JP2016082449A - Communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device which can prevent voice from being hardly heard by sound generated as the operation of a fan.SOLUTION: A video conferencing device comprises: a microphone 20a; a control device 24 which transmits the sound input from the microphone 20a through a communication network (for example, Internet); a fan 21c for cooling the control device 24; and a housing 25 in which the microphone 20a, the control device 24 and the fan 21c are provided. The control device 24 includes a revolution speed control unit for controlling the revolution speed of the fan 21c on the basis of the input state of sound in the microphone 20a. Thus, it is possible to prevent voice from being hardly heard by the sound generated as the operation of the fan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, and more particularly to a communication device capable of voice communication.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a conference device (communication device) used for a conference by transmitting and receiving at least voice via a communication network is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In this conference apparatus, a microphone, a speaker, a control device that transmits and receives audio, and a cooling fan are provided in the same casing.

  In the conference apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that it is difficult to hear the sound due to the sound generated with the operation of the fan.

  The present invention is provided with a microphone, a control device that transmits sound input through the microphone via a communication network, a fan for cooling the control device, the microphone, the control device, and the fan. A control device, wherein the control device includes a rotation speed control unit that controls a rotation speed of the fan based on a sound input state of the microphone.

  According to this, it is possible to prevent the sound from becoming difficult to hear due to the sound generated with the operation of the fan.

FIG. 1 is an internal perspective view of a video conference apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of control of a video conference apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the operation of the image input unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the operation of the image input unit; It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the conference system containing a some video conference apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the aspect of the video conference using a video conference apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating control by a controller. 10 is a flowchart for explaining control by a controller in Modification 1; 10 is a flowchart for explaining control by a controller in Modification 2; 10 is a flowchart for explaining control by a controller in Modification 3; 10 is a flowchart for explaining control by a controller in Modification 4; 10 is a flowchart for explaining control by a controller in Modification 5. 10 is a flowchart for explaining control by a controller in Modification 6; 10 is a flowchart for explaining control by a controller in Modification 7;

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a top view (internal perspective view) of a video conference device as a communication device according to an embodiment in a non-use state. The video conference apparatus 10 has a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped (substantially flat) outer shape as a whole when not in use. In FIG. 1, the video conference device 10 is placed in parallel with a horizontal plane on an upper surface (mounting surface) such as a desk or table. Hereinafter, the video conference device 10 will be described with the longitudinal direction as the X-axis direction, the direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction in the horizontal plane as the Y-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis directions (vertical direction) as the Z-axis direction. .

  As an example, the video conference apparatus 10 includes a housing 25, a control device 24, an image input unit 19 including a camera 16, an audio output device 18 including a speaker 18a, and a microphone 20a, as shown in FIGS. A voice input device 20 and a cooling system 21 including a fan 21c are provided.

  As an example, the housing 25 is formed of a thin box-shaped hollow member (substantially rectangular parallelepiped member). As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 25 has, for example, a substantially rectangular A4 size outer shape in a plan view, and its thickness is substantially constant (for example, 15 mm to 45 mm).

  Further, as an example, in the vicinity of the −Y side end of the upper wall of the housing 25, it extends over almost the entire region in the X axis direction, and the + Z side and −X side of the rectangular plan view having the X axis direction as the longitudinal direction. A concave portion 31 that opens to the side is formed.

  Further, as an example, the upper wall of the housing 25 has an operation panel portion 25 a provided with a plurality of operation members on the + Y side of the recess 31. The operation panel unit 25a and the plurality of operation members will be described later.

  As an example, the X-axis direction intermediate portion of the side wall (front wall) on the + Y side of the housing 25 is connected to a recording medium M such as a USB flash memory or an external device mounted on the main board 12 described later. Two USB terminals 49 for input / output and a LAN terminal 51 for communication are inserted (see FIG. 3).

  Further, as an example, an image output terminal mounted on the main board 12 to be described later, a communication LAN terminal, and the like are fitted in the side wall (rear wall) on the −Y side of the housing 25. Further, a power jack 60 is fitted in the side wall on the −X side of the housing 25 (see FIG. 3).

  Returning to FIG. 1, the operation panel unit 25 a has the power button 35, the line button 37, and the determination button 39 as the plurality of operation members described above in this order from the −Y side to the + Y side in the center in the X-axis direction. , Arranged in a row.

  The power button 35 is an operation member used for switching power ON / OFF for the video conference apparatus 10.

  In addition, a small confirmation lamp 42 that is turned on / off in response to power ON / OFF is attached to a location adjacent to the power button 35 in the operation panel unit 25a (near the −X side of the power button 35). .

  The line button 37 is an operation member used for disconnecting the Internet line with the other party during the two-way communication via the Internet.

  The determination button 39 is an operation member for determining an item selected by operating the cursor 40 in the menu screen displayed on the screen S by the projector P (see FIG. 6), for example. Details of the decision button 39 will be described later. The cursor 40 is arranged around the decision button 39.

  A menu button 45 as an operation member is disposed on the + X side of the cursor 40 in the operation panel unit 25a. The menu button 45 is an operation member used for calling a menu screen on the screen S, for example.

  In addition, a pair of volume buttons 62a and 62b are arranged on the −X side of the cursor 40 in the operation panel unit 25a.

  The pair of volume buttons 62a and 62b are operation members for adjusting the volume of the speaker 18a. The volume can be lowered by pressing the + X side volume button 62b of the pair of volume buttons 62a and 62b, and the volume can be raised by pressing the -X side volume button 62a. .

  A microphone mute button 64 is arranged on the + X side of the cursor 40 in the operation panel unit 25a.

  The microphone mute button 64 is an operation member for switching ON / OFF of the microphone 20a. Note that the microphone 20a being ON means a state in which sound is input by the microphone 20a, and the microphone 20a being OFF means a state in which no sound is input by the microphone 20a.

  A small confirmation lamp 65 that is turned on / off according to the ON / OFF state of the microphone 20a is provided near the + X side of the microphone mute button 64 in the operation panel unit 25a.

  The control device 24 is disposed on the −Z side of the operation panel unit 25a in the housing 25, encodes or decodes audio data and image data, and outputs audio and image data via a communication network (for example, the Internet). Control bidirectional communication. Note that the image data is data of moving images or intermittent images (still images with a constant time interval).

  As an example, the control device 24 includes a main board 12 as a control board, a sub board 13 as a voice processing and operation board, and the like, as shown in FIG.

  The main board 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 106, a data input / output I / F 108, a network I / F ( (Interface) 110, image input I / F 112, image output I / F 114, and controller 115 (microcomputer) are connected via a bus line 116 such as an address bus and a data bus so that bidirectional communication is possible. Implemented in.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the video conference apparatus 10 based on a predetermined program (video conference apparatus program). A series of operations related to bidirectional communication of audio and images via the Internet in accordance with instructions from the CPU 101 according to the video conference device program will be described later.

  The ROM 102 stores a program used for driving the CPU 101 such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader).

  The RAM 104 is used as a work area for the CPU 101.

  The HDD 106 stores various data such as the video conference device program, image data, and audio data. In addition, not only HDD but SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. may be used, for example. The program for the video conference apparatus may be a file in an installable format or an executable format, and may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a recording medium. The video conference device program may be stored in the ROM 102 instead of the HDD 106. The HDD 106 controls reading or writing of various data with respect to the HDD 106 according to the control of the CPU 101.

  The data input / output I / F 108 includes the USB terminal 49 described above, and controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to the recording medium M such as a USB flash memory. The recording medium M is detachable from the USB terminal 49. The recording medium M is not limited to a flash memory as long as it is a non-volatile memory that reads or writes data in accordance with the control of the CPU 101, and may be an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) or the like.

  The network I / F 110 includes a LAN terminal 51 (for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal) and is connected to a network, for example, the Internet, and data (image data and audio data) with other video conference apparatuses via the Internet. ) Input / output. Examples of the standard of the Ethernet (registered trademark) terminal include 10Base-T, 100BaseTX, and 1000BaseT. Note that the control device 24 may have a wireless LAN interface in addition to the network I / F 110.

  The image input I / F 112 takes in an image signal output from the camera 16 as predetermined image data. Details of the image input unit 19 including the camera 16 will be described later.

  The image output I / F 114 includes the image output terminal described above, and displays a menu screen such as an operation icon for adjusting the destination, image quality adjustment, output signal selection, etc. of the other party's conference apparatus for performing a video conference, and a communication network (for example, the Internet). For example, a monitor device, a television set, or a projector P connected to the image output terminal of the encoded image data among the data received via the network I / F 110 via the network interface 110 and the image data input by the camera 16 (see FIG. 6). For example, the image signal is converted into a predetermined analog or digital image signal that can be received by a display device. The CPU 101 decodes the encoded image data using a predetermined codec. Examples of the predetermined image signal include an analog RGB signal (VGA), a component video signal, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) signal, and a DVI (Digital Video Interactive) signal.

  The controller 115 controls the fan 21c according to an instruction from the CPU 101. The controller 115 will be described in detail later.

  As an example, the sub board 13 includes a plurality of operation terminals, a voice input / output I / F 120, and a voice control unit 123, which are individually associated with a plurality of operation members. The plurality of operation terminals and the voice control unit 123 are connected to each other via the bus line 116 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and are also connected to be capable of bidirectional communication with the respective components mounted on the main board 12. .

  The voice input / output I / F 120 captures the voice input by the microphone 20a as voice data and sends it to the voice control unit 123. The voice input / output I / F 120 receives the voice data of other bases via the voice control unit 123 received by the network I / F 110. This is converted into an audio signal that can be reproduced by the speaker 18a.

  The voice control unit 123 generates a sound wave loop with the other video conference device when the sound output from the speaker 18a is inputted with the microphone 20a during bidirectional communication with the other video conference device. Echo canceller that suppresses echo and howling, a noise canceller that reduces noise input by the microphone 20a, such as sound generated by the operation of the fan 21c, and the frequency characteristics of sound (voice signal) input by the microphone 20a It has an equalizer etc. that adjusts.

  Here, in the voice control unit 123, the noise removal setting of the noise canceller and the equalizer is set to be relatively weak.

  In addition, the voice control unit 123 adjusts the volume of the sound output from the speaker 18a as the pair of volume buttons 62a and 62b are operated, and a microphone mute button 64 described later is pressed down (turned on / off). ), The sound input / non-input by the microphone 20a is switched.

  In addition, the voice control unit 123 sends the voice input by the microphone 20 a and subjected to voice processing to the network I / F 110 and the controller 115.

  The controller 115 includes a local site utterance presence / absence determination unit that determines the presence / absence of utterance at the local site, a rotation speed control unit that controls the rotation speed of the fan 21c based on a determination result by the local site utterance presence / absence determination unit, And a main control unit that performs overall control of the unit. Here, the local site utterance presence / absence determination unit determines the presence / absence of utterance at the local site based on the presence / absence of voice input from the microphone 20a. Specifically, the local speech utterance presence / absence determination unit determines that “speech is present” when the voice input at the microphone 20a is “present”, and “no utterance” when the voice input at the microphone 20a is “none”. judge.

  More specifically, the local site utterance presence / absence determination unit determines whether or not a voice is input from the microphone 20a when the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is equal to or higher than a reference value, and when the volume is lower than the reference value. Judged as “None”. This reference value is a value that exceeds the volume level of a sound other than the voice due to the utterance (for example, a sound generated when the fan 21c is operated, an ambient environmental sound, etc.). In addition, it may be considered that the voice by the utterance among the sounds input to the microphone 20a has a higher volume level than the other sounds.

  In addition, the local site utterance presence / absence determination unit may simply determine the presence / absence of utterance at the local site. For example, the local site utterance presence / absence determination unit obtains image data input by the camera 16 and via the image input I / F 112, and from the image data It is also possible to analyze the movement of the mouth of the conference participant at the local site and determine the presence or absence of speech at the local site.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the image input unit 19 includes a camera housing 63 that houses the camera 16 in addition to the camera 16, and holds the camera housing 63 at one end through a biaxial torque hinge. And an arm 34 made of an elongated flat hollow member. The other end of the arm 34 is connected to the housing 25 via a uniaxial torque hinge whose axial direction is the short direction (Y-axis direction) of the arm 34.

  The image input unit 19 configured as described above has an accommodation position (see FIG. 1) that is accommodated in the recess 31 formed at the end of the housing 25 on the −Y side, and a protrusion that protrudes from within the recess 31. It can be rotated around the Y axis with respect to the housing 25 between the positions (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The uniaxial torque hinge is provided with an elastic member (for example, a torsion coil spring) that urges the image input unit 19 from the housing position toward the protruding position.

  Here, a locking device including a lock release button 32 a for locking the image input unit 19 to the housing 25 is provided at the center in the X-axis direction at the −Y side end of the operation panel portion 25 a. (See FIG. 3).

  That is, the image input unit 19 is mechanically locked to the housing 25 by the locking device when it is located at the storage position. At this time, when the lock release button 32a is depressed, the lock of the image input unit 19 with respect to the housing 25 is released, and the image input unit 19 pops up by the action of the elastic member (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the image input unit 19 can be grasped and rotated around the Y axis by a desired angle. When the hand is released from the rotated image input unit 19, the image input unit 19 is held at that position by the action of the uniaxial torque hinge.

  In the image input unit 19, the camera housing 63 is independently rotated around the axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the arm 34 and around the axis perpendicular to the arm 34 by the action of the biaxial torque hinge. It is possible to move. When the hand is released from the rotated camera housing 63, the camera housing 63 is held at that position by the action of the biaxial torque hinge.

  The camera 16 captures an image of an object (for example, a user, a document, etc.) as a subject through the photographing lens 16a, converts the captured image into an image signal (electric signal), and outputs the image signal to the image input I / F 112. (See FIG. 2). As an image sensor of the camera 16, for example, a CCD, a CMOS, or the like is used.

  As the photographic lens 16a, for example, a wide-angle lens having a horizontal uniaxial viewing angle of, for example, 120 ° and a viewing angle perpendicular to the uniaxial direction of, for example, 100 ° is used. The viewing angle of the photographic lens 16a can be changed as appropriate.

  The cooling system 21 cools the heat generating part by releasing heat generated by the heat generating part such as the CPU 101 mounted on the main board 12 of the control device 24 to the outside of the housing 25 with the following configuration.

  The cooling system 21 includes, for example, a heat pipe 21a, a heat sink 21b, a fan 21c, and the like, and is accommodated in the housing 25.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, an exhaust port comprising a plurality of slit-like through holes extending in the Z-axis direction and arranged in the Y-axis direction in the + Y-side portion of the + X-side side wall of the housing 25. 53 is formed. In addition, air inlets including a plurality of through holes are formed at corners on the + X side and the + Y side of the lower wall of the housing 25 (the wall on the −Z side).

  One end portion of the heat pipe 21a is connected to a heat generating portion (for example, the CPU 101) of the control device 24, an intermediate portion thereof extends in parallel to the XY plane, and the other end portion is connected to the heat sink 21b. The heat sink 21b is made of a heat radiating member including, for example, a plurality of metal fins arranged at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction, and is disposed at a position adjacent to the exhaust port 53 in the housing 25. Therefore, for example, heat generated from a heat generating part such as the CPU 101 is sequentially transmitted to the heat pipe 21 a and the heat sink 21 b and is released to the outside of the housing 25 through the exhaust port 53.

  The fan 21c has a rectifying function, is directly above the intake port in the housing 25, in the vicinity of the −X side of the heat sink 21b so that the intake direction is substantially the + Z direction, and the exhaust direction is It is arranged so as to be approximately in the + X direction. The fan 21c is controlled by the controller 115 as will be described in detail later.

  Therefore, the air sucked by the fan 21c through the intake port passes through (passes through) the heat sink 21b and is discharged from the exhaust port 53 to the outside of the housing 25. Thereby, the effect of releasing (diffusing) heat from the heat sink 21b is further enhanced. The configuration of the cooling system is not limited to that described above, and can be changed as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the audio output device 18 includes a speaker box 18 b made of, for example, a box-shaped hollow member in addition to the speaker 18 a and is housed in a housing 25.

  As the speaker 18a, for example, a full range type round speaker is adopted. The speaker 18a is connected to a voice input / output I / F 120 (see FIG. 2), and converts a voice signal transmitted from the voice input / output I / F 120 into voice and outputs the voice.

  The speaker 18a is fitted into the top portion of the speaker box 18b so that the sound output direction is generally upward (+ Z direction).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, in the portion adjacent to the concave portion 31 at the + X side end of the operation panel portion 25a, a sound release composed of a plurality of through holes for releasing the sound emitted from the speaker 18a to the outside. An outlet 43 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the speaker box 18 b is arranged at the end on the + X side in the housing 25 and adjacent to the recess 31 so that the speaker 18 a is located immediately below the sound emission port 43. ing. Therefore, the sound output from the speaker 18 a is smoothly (outside) exhausted to the outside of the housing 25 through the sound emission port 43.

  The speaker box 18b is fixed to the housing 25 via a buffer member made of an elastic member such as silicon rubber or urethane rubber. This prevents sound emitted from the speaker 18a from being transmitted to the housing 25, so that chatter noise is prevented from being generated in the housing 25, and sound emitted from the speaker 18a is transmitted via the housing 25 to the microphone. Input by 20a is suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the voice input device 20 includes a holding member 20 b for holding the microphone 20 a in the housing 25 in addition to the microphone 20 a and is housed in the housing 25. Here, a hard resin such as plastic is used as the material of the holding member 20b, but the material is not particularly limited thereto.

  As the microphone 20a, for example, a small omnidirectional microphone is employed. The microphone 20a is connected to a voice input / output I / F 120 (see FIG. 2), converts the input voice into a voice signal, and transmits the voice signal to the voice input / output I / F 120.

  The microphone 20a is made of, for example, a thin (low-height) cylindrical member, and has a casing whose axis is substantially parallel to the Y-axis, that is, its voice input direction is substantially in the -Y direction. 25, provided at the −X side end of the inner wall surface of the + Y side wall.

  That is, the microphone 20a is disposed at a position relatively distant from the fan 21c in the housing 25, and it is difficult to pick up noise accompanying the operation of the fan 21c at a large volume.

  Further, since the sound input direction of the microphone 20a is substantially orthogonal to the sound output direction of the speaker 18a, it is difficult for the sound output from the speaker 18a to be input by the microphone 20a, and echo and howling can be effectively suppressed.

  As the microphone 20a, for example, a unidirectional microphone whose voice input direction is approximately in the −Y direction may be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, at the location corresponding to the microphone 20a on the side wall on the + Y side of the housing 25, the voice is captured by a plurality of (for example, three) through holes formed at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. A mouth 77 is formed. Therefore, sound generated outside the housing 25 (particularly, the voice of a person located on the + Y side of the video conference apparatus 10) is smoothly input to the microphone 20a via the audio intake port 77.

  By the way, in a portable type video conference apparatus such as the video conference apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, downsizing of the apparatus is required in order to ensure portability, and it is necessary for a video conference in a casing about the size of an A4 notebook computer. It is necessary to mount various functions (CPU / speaker / microphone, etc.).

  For this reason, a sufficient distance between the cooling fan, which is a noise source, and the microphone for sound collection cannot be secured, and noise (sound generated as the fan blades rotate) at a single site is generated. There was a possibility that the sound was picked up (input) by the microphone and could be heard by other bases on the other side of the video conference. In this case, at other sites, it becomes difficult to hear voices (words) from one site, and this hinders the video conference. This problem becomes more serious as the rotational speed of the fan is higher, the casing is smaller, and the fan is larger (large capacity).

  As a method for coping with the noise accompanying the rotation of the cooling fan, for example, noise component reduction processing (noise reduction) by a noise canceller, equalization (frequency characteristic adjustment) by an equalizer, and a filter in a frequency band including the noise component In general, acoustic processing such as filtering is known. However, if the above-described noise is completely removed by these processing, voice quality is deteriorated as a side effect.

  In detail, noise reduction is an acoustic process that extracts only the audio component from the sound picked up by the microphone. However, since the audio component is not a little removed when removing the noise component, the clarity (clearness) is reduced. ) Will be lost and the sound quality will be ugly.

  In addition, the noise component can be made inconspicuous by attenuating the gain of the frequency band including the noise component by equalizing. However, when the noise component is in the audible band, the sound is also attenuated simultaneously with the noise. There is a problem that it is difficult to hear only a specific sound or the sound quality is unnaturally heard. Further, when there are a plurality of noise components, it becomes a more significant adverse effect. In addition, the same harmful effect is caused by filtering.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is controlled based on the utterance situation at the local site during the video conference (specifically, the presence / absence of utterance at the local site). Thus, the volume level of the sound generated with the operation of the fan 21c is adjusted.

  In the video conference apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the microphone 20a and the fan 21c are disposed in the same small casing 25, so that the distance between the microphone 20a and the fan 21c is increased in the casing 25. However, the sound volume level when the noise accompanying the operation of the fan 21c reaches the microphone 20a is somewhat reduced, and it is difficult to completely prevent the noise from being input to the microphone 20a.

  Hereinafter, a conference system 100 including a plurality of video conference apparatuses 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the conference system 100 includes a plurality of terminal (for example, two) routers R1 connected to the Internet, and a plurality of routers R2 connected to each of the plurality of routers R1. LAN (Local Area Network) as a network, a plurality of (for example, three) video conference devices 10 and relay devices 4 connected to each of a plurality of routers R2, a communication management device 5 connected to the Internet, and each television Projector P connected to the conference apparatus 10.

  The relay device 4 is a computer that realizes various functions in accordance with a predetermined control program. The relay device 4 constantly monitors the quality (transmission speed) of the communication network and sets image data with a resolution suitable for the transmission speed. Yes. That is, the relay device 4 causes a shift (delay) between the image data and the audio data between the video conference devices 10 during two-way communication due to the influence of the state of the communication network, the processing status of the video conference device 10, and the like. If there is a discrepancy between the audio data and the image data, the television that has the discrepancy among the high-resolution image data, the medium-resolution image data, and the low-resolution image data. The most suitable resolution is selected for the conference apparatus 10 and transmitted to the video conference apparatus 10 on the other side. As a result, even when the quality of the communication network deteriorates, moving image communication is possible without interruption.

  In addition, in order to eliminate the difference between the image data and the audio data, the relay device 4 can change the frame rate, change the resolution and the frame rate with emphasis on the balance of the two in addition to the resolution change described above. It has become. As described above, the relay device 4 constantly monitors the quality (transmission speed) of the communication network, and performs management related to transfer of moving images and sounds, such as detection of deviation and designation of resolution.

  The communication management device 5 is a computer that manages all the video conference devices 10 according to a predetermined control program, and the current operation status of all the video conference devices 10 (bidirectional communication, communication standby, de-energized state, etc.) ), Device authentication of the video conference device 10, assignment of a destination list to the video conference device 10 that has been device-authenticated, selection of the relay device 4, billing for two-way communication between the video conference devices 10, etc. And the relay device 4 are managed in an integrated manner.

  An example of a video conference using the conference system 100 configured as described above will be described below. This video conference is performed using, for example, the video conference apparatus 10 disposed at each site between 12 sites (see FIG. 6). The number of users (conference participants) at each base is, for example, three.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the three users at each base are seated, for example, in a state where the table T arranged in one room faces the table T side on the + X side, the + Y side, and the −X side, respectively. At the end of the upper surface of the table T on the −Y side, the video conference device 10 is initially placed in a state where the image input unit 19 is located at the accommodation position. A short focus type projector P is installed on the −Y side of the table T, and a screen S is stretched obliquely above the −Y side and the + Z side of the projector P. It is to be noted that electrical and communication wiring connection to the video conference apparatus 10 (for example, connection between the network I / F 110 and a terminal wired to the router R2, connection between the projector P and the image output terminal, power jack 60 and external power source) Etc.) is performed in advance.

  First, the user presses the lock release button 32 a to pop up the image input unit 19, manually rotate the image input unit 19 around the Y axis, for example, by 90 °, and move the camera housing 63 with respect to the arm 34. For example, it is rotated by 90 ° around the Z axis. As a result, three seated users enter the field of view of the photographing lens 16a (see FIG. 6).

  Next, the user presses the power button 35 to activate the video conference device 10. When the video conference device 10 is activated, the CPU 101 drives the fan 21c at the standard rotation speed N1 via the controller 115 and outputs a control start signal for the fan 21c to the controller 115. The standard rotation speed N1 is set to a value such that the temperature of the CPU 101 is lower than the upper limit of the allowable temperature range of the CPU 101 even when the video conference device 10 is used in the upper limit environment of the operating temperature range (for example, an environment of 40 ° C.). ing. For this reason, when the video conference apparatus 10 is used in a room temperature environment (for example, 15 ° to 25 °), the standard rotational speed N1 has a considerable margin with respect to the upper limit of the allowable temperature range of the CPU 101.

  When the video conference device 10 is activated, a menu screen is displayed on the screen S by the projector P. In this menu screen, various items such as various adjustments, start of a conference (start of bidirectional communication), and the like are displayed with icons and text information. Therefore, the user operates the cursor 40 to select an item related to the start of the conference on the menu screen and presses the determination button 39 to determine the start of the conference.

  When the start of the conference is determined, the one video conference device 10 transmits a signal to that effect to the communication management device 5 via the communication network (LAN, Internet). At this time, the communication management device 5 performs device authentication for the one video conference device 10, and after the authentication, the communication management device 5 sends another video conference device 10 ( A destination list indicating the current operation status of the video conference device 10) registered in the communication management device 5 is transmitted. At this time, the one video conference apparatus 10 displays the destination list on the screen S via the projector P. This destination list includes icon display and character information that can be operated intuitively, and is updated as appropriate.

  Here, the user operates the cursor 40 to select the video conference apparatus 10 at another location where the video conference (two-way communication) is desired from the destination list, and presses the enter button 39 to decide.

  In this way, when a video conference device 10 at another location where bi-directional communication is desired is selected and determined from among a plurality of other video conference devices 10 that are not in the de-energized state in the destination list, the communication management device 5 selects the optimum relay device 4 from the plurality of relay devices 4. Normally, the relay device 4 that is physically close to the one video conference device 10 is selected. However, if there is any malfunction in the relay device 4, another relay device 4 is selected. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the IP address of one video conference device 10 is (1.2.1.5), the relay device 4 with the IP address (1.2.1.2) is selected. However, when the relay device 4 is down, the relay device 4 whose IP address is (1.2.2.2) is selected. The IP address is a unique IP address assigned to each video conference device 10 for convenience of explanation (in FIG. 5, the IP address is represented by four numbers in parentheses. For example, the communication management device. 5 is (1.1.1.2)).

  When the relay device 4 is selected by the communication management device 5, a request for bidirectional communication is immediately transmitted to the other video conference device 10 based on the IP address via the relay device 4. In the other video conference apparatus 10, when the request for bidirectional communication is received, items relating to acceptance and rejection of the request are displayed on the menu screen displayed on the screen S via the projector P.

  Therefore, the user at another site operates the cursor 40 and the determination button 39 of the other video conference apparatus 10 to select and determine one of the items regarding the acceptance and rejection. Then, when the item regarding acceptance is selected / determined, bidirectional communication between the one and the other video conference apparatuses 10 is started.

  At this time, as described above, the relay device 4 constantly monitors the quality (transmission speed) of the communication network. If the quality of the communication network deteriorates, the relay device 4 switches to image data having a resolution one step lower than the current resolution. Relay, lower frame rate relay, or both lower relay. The communication management device 5 is for charging for the use of the conference system 100 according to the present embodiment, such as the start of bidirectional communication between the video conference devices 10, the identification of the video conference devices 10, and the measurement of the communication time. Processing is executed.

  When two-way communication is started between the video conference apparatuses 10 at a plurality of bases, images of three users at the bases captured by the camera 16 of the video conference apparatus 10 at one base are transmitted to the other bases via the Internet. The video is transmitted to the video conference device 10 and displayed on the screen S by the projector P connected to the video conference device 10.

  In addition, the voice of the user at one site input from the microphone 20a of the video conference device 10 at one site is transmitted to the video conference device 10 at another site via the Internet, and is output from the speaker 18a of the video conference device 10. The

  In this way, a video conference is performed by bidirectional communication (transmission / reception) of image data and audio data between a plurality of bases.

  Here, if the fan 21c is driven at the standard rotation speed N1 during the video conference, not only the sound generated by speech at one site but also the intake / exhaust sound of the fan 21c, the wind noise at the intake / exhaust port, etc. The sound generated by the operation of the fan 21c is input by the microphone 20a, transmitted to another site, and output from the speaker 18a at the other site. It will cause trouble.

  Hereinafter, the control of the fan 21c by the controller 115 will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 7 is based on a processing algorithm executed by the main control unit of the controller 115. This control is started when a control start signal is output from the CPU 101 to the controller 115. At the start of control, the fan 21c is driven at the standard rotational speed N1.

  In the first step S1, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S1 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the determination in step S1 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the communication connection is waited.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not there is an utterance at the base. This determination is affirmed when a determination result indicating the presence of an utterance is obtained by the local utterance presence / absence determination unit, and is denied when a determination result indicating no utterance is obtained. If the determination in step S2 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the determination in step S2 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, it becomes the state of waiting for utterance.

  In step S3, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is decreased from the standard rotational speed N1 to the rotational speed N2 (<N1). The rotation speed N2 is preferably set to a value such that the temperature of the CPU 101 falls below the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when the video conference device 10 is used in a room temperature environment (for example, 15 ° C. to 25 ° C.). In this case, it is possible to prevent the harmful effects caused by the noise associated with the operation of the fan 21c while sufficiently cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S4, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 60 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S4 is a process that takes into account a certain amount of speech time. If the determination in step S4 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the determination in step S4 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not there is an utterance at the base. This determination is affirmed when a determination result indicating the presence of an utterance is obtained by the local utterance presence / absence determination unit, and is denied when a determination result indicating no utterance is obtained. If the determination in step S5 is affirmed, the process returns to step S4. On the other hand, if the determination in step S5 is negative, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased from N2 to N1.

  In the next step S7, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S7 is affirmative, the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, if the determination in step S7 is negative, the flow ends.

  As can be seen from the above description, during communication, when there is no utterance at the local site, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is set to the standard rotational speed N1, and when there is utterance at the local site, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is set to the standard rotational speed N1. The rotational speed N2 is set to be lower than that.

  From the first viewpoint, the video conference apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment described above includes the microphone 20a, the control device 24 that transmits the sound input by the microphone 20a via a communication network (for example, the Internet), A fan 21c for cooling the control device 24 and a housing 25 provided with a microphone 20a, the control device 24, and the fan 21c are provided. The control device 24 is based on the sound input status of the microphone 20a. It is a communication apparatus including the rotation speed control part which controls the rotation speed of 21c.

  In addition, from the second viewpoint, the video conference apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a communication apparatus that is used at an arbitrary one site (own site) to perform a video conference (information sharing) between a plurality of sites. And a control device 24 for transmitting sound input from the microphone 20a to another site via the Internet (communication network), a fan 21c for cooling the control device 24, a microphone 20a, and control. The control device 24 includes a determination unit that determines the presence / absence of speech at one site, and the rotation of the fan 21c based on the determination result of the determination unit. And a rotational speed control unit that controls the number.

  The communication method using the video conference device 10 according to the present embodiment is a communication method using a communication device in which the control device 24, the fan 21 c for cooling the control device 24, and the microphone 20 a are provided in the housing 25. Thus, the method includes a step of controlling the rotation speed of the fan 21c based on a sound input state of the microphone 20a, and a step of transmitting the sound input by the microphone 20a via a communication network (for example, the Internet).

  In the video conference apparatus 10 and the communication method using the video conference apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is controlled based on the sound input status of the microphone 20a and the presence / absence of utterance at the local site. The sound from the fan 21c, whose rotational speed is controlled, together with the sound produced by the utterance at, is input by the microphone 20a and transmitted to another site.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the sound generated by the operation of the fan 21c from becoming difficult to hear the voice generated by the utterance at the local site.

  As a result, in the video conference apparatus 10 and the communication method using the video conference apparatus 10, the volume level of the noise accompanying the operation of the fan 21c is controlled based on the sound input status of the microphone 20a. Even if it is not completely removed by acoustic processing such as reduction, equalizing, filtering, etc., it is possible to prevent troubles in listening to voices at other sites. In other words, since it is not necessary to depend only on the above-described acoustic processing, it is possible to use the speech at the local site while operating the fan 21c (cooling the heat generating part of the control device 24) without degrading the sound quality as much as possible. It is possible to prevent the sound from becoming difficult to hear at other locations.

  Further, the controller 115 determines the presence / absence of utterance at one site based on the sound input status (for example, the presence / absence of voice input) at the microphone 20a, and when the determination result indicating the presence of utterance is obtained, the rotation speed of the fan 21c. To control.

  In this case, the rotation speed of the fan 21 is controlled (decreased) only when there is an utterance at the local site. Therefore, when there is no utterance at the local site, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is sufficient to cool the heat generating portion. The above rotation speed (for example, the standard rotation speed N1) can be set, and a decrease in the cooling performance of the heat generating portion can be suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is controlled according to the presence or absence of utterance. However, the fan 21c is controlled according to the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a as in Modification 1 described below. You may control the rotation speed of 21c. That is, in the first modification, the controller 115 has a microphone volume level acquisition unit that acquires the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a, instead of the local utterance presence / absence determination unit.

  Below, control of the fan 21c in the modification 1 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 8 is based on a processing algorithm executed by the main control unit of the controller 115. This control is started when a control start signal is output from the CPU 101 to the controller 115. At the start of control, the fan 21c is driven at the standard rotational speed N1.

  In the first step S11, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S11 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the determination in step S11 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the communication connection is waited.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not sound is input from the microphone 20a. This determination is affirmed when the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is equal to or higher than the reference value, and is negative when it is lower than the reference value. If the determination in step S12 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the determination in step S12 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the voice input is waited.

  In step S13, it is determined whether or not the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is less than a threshold value. This step S13 is intended to maintain the rotational speed of the fan 21c at the standard rotational speed N1 when the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is sufficiently large and the influence of noise caused by the operation of the fan 21c is small. That is, the threshold value here is set to a minimum value or more that does not make it difficult to hear the sound at other sites even when the fan 21c is rotated at the standard rotation speed N1. If the determination in step S13 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the determination in step S13 is negative, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S14, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is decreased from the standard rotational speed N1 to the rotational speed N2 (<N1). The rotation speed N2 is preferably set to such a value that, for example, the temperature of the CPU 101 is lower than the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when the video conference device 10 is used in a room temperature environment. In this case, it is possible to prevent adverse effects (because it is difficult to hear the sound) due to noise associated with the operation of the fan 21c while sufficiently cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S15, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 60 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S15 is a process that considers a certain amount of speech time. If the determination in step S15 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the determination in step S15 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not sound is input from the microphone 20a. This determination is affirmed when the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is equal to or higher than the reference value, and is negative when it is lower than the reference value. If the determination in step S16 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if the determination in step S16 is negative, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S17, it is determined whether or not the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is less than a threshold value. The purpose of step S17 is the same as that of step S13. If the determination in step S17 is affirmative, the process returns to step S15. On the other hand, if the determination in step S17 is negative, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased from N2 to N1.

  In the next step S19, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S19 is affirmative, the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if the determination in step S19 is negative, the flow ends.

  As can be seen from the above description, in the first modification, during communication, when the volume level of the voice due to speech at the local site is equal to or higher than the threshold value, that is, when the influence of noise from the fan 21c is small, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is low. When the standard rotation speed N1 is set and the sound volume level of the speech at the local site is less than the threshold value, that is, when the influence of noise from the fan 21c is large, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is smaller than the standard rotation speed N1. N2.

  According to the first modification, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained, and even when there is an utterance at the local site, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is standard when there is no problem in listening to the voice at the other site. Since the rotation speed is N1, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in cooling performance of the heat generating portion.

  Here, at the local site, the noise (direct sound) associated with the operation of the fan 21c makes it difficult to hear the voice transmitted from the other site and output from the speaker 18a, which may hinder the video conference.

  Therefore, in Modification 2 described below, the fan 21c at the local site is controlled based on the utterance status at the other site (for example, the volume level of the sound transmitted from the remote site and output from the speaker 18a). It is said.

  In the second modification, the controller 115 controls the number of rotations of the fan 21c based on the determination result of the other site utterance presence / absence determination unit that determines the presence / absence of utterance at the other site and the other site utterance presence / absence determination unit. A control unit, and a main control unit that performs overall control of each component unit. Here, the other-site utterance presence / absence determination unit determines the presence / absence of utterance at another site based on the presence / absence of voice reception via the network I / F 110. Specifically, it is determined that “speech is present” when there is voice reception, and “no utterance” is determined when there is no voice reception.

  More specifically, the utterance presence / absence determination unit at another site determines whether or not the voice is received via the network I / F 110 when the volume level of the sound transmitted from the other site and output from the speaker 18a is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. When it is less than the predetermined value, “None” is determined. When a sound whose volume level is lower than the voice of speech (for example, a sound generated by the operation of a fan, an environmental sound, etc.) is transmitted from another site, a determination result of “Yes” is obtained and effective. It is because it does not rise. Note that “the volume level of the sound transmitted from another base and output from the speaker 18a” is the signal level of the sound signal transmitted from the other base, the output sound pressure level (efficiency) of the speaker 18a, and the volume buttons 62a and 62b. Calculated based on the volume adjustment level.

  In other words, the other-site utterance presence / absence determination unit only needs to be able to determine the presence / absence of utterance at another base. For example, the other-base utterance presence / absence determination unit obtains image data transmitted from another base and received via the network I / F 110. The movement of the mouth of the conference participant at the other site may be analyzed from the data to determine the presence or absence of speech at the other site.

  Below, rotation control of the fan 21c of the modification 2 is demonstrated with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 9 is based on a processing algorithm executed by the main control unit of the controller 115. This control is started when a control start signal is output from the CPU 101 to the controller 115. At the start of control, the fan 21c is driven at the standard rotational speed N1.

  In the first step S21, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S21 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the determination in step S21 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the communication connection is waited.

  In step S22, it is determined whether there is an utterance at another base. This determination is affirmed when a determination result with the presence of utterance is obtained by the other-site utterance presence / absence determination unit, and is denied when a determination result without utterance is obtained. If the determination in step S22 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if the determination in step S22 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, it becomes the state of waiting for utterance.

  In step S23, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is decreased from the standard rotational speed N1 to the rotational speed N2 (<N1). The rotation speed N2 is preferably set to a value such that the temperature of the CPU 101 falls below the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when the video conference device 10 is used in a room temperature environment. In this case, it is possible to prevent the harmful effects caused by the noise associated with the operation of the fan 21c while sufficiently cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S24, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 60 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S24 is processing in which a certain amount of speech time is considered. If the determination in step S24 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the determination in step S24 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S25, it is determined whether there is an utterance at another site. This determination is affirmed when a determination result with the presence of utterance is obtained by the other-site utterance presence / absence determination unit, and is denied when a determination result without utterance is obtained. If the determination in step S25 is affirmed, the process returns to step S24. On the other hand, if the determination in step S25 is negative, the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S26, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased from N2 to N1.

  In the next step S27, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S27 is affirmative, the process returns to step S22. On the other hand, if the determination in step S27 is negative, the flow ends.

  As can be seen from the above description, in the second modification, during communication, when there is no utterance at another base, the rotation speed of the fan 21c at the local base is set to the standard speed N1, and when there is utterance at another base, The rotational speed of the fan 21c is set to a rotational speed N2 lower than the standard rotational speed N1.

  From the first point of view, the video conference device according to Modification 2 described above includes a control device 24 that receives audio via a communication network (for example, the Internet) and a speaker that outputs the audio received by the control device 24. 18a, a fan 21c for cooling the control device 24, and a housing 25 provided with the control device 24, the speaker 18a, and the fan 21c. The control device 24 responds to the output status of sound from the speaker 18a. The communication device includes a rotation speed control unit that controls the rotation speed of the fan 21c based on the rotation speed control unit.

  In addition, from the second viewpoint, the video conference device according to the second modification is a communication device that is used at any one site for performing a video conference (information sharing) between a plurality of sites. A control device 24 that receives sound transmitted via the Internet (communication network), a speaker 18a that outputs the sound received by the control device 24, a fan 21c for cooling the control device 24, and a control device 24, a casing 25 provided with a speaker 18a and a fan 21c. The control device 24 determines a presence / absence of speech at another base and a fan 21c based on a determination result at the determination unit. And a rotation speed control unit that controls the rotation speed.

  In addition, the communication method using the video conference device according to the second modification is a communication method using a communication device in which the control device 24, the fan 21 c for cooling the control device 24, and the speaker 18 a are provided in the housing 25. Receiving voice via a communication network (for example, the Internet), outputting the voice from the speaker 18a, and controlling the rotation speed of the fan 21c based on the output status of the voice from the speaker 18a. Including.

  In the video conferencing apparatus according to the second modification and the communication method using the video conferencing apparatus, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is controlled based on the output status of the sound from the speaker 18a and the presence / absence of utterance at another base. The sound from the utterance at the other site is output from the speaker 18a and the sound (direct sound) is output from the fan 21c whose rotation speed is controlled.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the sound generated by the operation at the other site from being difficult to hear at the own site due to the sound generated by the operation of the fan 21c.

  As a result, in the video conference device according to the second modification and the communication method using the video conference device, the volume level of the noise accompanying the operation of the fan 21c is controlled based on the sound output state from the speaker 18a. Even if it is not completely removed by acoustic processing such as noise reduction, equalizing, filtering, etc., it is possible to prevent troubles in listening to the voice at the local site. In other words, since it is not necessary to rely only on the above-described acoustic processing, the voice generated by the speech at the other site can be obtained while the fan 21c is operated (while the heat generating part is cooled) without deteriorating the voice quality as much as possible. Can be prevented from becoming difficult to hear.

  Further, in the video conferencing apparatus and the communication method using the video conferencing apparatus according to the modified example 2, since the rotation speed of the fan 21 is controlled only when there is an utterance at another site, the fan is used when there is no utterance at another site. The rotational speed of 21c can be set to a rotational speed more than sufficient for cooling the heat generating part (for example, the standard rotational speed N1), and a decrease in cooling performance of the heat generating part can be suppressed.

  In the second modification, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is controlled in accordance with the presence / absence of speech at the other base. However, as in the third modification described below, the fan 21c is transmitted from the other base and output from the speaker 18a. The rotational speed of the fan 21c may be controlled in accordance with the volume level of the sound to be played. That is, in Modification 3, the controller 115 includes a speaker volume level acquisition unit that acquires the volume level of the sound transmitted from the other site and output from the speaker 18a, instead of the other site utterance presence / absence determination unit. The speaker volume level acquisition unit transmits a speaker transmitted from another site based on the signal level of the audio signal transmitted from the other site, the output sound pressure level (efficiency) of the speaker 18a, and the volume adjustment level by the volume buttons 62a and 62b. The volume level of the sound output from 18a is calculated and acquired.

  Below, control of the fan 21c in the modification 3 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 10 is based on a processing algorithm executed by the main control unit of the controller 115. This control is started when a control start signal is output from the CPU 101 to the controller 115. At the start of control, the fan 21c is driven at the standard rotational speed N1.

  In the first step S31, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S31 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the determination in step S31 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the communication connection is waited.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not audio from another site has been received. This determination is affirmed when the volume level of the sound transmitted from another base and output from the speaker 18a is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, and is negative when the volume level is lower than the predetermined value. If the determination in step S32 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if the determination in step S32 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, it enters a state of waiting for voice reception.

  In step S33, it is determined whether or not the volume level of the sound transmitted from another base and output from the speaker 18a is less than a threshold value. This step S33 sets the rotation speed of the fan 21c to the standard rotation speed N1 when the volume level of the sound transmitted from the other base and output from the speaker 18a is sufficiently high and the influence of noise caused by the operation of the fan 21c is small. The purpose is to maintain. In other words, the threshold value here is set to a minimum value or more that does not make it difficult to hear the sound at the local site even when the fan 21c is rotated at the standard rotation speed N1. If the determination in step S33 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the determination in step S33 is negative, the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S34, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is decreased from the standard rotational speed N1 to the rotational speed N2 (<N1). The rotation speed N2 is preferably set to such a value that, for example, the temperature of the CPU 101 is lower than the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when the video conference device 10 is used in a room temperature environment. In this case, it is possible to prevent adverse effects (because it is difficult to hear sound) due to noise from the fan 21c while sufficiently cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S35, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 60 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is made using a timer provided in the controller. Step S35 is processing in which a certain amount of speech time is taken into consideration. If the determination in step S35 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if the determination in step S35 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S36, it is determined whether or not audio from another site has been received. This determination is affirmed when the volume level of the sound transmitted from another base and output from the speaker 18a is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, and is negative when the volume level is lower than the predetermined value. If the determination in step S36 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S37. On the other hand, if the determination in step S36 is negative, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S37, it is determined whether or not the volume level of the sound transmitted from another site and output from the speaker 18a is less than a threshold value. The purpose of step S37 is the same as that of step S33. If the determination in step S37 is affirmative, the process returns to step S35. On the other hand, if the determination in step S37 is negative, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased from N2 to N1.

  In the next step S39, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S39 is affirmative, the process returns to step S32. On the other hand, if the determination in step S39 is negative, the flow ends.

  As can be seen from the above description, in Modification 3, when the influence of noise from the fan 21c is small during communication, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is set to the standard rotation speed N1, and the influence of noise from the fan 21c is large. The rotational speed of the fan 21c is set to a rotational speed N2 that is smaller than the standard rotational speed N1.

  According to Modified Example 3, the same effect as in Modified Example 2 can be obtained, and even when there is an utterance at another base, if there is no problem in listening to the voice of the utterance at the other base at the own base, Since the rotation speed of the fan 21c is maintained at the standard rotation speed N1, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in the cooling performance of the heat generating portion.

  By the way, the temperature of the CPU 101 depends not only on the environmental temperature but also on the load applied to the CPU 101. Therefore, even when the video conference apparatus is used in a room temperature environment, if a high load is applied to the CPU 101, the temperature of the CPU 101 may exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature range depending on the number of rotations of the fan 21c. is there.

  Therefore, as in Modification 4 described below, the rotation speed of the fan 21c may be controlled in consideration of the temperature of the CPU 101 in addition to the presence / absence of speech at the local site.

  The video conference apparatus according to the modification 4 includes, for example, a housing 25 with a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the CPU 101 and outputs the measurement result to the controller. This temperature sensor may be either a contact type or a non-contact type. In the fourth modification, the controller 115 has a local utterance presence / absence determination unit.

  Below, control of the fan 21c in the modification 4 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 11 is based on a processing algorithm executed by the main control unit of the controller 115. This control is started when a control start signal is output from the CPU 101 to the controller 115.

  In the first step S41, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S41 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, if the determination in step S41 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the communication connection is waited.

  In step S42, it is determined whether there is an utterance at the base. This determination is affirmed when a determination result indicating the presence of an utterance is obtained by the local utterance presence / absence determination unit, and is denied when a determination result indicating no utterance is obtained. If the determination in step S42 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if the determination in step S42 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, it becomes the state of waiting for utterance.

  In step S43, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is decreased from the standard rotational speed N1 to the rotational speed N2 (<N1). The rotation speed N2 is preferably set to a value such that the temperature of the CPU 101 when the video conference device 10 is used in a room temperature environment and a normal load is applied is below the upper limit of the allowable temperature range. In this case, it is possible to prevent harmful effects caused by noise from the fan 21c while cooling the CPU 101 and the like which are heat generating parts.

  In the next step S44, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S44 is a process that takes into account the temperature change of the CPU 101 under the control of the fan 21c. If the determination in step S44 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, if the determination in step S44 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S45, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the CPU 101 is less than a threshold value. Here, the threshold value is preferably set to a value equal to or lower than the upper limit of the allowable temperature range of the CPU 101 (preferably a value slightly smaller than the upper limit). If the determination in step S45 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S46. On the other hand, if the determination in step S45 is negative, the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S46, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased from N2 to N3 (N2 <N3 <N1). The rotation speed N3 is preferably set to a value at which the temperature of the CPU 101 does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when a high load is applied to the CPU 101 in a room temperature environment. In this case, it is possible to prevent the harmful effects caused by the noise associated with the operation of the fan 21c while sufficiently cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S47, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S47 is processing that considers a certain amount of speech time. If the determination in step S47 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if the determination in step S47 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S48, it is determined whether or not there is an utterance at the base. This determination is affirmed when a determination result indicating the presence of an utterance is obtained by the local utterance presence / absence determination unit, and is denied when a determination result indicating no utterance is obtained. If the determination in step S48 is affirmative, the process returns to step S47. On the other hand, if the determination in step S48 is negative, the process proceeds to step S49.

  In step S49, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased to N1.

  In the next step S50, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S50 is affirmative, the process returns to step S42. On the other hand, if the determination in step S50 is negative, the flow ends.

  According to the fourth modification, since the number of rotations of the fan 21c is controlled in accordance with the presence / absence of speech at the local site and the temperature of the CPU 101, the voice from the speech at the local site is maintained while keeping the temperature of the CPU 101 within the allowable temperature range. It can be difficult to hear at other sites.

  In the fourth modification, the number of rotations of the fan 21c is controlled in accordance with the presence / absence of speech at the local site and the temperature of the CPU 101. However, as in the fifth modification described below, the input is performed by the microphone 20a. The rotational speed of the fan 21c may be controlled in accordance with the sound volume level and the temperature of the CPU 101. In the fifth modification, the controller 115 includes a microphone volume level acquisition unit instead of the local site utterance presence / absence determination unit.

  Below, control of the fan 21c in the modification 5 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 12 is based on a processing algorithm executed by the main control unit of the controller 115. This control is started when a control start signal is output from the CPU 101 to the controller 115. At the start of control, the fan 21c is driven at the standard rotational speed N1.

  In the first step S51, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S51 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if the determination in step S51 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the communication connection is waited.

  In step S52, it is determined whether or not sound is input from the microphone 20a. This determination is affirmed when the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is equal to or higher than the reference value, and is negative when it is lower than the reference value. If the determination in step S52 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, if the determination in step S52 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the voice input is waited.

  In step S53, it is determined whether or not the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is less than a threshold value. This step S53 is intended to maintain the rotational speed of the fan 21c at the standard rotational speed N1 when the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is sufficiently high and the influence of noise from the fan 21c is small. That is, the threshold value here is set to a minimum value or more that does not make it difficult to hear the sound at other sites even when the fan 21c is rotated at the standard rotation speed N1. If the determination in step S53 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if the determination in step S53 is negative, the process proceeds to step S62.

  In step S54, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is decreased from the standard rotational speed N1 to the rotational speed N2 (<N1). The rotation speed N2 is preferably set to a value such that the temperature of the CPU 101 is below the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when a normal load is applied to the CPU 101 in a room temperature environment. In this case, it is possible to prevent adverse effects (because it is difficult to hear the sound) due to noise associated with the operation of the fan 21c while cooling the CPU 101 that is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S55, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S55 is processing that takes into account the temperature change of the CPU 101 under the control of the fan 21c. If the determination in step S55 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, if the determination in step S55 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In the next step S56, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the CPU 101 is less than a threshold value. Here, the threshold value is preferably set to a value equal to or lower than the upper limit of the allowable temperature range of the CPU 101 (preferably a value slightly smaller than the upper limit). If the determination in step S56 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S59. On the other hand, if the determination in step S56 is negative, the process proceeds to step S57.

  In step S57, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased from N2 to N3 (N2 <N3 <N1). The rotation speed N3 is preferably set to a value at which the temperature of the CPU 101 does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when a high load is applied to the CPU 101 in a room temperature environment. In this case, it is possible to prevent adverse effects (because it is difficult to hear sound) due to noise from the fan 21c while sufficiently cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S58, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S58 is a process that considers a certain amount of speech time. If the determination in step S58 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S59. On the other hand, if the determination in step S58 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S59, it is determined whether or not sound is input from the microphone 20a. This determination is affirmed when the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is equal to or higher than the reference value, and is negative when it is lower than the reference value. If the determination in step S59 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S60. On the other hand, if the determination in step S59 is negative, the process proceeds to step S61.

  In step S60, it is determined whether or not the volume level of the sound input from the microphone 20a is less than a threshold value. The purpose of step S60 is the same as that of step S53. If the determination in step S60 is affirmative, the process returns to step S59. On the other hand, if the determination in step S60 is negative, the process proceeds to step S61.

  In step S61, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased to N1.

  In the next step S62, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S62 is affirmative, the process returns to step S52. On the other hand, if the determination in step S62 is negative, the flow ends.

  According to the fifth modification, since the rotation speed of the fan 21c is controlled in accordance with the sound input state of the microphone 20a and the temperature of the CPU 101, the voice by the speech at the local site while keeping the temperature of the CPU 101 within the allowable temperature range. Can be prevented from becoming difficult to hear at other sites. Further, according to the fifth modification example, even when there is an utterance at the local site, if there is no problem in listening to the voice, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is set to the standard rotational speed N1, so that the cooling performance of the CPU 101 is reduced. Can be further suppressed.

  In the fourth modification, the number of rotations of the fan 21c is controlled in accordance with the presence / absence of speech at the local site and the temperature of the CPU 101. However, as in the sixth modified example described below, the speech at other sites is controlled. The number of rotations of the fan 21c may be controlled in accordance with the presence or absence and the temperature of the CPU 101. In the modified example 6, the controller 115 includes an utterance presence / absence determination unit at another base.

  Below, control of the fan 21c in the modification 6 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 13 is based on a processing algorithm executed by the main control unit of the controller 115. This control is started when a control start signal is output from the CPU 101 to the controller 115.

  In the first step S71, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S71 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, if the determination in step S71 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the communication connection is waited.

  In step S72, it is determined whether there is an utterance at another base. This determination is affirmed when a determination result with the presence of utterance is obtained by the other-site utterance presence / absence determination unit, and is denied when a determination result without utterance is obtained. If the determination in step S72 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if the determination in step S72 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, it becomes the state of waiting for utterance.

  In step S73, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is decreased from the standard rotational speed N1 to the rotational speed N2 (<N1). The rotation speed N2 is preferably set to a value such that the temperature of the CPU 101 when the video conference device 10 is used in a room temperature environment and a normal load is applied is below the upper limit of the allowable temperature range. In this case, it is possible to prevent harmful effects caused by noise associated with the operation of the fan 21c while cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S74, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S74 is a process that takes into account the progress of the temperature change of the CPU 101 under the control of the fan 21c. If the determination in step S74 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S75. On the other hand, if the determination in step S74 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S75, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the CPU 101 is less than a threshold value. Here, the threshold value is preferably set to a value equal to or lower than the upper limit of the allowable temperature range of the CPU 101 (preferably a value slightly smaller than the upper limit). If the determination in step S75 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S78. On the other hand, if the determination in step S75 is negative, the process proceeds to step S76.

  In step S76, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased from N2 to N3 (N2 <N3 <N1). The rotation speed N3 is preferably set to a value at which the temperature of the CPU 101 does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when a high load is applied to the CPU 101 in a room temperature environment. In this case, it is possible to prevent the harmful effect caused by the noise from the fan 21c while sufficiently cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In step S77, it is determined whether a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S77 is a process that takes into account a certain amount of speech time. If the determination in step S77 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S78. On the other hand, if the determination in step S77 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S78, it is determined whether there is an utterance at another site. This determination is affirmed when a determination result with the presence of utterance is obtained by the other-site utterance presence / absence determination unit, and is denied when a determination result without utterance is obtained. If the determination in step S78 is affirmative, the process returns to step S77. On the other hand, if the determination in step S78 is negative, the process proceeds to step S79.

  In step S79, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased to N1.

  In the next step S80, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S80 is affirmative, the process returns to step S72. On the other hand, if the determination in step S80 is negative, the flow ends.

  According to the modified example 6 described above, since the number of rotations of the fan 21c is controlled in accordance with the presence / absence of speech at another site and the temperature of the CPU 101, speech at another site is maintained while keeping the temperature of the CPU 101 within an allowable temperature range. It is possible to prevent the voice from being difficult to hear at your site.

  In the above modification 6, the number of rotations of the fan 21c is controlled in accordance with the presence / absence of speech at another site and the temperature of the CPU 101. However, as in modification 7 described below, the fan 21c is transmitted from another site. You may control the rotation speed of the fan 21c according to the volume level of the audio | voice output from the speaker 18a, and the temperature of CPU101. In the modification example 7, the controller 115 includes a speaker volume level acquisition unit.

  Hereinafter, the control of the fan 21c in the modified example 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 14 is based on a processing algorithm executed by the main control unit of the controller 115. This control is started when a control start signal is output from the CPU 101 to the controller 115.

  In the first step S91, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S91 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S92. On the other hand, if the determination in step S91 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the communication connection is waited.

  In step S92, it is determined whether or not audio from another site is received. This determination is affirmed when the volume level of the sound transmitted from another base and output from the speaker 18a is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, and is negative when the volume level is lower than the predetermined value. If the determination in step S92 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S93. On the other hand, if the determination in step S92 is negative, the same determination is made again. That is, the voice input is waited.

  In step S93, it is determined whether or not the volume level of the sound transmitted from another base and output from the speaker 18a is less than a threshold value. This step S93 maintains the rotational speed of the fan 21c at the standard rotational speed N1 when the volume level of the sound transmitted from the other base and output from the speaker 18a is sufficiently high and the influence of noise caused by the operation of the fan 21c is small. This is the purpose. In other words, the threshold value here is set to a minimum value or more that does not make it difficult to hear the sound at the local site even when the fan 21c is rotated at the standard rotation speed N1. If the determination in step S93 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S94. On the other hand, if the determination in step S93 is negative, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S94, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is decreased from the standard rotational speed N1 to the rotational speed N2 (<N1). The rotation speed N2 is preferably set to a value such that the temperature of the CPU 101 when the video conference device 10 is used in a room temperature environment and a normal load is applied is below the upper limit of the allowable temperature range. In this case, it is possible to prevent adverse effects (because it is difficult to hear the sound) due to noise from the fan 21c while cooling the CPU 101 which is the heat generating portion.

  In the next step S95, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S95 is processing that takes into account the temperature change of the CPU 101 under the control of the fan 21c. If the determination in step S95 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S96. On the other hand, if the determination in step S95 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S96, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the CPU 101 is less than a threshold value. Here, the threshold value is preferably set to a value equal to or lower than the upper limit of the allowable temperature range of the CPU 101 (preferably a value slightly smaller than the upper limit). If the determination in step S96 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S99. On the other hand, if the determination in step S96 is negative, the process proceeds to step S97.

  In step S97, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased from N2 to N3 (N2 <N3 <N1). The rotation speed N3 is preferably set to a value at which the temperature of the CPU 101 does not exceed the upper limit of the allowable temperature range when a high load is applied to the CPU 101 in a room temperature environment.

  In step S98, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 30 seconds) has elapsed. This determination is performed using a timer included in the controller 115. Step S98 is a process that takes into account a certain amount of speech time. If the determination in step S98 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S99. On the other hand, if the determination in step S98 is negative, the same determination is made again.

  In step S99, it is determined whether or not audio from another site is received. This determination is affirmed when the volume level of the sound transmitted from another base and output from the speaker 18a is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, and is negative when the volume level is lower than the predetermined value. If the determination in step S99 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S100. On the other hand, if the determination in step S99 is negative, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S100, it is determined whether or not the volume level of the sound transmitted from another site and output from the speaker 18a is less than a threshold value. The purpose of step S100 is the same as that of step S93. If the determination in step S100 is affirmed, the process returns to step S98. On the other hand, if the determination in step S100 is negative, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S101, the rotational speed of the fan 21c is increased to N1.

  In the next step S102, it is determined whether or not communication is in progress. This determination is affirmed when the video conference device 10 at the local site and the video conference device 10 at the other site are connected via the Internet line, and negative when the video conference device 10 is not connected. If the determination in step S102 is affirmed, the process returns to step S92. On the other hand, if the determination in step S102 is negative, the flow ends.

  According to the modified example 7 described above, since the rotational speed of the fan 21c is controlled in accordance with the volume level of the sound transmitted from another base and output from the speaker 18a and the temperature of the CPU 101, the temperature of the CPU 101 falls within the allowable temperature range. It is possible to prevent the voice from utterances at other bases from becoming difficult to hear at the local base while maintaining the same.

  The control using the temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the CPU 101 may be performed by a method other than the modified examples 5 to 7. For example, the controller 115 may acquire the measurement value of the temperature sensor in real time, and cause the rotation speed of the fan 21c to follow the change in the acquired measurement value.

  Specifically, for example, the range of the rotational speed N2 to the standard rotational speed N1 is divided into a high rotational speed range (for example, the rotational speed N3 to the standard rotational speed N1) and a low rotational speed range (for example, the rotational speed N2 to the rotational speed N3). When the sound volume level is less than the threshold value, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is made to follow the measured value of the temperature sensor in the low rotation range, and when there is no speech or when the sound volume level is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the rotation speed of the fan 21c is increased. In this case, the measurement value of the temperature sensor may be followed. “To make the fan rotation speed follow the change in the temperature sensor measurement value” means that the fan rotation speed is increased when the temperature sensor measurement value is increased and the temperature sensor measurement value is decreased. This means lowering the fan speed.

  Further, the control based on the volume level input from the microphone 20a and the volume level output from the speaker 18a is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment or modification. For example, the rotation speed of the fan 21c may be made to follow a change in the volume level of sound input from the microphone 20a, or the rotation speed of the fan 21c may be transmitted from another site and output from the speaker 18a. You may make it follow a change.

  In this case, the volume level of the sound generated by the operation of the fan 21c is adjusted to a volume level (a volume level that does not affect the listening of the sound) according to the volume level of the voice generated by speech at the local site or another site. Therefore, the cooling property of the heat generating part (for example, the CPU 101) and the sound hearing property by utterance can be achieved at a high level. “To make the fan speed follow the change in volume level” means to increase the fan speed when the volume level increases and to decrease the fan speed when the volume level decreases. means.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and each modification, although the microphone 20a and the speaker 18a are integrally provided in the housing | casing 25 in which the control apparatus 24 and the fan 21c were accommodated, one of the microphone 20a and the speaker 18a is It may be a separate body from the housing 25.

  In the above-described embodiment and each modification, the video conference device 10 capable of transmitting and receiving audio (two-way communication) has been described as a communication device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one of audio transmission and reception is possible. It may be a simple device. In the case of a device that can only transmit sound, it is preferable to have a microphone that inputs sound to be transmitted. In the case of a device that can only receive sound, a speaker that outputs received sound is provided. It is preferable to have.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and each modification, although CPU101 is called the heat generating part as an example, you may call the other component (for example, chipset etc.) of the control apparatus 24 a heat generating part.

  In addition, the control performed when transmitting the voice of the utterance at the own base to the other base (the control in any one of FIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 12) and the voice of the utterance at the other base are received. The controller or CPU of the control device 24 may perform both of the control (the control in any one of FIGS. 9, 10, 13, and 14) performed when listening at the local site.

  In addition, by making the conference device program used in the video conference device of the above embodiment and each modified example equivalent to a software-based program using a personal computer, an unnecessary conference system of the relay device 4 and the communication management device 5 can be obtained. It is possible to construct (a conference system using only LAN or WAN can also be constructed). Thus, the video conference apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to use in the construction of the conference system 100 described above.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and each modification, although the video conference apparatus 10 is used in one room, for example, it is not limited to this. As described above, the video conference apparatus 10 is a small and thin portable type, and is excellent in portability. Therefore, the video conference apparatus 10 does not need to be installed at a specific place, and can be freely carried and used in various places. . That is, the video conference apparatus 10 is very rich in utility.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the present invention is applied to a so-called portable type (portable) video conference apparatus 10, but the present invention can also be applied to a so-called stationary type video conference apparatus.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and each modification, although a video conference (information sharing) is performed between 12 bases, not only this but the point should just be performed between several bases. Also in this case, it is preferable to arrange the video conference apparatus 10 at each site.

  A program for executing a flow executed by the video conference apparatus (also referred to as a communication apparatus) of the above-described embodiment and each modified example is a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD) in an installable format or an executable format file. ), A CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and the like.

  In addition, a program for executing a flow executed by the video conference apparatus (also referred to as a communication apparatus) of the above-described embodiment and each modified example is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. You may comprise so that it may provide. Further, a program for executing a flow executed by the video conference apparatus (also referred to as a communication apparatus) of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  In addition, a program for executing a flow executed by the video conference device (also referred to as a communication device) of the above embodiment and each modification may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment and each modification, the example in which the present invention is applied to a dedicated device for video conference has been described. However, for example, a conference call that transmits and receives audio via a personal computer and a telephone line as a communication network. At least one of a microphone and a speaker such as a device can be applied to all devices provided in a housing in which a fan for cooling a heat source is accommodated.

  18a ... Speaker, 20a ... Microphone, 21c ... Fan, 24 ... Control device, 25 ... Housing, 10 ... Video conference device (communication device).

Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-235264

Claims (9)

With a microphone,
A control device for transmitting sound input by the microphone via a communication network;
A fan for cooling the control device;
A housing provided with the microphone, the control device, and the fan,
The said control apparatus is a communication apparatus containing the rotation speed control part which controls the rotation speed of the said fan based on the input condition of the sound with the said microphone.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation speed control unit controls the rotation speed based on a volume level of sound input from the microphone.   The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rotation speed control unit causes the rotation speed to follow a change in the volume level. A control device for receiving voice via a communication network;
A speaker for outputting sound received by the control device;
A fan for cooling the control device;
A housing provided with the control device, the speaker and the fan,
The said control apparatus is a communication apparatus containing the rotation speed control part which controls the rotation speed of the said fan based on the output condition of the audio | voice from the said speaker.   The communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the rotation speed control unit controls the rotation speed based on a volume level of sound output from the speaker.   The communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the rotation speed control unit causes the rotation speed to follow a change in the volume level. A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the control device;
The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotation speed control unit controls the rotation speed based on a measurement result of the temperature sensor. A communication device used at any one site to share information between a plurality of sites,
With a microphone,
A control device for transmitting the sound input by the microphone to another site via a communication network;
A fan for cooling the control device;
A housing provided with the microphone, the control device, and the fan,
The said control apparatus is a communication apparatus containing the determination part which determines the presence or absence of the utterance in the said one base, and the rotation speed control part which controls the rotation speed of the said fan based on the determination result in this determination part. A communication device used at any one site to share information between a plurality of sites,
A control device for receiving voice transmitted from another base via a communication network;
A speaker for outputting sound received by the control device;
A fan for cooling the control device;
A housing provided with the control device, the speaker and the fan,
The said control apparatus is a communication apparatus containing the determination part which determines the presence or absence of the speech in the said other base, and the rotation speed control part which controls the rotation speed of the said fan based on the determination result in this determination part.