JP2020155847A - Communication terminal, image communication system, display method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve the problems that a photographing device capable of acquiring an entire-celestial-sphere is connected to each communication terminal, the entire-celestial-sphere acquired by this photographing device is transmitted to a mating communication terminal, a prescribed region image indicating a prescribed region as a part of the image from the entire-celestial-sphere is displayed on a display in the mating communication terminal, and thus, a user of each point can determine the prescribed region image that interests himself from all images of the entire-celestial-sphere and display it, but the user of an arbitrary point cannot understand which part of the prescribed region image from all images at the other point is displayed when the predetermined region image is displayed by originally determining it at each point.SOLUTION: A communication terminal (an own terminal) displays a gaze point mark m41 that indicates where a predetermined region image in a display is located by using the prescribed region image in the display in an own terminal as a reference by the other communication terminal in a whole image or a direction mark m11 or the like indicating their direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

The present invention relates to communication terminals, image communication systems, display methods, and programs.

A conference system that holds a remote conference with a remote person via a communication network such as the Internet has become widespread. In this conference system, in a conference room where one of the parties such as attendees who hold a remote conference is present, the communication terminal of the remote conference system is used to capture and collect images and voices of the conference room such as the parties to the conference. Then, these are converted into digital data and transmitted to the other party's communication terminal. As a result, it is possible to make a video call (video call) by displaying an image on the display of the other party's conference room and outputting voice by a speaker, so that a conference between remote locations can be held in a state close to an actual conference. (See Patent Document 1).

In addition, a photographing device capable of acquiring a spherical panoramic image in real time is connected to the communication terminal, and the spherical panoramic image acquired from this photographing device is transmitted to each communication terminal of the other party, and the other communication terminal is used. , A technique of displaying a predetermined area image showing a predetermined area which is a part of the image from a spherical panoramic image on a display or the like is known (see Patent Document 2). As a result, the user of each base can independently determine and display a predetermined area image indicating a predetermined area of interest in the whole image of the spherical panoramic image.

However, when each base independently decides to display the predetermined area image for the same whole image, the user of any base can see which part of the whole image the predetermined area image is displayed at the other base. I can't figure out. Therefore, if a predetermined area image unrelated to the topic of the conference or the like is displayed during the conference or the like, the user of this base has a problem that it is difficult to follow the topic of the conference or the like. ..

The invention according to claim 1 is a communication terminal capable of displaying an image of a predetermined region in the entire image, and displays a first predetermined region image which is an image of the first predetermined region in the overall image. A receiving means for receiving the first predetermined information for specifying the first predetermined area and a second predetermined area image which is an image of the second predetermined area in the whole image, which is transmitted from the communication terminal of the above. When the communication terminal is displaying, the first predetermined information in the whole image is based on the second predetermined information for specifying the second predetermined area and the first predetermined information received by the receiving means. A calculation means for calculating the position of the first predetermined area with respect to the predetermined area 2 and a display control means for displaying the position information indicating the position calculated by the calculation means in the second predetermined area image. It is a communication terminal characterized by having.

As described above, according to the present invention, the user of any base can grasp which part of the whole image the predetermined area image is displayed at the other base. Therefore, for example, it has the effect of making it easier to keep up with topics such as meetings as compared with the past.

(A) is a left side view of the photographing device, (b) is a front view of the photographing device, and (c) is a plan view of the photographing device. It is a use image figure of a photographing apparatus. (A) is a hemispherical image (front) taken by the photographing apparatus, (b) is a hemispherical image (rear) taken by the photographing apparatus, and (c) is a diagram showing an image represented by the Mercator projection. (A) is a conceptual diagram showing a state of covering a sphere in a Mercator image, and (b) is a diagram showing a panoramic image of an omnidirectional sphere. It is a figure which showed the position of the virtual camera and a predetermined area when the whole celestial sphere panoramic image is made into a three-dimensional three-dimensional sphere. (A) is a three-dimensional perspective view of FIG. 5, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which an image of a predetermined area is displayed on the display of a communication terminal. It is a figure which showed the relationship between the predetermined area information and the image of a predetermined area T. It is a figure which showed the point in 3D Euclidean space by a spherical coordinate. It is the schematic of the image communication system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of a photographing apparatus. It is a hardware configuration diagram of a video conferencing terminal. It is a hardware block diagram of a communication management system and a PC. It is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. It is a functional block diagram of a part of an image communication system. It is a functional block diagram of a part of an image communication system. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the image type management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the photographing apparatus management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the predetermined area management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the session management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the image type management table. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the predetermined area management table. It is a sequence diagram which showed the participation process to a specific communication session. It is a figure which showed the selection screen of a communication session (virtual conference room). It is a sequence diagram which shows the management process of image type information. It is an image diagram showing the state of a video call, (a) shows the case where the photographing device 1a is not used, and (b) shows the case where the photographing device 1a is used. It is a sequence diagram which shows the communication processing of photographed image data and sound data in a video call. A display example of the display at the base B is shown, and (a) displays the image data sent from the photographing devices 1a and 1b as it is without creating an all-sky panoramic image and a predetermined area image. FIG. 27 (b) shows a case where an all-sky panoramic image and a predetermined area image are created from the image data sent from the photographing devices 1a and 1b, and FIG. 27 (c) shows the case. ) Is a diagram showing a case where the predetermined area image of FIG. 27 (b) is changed. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process of sharing a predetermined area information. It is a flowchart which showed the display process of the predetermined area image. It is a figure which showed the derivation method of the position of the gaze point of another base in the predetermined area image of own base. (A) It is a figure which showed the definition of an angle, and (b) is a figure which showed the definition of an angle range. An image of a main display area is shown, and this is a display example of a predetermined area image including a display direction mark. An image of the main display area is shown, and this is a display example of a predetermined area image including a gazing point mark. An image of the main display area is shown, and this is a display example of a predetermined area image including a gazing point mark and a display direction mark. It is a sequence diagram which shows the other processing which shares a predetermined area information.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 34.

<< Outline of Embodiment >>
<How to generate spherical panoramic images>
A method of generating a spherical panoramic image will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

First, the appearance of the photographing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The photographing device 1 is a digital camera for obtaining a photographed image that is the basis of a three-dimensional spherical (360 °) panoramic image. Note that FIG. 1A is a left side view of the photographing device, FIG. 1B is a front view of the photographing device, and FIG. 1C is a plan view of the photographing device.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the photographing device 1 has a size that can be held by a human with one hand. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b), and 1 (c), the image sensor 103a and the back side (rear side) are on the front side (front side) of the upper part of the photographing apparatus 1. ) Is provided with an image sensor 103b. These image pickup elements (image sensors) 103a and 103b are used together with an optical member (for example, the fisheye lens 102a and 102b of FIG. 10 described later) capable of capturing a hemispherical image (angle of view of 180 ° or more). Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, an operation unit 115 such as a shutter button is provided on the surface of the photographing device 1 opposite to the front side.

Next, the usage state of the photographing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 2 is an image diagram of the use of the photographing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the photographing device 1 is used, for example, for the user to hold in his / her hand and photograph a subject around the user. In this case, two hemispherical images can be obtained by taking an image of a subject around the user by the image sensor 103a and the image sensor 103b shown in FIG.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the outline of the process from the image captured by the photographing apparatus 1 to the creation of the spherical panoramic image will be described. Note that FIG. 3A is a hemispherical image (front side) taken by the photographing device, FIG. 3B is a hemispherical image (rear side) taken by the photographing device, and FIG. 3C is represented by the Mercator projection. It is a figure which showed the image (hereinafter, referred to as "Mercator image"). FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram showing a state of covering a sphere in a Mercator image, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a panoramic image of a spherical image.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the image obtained by the image sensor 103a is a hemispherical image (front side) curved by the fisheye lens 102a described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the image obtained by the image sensor 103b is a hemispherical image (rear side) curved by the fisheye lens 102b described later. Then, the hemispherical image (front side) and the hemispherical image (rear side) inverted 180 degrees are combined by the photographing apparatus 1, and a Mercator image is created as shown in FIG. 3 (c).

Then, by using OpenGL ES (Open Graphics Library for Embedded Systems), as shown in FIG. 4 (a), the Mercator image is pasted so as to cover the spherical surface, and in FIG. 4 (b). An omnidirectional panoramic image as shown is created. In this way, the spherical panoramic image is represented as an image in which the Mercator image faces the center of the sphere. OpenGL ES is a graphics library used to visualize 2D (2-Dimensions) and 3D (3-Dimensions) data. The spherical panoramic image may be a still image or a moving image.

As described above, since the spherical panoramic image is an image pasted so as to cover the spherical surface, it gives a sense of discomfort to humans. Therefore, by displaying a part of a predetermined region of the spherical panoramic image (hereinafter, referred to as “predetermined region image”) as a flat image with less curvature, it is possible to display the image without giving a sense of discomfort to humans. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the positions of the virtual camera and the predetermined region when the spherical image is a three-dimensional three-dimensional sphere. The virtual camera IC corresponds to the position of the viewpoint of the user who views the image with respect to the spherical image CE displayed as a three-dimensional three-dimensional sphere. Further, FIG. 6A is a three-dimensional perspective view of FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a predetermined area image when displayed on a display. Further, in FIG. 6A, the spherical image CE shown in FIG. 4 is represented by a three-dimensional three-dimensional sphere CS. Assuming that the spherical image CE generated in this way is a three-dimensional sphere CS, the virtual camera IC is located inside the spherical image CE as shown in FIG. The predetermined area T in the spherical image CE is a shooting area of the virtual camera IC, and is specified by predetermined area information indicating the shooting direction and angle of view of the virtual camera IC in the three-dimensional virtual space including the spherical image CE. To.

Then, the predetermined area image Q shown in FIG. 6A is displayed as an image of the photographing area of the virtual camera IC on the predetermined display as shown in FIG. 6B. The image shown in FIG. 6B is a predetermined area image represented by the initial setting (default) predetermined area information. It should be noted that the predetermined area information and the position coordinates of the virtual camera IC may be indicated by the photographing area (X, Y, Z) of the virtual camera IC which is the predetermined area T. In the following, the shooting direction (rH, rV) and the angle of view (α) of the virtual camera IC will be described.

The relationship between the predetermined area information and the image of the predetermined area T will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Note that FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the predetermined area information and the image of the predetermined area T. As shown in FIG. 7, rH indicates Horizontal Radian, rV indicates Vertical Radian, and α indicates the angle of view (Angle). That is, the posture of the virtual camera IC is changed so that the gazing point of the virtual camera IC indicated by the shooting direction (rH, rV) becomes the center point CP of the predetermined area T which is the shooting area of the virtual camera IC. Become. The predetermined region image Q is an image of the predetermined region T in the spherical image CE. f is the distance from the virtual camera IC to the center point CP. L is the distance between an arbitrary vertex of the predetermined region T and the center point CP (2L is a diagonal line). Then, in FIG. 7, the trigonometric function generally represented by the following (Equation 1) holds.

L / f = tan (α / 2) ... (Equation 1)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing points in the three-dimensional Euclidean space in spherical coordinates. Let (r, θ, φ) be the position coordinates when the center point CP is expressed in the spherical polar coordinate system. (R, θ, φ) are the diameter, the polar angle, and the azimuth, respectively. The moving diameter r is equal to f because it is the distance from the origin of the three-dimensional virtual space including the spherical panoramic image to the center point CP. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing these relationships. Hereinafter, the description will be made using the position coordinates (r, θ, φ) of the virtual camera IC.

<Outline of image communication system>
Subsequently, the outline of the configuration of the image communication system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the image communication system of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the image communication system of the present embodiment includes imaging devices 1a, 1b, video conferencing terminals 3a, 3b, displays 4a, 4b, communication management system 5, PC (Personal Computer) 7, and imaging. It is composed of a device 8 and a smartphone 9, and can communicate via a communication network 100 such as the Internet. The connection form of the communication network 100 may be either wireless or wired.

Of these, the photographing devices 1a and 1b are special digital cameras for photographing a subject, a landscape, and the like to obtain two hemispherical images that are the basis of the spherical panoramic image, as described above. On the other hand, the photographing device 8 is a general digital camera for photographing a subject, a landscape, and the like to obtain a general flat image.

The video conferencing terminals 3a and 3b are terminals dedicated to video conferencing, and display images of a video call (video call) on the displays 4a and 4b, respectively, via a wired cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. The video conferencing terminal 3a normally shoots with the camera 312 of FIG. 11 described later, but when the video conferencing terminal 3a is connected to the cradle 2a to which the shooting device 1a is attached with a wired cable, the shooting device 1a has priority and is the source of the spherical panoramic image. Two hemispherical images can be obtained. When a wired cable is used, the cradle 2a not only communicates between the photographing device 1a and the video conferencing terminal 3a, but also plays a role of supplying power to the photographing device 1a and supporting the photographing device 1a. Here, the photographing device 1a, the cradle 2a, the video conferencing terminal 3a, and the display 4a are located at the same base A. In addition, four users A1, A2, A3, and A4 are participating in the video call at the base A. On the other hand, the video conferencing terminal 3d and the display 4d are located at the same base D. In addition, three users D1, D2, and D3 are participating in the video call at the base D.

The communication management system 5 manages and controls the communication of the video conferencing terminals 3a, 3b, the PC 7, and the smartphone 9, and manages the types of image data to be transmitted and received (types of general images and special images). Therefore, the communication management system is also a communication control system. Here, the special image is a spherical panoramic image. The communication management system 5 is installed in a service company or the like that provides a video communication service. Further, the communication management system 5 may be constructed by a single computer, or may be constructed by a plurality of computers arbitrarily assigned by dividing each unit (function, means, or storage unit).

By attaching the photographing device 8 to the PC 7, a video call can be made. Here, the PC 7 and the photographing apparatus 8 are located at the base C, which is the same base. In addition, one user C participates in a video call at the base C.

The smartphone 9 displays an image of a video call on a display 917, which will be described later, provided in the own device. The smartphone 9 usually shoots with a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 905 or the like, which will be described later, provided in its own device, but it uses wireless communication technology such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). It is possible to acquire two hemispherical image data that are the basis of the all-sky panoramic image obtained by the photographing device 1b. When using wireless communication technology, the cradle 2b serves only to supply power to the photographing device 1b and support the photographing device 1b. Here, the photographing device 1b, the cradle 2b, and the smartphone 9 are located at the base B, which is the same base. In addition, two users B1 and B2 are participating in the video call at the base B.

The video conferencing terminals 3a, 3d, PC7, and smartphone 9 are examples of communication terminals. OpenGL ES is installed on each communication terminal, and it is possible to create predetermined area information indicating a part of the spherical panoramic image, or to create a spherical panoramic image sent from another communication terminal. A predetermined area image can be created from.

The arrangement of each terminal (communication terminal, display, photographing device), device, and user shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and may be another example. For example, at the base C, a photographing device capable of photographing a spherical panoramic image may be used instead of the photographing device 8. Communication terminals also include digital televisions, smart watches, car navigation devices, and the like. Further, hereinafter, when any imaging device among the imaging devices 1a and 1b is represented, it is represented as "photographing device 1". Further, when representing any video conferencing terminal among the video conferencing terminals 3a and 3b, it is represented as "video conferencing terminal 3". Further, when any display among the displays 4a and 4b is represented, it is represented as "display 4".

<< Hardware configuration of the embodiment >>
Next, the hardware configurations of the photographing device 1, the video conferencing terminal 3, the communication management system 5, the PC 7, and the smartphone 9 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. Since the photographing device 8 is a general camera, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<Hardware configuration of shooting device 1>
First, the hardware configuration of the photographing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of the photographing device 1. In the following, the photographing device 1 is an omnidirectional (omnidirectional) photographing device using two image pickup elements, but the number of image pickup devices may be two or more. Further, the device does not necessarily have to be a device dedicated to omnidirectional shooting, and by attaching a retrofitted omnidirectional shooting unit to a normal digital camera, smartphone, or the like, it may have substantially the same function as the shooting device 1. ..

As shown in FIG. 10, the photographing device 1 includes an imaging unit 101, an image processing unit 104, an imaging control unit 105, a microphone 108, a sound processing unit 109, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, and a ROM (Read Only Memory). ) 112, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) 113, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 114, operation unit 115, network I / F 116, communication unit 117, and antenna 117a.

Of these, the image pickup unit 101 includes wide-angle lenses (so-called fisheye lenses) 102a and 102b each having an angle of view of 180 ° or more for forming a hemispherical image, and two image pickups provided corresponding to each wide-angle lens. It includes elements 103a and 103b. The image pickup devices 103a and 103b are image sensors such as CMOS sensors and CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensors that convert optical images from the fisheye lenses 102a and 102b into image data of electrical signals and output them, and horizontal or vertical synchronization signals of the image sensors. It has a timing generation circuit that generates a pixel clock and the like, and a group of registers in which various commands and parameters necessary for the operation of this image sensor are set.

The image sensors 103a and 103b of the image pickup unit 101 are each connected to the image processing unit 104 by a parallel I / F bus. On the other hand, the image pickup elements 103a and 103b of the image pickup unit 101 are connected by a serial I / F bus (I2C bus or the like) separately from the image pickup control unit 105. The image processing unit 104 and the image pickup control unit 105 are connected to the CPU 111 via the bus 110. Further, a ROM 112, a SRAM 113, a DRAM 114, an operation unit 115, a network I / F 116, a communication unit 117, an electronic compass 118, and the like are also connected to the bus 110.

The image processing unit 104 takes in the image data output from the image pickup elements 103a and 103b through the parallel I / F bus, performs predetermined processing on each image data, and then synthesizes these image data. , Create data for a Mercator image as shown in FIG. 3 (c).

The image pickup control unit 105 generally uses the image pickup control unit 105 as a master device and the image pickup elements 103a and 103b as slave devices, and sets commands and the like in the register group of the image pickup elements 103a and 103b by using the I2C bus. Necessary commands and the like are received from the CPU 111. Further, the image pickup control unit 105 also uses the I2C bus to take in the status data of the register group of the image pickup elements 103a and 103b and send it to the CPU 111.

Further, the image pickup control unit 105 instructs the image pickup devices 103a and 103b to output image data at the timing when the shutter button of the operation unit 115 is pressed. Depending on the photographing device 1, it may have a preview display function by a display (for example, the display of the video conferencing terminal 3a) or a function corresponding to a moving image display. In this case, the output of the image data from the image sensors 103a and 103b is continuously performed at a predetermined frame rate (frames / minute).

Further, as will be described later, the image pickup control unit 105 also functions as a synchronization control means for synchronizing the output timings of the image data of the image pickup elements 103a and 103b in cooperation with the CPU 111. In the present embodiment, the photographing device 1 is not provided with a display unit (display), but a display unit may be provided.

The microphone 108 converts sound into sound (signal) data. The sound processing unit 109 takes in the sound data output from the microphone 108 through the I / F bus and performs predetermined processing on the sound data.

The CPU 111 controls the overall operation of the photographing device 1 and executes necessary processing. The ROM 112 stores various programs for the CPU 111. The SRAM 113 and the DRAM 114 are work memories, and store programs executed by the CPU 111, data in the middle of processing, and the like. In particular, the DRAM 114 stores image data during processing by the image processing unit 104 and data of the processed Mercator image.

The operation unit 115 is a general term for various operation buttons, a power switch, a shutter button, a touch panel having both display and operation functions, and the like. By operating the operation buttons, the user inputs various shooting modes and shooting conditions.

Network I / F116 is a general term for interface circuits (USB I / F, etc.) with external media such as SD cards and personal computers. Further, the network I / F116 may be wireless or wired. The Mercator image data stored in the DRAM 114 is recorded on an external medium via the network I / F 116, or transmitted to an external device such as a video conferencing terminal 3a via the network I / F 116 as needed. Or something.

The communication unit 117 communicates with an external device such as a video conferencing terminal 3a by a short-range wireless technology such as WiFi or NFC (Near Field Communication) via an antenna 117a provided in the photographing device 1. The communication unit 117 can also transmit the Mercator image data to the external device of the video conferencing terminal 3a.

The electronic compass 118 calculates the azimuth and tilt (Roll rotation angle) of the photographing device 1 from the magnetism of the earth, and outputs the azimuth / tilt information. This azimuth / tilt information is an example of related information (metadata) along with Exif, and is used for image processing such as image correction of a captured image. The related information also includes each data of the shooting date and time of the image and the data capacity of the image data.

<Hardware configuration of video conferencing terminal>
Next, the hardware configuration of the video conferencing terminal 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of the video conferencing terminal. As shown in FIG. 11, the video conferencing terminal 3 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a flash memory 304, an SSD 305, a media I / F 307, an operation button 308, a power switch 309, a bus line 310, and a network I / F 311. Equipped with camera 312, image pickup element I / F 313, microphone 314, speaker 315, sound input / output I / F 316, display I / F 317, external device connection I / F 318, short-range communication circuit 319, short-range communication circuit 319 antenna 319a. ing.

Of these, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the entire video conferencing terminal 3. The ROM 302 stores a program used to drive the CPU 301 such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 303 is used as a work area of the CPU 301. The flash memory 304 stores various data such as a communication program, image data, and sound data. The SSD (Solid State Drive) 305 controls reading or writing of various data to the flash memory 304 according to the control of the CPU 301. An HDD may be used instead of the SSD. The media I / F 307 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 306 such as a flash memory. The operation button 308 is a button that is operated when selecting a destination of the video conferencing terminal 3. The power switch 309 is a switch for switching the power ON / OFF of the video conferencing terminal 3.

Further, the network I / F311 is an interface for data communication using a communication network 100 such as the Internet. The camera 312 is a kind of built-in imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and obtaining image data under the control of the CPU 301. The image sensor I / F 313 is a circuit that controls the drive of the camera 312. The microphone 314 is a kind of built-in sound collecting means for inputting voice. The sound input / output I / F 316 is a circuit that processes sound signal input / output between the microphone 314 and the speaker 315 under the control of the CPU 301. The display I / F 317 is a circuit that transmits image data to the external display 4 under the control of the CPU 301. The external device connection I / F 318 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 319 is a communication circuit such as NFC (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Further, the bus line 310 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301 shown in FIG.

The display 4 is a kind of display means composed of a liquid crystal or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) for displaying an image of a subject, an operation icon, and the like. Further, the display 4 is connected to the display I / F317 by the cable 4c. The cable 4c may be a cable for analog RGB (VGA) signals, a cable for component video, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark), or DVI (Digital Video). It may be a cable for an Interactive) signal.

The camera 312 includes a lens and a solid-state image sensor that converts light into electric charges to digitize an image (video) of the subject, and a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, or the like is used as the solid-state image sensor. External devices such as an external camera, an external microphone, and an external speaker can be connected to the external device connection I / F318 by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. When an external camera is connected, the external camera is driven in preference to the built-in camera 312 according to the control of the CPU 301. Similarly, when an external microphone is connected or an external speaker is connected, the external microphone and the external speaker are given priority over the built-in microphone 314 and the built-in speaker 315 according to the control of the CPU 301. The external speaker is driven.

Further, the recording medium 306 has a structure that can be attached to and detached from the video conferencing terminal 3. Further, as long as it is a non-volatile memory that reads or writes data under the control of the CPU 301, not only the flash memory 304 but also an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) or the like may be used.

<Communication management system, PC hardware configuration>
Next, the hardware configurations of the communication management system 5 and the PC 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram of a communication management system and a PC. Since both the communication management system 5 and the PC 7 have the same configuration as a computer, the configuration of the communication management system 5 will be described below, and the description of the configuration of the PC 7 will be omitted.

The communication management system 5 includes a CPU 501 that controls the operation of the entire communication management system 5, a ROM 502 that stores a program used for driving the CPU 501 such as an IPL, a RAM 503 that is used as a work area of the CPU 501, and a program for the communication management system 5. HD504 that stores various data such as, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 505 that controls reading or writing of various data to HD504 according to the control of CPU501, reading or writing (storage) of data to recording media 506 such as flash memory. Media drive 507 to control, display 508 that displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images, network I / F 509 for data communication using the communication network 100, characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc. A keyboard 511 equipped with multiple keys for inputting data, a mouse 512 for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc., and a CD-RW (Compact Disc) as an example of a removable recording medium. -ReWritable) A CD-RW drive 514 that controls reading of various data to 513, and a bus line such as an address bus or data bus for electrically connecting each of the above components as shown in FIG. It is equipped with 510.

<Smartphone hardware configuration>
Next, the hardware of the smartphone will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. As shown in FIG. 13, the smartphone 9 includes a CPU 901, a ROM 902, a RAM 903, an EEPROM 904, a CMOS sensor 905, an acceleration / orientation sensor 906, a media I / F 908, and a GPS receiving unit 909.

Of these, the CPU 901 controls the operation of the entire smartphone 9. The ROM 902 stores a program used to drive the CPU 901 such as an IPL. The RAM 903 is used as a work area for the CPU 901. The EEPROM 904 reads or writes various data such as a smartphone program under the control of the CPU 901. The CMOS sensor 905 captures a subject (mainly a self-portrait) according to the control of the CPU 901 to obtain image data. The acceleration / azimuth sensor 906 is various sensors such as an electronic magnetic compass, a gyro compass, and an acceleration sensor that detect the geomagnetism. The media I / F908 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 907 such as a flash memory. The GPS receiving unit 909 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

In addition, the smartphone 9 includes a long-distance communication circuit 911, a camera 912, an image pickup element I / F 913, a microphone 914, a speaker 915, a sound input / output I / F 916, a display 917, an external device connection I / F 918, and a short-range communication circuit 919. It includes an antenna 919a of the short-range communication circuit 919 and a touch panel 921.

Of these, the long-distance communication circuit 911 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the communication network 100. The camera 912 is a kind of built-in imaging means that images a subject and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 901. The image sensor I / F 913 is a circuit that controls the drive of the camera 912. The microphone 914 is a kind of built-in sound collecting means for inputting voice. The sound input / output I / F 916 is a circuit that processes sound signal input / output between the microphone 914 and the speaker 915 under the control of the CPU 901. The display 917 is a kind of display means such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL for displaying an image of a subject, various icons, and the like. The external device connection I / F 918 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 919 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth. The touch panel 921 is a kind of input means for operating the smartphone 9 by the user pressing the display 917.

Further, the smartphone 9 is provided with a bus line 910. The bus line 910 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 901.

A recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which each of the above programs is stored, and an HD in which these programs are stored can both be provided as a program product in Japan or abroad.

<< Functional configuration of the embodiment >>
Next, the functional configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20. 14 and 15 are functional block diagrams of a part of the image communication system.

<Functional configuration of imaging device 1a>
As shown in FIG. 14, the photographing apparatus 1a includes a receiving unit 12a, an imaging unit 13a, a sound collecting unit 14a, a communication unit 18a, and a storage / reading unit 19a. Each of these parts has a function or means realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 10 by a command from the CPU 111 according to a program for a photographing device developed from the SRAM 113 to the DRAM 114. Is.

Further, the photographing apparatus 1 has a storage unit 1000a constructed by the ROM 112, the SRAM 113, and the DRAM 114 shown in FIG. The storage unit 1000a stores the GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) of the own device.

The photographing device 1b includes a receiving unit 12b, an imaging unit 13b, a sound collecting unit 14b, a communication unit 18b, a storage / reading unit 19b, and a storage unit 1000b, each of which is a receiving unit 12a in the photographing device 1a. In order to realize the same functions as the imaging unit 13a, the sound collecting unit 14a, the communication unit 18a, the storage / reading unit 19a, and the storage unit 1000a, these description will be omitted.

(Each functional configuration of the photographing device 1a)
Next, each functional configuration of the photographing apparatus 1a will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 14.

The reception unit 12a of the photographing device 1 is realized mainly by the processing of the operation unit 115 and the CPU 111 shown in FIG. 10, and receives the operation input from the user.

The image pickup unit 13a is realized mainly by the processing of the image pickup unit 101, the image processing unit 104, the image pickup control unit 105, and the CPU 111 shown in FIG. 10, and images a landscape or the like to obtain captured image data.

The sound collecting unit 14a is realized by the processing of the 108 shown in FIG. 10, the sound processing unit 109, and the CPU 111, and collects the sound around the photographing device 1a.

The communication unit 18a is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 111, and can communicate with the communication unit 38a of the video conferencing terminal 3a by the short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC standard, BlueTooth, and WiFi.

The storage / reading unit 19a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 111 shown in FIG. 10, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 1000a or stores various data (or information) from the storage unit 1000a. Read it out.

<Functional configuration of video conferencing terminal 3a>
As shown in FIG. 14, the video conferencing terminal 3a includes a transmission / reception unit 31a, a reception unit 32a, an image / sound processing unit 33a, a display control unit 34a, a judgment unit 35a, a creation unit 36a, a calculation unit 37a, and a communication unit. It has 38a and a storage / reading unit 39a. Each of these parts is realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 11 by a command from the CPU 301 according to a program for the video conferencing terminal 3a developed on the RAM 303 from the flash memory 304. A function or means.

Further, the video conferencing terminal 3a has a storage unit 3000a constructed by the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the flash memory 304 shown in FIG. An image type management DB 3001a, a photographing device management DB 3002a, and a predetermined area management DB 3003a are constructed in the storage unit 3000a. Of these, the image type management DB 3001a is configured by the image type management table shown in FIG. The photographing apparatus management DB 3002a is configured by the photographing apparatus management table shown in FIG. The predetermined area management DB 3003a is configured by the predetermined area management table shown in FIG.

The video conferencing terminal 3d includes a transmission / reception unit 31d, a reception unit 32d, an image / sound processing unit 33d, a display control unit 34d, a judgment unit 35d, a creation unit 36d, a calculation unit 37d, a communication unit 38d, and a storage / reading unit 39d. And a storage unit 3000d, which are a transmission / reception unit 31a, a reception unit 32a, an image / sound processing unit 33a, a display control unit 34a, a judgment unit 35a, a creation unit 36a, and a calculation unit 37a, respectively, in the video conferencing terminal 3a. In order to realize the same functions as the communication unit 38a, the storage / reading unit 39a, and the storage unit 3000a, these description will be omitted. Further, although the image type management DB 3001d, the photographing device management DB 3002d, and the predetermined area management DB 3003d are constructed in the storage unit 3000d in the video conferencing terminal 3d, the image type management DB 3001a and the photographing device management DB 3002a in the video conferencing terminal 3a, Since the data structure is the same as that of the predetermined area management DB 3003a, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Image type management table)
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an image type management table. In this image type management table, an image data ID, an IP address which is an example of a destination of a source terminal, and a source name are stored and managed in association with each other. Of these, the image data ID is an example of image data identification information for identifying image data when performing video communication. The same image data ID is added to the image data transmitted from the same source terminal. As a result, the destination terminal (communication terminal on the receiving side) can specify the source terminal of the received image data. The IP address of the source terminal indicates the IP address of the communication terminal that transmits the image data indicated by the associated image data ID. The source name is a name for specifying a photographing device that outputs image data indicated by the associated image data ID, and is an example of image type information. This source name is a name created by each communication terminal such as a video conferencing terminal 3a according to a naming convention of a predetermined name.

For example, four communication terminals having IP addresses of "1.2.1.3", "1.2.2.3", "1.3.1.3", and "1.3.2.3", respectively. Indicates that the image data indicated by the image data IDs "RS001", "RS002", "RS003", and "RS004" is transmitted, respectively. Furthermore, the types of images indicated by the source name of each communication terminal are "Video_Theta", "Video_Theta", "Video", and "Video", and these image types are "special image", "special image", and so on. It indicates that it is a "general image" or a "general image". The special image here is a spherical panoramic image.

Data other than the image data may also be managed in association with the image data ID. The data other than the image data are, for example, sound data and material data at the time of screen sharing. Further, data other than image data may also be managed in association with the image data ID. The data other than the image data are, for example, sound data and material data at the time of screen sharing.

(Shooting device management table)
FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a photographing apparatus management table. In this photographing device management table, the vendor ID and the product ID of the GUIDs of the photographing devices capable of obtaining the two hemispherical images that are the sources of the spherical panoramic images are stored and managed. As the GUID, for example, a vendor ID (VID) and a product ID (PID) used in a USB device can be used. The vendor ID and product ID are stored from the factory shipment of a communication terminal such as a video conferencing terminal, but may be additionally stored after the factory shipment.

(Predetermined area management table)
FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing a predetermined area management table. In this predetermined area management table, the IP address of the communication terminal of the source of the photographed image data, the IP address of the communication terminal of the destination of the photographed image data, and the predetermined area displayed on the communication terminal of the destination of the photographed image data. Predetermined area information indicating an image is associated, stored, and managed. The communication terminal to which the captured image data is transmitted is also the communication terminal from which the predetermined area information is transmitted. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the predetermined region information is a conversion parameter for converting a captured image into an image of a predetermined region T (predetermined region image) in the captured image. The IP address is an example of destination information, and the destination information includes a MAC (Media Access Control) address, a terminal ID (Identification) for identifying a communication terminal, and the like. Further, here, the IP address is represented by simplifying the IPv4 address. The IP address may be IPv6.

For example, in the first to third rows of the predetermined area management table of FIG. 18, when the IP address of the video conferencing terminal 3a is "1.2.1.3", the captured images transmitted from the video conferencing terminal 3a. The data is transmitted via the communication management system 5, a video conferencing terminal 3d having an IP address of "1.2.2.3", a PC7 having an IP address of "1.3.1.3", and an IP address of "1". It is managed that the message was sent to the smartphone 9 of "3.3.2.3". Further, it is managed that the video conferencing terminal 3d is a communication terminal that is a transmission source of predetermined area information (r = 10, θ = 20, φ = 30). Similarly, it is managed that the PC 7 is a communication terminal that is a source of predetermined area information (r = 20, θ = 30, φ = 40). Further, it is managed that the smartphone 9 is a communication terminal of a transmission source of predetermined area information (r = 30, θ = 40, φ = 50).

In addition, the transmission / reception unit 31a newly provides predetermined area information including the IP address of the communication terminal of the transmission source of the captured image data and the IP address of the same set as the IP address of the communication terminal of the transmission destination of the captured image data. When the data is received, the storage / reading unit 39a rewrites the predetermined area information that has already been managed to the newly received predetermined area information.

(Each function configuration of video conferencing terminal 3a)
Next, each functional configuration of the video conferencing terminal 3a will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 11 and 14.

The transmission / reception unit 31a of the video conferencing terminal 3a is realized mainly by the processing of the network I / F311 and the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 11, and is realized by the communication management system 5 and various data (or information) via the communication network 100. Send and receive.

The reception unit 32a is realized mainly by processing by the operation buttons 308 and the CPU 301, and receives various selections or inputs from the user. Further, not only the operation button 308 but also a touch panel or the like may be used as another input means.

The image / sound processing unit 33a is realized by a command from the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 11, and performs image processing on the image data obtained by the camera 312 taking an image of the subject. Further, the image / sound processing unit 33a performs voice processing on the sound data related to the voice signal after the user's voice is converted into a voice signal by the microphone 314.

Further, in the image / sound processing unit 33a, since the display control unit 34 displays the image on the display 4, the image processing unit 33a performs image processing on the image data received from another communication terminal based on the image type information such as the source name. Do it. Specifically, when indicating that the image type information is a special image, the image / sound processing unit 33a is used to display image data (for example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Hemispherical image data) is used to create global panoramic image data by converting to global panoramic image data as shown in FIG. 4 (b), and further, in FIG. 6 (b). Create a predetermined area image as shown. Further, the image / sound processing unit 33a outputs a sound signal related to sound data received from another communication terminal via the communication management system 5 to the speaker 315, and outputs the sound from the speaker 315.

The display control unit 34a is realized mainly by the processing of the display I / F 317 and the CPU 301, and controls the display 4 to display various images, characters, and the like.

The determination unit 35a is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 301, and determines, for example, the image type related to the image data received from the photographing device 1a.

The creation unit 36a is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 301, and based on the result determined by the determination unit 35a as a general image or a special image (here, a spherical panoramic image), the image type is according to the above naming convention. Create a source name that is an example of information. For example, when the determination unit 35a determines that the image is a general image, the creation unit 36a creates a source name "Video" indicating that the image is a general image. On the other hand, when the determination unit 35a determines that the image is a special image, the creation unit 36a creates a source name "Video_Theta" indicating that the image is a special image.

The calculation unit 37a is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 301, and is based on the predetermined area information (i2) indicating the predetermined area T2 and the predetermined area information (i1) received from another communication terminal by the transmission / reception unit 31a. In, the position (position information) of the predetermined area T1 with respect to the predetermined area T2 is calculated. The predetermined area information (i1) indicates a predetermined area T1 in the captured image. Further, the image when the entire captured image is displayed is also referred to as "whole image".

The communication unit 38a is realized mainly by processing the short-range communication circuit 319, the antenna 318a, and the CPU 301, and can communicate with the communication unit 18a of the photographing device 1a by short-range wireless technology such as NFC, BlueTooth, and WiFi. it can. Although the communication unit 38a and the transmission / reception unit 31a have been described with a configuration in which the communication unit is separately provided, a shared configuration may be used.

The storage / reading unit 39a is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 11, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 3000 or stores various data (or information) from the storage unit 3000. Read it out.

<Functional configuration of communication management system>
Next, each functional configuration of the communication management system 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 and 15. The communication management system 5 includes a transmission / reception unit 51, a determination unit 55, a generation unit 56, and a storage / reading unit 59. Each of these parts has a function realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 12 by an instruction from the CPU 501 according to a program for the communication management system 5 developed on the RAM 503 from the HD 504. It is a means.

Further, the communication management system 5 has a RAM 503 shown in FIG. 12 and a storage unit 5000 constructed by the HD 504. A session management DB 5001, an image type management DB 5002, and a predetermined area management DB 5003 are constructed in the storage unit 5000. Of these, the session management DB 5001 is composed of the session management table shown in FIG. The image type management DB 5002 is configured by the image type management table shown in FIG. The predetermined area management DB 5003 is composed of the predetermined area management table shown in FIG.

(Session management table)
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a session management table. In this session management table, the session ID and the IP address of the participating communication terminal are stored and managed in association with each other. Of these, the session ID is an example of session identification information for identifying a communication session that realizes a video call, and is generated for each virtual conference room. The session ID is also managed by each communication terminal such as the video conferencing terminal 3a, and is used in each communication terminal when selecting a communication session. The IP address of the participating communication terminal indicates the IP address of the communication terminal that participated in the virtual conference room indicated by the associated session ID.

(Image type management table)
FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing an image type management table. In the image type management table shown in FIG. 20, in addition to each information managed in the image type management table shown in FIG. 16, the same session ID as the session ID managed in the session management table is associated. Is managed. Here, in the virtual conference room indicated by the same session ID "se101", the IP addresses are "1.2.1.3", "1.2.2.3", and "1.3.1." It is shown that the three communication terminals of "3" are participating. In the communication management system 5, the new communication terminal manages the same image data ID, source terminal IP address, and image type information managed by the communication terminal such as the video conferencing terminal 3a. This is to transmit image type information and the like to a communication terminal that is already in a video call and a newly joined communication terminal when entering a virtual conference room. As a result, it is not necessary to send and receive image type information and the like between the communication terminal already in the video call and the newly joined communication terminal.

(Predetermined area management table)
FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing a predetermined area management table. This predetermined area management table basically has the same data structure as the predetermined area management table shown in FIG. However, as will be described later, since the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits the latest predetermined area information to each communication terminal at regular intervals (for example, 30 seconds), until the predetermined area information is transmitted at regular intervals. , All predetermined area information received by the transmission / reception unit 51 is stored without being deleted. In FIG. 21, the newer the predetermined area information is managed at a higher level.

(Each function configuration of communication management system)
Next, each functional configuration of the communication management system 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 and 15.

The transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 is realized mainly by the processing of the network I / F 509 and the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 12, and the video conferencing terminals 3a, 3d, or the PC 7 and various data via the communication network 100. Send and receive (or information).

The determination unit 55 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 501 and makes various determinations.

The generation unit 56 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 501 and generates the image data ID.

The storage / reading unit 59 is mainly realized by the processing of the HDD 505 and the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 12, and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 5000 or various data (or information) from the storage unit 5000. Information) is read out.

<Functional configuration of PC>
Next, the functional configuration of the PC 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14. The PC 7 basically has the same function as the video conferencing terminal 3a. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the PC 7 includes a transmission / reception unit 71, a reception unit 72, an image / sound processing unit 73, a display control unit 74, a judgment unit 75, a creation unit 76, a calculation unit 77, and a communication unit 78. , And a storage / reading unit 79. Each of these parts is a function or means realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 12 by an instruction from the CPU 501 according to a program for PC7 developed on the RAM 503 from the HD 504. ..

Further, the PC 7 has a storage unit 7000 constructed by the ROM 502, the RAM 503, and the HD 504 shown in FIG. An image type management DB 7001, a photographing device management DB 7002, and a predetermined area management DB 7003 are constructed in the storage unit 7000. Since the image type management DB 7001, the photographing device management DB 7002, and the predetermined area management DB 7003 have the same data structures as the image type management DB 3001a, the photographing device management DB 3002a, and the predetermined area management DB 3003a, respectively, the description thereof will be omitted.

(Each function configuration of PC)
The transmission / reception unit 71 of the PC 7 is mainly realized by the processing of the network I / F 509 and the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 12, and realizes the same function as the transmission / reception unit 31a.

The reception unit 72 is realized mainly by the processing of the keyboard 511, the mouse 512, and the CPU 501, and realizes the same function as the reception unit 32a. The image / sound processing unit 73 is realized mainly by a command from the CPU 501, and realizes the same function as the image / sound processing unit 33a. The display control unit 74 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 501, and realizes the same function as the display control unit 34a. The determination unit 75 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 501, and realizes the same function as the determination unit 35a. The creation unit 76 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 501, and realizes the same function as the creation unit 36a. The calculation unit 77 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 501, and realizes the same function as the calculation unit 37a. The communication unit 78 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501, and realizes the same function as the communication unit 38a. The storage / reading unit 79a is realized by the processing of the CPU 501, stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 7000, and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 7000.

<Functional configuration of smartphone>
Next, the functional configuration of the smartphone 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. The smartphone 9 basically has the same function as the video conferencing terminal 3a. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the smartphone 9 has a transmission / reception unit 91, a reception unit 92, an image / sound processing unit 93, a display control unit 94, a judgment unit 95, a creation unit 96, a calculation unit 97, and a communication unit. It has 98 and a storage / reading unit 99. Each of these parts is a function or means realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 13 by a command from the CPU 901 according to the program for the smartphone 9 developed on the RAM 903 from the EEPROM 904. is there.

Further, the smartphone 9 has a storage unit 9000 constructed by the ROM 902, the RAM 903, and the EEPROM 904 shown in FIG. An image type management DB 9001, a photographing device management DB 9002, and a predetermined area management DB 9003 are constructed in the storage unit 9000. Since the image type management DB 9001, the photographing device management DB 9002, and the predetermined area management DB 9003 have the same data configurations as the image type management DB 3001a, the photographing device management DB 3002a, and the predetermined area management DB 3003a, their description will be omitted.

(Each function configuration of smartphone)
The transmission / reception unit 91 of the smartphone 9 is mainly realized by the processing of the long-distance communication circuit 911 and the CPU 901 shown in FIG. 13, and realizes the same function as the transmission / reception unit 31a.

The reception unit 92 is realized mainly by the processing of the touch panel 921 and the CPU 901, and realizes the same function as the reception unit 32a.

The image / sound processing unit 93 is realized mainly by a command from the CPU 901, and realizes the same function as the image / sound processing unit 33a. The display control unit 94 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 901, and realizes the same function as the display control unit 34a. The determination unit 95 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 901, and realizes the same function as the determination unit 35a. The creation unit 96 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 901, and realizes the same function as the creation unit 36a. The calculation unit 97 is realized mainly by the processing of the CPU 901, and realizes the same function as the calculation unit 37a. The communication unit 98 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and realizes the same function as the communication unit 38a. The storage / reading unit 99 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 9000, and reads various data (or information) from the storage unit 9000.

<< Processing or operation of the embodiment >>
Subsequently, the process or operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 34.

<Participation processing>
First, the process of participating in a specific communication session will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing the process of participating in a specific communication session. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a selection screen of a communication session (virtual conference room).

First, when the user of the base A (for example, the user A1) performs an operation to display the selection screen of the communication session (virtual conference room) on the video conference terminal 3a, the reception unit 32a displays the selection screen. Upon receiving the operation, the display control unit 34a displays the selection screen as shown in FIG. 23 on the display 4a (step S21). On this selection screen, selection buttons b1, b2, b3 and the like indicating each virtual conference room R1, R2, R3 and the like to be selected are displayed. Further, each session ID is associated with each selection button b1 and the like.

Here, when the user A1 selects a desired selection button (here, selection button b1) in the virtual conference room, the reception unit 32a accepts the selection of the communication session (step S22). Then, the transmission / reception unit 31a transmits a participation request to the virtual conference room to the communication management system 5 (step S23). The participation request includes a session ID indicating a communication session whose selection has been accepted in step S22, and an IP address of the video conferencing terminal 3a which is the requesting terminal. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 receives the participation request.

Next, in the session management DB 5001 (see FIG. 19), the storage / reading unit 99 enters the IP received in step S23 in the field of the participating terminal IP address in the record having the same session ID as the session ID received in step S23. By adding the address, the process of joining the communication session is performed (step S24). Then, the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits a participation request response to the video conferencing terminal 3a (step S25). The participation request response includes the session ID received in step S23 and the participation processing result. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 31a of the video conferencing terminal 3a receives the participation request response. Hereinafter, the case where the participation process is successful will be described.

<Management process of image type information>
Subsequently, the image type information management process will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram showing a management process of image type information.

First, when the user of the base A (for example, the user A1) connects the USB cable of the cradle 2a with the photographing device 1a attached to the video conferencing terminal 3a, the storage / reading unit 19a of the photographing device 1a is activated. The GUID of the own device (photographing device 1a) stored in the storage unit 1000a is read out, and the communication unit 18a transmits the GUID of the own device to the communication unit 38a of the video conferencing terminal 3a (step S51). As a result, the communication unit 38a of the video conferencing terminal 3a receives the GUID of the photographing device 1a.

Next, the determination unit 35a of the video conferencing terminal 3a manages the same vendor ID and product ID as the vendor ID and product ID in the GUID received in step S51 in the photographing device management DB 3002a (see FIG. 17). The image type is determined by determining whether or not the image type is present (step S52). Specifically, when the same vendor ID and product ID are managed in the photographing device management DB 3002a, the determination unit 35a photographes a special image (here, a spherical panoramic image) by the photographing device 1a. Judge that it is a photographing device. On the other hand, when the same vendor ID and product ID are not managed in the photographing device management DB 3002a, the determination unit 35a determines that the photographing device 1a is a photographing device for capturing a general image.

Next, the storage / reading unit 39a refers to the image type management DB 3001a (see FIG. 16) based on the IP address of its own terminal (video conferencing terminal 3a), which is the source terminal, and the determination result determined in step S52. It is stored in association with a certain image type information (step S53). In this state, the image data ID is not associated. The image type information is, for example, a source name defined according to a predetermined naming convention or an image type (general image, special image).

Next, the transmission / reception unit 31a transmits a request for adding image type information to the communication management system 5 (step S54). The request for adding the image type information includes the IP address of the own terminal, which is the source terminal stored in step S53, and the image type information. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 receives the request for adding the image type information.

Next, the storage / reading unit 59 of the communication management system 5 searches the session management DB 5001 (see FIG. 19) using the IP address of the source terminal received in step S54 as a search key, and thereby corresponds to the corresponding session ID. Is read (step S55).

Next, the generation unit 56 generates a unique image data ID (step S56). Then, the storage / reading unit 59 stores the session ID read in step S55, the image data ID generated in step S56, and step S54 as new records in the image type management DB 5002 (see FIG. 20). The received IP address of the source terminal and the image type information are associated and stored (step S57). Then, the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits the image data ID generated in step S56 to the video conferencing terminal 3a. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 31a of the video conferencing terminal 3a receives the image data ID (step S58).

Next, the storage / reading unit 39a of the video conferencing terminal 3a stores the IP of the own terminal (video conferencing terminal 3a), which is the source terminal stored in the image type management DB 3001a (see FIG. 16), in step S53. The image data ID received in step S58 is stored in association with the address and the image type information (step S59).

On the other hand, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 transmits an additional notification of the image type information to another communication terminal (here, the video conference terminal 3d) (step S60). The additional notification of the image type information includes the image data ID generated in step S56, and the IP address and image type information of the own terminal (video conferencing terminal 3a) which is the source terminal stored in step S53. It has been. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 91 of the video conferencing terminal 3d receives the additional notification of the image type information. The transmission destination of the transmission / reception unit 51 is another IP address associated with the same session ID as the IP address of the video conferencing terminal 3a in the session management DB 5001 (see FIG. 19). That is, the transmission destination is another communication terminal in the same virtual conference room as the video conference terminal 3a.

Next, the storage / reading unit 39d of the video conferencing terminal 3d receives the image data ID, the IP address of the source terminal, and the IP address of the source terminal received as new records in the image type management DB 9001 (see FIG. 16) in step S60. Image type information is associated and stored (step S61). Similarly, the additional communication of the image type information is transmitted to the other communication terminals PC 7 and the smartphone 9, and the PC 7 and the smartphone 9 are also stored in the image type management DB 7001, 9001, respectively. From the above, each communication terminal can share the same information in each image type management DB 3001a, 3001d, 7001, 9001.

<Communication processing of captured image data>
Subsequently, the communication processing of the captured image data in the video call will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 34. FIG. 25 is an image diagram showing a state of a video call. Of these, FIG. 25A shows a case where the photographing device 1a is not used, and FIG. 25B shows a case where the photographing device 1a is used.

First, as shown in FIG. 25A, when the camera 312 (see FIG. 11) provided in advance in the video conferencing terminal 3a is used without using the photographing device 1a, the angle of view is 125 degrees horizontally. Since it is 70 degrees vertically, the video conferencing terminal 3a must be placed at the edge of the desk on which each user A1 or the like is displayed. Therefore, each user A1 and the like must face the video conferencing terminal 3a side and speak. Further, since each user A1 or the like faces the video conferencing terminal 3a, the display 4a is also placed on the side of the video conferencing terminal 3a. As a result, the users A2 and A4 away from the video conferencing terminal 3a have to speak in a relatively loud voice because they are away from the microphone 314 (see FIG. 11), and it is difficult to see the display contents of the display 4a.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25B, when the photographing device 1a is used, two hemispherical images that are the basis of the spherical panoramic image can be obtained, so that a video conference can be obtained. The terminal 3a and the display 4a can be placed relatively in the center of the desk. As a result, since each user A1 or the like is close to the microphone 314, he / she can speak in a relatively low voice, and the display contents of the display 4a can be easily seen. A whiteboard 6 on which the user A1 or the like can write characters, pictures, or the like is installed on the right side of the base A.

Subsequently, using FIG. 26, the captured image data and sound data obtained at the base A shown in FIG. 25 (b) are transmitted to the other communication terminals (smartphones 9, PC7) via the communication management system 5. , The process of being transmitted to the video conferencing terminal 3d) will be described. FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram showing communication processing of captured image data and sound data in a video call.

First, the communication unit 18a of the photographing device 1a transmits the photographed image data obtained by photographing the subject, the landscape, etc. and the sound data obtained by collecting the sound to the communication unit 38a of the video conferencing terminal 3a (step S101). ). In this case, since the photographing device 1a is a device capable of obtaining two hemispherical images that are the basis of the spherical panoramic image, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the photographed image data Is composed of data of two hemispherical images. As a result, the communication unit 38a of the video conferencing terminal 3a receives the captured image data and the sound data.

Next, the transmission / reception unit 31a of the video conferencing terminal 3a transmits the captured image data and the sound data sent from the photographing device 1a to the communication management system 5 (step S102). This transmission includes an image data ID for identifying the captured image data to be transmitted. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 receives the captured image data and the image data ID.

Next, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 transmits the captured image data and the sound data to the communication terminals (smartphone 9, PC7, video conference terminal 3d) participating in the same video call as the video conference terminal 3a. Transmit (steps S103, S104, S105). Each of these transmissions includes an image data ID for identifying the captured image data to be transmitted. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 91 of the smartphone 9, the transmission / reception unit 71 of the PC 7, and the transmission / reception unit 31d of the video conferencing terminal 3d receive the captured image data, the image data ID, and the sound data, respectively.

Subsequently, a display example of the display 917 at the base B will be described with reference to FIG. 27. FIG. 27 is a display example of the display at the base B. Of these, FIG. 27A is from the photographed image data sent from the photographing device 1a of the base A via the video conferencing terminal 3a and the photographed image data sent from the photographing device 1b of the base B. , The case where the spherical panoramic image is displayed as it is without being created and the predetermined area image is created is shown. On the other hand, FIG. 27B shows a case where a spherical panoramic image is created and a predetermined area image is created from the captured image data sent from the photographing devices 1a and 1b. The image of the base A is displayed in the display area (layout number "1") on the left side of the display 917, and the image of the base B (own base) is displayed in the display area (layout number "2") on the upper right side. Has been done. Further, the image of the base C is displayed in the display area (layout number "3") in the middle right side of the display 4d, and the image of the base D (own base) is displayed in the display area (layout number "4") in the lower right side. It is displayed. The display area of the layout number "1" is the main display area, and the display areas of the layout numbers "2", "3" and "4" are the sub display areas. The image of the main display area and the image of the sub display area can be changed in each communication terminal. Normally, at each base, an image of the base where the central person of the video call is located is displayed in the main display area.

Here, when the captured image data sent from the photographing devices 1a and 1b capable of capturing the spherical panoramic image is displayed as it is, as shown in FIG. 27 (a), the base A and the base B are displayed. The images of are displayed as a front hemisphere image and a rear hemisphere image, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), respectively.

On the other hand, the image / sound processing unit 93 obtains the panoramic image of the whole sky from the captured image data output by the photographing devices 1a and 1b capable of obtaining the two hemispherical images that are the basis of the panoramic image of the whole sky. When the predetermined region image is created and further created, the predetermined region image which is a plane image is displayed as shown in FIG. 27 (b). At the base C, the photographing device 8 for obtaining a general image takes a picture, and at the base D, the camera 312 built in the video conferencing terminal 3d for obtaining a general image takes a picture. Therefore, FIGS. 27 (a) and 27 (b). ), A general image (here, a flat image) is displayed.

In addition, the user of each base can change the predetermined area related to the predetermined area image in the same spherical panoramic image. For example, the user B1 receives the movement of the predetermined area image by the reception unit 92 by operating the touch panel 921, and the display control unit 94 shifts, rotates, reduces, or enlarges the predetermined area image. can do. As a result, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), a predetermined area image in which some users A1 and A2 of the base A are displayed by default (default) is shown in FIG. 28 (c). A predetermined area image can be displayed as shown above. Specifically, FIG. 28 (c) shows, in the photographed image of the base A shown in FIG. 25 (b), from the predetermined area image including the users A1 and A2 to the predetermined area image including the whiteboard 6. Indicates the changed state.

Note that the spherical icons 191 and 192 shown in FIGS. 27 (b) and 27 (c) are special for indicating that they are predetermined region images indicating a partial predetermined region T of the spherical panoramic image. This is an example of an image identification icon. The display positions of the spherical icons 191 and 192 may be anywhere, such as upper left, lower left, and lower right, instead of the upper right. Further, the types of spherical icons 191 and 192 are not limited to FIGS. 27 (b) and 27 (c). Further, instead of the spherical icons 191, 192, characters such as "omnidirectional image" may be used, or a combination of icons and characters may be used.

Subsequently, using FIG. 28, image communication is performed when the predetermined area image is displayed as shown in FIG. 27 (b) and when the predetermined area image is changed as shown in FIGS. 27 (b) to 27 (c). The processing in the system will be described. FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram showing a process of sharing predetermined area information. In FIG. 28, the video conferencing terminal 3a of the base A is the third communication terminal, the video conferencing terminal 3d of the base D is another communication terminal, and the smartphone 9 of the base B is the communication terminal (own terminal).

First, as shown in FIG. 27B, when the user D1 or the like uses the video conferencing terminal 3d to display a predetermined area image of the base A at the base D, the transmission / reception unit of the video conferencing terminal 3d. 31d transmits predetermined area information indicating the displayed predetermined area image to the communication management system 5 (step S111). The predetermined area information includes the IP address of the video conferencing terminal 3a, which is the source of the captured image data, and the IP address of the video conferencing terminal 3d, which is the transmission destination of the captured image data (the source of the predetermined area information). ing. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 receives the predetermined area information.

Next, the storage / reading unit 59 of the communication management system 5 stores the predetermined area information received in step S111 and the source and destination IP addresses in association with each other in the predetermined area management DB 5003 (step S112). The processing of steps S111 and 112 is performed every time the predetermined area image is changed on the video conferencing terminal 3d as shown in FIGS. 27 (b) to 27 (c).

Next, the storage / reading unit 59 of the communication management system 5 becomes the latest set at that time among the sets of the predetermined area information and each IP address stored in the predetermined area management DB 5003 (stored at the latest). A set of predetermined area information and each IP address (which is a set) is read out at regular intervals (for example, 30 seconds) (step S113). Then, the transmission / reception unit 51 reads in step S113 with respect to other communication terminals (video conference terminal 3a, smartphone 9, PC7) that are making the same video call as the video conference terminal 3d that is the source of the predetermined area information. Deliver (transmit) predetermined area information including each issued IP address (steps S114, S116, S118). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 31a of the video conferencing terminal 3a receives the predetermined area information. Then, the storage / reading unit 39a stores the predetermined area information received in step S114 and each IP address in the predetermined area management DB 3003a in association with each other (step S115). Similarly, in the smartphone 9, after the transmission / reception unit 91 receives the predetermined area information, the storage / reading unit 99 stores the predetermined area information received in step S116 and each IP address in the predetermined area management DB 9003. (Step S117). Further, also in the PC 7, after the transmission / reception unit 71 receives the predetermined area information, the storage / reading unit 79 associates the predetermined area information received in step S118 with the similarly received IP addresses in the predetermined area management DB 7003. Store (step S119).

As described above, the predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image changed at the base A is transmitted to the communication terminals of the other bases B, C, and D during the same video call, so that the predetermined area displayed at the base A is displayed. Predetermined area information showing an image is also shared with other bases B, C, and D. This process is also performed when the predetermined area image is changed at the bases B, C, and D, and the predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image displayed at each other base is common to all the bases during the same video call. Will be done.

Subsequently, a method of using the predetermined area information shared at each site will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 34. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a display process of a predetermined area image. Since the processing of each communication terminal is the same, the processing of the smartphone 9 at the base B will be described here. Specifically, when the captured image data transmitted from the video conferencing terminal 3a of the base A is displayed as a predetermined area image by the video conferencing terminal 3d of the base D, the video conferencing terminal 3d is in the same video call. A process executed by the smartphone 9 of the base B by transmitting predetermined area information indicating a predetermined area image to another communication terminal will be described.

First, in the smartphone 9, the storage / reading unit 99 responds by searching the image type management DB 9001 (see FIG. 16) using the image data ID received in step S103 shown in FIG. 26 as a search key. The image type information (source name) to be used is read out (step S131).

Next, the determination unit 95 determines whether or not the image type information read in step S131 indicates that it is a "special image" (step S132). When indicating that the image type information is a "special image" (step S132; YES), the storage / reading unit 99 is further displayed by the communication terminals of the other bases on the predetermined area management DB 9003. The predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image is searched (step S133). Then, the determination unit 95 determines whether or not the predetermined area management DB 9003 manages the predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image displayed by the communication terminal of each other base (step S134). When the predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image displayed by the communication terminal of each other base is managed (step S134; YES), the calculation unit 97 determines the predetermined area displayed by the smartphone 9 (own terminal). Predetermined area information (i2) indicating a predetermined area image of the area T2, and predetermined area information (i2) indicating a predetermined area image of the predetermined area T1 received from another communication terminal by the transmission / reception unit 91 and managed in the predetermined area management DB 9003. Based on i1), the position of the predetermined region T1 with respect to the predetermined region T2 is calculated in the entire image (step S135). Strictly speaking, the position in this case indicates the gazing point of the predetermined region T1 with respect to the gazing point of the predetermined region T2. The gazing point is the center point as described above, but may be the upper left edge (or the lower left edge, the upper right edge, or the lower right edge) of the rectangle of each predetermined area. Alternatively, the gazing point may be a specific point within each predetermined area.

Here, a method of calculating the gazing point of the predetermined region T1 with respect to the predetermined region T2 in the entire image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 (a) is a diagram showing the definition of the angle of the virtual camera, and FIG. 30 (b) is a method of calculating the position of the gazing point of another base in the predetermined area image of the own base by parallel projection viewed from above. It is a figure which shows.

As shown in FIG. 30A, the calculation unit 97 has a driving diameter r and a polar angle θ from the predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image being displayed by the display control unit 94 of the own terminal (smartphone 9). , And the azimuth angle φ, and let this be CP1 (r0, θ1, φ1). Next, the calculation unit 97 acquires the driving diameter r, the polar angle θ, and the azimuth angle φ from the predetermined area information of the other base read in step S133, and uses these as CP2 (r0, θ2, φ2). To do.

Considering the predetermined region T2 centered on the gazing point CP1 of the own terminal (smartphone 9), the width w and the height h of the predetermined region T2 are assumed to be w in FIG. 30 (b) projected in parallel from the polar direction. , The height is projected to the length of hcosθ1.

Further, the moving diameter of the gazing point CP1 is projected on the length of r0sinθ1, and the moving diameter of the gazing point CP2 is projected on the length of r0sinθ2. The viewpoint CP2 is located at the coordinates (r0sinθ2, r0cosφ2, r0sinθ2, r0cosφ2).

From the above, in FIG. 30 (b). Since the coordinates of the gazing point CP1 and the gazing point CP2 can be derived, the position of the gazing point CP2 on the plane of the predetermined region T2 having the width w and the height h can be derived using a general coordinate transformation. it can.

Here, a method of calculating the direction of the predetermined region T1 with respect to the predetermined region T2 in the entire image will be described with reference to FIG. 31. FIG. 31 (a) is a diagram showing the definition of the angle, and FIG. 31 (b) is a diagram showing the definition of the angle range.

As shown in FIG. 31 (a), the calculation unit 97 acquires the azimuth angle φ from the predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image being displayed by the display control unit 94 of the own terminal (smartphone 9). Let the rotation angle be φ1. Next, the calculation unit 97 acquires the azimuth angle φ from the predetermined area information of the other base read in step S133, and sets this as the rotation angle φ2. Further, the calculation unit 97 sets the difference between the rotation angle φ2 and the rotation angle φ1 as the rotation angle φ3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 31 (b), the angle range centered on the rotation angle φ of the own base is α1, and the angle range centered on the horizontal angle of the own base plus 180 degrees is set. When α2 is set, the calculation unit 97 calculates the direction of the predetermined region T1 with respect to the predetermined region T2 in the entire image as follows.
(1) When the rotation angle φ3 is included in the angle range α1, the positional relationship is determined to be “forward”.
(2) When φ3 is included in the angle range α2, the positional relationship is judged to be “backward”.
(3) When φ3 is not included in the angle range α1 and the angle range α2 and is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees, the positional relationship is determined to be “rightward”.
(4) When φ3 is not included in the angle range α1 and the angle range α2 and is larger than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees, the positional relationship is determined to be “leftward”.

Next, the image / sound processing unit 93 creates a predetermined area image including the gazing point mark indicating the gazing point and the display direction mark indicating the direction calculated by the calculating unit 97 (step S136). The display position of the gazing point mark is directly obtained from the position of the predetermined area T1 with respect to the predetermined area T2 in the entire image. The display position of the display direction mark is obtained by the above-mentioned processing of each of the determinations (1) to (4) using the position of the predetermined area T1 with respect to the predetermined area T2 in the entire image.

At this time, the image / sound processing unit 93 sets the spherical icons 191, 192 indicating that it is a spherical panoramic image as a predetermined region image based on the fact that the image type information is a “special image”. Synthesize. The display control unit 94 is shown in FIGS. 32 (a), (b), (c), (d), 33 (a), (b), (c), (d), and 34. As described above, the predetermined area image created by step S136 is displayed (step S137).

32 (a), (b), (c), and (d) show images of the main display area, and are views showing four display examples of a predetermined area image including a display direction mark. Further, FIGS. 33 (a), (b), (c), and (d) show images of the main display area, and are views showing four display examples of a predetermined area image including a gazing point mark. .. Note that FIG. 33C is a diagram showing a case where there is a base that does not transmit predetermined area information. Further, FIG. 33D is a diagram showing a case where there is a base that does not transmit the own base IP address in the predetermined area information.

FIG. 34 shows an image of the main display area, and is a diagram showing one display example of a predetermined area image including a gazing point mark and a display direction mark. Further, as shown in FIG. 27, images of all the bases during the video call are displayed, but in FIGS. 32, 33, and 34, only the image of the base A is displayed due to the area of the drawing. it's shown.

As shown in FIG. 32 (a), in the predetermined area image which is a part of the image of the base A, in the whole image, the predetermined area image displayed at the base B (own base) is used as a reference. Display direction marks m11, m13, and m14 indicating the direction of the predetermined area image displayed at another base are displayed. The display direction marks m21, m23, m24 shown in FIG. 32 (b) and the display direction marks m31, m33, and m34 shown in FIG. 32 (c) are shown in FIG. 32 (a), respectively. Corresponds to the displayed display direction marks m11, m13, and m14.

In FIG. 32 (d), when the communication terminals of the base A and the base B transmit the predetermined area information and the communication terminal of the base D does not transmit the predetermined area information, the display direction corresponding to the base A and the base B The mark is displayed, indicating that the display direction mark corresponding to the base D is not displayed. In order to perform such a display, for example, in the case of the process shown in FIG. 28, the video conferencing terminal 3d has a transmission mode of “transmitting” or “not transmitting” predetermined area information in the process of step S111. Make a switch. In this case, the reception unit 32d accepts the user's selection of switching the transmission mode, and the transmission / reception unit 31 switches between "transmitting" and "not transmitting" accordingly. By switching in this way, it is possible to deal with the case where the video conferencing terminal 3d (other communication terminal) side does not want to inform the smartphone 9 (communication terminal) of which predetermined area image is being displayed. it can.

The display direction mark is an example of direction information and may be in another form. Further, the direction information may be indicated by characters such as "right", "left", "back", and "front" instead of being indicated by arrows.

Further, as shown in FIG. 33 (a), in the predetermined area image which is a part of the image of the base A, the predetermined area image displayed at the base B (own base) is used as a reference in the whole image. The gazing point marks m41 and m42 indicating the gazing point of the predetermined area image displayed at the other base are displayed. The gazing point mark may be displayed semi-transparently so as not to hide the predetermined area image. The display direction marks m51 and m52 shown in FIG. 33B correspond to the display direction marks m41 and m42 shown in FIG. 33A, respectively.

In FIG. 33A, the gaze point mark m41 showing the base name “C” and the gaze point mark m42 showing the base name “D” so that the gaze point of which base can be identified. Is displayed. On the other hand, in FIG. 33B, the base name is not displayed, and different bases are indicated by different patterns of gazing point marks. In this case, if a table for associating the pattern with the base name is prepared at each base, the user of each base can identify the base from the pattern of the gazing point mark. The table may be printed on paper or stored as electronic data at each site.

FIG. 33C shows a case where the communication terminal of the base C transmits the predetermined area information and the communication terminal of the base D does not transmit the predetermined area information in the process of step S111 by switching the transmission mode described above. There is. As a result, the gaze point mark m41 of the base C is displayed, but the gaze point mark of the base D is not displayed.

FIG. 33 (d) shows a case where the above-described modification of the transmission mode is performed. For example, the communication terminal can transmit the predetermined area information, but can switch the transmission mode of "transmitting" or "not transmitting" the IP address of the transmission source (own terminal). In this case, the reception unit 32d accepts the user's selection of transmission mode switching, and the transmission / reception unit 31 switches between "transmitting" and "not transmitting" accordingly. By switching in this way, it is possible to prevent the other party from identifying the communication terminal that is viewing the predetermined area image.

FIG. 33D shows a case where the communication terminal of the base C transmits the predetermined area information including the own base IP address, and the communication terminal of the base D does not include the own base IP address in the predetermined area information. There is. As a result, the gazing point mark m41 indicating the base name “C” is displayed for the base C, but the “?” Indicates that it is unknown which base the base D is. The gazing point mark m61 indicating is displayed. Even if it is not "?", A gazing point mark without characters may be displayed. Further, instead of not including the own base IP address, "0.0.0.0" may be included as an invalid (invalid) IP address for transmission.

In addition, instead of the pattern for distinguishing the gazing point mark, it may be possible to distinguish by changing the color or line type. The gaze point mark is an example of corresponding position information.

In FIG. 34, when the gazing point of another base is included in the range of the predetermined area image, the display mark m41 indicating the gazing point is displayed, and when it is not included in the range of the predetermined area image, the display direction marks m11 and m14 are displayed. Has been done.

Subsequently, returning to FIG. 29, when the predetermined area management DB 9003 does not manage the predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image displayed by the communication terminal of the other base by the determination in step S134 (step S134). ; NO), the image / sound processing unit 93 creates a predetermined area image without including the gazing point mark and the display direction mark (step S138). After that, the process proceeds to step S137.

Further, when the judgment in step S132 does not indicate that the image type information is a "special image" (step S132; NO), that is, when it indicates that the image type information is a "general image". Does not create an all-sky panoramic image from the captured image data received in step S103, and the display control unit 94 displays a general image (step S139).

As described above, the users B1 and B2 of the base B can grasp the positional relationship between the predetermined area image displayed at the own base and the predetermined area image displayed at the other base. As a result, it is possible to prevent users B1 and B2 of the base B from being unable to keep up with topics such as meetings.

<< Main effects of this embodiment >>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication terminal such as the video conferencing terminal 3a creates a spherical panoramic image based on the image data ID sent together with the image data and the corresponding image type information. Further, a predetermined area image can be created. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27A, it is possible to prevent the front hemisphere image and the rear hemisphere image from being displayed.

Furthermore, since the user of any base can grasp which part of the whole image of the spherical panoramic image is displayed in the predetermined area image at the other base, the conference or the like can be performed as compared with the conventional case. It has the effect of making it easier to follow the topic of.

Further, in FIG. 28, if the communication management system 5 transfers the predetermined area information to another communication terminal each time the predetermined area information is received from the video conferencing terminal 3d, each gazing point shown in FIG. 34. Due to the flickering of the mark and the display direction mark, the users B1 and B2 cannot concentrate on the video call. Therefore, as shown in steps S112 to S114, the communication management system 5 distributes the latest predetermined area information at that time and a set of each IP address at regular intervals so that each user can make a video call. You can concentrate.

[Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 35. FIG. 35 shows another example of the processing shown in FIG. 28, and is a sequence diagram showing another processing sharing predetermined area information. In FIG. 35, the video conferencing terminal 3a at the base A is a communication terminal (own terminal), and the video conferencing terminal 3d at the base D is another communication terminal.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the communication management system 5 temporarily manages each predetermined area information transmitted from each communication terminal (see S112), and transmits the information at regular intervals. Each predetermined area information was transmitted to each communication terminal other than the original (see S114 to S119). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35, the communication terminal (here, the video conferencing terminal 3a) that is the source of the captured image data is replaced with the communication management system 5 in a predetermined area. The information is once managed (see S213), and each predetermined area information is transmitted to each communication terminal other than the own terminal at regular intervals (see S215 to S221). That is, in the present embodiment, the communication terminal of the transmission source of the captured image data is a predetermined region of what kind of predetermined region T1 the captured image data transmitted by the own terminal (here, the video conferencing terminal 3a) is in another communication terminal. It manages whether it is displayed as an image.

The present embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and the processing shown in FIG. 28 is different. Therefore, in the following, the same reference numerals will be used for the same configuration, and the description thereof will be omitted, and FIG. 35 will be used to describe the processing portion different from that of the first embodiment.

First, when the user D1 or the like uses the video conferencing terminal 3d to display the predetermined area image of the base A at the base D, the transmission / reception unit 31d of the video conferencing terminal 3d is displayed to the communication management system 5. The predetermined area information indicating the predetermined area image is transmitted (step S211). The predetermined area information includes the IP address of the video conferencing terminal 3a, which is the source of the captured image data, and the IP address of the video conferencing terminal 3d, which is the transmission destination of the captured image data (the source of the predetermined area information). ing. As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 receives the predetermined area information.

Next, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 transmits predetermined area information including each IP address received in step S211 to the video conferencing terminal 3a which is the transmission source of the captured image data (step S212). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 31a of the video conferencing terminal 3a receives the predetermined area information.

Next, the storage / reading unit 39a of the video conferencing terminal 3a stores the predetermined area information received in step S212 and the transmission source and transmission IP addresses in association with each other in the predetermined area management DB 3003a (step S213). The process of step S213 is a process of managing how the captured image data transmitted by the own terminal (here, the video conferencing terminal 3a) is displayed on another communication terminal. The processing of steps S211 to S213 is performed every time the predetermined area image is changed in the video conferencing terminal 3d.

Next, the storage / reading unit 39a of the video conferencing terminal 3a becomes the latest set at that time among the sets of the predetermined area information and each IP address stored in the predetermined area management DB 3003a (stored at the latest). The predetermined area information (which forms a set) and each IP address are read out at regular intervals (for example, 30 seconds) (step S214). Then, the transmission / reception unit 31a transmits predetermined area information including each IP address read in step S214 to the communication management system 5 (step S215). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 receives the predetermined area information.

Next, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the communication management system 5 transmits (distributes) predetermined area information including each IP address received in step S215 to each communication terminal (video conference terminal 3d, smartphone 9, PC7) (step). S216, S218, S220). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 31d of the video conferencing terminal 3d receives the predetermined area information. Then, the storage / reading unit 39d stores the predetermined area information received in step S216 in association with each IP address also received in the predetermined area management DB 3003d (step S217). Similarly, in the smartphone 9, after the transmission / reception unit 91 receives the predetermined area information, the storage / reading unit 99 sends the predetermined area information received in step S218 to the predetermined area management DB 9003 to each IP address also received. It is associated and stored (step S219). Further, also in the PC 7, after the transmission / reception unit 71 receives the predetermined area information, the storage / reading unit 79 associates the predetermined area information received in step S220 with the similarly received IP addresses in the predetermined area management DB 7003. Store (step S221).

<< Main effects of this embodiment >>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a predetermined communication terminal indicating how the communication terminal of the source of the captured image data is displayed on each communication terminal based on the captured image data transmitted from the own terminal. Area information is collected and distributed to each communication terminal. As a result, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, when the same conference or the like is held by a large number of communication terminals, it is possible to prevent the burden on the communication management system 5 from being concentrated.

[Third Embodiment]
Subsequently, the third embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 10, the photographing device 1a includes one microphone 108, but in the present embodiment, the photographing device 1a includes a plurality of directional microphones. When the photographing device 1a uses a plurality of directional microphones, the audio data of each directional microphone is transmitted from the photographing device 1a to the video conferencing terminal 3a. As a result, the calculation unit 37a of the video conferencing terminal 3a calculates the direction (microphone angle) of the sound source from the audio data of each microphone, and the calculated direction is to specify the position of the speaker (the source of the captured image). It is used for. The same applies to the photographing device 1b. The photographing device 1b provided with a plurality of directional microphones transmits the audio data of each microphone to the smartphone 9, and the calculation unit 97 of the smartphone 9 determines the direction of the sound source from the audio data of each microphone. The (microphone angle) is calculated, and the calculated angle is used to identify the position of the speaker (the source of the captured image).

<< Main effects of this embodiment >>
As described above, it is possible to more accurately display which part of the whole image of the spherical panoramic image is displayed in the predetermined area image at another base.

[Supplement]
In the above embodiment, as an example of the panoramic image, the captured image (overall image) is a three-dimensional all-sky panoramic image, but it may be a two-dimensional panoramic image. In the present invention, the global panoramic image does not have to be the entire global panoramic image. For example, the global panoramic image may be a wide-field image having about 180 to 360 degrees in the horizontal direction.

In the above embodiment, the predetermined area T is specified by the predetermined area information indicating the shooting direction and the angle of view of the virtual camera IC in the three-dimensional virtual space including the spherical image CE, but is not limited to this. For example, when the angle of view is fixed and used, the predetermined area T is specified in FIG. 7 by the center point CP or the predetermined point information indicating arbitrary points at the four corners of the rectangular predetermined area T. You may. The "predetermined information" includes a predetermined area information and a predetermined information.

In the above embodiment, as an example of the panoramic image, the captured image (overall image) is a three-dimensional all-sky panoramic image, but it may be a two-dimensional panoramic image.

Further, in the above embodiment, the communication management system 5 relays the predetermined area information transmitted from each communication terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and even if each communication terminal directly transmits and receives the predetermined area information. Good.

Further, each function of the above embodiment can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array), SOC (System on a chip), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and conventional circuit modules.

1a Imaging device 1b Imaging device 3a Video conferencing terminal (an example of a third communication terminal / an example of a communication terminal (own terminal))
3d video conferencing terminal (an example of other communication terminals)
4a display 4d display (an example of display means)
5 Communication management system 7 PC
8 Shooting device 9 Smartphone (an example of communication terminal (own terminal))
31d Transmitter / receiver (example of transmitting means, example of receiving means)
32d Reception Department (Example of reception means)
37d calculation unit (example of changing means)
3001d Image type management DB (an example of image type management means)
3002d Imaging device management DB (an example of imaging device management means)
3003d Predetermined area management DB (example of predetermined area management means)
3004d Required resolution management DB (an example of required resolution management means)
m11 Display direction mark (example of direction information)
m14 Display direction mark (example of direction information)
m21 Display direction mark (example of direction information)
m24 Display direction mark (example of direction information)
m31 Display direction mark (example of direction information)
m34 Display direction mark (example of direction information)
m41 Gaze point mark (example of corresponding position information)
m42 gazing point mark (example of corresponding position information)
m51 Gaze point mark (example of corresponding position information)
m52 Gaze point mark (example of corresponding position information)
m61 Gaze point mark (example of corresponding position information)

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-178135 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-22307

Claims (12)

A communication terminal capable of displaying an image of a predetermined area in the entire image.
Receives first predetermined information for identifying the first predetermined area transmitted by another communication terminal displaying the first predetermined area image which is an image of the first predetermined area in the whole image. Receiving means and
When the communication terminal displays the second predetermined area image which is the image of the second predetermined area in the whole image, the second predetermined information for specifying the second predetermined area and the reception A calculation means for calculating the position of the first predetermined area with respect to the second predetermined area in the entire image based on the first predetermined information received by the means.
Based on the position calculated by the calculation means, at least one of the corresponding position information indicating the position and the direction information indicating the direction of the first predetermined area with respect to the second predetermined area is the second predetermined area image. Display control means to be included in and displayed in
A communication terminal characterized by having. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the data of the whole image is transmitted from the communication terminal and a third communication terminal different from the other communication terminals. The communication terminal according to claim 1 or 2.
An image type management means for associating and managing predetermined image data identification information for identifying data of a predetermined overall image and predetermined image type information indicating the type of the entire image, and
When the receiving means receives the data of a specific whole image transmitted by the other communication terminal and the specific image data identification information for identifying the data of the whole image, the image type management means said. When indicating that the specific image type information corresponding to the received specific image data identification information is a global panoramic image, the whole as a global panoramic image is based on the data of the specific overall image. A means for creating the second predetermined area image in the image, and
Have,
The creation means creates the second predetermined area image including at least one of the corresponding position information and the direction information based on the position of the first predetermined area calculated by the calculation means.
The display control means is a communication terminal characterized by displaying the second predetermined area image including at least one of the corresponding position information and the direction information created by the creation means. The communication terminal according to claim 1.
For specifying the destination information of the communication terminal of the source of the data of the whole image, the destination information of the communication terminal of the destination of the data of the whole image, and the predetermined area image displayed by the communication terminal of the destination. A predetermined area management means for associating and managing predetermined information, and
A transmission means for transmitting the data of the entire image of the own base, which is the communication terminal, so that the other communication terminal receives the data.
Have,
The receiving means is transmitted from the other communication terminal together with the first predetermined information, and is the destination information of the own terminal which is the source of the data of the whole image received by the other communication terminal and the other. Receives the destination information of the communication terminal and
The predetermined area management means manages the destination information of the own terminal received by the receiving means, the destination information of the other communication terminal, and the first predetermined information in association with each other.
The transmission means includes the destination information of the own terminal managed by the predetermined area management means, the destination information of the other communication terminal, and the first, so that a communication terminal other than the own terminal during the same video call receives the call. A communication terminal characterized by transmitting the predetermined information of 1. The communication terminal according to claim 4, wherein the data of the whole image is transmitted from the communication terminal. The transmitting means is characterized in that the latest destination information of the own terminal, the destination information of the other communication terminal, and the first predetermined information managed by the predetermined area management means are transmitted at regular intervals. The communication terminal according to claim 5. The communication terminal according to claim 6.
It has a receiving means for accepting switching between transmitting or not transmitting the first predetermined information.
A communication terminal characterized in that when the receiving means accepts not to transmit, the transmitting means does not transmit the first predetermined information. The communication terminal according to claim 6.
It has a receiving means for accepting switching of transmitting or not transmitting the destination information of the own terminal.
A communication terminal characterized in that when the receiving means accepts not to transmit, the transmitting means does not transmit the destination information of the own terminal. The communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the communication terminal is a video conferencing terminal, a personal computer, a smartphone, a digital television, a smart watch, or a car navigation device. The communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and
With the other communication terminal
A communication management system that manages the communication of captured image data between the communication terminal and other communication terminals.
Image communication system with. It is a display method executed by a communication terminal capable of displaying an image of a predetermined area in the entire image.
Receives first predetermined information for identifying the first predetermined area transmitted by another communication terminal displaying the first predetermined area image which is an image of the first predetermined area in the whole image. Receive step and
When the communication terminal displays the second predetermined area image which is the image of the second predetermined area in the whole image, the second predetermined information for specifying the second predetermined area and the reception A calculation step of calculating the position of the first predetermined area with respect to the second predetermined area in the whole image based on the first predetermined information received by the step.
Based on the position calculated by the calculation step, at least one of the corresponding position information indicating the position and the direction information indicating the direction of the first predetermined area with respect to the second predetermined area is the second predetermined area image. Display control steps to be included and displayed in
A display method characterized by executing. A program for causing a computer to perform the method according to claim 11.