JP2020167614A - Remote communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a remote communication apparatus and a method capable of enhancing a sense of unity with other points.SOLUTION: Remote communication apparatuses 100A, 100B for obtaining spatial images of distant points at each point and displaying the spatial images of other points at each point includes an imaging device 2 provided at each point to acquire a spatial image, a display device 3 for displaying a spatial image, and a control device 4 for controlling operation of the imaging device 2 and the display device 3 and transmitting and receiving spatial images. The imaging device 2, the display device 3, and the control device 4 are combined into one set. Two sets are provided so that an imaging area of the imaging device 2 is substantially continuous and a display area of the display device 3 is substantially continuous.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a remote communication device and a remote communication method.

It has been proposed to share spatial information of distant points with each other by installing an imager at two distant points and displaying a spatial image of one point at the other point (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-297766

By sharing spatial information of distant points by the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a situation in which a plurality of points virtually exist in the same space is created, and communication between distant points is facilitated. It becomes possible to do.

However, there is a problem that the spatial image obtained by the conventional technique is flat and the imaging area is limited, so that a sense of unity with other points cannot be sufficiently obtained.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a remote communication device and a method capable of further enhancing a sense of unity with other points.

In order to achieve the above object, the remote communication device of the present invention
It is a remote communication device for remote communication that acquires a spatial image of a distant point at each point and displays a spatial image of another point at each point.
It is provided with two imaging devices for acquiring a spatial image, two display devices for displaying a spatial image, and a control device for controlling the imaging device and the display device and transmitting and receiving a spatial image.
The two image pickup devices are set so that the image pickup areas are continuous in space, and the two display devices are arranged so that the display areas are continuous.
The display areas of the two display devices are arranged so as to intersect.
It is characterized by that.

For example, the two display devices are arranged so that the display areas are orthogonal to each other.

The optical axes of the two image pickup devices are, for example, orthogonal to and horizontal to the display area of the display device.

In the two image pickup devices, for example, one side edge of the acquired image of one image pickup device is set at a corner of a room in which the image pickup device is installed, and the other side of the acquired image of the other image pickup device is set. An edge is set at the corner of the room.

It is desirable that the two imaging devices target different areas for imaging.

The display areas of the two display devices are set, for example, parallel to the wall surface of the room in which the display devices are installed.

A table that covers the lower ends of the two display devices may be further provided, and the table may have a shape that fits into a fan-shaped area formed by the display areas of the two display devices.

Each of the display devices may be configured to be foldably connected by, for example, a hinge provided between the respective housings.

Each of the imaging devices is installed in, for example, a display device.

In order to achieve the above object, the remote communication method of the present invention
A remote communication method that includes acquiring spatial images of distant points at each point and displaying spatial images of other points at each point.
At each point, get two spatial images, send them to the other point, display the two spatial images at the other point,
The imaging areas of the two spatial images acquired at each point are made continuous,
Consecutive display areas for displaying two spatial images,
It is characterized by that.

According to the remote communication device of the present invention, by sharing a space between two points, it is possible to enhance the sense of unity of space sharing between remote locations.

It is a block diagram of the whole remote communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure and arrangement of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which omitted a part of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic front view of one communication unit of the remote communication device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure and arrangement of the image pickup apparatus of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) A diagram showing a suitable display example when the imaging device is set as shown in FIG. 6, and (b) to (d) an undesired display example when the installation position and direction of the imaging device deviate from each other. It is a figure which shows. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the display example of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the operation of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the use example of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating another use example of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the modification of the arrangement of the image pickup apparatus of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the 2nd modification of the arrangement of the image pickup apparatus of the remote communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the 2nd Embodiment. The second embodiment is shown, and is a plan view of the developed state. The second embodiment is shown, and is the front view of the developed state.

Hereinafter, the remote communication device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the remote communication system 100 according to the present embodiment is composed of a remote communication device 100A and a remote communication device 100B that are interconnected via a network NW.

The remote communication devices 100A and 100B are installed at the bases SA and SB, respectively, and acquire spatial images and sounds of the bases SA and SB and transmit them to the remote communication devices 100B and 100A on the other side. Further, the remote communication devices 100A and 100B display and emit a spatial image and sound received from the other party, respectively. In this way, the remote communication system 100 creates a situation in which the base SA and the SB virtually exist in the same space, and facilitates communication.

The remote communication devices 100A and 100B have substantially the same configuration as each other. Therefore, here, the configuration will be described using the remote communication device 100A as an example.

The remote communication device 100A includes communication units 1a and 1b as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication units 1a and 1b are arranged in combination, and include an image pickup device 2, a display device 3, and a control device 4, respectively.

The image pickup device 2 acquires the spatial image and sound on the front side of the remote communication device 100A and supplies them to the control device 4. The details of the imaging device 2 will be described later.

The display device 3 is composed of a projector 3a driven by a control device 4 to irradiate an image, and a screen 3b that forms an image of the irradiated image and serves as a display area.

As shown in FIG. 2, each screen 3b is supported by a support frame 5 assembled in a rectangular shape. Each screen 3b has a size of 80 inches or more diagonally. The 80-inch diagonal is the minimum size that makes a person look life-sized when projected. Further, the aspect ratio of the screen 3b has a size of 16: 9. The screen 3b is composed of, for example, a substantially white sheet or plate-like member. It is desirable that the screen 3b be supported by the support frame 5 so that it faces the vertical.

In this example, the two screens 3b are installed so that their side edges abut each other, as shown in the front view in FIG. 2 and the plan view in FIG. 3, and the two screens 3b intersect. Then, both screens 3b are installed so as to intersect at approximately 90 °.

The outer edge of the screen 3b is surrounded by an exposed support frame 5 in a rectangular shape, and is designed to give the impression of a window surrounded by the window frame. On the other hand, at the side edges of the screens 3b that are butted against each other, the support frame 5 is covered by the screens 3b and has a structure that is not exposed to the outside.

This configuration is shown in FIG. 5 with respect to the screen 3b of the communication unit 1b. The screen 3b is adapted to be abutted against the left side edge of the screen 3b of the communication unit 1a (not shown) at the right side edge thereof. Further, the screen 3b is attached so as to wrap the vertical support frame 5a of the support frame 5 at the right edge portion. Then, in the screen 3b of the communication unit 1a, the same processing is performed on the left edge portion.

When such a pair of screens 3b are butted against each other at the side edges where the above-described processing has been performed, the display area becomes a seamless and continuous display area as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a large screen in which the display area of 80 inches and the aspect ratio of 9:16 is continuous in the horizontal direction is formed.

As shown in FIG. 3, it is desirable that the communication units 1a and 1b are installed parallel to the wall surface (wall portion) 21 of the room that divides the space of the base SA and equidistant L1. The distance L1 is preferably relatively small, for example, 1 m or less. Further, 0.5 m or less is more desirable.

Each screen 3b extends to the lower end of the support frame 5. This functions to hide the background.

Further, a caster 6 with a lock function is attached to the lower end of the support frame 5.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a support rack 8 projecting forward is integrally provided at the lower part of the support frame 5. The support rack 8 includes two upper and lower mounting plates 8a and 8b. A projector 3a is installed on the upper mounting plate 8a. Further, a control device 4 is installed on the lower mounting plate 8b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the support rack 8 includes downward support legs 9. A caster 10 that supports the load applied to the support rack 8 is mounted on the lower end of the support leg 9.

The casters 6 and 10 allow the remote communication device 100A to stand up, be supported, and move.

An ultra-short throw projector is used as the projector 3a constituting the display device 3, whereby a large image of 80 inches diagonal is displayed on the screen 3b while narrowing the distance between the projector 3a and the screen 3b. It makes it possible to project. Further, by narrowing the distance between the projector 3a and the screen 3b, the front and rear dimensions of the remote communication device 100A are kept small. Further, by using an ultra-short throw projector, the image projected on the screen 3b can be easily seen even under a bright fluorescent lamp or the like.
The projector 3a includes an audio signal processing circuit and a speaker, and also outputs an audio signal.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the lower end of the screen 3b, the lower end of the support frame 5, the support rack 8, and the support rack 8 are placed in front of the pair of screens 3b installed orthogonally. A table 7 is installed so as to hide the projector 3a and the control device 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the table 7 is formed in a V shape in a plan view, and its side portion extends to a position where it enters a fan-shaped region formed by a pair of screens 3b.

The imaging device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the like. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the image pickup devices 2 of the communication units 1a and 1b are arranged adjacent to each other on the support frame 5 of the communication unit 1a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image pickup device 2 (for distinction, the image pickup device 2a) of the communication unit 1a is installed with the optical axis oriented perpendicular to the screen 3b of the communication unit 1a. On the other hand, the image pickup device 2 of the communication unit 1b (for the sake of distinction, the image pickup device 2b) is installed so that its optical axis faces the opposite direction of the communication unit 1b.

The image pickup devices 2a and 2b each capture an image having an aspect ratio of 9:16, similarly to the display device 3.

As schematically shown in a plane in FIG. 6, the imaging devices 2a and 2b have a field of view at an angle θ1 to the left and right with the optical axis AX as the center. θ1 is set to, for example, 32 °.
Further, the optical axis AXa of the image pickup apparatus 2a is set in the direction perpendicular to the screen 3b of the communication unit 1b and horizontally. Further, the image pickup device 2a is installed at a position where the left end LE of the field of view (imaging range) faces the corner portion 23 of the plane (wall portion) 22 that determines the space of the base SA.
On the other hand, the image pickup device 2b is installed so that the optical axis AXb is horizontal and the screen 3b of the communication unit 1b is oriented. Further, the right end RE of the field of view (imaging range) is installed at a position and orientation toward the corner portion 23.

By installing the image pickup devices 2a and 2b in this way, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the image of the linear corner portion 23 overlaps the boundary of the pair of screens 3b, and the two spatial images are continuous. Is displayed on two screens 3b. Therefore, it is possible to give the observer a sense of unity and immersion.

On the other hand, when the optical axes AXa and AXb of the imaging devices 2a and 2b are tilted downward, for example, the image of the corner portion 23 is the boundary between the pair of screens 3b, as illustrated in FIG. 7B. It does not overlap with, and is tilted and displayed on both screens 3b. Therefore, the continuity of both images is not ensured, and the image lacks a sense of presence and immersiveness. The same applies when the optical axes AXa and AXb of the image pickup devices 2a and 2b are tilted upward.
When the fields of view of the image pickup devices 2a and 2b overlap, for example, including the corner portion 23, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, an image of the same region including the corner portion 23 is displayed on the pair of screens 3b. It will be displayed on the border. Therefore, the continuity of both images is not ensured, and the image lacks a sense of presence and immersiveness.
When the visual fields of the image pickup devices 2a and 2b do not come into contact with each other, the display images of the pair of screens 3b are separated as illustrated in FIG. 7D, and the unity and continuity of the display images are not ensured. The image lacks a sense of presence and immersiveness.

The optical axes AXa and AXb of the image pickup devices 2a and 2b are installed horizontally, respectively. The installation height of the image pickup devices 2a and 2b is set to, for example, about ± 10 cm, for example, about 169 cm, which is the average eye height of the user of the remote communication device 100A.

With such an arrangement, the images to be imaged in the imaging devices 2a and 2b are adjacent to each other, and the acquired images do not overlap with each other. However, since the image pickup devices 2a and 2b are arranged adjacent to each other, a spatial image in the directivity direction can be acquired with almost no omission.

Each of the control devices 4 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a computer and is installed on a mounting plate 8b of a support rack 8.

The control device 4 has a function of transmitting and receiving image data and audio data, an image processing function, and a communication function. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the control device 4 of the communication unit 1a of the remote communication device 100A is connected to the image pickup device 2 and the display device 3 in the same communication unit 1a. The control device 4 transfers the image data (moving image data) and the voice data acquired by the image pickup device 2 to the control device 4 of the communication unit 1a of the remote communication device 100B installed at the base SB via the switching hub 7A. Send. Further, the control device 4 of the communication unit 1a of the remote communication device 100A displays image data and audio data transmitted from the control device 4 of the communication unit 1a of the remote communication device 100B set in the base SB. It is supplied to the projector 3a constituting the 3 and projected on the screen 3b or the sound is emitted.

Next, a method of sharing the space between the base SA and the SB will be described together with the operation of the remote communication system 100 according to the present embodiment configured in this way.

The image data and voice data acquired by the image pickup devices 2a and 2b of the remote communication device 100B installed at the base SB shown in FIG. 1 are supplied to the corresponding control device 4 in real time. Each control device 4 transmits to the control device 4 of the corresponding communication units 1a and 1b via the switching hub 7B, a network such as the Internet or an intranet, and the switching hub 7A.

Each control device 4 receives the transmitted image data and audio data, and provides the transmitted image data and audio data to the corresponding display device 3 for display and sound emission. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a spatial image showing the state of work at the base SB is displayed. This display state continues while the remote communication devices 100A and 100B are on.

Here, it is illustrated in FIG. 9 that the screen 3b is installed parallel to the wall surface 21 and the angle of view of the imaging devices 2a and 2b is set as shown in FIG. 6 as illustrated in FIG. As described above, the corner 26 of the room of the base SA is connected to the boundary line 3c of the pair of screens 3b, and the corner 24A of the ceiling of the room of the base SA, the corner 25A of the floor of the room of the base SA, and the screen 3b. The support frame 5 for determining the upper edge, the ceiling edge 24B of the base SB and the floor edge 25B, and the edge of the table 7 displayed on the pair of screens 3b are all on the boundary line 3c of the pair of screens 3b. Gives the observer the impression that it extends towards the location of the vanishing point. In other words, the real straight line group and the straight line group of the displayed image all give the observer the impression that they extend toward the vanishing point in perspective. Further, the support frame 5 is provided with a design reminiscent of a window frame. Therefore, the observer has the impression that the image displayed on the two consecutive screens 3b of the remote communication device 100A is being observed through a window in another room of the base SA.

As a result, a stronger sense of unity with other bases can be obtained.

It is also possible to hold dialogues, meetings, etc. between the base SA and the SB using the remote communication system 100.

This example will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
First, in the case of face-to-face conversation, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a person M1 stands toward the image pickup device 2a at the base SA, while a person M2 stands toward the image pickup device 2a at the base SB. In this case, the image of the person M1 is displayed on the screen 3b of the communication unit 1a of the base SB, and the image of the person M2 is displayed on the screen 3b of the communication unit 1a of the base SA. Both can talk as if they were facing each other in front of them. In FIG. 10, the image of a person is displayed on the entire large screen 3b, but the actual screen 3b is about 80 inches diagonally. However, in the case of this example, the observer is close to the screen 3b, the line of sight is high, and the attention to the feet is low. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Can be given to the observer.

On the other hand, when a plurality of people talk between the base SA and the SB, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the bases SA and SB may stand within the field of view of the image pickup devices 2a and 2b. As a result, the image pickup devices 2a and 2b photograph the participants and display them on the pair of screens 3b of the remote communication devices 100A and 100B on the other side according to their standing positions. Therefore, the participants of each base can also know the standing position of the participants of the partner base. In FIG. 11, the image of a person is displayed on the entire large screen 3b, but the actual screen 3b is about 80 inches diagonally. However, in the case of this example, since the observer is relatively far from the screen 3b, the whole body is displayed on the screen 3b. Therefore, it is possible to give the observer the impression that the whole body is displayed in life size.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the two imaging devices 2a and 2b perform two-dimensional imaging at different angles, and the two 90 ° screens 3b display the images two-dimensionally at different angles. To. Moreover, these display images are displayed on two different continuous screens 3b. Therefore, it is recognized with a three-dimensional effect including the standing position of a person at another point. As a result, wider spatial information can be recognized with a three-dimensional effect, and a remote space can be shared without discomfort.

Further, by arranging the table 7 covering the lower end of the screen 3b and installing the projector 3a and the control device 4 on the back side thereof, the components other than the screen 3b are hidden, and the shape of the table 7 is also devised. , You can strengthen the impression of sharing the space.

The invention of the present application is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the installation position of the image pickup apparatus 2 may be on the screen 3b of the communication unit 1b. In this case, the installation positions and directions of the two imaging devices 2a and 2b are shown in the figure. The installation position of the image pickup device 2 is arbitrary. For example, it may be arranged on the table 7 as illustrated in FIG. In addition, the arrangement position of the image pickup apparatus 2 is arbitrary.

Further, although the example in which the distance between the screen 3b and the wall surface 21 in the room is equal to L1 is shown, these may be different. Further, the screen 3b and the wall surface (wall portion) 21 in the room do not have to be parallel to each other.
Although an example of setting the angle of view of the image pickup apparatus 2 as shown in FIG. 6 is shown, other settings may be selected. However, it is desirable that the acquired images of the two imaging devices 2 do not overlap significantly, and that the boundary portions of the acquired images are continuous to the extent that humans can recognize them.
It is desirable that the optical axis of the image pickup apparatus 2 is horizontal. When the optical axis points upward or downward, the boundary between the two images becomes discontinuous, and the image becomes an upper line or a lower line, which is not desirable.

Although the example in which the image pickup device 2 also acquires the voice data and the projector 3a reproduces the voice has been described, a dedicated microphone and a speaker may be arranged. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the microphones MI1 and MI2 and the speakers SP1 and SP2 are arranged at positions sandwiching the remote communication devices 100A and 100B, and the stereo sound acquired by the microphones MI1 and MI2 is used as the speaker SP1 on the other side. And SP2, respectively, and the stereo sound acquired by the microphones MI1 and MI2 on the other side may be received and emitted from the speakers SP1 and SP2.

Next, an embodiment of a portable remote communication device will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18.
In the remote communication device 30 of the present embodiment, the projector 3a is omitted by using a display such as a liquid crystal display on the display device 31, and the image pickup device 32 and the control device 33 are integrated in the housing 31a of the display device 31. It has a configuration incorporated in.

Then, with the display device 31, the image pickup device 32, and the control device 33 as units, the two sets of units are foldably connected by a hinge 34 provided on one side edge of each housing 31a for remote communication. It is set as the device 30.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, hinges 34 are provided at the upper and lower ends of one side edge of the housing 31a of each unit.

It is preferable that these hinges 34 are provided with a locking function for holding the opening angle at about 90 degrees when the housing 31a is opened around the hinge 34.

The image pickup device 32 is mounted so that the image pickup can be performed from the same surface as the display surface D of the display device 31.

A handle 35 is provided on the upper portion of each housing 31a, and a plurality of legs 36 are integrally provided on the lower portion, and both housings are provided on the side edges opposite to the side on which the hinge 34 is provided. A connecting mechanism 37 that holds the 31a in a folded state is provided.

Further, an exhaust hole 40 for discharging the exhaust gas from the cooling fan provided in the control device 33 to the outside is provided on the surface of each housing 31a opposite to the display surface D. Further, on the side surface of each housing 31a, a slit 39 for the interface 38 of the control device 33 incorporated therein is formed.

Each leg 36 is preferably formed of an elastic material, and it is preferable to add an adjuster function for adjusting the height of protrusion from the housing 31a to adjust the installation condition of the housing 31a.

The remote communication device 30 configured in this way can be carried and installed in a folded state. Therefore, it is possible to relax the restrictions on the place of use and increase its versatility. For example, by installing it outdoors, it is possible to realize various usage patterns such as between the outdoors and the office and between the outdoors and the outdoors.

Further, at the time of use, by opening both housings 31a at a predetermined angle, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

The various shapes and dimensions of each of the above-mentioned constituent members, the installation position, and the like are examples, and can be variously changed based on design requirements and the like.

For example, the angle 90 ° formed by a pair of screens may be 90 ° visually to humans, and does not have to be a geometrically strict 90 °. Desirably, at least the display areas intersect, and more preferably, they intersect at about 75 ° to about 110 °. According to the investigation by the inventor of the present application, when the angles formed by the pair of screens are 60 °, 120 °, and 180 °, the evaluation is higher than that of 90 ° in terms of immersiveness, presence, and overall grasp. Low. Therefore, it is desirable to intersect at 90 °.

Further, the pair of screens may be physically integrated. For example, one sheet or plate can be bent into a pair of intersecting screens 3b.

The continuity of the imaging region and the captured image captured by the two imaging devices 2 is also sufficient at a level at which the visual continuity is felt, and overlapping or separation of about several vertical scanning lines does not matter.

The continuity of the display area of the display device 3 is also the same, and both screens 3b may be arranged apart from each other by about several centimeters.

The size of the display area of the display device 3 is 80 inches or more diagonally, but other sizes larger or smaller may be used. Further, although the aspect ratio of the screen is set to 9:16, another size ratio such as 3: 4 may be used. Further, the aspect ratio of the image captured by the image pickup device 2 and the aspect ratio of the image displayed by the display device 3 may be different.

For example, the installation position of the projector 3a independently provided in the first embodiment is arbitrary, and for example, it can be installed at the upper end of the support frame 5. Further, a display device other than the projector may be used.

Although an example in which one control device is arranged in one image pickup device and a display device is shown, the two image pickup devices 2 and the display device 3 may be controlled in parallel by one control device 4.

In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the positions of the two image pickup devices 2a and 2b are set to appropriate positions and directions. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 4 composed of a computer processes the images from one or a plurality of image pickup devices 2 so that an appropriate image as illustrated in FIG. 9 is displayed, and provides the image to the display device 3. You may try to do it. For example, in the state where the image shown in FIG. 7C is acquired, the control device 4 configured by the computer receives the images from the image pickup devices 2a and 2b, and the received images are duplicated by pattern matching. The portion was detected (step S1), the corner 23 of the room was identified from the change in the continuity of the straight lines in both images (step S2), and the corner 23 was identified based on the identified corner 23 and the matching result. The overlapping portion is specified so that the corner portion is displayed on the boundary line of the pair of screens 3b, and the deletion target area in the image is set (step S3). After that, according to the setting, the overlapping portion of the image supplied from the image pickup devices 2a and 2b is deleted, and the display image for displaying the image as illustrated in FIG. 7A is provided to the pair of display devices 3. You may try to do it. The process of specifying the duplicated portion and the deleted portion may be executed, for example, when the remote communication system 100 is started.

Further, the form of the display device 3 is also arbitrary. It is also possible to provide a stand in front of the screen 3b and attach the projector 3a to this stand for installation.
Further, by matching the height of the projector 3a with the height of the eyes of the person to be imaged, it is possible to make eye contact with a person at another point looking at the shared screen more natural.

1a, 1b Communication unit 2 (2a, 2b) Imaging device 3 Display device 3a Projector 3b Screen 4 Control device 5 Support frame 5a Vertical support frame 6 Caster 7 Table 8 Support rack 8a Mounting plate 8b Mounting plate 9 Support legs 10 Caster 21, 22 Wall surface (wall)
30 Remote communication device 31 Display device 31a Housing 32 Imaging device 33 Control device 34 Hinge 35 Handle 36 Leg 37 Connection mechanism 38 Interface 39 Slit 40 Exhaust hole 100 Remote communication system 100A, 100B Remote communication device

The present invention also relates to a remote communication equipment.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a remote communication equipment that can increase the sense of unity with the other sites.

In order to achieve the above object, the remote communication device of the present invention
It is a remote communication device for remote communication that acquires a spatial image of a distant point at each point and displays a spatial image of another point at each point.
It is provided with two imaging devices for acquiring a spatial image, two display devices for displaying a spatial image, and a control device for controlling the imaging device and the display device and transmitting and receiving a spatial image.
Each of the display devices includes a screen, and the two display devices are installed so that one side edge of each screen is abutted against each other, and the screens are installed so as to intersect each other.
The outer edge portion of the screen is surrounded by a support frame in a rectangular shape, and the support frame has a configuration in which side edges abutting each other are covered by the screen and are not exposed to the outside.
It is characterized by that.

For example, the two imaging devices are arranged on the upper edge of one of the display devices, and their respective optical axes are horizontally installed.
One side edge of the acquired image of one imaging device is set at a corner of the room where the imaging device is installed.
The other side edge of the acquired image of the other imaging device is set at the corner of the room.

For example, the screens of the two display devices are set parallel to the wall surface of the room in which the display devices are installed, and the boundary line where the screens of the two display devices are butted against each other is the display device. It is set in a position where it can be seen connected to the line at the corner of the room where it is installed.

A plurality of the above-mentioned remote communication devices are connected to each other via a network, and the display device of each remote communication device is a straight line included in a spatial image from two imaging devices received from another remote communication device. By superimposing the image of the corner portion on the boundary of the pair of screens, the two spatial images may be continuously displayed on the two screens.

Further, the remote communication device of the present invention is
It is a remote communication device for remote communication that acquires a spatial image of a distant point at each point and displays a spatial image of another point at each point.
It is provided with two imaging devices for acquiring a spatial image, two display devices for displaying a spatial image, and a control device for controlling the imaging device and the display device and transmitting and receiving a spatial image.
The two display devices are arranged so that the display areas are continuous, and the display areas of the two display devices are arranged so as to intersect each other.
The display device includes a support frame, and a support rack projecting forward is integrally provided in the lower part of the support frame, and a projector is installed in the support rack.

For example, the support frame and the support rack are provided with casters that allow the remote communication device to stand up and support and move.

For example, the support rack, a projector, and a table covering the lower ends of the two display devices are further provided, and the table has a V-shaped plan view that fits into a fan-shaped area formed by the display areas of the two display devices. The projector projects a spatial image onto the display area through a planar triangular space formed by the two display devices and the table.

For example, each of the display devices is foldably connected by a hinge provided between the respective housings, and the two display devices are held in an open state at 90 ° or in a closed state. It has a locking function.

For example, as a portable type, each housing is provided with a display screen and a camera, a control unit is arranged on the opposite side of the display surface, an exhaust hole is arranged, and a slit for an interface is formed on the side surface.

Further, the remote communication device of the present invention is
It is a remote communication device for remote communication that acquires a spatial image of a distant point at each point and displays a spatial image of another point at each point.
Two image pickup devices for acquiring a spatial image, two display devices for displaying a spatial image, a control device for controlling the image pickup device and the display device, and a control device for transmitting and receiving a spatial image.
With
The control device is composed of a computer.
Receives spatial images from two imaging devices transmitted from other remote communication devices,
Pattern matching the two received spatial images
Identify the corners of the room from the change in the continuity of the straight lines in both images,
Based on the identified corners and the matching result, the overlapping part is specified so that the identified corners are displayed on the boundary line of the pair of screens, and the area to be deleted in the image is set.
The overlapping portion of the image is deleted to provide the display image to a pair of display devices.

Claims (10)

It is a remote communication device for remote communication that acquires a spatial image of a distant point at each point and displays a spatial image of another point at each point.
It is provided with two imaging devices for acquiring a spatial image, two display devices for displaying a spatial image, and a control device for controlling the imaging device and the display device and transmitting and receiving a spatial image.
The two image pickup devices are set so that the image pickup areas are continuous in space, and the two display devices are arranged so that the display areas are continuous.
The display areas of the two display devices are arranged so as to intersect.
A remote communication device characterized by this. The two display devices are arranged so that the display areas are orthogonal to each other.
The remote communication device according to claim 1. The optical axes of the two imaging devices are orthogonal and horizontal to the display area of the display device.
The remote communication device according to claim 1 or 2. The two image pickup devices
One side edge of the acquired image of one imaging device is set at a corner of the room where the imaging device is installed.
The other side edge of the acquired image of the other imaging device is set at the corner of the room.
The remote communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the remote communication device is characterized by the above. The two imaging devices target different areas for imaging.
The remote communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the remote communication device is characterized. The display areas of the two display devices are set parallel to the wall surface of the room in which the display devices are installed.
The remote communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the remote communication device is characterized. A table covering the lower ends of the two display devices is further provided.
The table has a shape that fits into a fan-shaped area formed by the display areas of the two display devices.
The remote communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the remote communication device is characterized. Each of the display devices is foldably connected by a hinge provided between the respective housings.
The remote communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the remote communication device is characterized. Each of the imaging devices is installed in the display device.
8. The remote communication device according to claim 8. A remote communication method that includes acquiring spatial images of distant points at each point and displaying spatial images of other points at each point.
At each point, get two spatial images, send them to the other point, display the two spatial images at the other point,
The imaging areas of the two spatial images acquired at each point are made continuous,
Consecutive display areas for displaying two spatial images,
A remote communication method characterized by this.

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