JPH0442690A - Reception installation - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain a service by means of voice and video signals with a simple operation by allowing a receptionist to meet a visitor through an image pickup means and a speech means between each reception and a wait location in which the receptionist is resident. CONSTITUTION:When a visitor 1a operates a receptionist call operation device 7a such as a call button, a notice device 10a is operated to inform a visit of the visitor 1a to a receptionist 1b. Then the receptionist 1b receiving the notice uses a communication selection means 11b to select a reproducing device 5a and a handset 6a for a visitor while confirming the visitor 1a via a reproducing device 5b. Then the reproducing device 5a for visitor displays the receptionist and the receptionist 1b and the visitor 1a make communication while observing each other indirectly. Thus, more sufficient service is offered in comparison with an interphone.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is applicable to multiple reception areas, such as a reception desk for a culture class where classrooms are divided on each floor of a building and a reception desk is installed on each floor. or regarding reception facilities that are dispersed.

[Conventional technology]

For example, in a cultural classroom where classrooms are distributed on each floor, it is necessary to set up a reception desk on each floor in order to provide services such as guidance smoothly and accurately. There are very few visitors and the reception desk is extremely infrequently used. Therefore, it is extremely uneconomical to place a receptionist at each reception desk.

Therefore, conventionally, the following measures have been taken.

The first method is to install a buzzer at the reception desk for visitors to call the receptionist, and the receptionist goes to the reception desk where the buzzer is pressed and responds to the visitor.

The second method is to provide an intercom for communication between each reception desk and a waiting area where a receptionist is stationed, so that the receptionist can respond to visitors by voice.

The third method is to install a videophone instead of the intercom of the second method.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, although all of the above conventional means can reduce the number of recipients, they have the following drawbacks.

When using the first method, the receptionist has to go to the reception desk each time he or she is called by the buzzer, which imposes burdensome and hard work on the receptionist.

In the case of the second method, since the service is provided by voice, it is difficult to provide a sufficient service and the visitor cannot be given a sense of security.

When using the third method, since the visitor is required to perform complicated videophone operations, it takes time to make a call, and the service cannot be provided quickly.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[Means to solve the problem]

The characteristic configuration of the reception facility according to the present invention is that each of the plurality of reception locations includes an imaging device for photographing visitors, a reproduction device for reproducing image signals, a telephone transmitting/receiving device for visitors, and a reception calling operation tool. an imaging device for photographing a receptionist, a playback device for reproducing the image signal from the imaging device for photographing a visitor, a transmitting/receiving device for the receptionist, and a notification device at a specific reception location; a function for activating a notification device based on the operation of the reception/calling operation tool; and a function for a visitor to communicate with an imaging device for photographing the receptionist based on the operation of the communication selection operation tool. A control means is provided which has a function of selecting a reproduction device and a function of selecting a transmitting/receiving device for a receptionist and a transmitting/receiving device for a visitor to communicate with based on the operation of a communication selection operating tool. It is in.

[For production]

First, how to use the system is explained. When a visitor needs a service, the visitor operates a reception/call operation tool such as a call button. As a result, the notification device can be activated to notify the receptionist that there is a visitor. Then, the receptionist who receives the notification selects a reproduction device and a transmitting/receiving device for the visitor using the communication selection means while confirming the visitor through the reproduction device. As a result, the receptionist is displayed on the visitor's playback device, and the receptionist and the visitor can communicate while looking at each other, albeit indirectly.

As described above, since the receptionist and the visitor can talk while looking at each other, it is possible to provide a more satisfactory service than with an intercom.

Moreover, since the receptionist can respond to visitors while remaining at a specific reception location, there is no need to go to the reception location to respond.

Furthermore, since the visitor only needs to operate a reception/call operation tool such as a call button, there is no confusion in the operation and the service can be provided quickly.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to have a receptionist at each reception area, and the number of receptionists can be reduced. We have now been able to provide a reception facility that allows quick reception.

〔Example〕

Examples of the present invention are shown below.

As shown in Figure 1, three of the four reception areas on each floor of the building are designated as reception areas (Ia) with no receptionist present, and each of these reception areas (1,) is equipped with a reception cordless handset (Ia) for visitors. The remaining one reception point is designated as a specific reception point (I,) where the receptionist is stationed, and a reception main unit (1b) for the receptionist is installed in that reception point (Ia), and the reception desk is located in an office, etc. A notification display device (2) is installed at a location where a person is present, and a main control device (3) is provided to constitute a reception facility.

The reception handset (1a) is a TV left camera 4aX, which is an example of an imaging device for photographing visitors, and is hereinafter simply referred to as a camera. ), a reproduction device for reproducing image signals (referred to as a monitor below 5aX), a transmitting/receiving device (6a), a reception/call operating tool (7a), a character generator (8a), and an auxiliary control device (9a). ) and a buzzer (1) as a notification device.
0a) and a communication selection operating tool (11a).

The transmitting/receiving device (6a), character generator (8a), buzzer (10a), and communication selection operating tool (11a) are connected to the auxiliary control device (9a) together with the auxiliary controller (12a) of the auxiliary control device (9a). Built-in.

The reception main unit (1b) includes a TV left camera 4b (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera), which is an example of an imaging device for photographing the receptionist, and a reproduction device (5b) for reproducing image signals.
(hereinafter referred to as a monitor), a transmitting/receiving device (6b), a buzzer (10b) as a notification device, a communication selection operation tool (11b), and an auxiliary control device (12b), and a reception/reception device (6b). It includes an operating tool (7b) and a character generator (8b). The transmitting/receiving device (6b), the buzzer (10b)
), the communication selection operating tool (11a), and the character generator (8b) are connected to the auxiliary controller (
12b) and is incorporated into its auxiliary control device (9b).

In other words, the reception slave unit (1a) and the reception master unit (lb) have the same specifications, and as shown in FIG.
4), a monitor (5), and an auxiliary control device (9),
It is composed of a reception machine (1) which can be freely switched between a reception slave machine (1a) and a reception master machine (1b).

Note that power is supplied to the reception machine (1) by turning on the switch (S) of the camera (4).

A call button (13) is built into the camera (4) of the reception machine (1), and a reception counter (14) on which the reception machine (1) is placed is installed.
) is placed with a call button (15), and the call buttons (13) and (15) are reception call operation tools (7a).

(7b).

Furthermore, a microphone (16) and a speaker (17) are arranged on the front of the auxiliary control device (9) in the reception machine (1), and a portion of the front that is opened and closed by a cover (not shown) is provided with a microphone (16) and a speaker (17). , an ON/OFF switch (19) for the buzzer (18) of the notification display device (2), three indicator lamps (20XLED, etc.) corresponding to the other reception machine (1), and the other reception machine (1). Three corresponding communication selection keys (21), a base unit setting key (b) for setting the reception machine (1) to the reception base unit (1b), an enlargement key (22), and an end key (
23), and a volume adjustment section (24) of the speaker (17).
) and a jack (25) for connecting a headphone type handset (not shown). and,
Connect the transmitting/receiving device (6a) of the reception handset (1a) to the microphone (16).
) and a speaker (17), a handset connected to a jack (25) and a transmitting/receiving device (6b) of the reception base unit (1b), and a communication selection operating tool (11a), (11b).
) is configured with a communication selection key (21).

The character generators (8a) and (8b) monitor (5a) the character signal of the first message, "For drawings, please press the call button." as an image signal.

The first status output in (5b) and “Currently calling.

Please wait for a little while. A second state in which the character signal of the second message "" is output as an image signal to the monitors (5a) and (5b), and "Please wait while talking to another floor. A third state in which the character signal of the third message "" is output as an image signal to the monitors (5a) and (5b), and a video switching circuit (32) in the main control device (3).
) can be freely switched to a fourth state in which the image signals from the monitors (5a) and (5b) are outputted.

The notification display device (2) notifies that the reception call operation tool (7a) of the reception handset (1a) has been operated, and also indicates which reception handset (1a) the reception call operation tool (7a) is operated. The buzzer (18
), a display device (28) equipped with a light-emitting display section (27) corresponding to each reception machine (1), and an 0N-
It consists of an OFF switch (29).

The main controller (3) includes a camera drive circuit (30) that synchronizes image signals of each camera (4), and a monitor (5).
The screen of is divided into four screens corresponding to each camera (4), and the image signal of each camera (4) is edited so that the image of the corresponding camera (4) is displayed on each of the four divided screens. a circuit (31) and the camera drive circuit (30)
An image switching circuit (32) for selecting the character generator (8a), (8b) to which the image signal from the image signal and the edited image signal from the editing circuit (31) should be sent; The receiving handset (la) that should communicate with the device (6b)
), a call switching circuit (33) for selecting the transmitting/receiving device (6a), a power supply circuit (34), and a main controller (3
5).

The main controller (35) is connected to communicate with the auxiliary controllers (12a) and (12b) of each reception machine (1), and the main controller (35) and the auxiliary controller (12a)
).

(12b) to each reception machine (1) and notification display device (
A control means for controlling 2) is configured. Note that control signals are transmitted from the main controller (35) to the notification display device (2) via a wireless transmitter (36) and receiver (37).

The functions of the control means are listed below.

[1 By turning on the community source circuit (34), all reception machines (
Turn on the switch (S) of the camera (4) in step 1) and switch the character generators (8a) and (8b) of all reception machines (1) to the first state. As a result, the first message is displayed on the monitors (5) of all reception machines (1) (a).

[21 By turning off the power supply circuit (34) in the above state (A), the switches (S) of the cameras (4) in all reception machines (1) are turned off.

[3] Reception call operation tool (7a) in the above state (A),
By operating (7b), the buzzer (
18) and the operated reception/call operation tool (
The display device (28) is activated so that the light emitting display section (27) corresponding to the reception machine (1) equipped with 7a) and (7b) emits light.

[4] By setting the base unit setting key (b) in the above state (a), the reception machine (1) equipped with the operated base unit setting key (b) is set as the reception base unit (1b). Then, the other reception device (1) is set as the reception slave device (1a), and the video switching circuit (32) is switched to a state where the edited image signal is sent to the character generator (8b) of the reception master device (lb). The character generator (8b) of the reception master device (1b) is switched to the fourth state. As a result, each camera (4a) can be viewed on the monitor (5b) of the reception main unit (lb).
), the image according to (4b) is displayed (b).

[5] The character generator (8b) of the reception base unit (1b) is activated by the setting release operation of the base unit setting key (b) in the above state (b).
is switched to the first state. As a result, the above state (a)
Return to

[6] By operating the reception call operating tool (7a) in the reception handset (1a) in the state (0), the receptionist handset (lb) equipped with the operated reception call operation tool (7a) (hereinafter , the character generator (8a) of the operation reception slave unit) is switched to the second state, and the buzzer (10b) of the reception master unit (lb) and the notification display device (2) is switched to the second state.

(18), the display lamp (20) in the reception master unit (1b) that corresponds to the operation reception slave unit (1a) blinks, and the light emitting display unit (1a) corresponding to the operation reception slave unit (1a) blinks. The indicator (28) of the notification display device (2) is operated so that the indicator (27) lights up. As a result, the second message is displayed on the monitor (5a) of the operation receiving handset (1a) (c).

[7] By operating the communication selection operating tool (11b) on the reception master unit (lb) in the above state (b), that is, by selecting the communication selection key (21),
) is switched to the fourth state, and the character generator (8a) is switched to the camera (4
The video switching circuit (32) is switched to the state where the image signal of b) is sent, and the transmitting/receiving device (6a) of the selected reception handset (1a) is
), the call switching circuit (33) is switched to a state in which the transmitting/receiving device (6b) of the receiving base unit (1b) is connected only to the receiving base unit (1b). As a result, the image of the receptionist captured by the camera (4b) in the reception base unit (1b) is displayed on the monitor (5a) of the selected reception slave unit (1a), and Transceiver device (6b), (
A state (d) is reached in which calls can be made via 6a).

[8] By operating the end key (23) in the above state (d), the character generator (8a) of the selected receiving handset (1a)
to the first state, and the call switching circuit (
33). This returns to state (b).

[9] In the above state (c), by operating the communication selection key (21) of the reception master unit (1b) corresponding to the operation reception slave unit (1a), the control described in [7] is performed, and the buzzer ( 10b
), (1B), and the blinking indicator lamp (
20) lights up. As a result, the operation receiving handset (l
Transceiver device (6b) between a) and reception base unit (1b)
, Only calls via (6a) are possible, and the image of the receptionist by the camera (4b) of the reception base unit (lb) is displayed on the monitor (5a) of the reception slave unit (1a) (e). .

[lO] A reception call operation tool (7a) that is operated by an interrupt operation of the reception call operation tool (7a) in a reception slave unit (1a) other than the operation reception slave unit (1a) in the above state (N). The character generator (8a) of the reception slave unit (la) (hereinafter referred to as the interrupt reception slave unit) equipped with an interrupt reception slave unit (la) is switched to the second state, and the buzzer ( 10a) and (18), and the reception master unit (
Among the display lamps (20) in 1b), those corresponding to the interrupt accepting slave unit (1a) are made to blink, and the light emitting display unit (27) corresponding to the interrupt accepting slave unit (1a) is turned on. 2) Activate the indicator (28).

As a result, the second message is displayed on the monitor (5a) of the interrupt reception slave (la) (to)
becomes.

[11] By operating the communication selection key (21) of the reception master unit (1b) corresponding to the interrupt reception slave unit (la) in the above state (to), the character generator (8a) of the operation reception slave unit (1a) is activated. )
is switched to the third state, the character generator (8a) of the interrupt accepting slave (la) is switched to the fourth state, and the character generator (8a) is switched to the fourth state.
The video switching circuit (32) is switched to a state where the image signal of the camera (4b) in the reception base unit (lb) is sent to the reception base unit (lb), and the image signal is sent only to the reception/reception device (6a) of the interrupt reception base unit (1a). The call switching circuit (33) is switched to connect the transmitting/receiving device (6b) of (1b), and the buzzer (10a), (
18) and turn on the blinking lamp (20). As a result, communication between the interrupt accepting slave unit (1a) and the accepting base unit (1b) is performed by the transmitting/receiving device (6a), (6b).
), and only calls can be made via the interrupt receiver (l
The camera (1b) of the main reception unit (1b) is displayed on the monitor (5a) of
4b) is displayed, and the operation reception handset (
The telephone call between the operation reception slave unit (la) and the reception master unit (lb) is interrupted, and the third message is displayed on the monitor (5a) of the operation reception slave unit (la) (g).

[12] By operating the communication selection key (21) of the reception master unit (lb) corresponding to the interrupt reception slave unit (la) in the above state (g), the character generator (
8a) to the first state, and its interrupt reception slave device (1a
) and a light emitting display section (27) corresponding to the indicator lamp (20) and light emitting display section (27
) is turned off, and the transmitting/receiving device (6a) in the interrupt receiving handset (la) and the transmitting/receiving device (
The call switching circuit (33) is switched to a state where the connection with 6b) is cut off. As a result, the first message is displayed on the monitor (5a) of the interrupt receiver (la) (chi).
becomes.

[13] By operating the communication selection key (21) corresponding to the operation reception slave unit (1a) in the state (H), the character generator (8a) of the operation reception slave unit (1a) is switched to the fourth state. ,
The video switching circuit (32) is switched to a state where the image signal of the camera (4b) of the reception base unit (Ib) is sent to its character light emitter (8a), and only the transmitting/receiving device (6a) of the operation reception slave unit (la) is sent. The call switching circuit (33) is switched to a state where it is connected to the transmitting/receiving device (6b) of the reception base unit (1b). As a result, the state returns to the state (N).

[14] By operating the end key (23) in the above state (e), the character generator (8a) of the operation receiving slave unit (la) is switched to the first state, and the transmitting/receiving device in the receiving base unit (lb) is switched to the first state. (6b) is not connected to the transmitting/receiving device (6a) of any reception handset (la), the call switching circuit (33) is switched to a state where the display lamp (6b) corresponding to the operation reception handset (1a) (
20) and the light emitting display section (27) are turned off. This returns to the state (n).

[15] Each of the above states (b), (c), (d)9. (υ
By operating the enlarge key (22) and the communication selection key (21) in , (F), 0), and (H), the camera ( 4a) The character generator (1b) of the base unit (1b) receives the image signal
8b), the video switching circuit (32) is switched to the state where it is sent to

This brings about a state in which only the image taken by the camera (4a) of the reception slave unit (1a) selected on the monitor (5b) of the reception master unit (1b) is enlarged on the screen.

[16] By operating the end key (23) in the above state (S), the edited image signal is received and the character generator (1b) of the base unit (1b) is activated.
8b), the video switching circuit (32) is switched to the state where it is sent to

As a result, the original states (0), (c), (d).

Return to (ne), (he), 0), (chi).

[17 each of the above states (+1), (c), (d), (
Video switching circuit (32) for N), (F), 0), and (H)
Regardless of the switching, the video switching circuit (32) sends an editing signal to the character generator (8b) of the reception base unit (1b).
hold. As a result, each state (b), (c),
, (ne), (he), ()).

In each of (H), the monitor (
5b), images from each camera (4a) and (4b) are displayed.

[18] Turn off the ON/OFF switch (19),
The buzzer (18) of the notification display device (2) is disabled.

Next, we will show how the receptionist uses the above reception equipment.

Wait in the above state (b).

A visitor who comes to the reception area (Ia) where the receptionist is absent or by operating the reception calling device (7a) based on the first message displayed on the monitor (5a) of the reception handset (la) If (c) occurs, the reception main unit (1
From the blinking display lamp (20) in b), determine which reception area (1,) the visitor was at, and after confirming the visitor on the monitor (1b) of the main reception unit (1b), Operate the communication selection key (21) corresponding to the receiving handset (la) to set it to state (ne), and mutually monitor the other party (5a).

(5b) Talk to the visitor while watching. When the call ends, operate the end key (23) to return to state (b).

During the above-mentioned standby, if the monitor (5b) recognizes a visitor who seems to be wandering around the reception area, operate the communication selection key (21) to set the state (d) and switch on the transmitting/receiving device (
6a), (6b) to receive visitors (la)
After guiding the other person to the front, each monitors the other person (5a)
, (5b) and talk to the visitor while watching. When the call ends, operate the end key (23) to return to state (b).

During the above call, the second visitor calls another receptionist (
If the state (to) is reached by operating the reception call operation tool (7a) in la), the visitor who is currently on the phone is declined and the corresponding communication is sent to the other reception handset (1a). Selection key (
21) to the state (G), and talk to the second visitor while watching the other person on the monitors (5a) and (5b). When the call with the second visitor ends, operate the communication selection key (21) corresponding to the other reception handset (1a) to enter the state (H), and then Operate the communication selection key (21) corresponding to the accepting handset (la) that is currently in use to return to the state (ne).

In addition, monitor the reception area (1,) where there is no receptionist (5b
), in other words, if you want to display it on the entire screen of the reception area (1,
), press the enlarge key (22)
and communication selection key (2,) corresponding to the reception location (1,) you want to see.
1) Operate in order. To return to the original four screens, operate the end key (23).

In addition, it is desirable for the receptionist to use the handset inserted into the jack (25) as the transmitting/receiving device (6b).
The speaker (17) and microphone (16) are connected by a transmitter/receiver (
6b) may also be used.

According to the above configuration, the receptionist and the visitor can talk while watching each other on the monitors (5a) and (5b), giving the visitor a sense of security and making the conversation smooth. Since the image of the receptionist is also displayed on the monitor (5b) of the reception main unit (1b), the receptionist can know the customer service attitude of the earthquake, leading to better customer service.

[Another example]

Another embodiment of the invention is shown below.

[1] In the above embodiment, the reception slave unit (la) is connected to the reception master unit (la).
By configuring a reception machine (la) and a reception base unit (1b) with a reception machine (1) that has both the functions of Is it possible to arbitrarily set the reception point (Ia) provided?
The present invention may be implemented as a dedicated configuration for each of the reception slave device (1a) and the reception master device (1b).

[2] In the above embodiment, the reception master unit (1b) has one monitor (5b), and by dividing the screen of the monitor (5b), the cameras (4a) of the plurality of reception slave units (la) All images on one monitor (5b)
Although the main reception unit (Ib) is provided with a monitor (5b) corresponding to the camera (4a) of each reception slave unit (1a), the display may be performed in a divided manner.

[3 In the above embodiment, the monitor of the reception handset (1a) (
5a) to prompt the visitor to operate the reception call operation tool (7a), but without using the monitor (5a),
This may be prompted by a guide sign.

[4] Although reference numerals are written in the claims section for convenient comparison with the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the structure shown in the accompanying drawings.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 1 being a block diagram and FIG. 2 being a front view. (T,), (Ib)...-Reception point, (4a)
, C4b>-----Imaging device, (5a), (5
b)・-=playback device, (6a), (6b)-=...
Transceiver device, (7a)... Reception call operation tool, (
10b)...Notification device, (11b)...
Communication selection operation tool.

Claims (1)

[Claims] Each of the plurality of reception points (I_a) is equipped with an imaging device (4a) for photographing visitors, a reproduction device (5a) for reproducing image signals, a telephone transmitting/receiving device (6a) for visitors, and a reception telephone. A control tool (7a) is provided, and a specific reception area (I_b) is provided.
an imaging device (4b) for photographing a receptionist, a reproduction device (5b) for reproducing the image signal from the imaging device (4a) for photographing a visitor, and a transmitting/receiving device (6b) for the receptionist; A notification device (10b) and a communication selection operation device (11b) are provided, and the function of operating the notification device (10b) based on the operation of the reception/call operation device (7a), and the communication selection operation device (11) are provided.
An imaging device (4b) for photographing the receptionist based on the operation of b)
A function for selecting a reproduction device (5a) for a visitor to communicate with, and a function for selecting a reproduction device (5a) for a visitor to communicate with a transmitter/receiver device (6b) for a receptionist based on the operation of a communication selection operation tool (11b). A reception facility provided with a control means having a function of selecting an answering device (6a).