote conference apparatuses 20a to 20c. Accordingly, in each of the remote conference apparatuses 20a to 20c, the size of the face of the conference participant who has zoomed up is almost the same.

  When the face recognition technology is not used, when the specific imaging direction information is “θA1”, “θB1”, “θC1”, “θA3”, “θB3”, or “θC3”, the imaging device 202 starts. Since the distance to the conference participant is the same, the electric zoom lens is controlled so that the focal lengths of the electric zoom lens are all the same, and the specific imaging direction information is “θA2”, “θB2”, “θC2” Since the distance from the image pickup apparatus 202 to the conference participant is shorter, the focus of the electric zoom lens than in the case of “θA1”, “θB1”, “θC1”, “θA3”, “θB3”, and “θC3”. The electric zoom lens may be controlled so that the distance becomes shorter. In this case, the specific imaging direction information is “θA1”, “θB1”, “θC1”, “θA3” when the specific imaging direction information is “θA2”, “θB2”, and “θC2”. ”,“ ΘB3 ”, and“ θC3 ”, the focal length of the electric zoom lens may be obtained so that the conference participants can be seen in the same size.

  As described above, since the distance between the imaging device 202 and the seat where the conference participant is seated is determined in advance, when the zoom of the imaging device 202 is controlled by a predetermined degree, the conference displayed with zooming up is displayed. Participant images are of a certain size. FIG. 9 shows an image displayed on the display device 206 when the attribute information is input. As shown in the figure, specific conference participants at the respective bases A to C are zoomed up and displayed. FIG. 9 shows an example in which a conference participant whose manager is “Position” is zoomed up and displayed.

  On the other hand, in S32, when the input signal is a signal other than the signals described above, processing according to the signal is executed (S39). For example, when the composite image transmitted from the imaging direction control device 10 is input, the composite image is displayed on the display device 206. If the signal is for changing the input or output sensitivity of the voice of the voice input / output device 205, the sensitivity of the voice input / output device 205 is changed according to the signal. For example, when it is difficult to hear the voices at the other bases A to C, the conference participant can increase the sensitivity of the voice input / output device 205 to make it easier to hear the voices at the other bases A to C.

  As described above, in the remote conference system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to zoom up and display conference participants who share the same “position” easily and quickly. At this time, since the displayed conference participant has a certain size, it is easy to visually recognize the conference participant.

  In addition, since the conference participant can cause the display device 206 to display a menu showing a list of “positions” in order to input the attribute information, the attribute information can be easily input. Furthermore, since the specific imaging direction information is stored in advance for each “position”, the imaging direction control device 10 is stored in association with the “position” indicated by the attribute information when the attribute information is input. Specific imaging direction information can be quickly transmitted to each of the remote conference apparatuses 20a to 20c. That is, it is possible to quickly zoom in and display conference participants who share a common “title”.

Further, since the conference participant is identified based on the “ID” read by the ID reader 60, it is possible to accurately identify who the conference participant is. In other words, it is possible to zoom in and display conference participants who have exactly the same “title”.
(Second Embodiment)

  Next, a second embodiment of the imaging direction control device, the remote conference device, and the imaging direction control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the remote conference system 2 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the remote conference devices 21a to 21c. 12 is a flowchart showing an image display process executed by the control circuit 201, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an imaging direction control process executed by the control circuit 201, and FIG. 14 is a remote conference apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the information memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage device 212 of 21a. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining information stored in the second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 21b, and FIG. 16 shows information stored in the second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 21c. It is a figure for demonstrating.

  In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 10, the remote conference system 2 includes remote conference devices 21 a to 21 c, a first storage device 30, a network 40, and an ID reading device 60. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the remote conference device 21a is provided at the site A, the remote conference device 21b is provided at the site B, and the remote conference device 21c is provided at the site C. Moreover, the 1st memory | storage device 30 has memorize | stored the table 31 of the meeting participant candidate's profile shown in FIG. 2 similarly to 1st Embodiment. Further, the ID reading device 60 is provided at each seat of the conference room at each of the bases A to C, and is connected to the remote conference devices 21a to 21c, respectively. When the “ID” is read, the ID reading device 60 transmits the “ID” and the device ID to the remote conference devices 21a to 21c. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the first embodiment.

  First, the configuration of the remote conference devices 21a to 21c will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote conference devices 21a to 21c. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as 1st Embodiment. As shown in the figure, the remote conference devices 21a to 21c include a control circuit 201, an imaging device 202, a switching device 203, an input device 204, a voice input / output device 205, a display device 206, and a second storage device 212. . Here, the remote conference apparatuses 21a to 21c of the second embodiment are different from those of the first embodiment in the processing executed by the CPU 207 of the control circuit 201 and the information stored in the ROM 208. In addition, the remote conference devices 21a to 21c are different from the first embodiment in that they include a second storage device 212. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  The control circuit 201 is connected to the network 40, and a CPU 207, a ROM 208, and a RAM 209 are connected to each other via a bus. Then, the CPU 207 executes image display processing for displaying images of conference participants at other bases A to C and imaging direction control processing for controlling the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 208. . These image display processing and imaging direction control processing will be described later with reference to flowcharts. The control circuit 201 connects itself to the network 40 when a connection instruction signal is input from the input device 204, and disconnects itself from the network 40 when a disconnection instruction signal is input. Further, when switching the imaging direction of the imaging device 202, the control circuit 201 transmits imaging direction information indicating the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 to the switching device 203.

  Further, in the ROM 208 of the control circuit 201, the position information of each seat is associated with the seat number for identifying each seat in the conference room at each of the bases A to C when the imaging device 202 is directed to each seat. It is stored as imaging direction information indicating the imaging direction of the imaging device 202. Further, the ROM 208 stores the device ID of the ID reading device 60 installed at each seat in association with each seat number. Specifically, the ROM 208 stores a table 106 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the bases A to C has three seats. The seat numbers of the respective seats are “A1” to “A3”, “B1” to “B3”, and “C1” to “C3”. The position information of each seat is “θA1” to “θA3”, “θB1” to “θB3”, and “θC1” to “θC3”. Furthermore, the device IDs of the ID readers 60 installed in each seat are “MA1” to “MA3”, “MB1” to “MB3”, and “MC1” to “MC3”.

  The second storage device 112 stores the specific imaging direction information in association with the “ID” of the conference participant in the imaging direction control process. Since the imaging device 202, the switching device 203, the input device 204, the voice input / output device 205, and the display device 206 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, image display processing executed by the control circuit 201 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This image display process is started when a connection instruction signal is input from the input device 204 to the control circuit 201 and the control circuit 201 is connected to the network 40.

  First, a captured image captured by the imaging device 202 is acquired (S51), and the captured image is transmitted to the other remote conference devices 21a to 21c (S52). The CPU 207 that executes S52 corresponds to the “first transmission unit” of the present invention. Next, captured images transmitted from the other remote conference devices 21a to 21c are received (S53), and the captured images are combined into one image (S54). Then, the combined image is displayed on the display device 206 (S55). Accordingly, at each of the bases A to C, the conference participant can grasp the state of the conference participants at the other bases A to C. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the remote conference is ended depending on whether or not a disconnection instruction signal is input to the control circuit 201 (S56). If it is ended (S56: YES), this image display processing is ended. . On the other hand, when the remote conference has not ended yet (S56: NO), the process returns to S51. That is, the composite image is updated sequentially until the remote conference ends. The CPU 207 executing S53 corresponds to the “first receiving means” of the present invention.

  Next, imaging direction control processing executed by the control circuit 201 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This imaging direction control process is started when a connection instruction signal is input from the input device 204 to the control circuit 201 and the control circuit 201 is connected to the network 40. The imaging direction control process is executed in parallel with the image display process described above.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the conference participation candidates whose IDs shown in FIG. 2 are 1 to 9 participate in the remote conference. Candidates with conference IDs 1, 3, and 5 will participate in the remote conference at site A, and conference participants with IDs 2, 4, and 7 will participate in the remote conference at site B. Assume that the conference participation candidates whose IDs are 6, 8, and 9 participate in the remote conference at the site C.

  First, the “ID” and device ID of the conference participant transmitted from each ID reading device 60 are acquired (S71). The CPU 207 that executes S71 corresponds to the “specific information acquisition unit” of the present invention. Then, the “ID” and the “ID” in the table 31 of the conference participation candidate profile stored in the first storage device 30 are collated to identify the conference participant (S72). In this case, conference participation candidates whose “ID” is 1 to 9 are specified as conference participants. The CPU 207 that executes S72 corresponds to the “participant specifying means” of the present invention.

  Next, specific imaging direction information, which is imaging direction information when the imaging device 202 images each conference participant, is specified (S73). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining how the specific imaging direction information is specified. As shown in the figure, at each base A to C, three seats are prepared, and an imaging device 202 is installed in front of the seats. Of the three seats at the base A, the seat number of the leftmost seat as viewed from the imaging device 202 is “A1”, the seat number of the middle seat is “A2”, and the seat number of the rightmost seat is “ A3 ". Of the three seats at the base B, the seat number of the leftmost seat as viewed from the imaging device 202 is “B1”, the seat number of the middle seat is “B2”, and the seat number of the rightmost seat is “B1”. B3 ". Of the three seats at the base C, the seat number of the leftmost seat as viewed from the imaging device 202 is “C1”, the seat number of the middle seat is “C2”, and the seat number of the rightmost seat is “C1”. C3 ". Then, it is assumed that the conference participant with “ID” 1 is seated in the seat of seat number “A1”. As described above, since the device ID of the ID reading device 60 installed in the seat of the seat number “A1” is “MA1” (see FIG. 3), “MA1” is set together with “ID” of 1 in S71. "Is acquired. Then, the table 106 in FIG. 3 is referred to, and the seat position information “θA1” corresponding to the device ID “MA1” is set as the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 1. Similarly, specific imaging direction information for conference participants whose “ID” is 2 to 9 is specified. The CPU 207 that executes S73 corresponds to the “imaging direction specifying unit” of the present invention.

  Next, the specific imaging direction information specified in S73 is stored in the second storage device 212 in association with the “ID” of the corresponding conference participant (S74). For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20a stores specific imaging direction information “θA1” in association with “ID” 1. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose ID is 1 is “θA1”. In addition, the second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20a stores specific imaging direction information “θA2” in association with “ID” 3. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose ID is 3 is “θA2”. The second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20a stores specific imaging direction information “θA3” in association with “ID” 5. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose ID is 5 is “θA3”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20b stores specific imaging direction information “θB3” in association with “ID” 2. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose ID is 2 is “θB3”. The second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20b stores specific imaging direction information “θB2” in association with “ID” 4. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose ID is 4 is “θB2”. The second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20b stores specific imaging direction information “θB1” in association with “ID” 7. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose ID is 7 is “θB1”.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20c stores specific imaging direction information “θC2” in association with “ID” 6. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose ID is 6 is “θC2”. The second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20c stores specific imaging direction information “θC1” in association with “ID” 8. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose ID is 8 is “θC1”. The second storage device 212 of the remote conference device 20c stores specific imaging direction information “θC3” in association with “ID” 9. That is, the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant whose “ID” is 9 indicates “θC3”.

  Next, a menu showing a list of “titles” for inputting the attribute information is displayed on the display device 206 (S75). Here, as in the first embodiment, for example, a list of department managers, section managers, section managers, and the like is displayed on the display device 206. Next, based on the menu, it is determined whether or not any of the display of department manager, section manager, assistant manager, etc. has been selected with the mouse or the like and attribute information has been input (S76). When attribute information such as a department manager, section manager, or section chief is selected and input (S76: YES), the attribute information is transmitted to the other remote conference devices 21a to 21c (S77). On the other hand, when the attribute information is not input (S76: NO), it is determined whether or not the attribute information transmitted by the other remote conference devices 21a to 21c has been received (S78). When it is determined that the attribute information transmitted by the other remote conference devices 21a to 21c has been received (S78: YES), or when the attribute information is input (S76: YES), the “position” corresponding to the attribute information is displayed. It is determined whether or not there are a plurality of conference participants having a common "" (S79). Specifically, referring to the conference participant's profile stored in the first storage device 30 based on the “ID” of the conference participant stored in the second storage device 212 together with the specific imaging direction information. It is then determined whether or not there are a plurality of conference participants who share the same “position” (S79). In the examples shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, there are not a plurality of conference participants having the same “title”. In this case (S79: NO), the specific imaging direction information associated with the “title” and stored in the second storage device 102 is output to the switching device 203 (S81). Then, the switching device 203 switches the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 so that the imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information is obtained (S81). For example, when the specific imaging direction information is “θA1”, the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 is the seat number “A1”.

  On the other hand, in the determination of S79, when it is determined that there are a plurality of conference participants who share the same “title” (S79: YES), among the plurality of conference participants, as in the first embodiment, “ The conference participant with the smallest “ID” is selected (S80). Thereafter, the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant selected in S80 is output to the switching device 203, and the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 is switched so as to be the imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information. (S81).

  The CPU 207 that executes the process in which the determination in S76 is YES corresponds to the “setting unit” of the present invention. The CPU 207 that executes S77 corresponds to the “second transmission unit” of the present invention. The CPU 207 that executes the process in which the determination in S78 is YES corresponds to the “second receiving means” of the present invention. The CPU 207 that executes the process of S80 corresponds to the “selecting unit” of the present invention.

  Next, in order to zoom up and display the conference participants, the electric zoom lens of the imaging device 202 is controlled by a predetermined degree as in the first embodiment (S82), and the imaging direction control process is terminated. . As described above, since the distance between the imaging device 202 and the seat where the conference participant is seated is determined in advance, when the electric zoom lens of the imaging device 202 is controlled by a predetermined degree, the image is zoomed up and displayed. The image of the meeting participant becomes a certain size.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the remote conference has ended depending on whether or not the control circuit 201 has received a disconnection instruction signal (S83). If it is determined that the remote conference has ended (S83: YES), imaging is performed. The direction control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remote conference has not ended yet (S83: NO), the process returns to S76.

  As described above, in the remote conference system 2 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to easily and quickly zoom up and display conference participants who share the same “position”. At this time, since the displayed conference participant has a certain size, it is easy to visually recognize the conference participant.

  In addition, it is possible to easily and quickly zoom up and display conference participants who share the same “title”. At this time, since the displayed conference participant has a certain size, it is easy to visually recognize the conference participant.

  Further, since the conference participant displays a menu showing a list of “positions” on the display device 206, the conference participant can easily input the attribute information signal. Further, since the conference participant is identified based on the “ID” read by the ID reader 60, it is possible to accurately identify who the conference participant is. In other words, it is possible to zoom in and display conference participants who have exactly the same “title”.

  Note that the imaging direction control device, the remote conference device, and the imaging direction control method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the ID reading device 60 is used to identify who the conference participant is. However, the face image of the conference participant captured by the imaging device 202 and the first memory are stored. The face image (see FIG. 2) of the conference participation candidate in the profile table 31 stored in the device 30 may be collated to specify who the conference participant is.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of identifying who the conference participant is based on the face image. As shown in FIG. 17, the control amount of the electric zoom lens of the imaging device 202 is determined in the same way as in the first embodiment so that all of the conference participants can capture images at each of the sites A to C. In FIG. 17, three conference participants are captured by the imaging device 202. The imaging direction control device 10 or the remote conference devices 21a to 21c first extracts an image corresponding to a face based on an image of all the conference participants captured by the imaging device 202. In FIG. 17, three images indicated by wavy lines are extracted. Further, elements constituting the face such as eyes, nose and mouth are extracted from the extracted face image. Then, each extracted face image is collated with the face image (see FIG. 2) of the conference participation candidate in the profile table 31 stored in the first storage device 30. For example, the degree of coincidence of the positions of eyes, nose and mouth on the face and the distance between both eyes is determined. The conference participation candidate having a face image whose matching degree is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the profile is specified as the conference participant. By specifying the conference participants in this way, it is not necessary to provide the ID reading device 60 at each seat, so that the cost can be reduced. In this case, the image corresponding to the face corresponds to “specific information” of the present invention.

  In the first and second embodiments, the seat numbers “A1” to “C3” of each seat, the position information “θA1” to “θC3” of each seat, and the device ID of the ID reader 60 installed in each seat “MA1” to “MC3” are stored (see FIG. 3), and specific imaging direction information is specified using these values (S13 or S73). However, the imaging direction control device 10 or the remote conference devices 21a to 21c may specify specific imaging direction information from the images of the conference participants captured by the imaging device 202. Specifically, the control amount of the electric zoom lens of the imaging device 202 is determined so that all the conference participants can capture images at each of the sites A to C. Then, three conference participants shown in FIG. 17 extract images corresponding to the faces of the conference participants from the images captured by the imaging device 202. In FIG. 17, three images indicated by wavy lines are extracted. Information on the amount of movement of the switching device 203 of the imaging device 202 for capturing the position of the face image in the image captured by the imaging device 202 is taken as specific imaging direction information. By specifying the specific imaging direction information in this way, it is not necessary to store the seat number of each seat, the position information of each seat, and the device ID of the ID reader 60 installed in each seat. The amount of memory can be reduced.

  In the first and second embodiments, “position” is used as attribute information. However, other information such as a conversational language, age, sex, nationality, and department name may be included in the attribute information. By doing so, for example, conference participants of the same nationality can be zoomed up and displayed easily and quickly.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, “position” is assumed to be a director, section manager, or chief of the conference candidate who participated in the conference. Even when a person participates in a conference, it is possible to easily and quickly zoom up and display conference participants having the same position as in the above embodiment.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the remote conferences are held in three locations A to C has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a remote conference held at two or more locations. Needless to say. Further, in the first and second embodiments, for convenience of explanation, the case where there are three conference room seats at each of the bases A to C has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to any number of seats. Needless to say.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the specific imaging direction information is stored in advance in the second storage device 102 for each “position”, and is stored in the second storage device 102 when the attribute information is input. The specific imaging direction information is transmitted to each of the remote conference apparatuses 20a to 20c. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the attribute information is input, the conference participant having the “title” indicated by the attribute information in the profile is stored in the first storage device 30. A search is made from the table 31 of the profile being viewed. Then, the specific imaging direction information with respect to the searched conference participant is transmitted to each of the remote conference devices 20a to 20c. By doing so, it is not necessary to provide the second storage device 102, so that the cost can be reduced.

  In the first and second embodiments, since the distance between the imaging device 202 and the seat is predetermined, the conference participation displayed on the display device 206 is controlled by controlling the zoom lens of the imaging device 202. The size of the person can be made constant. However, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments in order to make the size of the conference participant displayed on the display device 206 constant. Specifically, a face image corresponding to the face of the conference participant is extracted from the captured image captured by the imaging device 202. Then, the resolution of the face image is changed so that the face image is zoomed up and displayed on the display device 206. At this time, the face images displayed at the sites B and C are set to have the same size as the face image displayed at the site A, for example, so that the conference participants displayed at the sites A to C have the same size. Determine the size. By doing so, it is not necessary to predetermine the distance between the imaging device 202 and the seat, so that the degree of freedom of the position where the imaging device 202 is installed is increased.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where one imaging device 202 is provided at each of the bases A to C has been described. However, for example, imaging devices 202 corresponding to the number of conference participants may be provided. That is, one imaging device 202 is assigned to each conference participant. The switching device 203 switches which captured image to be displayed on the display device 206 among the captured images captured by the respective imaging devices 202. Thus, if a plurality of imaging devices 202 are used, a specific conference participant can be displayed quickly.

  In the first and second embodiments, when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same “position” at the same bases A to C (S16: YES in FIG. 5, S79: YES in FIG. 13), Among the plurality of conference participants, the conference participant having the smallest “ID” is selected (S17 in FIG. 5 and S80 in FIG. 13). Then, the selected conference participant is imaged. However, when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same “title” at the same bases A to C, the method for selecting any one of the plurality of conference participants is limited to the above method. It may be selected by any method. For example, using a device that measures time, the time when the ID reading device 60 reads “ID” of the conference participant is stored. When there are a plurality of conference participants having the same “title” at the same bases A to C, the conference participant with the “ID” having the earliest time is selected. In addition, when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same “title” at the same bases A to C, any one of the plurality of conference participants may be selected by the conference participant. .

  In addition, when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same “title” at the same bases A to C (S16: YES in FIG. 5, S79: YES in FIG. 13), all or one of the plurality of conference participants is selected. You may control the imaging direction of the imaging device 202 so that a part may be displayed. For example, when there are a plurality of imaging devices 202, the imaging directions of the plurality of imaging devices 202 are switched so that all or some of the plurality of conference participants are imaged. If there are not a plurality of imaging devices 202, the zoom of the imaging device 202 may be controlled to capture all or some of the plurality of conference participants. In this case, the size of each conference participant is displayed smaller than when a single conference participant is zoomed in and displayed. However, even when there are a plurality of conference participants having the same “title” at the same bases A to C, all or a part of the plurality of conference participants are displayed. It is possible to grasp the conference participants who share the same title.

It is the figure which showed the outline of the remote conference system 1 of 1st Embodiment. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a profile table 31 stored in a first storage device 30. FIG. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the table 106 of a seat number, position information, and apparatus ID. It is the block diagram which showed schematic structure of the remote conference apparatuses 20a-20c. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging direction control process executed by a control circuit 101. It is a figure for demonstrating how specific imaging direction information is specified. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing contents stored in a second storage device 102. 3 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a control circuit 201. It is the figure which showed the image which the display apparatus 206 displays when attribute information is input. It is the figure which showed the outline of the remote conference system 2 of 2nd Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed schematic structure of the remote conference apparatuses 21a-21c. 5 is a flowchart illustrating image display processing executed by a control circuit 201. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging direction control process executed by a control circuit 201. It is a figure for demonstrating the information memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage device 212 of the remote conference apparatus 21a. It is a figure for demonstrating the information memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage device 212 of the remote conference apparatus 21b. It is a figure for demonstrating the information memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage device 212 of the remote conference apparatus 21c. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of identifying a meeting participant with a face image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Remote conference system 10 Imaging direction control apparatus 20a-20c, 21a-21c Remote conference apparatus 30 1st memory | storage device 40 Network 101, 201 Control circuit 102, 212 2nd memory | storage device 202 Imaging device 203 Switching apparatus 206 Display apparatus

Claims (10)

An imaging unit that images a conference participant participating in a remote conference, and an imaging direction of the imaging unit based on imaging direction information indicating an imaging direction of the imaging unit in order to image a specific conference participant by the imaging unit Remote conference devices including switching means for switching between the remote conference devices, and each remote conference device transmits the images of the conference participants captured by the remote conference device to other remote conference devices via the network. An imaging direction control device for controlling the imaging direction of the imaging means of each remote conference device in a remote conference implemented by displaying an image of a conference participant transmitted from another remote conference device,
Specific information acquisition means for acquiring specific information that is information for specifying conference participants;
A profile made up of one or more pieces of attribute information including the specific information of a conference candidate who has a possibility of participating in a remote conference, and the specific information acquired by the specific information acquiring unit, stored in the storage unit; And a participant identification means for each conference participant to identify someone among the conference candidate candidates,
Imaging direction specifying means for specifying specific imaging direction information that is the imaging direction information when the imaging means images the conference participant specified by the participant specifying means;
Setting means for setting any of attribute information constituting the profile;
The specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant whose profile information includes the attribute information set by the setting unit among the conference participants specified by the participant specifying unit is transmitted to each remote conference device. An imaging direction control apparatus comprising: a transmission unit.   The remote conferencing apparatus displays attribute information constituting the profile and causes the conference participant to select the attribute information, whereby the setting means sets any of the attribute information constituting the profile. The imaging direction control device according to claim 1.   3. The imaging direction control device according to claim 1, wherein when the remote conference device zooms in and displays a conference participant, the conference participant to be displayed has a certain size. 4. . Participating site information acquisition means for acquiring participating site information that can specify at which site a conference participant participates in a remote conference;
When there are a plurality of conference participants at the same site where the attribute information set by the setting unit is included in the profile based on the participating site information acquired by the additional site information acquiring unit, any one of the conferences And a selection means for selecting a participant,
The imaging direction control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits only the specific imaging direction information for the conference participant selected by the selection unit to each of the remote conference devices. . A teleconferencing device provided at multiple locations and connected to a network,
Imaging means for imaging conference participants participating in the remote conference;
First transmission means for transmitting an image of a conference participant imaged by the imaging means to another remote conference device via the network;
First receiving means for receiving an image of a conference participant transmitted from another remote conference device;
Display means for displaying an image of a conference participant received by the first receiving means,
In addition, each teleconference device
Specific information acquisition means for acquiring specific information that is information for specifying conference participants;
A profile made up of one or more pieces of attribute information including the specific information of a conference candidate who has a possibility of participating in a remote conference, and the specific information acquired by the specific information acquiring unit, stored in the storage unit; And a participant identification means for each conference participant to identify someone among the conference candidate candidates,
Imaging direction specifying means for specifying specific imaging direction information indicating an imaging direction of the imaging means when the imaging means images the conference participant specified by the participant specifying means;
Setting means for setting any of attribute information constituting the profile;
Second transmission means for transmitting the attribute information set by the setting means to another remote conference device;
Second receiving means for receiving the attribute information transmitted from another remote conference device;
The attribute information set by the setting unit or the attribute information received by the second receiving unit is an imaging direction indicated by the specific imaging direction information corresponding to a conference participant included in the profile. A remote conference apparatus comprising: switching means for switching an imaging direction of the imaging means.   The display means displays attribute information constituting the profile, and allows the conference participant to select the attribute information, whereby the setting means sets any of the attribute information constituting the profile. The remote conference apparatus according to claim 5, wherein   7. The remote conference apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the display means zooms in and displaying a conference participant, the displayed conference participant has a certain size. When there are a plurality of conference participants whose profile information includes the attribute information set by the setting unit or the attribute information received by the second receiving unit, a selection unit that selects any one of the conference participants Further comprising
The said switching means switches the imaging direction of the said imaging means so that it may become the imaging direction shown by the said specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant which the said selection means selected. The remote conference device according to any one of the above. An imaging unit that images a conference participant participating in a remote conference, and an imaging direction of the imaging unit based on imaging direction information indicating an imaging direction of the imaging unit in order to image a specific conference participant by the imaging unit Remote conference devices including switching means for switching between the remote conference devices, and each remote conference device transmits the images of the conference participants captured by the remote conference device to other remote conference devices via the network. An imaging direction control method for controlling the imaging direction of the imaging means of each remote conference device in a remote conference implemented by displaying an image of a conference participant transmitted from another remote conference device,
A specific information acquisition step of acquiring specific information that is information for specifying a conference participant;
A profile made up of one or more pieces of attribute information including the specific information of a conference candidate who may participate in a remote conference, stored in the storage means, and the specific information acquired in the specific information acquisition step; A participant identification step in which each conference participant identifies someone of the conference candidate candidates,
An imaging direction specifying step for specifying specific imaging direction information which is the imaging direction information when the imaging means images the conference participant specified in the participant specifying step;
A setting step for setting any one of the attribute information constituting the profile;
Among the conference participants specified in the participant specifying step, the specific imaging direction information corresponding to the conference participant in which the attribute information set in the setting step is included in a profile is transmitted to each remote conference device. An imaging direction control method comprising: a transmission step.   An imaging direction control program for causing a computer to execute various processing steps of the imaging direction control method according to claim 9.

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