JP4451958B2 - TV conversation system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a television conversation system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The use of a TV conversation system is being studied and tested to support elderly home care (care), home nursing, home medical care, lifelong learning, etc. from a remote location connected by a communication line.
[0003]
Moreover, since an elderly person's health condition may change suddenly and it is necessary to report it urgently, an emergency call system is required. The communication facilities of this emergency call system are: (1) Power failure countermeasures are taken, (2) Emergency calls are multiplexed, (3) A failure recovery function is provided, (4) High reliability such as having a failure detection function from a remote location is required.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when an emergency call system is provided together with the television conversation system, there is a problem that costs (initial cost, running cost) increase.
[0005]
It is also conceivable to omit the emergency call system communication equipment by transmitting the emergency call signal to the communication equipment of the TV conversation system in order to transmit the video signal and audio signal of the TV conversation system to the communication line. However, there is a problem that the communication equipment of the conventional TV conversation system is not as reliable as the communication equipment of the emergency call system, and cannot be used for transmission of the emergency call signal.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and provide a television conversation system capable of transmitting an emergency call signal with high reliability.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the television conversation system of the present invention is connected via an ISDN line having a control channel used for transmission of control signals and a data channel used for data transmission. In a television conversation system including a terminal side system and a center side system configured to be able to exchange image signals or audio signals with each other via the ISDN line, the terminal side system detects an abnormality of the terminal side system itself. Detecting means; detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the user of the terminal side system; detecting means for inputting the user's intention; and for controlling each error and the intention used for transmission of the control signal a first emergency call means for reporting on the center side system via the D channel as the channel, said first after notification by said first emergency call means Said emergency call means is Problem Noto same each anomaly and the intention via the B-channel as a data channel used for transmission of the data and the second emergency call means for reporting on the center side system And the loss of information is prevented by duplication of the notification by the first and second emergency notification means. Here, in this document, an image is used in a sense including a video.
[0008]
The television conversation system of the present invention is connected via an ISDN line having a control channel used for transmission of control signals and a data channel used for data transmission, and the ISDN line is connected via the ISDN line. In a TV conversation system including a terminal-side system and a center-side system configured to be able to exchange image signals or audio signals with each other,
The terminal side system is:
A camera unit that outputs an image signal;
A speaker unit for inputting an audio signal;
An image decoding unit that encodes and decodes each signal in order to exchange the image signal and the audio signal with a center-side system via the data channel;
Controls the operation of the image decoding unit as a detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the terminal-side system itself, detects a malfunction of the operation, and detects a malfunction of the control unit A monitoring unit;
An environmental sensor selected from the group of a sensor attached to a toilet, a rolling sensor, a snoring sensor, and a human body movement sensor as a detection means for detecting an abnormality of a user of the terminal-side system, once a day If the environmental sensor does not respond, the type of environmental sensor determines that some abnormality has occurred,
A center call button as a detection means for inputting the user's intention,
The control unit is configured as first emergency notification means for reporting the abnormality and the intention to the center side system via a D channel as a control channel used for transmission of the control signal, and the image is equal code decoding unit, wherein said first emergency call means is Problem after reporting via said first emergency call means Noto same each anomaly and the intention as a data channel used for transmission of the data It is configured as a second emergency call means for making a report to the center side system via the B channel , and information loss is prevented by duplication of the report by the first and second emergency call means.
[0011]
The terminal system can be exemplified by embodiments with speakerphone camera outer shape is formed in the speaker shape. For example, the camera may be an infrared camera.
[0012]
The speaker type camera can be exemplified by an aspect including a microphone unit that outputs the audio signal.
[0013]
The terminal-side system is connected to medical / measurement equipment for examining or treating humans or animals, and the center-side system is configured to control the medical / measurement equipment via the ISDN line. it can.
[0014]
A mode in which the operation state of the environmental sensor can be monitored from the center side system via the ISDN line can be exemplified.
.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 3 show a television conversation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The TV conversation system 1 is connected via an integrated services digital network (hereinafter referred to as “ISDN”) line 2 as a communication line as shown in FIG. It includes a terminal side system 3 and a center side system 4 configured to be able to exchange signals and audio signals. The terminal side system 3 has a terminal controller 6 connected to the ISDN line 2 via a terminal adapter (hereinafter referred to as “TA”) 5, and various information devices are included in the terminal controller 6. Are to be connected. The center side system 4 includes a line state monitoring system 10 that monitors the state of the ISDN line 2 with the terminal side system 3, a terminal information collection system 11 that collects information on the terminal side system 3, and the information equipment. A terminal-to-terminal videophone system 12 for communicating with a user of each terminal-side system 3, an information management system 13 for managing information on the user via the information device, and the information device. And an information providing system 14 for providing information to the user.
[0016]
<< ISDN line >>
The ISDN line 2 includes a control channel (hereinafter referred to as “D channel ”) used for transmission of a control digital signal and a data channel (hereinafter referred to as “B channel ”) used for normal digital data transmission. The D channel does not normally require the user to pay for the usage fee in the customer information part. The ISDN line 2 as a communication line is an example, and any type can be used as long as it can basically input and output multimedia information.
[0017]
《Terminal system》
As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal controller 6 of the terminal side system 3 is connected to the center side system 4 for exchanging image signals, audio signals, emergency call signals, sensor signals and the like via the ISDN line 2. The image encoding / decoding unit 20 that encodes / decodes each signal, the operation of the image encoding / decoding unit 20, the control unit 21 that detects an abnormality of the operation, and the control unit 21 And a monitoring unit 22 that detects an abnormal operation. The control unit 21 and the monitoring unit 22 are detection means for detecting an abnormality in the terminal-side system 3 itself.
[0018]
The image decoding unit 20 includes, as information devices, a monitor 25 for inputting an image signal, a camera 26 for outputting an image signal, a speaker-type camera 27 for inputting / outputting an audio signal and outputting an image signal, A microphone 28 that outputs an audio signal, a speaker 29 that inputs an audio signal, and the like are connected to each other via connection connectors (not shown).
[0019]
A center call button 30 that outputs an ON / OFF signal is connected to the control unit 21. The center call button 30 is a means (detection means) for inputting the intention of the user of the terminal-side system 3 (such as when there is an abnormality). Then, a sensor 31 that outputs a sensor signal, a key storage box 32 that performs a locking or unlocking operation in response to a locking or unlocking signal from the center system 4, and an information operation terminal 33 that is used in an Internet connection service or the like. Are connected via respective connection connectors (not shown), and other information devices 34 such as medical / measuring devices and personal computers are appropriately connected via expansion connectors 36. Although it does not specifically limit as a medical / measurement apparatus, The thing which test | inspects and treats a human or an animal can be illustrated. Each information device is a detection unit that detects an abnormality of the terminal-side system 3 itself or detects an abnormality of a user of the terminal-side system 3.
[0020]
The terminal controller 6 basically has general communication equipment, emergency call equipment, and other functions.
[0021]
The functions of the terminal controller as general communication equipment are as follows.
(1) A function as a device (image / code encoding / decoding unit 20) that bi-directionally transmits a plurality of image signals / audio signals to / from the center side system 4.
(2) A function for selectively transmitting / receiving a high-detail still image signal and a moving image signal as the image signal in (1).
(3) Linking function with the sensor 31, a function for retaining the operation history of the sensor 31, and a sensor calling function for calling the center system 4 when the set sensor state is reached.
(4) Information device control function from the center side system 4. For example, the control function of the camera 26 and its electric pan head (not shown) (photographing, tilting, presetting of various control amounts, etc.), the control function of the key storage box 32 (locking / unlocking from the center side system 4, etc.) ).
(5) Control information exchange function (information communication function) with the center side system 4.
(6) A center call function by a plurality of center call buttons 30 (some of which can be extended away from the terminal controller 6) provided on the terminal controller 6 main body.
(7) Information operation function by connecting the information operation terminal 33 (joystick, touch panel, etc.).
(8) Expansion that connects one or more other information devices (designed with predetermined interface specifications) (medical / measurement devices such as electrocardiographs, blood pressure meters, thermometers, personal computers, etc.) via an expansion connector. function. The other information device 34 can be controlled from the center side system 4 via the ISDN line 2.
[0022]
The function of the terminal controller 6 as an emergency call facility is as follows.
(1) Power failure countermeasure function: The power supply to the terminal controller 6 and the TA 5 uses a commercial power supply, but when a power failure occurs, the system is protected for a certain period of time by switching to the built-in battery. In addition, the center side system 4 is notified of information such as a power failure and its recovery, and internal battery abnormality via TA5 or the image decoding unit 20 / TA5 (multiplexing via notification).
[0023]
(2) Emergency call multiplexing function: When the center call button 30 is turned ON and the terminal controller 6 makes an emergency call to the center side system 4, the control unit 21 first passes through the D channel of the ISDN line 2. Information notification is performed once (first emergency notification means), and then the image decoding unit 20 performs information notification via the B channel of the ISDN line 2 (second emergency notification means). As a result, even if any information notification fails, information loss can be prevented and reliability can be improved. Further, even when one channel is busy, information notification via the other channel is attempted, so that information loss can be prevented.
[0024]
(3) Monitoring and restoration function of the control unit 21 and the image decoding / decoding unit 20: The terminal controller 6 always monitors whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the built-in control unit 21 at the machine level. (For example, a watchdog timer). If it is determined that there is an abnormality in this monitoring, the monitoring unit 22 automatically resets the control unit 21. In addition, the monitoring unit 22 calls the image decoding / decoding unit 20 at the machine level to the center side system 4 to notify the abnormality, and remote maintenance from the center side system 4 (machine level operation using an audio signal). Function). Further, the control unit 21 always monitors whether there is an abnormality in the image decoding unit 20 and TA5. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in this monitoring, the control unit 21 automatically resets the image decoding / decoding unit 20 or TA5. Further, the control unit 21 notifies the center side system 4 of an abnormality by using a normal part of the image decoding / decoding unit 20 or TA5.
[0025]
(4) Regular line equipment monitoring function from the center side system 4: In the present television conversation system 1, the center side system 4 periodically calls each terminal controller 6 to the ISDN line 2 or TA5. Monitors for abnormalities. If an abnormality occurs in the ISDN line 2, the center system 4 generates an alarm. Thereby, each apparatus of the terminal side system 3 can be normalized by early detection.
[0026]
Other functions of the terminal controller 6 are as follows. First, if a voice generator is built in the terminal controller 6, a morning service and a night service can be realized, and this can be used in combination with care communication by a person in charge of the center side system 4 for use as a care communication facility. Connected. Furthermore, in cooperation with the information providing system (described later) of the center side system 4, it is possible to provide a home Internet connection service, a video distribution service, an environment video, and a discussion with other users.
[0027]
Next, the sensor 31 connected to the terminal controller 6 will be described in more detail. The terminal controller 6 inputs sensor signals from a plurality of sensors 31 and converts the sensor signals into an image and other code decoding unit 20. By transmitting to the center side system 4 via the center side system 4, the center side system 4 can monitor the operation state of the environmental sensor and operate the center side system 4 in conjunction with the operation state. Yes. The sensor 31 can also handle an environmental sensor. The environmental sensor is a sensor of a type that determines that some abnormality has occurred when a sensor is attached to a toilet or the like and the sensor does not react once a day. The environment sensor can also be applied as a bedridden sensor for a bedridden elderly person, a snoring sensor, a human body movement sensor, and the like.
[0028]
Further, the camera 26, the microphone 28, and the like connected to the terminal controller 6 will be described in more detail. The terminal controller 6 can input a plurality of videos / audios via the camera 26, the microphone 28, and the like. ing. Normally, the camera 26, the microphone 28, and the speaker 29 are installed separately, but each includes a camera unit that outputs an image signal, a speaker unit that inputs an audio signal, and a microphone unit that outputs an audio signal. It is also possible to use a speaker type camera in which is formed in a speaker shape. This speaker type camera 27 has the following functions.
[0029]
(1) Since the shape of the speaker is small, it is possible to produce an effect that does not make the user feel uncomfortable (ie, does not make him / her feel that he is being monitored). Moreover, since all the functions are integrated, it can be installed compactly.
(2) An infrared projector is built in, and the camera itself is also an infrared camera, so it can be sufficiently monitored at night.
(3) A filter that allows only infrared rays to pass through the camera lens is installed in order to display sharp images both day and night. Since visible light and infrared light have different wavelengths, focusing on one is slightly sweeter, but sharp images can always be obtained by preventing visible light from entering the camera from the beginning. is there.
(4) Since the camera and microphone are built into the speaker, it is easy to match the line of sight with the user (there is the fact that speaking while looking at the person who speaks as a human habit) and high efficiency for specific voice To collect sound. In addition, howling measures are also applied to the speakers.
[0030]
The expansion connector 36 included in the terminal controller 6 will be described in more detail. The expansion connector 36 is for connecting an external device to the center side system 4 via the ISDN line 2. The use of the extension connector 36 for home care, home nursing, home medical care is not limited to the remote system (center side system 4) by connecting a heart rate sensor, a thermometer, etc. as other information equipment 34 (external equipment). ) To conduct medical activities (information transmission / reception, videophone interviews, etc.). In addition, since it is possible to connect an information device such as a computer as the other information device 34, information can be exchanged bidirectionally with the center side system 4.
[0031]
《Center side system》
Next, the center side system 4 will be described in detail. The center side system 4 includes a line state monitoring system 10, a terminal information collection system 11, a videophone system 12 for inter-terminal call, an information management system 13, and information provision A system 14 is provided. Each system is configured using a line control device 17 capable of making a call operation and an information communication operation with respect to the ISDN line 2 (in the inter-terminal videophone system 12, each videophone 16 is It has the same function as the line control device 17). Each system can be configured with separate devices, but it is not always necessary to configure the systems separately as separate devices.
[0032]
The line control device 17 is an information termination device connected to the ISDN line 2 or the like via a DSU (Digital Service Unit: not shown). In the present embodiment, the present invention is embodied as an apparatus for encoding / decoding an image signal, an audio signal, and various types of information. By connecting a computer to the line control device 17, the control as in this embodiment can be realized by the computer.
[0033]
The line status monitoring system 10 uses the line notification function at the D channel level at regular time intervals for each terminal controller 6 to test whether the ISDN line 2 up to each terminal side system 3 is operating normally. To do. And a test result is output to the information integrated management system 13 mentioned later. Note that the line test uses the D channel, so there is no charge and can be performed at low cost.
[0034]
The terminal information collection system 11 is for collecting terminal information from each terminal controller 6 by D channel information notification using TA5. Further, the received data via the image decoding unit 20 is also collected in this system. As with the line state monitoring system 10, the collected information is output to the information management system 13 described later. Note that since the information notification uses the D channel, there is no charge and can be performed at low cost.
[0035]
The inter-terminal videophone system 12 includes an image decoding unit 20, a videophone 16, and the like between a user of the terminal-side system 3 and a person in charge of operation of the center-side system 4 or another center-side system. This is a system for making a phone call. Based on the contents collected by the line status monitoring system 10 and the terminal information collection system 11 (emergency notification, other sensor signals, etc.), a call can be made with the user of the terminal side system 3. In using a home nursing system, etc., as shown in FIG. 3, a three-party call function using a matrix switcher 40 or the like is used to connect the terminal side system 3, the center side system 4, and the attending doctor's home 7. Direct calls are possible.
[0036]
In the center side system 4, considering the howling measures and the psychological aspect of the person in charge of the center side system 4, the received voice is always output to a speaker built in the external monitor 25. When dialogue is required, a freehand conversation system (not shown) composed of a microphone-integrated headphone is used. During this period, the sound of the external monitor 25 is cut off. This is because howling may occur when the speaker of the external monitor 25 and the microphone of the freehand conversation system are used in combination. Note that the freehand conversation system can always be used without using the speaker of the external monitor 25, and this reduces the possibility of howling. However, this is not preferable because the person in charge of the center side system 4 always uses headphones, which increases the feeling of physical and mental restraint.
[0037]
The information overall management system 13 is used for overall management of information collected from each terminal side system 3 by the line state monitoring system 10 and the terminal information collection system 11 and input log information by a person in charge of the center side system 4. System. Specifically, it manages / generates printing / aggregation / alarm display (sound) of collected information. In addition, information on each terminal user (emergency contact information, neighborhood map, etc.) is also stored. An automatic regular call or the like can also be performed in conjunction with the inter-terminal call videophone system 12.
[0038]
The information providing system 14 provides an Internet connection service, a center providing information service, a video distribution service, a multi-person discussion service, and the like.
[0039]
The Internet connection service and the center-provided information service are connected to the Internet network 8 by the center-side system 4, generate video for browsing the Internet content (information content) and the center-provided information content, respectively, and perform image decoding This service is distributed to the terminal side system 3 via the conversion unit 20 or the like. The user of the terminal side system 3 sends an instruction to the center side system 4 by operating the information operation terminal 33 (joystick or touch panel). Thereby, the user of the terminal side system 3 can call the content only by operating the menu prepared in the center side system 4 and selecting an item of interest. The joystick and the like can be used with one hand (or holding with both hands (each hand may be held)) so that a wide range of people such as physically disabled people can use.
[0040]
The video distribution service is a service in which the video content stored in the video content server of the center side system 4 is distributed by the image decoding / decoding unit 20 or the like. The video content selection method of the user of the terminal side system 3 is the same as the operation method of the Internet connection service.
[0041]
The multi-person discussion service selects the person you like on the discussion lobby located in the center side system 4 (the selection method is the same as the operation method of the Internet connection service) and connects simultaneously (for example, multipoint ring connection). It is a service that allows you to enjoy conversation and facial expressions of the other party.
[0042]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the structure of the said embodiment, For example, as follows, it can also be changed and embodied suitably in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of invention.
(1) The monitoring unit 22 or the control unit 21 of the terminal-side system 3 includes a first emergency notification means for reporting an abnormality of the terminal controller 6 to the center-side system 4 via the D channel, and an abnormality of the terminal controller 6 To the center side system 4 via the B channel.
(2) Change the communication line to another digital communication line.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, the television conversation system according to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention has an excellent effect that the emergency call signal can be transmitted with high reliability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a television conversation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal controller of a terminal side system in the television conversation system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a state during a three-party call by the television conversation system.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Television conversation system 2 ISDN line 3 Terminal side system 4 Center side system 6 Terminal controller 20 Image etc. code decoding part 21 Control part 22 Monitoring part 27 Speaker type camera 30 Center call button 31 Sensor 36 Expansion connector 40 Matrix switcher

Claims (4)

Connected via an ISDN line with a control channel used for control signal transmission and a data channel used for data transmission, and image signals or audio signals can be exchanged with each other via the ISDN line In a TV conversation system including a terminal side system and a center side system configured in
The terminal-side system includes detection means for detecting an abnormality of the terminal-side system itself, detection means for detecting an abnormality of a user of the terminal-side system, detection means for inputting the intention of the user, abnormal and said the intention after notification by the first emergency call means and, said first emergency call means for reporting on the center side system via the D channel as a control channel used for transmission of the control signal A second emergency call for reporting the same abnormality and intention as reported by the first emergency call means to the center-side system via the B channel as a data channel used for data transmission. A television conversation system characterized in that information loss is prevented by duplication of reporting by the first and second emergency reporting means. Connected via an ISDN line with a control channel used for control signal transmission and a data channel used for data transmission, and image signals or audio signals can be exchanged with each other via the ISDN line In a TV conversation system including a terminal side system and a center side system configured in
The terminal side system is:
A camera unit that outputs an image signal;
A speaker unit for inputting an audio signal;
An image decoding unit that encodes and decodes each signal in order to exchange the image signal and the audio signal with a center-side system via the data channel;
Controls the operation of the image decoding unit as a detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the terminal-side system itself, detects a malfunction of the operation, and detects a malfunction of the control unit A monitoring unit;
An environmental sensor selected from the group of a sensor attached to a toilet, a rolling sensor, a snoring sensor, and a human body movement sensor as a detection means for detecting an abnormality of a user of the terminal-side system, once a day If the environmental sensor does not respond, the type of environmental sensor determines that some abnormality has occurred,
A center call button as a detection means for inputting the user's intention,
The control unit is configured as first emergency notification means for reporting the abnormality and the intention to the center side system via a D channel as a control channel used for transmission of the control signal, and the image is equal code decoding unit, wherein said first emergency call means is Problem after reporting via said first emergency call means Noto same each anomaly and the intention as a data channel used for transmission of the data TV conversation system, characterized in that it is configured as a second emergency call means for making a call to the center side system via the B channel , and prevents information loss by duplication of the call by the first and second emergency call means . The terminal-side system is connected with medical / measurement equipment for inspecting or treating humans or animals,
The television conversation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the center side system is configured to be able to control the medical / measurement device via the ISDN line. The television conversation system according to claim 2, wherein the center side system is configured to be able to monitor the operation state of the environmental sensor via the ISDN line.

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