JP2012120105A - Video communication system, video communication apparatus, and information disclosure degree adjusting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video communication system, video communication apparatus, and information disclosure degree adjusting apparatus for adjusting information disclosure degree of video of other base displayed on an information display part installed in each of a plurality of bases so as to eliminate unfairness of information disclosure and infringement on privacy.SOLUTION: Each video communication apparatus 10a of a video communication system includes: an information display part 11a; a display control part 12a; an imaging part 14a; an attention degree detection part 17a for outputting attention degree information that indicates values indicating attention degree of users with regard to displayed video; a communication control part 13a that transmits a video signal Pa and attention degree information Ca to other video communication apparatus 10b, and receives other video signal Pb and other attention degree information Cb from the other video communication apparatus 10b; and a disclosure degree adjusting part 18a for adjusting information disclosure degree so as to equalize the information disclosure degree by the information display part 11a, to the other information disclosure degree of other information display part 11b in accordance with at least one of the attention degree information Ca and the other attention degree information Cb when the information display part 11a displays a video based on the other video signal Pb.

Description

  The present invention relates to a video communication system that performs communication involving video between a plurality of video communication apparatuses installed at a plurality of sites, and in particular, is displayed on an information display device installed at each of a plurality of sites in a video communication system. The present invention relates to a video communication system capable of adjusting the information disclosure level of video at another base, a video communication apparatus as a configuration of the system, and an information disclosure level adjustment apparatus.

  In a video communication system that transmits and receives video bi-directionally between video communication devices, an inconvenient situation may occur when the video as it is or the other party is transmitted or received. For this reason, a technique for adjusting the information disclosure degree of the video of another base displayed on the information display device installed in each of the plurality of bases has been studied. For example, there is a technique in which an animation image created by computer graphics is displayed on an information display device on the other side instead of an actual own image by closing a lens cover of an imaging device that is photographing the subject. With this technology, in a situation where you do not want to transmit your own video, you can lower the information disclosure level of your video displayed on the information display device on the other side while telling the other side that you are in front of the communication device ( For example, the degree of blur of the video can be increased).

  Also, by opening the curtain-like device installed in front of the display device at each site, the degree of information disclosure of the video displayed on the display device on the other side is increased (for example, the degree of blur of the video is lowered), and the curtain There is a proposal to lower the information disclosure level of the video displayed on the display device on the other side (for example, to increase the degree of blurring of the video) (see Non-Patent Document 2, for example).

  In addition, in a video communication system, a proposal is made not to send a background video by not transmitting a video image captured by a camera as it is, but not transmitting a video portion having a small motion value (see, for example, Patent Document 1), In addition, there is a proposal (see, for example, Patent Document 2) that a video area related to privacy can be viewed only when it is confirmed that the video area has a proper access right.

“Namera Curtain”, Tomoko Handa, Keisuke Kanbara, Koji Tsukada, Ichiro Nobuo, 17th Workshop on Interactive Systems and Software IWISS 2009, Japan Software Science Society Research Material Series, ISSN 1341-870X, No. 63, pp. 179-130

JP-A-5-91407 JP 2001-186501 A

  However, in the above-described conventional video communication system, there is a mutual relation between displaying one's video on the other party's information display device and viewing the other's video on the other's information display device. Absent. Therefore, in the conventional video communication system, the user can freely adjust the information disclosure level of the information display device on the own side, and the partner can freely adjust the information disclosure level of the information display device on the other side. The other side can see the image of the other side unilaterally without showing the other side. When people actually face each other, the degree of information disclosure is symmetric (the state of the partner that they can see is almost equal to the state of the partner that they can see) However, in the conventional video communication system, since the symmetry of the information disclosure level is broken, the user feels peeping (or monitoring) or peeping (or monitoring). There is a problem that is likely to occur.

  For example, in video communication via a camera, it is difficult to recognize what you are seeing or seeing yourself, so you can consciously look at the other side without showing yourself, and , Being unaware of what the other party sees, but being viewed by the other party (ie, “unfairness of information disclosure”) There was a problem that it was easy for people to think (ie, “privacy infringement”).

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a video communication system that performs video communication between a plurality of video communication apparatuses installed at a plurality of bases. A video communication system capable of adjusting the information disclosure level of the video of another base displayed on the information display device installed in each of the plurality of bases so as to eliminate unfairness of information disclosure and privacy infringement Another object of the present invention is to provide a video communication device and an information disclosure level adjustment device.

  A video communication system according to an aspect of the present invention is a video communication system including a plurality of video communication devices, and each of the plurality of video communication devices includes an information display unit that displays video, and an information display unit. A display control unit that controls display operations, an image at a location where the information display unit is installed, an imaging unit that generates a video signal by the imaging, and use for the image displayed on the information display unit An attention level detection unit that detects a value indicating the attention level of the person and outputs attention level information based on a result of the detection; and outputs the video signal and the attention level information to the other of the plurality of video communication devices. A communication control unit that transmits to the video communication device and receives another video signal and other attention level information from the other video communication device; and the information display unit displays a video based on the other video signal. When the attention degree And the information disclosure level by the information display unit is equal to the other information disclosure level by the other information display unit in the other video communication device according to at least one of the other attention level information. And a disclosure level adjusting unit that adjusts the disclosure level.

  A video communication device according to another aspect of the present invention is one video communication device among a plurality of video communication devices constituting a video communication system, and includes an information display unit that displays video, A display control unit that controls display operations, an image at a location where the information display unit is installed, an imaging unit that generates a video signal by the imaging, and use for the image displayed on the information display unit An attention level detection unit that detects a value indicating the attention level of the person and outputs attention level information based on a result of the detection; and outputs the video signal and the attention level information to the other of the plurality of video communication devices. A communication control unit that transmits to the video communication device and receives another video signal and other attention level information from the other video communication device; and the information display unit displays a video based on the other video signal. The attention level information and In accordance with at least one of the other attention level information, the information disclosure level so that the information disclosure level by the information display unit is equal to the other information disclosure level by the other information display unit in the other video communication device. A disclosure degree adjusting unit for adjusting the degree.

  An information disclosure level adjustment apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention is an information disclosure level adjustment apparatus used in a video communication system including a plurality of video communication apparatuses, wherein each of the plurality of video communication apparatuses An information display unit to display; a display control unit that controls a display operation of the information display unit; an imaging unit that captures an image at a site where the information display unit is installed; A communication control unit that transmits the video signal to another video communication device of the plurality of video communication devices and receives another video signal from the other video communication device, and the information display unit Detecting a value indicating a degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the video, and outputting a level of attention information based on a result of the detection, the video signal and the level of attention information as the plurality of levels. Other video communication devices The communication control unit that transmits to the video communication device and receives another video signal and other attention level information from the other video communication device, and the information display unit displays a video based on the other video signal. The information disclosure level by the information display unit according to at least one of the attention level information and the other attention level information is the other information disclosure by the other information display unit in the other video communication device. And a disclosure level adjusting unit that adjusts the information disclosure level so as to be equal to the degree.

  According to the video communication system, the video communication device, and the information disclosure level adjustment device according to one aspect of the present invention, the information disclosure level of the video of other bases displayed on the information display unit installed in each of the plurality of bases Can be adjusted to eliminate unfairness of information disclosure and privacy infringement.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video communication system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematically the video communication apparatus of the 1st base of the video communication system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematically the video communication apparatus of the 2nd base of the video communication system of FIG. (A) And (b) shows the example (the 1) of the relationship between the position of the user in a 2nd base, and the information disclosure degree (low) in the video communication apparatus of a 1st base, and the video communication apparatus of a 2nd base. FIG. (A) and (b) are examples of the relationship between the position of the user at the second site and the information disclosure level (medium) in the video communication device at the first site and the video communication device at the second site (part 2). FIG. (A) And (b) shows the example (the 3) of the relationship between the position of the user in a 2nd base, and the information disclosure degree (high) in the video communication apparatus of a 1st base, and the video communication apparatus of a 2nd base. FIG. (A) And (b) shows the example (the 4) of the relationship between the position of the user in a 2nd base, and the information disclosure degree (highest) in the video communication apparatus of a 1st base, and the video communication apparatus of a 2nd base. FIG. (A) And (b) shows the example (the 1) of the relationship between the position of the user in a 1st base, and the information disclosure degree (low) in the video communication apparatus of a 1st base, and the video communication apparatus of a 2nd base. FIG. (A) And (b) is an example (part 2) of the relationship between the position of the user at the first site and the degree of information disclosure (medium) in the video communication device at the first site and the video communication device at the second site. FIG. (A) And (b) shows the example (the 3) of the relationship between the position of the user in a 1st base, and the information disclosure degree (high) in the video communication apparatus of a 1st base, and the video communication apparatus of a 2nd base. FIG. (A) And (b) shows the example (the 4) of the relationship between the position of the user in a 1st base, and the information disclosure degree (the highest) in the video communication apparatus of a 1st base, and the video communication apparatus of a 2nd base. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the example of the image | video (video which imaged the 2nd base) of the information display part installed in the 1st base from the case where the information disclosure degree is low to the case where it is high, (b), It is a figure which shows the example of the image | video (image | video which imaged the 1st base) of the information display part installed in the 2nd base from when the information disclosure degree is low to when it is high. (A) and (b) are examples of the relationship between the position of the user at the first base and the second base and the information disclosure level (low) in the video communication apparatus at the first base and the video communication apparatus at the second base ( It is a figure which shows the 1). (A) And (b) is an example of the relationship between the position of the user at the first base and the second base and the information disclosure level (medium) in the video communication apparatus at the first base and the video communication apparatus at the second base. It is a figure which shows (the 2). (A) and (b) are examples of the relationship between the position of the user at the first base and the second base and the information disclosure level (high) in the video communication apparatus at the first base and the video communication apparatus at the second base ( It is a figure which shows the 3). (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing regarding the determination method of the information disclosure degree at the time of connecting each video communication apparatus of a 1st base, a 2nd base, and a 3rd base so that communication is possible. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing regarding the other determination method of the information disclosure degree at the time of connecting each video communication apparatus of a 1st base, a 2nd base, and a 3rd base so that communication is possible. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the video communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the video communication system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

<< 1 >> First Embodiment << 1-1 >> Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video communication system according to the first embodiment. The video communication system according to the first embodiment is connected to a communication line (for example, a network 2 such as the Internet, a telephone line, or a dedicated line) so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. This is a system including a video communication device 10a at one site and a video communication device 10b at a second site. A typical example of the video communication system according to the first embodiment is a remote conference system such as a video conference system or a Web conference system. A user of such a system has a conversation while displaying his / her video on the information display unit of the other party and displaying the video of the other party on the information display unit of the other side. Although FIG. 1 shows the case where the number of video communication devices included in the video communication system is two, the number may be three or more as long as the number is plural.

  The video communication device 10a captures a video at an information display unit 11a that displays video, a display control unit 12a that controls the display operation of the information display unit 11a, and a first site where the information display unit 11a is installed, And an imaging unit 14a that generates a video signal Pa by this imaging. Further, the video communication device 10a is a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit 11a (how much attention the user at the first site is interested in the video displayed on the information display unit 11a). For example, a value based on the distance to the user and / or the time the user is in front of the information display unit, etc.) is detected, and attention based on the result of the detection is detected. An attention level detection unit 17a that outputs degree information Ca is provided. Furthermore, the video communication device 10a transmits the video signal Pa and the attention level information Ca to the video communication device 10b among the plurality of video communication devices, and the video signal Pb and the attention level information Cb (second information) are transmitted from the video communication device 10b. For example, the distance to the user and / or the time that the user is in front of the information display unit may be used as an index indicating how much the user at the site is paying attention to the video displayed on the information display unit 11b. The communication control unit 13a receives a value based on the above. Furthermore, when the information display unit 11a displays an image based on the video signal Pb, the video communication device 10a displays at least one of the attention level information Ca and the attention level information Cb (for example, the low attention level side). The information disclosure level by the information display unit 11a is substantially equal to the information disclosure level by the information display unit 11b in the video communication device 10b. As described above, the disclosure level adjustment unit 18a for adjusting the information disclosure level is provided. The disclosure level adjustment unit 18a includes a disclosure level change unit (for example, a liquid crystal shutter) 15a that changes the information disclosure level of the information display unit 11a, and a disclosure level control unit (for example, a voltage) that controls the operation of the disclosure level change unit 15a. Application circuit) 16a.

  The video communication device 10b captures video at an information display unit 11b that displays video, a display control unit 12b that controls the display operation of the information display unit 11b, and a first site where the information display unit 11b is installed, An imaging unit 14b that generates a video signal Pb by this imaging. Further, the video communication device 10b is a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit 11b (how much attention the user at the second site is interested in the video displayed on the information display unit 11b. For example, a value based on the distance to the user and / or the time the user is in front of the information display unit, etc.) is detected, and attention based on the result of the detection is detected. An attention level detection unit 17b that outputs degree information Ca is provided. Further, the video communication device 10b transmits the video signal Pb and the attention level information Cb to the video communication device 10a among the plurality of video communication devices, and receives the video signal Pa and the attention level information Ca from the video communication device 10a. Communication control unit 13b. Furthermore, the video communication device 10b displays at least one of the attention level information Cb and the other attention level information Ca (for example, the attention level) when the information display unit 11b displays a video based on the other video signal Pa. The information disclosure level by the information display unit 11b is changed to the information disclosure level by the information display unit 11a in the video communication device 10a according to the lower side information or a value calculated using both attention levels). The disclosure level adjustment unit 18b for adjusting the information disclosure level is provided so as to be equal. The disclosure level adjusting unit 18b includes a disclosure level changing unit (for example, a liquid crystal shutter) 15b that changes the information disclosure level of the information display unit 11b, and a disclosure level control unit (for example, a voltage) that controls the operation of the disclosure level changing unit 15b. Application circuit) 16b. It should be noted that the first site disclosure level adjustment unit 18a and the second site disclosure level adjustment unit 18b preferably have the same performance, but the first site information display unit 11a and the second site information display. When there is a difference in performance (brightness, screen size, etc.) from the unit 11b, the disclosure level adjustment unit 18a at the first site and the disclosure level adjustment unit 18b at the second site may be different products or different performances.

  The disclosure level adjustment unit 18a adjusts the information disclosure level as the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca or the attention level indicated by the attention level information Cb decreases (for example, the attention level or the attention level information Cb indicated by the attention level information Ca becomes smaller). The lower the attention level of the attention level shown, the lower the information disclosure level). The adjustment of the information disclosure level by the disclosure level adjusting unit 18b is such that the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca or the attention level indicated by the attention level information Cb decreases (for example, the attention level or attention level information Cb indicated by the degree information Ca indicates that The lower the degree of attention shown, the lower the degree of attention). In the adjustment of the information disclosure level by the disclosure level adjustment unit 18b, as the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca or the attention level indicated by the attention level information Cb decreases, the information disclosure level decreases (for example, the degree of blur increases). To be done.

  Further, it is desirable that each of the plurality of video communication devices 10a and 10b perform adjustment by the disclosure level adjustment units 18a and 18b at substantially the same timing. The adjustment at almost the same timing by the disclosure level adjustment units 18a and 18b can be realized by adding a circuit for outputting a synchronization signal for changing the disclosure level by the disclosure level adjustment unit. For example, the disclosure level control unit 16a determines attention level information indicating the minimum attention level among the plurality of attention level information Ca and Cb, and outputs the attention level information indicating the determined minimum attention level from the communication control unit 13a ( In other video communication devices, even if the disclosure level is changed at the received timing), the information disclosure level can be changed at almost the same timing.

  In the video communication device 10a of FIG. 1, the attention level detection unit 17a, the disclosure level adjustment unit 18a, and the communication control unit 13a constitute an information disclosure level adjustment device at the first site. Further, in the video communication device 10b of FIG. 1, the attention level detection unit 17b, the disclosure level adjustment unit 18b, and the communication control unit 13b constitute an information disclosure level adjustment device at the second base. As shown in FIG. 1, the information disclosure level adjustment device according to the first embodiment can be integrated and manufactured in the video communication device 10 a or 10 b. It can be manufactured as an independent device and applied to, for example, an existing video conference system.

  2 is a block diagram schematically showing a video communication device 10a at the first site of the video communication system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the video communication device 10b at the second site of the video communication system of FIG. FIG.

  The information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b are usually large screen display devices such as a plasma display device, a liquid crystal display device, and a projection display device. However, the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b may be a screen of a personal computer (PC). The information display unit 11a displays a video of the second site (in FIG. 2, a person B1 such as a user of the device at the second site) captured by the imaging unit 14b of the second site, and is displayed on the information display unit 11b. Shows the video of the first site captured by the imaging unit 14a of the first site (in FIG. 3, persons A1 and A2 such as users of the devices at the first site). The video displayed on the information display unit 11a is displayed by the information disclosure degree adjustment unit 18a so that, for example, the person identification and the person's action and behavior can be clearly seen, or the person identification and the person's action and behavior can be clearly seen. A number of things that make it look somewhat unclear, or make the person identification and movement or behavior of the person look unclear, or make it impossible to identify the person and only to the extent that there is someone It can be adjusted to either information disclosure level (degree of blur). Further, the video displayed on the information display unit 11b is displayed by the information disclosure degree adjustment unit 18b so that, for example, the person identification and the person's action and behavior can be clearly seen, or the person identification and the person's action and behavior can be clearly seen. To make it look somewhat unclear, or to make the person identification and movement and behavior of the person look quite unclear, or to make the person visible only to the extent that there is someone It is one of a plurality of information disclosure levels (degrees of blur) and can be adjusted to the same (or almost the same) information disclosure level (degree of blurs) as the information disclosure level in the information display unit of the communication partner. Note that the type of information disclosure level is not limited to the above example, and the information disclosure level at a higher level can be set, or the information disclosure level at a lower level can be set.

  The disclosure level changing unit 15a and the disclosure level changing unit 15b are respectively arranged on the front surface of the information display unit 11a and the front surface of the information display unit 11b, and are, for example, liquid crystal shutters whose transparency changes according to the applied voltage. The disclosure level control unit 15a and the disclosure level control unit 15b are drive control devices for the disclosure level change unit 15a and the disclosure level change unit 15b, and include, for example, a voltage application circuit that applies a voltage to the liquid crystal shutter. The disclosure level changing unit 15a and the disclosure level changing unit 15b have a planar filter structure that can be attached to the front outer side of the information display unit 11a and the front outer side of the information display unit 11b. A function for adjusting the degree of information disclosure between bases can be realized later without changing the software. This information disclosure level adjustment function is the same as the case where an information disclosure level adjustment means (blurring degree adjustment means) such as a virtual blind or a ground glass is provided in a virtual viewing window connecting the bases. The situation can be realized.

  The attention level detection unit 17a and the attention level detection unit 17b detect values indicating the attention level of the user with respect to the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b, respectively, and output attention level information based on the detection results. As the attention level detection unit 17a and the attention level detection unit 17b, for example, a proximity sensor or a distance detection sensor using an infrared light sensor or a floor-mounted pressure sensor can be used. As an example, in consideration of a range in which a person image shown in the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b can be visually recognized enough to identify an individual, for example, in the vicinity of the information display units 11a and 11b or in advance of the imaging units 14a and 14b. Settings are made such as detecting the entry of a predetermined imaging range.

  The communication control unit 13a sends an adjustment signal (outputs attention level information based on a value indicating the degree of attention by the user) to adjust the information disclosure level to the disclosure level control unit 16b of the second site, which is another site. It is a communication part to send. The communication control unit 13b sends an adjustment signal for adjusting the information disclosure level (outputs attention level information based on a value indicating the level of attention by the user) to the disclosure level control unit 16a of the first site, which is another site. It is a communication part to send.

<< 1-2 >> Operation of the First Embodiment << 1-2-1 >> When the User B1 at the Second Base Approaches the Information Display Unit 11b FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. FIGS. 6B and 6B, and FIGS. 7A and 7B show the position of the user B1 at the second site, the video communication device 10a at the first site, and the video communication at the second site. It is a figure which shows the example (the 1-4) of the relationship with the information disclosure degree in the apparatus 10b. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a case where the degree of information disclosure is low (the degree of blur is high), and FIGS. 5A and 5B show that the degree of information disclosure is medium (the degree of blur is medium). 6 (a) and 6 (b) show a case where the degree of information disclosure is high (the degree of blur is low), and FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) show the case where the degree of information disclosure is the highest (bokeh). Is shown). In the following, information display units 11a and 11b are provided in the free spaces of the first base and the second base so that images taken from other bases can be viewed. An example that can be viewed through communication will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is a person (user) that can be detected by the attention level detection unit 17a or the attention level detection unit 17b near the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b. If not, the disclosure level adjustment unit 18a and the disclosure level adjustment unit 18b transmit only the minimum information from the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b (the minimum information can be seen). Adjust the applied voltage. In such a situation, the user can recognize the presence / absence of the person and the general movement of the person on the display screen, but reduces the information disclosure level so that details of the person's identification and behavior are not known. Therefore, a person who has walked and passed through a location relatively close to the information display unit 11a or the information display unit 11b can grasp the presence of a person at another base even when looking at the information display unit 11a or the information display unit 11b. Yes, it can prevent infringement of the privacy of people at other locations.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the degree of attention is that the person B1 is approaching the information display unit 11b to see the state of the first base at the second base. When the detection unit 17b detects, the disclosure level control unit 16b changes the applied voltage of the liquid crystal shutter as the disclosure level changing unit 15b to change the information disclosure level of the video at the second site to the middle level (the degree of blur is set to the middle level). Place). At this time, the information disclosure level of the video at the first site is also medium (the degree of blur is medium).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the attention level detection unit 17b indicates that the person B1 approaches the information display unit 11b to see the state of the first site at the second site. Is detected, the disclosure level control unit 16b changes the applied voltage of the liquid crystal shutter as the disclosure level changing unit 15b to increase the information disclosure level of the video at the second site (lower the degree of blur). At this time, the information disclosure level of the video at the first site is also high (the degree of blur is low).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the attention level detection unit indicates that the person B1 is closer to the information display unit 11b to see the state of the first site at the second site. When 17b is detected, the disclosure level control unit 16b changes the applied voltage of the liquid crystal shutter as the disclosure level changing unit 15b to maximize the information disclosure level of the video at the second site (no blur). At this time, the information disclosure degree of the video at the first site is also the highest (no blur).

  Note that the attention level detection unit 17a and the attention level detection unit 17b are within a specific range for a certain time or longer in order to determine whether a person has just passed nearby or is about to see the information display units 11a and 11b. It is preferable to change the degree of information disclosure after detecting the stay. The attention level information Ca is sent from the communication control unit 13a to the communication control unit 13b, and the disclosure level control unit 16b also changes the voltage applied to the liquid crystal shutter in synchronization with the disclosure level control unit 16a. At this time, the video of the information display unit 11a at the first site gradually increases the information disclosure degree as shown in the diagram arranged from the left side to the right side as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the image of the person at the first site (person who is looking at the second site) imaged by the imaging unit 14a is gradually and clearly seen on the information display unit 11b at the second site to be viewed. Come to come. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the video of the information display unit 11b at the second site gradually increases the information disclosure degree as shown in the diagram on the right side from the left side. Accordingly, the image of the person at the first site (person who is looking at the second site) imaged by the imaging unit 14a is gradually and clearly seen on the information display unit 11b at the second site to be viewed. Come to come.

  In other words, in order to increase the information disclosure level of the other side, the information disclosure level of the other side must be increased, and if the information disclosure level of the other side is increased, the information disclosure level of the other side also increases. Is done. In the real world, this type of control is equivalent to gradually approaching people, disclosing that they are approaching due to image changes, and that the other party is also approaching themselves. notice.

<< 1-2-2 >> When User A1 at the First Base Approaches the Information Display Unit 11a FIGS. 8A and 8B, FIGS. 9A and 9B, FIGS. 10A and 10B 11A and 11B show examples of the relationship between the position of the user A1 at the first site and the information disclosure level at the video communication device 10a at the second site and the video communication device 10b at the second site. It is a figure which shows the 1-4). FIGS. 8A and 8B show a case where the degree of information disclosure is low (the degree of blur is high), and FIGS. 9A and 9B show that the degree of information disclosure is medium (the degree of blur is medium). FIGS. 10A and 10B show a case where the degree of information disclosure is high (the degree of blur is low), and FIGS. 11A and 11B show the case where the degree of information disclosure is the highest (bokeh). Is shown). In the following, information display units 11a and 11b are provided in the free spaces of the first base and the second base so that images taken from other bases can be viewed. An example that can be viewed through communication will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, there is a person (user) that can be detected by the attention level detection unit 17a and the attention level detection unit 17b near the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b. If not, the liquid crystal shutter so that only the minimum information is transmitted from the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b (the minimum information can be seen) by the disclosure level adjusting unit 18a and the disclosure level adjusting unit 18b. Adjust the voltage applied to. In such a situation, the user can recognize the presence / absence of a person on the screen and the general movement of the person, but reduces the information disclosure level so that details of the person's identification and behavior are not known. Therefore, a person who has walked and passed through a location relatively close to the information display unit 11a or the information display unit 11b can grasp the presence of a person at another base even when looking at the information display unit 11a or the information display unit 11b. Yes, it can prevent infringement of the privacy of people at other locations.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, attention level detection is performed in such a situation that a person is approaching the information display unit 11 a to see the state of the second base at the first base. When the unit 17a detects, the disclosure level control unit 16a changes the applied voltage of the liquid crystal shutter as the disclosure level changing unit 15a to change the information disclosure level of the video at the first site to the middle level (the blur level is set to the middle level). ). At this time, the information disclosure level of the video at the second site is also medium (the degree of blur is medium).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the attention level detection unit 17 a indicates that a person is approaching the information display unit 11 a to see the state of the second site at the first site. If detected, the disclosure level control unit 16a changes the voltage applied to the liquid crystal shutter as the disclosure level changing unit 15a to increase the information disclosure level of the video at the first site (lower the degree of blur). At this time, the information disclosure level of the video at the second site is also high (the degree of blur is low).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the attention level detection unit 17a indicates that the person is closer to the information display unit 11a to see the state of the second site at the first site. Is detected, the disclosure level control unit 16a changes the applied voltage of the liquid crystal shutter as the disclosure level changing unit 15a to maximize the information disclosure level of the video at the second site (no blur). At this time, the information disclosure degree of the video at the first site is also the highest (no blur).

  In this case, the attention level information Ca is sent from the communication control unit 13a to the communication control unit 13b, and the disclosure level adjustment unit 18b also changes the voltage applied to the liquid crystal shutter in synchronization with the disclosure level adjustment unit 18a. At this time, the video of the information display unit 11a at the first site gradually increases the information disclosure degree as shown in the diagram arranged from the left side to the right side as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the image of the person at the first site (person who is looking at the second site) imaged by the imaging unit 14a is gradually and clearly seen on the information display unit 11b at the second site to be viewed. Come to come. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the video of the information display unit 11b at the second site gradually increases the information disclosure degree as shown in the diagram on the right side from the left side. Accordingly, the image of the person at the first site (person who is looking at the second site) imaged by the imaging unit 14a is gradually and clearly seen on the information display unit 11b at the second site to be viewed. Come to come.

  In other words, in order to increase the information disclosure level of the other side, the information disclosure level of the other side must be increased, and if the information disclosure level of the other side is increased, the information disclosure level of the other side also increases. Control is performed. In the real world, this kind of control is equivalent to gradually approaching people. By changing the image, the fact that you are approaching is disclosed to the other party, and the other party is also approaching you. You can notice that.

<< 1-2-3 >> Example of Information Disclosure Level Changing Stepwise FIG. 12A is a video of an information display unit installed at the first base from when the information disclosure level is low to when it is high ( FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image captured at the second site, and FIG. 12B illustrates an image (first site) of the information display unit installed at the second site from when the information disclosure level is low to when it is high. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the disclosure level adjusters 16a and 16b change the liquid crystal shutter applied voltage, and both are changed from the minimum information disclosure level (left side) to the maximum information disclosure level ( Gradually move to the right).

<< 1-2-4 >> When Users A1 and B1 Approach Information Display Units 11a and 11b FIGS. 13A and 13B, FIGS. 14A and 14B, FIGS. 15A and 15B ) Is an example of the relationship between the position of the user A1 at the first base and the position of the user B1 at the second base and the information disclosure degree in the video communication device 10a at the first base and the video communication device 10b at the second base. It is a figure which shows (the 1-3). FIGS. 13A and 13B show a case where the degree of information disclosure is low (the degree of blur is high), and FIGS. 14A and 14B show that the degree of information disclosure is medium (the degree of blur is medium). FIGS. 15A and 15B show a case where the degree of information disclosure is the highest (no blur). In the following, information display units 11a and 11b are provided in the free spaces of the first base and the second base so that images taken from other bases can be viewed. An example that can be viewed through communication will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, there is a person (user) that can be detected by the attention level detection unit 17a and the attention level detection unit 17b near the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b. If not, the liquid crystal shutter so that only the minimum information is transmitted from the information display unit 11a and the information display unit 11b (the minimum information can be seen) by the disclosure level adjusting unit 18a and the disclosure level adjusting unit 18b. Adjust the voltage applied to. In such a situation, the presence / absence of a person and the general movement of the person can be recognized, but the degree of information disclosure can be reduced so that details of the person's identification and behavior are not known. Therefore, a person who has walked and passed through a location relatively close to the information display unit 11a or the information display unit 11b can grasp the presence of a person at another base even when looking at the information display unit 11a or the information display unit 11b. Yes, it can prevent infringement of the privacy of people at other locations.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b), the degree of attention is detected that a person is approaching the information display unit 11a to see the state of the second base at the first base. When the unit 17a detects, the disclosure level control unit 16a changes the applied voltage of the liquid crystal shutter as the disclosure level changing unit 15a to change the information disclosure level of the video at the first site to the middle level (the blur level is set to the middle level). ). At this time, the information disclosure level of the video at the second site is also medium (the degree of blur is medium).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the attention level detection unit 17b indicates that the person is approaching the information display unit 11b to see the state of the first site at the second site. If detected, the disclosure level control unit 16b changes the voltage applied to the liquid crystal shutter as the disclosure level changing unit 15b to maximize the information disclosure level of the video at the second site (no blur). At this time, the information disclosure degree of the video at the first site is also the highest (no blur).

  As a result, in order to increase the information disclosure level of the other side, the information disclosure level of the other side must be increased, and if the information disclosure level of the other side is increased, the information disclosure level of the other side also increases. Control is performed.

<< 1-2-5 >> When the number of bases is 3 FIGS. 16A to 16C show the cases where the video communication devices of the first base, the second base, and the third base are connected to be able to communicate with each other. It is explanatory drawing regarding the determination method of the information disclosure level in. When the number of video communication devices included in the video communication system according to the first embodiment is three or more, the information disclosure level can be determined based on the attention level information with the lowest level of attention. 16A to 16C, the distance L51 to the user A1 at the first base is either the distance L52 to the user B1 at the second base or the distance L53 to the user C1 at the third base. In this case, it is determined that the degree of attention is the highest (a person is detected at the closest position) based on the degree-of-interest information at the first base, the second base The degree of information disclosure of the video at the base and the third base can be determined.

  FIGS. 17A to 17C are explanatory diagrams relating to other methods for determining the information disclosure degree when the video communication apparatuses of the first base, the second base, and the third base are connected so as to communicate with each other. There is. When the number of video communication devices included in the video communication system according to the first embodiment is three or more, the information disclosure level can be determined based on a large number of attention levels. In FIGS. 17A to 17C, when the distance L61 to the user A1 at the first base is equal to (or within a substantially equal range) the distance L63 to the user C3 at the third base. Based on L61 and L63, it is possible to determine the information disclosure level of the video at the first base, the second base, and the third base. This is a method for determining the information disclosure level of the first, second, and third sites based on the attention level information of a large number of sites based on the majority rule from the attention level information of a plurality of sites. It is. Note that the degree of information disclosure of the video at the first base, the second base, and the third base is determined based on a value obtained using all the attentions, such as an average value of all the attentions. You can also.

<< 1-3 >> Effect of First Embodiment As described above, according to the video communication system, the video communication devices 30a and 30b, and the information disclosure degree adjustment device according to the first embodiment, a plurality of bases are provided. There is an effect that it is possible to adjust the information disclosure degree of the video of other bases displayed on the information display units installed in each of the information display units so as to reduce unfairness of information disclosure and privacy infringement.

  Specifically, there is an effect that the information disclosure degree of the video displayed on the information display unit is adjusted mutually and fairly in synchronization. For example, in the video communication system according to the first embodiment, “seen” on the information display unit means “seen” on the information display unit on the other side, and “ “Peeping” means “being peeped” at the other party's information display section, and “monitoring” at the other party's information display section means “monitoring”. It means " Therefore, according to the video communication system, the video communication devices 30a and 30b, and the information disclosure degree adjustment device according to the first embodiment, the same situation as when people actually face each other can be realized in the video communication system. . In other words, by gradually changing the video, as in the case of actual face-to-face, it realizes the same feeling as in the process of approaching or approaching each other, realizing the other party's interest or the other party's interest Pulling can be done naturally, mutually, and intuitively.

<< 1-4 >> Modifications In the above description, the proximity sensor and the staying time are used as the attention level detection units 17a and 17b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a gaze detection device that detects the gaze of a person. By using it, it is possible to more appropriately control the operation in the video communication system by determining whether or not the information display unit is being viewed.

  In the above description, the liquid crystal shutter device that changes the transmittance according to the applied voltage is exemplified as the actuator that performs the disclosure degree adjusting units 18a and 18b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an electronic adjustment type brand is used. The image processing may be performed by software or hardware either at the time of imaging, transmission, or display. Note that image processing will be described in the second and third embodiments.

  Further, in the above description, the disclosure degree adjusting units 18a and 18b are illustrated as being mounted as external hardware, but may be mounted as software.

  Furthermore, in the above description, the example in which the information disclosure level is synchronized between the first base point and the second site and the example in which the information disclosure level is synchronized between the first site to the third site have been described. It is also possible to extend to. In addition, when the number of bases is three or more, for example, a video between the first base and the second base (as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, each base is displayed in half of the screen). The information disclosure degree of the video is the same between the second base and the third base (as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, each base is displayed in half of the screen). Same information disclosure level between the third base and the first base (the mutual base is displayed in half of the screen as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C). It is also possible to control.

<< 2 >> Second Embodiment FIG. 18 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video communication system according to a second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the video communication system according to the second embodiment includes a video communication device 20a at the first base connected to be capable of bidirectional communication via a communication line (for example, network 2). This is a system including the video communication device 20b at the second site. The video communication system according to the second embodiment includes a signal processing unit 28a as a disclosure level adjusting unit in the video communication device 20a at the first site, and a signal processing unit as a disclosure level adjusting unit in the video communication device 20b at the second site. The point provided with 28b is different from the video communication system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In other words, the video communication system according to the second embodiment needs to include a disclosure degree change unit such as a liquid crystal shutter on the front surface of the information display unit 21a at the first site and the front surface of the information display unit 21b at the second site. Rather, the video disclosure level is adjusted by image signal processing.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the video communication device 20a includes an information display unit 21a that displays video, a display control unit 22a that controls the display operation of the information display unit 11a, and an information display unit 21a. An image pickup unit 24a that picks up an image at one site and generates a video signal Pa by the image pickup. In addition, the video communication device 20a includes an attention level detection unit 27a that detects a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit 21a and outputs attention level information based on the detection result. is doing. Further, the video communication device 20a transmits the video signal Pa and the attention level information Ca to the video communication device 20b among the plurality of video communication devices, and receives the video signal Pb and the attention level information Cb from the video communication device 20b. Communication control unit 23a. Furthermore, when the information display unit 21a displays a video based on the video signal Pb, the video communication device 20a is configured to receive information from the information display unit 11a according to at least one of the attention level information Ca and the attention level information Cb. Disclosure degree for adjusting the information disclosure degree by performing signal processing on the video signal Pb to generate the video signal Pbb so that the disclosure degree is substantially equal to the information disclosure degree by the information display unit 21b in the video communication device 20b. A signal processing unit 28a as an adjustment unit is provided. The attention level detection unit 27a, the signal processing unit 28a, and the communication control unit 23a constitute an information disclosure level adjusting device according to the second embodiment. In addition, the signal processing unit 28a may be a part of the display control unit 26a, but may be a separate configuration connected to the output side or the input side of the display control unit 26a.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the video communication device 20b includes an information display unit 21b that displays video, a display control unit 22b that controls the display operation of the information display unit 11b, and an information display unit 21b. An image capturing unit 24b that captures an image at the second base and generates a video signal Pb based on the image. In addition, the video communication device 20b includes an attention level detection unit 27b that detects a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit 21b and outputs attention level information based on the detection result. is doing. Further, the video communication device 20b transmits the video signal Pb and the attention level information Cb to the video communication device 20a among the plurality of video communication devices, and receives the video signal Pa and the attention level information Ca from the video communication device 20a. Communication control unit 23b. Furthermore, when the information display unit 21b displays a video based on the video signal Pa, the video communication device 20b is configured to receive information from the information display unit 11b according to at least one of the attention level information Ca and the attention level information Cb. Disclosure degree for adjusting the information disclosure degree by performing signal processing on the video signal Pa to generate the video signal Paa so that the disclosure degree is substantially equal to the information disclosure degree by the information display unit 21a in the video communication device 20a. A signal processing unit 28b as an adjustment unit is provided. The attention level detection unit 27b, the signal processing unit 28b, and the communication control unit 23b constitute an information disclosure level adjusting device according to the second embodiment. The signal processing unit 28b may be a part of the display control unit 26b, but may be a separate configuration connected to the output side or the input side of the display control unit 26b.

  The adjustment of the information disclosure level by the signal processing unit 28a is performed as the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca or the attention level indicated by the attention level information Cb decreases (for example, the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca and the attention level information Cb indicate This is done to reduce the information disclosure level (based on a lower level of attention level). The adjustment of the information disclosure level by the signal processing unit 28b is performed as the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca or the attention level indicated by the attention level information Cb decreases (for example, the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca and the attention level information Cb indicate the attention level). This is done to reduce the information disclosure level (based on a lower level of attention level). Signal processing that lowers the level of information disclosure includes, for example, processing of a video signal so that the video looks blurred, processing of overlaying other video on the video, processing of reducing the luminance of the video, and reducing the video size The display process, the process of displaying only a part of the video, and the like, but other processes may be used as long as they can reduce unfairness of information disclosure and privacy infringement. In addition, each of the plurality of video communication devices 20a and 20b desirably performs adjustment by the signal processing units 28a and 28b at substantially the same timing.

  The video communication system, the video communication devices 20a and 20b, and the information disclosure level adjustment device according to the second embodiment are the same as the video communication system, the video communication devices 10a and 10b, and the information disclosure level adjustment according to the first embodiment. It can operate in the same way as the device. Therefore, according to the video communication system, the video communication devices 20a and 20b, and the information disclosure level adjusting device according to the second embodiment, the other site displayed on the information display unit installed in each of the plurality of sites. There is an effect that the information disclosure degree of the video can be adjusted so that unfairness of information disclosure and privacy infringement can be reduced.

  In addition, the video communication system, the video communication devices 20a and 20b, and the information disclosure level adjustment device according to the second embodiment do not need to include a disclosure level change unit like a liquid crystal shutter, so that the configuration is simplified and the product There is also an effect of cost reduction. In particular, in the case of a video conference system configured by communication between personal computers (PC), the function of the signal processing unit can be realized by adding software.

  In the second embodiment, points other than those described above are the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

<< 3 >> Third Embodiment FIG. 19 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video communication system according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the video communication system according to the third embodiment includes a video communication device 30a at the first base connected to be capable of bidirectional communication via a communication line (for example, network 2). This is a system including the video communication device 30b at the second site. In the video communication system according to the third embodiment, the disclosure level adjustment unit in the information display unit 31a at the first site is used as the transmission signal processing unit 38a in the video communication device 20b at the second site. It differs from the video communication system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the disclosure level adjustment unit in the base information display unit 31b is a transmission signal processing unit 38b in the video communication device 20a at the first base. To do. In other words, the video communication system according to the third embodiment needs to include a disclosure degree changing unit such as a liquid crystal shutter on the front surface of the information display unit 21a at the first site and the front surface of the information display unit 21b at the second site. Rather, adjustment of the degree of video disclosure in the information display units 31a and 31b is performed by image signal processing by the transmission signal processing units 38b and 38a in the video communication device on the communication partner side.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the video communication device 30a is provided with an information display unit 31a for displaying video, a display control unit 32a for controlling the display operation of the information display unit 31a, and an information display unit 31a. It has an imaging unit 34a that captures an image at one site and generates a video signal Pa by the imaging. In addition, the video communication device 30a includes an attention level detection unit 37a that detects a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit 31a and outputs attention level information based on the detection result. is doing. Further, the video communication device 30a transmits the video signal Paa and the attention level information Ca to the video communication device 30b among the plurality of video communication devices, and receives the video signal Pbb and the attention level information Cb from the video communication device 30b. Communication control unit 33a. Furthermore, when the information display unit 31a displays a video based on the video signal Pbb, the video communication device 30a is configured to receive information from the information display unit 31a according to at least one of the attention level information Ca and the attention level information Cb. Disclosure degree for adjusting the information disclosure degree by performing signal processing on the video signal Pb to generate the video signal Pbb so that the disclosure degree is substantially equal to the information disclosure degree by the information display unit 31b in the video communication device 30b. A transmission signal processing unit 38a is provided as an adjustment unit. The attention level detection unit 27a and communication control unit 23a of the first site and the transmission signal processing unit 38b of the second site constitute an information disclosure level adjusting device of the information display unit 31a.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the video communication device 30b includes an information display unit 31b that displays video, a display control unit 32b that controls the display operation of the information display unit 31b, and an information display unit 31b. An image capturing unit 34b that captures an image at the second base and generates a video signal Pb based on the image. In addition, the video communication device 30b includes an attention level detection unit 37b that detects a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit 31b and outputs attention level information based on the detection result. is doing. Furthermore, the video communication device 30b transmits the video signal Pbb and the attention level information Cb to the video communication device 30a among the plurality of video communication devices, and receives the video signal Paa and the attention level information Ca from the video communication device 30a. Communication control unit 33a. Furthermore, when the information display unit 31b displays a video based on the video signal Pbb, the video communication device 30b is configured to receive information from the information display unit 31b according to at least one of the attention level information Ca and the attention level information Cb. Disclosure degree for adjusting the information disclosure degree by performing signal processing on the video signal Pa to generate the video signal Paa so that the disclosure degree is substantially equal to the information disclosure degree by the information display unit 31a in the video communication device 30a. A transmission signal processing unit 38b as an adjustment unit is provided. The attention detection unit 27b and the communication control unit 23b at the second site and the transmission signal processing unit 28a at the first site constitute an information disclosure level adjusting device of the information display unit 31b.

  The adjustment of the information disclosure level of the information display unit 31b by the transmission signal processing unit 38a is performed as the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca or the attention level indicated by the attention level information Cb decreases (for example, the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca and The degree of information disclosure is lowered (based on a lower attention level among the attention levels indicated by the attention level information Cb). The adjustment of the information disclosure level by the transmission signal processing unit 38b is such that the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca or the attention level indicated by the attention level information Cb decreases (for example, the attention level indicated by the attention level information Ca and the attention level information Cb indicate This is done to lower the information disclosure level (based on a lower degree of attention level). Signal processing that lowers the level of information disclosure includes, for example, processing of a video signal so that the video looks blurred, processing of overlaying other video on the video, processing of reducing the luminance of the video, and reducing the video size The display process, the process of displaying only a part of the video, and the like, but other processes may be used as long as they can reduce unfairness of information disclosure and privacy infringement. Further, it is desirable from the viewpoint of fairness of the user that each of the plurality of video communication devices 30a and 30b performs adjustment by the transmission signal processing units 38b and 38a at substantially the same timing.

  The video communication system, the video communication devices 30a and 30b, and the information disclosure level adjustment device according to the third embodiment are the same as the video communication system, the video communication devices 10a and 10b, and the information disclosure level adjustment according to the first embodiment. It can operate in the same way as the device. Therefore, according to the video communication system, the video communication devices 30a and 30b, and the information disclosure level adjustment device according to the third embodiment, the other site displayed on the information display unit installed in each of the plurality of sites. There is an effect that the information disclosure degree of the video can be adjusted so that unfairness of information disclosure and privacy infringement can be reduced.

  In addition, the video communication system, the video communication devices 30a and 30b, and the information disclosure level adjusting device according to the second embodiment do not need to include a disclosure level changing unit such as a liquid crystal shutter. There is also an effect of cost reduction. In particular, in the case of a video conference system configured by communication between PCs, the function of the signal processing unit can be realized by adding software.

  In the third embodiment, points other than the above are the same as in the case of the first or second embodiment.

  2 Network, 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b, 30a, 30b Video communication device, 11a, 11b, 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b Information display unit, 12a, 12b, 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b Display control unit, 13a, 13b, 23a, 23b, 33a, 33b Communication control unit, 14a, 14b, 14c, 24a, 24b, 34a, 34b Information display unit, 15a, 15b Disclosure degree change unit, 16a, 16b Disclosure degree control unit, 26a, 26b, 36a, 37b Attention level detection unit, 17a, 17b, 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b Attention level detection unit, 18a, 18b Disclosure level adjustment unit, 28a, 28b Signal processing unit, 38a, 38b Transmission signal processing unit.

Claims (21)

A video communication system including a plurality of video communication devices,
Each of the plurality of video communication devices is
An information display section for displaying images;
A display control unit for controlling the display operation of the information display unit;
An image capturing unit that captures an image at a location where the information display unit is installed, and generates a video signal by the image capturing;
An attention level detection unit that detects a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit, and outputs attention level information based on a result of the detection;
Communication for transmitting the video signal and the attention level information to another video communication device of the plurality of video communication devices and receiving the other video signal and other attention level information from the other video communication device A control unit;
When the information display unit is displaying a video based on the other video signal, the information disclosure level by the information display unit is determined according to at least one of the attention level information and the other attention level information. A video communication system, comprising: a disclosure level adjustment unit that adjusts the information disclosure level so as to be equal to another information disclosure level by another information display unit in another video communication device. The video communication according to claim 1, wherein the control by the disclosure level adjustment unit is executed according to information indicating the lowest level of attention among the attention level information and the other attention level information. system. The plurality of video communication devices are three or more video communication devices,
The attention level information is one piece of information,
The other attention level information is two or more pieces of information,
The video communication according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment by the disclosure level adjustment unit is executed according to the attention level information having the largest number of the attention level information and the other attention level information. system. The adjustment by the disclosure level adjustment unit is performed such that the degree of information disclosure decreases as the level of attention indicated by the attention level information or the other attention level information decreases. The video communication system according to any one of the above. 5. The video communication system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of video communication devices performs the adjustment by the disclosure level adjustment unit at the same timing. The disclosure level adjustment unit
A disclosure level changing unit for changing the information disclosure level by the information display unit;
The video communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: a disclosure level control unit that controls a change in the information disclosure level by the disclosure level change unit.   The video communication system according to claim 6, wherein the disclosure degree changing unit is a device that is disposed on a front side of the information display unit and is capable of changing light transmittance. The disclosure degree changing unit includes a liquid crystal shutter whose transparency changes according to an applied voltage,
The video communication system according to claim 6, wherein the disclosure degree control unit includes a voltage control unit that controls the applied voltage. A signal processing unit for performing signal processing for adding blur to the video based on the other video signal;
The video communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information disclosure level by the information display unit is changed by processing by the signal processing unit. The video communication system according to claim 9, wherein the signal processing unit is provided in the video communication device. The video communication system according to claim 9, wherein the signal processing unit is a transmission signal processing unit provided in the other video communication device.   The video communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the attention level detection unit includes a sensor that detects a user who has approached. One video communication device of a plurality of video communication devices constituting the video communication system,
An information display section for displaying images;
A display control unit for controlling the display operation of the information display unit;
An image capturing unit that captures an image at a location where the information display unit is installed, and generates a video signal by the image capturing;
An attention level detection unit that detects a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit, and outputs attention level information based on a result of the detection;
Communication for transmitting the video signal and the attention level information to another video communication device of the plurality of video communication devices and receiving the other video signal and other attention level information from the other video communication device A control unit;
When the information display unit is displaying a video based on the other video signal, the information disclosure level by the information display unit is determined according to at least one of the attention level information and the other attention level information. A video communication device comprising: a disclosure level adjustment unit that adjusts the information disclosure level so as to be equal to another information disclosure level by another information display unit in another video communication device. An information disclosure degree adjusting device used in a video communication system including a plurality of video communication devices,
Each of the plurality of video communication devices captures video at an information display unit that displays video, a display control unit that controls a display operation of the information display unit, and a site where the information display unit is installed, An imaging unit that generates a video signal by the imaging, and communication control that transmits the video signal to another video communication device of the plurality of video communication devices and receives another video signal from the other video communication device And
An attention level detection unit that detects a value indicating the degree of attention of the user with respect to the video displayed on the information display unit, and outputs attention level information based on a result of the detection;
The video signal and the attention level information are transmitted to another video communication device of the plurality of video communication devices, and the other video signal and other attention level information are received from the other video communication device. A communication control unit;
When the information display unit is displaying a video based on the other video signal, the information disclosure level by the information display unit is determined according to at least one of the attention level information and the other attention level information. An information disclosure level adjustment device, comprising: a disclosure level adjustment unit that adjusts the information disclosure level so as to be equal to another information disclosure level by another information display unit in another video communication device. The information disclosure according to claim 14, wherein the control by the disclosure degree adjustment unit is executed according to information indicating the lowest degree of attention among the attention degree information and the other attention degree information. Degree adjustment device. The adjustment by the disclosure level adjustment unit is performed so that the degree of information disclosure decreases as the level of attention indicated by the attention level information or the other level of attention information decreases. The information disclosure level adjustment device described. The disclosure level adjustment unit
A disclosure level changing unit for changing the information disclosure level by the information display unit;
The information disclosure level adjustment device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising: a disclosure level control unit that controls a change in the information disclosure level by the disclosure level changing unit.   The information disclosure degree adjusting apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the disclosure degree changing unit is an apparatus that is disposed on a front side of the information display unit and is capable of changing light transmittance. The disclosure degree changing unit includes a liquid crystal shutter whose transparency changes according to an applied voltage,
The information disclosure level adjustment device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the disclosure level control unit includes a unit that controls the applied voltage. A signal processing unit for performing signal processing for adding blur to the video based on the other video signal;
The information disclosure degree adjusting apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the information disclosure degree by the information display unit is changed by processing by the signal processing unit.   21. The information disclosure level adjustment device according to claim 14, wherein the attention level detection unit includes a sensor that detects an approaching user.

Images