JPH06324960A - Conference device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To effectively prevent the real time performance of a tele-writing operation from being impaired even when plotting speed is changed. CONSTITUTION:Prescribed conversion quantity is set on a touch panel I/F 17, and the touch panel I/F 17 generates a corrdinate value at every conversion of a coordinate with, quantity over the conversion quantity as coordinate data according to the movement of a pen. A central processing unit 2, when reading in the coordinate data from the touch panel I/F 17, stores it on a RAM 11 as tele-writing data, and after that, transmits it to a reception side via an ISDN line 27. In such a case. the conversion quantity for the generation of the coordinate data is adjusted corresponding to the input speed of plotting to secure the real time performance of the tele-writing operation even if a plotting speed is changed. Also, the input speed of plotting can be detected by clocking the time until the fixed amount of coordinate data are generated by a timer 15.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a conference apparatus having a telewriting function for drawing appropriately.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conference apparatus having a telewriting function, when a user draws on a touch panel using, for example, a touch pen, the drawing information is transmitted to the other party and the other party receives the drawing information. It is possible to obtain a common image on the transmitting side and the receiving side. More specifically, on the transmitting side, when the user moves the touch pen to perform drawing, a change in coordinates is recognized on the touch panel accordingly, and coordinate data is changed every time the change in coordinate becomes a predetermined shift amount. Occurrence occurs, and this is notified to the other side, that is, the receiving side as drawing information.

[0003]

However, in the conventional conferencing apparatus, since the above-mentioned predetermined shift amount for generating the coordinate data is fixed, when the drawing speed changes,
There is a problem that the real-time property of the telewriting operation is impaired.

An object of the present invention is to provide a conference device capable of effectively preventing the real-time property of the telewriting operation from being impaired even if the drawing speed changes.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the inventions according to claims 1 and 3 detect a drawing speed and set a shift amount for generating coordinate data accordingly. I am trying to adjust it. This allows
The amount of coordinate data generated can be adjusted according to the drawing speed, and real-time telewriting operation can be ensured even if the drawing speed changes.

The inventions according to claims 2 and 3 are:
The drawing speed is detected and the transmission speed of the telewriting data is adjusted accordingly. As a result, it is possible to ensure real-time telewriting operation even if the drawing speed changes.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conference apparatus according to the present invention, which is configured as a still image conference apparatus 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the still image conference apparatus 1 is
A central processing unit (CPU) 2 for controlling the whole,
A DMA control device 3 for controlling DMA transfer, a still image coding / decoding device 4 for coding / decoding still image data such as conference materials, and a voice code / coding device for coding / decoding a voice signal. Decoding device 5, LAPB control device 6 for performing signal processing of layer 2 of ISDN B channel, I
LA for performing signal processing of layer 2 of D channel of SDN
PD controller 7 and CCITT Recommendation H.264. 221 performs the signal processing specified in 221 and multiplexes the data of multiple media.
An ISDN interface device 9 which is connected to a multimedia demultiplexing / separating device 8 used for demultiplexing and an ISDN line 27 and performs signal processing of ISDN layer 1
And a ROM 10 in which a control program for the central processing unit 2 is stored, and a RAM 1 used for executing programs in the central processing unit 2 and temporarily storing various data.
1, an image memory 12 that stores image data, a display controller 13 that controls the transfer of the image data stored in the image memory 12 to a display unit (for example, LCD) 22 at a predetermined timing, and date and time information. Clock (RTC: Real Time Clock) for keeping time
4 and a timer device 1 for realizing various timing functions used when executing a program in the central processing unit 2.
5 and the analog voice signal decoded by the voice encoding / decoding device 5 are amplified and output to the speaker 24, and the voice input signal from the microphone 23 is amplified and output to the voice encoding / decoding device 5. The audio I / F 16 and the touch panel 29 are controlled to control the touch panel I / F 17 for reading the coordinate data designated on the touch panel 29 and the scanner 25 for inputting the still image information. Scanner I for reading still image information
/ F18, a printer I / F19 for controlling the printer 26 and outputting still image information to the printer 26, a magnetic disk device 21 for storing image information and various management information, and a magnetic disk device 21. And a magnetic disk I / F 20.

[0008] Here, the display material (eg, LCD) 22 displays the conference material and the like to the user, and the touch panel 29 allows the user to perform operation and telewriting input. In addition,
The display unit (LCD) 22 and the touch panel (TP) 29 can be integrated to form an LCD / TP 30 as shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the conference device having such a configuration will be described. In the following, the display unit 22 and the touch panel 29 are integrally configured as an LCD / TP30. First, the normal operation will be described with reference to FIGS. It is necessary to connect the line before starting the conference communication, but the line connection is LAPD.
It is possible to carry out according to the usual calling (or receiving) procedure performed through. That is, the user can use the LCD / T
From the menu displayed on P30, select Call for Conference and point to it. The pointed coordinates are notified to the central processing unit 2 via the touch panel I / F 17, and the central processing unit 2 recognizes the menu selected from the pointed coordinate position. Next, the central processing unit 2 creates a guidance image for inputting a telephone number on the image memory 12. This image is displayed on the LCD / TP 30 via the LCD controller 13. When the user inputs the ISDN number of the partner terminal according to this guidance image, the input number is notified to the central processing unit 2 in the same manner. As a result, the central processing unit 2 can control the ISDN interface device 9 to make a call (SETUP) to the ISDN network 27. SETUP (call setup message)
H.264 provides unrestricted digital transfer capability (BC) and H.264 lower layer integrity (LLC). 221, High Layer Consistency (HL
C) is sent as a conference. The other terminal is SETUP
If the communication possibility is analyzed and the other terminal is
NN (Answer) is returned, which establishes the call.
Here, in the lower layer consistency, the H.264 standard is used. 221 is a CC executed by the multimedia multiplexer / separator 8 in FIG.
ITT Recommendation H. 221 is implemented.

When the call is established, the central processing unit 2
Controls the multimedia multiplexer / demultiplexer 8 to send out a multi-frame synchronization signal and establish multi-frame synchronization. Further, the central processing unit 2 is CCIT
Recommendation H.T. According to 242, the multimedia multiplexer / demultiplexer 8 is controlled to notify the capability and establish the communication mode. That is, H.264. A capability notification is made on the BAS signal on the 221, and a channel is set and a bit rate is allocated for the common capability. Specifically, voice (48 Kb
ps), telewriting data (300 bps), conference operation data (remaining capacity), and three channels are allocated. In this way, when the communication mode is confirmed, the operation as the conference system can be started. At this time, on the LCD / TP 30, for example, a selection menu for holding a conference, transmitting conference material, telewriting, displaying conference material, and ending the conference is displayed.

When performing telewriting, the user selects the telewriting from the menu displayed on the LCD / TP30 and points it. When the central processing unit 2 recognizes that telewriting has been selected, it creates a screen for telewriting on the image memory 12 and, at the same time, stores the conference operation data previously assigned via the LAPB control unit 6. Send certain information on the channel to signal that telewriting is about to begin. Upon receiving the information, the receiving side creates a screen for telewriting on the image memory as in the transmitting side.

In this way, when the preparation for telewriting is completed, the user points the screen for telewriting and starts telewriting. The functions of telewriting include, for example, free drawing,
Generally, line drawing, circle drawing, eraser erasing, box erasing, markers, etc. are provided, and the present invention can be applied to any of the above functions as long as it is a function of continuously generating coordinates. Free drawing, which is considered to be the most basic operation, will be described. In the following, a case where drawing is performed on a blank space (on the screen) will be described as an example.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen for performing telewriting. When the user points to "free drawing" on the screen of FIG. 5, the central processing unit 2 controls the touch panel I / F 17 to change the mode related to the coordinate data notification. That is, all operations up to the start of image processing are performed by the LCD /
The operation is to point to the menu displayed on the TP30, and therefore, the mode is the one in which only one coordinate is notified at one point (point mode). It is necessary to set to a mode (stream mode) in which the coordinates are continuously obtained until the pen is moved up. When the user freely draws after such mode setting change, the touch panel I / F 17 notifies the central processing unit 2 of the coordinate data by an interrupt signal every time the coordinate data is generated.

Specifically, the touch panel I / F 17 is
Changes in coordinates beyond a certain amount as the pen moves (| Xne
Each time (w-Xold | ≥set value or | Ynew-Yold | ≥set value) is recognized, the coordinate value at that time is generated as coordinate data, and this coordinate data is notified to the central processing unit 2. . When the central processing unit 2 reads the coordinate data from the touch panel I / F 17, it writes the drawing information in the image memory 12 and, at the same time, assembles the coordinate data into a frame for every four coordinates as shown in FIG. The telewriting data transmission buffer provided at a predetermined address on the RAM 11 stores the data. In FIG. 6, the TW identifier is for identifying which of the plurality of telewriting functions the coordinate data belongs to. The LAPB control device 6 monitors the channel of the telewriting data, and if there is a free space, the DMA control device 3
Request data transfer to. In accordance with this request, the DMA control device 3 sequentially reads the telewriting data stored in the RAM 11 and transfers it to the LAPB control device 6. The LAPB controller 6 sends the transferred data to the IS
The data is transmitted via the DN interface device 9 to the telewriting data channel of the ISDN line 27. On the receiving side, drawing information is written in the image memory according to the received telewriting data. As described above, a common image can be obtained on the transmitting side (drawing side) and the receiving side. The present invention is also applicable to other applications in which still image information such as conference materials is displayed and telewriting such as drawing is performed on the information.

By the way, the present invention intends to secure the real-time property of the telewriting operation even if the drawing speed changes. For this purpose, the conferencing apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to adjust the amount of displacement for generating coordinate data according to the drawing input speed.
The input speed of drawing is detected by the timer device 15 by measuring the time until a fixed number of coordinate data is generated.

A specific processing operation of the conference device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. In order to perform free drawing, the user first sets the mode relating to the notification of coordinate data to the stream mode (step S1), and also touch panel I / F.
The displacement amount default value (initial value of the displacement amount) is set in 17 (step S2). After making such settings, the user can operate the touch pen to perform free drawing.

At this time, the central processing unit 2 monitors the coordinate data generation notification from the touch panel I / F 17 (step S3), and when the coordinate data is generated, a process of reading the coordinate data is performed (step S).
4). Further, the central processing unit 2 determines whether or not the user touches the touch panel 29 with the touch pen to bring the pen down state (step S5). When the pen-down state is reached, it is determined whether the read coordinate data is within the TW effective area (in the telewriting effective area, that is, in the drawing area) (step S).
6) If it is not within the TW effective area, it is checked whether another menu is selected (step S7). As a result, when it is determined that another menu is selected, the mode is changed to the point mode (step S
8) While ending the processing, if it is not determined that another menu is selected, the data is discarded until the user enters a pen-up state in which the touch pen is released from the touch panel (step S9).

On the other hand, in step S6, when the coordinate value at the time of pen down is within the TW valid area, the counter n for the number of generated coordinate data is initialized to "0", and the frame The number m is initialized to "1" (step S10). Next, the timer device 15 is activated to start timing (step S11),
Further, the coordinate data at this time (the coordinate data read in step S4) is stored in, for example, the RAM 11 (step S12), and the process returns to step S3 again. Then, when new coordinate data is generated, it is read (step S4). Next, it is determined whether or not the pen-up state has been reached (step S13). When the pen-up state has not been reached, the counter n for the number of coordinate data generations is incremented by "1" (step S14), and the counter It is checked whether or not n has become a constant number k (step S15).

As a result, when the counter n does not reach the constant number k, the process proceeds to steps S16 to S23. That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinate data just read is within the TW valid area (step S16),
If it is not within the TW effective area, the coordinate data is discarded (step S17), and the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if it is within the TW effective area, the coordinate information is drawn using the read coordinate data (step S18), and the frame number m is incremented by "1" (step S19). Next, the frame number m is "4"
If m is not "4", the read coordinate data is stored (step S21) and the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, when m becomes “4” in step S20, the stored coordinate data is framed and RAM1
1 is written in the transmission buffer (step S22), m
Is cleared to "0" (step S23), and step S3
Return to.

On the other hand, in step S15, the counter n, that is, the number of read coordinate data is a constant value k.
When the time becomes, the time counting operation of the timer device 15 is stopped (step S24), and the timer value at this time is read (step S25). Next, the counter n is cleared to "0" (step S26), and the timer device 15 is activated again (step S27). Further, the set value of the shift amount for generating the coordinate data is adjusted according to the timer value (time measurement result) read in step S25 (step S).
28 to S31).

Specifically, for example, from the table graphed as shown in FIG. 10, the increase / decrease value (change amount) with respect to the currently set displacement amount is calculated according to the timing result (step S28). (Change amount) is "0"
It is determined whether or not (step S29). As a result, when the increase / decrease value (change amount) is “0”, the current change amount setting value is maintained as it is, while when the increase / decrease value (change amount) is not “0”, the current change amount is changed. The amount set value is changed (increased or decreased) by the increase / decrease value (change amount) to calculate a new displacement amount set value (step S3).
0). Note that clipping processing is also performed in the processing of calculating the new displacement amount setting value in step S30. When a new displacement amount set value is calculated, the central processing unit 2
Sets this displacement amount set value on the touch panel I / F 17 (step S31). In this way, the shift amount set in the touch panel I / F 17 is updated according to the timer value read in step S25. The central processing unit 2 repeats this time counting operation during a series of drawing operations, and if there is a change, resets the shift amount. Then, in step S13, when pen-up occurs, it is determined that the drawing operation has stopped, the timer device 15 is stopped (step S32), and step S2
Go to 2.

With such processing, when drawing is performed at high speed (for example, when underlining is drawn), it is considered that the image does not require fine resolution, and at this time, the displacement amount is set large. , The interval of coordinate data generation can be set large, which allows
It is possible to limit the amount of data generated and prevent delay in processing speed due to generation of a large number of coordinate data.

In other words, it is possible to set a coarse shift amount when the drawing is performed at high speed and a fine shift amount when the drawing is performed at low speed, so that the telewriting operation is performed in real time even if the drawing speed changes. It is possible to prevent loss of sex. As described above, the conference apparatus according to the first embodiment can satisfactorily deal with the case where the coordinate data is generated in a hurry and does not cause a delay in the processing even if the drawing speed changes.
It is possible to secure real-time telewriting operation.

As a specific example, when the timer value read in step S25 is t ₀ , the increase / decrease value corresponding to this timer value t ₀ is “0” in FIG. 10, so the touch panel I / F 17 The amount of displacement set to is not changed and is maintained as it is. On the other hand, the timer value read in step S25 is t
₁ (or t ₂₎ when a is 10, increase or decrease value corresponding to the timer value t ₁ (or t ₂₎ is "+
5 "(or" -5 "), touch panel I /
The shift amount set in F17 is "+5" (or "-
5 ") increases (or decreases), and the displacement amount setting is updated.

The conferencing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is configured to adjust the transmission rate of coordinate data, that is, telewriting data, according to the drawing input rate. That is, in the second embodiment, specifically, the central processing unit 2 sets C according to the drawing input speed.
CITT Recommendation H.264 Multimedia multiplexing according to 242
The separating device 8 is controlled to change the communication mode and the transmission bit rate assigned to the channel of telewriting data. Note that the drawing input speed is detected by measuring the time until the generation of a fixed number of coordinate data by the timer device 15, as in the first embodiment.

A specific processing operation of the conference device of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. The processing operations shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 are basically performed in the same manner as the processing operations of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 (steps S41 and S43). To S67, S71) and the process for adjusting the transmission rate instead of the process for adjusting the shift amount in the first embodiment (steps S42, S68 to S68).
70) is only different.

That is, in the processing of FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG.
A transmission bit rate default value (initial value of transmission bit rate) is set in the separation device 8. Then, step S6
The set value of the transmission bit rate is adjusted according to the timer value (result of timing) read in step 5 (steps S68 to S70).

Specifically, for example, the transmission bit rate corresponding to the timer value (measurement result) read in step S65 is calculated from the table graphed as shown in FIG. 14 (step S68). Next, it is judged whether or not the transmission bit rate calculated in this way is the same as the currently set transmission bit rate (step S
69), if they are the same, the set value of the transmission bit rate is not updated. On the other hand, when the calculated transmission bit rate is different from the currently set transmission bit rate, the set value of the transmission bit rate is changed to the transmission bit rate calculated in step S68 (step S70). The central processing unit 2 repeats such an operation during a series of drawing operations, and resets the transmission bit rate if the calculated transmission bit rate changes.

As a specific example, in FIG. 14, when the timer value (counting result) read in step S65 is t ₀ , the transmission bit rate is “9600” bp.
If it is set to s and the timer value (counting result) is t ₁ , the transmission bit rate is “14400” b.
Set to ps.

In other words, when drawing at high speed, it is considered that the image does not require fine resolution. At this time, the transmission bit rate is set to high speed, and a large number of coordinate data are obtained by high speed drawing. Even when it occurs, it is possible to prevent the processing speed from being delayed due to the high-speed transmission. As described above, also in the conference apparatus of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to cope well with the case where there is a gradual occurrence of coordinate data, and even if the drawing speed changes, the processing can be performed. It is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of delay and secure the real-time property of the telewriting operation.

[0031]

As described above, according to the inventions of claims 1 and 3, the drawing speed is detected, and the shift amount for generating the coordinate data is adjusted accordingly. Therefore, the generation amount of coordinate data can be adjusted according to the drawing speed, and the real-time property of the telewriting operation can be secured even if the drawing speed changes.

According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the drawing speed is detected and the transmission speed of the telewriting data is adjusted accordingly.
Even if the drawing speed changes, the real-time property of the telewriting operation can be secured.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conference device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an LCD / TP in which a display unit and a touch panel are integrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a normal operation of the conference device in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a normal operation of the conference device in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for performing telewriting.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining how coordinate data is assembled into frames each having four coordinates.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific processing operation of the conference apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific processing operation of the conference apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a specific processing operation of the conference apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an increase / decrease value of a shift amount corresponding to a timing result.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a specific processing operation of the conference apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a specific processing operation of the conference apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a specific processing operation of the conference apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission bit rate corresponding to a counting result.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 still image conferencing device 2 central processing unit 3 DMA control device 4 still image coding / decoding device 5 voice coding / decoding device 6 LAPB control device 7 LAPD control device 8 multimedia multiplexing / separating device 9 ISDN interface device 10 ROM 11 RAM 12 Image Memory 13 Display Controller 14 Clock 15 Timer Device 16 Audio I / F 17 Touch Panel I / F 18 Scanner I / F 19 Printer I / F 20 Magnetic Disk I / F 21 Magnetic Disk Device 22 Display Unit (LCD) 23 Microphone 24 Speaker 25 Scanner 26 Printer 27 ISDN line 29 Touch panel 30 LCD / TP

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A conference apparatus having a telewriting function for drawing, when drawing is performed,
An input means for inputting the drawing as coordinate data, an input speed detecting means for detecting an input speed of drawing by the input means, and a predetermined shift amount are set, and drawing is performed every time the coordinate change reaches the predetermined shift amount. Coordinate data generating means for generating coordinate data as information as telewriting data,
It has adjusting means for adjusting the predetermined displacement amount set in the coordinate data generating means according to the input speed of drawing detected by the input speed detecting means, and transmitting means for transmitting the telewriting data. The conference device is characterized in that 2. A conference apparatus having a telewriting function for drawing, when drawing is performed,
Input means for inputting the drawing as coordinates, input speed detecting means for detecting an input speed of the drawing in the input means,
A predetermined displacement amount is set, coordinate data generating means for generating coordinate data as drawing information as telewriting data each time a change in coordinates becomes a predetermined displacement amount, transmission means for transmitting telewriting data, and A conferencing apparatus comprising: an adjusting unit that adjusts a transmission speed of the telewriting data in the transmitting unit according to the drawing input speed detected by the input speed detecting unit. 3. The conference apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input speed detecting means measures a time until generation of a certain number of coordinate data and detects an input speed of drawing according to the time information. A conference device characterized by: