JP3308898B2 - Image communication device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional video phone.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1 denotes a lens, 2 denotes a lens aperture, 3 denotes a motor for driving a variable power lens, 4 denotes driving means for driving the variable power lens, 5 denotes a motor for driving the aperture, and 6 denotes a motor. Driving means for driving the aperture mechanism, 7 is a motor for driving the focus lens, and 8 is a driving means for driving the focus lens.

Reference numeral 9 denotes an image sensor (CCD), 10 a CDS / AGC circuit for sampling and holding a video signal from the image sensor and AGC (auto gain control), and 11 an A / A converter for converting an analog signal into a digital signal.
D conversion circuit, 12 is a signal processing circuit for processing a luminance signal and a chrominance signal into an appropriate video signal, and 13 is an image compression / expansion circuit for compressing and expanding an image.
EG, H263 and DV formats.

[0005] 14 is a memory, 15 is a communication protocol, 1
6 is a PHS transmission / reception unit, 17 is a microcomputer, 18 is a D / A conversion circuit for converting a digital signal into an analog signal, 19 is an antenna, 20 is a monitor (or a liquid crystal display), 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a key discrimination circuit, and reference numeral 22 denotes a ten key for inputting a telephone number.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a microphone; 24, an audio signal processing circuit for processing an audio signal input from the microphone into an appropriate signal; and 25, an A / D converter for converting an analog audio signal into a digital signal. .

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

First, light from a subject that has passed through the lens 1 is photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 9 and converted into an electric signal. This electric signal is processed by the signal processing circuit 12 into a video signal. Further, the video data is transferred to an image compression / decompression circuit 13.
And stored in the memory 14.

Further, the data compressed by the image compression / decompression circuit 13 is processed into data conforming to a prescribed communication protocol using 15 communication protocols, and transmitted from the antenna 19 via the PHS transmission / reception unit 16. The data output from the camera signal processing circuit 12 is stored in the D / A conversion circuit 1.
In step 8, the signal is converted into an analog signal, processed to be displayed on a monitor, and then an image is output to the monitor.

[0010] Further, the image and audio signals transmitted from the outside by radio are transmitted to the PHS transmitting and receiving unit 1 through the antenna 19.
6, image data and audio data can be obtained via the communication protocol 15. Thereafter, the image data is expanded by the image compression / expansion circuit 13 and output to the monitor via the D / A converter 18.

A microcomputer 17 controls the system of the device, and controls various lenses (controls of a focus lens, a variable power lens, and an aperture), controls camera signal processing, controls communication, and controls keys. Control and so on.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a ten key for pressing the telephone number of the other party when making a call, and reference numeral 21 denotes a determination circuit for determining the pressed key.
7 and a series of controls for making a call are performed.

[0013] The same applies to voice, and the microphone 23
Then, the audio signal is processed by the audio processing circuit 24, and is input to the communication protocol 15 via the next audio A / D conversion circuit 25. Thereafter, it is transmitted wirelessly from the antenna 19 via the PHS transmission / reception unit in the same manner as the video signal.

[0014]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional videophone, when taking a picture with a camera, a special function, such as automatically focusing on a designated person on the screen, or using the screen, There was no function to optimize the exposure of the above specified person. Moreover, even if such a function is provided, it is not suitable for a product such as a video phone that emphasizes small size, such as an increase in operation keys for the function.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image communication apparatus that can automatically focus on a specified subject.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image communication apparatus that can optimally adjust the exposure of a specified subject.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image communication apparatus capable of enlarging or reducing an image of a designated subject.

[0018] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image communication apparatus capable of easily selecting a menu displayed on a monitor.

[0019]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved,
In order to achieve the object, an image communication device according to the present invention includes an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting a subject image and outputting an image signal.
(9) , display means (20) for displaying at least an image taken by the image sensor, mode switching means (31) for switching between telephone mode and camera mode, and switching to the camera mode by the mode switching means. A character generator (3) for displaying an image area frame indicating a partial area of the image displayed on the display means on the subject image on the screen of the display means in a state where
2) , an image area frame changing means (22) for changing the position of the image area frame when the camera mode is switched to the camera mode, and the mode is switched to the telephone mode by the mode switching means. Communication means (1) for communicating data including an image signal captured by the
6) and control means for enabling the image area frame changing means to input the station number of the other party when performing communication using the communication means in the state switched to the telephone mode by the mode switching means ( 17) .

Further, in the image communication apparatus according to the present invention, a focus for controlling an image forming state of light incident on the image pickup device based on a signal of a partial area on a screen set by the image area frame changing means. It is characterized by further comprising adjusting means (8, 17) .

In the image communication apparatus according to the present invention, an exposure control means (6, 6 ) for controlling an exposure amount in the image pickup device based on a signal of a partial area on a screen set by the image area frame changing means . 17) is further provided.

In the image communication apparatus according to the present invention, there is provided an enlargement control means (33) for enlarging and displaying a signal of a partial area on the screen set by the image area frame changing means on the entire screen of the display means. It is further characterized by comprising:

Further, in the image communication apparatus according to the present invention, the image area frame changing means includes a numeric keypad.

[0024]

[0025]

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

[0029]

[0030]

[0031]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image communication apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, blocks denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 7 showing the conventional configuration indicate the same functional blocks.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a lens, 2 denotes a lens aperture, 3 denotes a motor for driving a variable power lens, 4 denotes driving means for driving a variable power lens, 5 denotes a motor for driving the aperture, and 6 denotes a motor. Driving means for driving the aperture mechanism, 7 is a motor for driving the focus lens, and 8 is a driving means for driving the focus lens.

9 is an image sensor (CCD), 10 is a CDS / AGC circuit for sampling and holding the video signal from the image sensor 9 and performing AGC (auto gain control), and 11 is an A for converting an analog signal into a digital signal. /
D conversion circuit, 12 is a signal processing circuit for processing a luminance signal and a chrominance signal into an appropriate video signal, and 13 is an image compression / expansion circuit for compressing and expanding an image.
EG, H263 and DV formats.

14 is a memory, 15 is a communication protocol, 1
6 is a PHS transmission / reception unit, 17 is a microcomputer, 18 is a D / A conversion circuit for converting a digital signal into an analog signal, 19 is an antenna, 20 is a monitor (or a liquid crystal display), 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a key discrimination circuit, and reference numeral 22 denotes a ten key for inputting a telephone number.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a microphone; 24, an audio signal processing circuit for processing an audio signal input from the microphone into an appropriate signal; 25, an A / D converter for converting an analog audio signal into a digital signal; Denotes an area setting pulse generating circuit, 27 denotes a gate circuit for setting an AF (auto focus) area, and 29 denotes an AF evaluation value processing circuit. 3
1 is a telephone mode / camera mode switch, 32
Indicates a character generator.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.

First, light from a subject that has passed through the lens 1 is photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 9 and converted into an electric signal. This electric signal is processed by the signal processing circuit 12 into a video signal. Further, the video data is transferred to an image compression / decompression circuit 13.
And stored in 14 memories.

Further, the data compressed by the image compression / decompression circuit 13 is processed by the communication protocol 15 into data conforming to a prescribed communication protocol, and is processed by the PHS transmitting / receiving unit 16.
It is transmitted from the antenna 19. Further, the data output from the camera signal processing circuit 12 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion circuit 18, processed to be displayed on a monitor, and then outputted to a monitor.

Further, the image and audio signals transmitted wirelessly from the outside are transmitted through the antenna 19 to the PHS transceiver 1.
6, image data and audio data can be obtained via the communication protocol 15. Thereafter, the image data is expanded by the image compression / expansion circuit 13 and output to the monitor via the D / A converter 18.

The microcomputer 17 controls the system of this device, and controls each lens (control of a focus lens, a variable power lens, and an aperture), controls camera signal processing, controls communication, and controls keys. Control and so on.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a 10-key for pressing the telephone number of the other party when making a call, and reference numeral 21 denotes a discrimination circuit for discriminating the pressed key.
7 and a series of controls for making a call are performed.

The same applies to voice, and the microphone 23
Then, the audio signal is processed by the audio processing circuit 24, and is input to the communication protocol 15 via the next audio A / D conversion circuit 25. Thereafter, it is transmitted wirelessly from the antenna 19 via the PHS transmission / reception unit in the same manner as the video signal.

Next, a characteristic portion of the present embodiment will be described.

A signal for auto-focus is output from the output of the camera signal processing circuit 12, and the image signal is gated by an AF gate circuit 27 by an arbitrarily set area setting pulse from an area setting pulse generation circuit 26. . That is, in this part, the subject to be focused on the screen can be specified. Thereafter, the AF evaluation value processing circuit 29 performs appropriate processing on the signal for focusing, and outputs the signal to the microcomputer 17. The microcomputer 17 outputs a signal for driving the lens so that the subject to be focused is focused. The timing of the pulse generated by the area setting pulse generation circuit 26 is determined by the ten key switch 22 indicated by the numbers 0 to 9.
Is set by This switch also serves as a switch for inputting a telephone number, which is one of the features of the present embodiment.

Next, the operation and configuration of this switch will be described. By the telephone mode / camera mode switching switch 31, the switch 22 is set to 2 as shown in FIG.
The functions are divided into two modes.

When the telephone mode / camera mode changeover switch 31 is set to the telephone mode in order for the user to make a telephone call, it functions as a key for inputting a telephone number as in the telephone mode of FIG. That is, the user presses the 10 key 22
When the telephone number is input by using the key determination circuit 21,
Recognized as a telephone number by the microcomputer 17,
A signal is sent to the communication protocol circuit 15 so that the signal can be transmitted to the other party of the telephone number. Thereafter, the data is transmitted from the antenna 19 to the destination of the telephone number via the PHS transmitting / receiving unit 16.

Next, when the telephone mode / camera mode changeover switch 31 is switched to the camera mode, FIG.
Function as a key for inputting an AF (auto focus) setting area as in the camera mode of FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user attempts to set the area setting from the center to the upper right, the number 3 of the operation key 22 is pressed, and the key determination circuit 21 determines the pressed 3 switch. , And the microcomputer 17 processes the data so that the setting area is located at the upper right, transmits the data to the area setting pulse generation circuit 26, and outputs the position corresponding to the data to the area setting pulse generation circuit 26. Is generated. After that, the pulse is gated by the AF area gate circuit 27, only the focus signal in the set area is passed, the focus signal for focusing is processed by the AF evaluation value processing circuit 29, and the focus signal is input to the microcomputer 17. And outputs data for driving the lens for focusing here,
The focus lens driving circuit 8 drives the lens. This makes it possible to focus on the subject whose area is set. The area setting data from the microcomputer 17 is input to the character generator 32, where an area setting frame to be displayed on the display circuit is created and displayed on the monitor 20.

Similarly, when moving the area setting frame around the number 5, 1 is the upper left, 2 is the upper, 3 is the upper right,
4 is left, 5 is centered, 6 is right, 7 is lower left, 8
When a key is pressed, such as down and 9 at the lower right, it is possible to focus on the subject in the setting area specified by the user by the same operation principle, and the monitor 20 displays the area at that time. A setting frame is displayed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since two functions are efficiently used as switches, the number of switches is increased even for a small device such as a portable device, and the design is impaired. Does not increase.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of an image communication apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, blocks denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment are the same functional portions as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 28 denotes an AE area gate circuit, and reference numeral 30 denotes an AE evaluation value processing circuit.

Next, a characteristic portion of the present embodiment will be described.

A signal for exposing an image is output from the output of the camera signal processing circuit 12, and the image signal is output to the AE gate circuit 2.
At 8, the gate is gated by the region setting pulse arbitrarily set by the region setting pulse generation circuit 26. That is, in this portion, it is possible to specify a subject to be optimally exposed on the screen. Thereafter, the AE evaluation value processing circuit 30 performs appropriate processing on the signal for optimizing the exposure, and
Output to

The microcomputer 17 outputs a signal for driving the aperture so that the selected subject has the optimum exposure. Further, the region setting pulse generation circuit 26
Are set by the 10-key switch 22 displayed from 0 to 9. This switch also serves as a switch for inputting a telephone number, which is one of the features of the present embodiment.

Next, the operation and configuration of this switch will be described. The function of the switch 22 is divided into two modes as shown in FIG. 2 by the telephone mode / camera mode switch 31.

When the telephone mode / camera mode switch 31 is set to the telephone mode in order for the user to make a telephone call, it functions as a key for inputting a telephone number as in the telephone mode of FIG. That is, when a user inputs a telephone number with the key 22, the microcomputer 17 recognizes the telephone number as a telephone number through the key determination circuit 21 and sends a signal to the communication protocol circuit 15 so that the communication protocol circuit 15 can transmit the telephone number to the other party. Then, via the PHS transmitting / receiving unit 16,
Transmission is performed from the antenna 19 to the destination of the telephone number.

Next, when the telephone mode / camera mode changeover switch 31 is switched to the camera mode, FIG.
Functions as a key for inputting an AE (auto iris) setting area as in the camera mode of FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user tries to set the area setting from the center to the upper right, the number 3 of the operation key 22 is pressed, and the key determination circuit 21 determines the pressed 3 switch. The microcomputer 17 processes the data so that the setting area is located at the upper right, transmits the data to the area setting pulse generation circuit 26, and the data is processed by the area setting pulse generation circuit 26. Generate a position pulse. Thereafter, the pulse is gated by the AE area gate circuit 28 to allow only the exposure signal in the set area to pass, and the AE evaluation value processing circuit 30 processes the exposure signal in order to obtain an optimal exposure.
Then, data for driving the aperture for obtaining the optimum exposure is output, and the aperture mechanism driving means 8 drives the aperture 2. As a result, it is possible to obtain the optimum exposure for the subject whose area is set. The area setting data from the microcomputer 17 is input to the character generator 32, where an area setting frame to be displayed on the display circuit is created and displayed on the monitor 20.

Similarly, when moving the area setting frame around the number 5, 1 is the upper left, 2 is the upper, 3 is the upper right,
4 is left, 5 is centered, 6 is right, 7 is lower left, 8
When a key is pressed, such as lower, lower right, and 9 in the lower right, it is possible to obtain an optimal exposure for a subject in a setting area specified by the user by the same operation principle.
Displays a frame of the area setting at that time.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since two functions are efficiently used as switches, the number of switches is increased even for a small device such as a portable device, and the design property is impaired. Does not increase.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a block configuration of an image communication apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, blocks denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment are the same functional portions as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 33 denotes an image enlargement / reduction circuit.

Next, a characteristic portion of the present embodiment will be described.

An image signal is output from the output of the camera signal processing circuit 12, and the image in the area is electronically enlarged by the image enlargement / reduction circuit 33 from the area setting data of the area setting pulse generation circuit 26.

The enlarged image is transmitted to the camera signal processing circuit 1
2. Displayed on the display circuit via the D / A converter 18.

The timing of the pulse generated by the area setting pulse generating circuit 26 is set by the 10-key switch 22 that is displayed from 0 to 9. This switch also serves as a switch for inputting a telephone number, which is one of the features of the present embodiment.

Next, the operation and configuration of this switch will be described. The function of the switch 22 is divided into two modes as shown in FIG. 2 by the telephone mode / camera mode switch 31.

When the telephone mode / camera mode switch 31 is set to the telephone mode in order for the user to make a telephone call, it functions as a key for inputting a telephone number as in the telephone mode of FIG. That is, when a user inputs a telephone number with the key 22, the microcomputer 17 recognizes the telephone number as a telephone number through the key determination circuit 21 and sends a signal to the communication protocol circuit 15 so that the communication protocol circuit 15 can transmit the telephone number to the other party. Then, via the PHS transmitting / receiving unit 16,
Transmission is performed from the antenna 19 to the other party of the telephone number.

Next, when the telephone mode / camera mode changeover switch 31 is switched to the camera mode, FIG.
Function as an input key for the user to arbitrarily set an area to be enlarged on the screen as in the camera mode of FIG.

For example, when the user wants to enlarge the upper right subject as shown in FIG. 2, the user presses the number 3 of the operation key 22, and the key discriminating circuit 21 discriminates the pressed 3 switch. , And the microcomputer 17 processes the data so that the setting area is located at the upper right, transmits the data to the area setting pulse generation circuit 26, and outputs the position corresponding to the data to the area setting pulse generation circuit 26. Is generated. Thereafter, the image in the data area is electronically enlarged by the image enlargement / reduction circuit 33.
The enlarged image is displayed on the display circuit via the camera signal processing circuit 12 and the D / A converter 18.

The area setting data from the microcomputer 17 is input to the character generator 32, where an area setting frame to be displayed on the display circuit is created and displayed on the monitor 20. Similarly, when moving the area setting frame around the number 5, 1 is the upper left, 2
Press 3 for upper right, 4 for left, 5 for center, 6 for right, 7 for lower left, 8 for lower, 9 for lower right, and so on. When an area is set for a subject to be enlarged, the subject in the area can be displayed as an enlarged image, and a setting frame is also set in the display circuit 20.

The reduction is performed according to the same operation principle as the enlargement.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a block configuration of an image communication apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, blocks denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 showing the first embodiment are the same functional portions as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

A characteristic part of the present embodiment will be described.

The microcomputer 17 controls a plurality of functions. For example, a white balance set, a shutter, a fade, which is a function of a camera, or a digital effect function such as a teleconverter, a wipe, and a scroll are controlled, and a function selected by an external operation is executed. Therefore, there is a menu setting as a method for allowing the user to easily operate such multi-functions. In the present embodiment, the function of the operation switch for setting the menu is improved, and this will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

The function of the switch 22 is divided into two modes by the telephone mode / menu mode switch 31 as shown in FIG.

When the telephone mode / menu mode switch 31 is set to the telephone mode in order for the user to make a telephone call, it functions as a key for inputting a telephone number as in the telephone mode of FIG. That is, when a user inputs a telephone number with the key 22, the microcomputer 17 recognizes the telephone number as a telephone number through the key determination circuit 21 and sends a signal to the communication protocol circuit 15 so that the communication protocol circuit 15 can transmit the telephone number to the other party. Thereafter, the data is transmitted from the antenna 19 to the destination of the telephone number via the PHS transmitting / receiving unit 16.

Next, when the telephone mode / menu mode switch 31 is switched to the menu mode,
As shown in the menu mode of FIG. 6, a plurality of functions are displayed on the screen, and the user selects the function to be executed by using the operation keys 22 to select and execute the function.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user wants to execute a title, assuming that the user is currently at the scroll position, the user presses the menu key (operation key) 22 to enter the title.
By pressing the number key and further pressing the number key, the title can be selected. That is, the functions that the user wants to specify are the second and fourth operation keys 22,
By pressing the numbers 8 and 6, the cursor can be moved up, left, down and right. At this time, operation key 2
When 2 is pressed, the data of the item selected from the microcomputer 17 is inputted to the character generator 32 through the key discriminating circuit 21. Here, a display for displaying on the display circuit is made and displayed on the monitor 20.

That is, the user can select and execute the menu while seeing the menu displayed on the display, and since the switches and the display are arranged in the same arrangement, the user can easily operate. In addition, since these switches are selected in the TEL mode and the menu mode and the same switches are used efficiently, it is very effective for a small size device such as a portable device.
As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, in a mobile device equipped with a camera function and a communication function such as a video phone, even when a user wants to focus on a subject to be photographed on a screen, focus is achieved. It is possible to provide a small-sized image communication device which does not impair the design without having to increase the number of switches in spite of having many functions.
Further, by eliminating useless switches and adopting an efficient switch configuration, it is possible to provide an inexpensive and easily operable image communication apparatus. In addition, when the user wants to optimally adjust the exposure to the subject to be shot on the screen, it has a function that can optimize the exposure. Image communication device can be provided. In addition, when the user wants to enlarge or reduce the subject to be photographed on the screen, it has a function capable of enlarging or reducing,
It is possible to provide a small-sized image communication device that does not impair the design without increasing the number of switches in spite of multifunction. In addition, the user can select and execute while viewing the menu displayed on the display.Since the switch and the display are arranged in an array, it is easy to operate, and although it is multifunctional, it is compact and design without increasing the number of switches An image communication device that does not impair the performance can be provided. That is, according to the above-described embodiment, an inexpensive and easy-to-operate image communication apparatus can be provided by eliminating unnecessary switches and providing an efficient switch configuration while having multiple functions.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an image communication device equipped with a camera function and a communication function without increasing the number of switches in spite of having multiple functions.

[0082]

[0083]

[0084]

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an operation switch.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image communication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image communication device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image communication device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an operation key according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional example.

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image sensor for photoelectrically converting a subject image and outputting an image signal, at least display means for displaying an image picked up by the image sensor, mode switching means for switching between a telephone mode and a camera mode, A character for displaying an image area frame indicating a partial area of the image displayed on the display means on the subject image on the screen of the display means when the mode is switched to the camera mode by the mode switching means. A generator, an image area frame changing means for changing the position of the image area frame in a state in which the mode is switched to the camera mode by the mode switching means, and in a state in which the mode is switched to the telephone mode by the mode switching means, A communication for communicating data including an image signal captured by the image sensor to the outside. And means, in a state of being switched to the telephone mode by said mode switching means, and control means for enabling input of the other party station number by the image area frame changing means when the communication using the communication means, An image communication device comprising: 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a focus adjusting unit that controls an image forming state of light incident on the image sensor based on a signal of a partial area on a screen set by the image area frame changing unit. The image communication device according to claim 1. 3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an exposure control means for controlling an exposure amount of said image sensor based on a signal of a partial area on a screen set by said image area frame changing means. An image communication device according to claim 1. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an enlargement control unit for enlarging and displaying a signal of a partial area on the screen set by the image area frame changing unit on the entire screen of the display unit. An image communication device according to claim 1. 5. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image area frame changing means includes a numeric keypad.