JP6714453B2 - Communication system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a communication system, and more particularly, to a communication system that easily switches at least two communication places.

As a communication system that allows a person at the first base and a person at the second base to communicate while looking at each other's faces over the screen, for example, a video conference system or a web conference system has been proposed. Generally, in the video conference system, etc., a TV size monitor installed on a desk or a mounting table at both bases, a camera for picking up images of both bases, and a microphone for collecting audio from both bases are used. ,have.

In these video conference systems, etc., the image displayed on the monitor, that is, the range taken by the camera at the other party's base is mainly only the range above the desk in the conference room, and the upper half of the body of the conference participant It was just a reflection. Even if such a video is displayed on a TV-sized monitor and they have a conversation while watching at each other's bases, they have the sensation of watching a TV screen, and lack a sense of reality and reality. Therefore, in order to provide the other party with a realistic image and a realistic image, it is required to combine a large-sized image display means or a plurality of image display means capable of displaying an image of another site in a large size. Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a video conference system having one or more large screens.

JP-A-2009-81861

In the video conference system, when the video conference system is installed at a plurality of bases, the connection destination of the other party is selected.

In the conventional video conference system, when two projectors are used as the video section, it is necessary to operate the projector, but when selecting the connection destination of the other party, the IP address of the video conference system which is the connection destination of the other party is used. There is a problem that it is necessary to perform a connection operation such as selection, and the connection operation to the other party's video conference system is complicated.

Further, when the video conference system of the other party to be connected exists in a plurality of bases, it is necessary to select the IP address of the video conference system of each base, which is a multi-valued operation for switching the connection destination of the other party. The operation is requested. Therefore, for those who are inexperienced in the multi-valued operation, the connection operation of the video conference system cannot be smoothly executed, which may cause communication trouble.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention, in particular, to provide a communication system capable of easily switching at least two or more communication places.

In order to solve the above problem, the communication system of the present invention is a communication system for communicating between a first base and a second base, wherein the first base and the second base have an image on a display surface. Two or more image display units to be displayed, two or more image units for projecting the image on the display surface of the image display unit, and two or more image capturing units for capturing the image are installed, respectively. A communication network that transmits video data of the image capturing unit of the base to the video unit of another base, and a management device connected to the communication network, wherein the management device is one of the bases. A storage unit for storing a plurality of connection destination names of the bases to information necessary for mutual connection between the image capturing unit and the video units of the other bases; and a plurality of storage units stored in the storage unit . A display unit that displays the connection destination name in a list, and by selecting a connection destination name to be connected from the plurality of connection destination names displayed in the list, the image capturing unit at one of the bases. have a selection section for controlling transmission of the image data between each other and the image portion of the other of the hub, the selection unit of the management device, controls the oN · OFF of the power supplied to each site However, it is characterized in that it has means for performing a connection/disconnection execution operation between the bases and switching the connection destination of the bases .

Further, the management device in the communication system of the present invention is provided in at least one of the bases.

Further, the communication system of the present invention is characterized in that the display unit displays only the connectable connection destination names among the plurality of registered connection destination names.

Further, one of the bases in the communication system of the present invention has an audio device that sequentially emits sounds collected by the sound collectors of the other bases in synchronization with the video, and the selection unit of the management device. Is characterized by connecting the audio device at one of the bases and the sound collecting device at another of the bases by selecting the connection destination name stored in the storage unit.

According to the communication system of the present invention, in a realistic communication system having two or more image display units, image units (projectors) and image pickup units (projectors) required depending on the number of the image display units (screens). (Camera), sound collection device (microphone), etc., without complicating the connection operation with other bases for each of various devices, only by one operation of selecting the connection destination name displayed on the management device. It is possible to easily and quickly activate the communication system between one base and another base.

According to the communication system of the present invention, since a plurality of connection destination names can be stored in the storage unit of the management device, it is possible to manage the connection operation between a number of bases with one management device.

According to the communication system of the present invention, since the plurality of connection destination names stored in the storage unit of the management device can display only the connection destination names of the bases in the connectable state, they are in remote locations. It is possible to easily grasp the state of the communication system of another base and easily select necessary information from a plurality of connection destination names.

Further, according to the communication system of the present invention, it is possible to control ON/OFF of the power supplied from the management device to the image section and the imaging section of each site, so that, for example, another site can be activated when the communication system is started. It is possible to connect between the bases of the communication system even in the case of being unattended.

Further, according to the communication system of the present invention, it is possible to cause the audio device at one site to sequentially output the sounds collected by the sound collecting device at another site in synchronization with the video, and to eliminate the sound shift with respect to the video. You can prevent and communicate more realistically.

It is a figure which shows the structure at the time of providing the communication system which concerns on this invention in a 1st base and a 2nd base, respectively. It is a layout plan of the first base of the communication system according to the present invention. It is a block diagram of a communication system according to the present invention. 4A to 4C are diagrams showing operation screens for selecting a connection destination name of the management device in the communication system according to the present invention. 5A and 5B are views showing a registration screen of a connection destination name in the management device of the communication system according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of transmission of video data and the like in the communication system according to the present invention, FIG. 6A is a diagram showing transmission of video data and the like from the first base to the second base, and FIG. It is a figure which shows transmission of video data etc. from a 2nd base to a 1st base. It is a processing flow which shows the processing of the new registration of the connection information of the communication system which concerns on this invention. It is a processing flow which shows the connection processing between the bases of the communication system which concerns on this invention. It is a processing flow which shows the process of the connection end between the bases of the communication system which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of the other image part of the unit which concerns on the communication system which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of the other video display part of the unit which concerns on the communication system which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing a communication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Communication system configuration]

In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a communication system 10 _A is arranged at a first base A, a communication system 10 _B is arranged at a second base B, and an image is taken by the communication system 10 _{B at} the second base B. By transmitting the captured image and the collected sound at the first base A by the communication system _10A of the first base A, different spaces (mainly remote offices, between the first base A and the second base B, The present invention relates to a communication system 1 that can realize real-time communication with a sense of presence in a factory or the like. Similarly, by transmitting the video image picked up by the communication system 10 _A of the first base A and the collected sound at the second base B by the communication system 10 _B of the second base B, the first base A and In a space different from the second base B, it is possible to perform an effect as if the first base A and the second base B are in the same space, and it is possible to realize bidirectional real-time communication. It relates to a communication system 1 that can be performed. In addition, in FIG. 1, the bases A and B where the communication systems 10 _A and 10 _B are installed are set to two locations, but the locations of the bases are not limited to two locations, and the set locations are appropriately two or more. It is set in the place.

The communication system 1 according to the present invention includes a communication system 10 _A and a communication system 10 _B which are installed at at least one base A and another base B at two bases. The communication system 10 _A installed in one base A includes at least two units 10 _A1 and 10 _A2 , and the communication system 10 _B installed in another base B similarly includes at least two units 10 _B1 , 10 _A1 . _It is equipped with _B2 .

Since the unit 10 _A1 and the unit 10 _A2 in the communication system 1 have the same configuration, hereinafter, the unit 10 having the minimum configuration will be described with a focus on the unit 10 _A1 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the unit 10 includes a video unit 15, a video display unit 14, a screen stand 20, and a projector stand 30. The respective configurations will be described below.

In the following description, an example in which a screen is used as the image display unit 14 and a projector is used as the image unit 15 will be described. The screen stand 20 is a mounting base for mounting the image display unit (screen) 14, and includes a support 21, a pedestal 23, and a mounting member (not shown) 24.

The column 21 has a lower end standing on the pedestal 23 and an upper end extending to a height of about 150 to 200 cm to support the image display unit (screen) 14. The mounting member is attached to the column 21, and the vertical position of the image display unit (screen) 14 mounted on the mounting member can be adjusted to a suitable height and fixed with screws or the like. The height position of the image display unit (screen) 14 in the direction can be changed.

The installation height of the image display unit (screen) 14 is adjusted depending on the place where the unit 10 is installed, the application, and the like. For example, in a conference room, the height at which a viewer sits and the position of the line of sight becomes natural, At a venue or the like, it is advisable to set an appropriate position such as a height at which the viewer stands up and the position of the line of sight becomes natural.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the column 21 has an example of a column having two upper ends, but the shape, material, and height are not particularly limited to this, and the image display unit ( Any shape and height that allows the screen 14 to be installed may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pedestal 23 is a rectangular frame-shaped member provided in parallel with the floor surface on which the unit 10 is installed. Wheels 25 that roll on the floor surface are provided at four corners of the pedestal 23 so that they can move.

In this way, the screen stand 20 can fix the image display unit (screen) 14 at an appropriate position where it can be easily seen by the viewer, and if the image display unit (screen) 14 is installed when the wheel 25 is provided. , Can be moved.

The projector stand 30 is an installation stand for placing the image part (projector) 15, and includes an upper stand 31 on which the image part (projector) 15 is placed, a lower stand 32 facing the floor, and an upper stand 31. Side pillars 33 that connect the lower base 32, a vertical adjustment unit 34 that adjusts the vertical position of the upper base 31, a connector 37 that connects the projector stand 30 and the screen stand 20, a distance between the projector stand 30 and the screen stand 20, and thus an image. It has a front-back adjustment unit 35 for adjusting the distance between the unit (projector) 15 and the image display unit (screen) 14.

The upper table 31 is a table on which the image part (projector) 15 is placed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image unit (projector) 15 includes a tilt adjusting unit 36, and is mounted on the upper table 31 via the tilt adjusting unit 36. The image unit (projector) 15 mounted on the upper base 31 adjusts the orientation of the projection lens 16 of the image unit (projector) 15 with respect to the display surface of the image display unit (screen) 14 by operating the tilt adjusting unit 36. It is like this. The upper base 31 is not particularly limited in shape, material, and size as long as the video unit (projector) 15 can be placed thereon, and the image projected by the video unit (projector) 15 is a video display unit (screen). The upper base 31 may have a slanted shape so as to fit with 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower table 32 is a rectangular member provided in parallel with the floor surface on which the projector stand 30 is placed. Wheels (not shown) to be installed on the floor surface are provided on the lower surface of the lower table 32 so that they can be moved.

The side pillar 33 connects the upper base 31 and the lower base 32, and further has a vertical adjustment unit 34 that has a function of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction. As a result, the upper base 31 can be moved up and down while the image part (projector) 15 is placed, and the installation height of the image part (projector) 15 can be adjusted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front-rear adjustment unit 35 is provided on one side surface of the lower base 32 that faces the pedestal 23 and has a function of expanding and contracting in the front-rear direction with respect to the image display unit (screen) 14. ing. By extending the front-rear adjustment unit 35 in the front-back direction with respect to the image display unit (screen) 14, the distance between the screen stand 20 and the projector stand 30 (image unit (projector) 15 to image display unit (screen) 14). It is possible to adjust the distance). The image projected by the image section (projector) 15 when the image section (projector) 15 is arranged in a face-to-face relationship with the image display section (screen) 14 is the entire surface of the display surface of the image display section (screen) 14 or almost the entire range. Is displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupler 37 is formed in an L shape, and one side of the L shape is fixed to the front-rear adjustment unit 35. The other side of the L-shape is connected to the position of the pedestal 23 on the projector stand 30 side (the front side of the screen stand 20).

In this way, the projector stand 30 can adjust the vertical setting position of the video unit (projector) 15 by the vertical adjustment unit 34 while the video unit (projector) 15 is placed. Further, the front/rear adjusting unit 35 can adjust the setting positions of the image unit (projector) 15 with respect to the image display unit (screen) 14 in the front and rear.

The image section (projector) 15 is a device that is placed on the projector stand 30 and projects an image on the image display section (screen) 14. The image section (projector) 15 used in the present invention can be used at a short distance. A short focus type projector that can magnify images is used. The image unit (projector) 15 is placed on the projector stand 30 and is arranged with the projection lens 16 facing the display surface of the image display unit (screen) 14, and the image unit (projector) 15 displays the image on the image display unit (projector). The image is projected on the entire surface or almost the entire area of the display surface of the screen 14. The image unit (projector) 15 of the present embodiment projects an image from a position lower than the display surface of the image display unit (screen) 14 onto the display surface of the image display unit (screen) 14 from the projection lens 16 in an obliquely upward posture. Therefore, the image section (projector) 15 is arranged close to the image display section (screen) 14, and behind the image section (projector) 15 and in front of the combined image display sections (screens) 14 _A1 and 14 _A2 . An empty space is secured in the image space, and a viewer is positioned in this empty space to view the image projected on the display surface of the image display unit (screen) 14. Therefore, the image unit (projector) 15 is moved by the movement of the person. The projection lens 16 is not covered, and it is possible to prevent the image projected on the display surface of the image display unit (screen) 14 from being interrupted by the movement of a person. Communication system 1 _a and the second station B of the communications system 1 _B and the space and space and can communicate supposed to continuously work together continuously space (empty space) is secured.

The video unit (projector) 15 has a function of projecting an image on the video display unit (screen) 14 depending on the projection distance to the video display unit (screen) 14 and the performance relationship with the video display unit (screen) 14. Any device can be used. Although the projector is used as the video unit 15 in the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and any projector having a function of projecting video data on the display surface of the video display unit (screen) 14 may be used. Other than these may be used. Further, the image display unit (screen) 14 has a structure in which the display surface is held by the outer frame, but it has a structure in which the display surface is wound around the roll when not in use and fed out from the roll during use. It may exist and is not limited to the illustrated one.

In addition, as a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a suspending tool is installed above the column 21 to fix the image part (projector) 15, and the image display part (screen) 14 is obliquely inclined from above. The image may be projected downward from the image unit (projector) 15. Also in this case, since the projector stand 30 may not be provided, the installation space of the projector stand 30 is defined as an internal space (empty space) S _A secured between two or more image display units (screens) 14 _A1 and 14 _A2. Since the viewer can enter the enlarged internal space S _A and approach the image display unit (screen) 14, the viewer can experience a more realistic and realistic feeling.

As described above, in the unit 10, the image display unit (screen) 14 is installed on the screen stand 20, the image unit (projector) 15 is placed on the projector stand 30, and the screen stand 20 and the projector stand 30 are connected. By being fixed by the device 37, the image display unit (screen) 14 and the image unit (projector) 15 are integrated so that the projection attitude of the image unit (projector) 15 with respect to the display surface of the image display unit (screen) 14 is maintained. It is built in and is configured to build a communication system by combining the image display unit (screen) 14, so that it can be easily placed, moved, or removed, and it depends on the physical environment of the office where the communication system is installed. Communication system can be constructed by effectively utilizing the office space. Further, when the image display unit (screen) 14 is moved, the image unit (projector) 15 can be moved at the same time, and even when the image display unit (screen) 14 is re-installed after the movement, the image for the image display unit (screen) 14 adjusted before the movement is displayed. The projection posture of the projector (projector) 15 is maintained, and the time required for installing the video display unit (screen) 14 and the video unit (projector) 15, which takes the longest time to construct the communication system, can be omitted. Therefore, even a person who is unfamiliar with video can easily install it. This means that the communication system of the present invention can provide an extremely useful system, for example, considering a scene used in the field of education.

Further, when the image display unit (screen) 14 and the image unit (projector) 15 are replaced with other products, the unit 10 is replaced only by the mounting position of the mounting member and the adjustment by the vertical adjustment unit 34 and the front-back adjustment unit 35. It is possible to readjust afterwards, and it is possible to cope even if there is a difference in the performance of the equipment.

[Communication system layout]
Next, the configuration of the communication system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration when the communication system according to the present invention is provided in each of a first base and a second base, and FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of the first base of the communication system according to the present invention.

Communication system _{1 A} are arranged in a first station A shown in FIG. 2 is a combination of unit ₁₀ A1, _{10 A2} of the 2 groups. As the two units 10 _A1 and 10 _A2 , the unit 10 having the structure shown in FIG. 2 described above is used, and two units 10 _A1 and 10 _A2 having the structure shown in FIG. 2 are arranged. In the illustrated state, the combined image display unit _(screen) 14 A1, _{14 A2} two pairs are building communications system, two sets of the image display unit _(screen) 14 A1, ₁₄ further pair to _A2 The video display unit (screen) 14 may be arranged to construct the communication system 1 _A by combining three sets of video display units (screens) 14 _A1 , 14 _A2 , 14 _A3 (not shown). The number of video display units (screens) 14 arranged is not limited to that shown in the figure.

It is desirable that the units 10 _A1 and 10 _A2 are arranged such that the opposite edges of the image display portions (screens) 14 _A1 and 14 _A2 are butted or brought close to each other and the butted portions are retracted in the depth direction. .. At this time, the angle α formed by the image display portions (screens) 14 _A1 and 14 _A2 may be 90 to 180 degrees, or may be a flat surface forming 180 degrees. In short, the angle α can be set as appropriate as long as the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment can be rendered. As a space sandwiched between the units 10 _A1 and 10 _A2 , the opposing edges of the image display portions (screens) 14 _A1 and 14 _A2 are butted or brought close to each other and the butted portions are retracted in the depth direction. , The internal space S _A is secured. Incidentally, in which may be provided an image display unit _(screen) 14 A1, ₁₄ image display unit apart _A2 opposite the edges of without abutting or adjacent _(screen) 14 A1, _{14 A2.} Also, the angle α may be configured to exceed 180 degrees.

The communication system 1 _B installed in the second base B shown in FIG. 1 is the same as the communication system 1 _A shown in FIG. 2, and two units 10 _B1 and 10 _B1 corresponding to the unit 10 described in FIG. _A communication system is constructed by combining _B2 . In FIG. 1, the bases for constructing the communication system are set at two locations, the first location A and the second location B, but the locations of the locations are not limited to two.

[Video part]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the communication system 1 _A includes images (D _B1 and/or D _B2 , imaged at the second base B, FIG. _6A , and FIG. 6B. ) video unit for projecting a reference) (projector) has a 15 _a. Video portion of the communication system _{1 A} shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 (projector) 15 _A is image captured in the second site B _{(D B1} and / or _{D B2,} FIG. 6 (b) refer) video display unit (Screen) 14 _{Project on} the display surface of _A. As an example, the video unit 15 _A projector, video display unit 14 _A is composed of a screen is not limited thereto. May be used digital display such as a liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 11 as an image display unit 14 _A, the case of using a digital display, the liquid crystal panel constitutes a video display unit 14 _A, driving and controlling the liquid crystal panel driving unit for displaying the images constitute the image portion 15 _a in. Further, in this case, since it is not necessary to use a projector, the projector stand 30 may not be provided.

The communication system 1 _B installed in the second base B shown in FIG. 1 has an image section (projector) 15 _B as in the communication system 1 _A shown in FIG. The video unit (projector) 15 _B of the communication system 1 _B shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 displays the video imaged at the first base A (D _A1 and/or D _A2 , see FIG. 6A). (Screen) 14 _{B Project on} the display surface. As an example, the video unit 15 _B is a projector, the video display unit screen 14 _B is constituted by a screen is not limited thereto.

In the present embodiment, the two image units (projectors) 15 _A1 and 15 _A2 installed at the first location A shown in FIG. 2 are supported by the projector stands 30 _A1 and 30 _{A2 and} are displayed on the image display unit (screen) 14 _A1. , 14 _A2 facing the display surface.
Two image parts (projectors) 15 _B1 and 15 _B2 installed in the second base B shown in FIG. 1 are supported by projector stands 30 _B1 and 30 _B2 and displayed on image display parts (screens) 14 _B1 and 14 _B2 . It is installed facing the surface.

In addition, a person standing in the internal space S _A sandwiched between the two sets of image display units (screens) 14 _A1 and 14 _A2 of the communication system 1 _A at the first base A shown in FIG. 1 can use the image capturing units 11 _{A1 and} 11 _A2. When the captured images (D _A1 , D _A2 ) are projected on the image display unit (screen) 14 _B of the communication system 1 _B of the second base B, the entire body image of the person standing in the internal space S _A is projected. preferably screen 14 _B is constituted by the size that can be. Similarly, a person standing in an internal space (a space corresponding to the internal space S _A ) sandwiched between two sets of image display units (screens) 14 _B1 and 14 _B2 of the communication system 1 _B at the second base B shown in FIG. _Are imaged by the imaging units 11 _{B1 and} 11 _{B2 ,} and when the images (D _B1 , D _B2 ) are projected on the image display unit (screen) 14 _A of the communication system 1 _A of the first base A, the internal space (S video display unit size capable video systemic persons standing in _a) is projected (screen) preferably 14 _a is configured.

[Voice device]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the audio device 17 _A is a device that is configured by a speaker or the like and emits a sound (V _B , see FIG. 6B) collected at the second base B. As can emit sound realistic, the sound collector 13 _B to be installed in the second site B composed of two or more, be composed of two or more audio device 17 _A in correspondence thereto Good.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the audio device 17 _B is a device that is configured by a speaker or the like and emits a sound ( _VA , see FIG. 6A) collected at the first site A. As can emit sound realistic, the sound collector 13 _A to be installed in the first station A composed of two or more, be configured audio device 17 _B in two or more in correspondence thereto Good.

The location of the audio device 17 _A is not particularly limited, but it may be appropriately placed at a position where the sound (V _B ) collected at the second location can be clearly heard in the internal space S _A of the units 10A _{1 and} 10A _2. Good. For example, it may be attached to the front surface of the column 21.

Similarly, the location of the audio device 17 _B is not particularly limited, but the sound (V _A ) collected at the first location is clearly heard in the internal space S _B (not shown) of the units 10B _{1 and} 10B _2. It may be appropriately arranged at a position where it can be obtained. For example, it may be attached to the front surface of the column 21.

[Imaging unit]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging unit 11 _A which is installed in the first station A is comprised of a video camera is used to image the predetermined space in the first site A. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 11 _B installed in the second base B is configured by a video camera or the like, and is for capturing a predetermined space in the second base B.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the present embodiment, an example in which the imaging unit 11 _A installed at the first site A is composed of two imaging units 11 _A1 and 11 _A2 is shown. The number of units 11 _A arranged is not limited to two, and may be any number as appropriate according to the video display unit (screen) 14 _A. The same applies to the imaging unit 11 _B that are installed in the second site B.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging unit 11 _A installed in the first base A has an imaging unit 11 _A1 and an imaging unit 11 _A2 , and the imaging unit 11 _A1 and the imaging unit 11 _A2 are combined. The two image display units (screens) 14 _A1 and 14 _A2 are arranged in the vicinity of the boundary between the two image display units (screen) 14 _A1 and the two positions are individually imaged from the arrangement position (one point). The image capturing unit 11 _A1 and the image capturing unit 11 _A2 are configured to sequentially output the images (D _A1 , D _A2 , see FIG. 6A) obtained by individually capturing the respective image capturing directions.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging unit 11 _B installed in the second base B has an imaging unit 11 _B1 and an imaging unit 11 _B2 , and the imaging unit 11 _B1 and the imaging unit 11 _B2 are combined. The two image display units (screen) 14 _B1 and the image display unit (screen) 14 _B2 are arranged in the vicinity of the boundary between them, and two directions are individually picked up from the arrangement position (one point). If the angle of view is adjusted so that the image part (projector) 15 _A1 is not reflected, these will not be displayed in the image projected at the second base B, and a realistic and realistic image can be provided to the second base B. Like The camera lens 12 _{A2 is} also adjusted so that the image part (projector) 15 _A2 is not reflected.
The imaging unit 11 _B1 and the imaging unit 11 _B2 are configured to sequentially output the images (D _B1 , D _B2 , see FIG. 6B) obtained by individually imaging each imaging direction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image capturing unit 11 _A1 and the image capturing unit 11 _A2 of the first site A are imaged not only in the internal space S _A formed by the units 10A _{1 and} 10A ₂ but also in the outer space thereof. It Therefore, not only the person moves within the space S _A, for imaging people and space to move past the internal space S _A, it is possible to image the image different space are integrated.
The imaging unit 11 _B1 and the imaging unit 11 _B2 of the second base B are the same as the imaging unit 11 _A1 and the imaging unit 11 _{A2 of} the first base A.

[Sound collector]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the sound collecting device 13 _{A at} the first base A is a device configured to collect sound in a predetermined space at the first base A and collects sound. Sounds ( _VA , see FIG. 6A) are sequentially output. Although the place of arrangement is not particularly limited, it may be appropriately arranged as a space mainly sandwiched between the units 10 _A1 and 10 _{A2 in a} position where sound can be collected in the internal space S _A. Further, for example, as capable of providing stereo sound in the above-mentioned audio device 17 _A, the sound collector 13 _A may be composed of two or more.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sound collecting device 13 _{B at} the second base B is a device that is configured by a microphone or the like and that collects sound in a predetermined space at the second base B. The collected sounds (V _B , see FIG. 6B) are sequentially output. Although the place of arrangement is not particularly limited, it may be appropriately arranged as a space mainly sandwiched between the units 10 _B1 and 10 _{B2 in a} position where sound can be collected in the internal space S _B (not shown). Further, for example, the sound collecting device 13 _B may be configured by two or more units so that the sound device 17 _B described above can provide stereo sound.

[Transmitter and Receiver]
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the communication system 1 _A is a communication means for performing communication via a communication network 49 such as the Internet, a transmitting portion 41 _A and the reception section 43 _A. The transmission unit 41 _A sends out to the communication network 49 the images D _A1 , D _A2 picked up and output by the image pickup units 11 _A1 , 11 _A2 and the sound V _A picked up by the sound collecting device 13 _A and output. It has become. The receiving unit 43 _A is configured to receive, from the communication network 49, the images D _B1 and D _B2 captured and output at the second base B and the sound V _B that is collected and output. The communication network 49 may be not only the Internet but also an intranet or a communication network using other communication lines. Moreover, any of wired, wireless, and dedicated lines may be used.

[Control device]
Each unit 10 is connected to all or a part of the imaging unit 11, the sound collecting device 13, the video unit (projector) 15, the audio device 17 _A , the transmitting unit 41 _A , and the receiving unit 43 _A , and controls their operations. It has a control unit 40 for The control unit 40 controls the management number for identifying each unit 10 on the communication network 49 (for example, the transmission unit 41 _A and the reception unit 43 _{A of} the unit 10 are IP addresses necessary for transmitting and receiving the video data in the communication network 49, Terminal unique number). The control unit 40 is composed of, for example, a personal computer. The control unit 40 may be at least one in one site, for example, share the unit ₁₀ A1, _{10 A2} by a single control unit 40, the control unit 40, second unit ₁₀ A1, _{10 A2} You may make it have one management number (for example, two IP addresses, a terminal specific number).

The locations of the control unit 40 _A , the transmission unit 41 _A, and the reception unit 43 _A shown in FIG. 3 are not particularly limited as long as they are connected to the above devices.

[Management device]
In the above description, the configuration of the video display unit 14 and the video unit 15 to which the communication system of the present invention is applied has been mainly described. Next, the management device 50, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described.

The communication system of the present invention can be easily performed even by a person who is unfamiliar with the operation by consolidating the connection state between the bases for communication into, for example, a binary operation of ON/OFF of the operation button. Is provided. Specifically, the management device 50 executes control for transmitting the video data of the imaging unit 11 of one base A (or B) to the video unit 15 of another base B (or A) via the communication network 49. The management device 50 assigns the connection destination name of the base to the information necessary for the mutual connection between the imaging unit 11 of the one base and the video unit 15 of the other base, and the storage unit 52. By selecting the setting registration unit 54 to be registered in the above and the connection destination name stored in the storage unit 52, an image between the image pickup unit 11 at the one base and the image unit 15 at the other base can be displayed. And a selection unit 53 for controlling data transmission.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 3, the communication system 1 _A is arranged in the first base A, and the communication system 1 _B is arranged in the second base B, and each device is activated to activate the communication system 1 _A. The transmitter 41 _A and the receiver 43 _A , and the transmitter 41 _B and the receiver 43 _B of the communication system 1 _B are connected via a communication network 49.

The management apparatus 50 of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.
As shown in FIG. 3, one on the site A and the communication network 49 for connecting the other station B, one site A side of the control unit 40 _A and the other site B side of the control unit 40 _B and is connected The respective control units 40 _A and 40 _B are respectively connected to the corresponding communication system units 10 _A1 , 10 _A2 , 10 _B1 and 10 _B2 . In the example of Figure 3, it is assumed that one base A control unit 40 of the control unit 40 _A and the other site B side of the side _B is one, may set these control unit 40 in two or more It is a thing.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the units 10 _A1 and 10 _A2 of the communication system are installed in the first base A, the units 10 _B1 and 10 _B2 are installed in the second base B, and the first base A and the second base are also installed. A third base C (not shown) other than B is installed.
The management device 50 may be provided in at least one base connected to the communication network 49, as shown in FIG. Also, one unit may be provided at each base, and the required number may be appropriately provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the management device 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls each component of the management device 50, an imaging unit 11 at one base B (or A), and a video unit 15 at another base A (or B). By selecting the storage unit 52 that stores the connection destination name of the base by adding the information necessary for mutual connection with the storage unit 52 and the connection destination name stored in the storage unit 52, the imaging of one base The connection between the selection unit 53 that controls the transmission of video data between the unit 11 and the video unit 15 of another base, and the image capturing unit 11 of the one base and the video unit 15 of another base. A setting registration unit 54 that adds necessary information to the connection destination name of the base and registers it in the storage unit 52, and a plurality of connection destination names of the registered one base and the other bases are displayed in a list. The display unit 56 is provided.
The selection unit 53 selects a connection destination name to be connected from the plurality of connection destination names displayed in the list.

The control unit 51 has a function of controlling the storage unit 52, the selection unit 53, the setting registration unit 54, and the display unit 56. Further, it controls a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. as an input device.
The storage unit 52 includes various software of the management device 50, a storage medium (HDD, database) for storing the setting information of the communication system 1, and a temporary storage medium for executing the various software.

The selection unit 53 has a function of performing a connection/disconnection execution operation between the registered communication systems 1. Further, it has a connection destination switching operation screen 60 which is a display screen of the display unit 56 shown in FIG. On the connection destination switching operation screen 60, the names of one site selected from the name list display unit 61 and the name list display unit 61 that display the connection destination names of a plurality of sites in a list and which are to be connected to each other are displayed. The first base display column 62 to be displayed, the second base display column 63 that displays the names of other bases, the base displayed in the first base display column 62 and the other second base display column 63 are displayed. A voice mark 64 indicating the connection status of voice data transmission to and from the base, and a connection status mark 65 indicating pictograms of the connection status of the video data transmission between the bases to be connected are displayed. To be done.

In the example of FIG. 4, the name list display unit 61 displays a list of connection destination names to be connected. In the example shown in the figure, "Tokyo", "Osaka", "Nagoya", "Fukuoka", and "Sapporo" are displayed as connection destination names as a plurality of bases, and a button for selecting "Tokyo" corresponding to each connection destination name, A button for selecting “Osaka”, a button for selecting “Nagoya”, a button for selecting “Fukuoka”, and a button for selecting “Sapporo” are provided.

Further, the selection unit 53 selects a connection destination name to be connected from among the plurality of connection destination names displayed in the list. Further, the display unit 56 has a function of displaying only connectable bases from among the plurality of connection names registered in the storage unit 52. For example, in FIG. 4B, connection destination names “Tokyo”, “Osaka”, “Nagoya”, “Fukuoka”, and “Sapporo” are displayed as a list of connection destination names. Of these, the connection destination names “Tokyo”, “Osaka”, and “Nagoya” are displayed as connectable bases, and selective input is possible in the first base display column 62 and the second base display column 63. However, if the connection destination names “Fukuoka” and “Sapporo” are determined to be unconnectable due to a line failure or in use, the display in FIG. 4(b) is reversed to indicate an unconnectable state. In this case, selective input to the first base display column 62 and the second base display column 63 becomes impossible.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the button of the base “Tokyo” is first selected from the name list display portion 61 and operated, “Tokyo” is displayed in the first base display field 62 as shown in FIG. 4B. Is displayed, and then, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the button of the connection destination name “Nagoya”, which is the connection destination, is selected from the name list display section 61 and operated, FIG. 4C is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5, the characters “Nagoya” are displayed in the second base display field 63, and when the connection destination name “Tokyo” and the connection destination name “Nagoya” are connected, the voice mark 64 and the connection status are displayed. The mark 65 and the voice mark 64 are turned on. In the illustration of FIG. 4C, a mark is hidden below the voice mark 64, and the connection status mark 65 is changed to black or the like so that the connection destination name “Tokyo” and the connection destination name “Nagoya” are separated. Indicates that video data/audio data is being transmitted. Alternatively, only the audio may be turned off (the audio mark 64 is “OFF”), only the video data may be transmitted, and the video may be viewed silently in a silent state.

The setting registration unit 54 has a function of newly registering the information necessary for connecting to the communication system 1 and changing the registered content. Further, it has a connection destination setting screen 70 shown in FIG. 5B of the setting registration unit.

The connection destination setting screen 70 has a display name field 71 for inputting the connection destination name to be displayed in the name list display portion 61 of the connection destination switching operation screen 60 and the information required for connection to the communication system 1 and the one base. It has an IP address input field 72, a password input field 73, and a port number input field 74 for inputting information necessary for connecting to the two units 10 of the communication system 1 to be installed. Further, it has a save button 75 for storing the input connection destination name and information necessary for connecting to the two units 10 in the storage unit 52.

In addition, as long as the management device 50 is connected to the communication network 49, the management systems 50 can connect the communication systems 1 of the respective bases regardless of where they are installed. For example, the management device 50 is installed in Tokyo, the connection destination name “Nagoya” is set in the first base display column 62, the connection destination name “Osaka” is set in the second base display column 63, and “Nagoya” and “Osaka” are set. It is also possible to connect two installed units 10 to each other.

The process of setting the connection destination name of each base will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7.

First, the setting registration screen 67 of the setting registration unit 54 shown in FIG. 5A is displayed. The connection destination edit button 69 displays a list of names of currently registered settings. Here, in the case of newly registering, when the connection destination new button 68 is pressed (step S1), the connection destination setting screen 70 shown in FIG. 5B of the setting registration unit is displayed.

First, a connection destination name is given to the connection information to the base where the communication system 1 is installed, and the name is input in the display name column 71 (step S2). This connection destination name becomes the data displayed on the name list display portion 61 of the connection destination switching operation screen 60 later. The connection destination name is preferably a clear name such as the installation location of the communication system 1 or a department name.

Next, the information necessary for connecting to the two units 10 of the communication system 1 installed at the base to which the connection destination name is given is input (step S3). The information input here is, for example, connection information (IP address, terminal number, etc.) to the units 10 _A , 10 _{A of the} communication system 1 _A. In this embodiment, the connection information for the unit 10 _A1 is input to the IP address input field 72 _A , the password input field 73 _A , and the port number input field 74 _A , and the IP address input field 72 _B and the password input field 73 _{B are} input. The connection information to the unit 10 _A2 is input to the port number input field 74 _B.

Then, by confirming that the input setting information is correct and pressing the save button 75 (step S4), the connection destination name given to the setting information is stored in the storage unit 52 (step S5). ).
The newly registered connection destination name is displayed in the name list display portion 61 of the connection destination switching operation screen 60. Comparing FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, it can be seen that the connection destination name “Nagoya” button is added to FIG. 4B.

In this way, by managing the information necessary for connecting to the two units of the communication system 1 installed at each base in one place, the number of operations at the time of connection between the bases can be reduced. Since it is possible to reduce the load, it is possible to reduce the setting error at the time of connection of the user and the time until the connection, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

Next, a case of selecting the communication system 1 installed at each base, which is given a connection destination name and registered, and connecting, will be described based on FIGS. 4 and 8.

First, when the connection destination switching operation screen 60 is activated, the registered connection destination name list is read from the storage unit 52 (step S11). The control unit 51 uses the connection information of the connection destination names displayed in the registered connection destination name list to connect the communication system 1 of each base, more specifically, the two units 10 of each base to the communication network. Via 49, it is determined whether connection is possible (step S12). When the determination is completed, the name list is displayed on the name list display unit 61 as shown in FIG. 4A (step S13). At this time, it is displayed so that the connectable bases and the non-connectable bases can be distinguished. You may make it display only the bases which can be connected.

Next, the user selects his/her own site as the site in the first site display column 62, selects the connection destination name of the site where the communication system 1 to be connected is installed from the name list display section 61, Input into the second site display field 63 (step S14). In this case, the selection order of the first base display column 62 and the second base display column 63 does not matter. For example, the connection destination name “Tokyo” is input to the first base display field 62 as the base and the connection destination name “Osaka” is input to the second base of the connection destination, or the connection destination name “Osaka” is input to the first base as the base. The connection destination name “Tokyo” may be input in the connection destination second site display field 63. Further, in the site where the management device 50 is installed, if the own site is registered in advance and the connection destination switching operation screen 60 is activated, the own site may already be selected in the first site display field 62. good.

The control unit 51 reads the setting information corresponding to the connection destination name input in the first base display field 62 and the second base display field 63 from the storage unit 52 (step S15).

The read setting information is transmitted to the control unit 40 of the connection destination (step S16). For example, the connection information of the connection destination name “Tokyo” is transmitted to the control unit 40 of the connection destination name “Osaka”, the connection information of the connection destination name “Osaka” is transmitted to the control unit 40 of the connection destination name “Tokyo”, Based on the received connection information, each control unit 40 performs a process of connecting the devices to each other and starting transmission of video data between them (step S17).

Then, the communication system _{1 A} transmission unit 41 _A and the receiving portion 43 _A, as well, the video data transmission between each other are connected through the communication system ₁ transmission unit 41 _B and the receiving unit 43 _B is a communication network 49 of the _B This is done (step S18). When the connection is established, the connection status mark 65 indicating the transmission of the video data is changed to a display such as black painting, the audio mark 64 indicating the transmission of the audio data is changed to “ON”, and the connection state and the audio ON/OFF state. Can be visually observed.

In this way, by selecting and inputting the connection destination name in the first base display column 62 and the connection destination name in the second base display column 63 on the connection destination switching operation screen 60, the communication system unit of the first base is selected. 1 _A and the communication system unit 1 _B of the second base can be easily connected, and the setting mistake at the time of connection by the user and the time until connection can be shortened, and the burden on the user can be reduced. it can. In addition, this management device 50 can set the connection between the first base and the second base with one user, so that the human load can be reduced.

Next, a process of terminating the connection between the communication systems 1 _A and 1 _B at the two connected bases will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 9.

First, on the connection destination switching operation screen 60, the connection destination name for which the connection is desired to be ended is selected from the first base display column 62 and the second base display column 63 which is the video data source (step S21).

The control unit 51 reads the setting information corresponding to the selected connection destination name from the storage unit 52 (step S22). The read setting information is transmitted to the control unit 40 of the connection destination to be terminated (step S23). The control unit 40 performs communication termination processing based on the received connection information (step S24). Upon disconnection, the display of the connection status mark 65 changes, and the voice mark 64 changes to "OFF", and the connection state and voice ON/OFF can be visually checked. In this way, the disconnection process can be easily performed by selecting the connection destination name from the connection destination switching operation screen 60, and thus can be easily executed by one user.

Furthermore, the management device 50 may be equipped with the following functions.
The management device 50 is necessary for connection processing (steps S15 and S16) to the connection destination name selected in the first site display field 62 and the second site display field 63 by the selection unit 53 by combining with the centralized power supply device or the like. It may be possible to turn on the power of the power supplied to each device. Further, the power may be turned off. In this way, the name of the connection destination can be selected and the communication system 1 of the connection destination can be turned on and off. Therefore, even if the other base is unattended, it can be easily executed by one user. be able to.

Alternatively, when the connection processing (steps S15 and S16) for the connection destination names selected in the first base display column 62 and the second base display column 63 by the selection unit 53 is performed, the first base display column 62 and the second base display column 62 are displayed. The power supplied to each device of the communication system 1 in the two-site display column 63 may be automatically turned on to transmit the video data. Alternatively, the power may be automatically turned off. In this way, by simply selecting the name of the connection destination, the communication system 1 of the connection destination can be automatically turned ON/OFF, so even if the other base is unattended, it can be easily executed by one user. can do.

In addition, the management device 50 may be provided with a compulsory unit that compulsorily connects/disconnects to/from the communication system 1 having the connection destination name determined to be connected in step S13. For example, the management device 50 disconnects the connection between the connection destination name “Tokyo” of the first base display column 62 and the connection destination name “Osaka” of the second base display column 63 by the other management device 50, and the management device concerned. The forcible connection may be made by selecting the connection destination name “Tokyo” in the first base display column 62 of 50 and the connection destination name “Nagoya” in the second base display column 63. By this compulsory means, operations such as connecting to a target point in an emergency can be performed.

As described above, by selecting a connection destination name at the destination switching operation screen 60 of the selection unit 53 of the management apparatus 50, it is possible to easily connect between communication system 1 _A, 1 _B.

[Operation and processing of communication system]
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the communication system 1 _B for arranging at the second base B is similar to the communication system 1 _A described above, and includes an image pickup unit 11 _B (11 _B1 , 11 _B2 ) and a collection unit. The sound device 13 _B , the image unit (projector) 15 _B (15 _B1 , 15 _B2 ), the image display unit (screen) 14 _B (14 _B1 , 14 _B2 ), the sound device 17 _B, and the transmission unit 41 _B. constitutes a receiver 43 _B, a control unit 40, by. Communication system 1 is arranged to communicate system 1 _A in the first station A, by arranging the communication system 1 _B in the second center B, between the first base A and the second center B (mainly remote Communication (office, factory, etc.). Hereinafter, the communication system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data flow in the communication systems 1 _A and 1 _B shown in FIG. 1, where (a) is a diagram showing data transmission/reception from the first base A to the second base B, and (b) is It is a figure which shows the data transmission/reception from the 2nd base B to the 1st base A.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the communication system 1 _A is arranged in the first base A, and the communication system 1 _B is arranged in the second base B, and each device is activated to activate the communication system 1 _A. The transmission unit 41 _A and the reception unit 43 _A , and the transmission unit 41 _B and the reception unit 43 _{B of} the communication system 1 _B are connected via the control unit 40 _{A, the} control unit 40 _B, and the communication network 49. In addition, the imaging unit 11 _A (11 _A1 , 11 _A2 ) of the first site A and the sound collecting device 13 _A start image capturing and sound collection in a predetermined space of the first site A, and the images (D _A1 , D _A2 ) and sound (V _A ) are sent to the communication network 49 by the transmitter 41 _A. The reception section 43 _B of the second site B receives the captured-collected video _{(D A1,} D _A2) and sound _{(V A)} at the first site A, in real time, the video portion of the second center B ( The projector 15 _B (15 _B1 , 15 _B2 ) projects the image (D _A1 , D _A2 ) on the image display unit (screen) 14 _B (14 _B1 , 14 _B2 ), and the audio device 17 _B outputs the sound (V _A). ) Is issued. Furthermore, the image pickup unit 11 _B (11 _B1 , 11 _B2 ) and the sound collecting device 13 _B of the second base B start capturing and collecting sound in a predetermined space of the second base B, and sequentially output video (D _B1 , D _B2 ) and the sound (V _B ) are sent to the communication network 49 by the transmitter 41 _B. Receiving unit 43 _A of the first station A receives the captured-collected video _{(D B1,} D _B2) and sound _{(V B)} in the second center B, and real-time, the projector 15 _A of the first site A (15 _A1 , 15 _A2 ) projects the image (D _B1 , D _B2 ) on the image display unit (screen) 14 _A (14 _A1 , 14 _A2 ), and the audio device 17 _A emits a sound (V _B ).

Here, when projecting the images D _B1 and D _B2 of the second site B on the image display unit (screen) 14 _A1 and the image display unit (screen) 14 _A2 of the first site A, the image unit (projector) 15 _A1 and Video processing performed in the video unit (projector) 15 _A2 will be described.

The communication system 1 _A arranged at the first base A has the images D _B1 , D _{B2 of} the second base B captured by the imaging unit 11 _B1 and the imaging unit 11 _{B2 of} the communication system 1 _B arranged at the second base B. a video display unit (screen) 14 _A1 and the video display unit (screen) 14 _A2 Metropolitan horizontally long video display unit comprising a (screen) with respect to 14 _a, is designed to project as if it were a series of elongated horizontally. Therefore, the image display unit (screen) 14 _A of the first site A executes the image processing for if it were projected as a series of horizontally elongated image of the image D _B1, D _B2 received by the receiving unit 43 _A.

When the angle of view of the camera lens 12 _B1 of the image pickup unit 11 _{B1 and} the angle of view of the camera lens 12 _B2 of the image pickup unit 11 _B2 in the second base B partially overlap, the image pickup ranges partially overlap. As a result, the video _{D B2} of the video _{D B1} and the imaging unit _{11 B2} by the imaging unit _{11 B1} is imaged is imaged, thus crowded reflected the same imaging target. Therefore, the video unit (projector) 15 _A, of the image _{D B1, D B2,} performing a first image processing for cutting duplicate video portion. For example, with the middle of the image pickup direction of the camera lens 12 _{B1 and} the image pickup direction of the camera lens 12 _B2 as a boundary, the projector 15 _A1 cuts the overlapping portion from the image D _B1 to the image D _B2, and the projector 15 _A2 cuts the image. It suffices to cut the overlapping portion from D _B2 to the image D _B1 .

The video unit (projector) _{15 A1,} since that will project an image _{D B1} from a position below the center of the image display unit (screen) _{14 A1,} displayed on the video display unit (screen) _{14 A1} The image is distorted into a trapezoid. In order to eliminate this distortion, the second image processing is performed to perform trapezoidal distortion correction (keystone correction) for making the image look like a square along the display surface of the image display unit (screen) 14 _A1 .

Furthermore, the image display unit (screen) 14 _A, the image of the second station B where the imaging unit 11 _B is imaged, together with the fact that appears to both ends in the width direction of the image display unit (screen) 14 _A, video widthwise ends of the display unit (screen) 14 _a, eliminates almost the margin portion where an image is not displayed, the actual first site a, a second station B as video displayed on the video display unit (screen) 14 _a It is possible to further improve the sense of continuity with, and to provide a more realistic and realistic image that eliminates the feeling of watching a TV screen.

Can provide a communication system 1 _A of the first site A, an image continuity born realistic reality space by the communication system 1 _B should continue to operate each of the second center B, the first site It is possible to always realize smooth communication between the person in A and the person in the second base B. The on/off of the communication system 1 _A and/or the communication system 1 _B and the connection time thereof may be appropriately set according to the purpose of use. For example, when using the office as the first base A and the office as the second base B, in order to promote the activation and induction of communication, the offices are always operated during business hours of both offices. Is preferred.

[Place of communication system]
The location where the communication system 1 _A is located at the first location _{A and} the location where the communication system 1 _B is located at the second location B may be appropriately arranged according to the intended use of the communication system 1.

For example, each of the first base A and the second base B is a company office, and in order to facilitate communication between employees at the first base A and employees at the second base B, The communication system 1 _A and/or the communication system 1 _B are arranged along the flow line (movement line) where many people come and go. By adopting such a location, it is possible to naturally communicate (call out) from each other's bases even with those who happen to pass by accident, even if they do not plan for meetings, etc. It is possible to find a story at the other party's base and participate in the communication from other bases, etc., and realize communication with a sense of distance as if the other party of the communication is at the same base (immediately next to, in front of you). it can.

Further, for example, the communication system 1 _A (and/or the communication system 1 _B ) is arranged in a corner portion of the indoor space (room) which is the first base A (and/or the second base B). The corners, which are the corners of the indoor space (room), tend to become dead spaces and are often left as luggage storage spaces without being effectively used. In such a place, the communication system 1 _A (and/or communication) is used. Arranging the system 1 _B ) can improve the effective use of the floor and is easily accepted as a place where the relatively large communication system 1 _A (and/or the communication system 1 _B ) is permanently installed.

[Other modifications]
In the above embodiment, although the communication system 1 _B arranged in the communication system 1 _A and a second site B, which is disposed in the first location A it has been described with respect to the case of the same configuration, placing the communication system 1 _A Since the environment of the first base A and the environment of the second base B where the communication system 1 _B is located may be different, the communication system 1 _A and the communication system 1 _B have different configurations depending on the conditions such as the location and the application. May be

For example, in the communication system 1 _A arranged at the first base A, the image section (projector) 15 _A (15 _A1 , 15 _A2 ) is different from the image display section (screen) 14 _A (14 _A1 , 14 _A2 ). , The image picked up by the imaging unit 11 _B (11 _B1 , 11 _B2 ) arranged in the second base B is projected, and the sound collected by the sound collecting device 13 _B arranged in the second base _B is reproduced by the audio device 17. if it is configured to be capable _{of a} emitted, you can experience the sense of realism of the internal space S _B of the second site B in real time. Therefore, the communication system 1 _B has at least a configuration capable of transmitting video and sound in the internal space S _B of the second base B (imaging unit 11 _B (imaging units 11 _B1 , 11 _B2 ) and sound collecting device 13 _B ). All you have to do is do it.

Further, the camera lenses 12 _A1 and 12 _A2 and the camera lenses 12 _B1 and 12 _B2 may use camera lenses having different angles of view, or the image display section (screen) 14 _A (14 _A1 and 14 _A2 ) and the image. The display unit (screen) 14 _B (14 _B1 , 14 _B2 ) has a different size, or the angle formed by the image display unit (screen) 14 _A1 and the image display unit (screen) 14 _{A2 at} the first location Different configurations may be adopted between α (see FIG. 2) and the angle (not shown) formed by the video display unit (screen) 14 _B1 and the video display unit (screen) 14 _{B2 of} the second base.

Further, the communication system according to the invention, the image display unit (screen) 14 _A of the first base A, it is also possible to image system for displaying an image captured by the second base B, and in this case , and captures a predetermined spatial imaging unit 11 for outputting an image _B including a part of the floor surface of at least a second station B, the video display image of the second site B captured by the imaging unit 11 _B is displayed As long as it includes the section (screen) 14 _A , the sound collecting devices 13 _A and 12 _B and the sound devices 17 _A and 17 _B may not be provided.

The present invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, it goes without saying that the above-described embodiments are merely for explanation and do not limit the present invention.

1 Communication system 1 _A communication system (communication system at the 1st site)
1 _B communication system (communication system on the second base side)
10 units 10 _A units (first base unit)
10 _A1 unit (1st unit side 1st unit)
10 _A2 units (first base side second unit)
10 _B unit (second base unit)
10 _B1 unit (2nd base side 1st unit)
10 _B2 unit (second base side second unit)
11 image pickup units 11 _A, 11 _A1, 11 _A2 image pickup units (first base side image pickup unit)
11 _B, 11 _B1, 11 _B2 image pickup unit (second base side image pickup unit)
12 camera lens 12 _A1, 12 _A2 camera lens (first base side camera lens)
12 _B1, 12 _B2 camera lens (second base side camera lens)
13 Sound collecting device (sound device)
13 _A sound collector (sound device on the first site)
13 _B sound collecting device (sound device on the second base side)
14 Video display (screen)
14 _A, 14 _A1, 14 _A2 image display unit (first site side image display unit)
14 _B, 14 _B1, 14 _B2 video display unit (second base side video display unit)
15 Video part (projector)
15 _A, 15 _A1, 15 _A2 video part (first base side video part)
15 _B, 15 _B1, 15 _B2 video part (second base side video part)
16 Projection Lens 17 _A Audio Device (Sound Device on First Site)
17 _B audio system (second site side audio system)
20 Screen Stand 21 Strut 23 Pedestal 25 Wheel 30 Projector Stand 31 Upper Stand 32 Lower Stand 33 Side Pillar 34 Vertical Adjusting Section 35 Vertical Adjusting Section 36 Tilt Adjusting Section 37 Coupler 40 Control Section 41 _A, 41 _B Transmitting Section 43 _A, 43 _B Reception Part 49 Communication network 50 Management device 51 Control part 52 Storage part 53 Selection part 54 Setting registration part 56 Display part 60 Connection destination switching operation screen 61 Name list display part 62 First base display column 63 Second base display column 64 Voice mark 65 Connection status mark 70 Connection destination setting screen 71 Display name field 72 IP address entry field 73 Password entry field 74 Port number entry field 75 Save button A 1st site B 2nd site S _A Internal space H1 Imaging unit height

Claims (4)

In the communication system for communicating between the first base and the second base,
The first base and the second base are
Two or more video display units where video is displayed on the display surface,
Two or more image parts for projecting the image on the display surface of the image display part;
Two or more image pickup units for picking up the image are installed,
A communication network for transmitting video data of the imaging unit of one of the bases to the video unit of the other base;
A management device connected to the communication network;
Have
The management device is
A storage unit that stores a plurality of information by adding a connection destination name of the base to information necessary for mutual connection between the image capturing unit of one base and the video unit of another base,
A display unit for displaying a list of the plurality of connection destination names stored in the storage unit ;
By selecting a connection destination name to be connected from the plurality of connection destination names displayed in the list, the image capturing unit of one of the bases and the image unit of the other base are mutually connected. have a selection section for controlling transmission of the image data,
The selection unit of the management device controls ON/OFF of power supplied to each base, performs an operation of executing connection and disconnection between the bases, and means for switching a connection destination of the base. A communication system characterized by having . The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the management device is provided in at least one of the bases. The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays only the connection destination names that can be connected from the plurality of registered connection destination names. The one base has an audio device that sequentially emits sounds collected by the sound collectors of the other bases in synchronization with the video,
By selecting the connection destination name stored in the storage unit, the selection unit of the management device connects the audio device at one of the bases to the sound collection device at another of the bases. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , which is characterized.

Images