JPH07288788A - Video telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the storage capacity for storage of an absence message. CONSTITUTION:The picture signal out of the absence message is encoded by a picture signal encoding means 5 and has only one to several frames cut away and is stored as a picture signal for absence message by an absence message picture signal storage means 23. The voice signal out of the absence message is encoded by a voice signal encoding means 6 and is stored as a voice signal for absence message in time series by an absence message voice signal storage means 24. At the time of transmission of the absence message, these picture signal and voice signal for the absence message are multiplexed by a multiplexing means 9 and are transmitted by a transmission means 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a videophone capable of transmitting an absent message when an incoming call is received and receiving, storing and reproducing a message message transmitted from a calling side.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An answering machine, which is capable of transmitting an absent message when receiving an incoming call, receiving a message sent from a calling side, storing it, and reproducing it, has become widespread. Here, the absent message and the message are
It consists of audio signals only.

In recent years, although videophones have become popular,
Initially, this videophone was mainly for immediate response. Therefore, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-30234, an absence message is transmitted when an incoming call is received, and a message message transmitted from the calling side is received, stored, and reproduced, like an answering machine. A videophone capable of being devised. Here, the absence message and the message are composed of an image signal and an audio signal.

In the videophone described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-30234, a coded voice signal which is a coded voice signal and a coded image signal which is a coded image signal are further multiplexed. The feature is that the signal is stored in advance as an absence message.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional videophone. In FIG. 2, 1 is a camera that captures an image of a subject and captures an image signal (analog signal), 2 is a microphone that captures sound as an audio signal (analog signal), 3 is a television monitor that displays the image signal (analog signal) on a screen,
4 is a speaker for outputting an audio signal (analog signal), 5
Is an image signal encoding means for encoding an image signal (digital signal), 6 is an audio signal encoding means for encoding an audio signal (digital signal), and 7 is an image signal for decoding an encoded image signal (digital signal) Decoding means, 8 is a voice signal decoding means for decoding an encoded voice signal (digital signal),
9 is a multiplexing means for multiplexing the coded image signal and the coded audio signal, 10 is a separating means for separating the multiplexed signal into the decoded image signal and the coded audio signal, and 11 is a communication line 80 for the multiplexed signal. Transmission means for converting into a form suitable for communication and transmitting it to the communication line 80 or performing a line connection procedure, 1
Reference numeral 2 is a receiving means for inversely converting a signal transmitted from the communication line 80 into a multiplexed signal and performing a line connection procedure, and 14 is an image signal (analog signal) for an image signal (digital signal).
A / D converter for converting to A / D, and 15 for converting an audio signal (analog signal) into an audio signal (digital signal)
D converter, 16 is a D / A converter for converting an image signal (digital signal) into an image signal (analog signal),
Reference numeral 17 is a D / A converter for converting a voice signal (digital signal) into a voice signal (analog signal), 18 is a casing of a videophone, 20 is an absent message storage means for storing / reproducing an absent message, and 21 is a message for a message. 40-43 is a switch (SW) for switching the input / output destination of the signal, 80 is a communication line, and 90 is an input means for the user of the videophone to input various instructions and the like. , 13 are control means for controlling these SWs and means.

First, the operation of storing an absence message for storing an absence message will be described. When the user wants to store the absence message, the user inputs an instruction to store the absence message from the input unit 90.

When the absent message storage instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the camera 1 and the microphone 2 to start operating. As a result, the camera 1 captures the image of the subject, captures the image signal, and the microphone 2
Captures voice as a voice signal.

The A / D converter 14 converts the image signal (analog signal) captured by the camera 1 into an image signal (digital signal), and the image signal encoding means 5 converts the image signal converted by the A / D converter 14. Is encoded. on the other hand,
The A / D converter 15 converts the audio signal (analog signal) captured by the microphone 2 into an audio signal (digital signal), and the audio signal encoding means 6 is the A / D converter 15
The encoded audio signal is encoded. The multiplexing means 9 multiplexes the coded image signal coded by the image signal coding means 5 and the coded audio signal coded by the audio signal coding means 6.

At the time of normal communication in which an immediate response is made at the time of an incoming call and direct communication is made with the videophone of the calling side, the control means 13
Switches the output destination of SW40 to SW41,
Since the input destination of SW41 is switched to SW40, the multiplexed signal multiplexed by the multiplexing means 9 is SW4.
It is output to the transmission means 11 via 0 and 41, but when the absence message is stored, the control means 13 switches the output destination of the SW 40 to the absence message storage means 20. As a result, the multiplexed signal multiplexed by the multiplexing unit 9 is output to the absent message storage unit 20 via the SW 40, and the absent message storage unit 20 stores the multiplexed signal in time series.

Next, an operation of transmitting an absent message when an incoming message is received will be described. After the connection with the communication line 80, the control means 13 causes the absent message storage means 20 to reproduce the absent message if the user has already input an instruction to execute the answering machine function from the input means 90. Control to start. Thereby, the absent message storage unit 20 reproduces the stored absent message in time series. When the absent message is transmitted, the control unit 13 switches the input destination of the SW 41 to the absent message storage unit 20, so that the absent message reproduced by the absent message storage unit 20 is output to the transmission unit 11 via the SW 41 and transmitted. The means 11 sends the absence message to the communication line 80.

Next, the operation of storing a message for receiving and storing a message for an absent message will be described. After you finish sending out-of-office messages,
The receiving means 12 receives the message of interest transmitted from the communication line 80. During normal communication in which an immediate response is made when an incoming call is received and direct communication is performed with the videophone on the outgoing side, the control means 13 switches the output destination of SW42 to SW43 and the input destination of SW43 to SW42. The message received by the receiving means 12 is
It is output to the separating means 10 via the SWs 42 and 43,
When the absence message is stored, the control means 13 switches SW42.
The output destination of is switched to the message storage means 21. As a result, the message message received by the receiving means 12 is sent to the message message storing means 2 via the SW 42.
1, and the message storage means 21 stores the message in time series as a multiplexed signal.

Next, the operation at the time of playing back the message will be described. When the user wants to reproduce the message, the user inputs an instruction to reproduce the message from the input means 90.

When the message reproducing instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the message storage means 21 to start the reproducing operation, and S
The input destination of W43 is switched to the message storage means 21. Thereby, the message storage means 2
1 reproduces the stored message in time series, and the message is separated by the separating means 1 via the SW 43.
It is output to 0. The separation unit 10 separates the message message reproduced by the message message storage unit 21 into an encoded image signal and an encoded audio signal. Image signal decoding means 7
Decodes the encoded image signal separated by the separating means 10,
The D / A converter 16 converts the image signal (digital signal) decoded by the image signal decoding means 7 into an image signal (analog signal), and the television monitor 3 includes the D / A converter 1
The image signal converted by 6 is displayed on the screen. The audio signal decoding means 8 decodes the encoded audio signal separated by the separating means 10, and the D / A converter 17 converts the audio signal (digital signal) decoded by the audio signal decoding means 8 into an audio signal (analog signal). ), And the speaker 4 outputs the audio signal converted by the D / A converter 17.

The transmitting means 11 may modulate and transmit the multiplexed signal, and the receiving means 12 may demodulate the received multiplexed signal. Also, the image signal encoding means 5
The audio signal encoding means 6 encodes and compresses the image signal and the audio signal, respectively, and the image signal decoding means 7 respectively.
The audio signal decoding means 8 may decompress and decode the coded image signal and the coded audio signal, respectively.

[0015]

In the above prior art, a signal that should be transmitted during normal communication, that is, a multiplexed signal in which a coded image signal and a coded audio signal are multiplexed,
Since it is stored as an absent message, the absent message contains a large amount of coded image signals.

Therefore, even if the encoded image signal is compressed, the capacity of the absent message is large.
For example, in a videophone that carries out data transfer of 64 Kb per second, in order to send an absent message for 10 seconds, a storage capacity of several hundred Kb or more is required only for storing the absent message.

Further, since the multiplexed signal obtained by multiplexing the coded image signal and the coded audio signal is stored as the absent message, the coded image signal and the coded audio signal are mutually related in the absence message. It becomes inseparable, and when changing the stored absence message, both must be changed at the same time, and only one of them cannot be changed.

Further, in the conventional videophone, the stored message can be reproduced only by the own device, and cannot be reproduced by using another device.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a videophone capable of reducing the storage capacity for storing an absent message.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a videophone capable of reproducing stored message messages by using another device.

[0021]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned first object, the present invention provides an absent message image signal and an absent message image signal, respectively, at a stage before multiplexing an encoded image signal and an encoded audio signal. The absent message voice signal is stored separately, and when the absent message is transmitted, the stored absent message image signal and the absent message voice signal are multiplexed before transmission.

With this configuration, it is not necessary to make the length of the absence message image signal and the length of the absence message audio signal the same, and the length of the absence message image signal can be set to be shorter than the length of the absence message audio signal. Can also be shortened. In other words, since it is sufficient for the calling side videophone user to be able to recognize the figure of the calling side videophone user, memos, etc., the length of the absence message image signal is at least one screen image signal. It is enough if there is enough length to display on the screen.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity for storing the absence message image signal. Further, since the image signal for the absence message and the voice signal for the absence message are separately stored, it is possible to change only one of them.

When transmitting the absence message, it is necessary to compensate for the shortage of the absence message image signal in order to adjust the length of the absence message image signal and the length of the absence message audio signal. This is, for example, when multiplexing the image signal for absent message and the audio signal for absent message, regarding the shortage of the image signal for absent message, at least a part thereof may be multiplexed so as to be multiplexed. Good.

Specifically, according to the present invention, an image input means for picking up an image of a subject and taking in an image signal, a voice input means for taking a voice as a voice signal, an image signal taken by the image input means and the voice input means. Encoding means for encoding the audio signals respectively captured, multiplexing means for multiplexing the encoded image signal and encoded audio signal encoded by the encoding means, and multiplexing by the multiplexing means. Transmitting means for transmitting the multiplexed signal to the communication line, and receiving means for receiving the multiplexed signal transmitted from the communication line,
Separating means for separating the multiplexed signal received by the receiving means into a coded image signal and a coded audio signal; a decoding means for decoding the coded image signal and the coded audio signal separated by the separating means, respectively. A video telephone equipped with an image display means for displaying the image signal decoded by the decoding means on a screen and an audio output means for outputting the audio signal decoded by the decoding means as a sound, and further, a code having a predetermined length. First absence message storing / reproducing means for storing / reproducing the converted image signal as an image signal for an absence message;
Second absence message storing / reproducing means for storing / reproducing an encoded voice signal of a predetermined length as an absence message voice signal; and the first absence message storing / reproducing means.
The absent message image signal reproduced by the reproducing means, the second absent message storing / reproducing means reproducing the absent message audio signal, and the absent message image signal reproduced by the first absent message storing / reproducing means. And an answering machine answering unit that multiplexes the absence message voice signal reproduced by the second absence message storing / reproducing unit with the multiplexing unit and transmits the absence message as a missing message to the transmitting unit.

Further, the first absence message storing / reproducing means has a coded image signal of a predetermined length from the coded image signals taken in by the image input means and coded by the coding means. Is stored as an absent message image signal, and the second absent message storing / reproducing means preliminarily stores, at a maximum, the encoded audio signal encoded by the encoding means, which is captured by the audio input means. You may make it memorize | store as a voice signal for absence messages to a fixed length.

The length of the absence message image signal is shorter than the length of the absence message voice signal, and the answering machine responds to the multiplexing means with the absence message image signal and the absence message. When the message audio signal is multiplexed, the absence message audio signal is longer than the absence message image signal, so that at least a part of the absence message image signal is overlapped, Try to multiplex.

The absent message image signal is
The image display means may have a length required to display the image signal on the screen by at least one screen.

Further, the first absence message storage /
An absent message changing means for performing a storing operation of at least one of the reproducing means and the second absent message storing / reproducing means can be provided.

In order to achieve the above second object,
According to the present invention, when a predetermined personal identification number is transmitted at the time of receiving a call, the signal transmitted from the videophone of the transmitting side thereafter is regarded as the same as various instructions inputted from the own device. Thus, the stored message can be transmitted to the videophone of the calling side based on the instruction input from the videophone of the calling side.

Therefore, the user can reproduce the message by using another device.

Specifically, in addition to the above configuration, the present invention is for storing the multiplexed signal received by the receiving means after the transmitting means transmits the absent message as a message in time series. When the message storage / reproduction means and the instruction to reproduce the message are input from the outside, the message message storage / reproduction means reproduces the message, and the separation means separates the message. Means for decoding, the image signal decoded by the decoding means is displayed on the screen of the image display means, and a message reproduction means for causing the audio signal decoded by the decoding means to be output as audio to the audio output means. In addition, the multiplexed signal received by the receiving means while the transmitting means is transmitting the absent message has a predetermined secret code. And a secret code number discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the secret message number is judged to be a predetermined secret code number by the secret code number discriminating means. , And a message transfer means for causing the transmission means to transmit.

[0033]

In the above-mentioned prior art, since the multiplexed signal obtained by multiplexing the coded image signal and the coded voice signal is stored as the absence message, the length of the coded image signal is the length of the coded voice signal. However, according to the present invention, the encoded image signal and the encoded audio signal are stored as an image signal for an absent message and an audio signal for an absent message, respectively, before multiplexing. Since the two are multiplexed at the time of transmitting the absent message, the length of the image signal for the absent message can be made shorter than the length of the voice signal for the absent message. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the length of the image signal for the absence message which requires a large storage capacity.
It is possible to significantly reduce the storage capacity of the absent message.

Further, since it becomes possible to separately manage the absence message image signal and the absence message audio signal, only one of them can be changed.

Furthermore, it is possible to reproduce the message by using a device other than the videophone that stores the message.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as in FIG. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. In FIG. 1, 1
Reference numeral 9 is a personal identification number discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the signal transmitted from the communication line 80 is a predetermined personal identification number, and 23 is an absent message for storing / reproducing the encoded image signal as an image signal for an absent message. Image signal storage means, 24 is an absent message audio signal storage means for storing / reproducing the encoded audio signal as an absent message audio signal, and 44 to 56 are SWs.

In this embodiment, the control means 13
Controls each block and causes the transmitting unit 11 to transmit various instructions input from the input unit 90 as signals for remote operation. Also,
The absent message image signal storage means 23 and the absent message voice signal storage means 24 have separate storage areas, but if independent storage / playback control is possible, they are virtually provided in the same storage area. It doesn't matter even if it was given.

The operation of the videophone of this embodiment will be described below. First, the operation of storing the absence message will be described. When the user wants to store the absence message, the user inputs an instruction to store the absence message from the input unit 90.

When the absent message storage instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the camera 1 and the microphone 2 to start operating. As a result, the camera 1 captures the image of the subject, captures the image signal, and the microphone 2
Captures voice as a voice signal.

The A / D converter 14 converts the image signal (analog signal) captured by the camera 1 into an image signal (digital signal), and the image signal coding means 5 converts the image signal converted by the A / D converter 14. Is encoded. When the absence message is stored, the control unit 13 controls the absence message image signal storage unit 23 to start the storage operation, and the input destination of the SW44 is the image signal encoding unit 5.
Then, the output destination of the SW 45 is switched to the absence message image signal storage means 23. As a result, the encoded image signal encoded by the image signal encoding means 5 is output to the absence message image signal storage means 23 via the SWs 44 and 45, and the absence message image signal storage means 23 performs the encoding. A coded image signal having a length corresponding to one frame to several frames is cut out from the image signal, and only the cut coded image signal is stored as a absence message image signal in frame units.

On the other hand, the A / D converter 15 uses the microphone 2
Converts the voice signal (analog signal) captured by the voice signal into a voice signal (digital signal), and the voice signal encoding means 6 uses A
The audio signal converted by the / D converter 15 is encoded.
When storing the absence message, the control unit 13 controls the absence signal voice signal storage unit 24 to start the storage operation, switches the input destination of the SW 47 to the voice signal encoding unit 6, and sets the output destination of the SW 48 to the output destination. Switch to the voice signal storage means 24 for the absence message. As a result, the encoded audio signal encoded by the audio signal encoding means 6 is output to the absent message audio signal storage means 24 via the SWs 47 and 48, and the absent message audio signal storage means 24 performs the encoding. The voice signal is stored in time series as the voice signal for the absence message.

Next, the operation when the absence message is transmitted will be described. After the connection with the communication line 80, the control means 13 is for the absence message image signal storage means 23 and the absence message when the user has already input an instruction to execute the answering machine function from the input means 90. The audio signal storage means 24 is controlled so as to start the reproducing operation, and the input destination of the SW 46 is switched to the image signal storage means 23 for absence message so that the input destination of the SW 49 is the audio signal storage means 24 for absence message. Switching is performed so that the input destination of the SW 50 is the multiplexing unit 9.

As a result, the absence message voice signal storage means 24 reproduces the stored absence message voice signal in time series, and the absence message image signal storage means 23 stores the stored absence message. Image signal 1
Play a frame. The absence message voice signal reproduced by the absence message voice signal storage means 24 and the absence message image signal reproduced by the absence message image signal storage means 23 are output to the multiplexing means 9 via the SWs 46 and 49, respectively. The multiplexing means 9 multiplexes the absent message voice signal and the absent message image signal.

In this embodiment, as described above, the absence message image signal has a length of one frame to several frames. One frame is a length required to display an image signal for one screen on the television monitor 3. If an image signal for one screen to several screens is displayed on the TV monitor of the videophone on the calling side, the user of the videophone on the calling side can recognize the figure and memos of the user of the videophone on the calling side. Therefore, in order to reduce the storage capacity of the absence message image signal storage means 23, the length of the absence message image signal is set to one frame to several frames.

By setting the length of the absent message image signal to one frame to several frames, the length of the absent message image signal can be made shorter than the length of the absent message voice signal. In order for the means 9 to multiplex the absence message voice signal and the absence message image signal, it is necessary to adjust the length of the absence message voice signal and the length of the absence message image signal to be the same.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the control means 1
3 outputs a frame switching signal to the absence message image signal storage unit 23, and the absence message image signal storage unit 23 outputs the absence of the first frame unless the control unit 13 outputs the frame switching signal. The message image signal is continuously output, or a difference 0 indicating that the difference data between frames is 0 in the second and subsequent frames.
Keep outputting signals. When the difference 0 signal is output, the difference 0 signal is stored in advance in the absence message image signal storage means 23, or a circuit for generating the difference 0 signal is used for the absence message. It may be provided in the image signal storage means 23.

The multiplexed signal multiplexed by the multiplexing unit 9 is output to the transmitting unit 11 via the SW 50, and the transmitting unit 11 transmits the multiplexed signal to the communication line 80 as an absence message.

As described above, this embodiment is different from the above-mentioned conventional technique in that the absent message is stored before the multiplexing means 9. As a result, the image signal for absent message and the audio signal for absent message can be stored separately, so that the image signal for absent message is stored as a small number of independent frame data without being stored in time series. Will be able to.

Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of the absent message image signal which occupies most of the absent message, and reduce the storage capacity of the absent message image signal storage means 23 for storing the absent message image signal. be able to. Moreover, since the image signal for the absence message and the audio signal for the absence message are separately stored,
Storage / reproduction control can be performed independently of each other, and only one of them can be changed.

Next, the operation for storing the message will be described. The receiving unit 12 receives the signal transmitted from the communication line 80. When the message is stored, the control unit 13 controls the message storage unit 21 to start the storage operation and outputs the SW51. Switch so that the destination becomes the message storage means 21,
The output destination of the SW 56 is switched to the personal identification number discrimination means 19. As a result, the signal received by the reception means 12 is output to the personal identification number determination means 19 via the SW 56 and the message storage means 2 via the SW 51.
It is output to 1.

The personal identification number discriminating means 19 discriminates whether or not the signal received by the receiving means 12 is a predetermined personal identification number, and outputs the discrimination result to the control means 13. Further, the message storage means 21 regards the signal received by the receiving means 12 as a message message and stores it as a multiplexed signal in time series, but when the signal is a message message, It is possible that this is not the case. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the discrimination result output from the personal identification number discriminating means 19 indicates that the personal identification number is a predetermined personal identification number, the control means 13 in the present embodiment stores the message message storage means 21.
The storage operation is controlled so as to stop, the output destination of SW51 is switched to SW52, and the output destination of SW56 is switched to the control unit 13.

Here, since the signal received by the receiving means 12 is the message, the message storage means 2
1 stores the message in time series as a multiplexed signal.

A storage medium for realizing the message storage means 21 is, for example, a magnetic disk,
There are optical disks, magnetic tapes, solid-state semiconductor devices, and the like. In addition, a desired message message can be selectively reproduced from a plurality of message messages by tabulating the head storage address of the message message and adding an identification signal to the head of the message message. It will be possible.

Next, the operation at the time of reproducing the message will be described. When reproducing the message using the self device, the user inputs an instruction to reproduce the message from the input means 90 of the self device.

When a message reproduction instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the message storage means 21 to start the reproduction operation, and at the same time, S
The input destination of W52 is switched to the message storage means 21, the output destination of SW53 is switched to the separation means 10, the output destination of SW54 is switched to the image signal decoding means 7, and the output destination of SW55 is audio. The signal is switched to the signal decoding means 8.

As a result, the message storage means 21
Plays the stored message in chronological order,
The matter message is output to the separating means 10 via the SWs 52 and 53. The separation unit 10 separates the message (multiplexed signal) reproduced by the message storage unit 21 into a coded image signal and a coded audio signal. The image signal decoding means 7 decodes the encoded image signal separated by the separating means 10, and the D / A converter 16 converts the image signal (digital signal) decoded by the image signal decoding means 7 into an image signal (analog signal). The TV monitor 3 is converted to D /
The image signal converted by the A converter 16 is displayed on the screen.
The audio signal decoding means 8 decodes the encoded audio signal separated by the separating means 10, and the D / A converter 17 converts the audio signal (digital signal) decoded by the audio signal decoding means 8 into an audio signal (analog signal). ), And speaker 4
Outputs the audio signal converted by the D / A converter 17.

On the other hand, when reproducing the message using another device, the user makes a call from the other device to the videophone storing the message, and the communication line 80 is connected. After that, a predetermined personal identification number is input from the input device 90 of the other device, and then the input device 90 of the other device is input.
Enter the instruction to play the message from. Each of the personal identification number and the message reproduction instruction is transmitted as a signal from the communication line 80 to the videophone storing the message, and is received by the receiving means 12 of the videophone.

As described above, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number determining means 19 via the SW 56. The personal identification number discrimination means 19 discriminates whether or not the signal is a predetermined personal identification number, and outputs the discrimination result to the control means.

Here, since the secret code is a predetermined secret code, the secret code discriminating means 19 outputs the discrimination result to that effect to the control means 13, and the control means 13 stores the message in the message storage means 21. The operation is controlled to be stopped, the output destination of SW51 is switched to SW52, and the output destination of SW56 is switched to the control unit 13. As a result, the signal (instruction message reproduction instruction) that the receiving unit 12 receives next is output to the control unit 13.

Based on the message reproduction instruction, the control means 13 controls the message storage means 21 to start the reproduction operation, and switches the input destination of the SW 52 to the message storage means 21. , SW5
The output destination of 3 is switched to SW50, and the input destination of SW50 is switched to SW53. This allows
The message message storage means 21 reproduces the message message stored therein, and the message message is SW52, SW5.
It is output to the transmitting means 11 via 3, 50, and the transmitting means 1
1 transmits the message to the communication line 80.

Therefore, the user not only confirms the content of the stored message by using the device itself,
It can be confirmed using other devices.

The signal received by the receiving means 12 following the predetermined personal identification number may be not only the message reproduction instruction but also an instruction to delete an unnecessary message.

Further, an example of reproducing the message using another device, that is, an example of controlling the message storage means 21 to start the reproducing operation has been described.
It is also possible to control the operation of means other than the message storage means 21. This is because the signal received by the receiving means 12 following the predetermined personal identification number is the control means 13
Therefore, the videophone of the present embodiment operates according to various instructions input from the input means 90 of the videophone on the calling side and transmitted as signals from the communication line 80. This is because it is possible to enter the operating state.

Therefore, for example, the user can confirm the state of the home from the outside by making the camera 1 capture the state of the home. Also, for example, the user
The content of the stored absence message can be changed not only by using the own device but also by using another device. The operation in this case will be described below.

When changing the absent message using another device, the user makes a call from the other device to the videophone storing the absent message, and after the connection to the communication line 80 is established, the other device is connected. A predetermined secret code number is input from the input means 90, and then an instruction to change the absence message and the actual absence message are input from the input means 90 of the other device. The personal identification number, the absent message change instruction, and the absent message are transmitted as signals from the communication line 80 to the videophone storing the absent message, and the receiving means 12 of the videophone receives them.

As described above, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number judging means 19 via the SW 56. The personal identification number discrimination unit 19 discriminates whether or not the signal is a predetermined personal identification number, and outputs the discrimination result to the control unit 13.

Here, since the password is a predetermined password, the password identifying means 19 outputs the determination result to that effect to the controlling means 13, and the controlling means 13 stores the message in the message storage means 21. The operation is controlled to be stopped, the output destination of SW51 is switched to SW52, and the output destination of SW56 is switched to the control unit 13. As a result, the signal (reception message change instruction) that the receiving unit 12 receives next is output to the control unit 13.

Based on the absent message change instruction, the control means 13 switches the output destination of SW51 to SW52, switches the input destination of SW52 to SW51, and sets the output destination of SW53 to the separation means 10. Switching, the output destination of SW54 is switched to SW44, the output destination of SW55 is switched to SW47,
Switch so that the input destination of SW44 is SW54.
The input destination of 47 is switched to SW55.

In this embodiment, since the image signal for absent message and the voice signal for absent message are separately stored, it is possible to change only one of them, and the absent message change instruction includes: The change condition (“only image”, “only sound”, “both”) indicating the change target is included.

Therefore, the control means 13 further determines, based on the change condition included in the absence message change instruction,
Output destinations of SW 45, 48, absent message image signal storage means 23, absence message voice signal storage means 2
4 to control the operation. That is, when the change condition is “image only”, the absence message image signal storage means 23 is controlled so as to start the storage operation, and SW4.
The output destination of 5 is switched to the absence message image signal storage means 23. When the change condition is “voice only”, the absence message voice signal storage means 24 is controlled to start the storage operation, and the output destination of the SW 48 is switched to the absence message voice signal storage means 24. . When the change condition is “both”, the absence message image signal storage unit 23 and the absence message voice signal storage unit 24 are controlled to start the storage operation, and the output destination of the SW 45 is the absence message image. Switch to signal storage means 23, SW
The output destination of 48 is the voice signal storage means 24 for absence message.
Switch to.

Subsequently, the receiving means 12 receives the next transmitted signal (actual absent message), and this absent message (multiplexed signal) is SW51, 52, 5
3 is output to the separating means 10, and the separating means 10
The absence message is separated into a coded image signal and a coded audio signal. The encoded image signal separated by the separating means 10 is output to the absence message image signal storage means 23 via the SWs 54, 44, 45, and the absence message image signal storage means 23 selects from among the encoded image signals. 1
A coded image signal having a length corresponding to a frame to several frames is cut out, and only the cut-out coded image signal is stored in frame units as an image signal for absence message. The encoded audio signal separated by the separating means 10 is SW54, SW4.
Absence message voice signal storage means 2 via 7, 48
4, the voice signal storage means 24 for the absence message is output.
Stores the encoded voice signal as a voice signal for an absence message in time series.

When the videophone of this embodiment is in the remote-controlled state, the control means 13 may cause the transmission means 11 to transmit a signal to that effect.

Next, a second embodiment of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the videophone according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 25 is an external storage device provided outside the housing 18, 30 is an external control means for generating a control signal for controlling the external storage device 25, and 35 is a multiplexed signal to the external storage device 25. External output means 36 for outputting and external input means 36 for inputting the multiplexed signal reproduced by the external storage device 25.

The external storage device 25 and the external control means 3
0, the external output means 35, and the external input means 36 may have different signal transmission paths and signal transmission formats from those in the videophone.

In this embodiment, the message storage means 21 is used.
Instead of storing the message message in, the message storage is stored in an external storage device 25 provided outside the videophone.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control means 1
The external control means 30 outputs a control signal output from the control means 13 to the external storage device 25 to the external storage device 25 so that the external storage device 25 can control the operation of the external storage device 25. I am trying to convert it to a transmission format.
Further, the external output means 35 is adapted to convert the message to be outputted to the external storage device 25 into a signal transmission format with the external storage device 25, and the external input means 36 is reproduced by the external storage device 25. The message is converted into a signal transmission format with the external storage device 25.

The operation of the videophone of this embodiment will be described below. The operation when storing the absence message and the operation when transmitting the absence message are the same as those in the first embodiment. First, the operation of storing the message will be described. The receiving unit 12 receives the signal transmitted from the communication line 80. When the message is stored, the control unit 13 controls the external storage device 25 to start the storage operation, and the output destination of the SW 51 is External output means 35
Then, the output destination of the SW 56 is switched to the personal identification number discrimination means 19. As a result, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number determining means 19 via the SW 56 and to the external output means 35 via the SW 51.

In this embodiment, the external control means 30
Is output to the external storage device 25 after converting the control signal output by the control means 13 for controlling the external storage device 25 to start the storage operation into a signal transmission format with the external storage device 25. However, the external output means 35 is the receiving means 1
The signal received by 2 is regarded as a message, converted into a signal transmission format with the external storage device 25, and then output as a multiplexed signal to the external storage device 25 in time series.

The personal identification number discrimination means 19 is the first
In the same manner as in the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the receiving means 12 is a predetermined personal identification number, and the determination result is output to the control means 13. Further, when the discrimination result output from the personal identification number discriminating means 19 indicates that the personal identification number is a predetermined personal identification number, the control means 13 is similar to the first embodiment. The storage operation of 25 is controlled so that the output destination of SW51 is SW5.
2, so that the output destination of SW56 is the control means 1
Switch to 3.

Here, since the signal received by the receiving means 12 is the message, the external storage device 25 stores the message message output by the external output means 35 in time series as a multiplexed signal. .

Next, the operation at the time of reproducing the message will be described. When reproducing the message using the self device, the user inputs an instruction to reproduce the message from the input means 90 of the self device.

When the message reproduction instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the external storage device 25 to start the reproduction operation, and the input destination of the SW 52 becomes the external input means 36. Switch, SW53
Switch so that the output destination of the
Switch so that the input destination of
Is switched to the output destination of the image signal decoding means 7, and S
Switch so that the input destination of W55 is the separating means 10, and
The output destination of W55 is switched to the audio signal decoding means 8.

In this embodiment, the external control means 30
Is output to the external storage device 25 after converting the control signal output by the control means 13 for controlling the external storage device 25 to start the reproducing operation into a signal transmission format with the external storage device 25. Therefore, the external storage device 25 reproduces the stored message messages in time series, and the external input means 36 transmits the message message reproduced by the external storage device 25 to the external storage device 25 as a signal. Convert to transfer format.

The message (multiplexed signal) converted by the external input means 36 is output to the separating means 10 via the SWs 52 and 53, and the separating means 10 encodes the message into an encoded image signal and an encoded signal. Separate into audio signals. The encoded image signal separated by the separating unit 10 is output to the image signal decoding unit 7 via the SW 54, and the image signal decoding unit 7 is output.
Decodes the encoded image signal, and the D / A converter 16
Converts the image signal (digital signal) decoded by the image signal decoding means 7 into an image signal (analog signal), and the television monitor 3 displays the image signal converted by the D / A converter 16 on the screen. The encoded audio signal separated by the separating unit 10 is output to the audio signal decoding unit 8 via the SW 55, the audio signal decoding unit 8 decodes the encoded audio signal, and the D / A converter 17 The voice signal decoding means 8 converts the voice signal (digital signal) decoded into a voice signal (analog signal), and the speaker 4 outputs the voice signal converted by the D / A converter 17.

On the other hand, when playing back the message using another device, the user makes a call from the other device to the videophone storing the message and the connection with the communication line 80 is established. After that, a predetermined personal identification number is input from the input device 90 of the other device, and then the input device 90 of the other device is input.
Enter the instruction to play the message from. Each of the personal identification number and the message reproduction instruction is transmitted as a signal from the communication line 80 to the videophone storing the message, and is received by the receiving means 12 of the videophone.

As described above, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number judging means 19 via the SW 56. The personal identification number discrimination unit 19 discriminates whether or not the signal is a predetermined personal identification number, and outputs the discrimination result to the control unit 13.

Here, since it is a predetermined secret code number, the secret code number discriminating means 19 outputs the discrimination result to that effect to the control means 13, and the control means 13 causes the storage operation of the external storage device 25 to be performed. Control to stop and SW
The output destination of 51 is switched to SW52, and SW56
The output destination of is switched to the control means 13. As a result, the signal (instruction message reproduction instruction) that the receiving unit 12 receives next is output to the control unit 13.

The control means 13 controls the external storage device 25 to start the reproduction operation based on the message reproduction instruction, switches the input destination of SW52 to the external input means 36, and outputs the output of SW53. SW50 ahead
The input destination of SW50 is switched to SW53.

In this embodiment, the external control means 30
Is output to the external storage device 25 after converting the control signal output by the control means 13 for controlling the external storage device 25 to start the reproducing operation into a signal transmission format with the external storage device 25. Therefore, the external storage device 25 reproduces the stored message messages in time series, and the external input means 36 transmits the message message reproduced by the external storage device 25 to the external storage device 25 as a signal. Convert to transfer format.

The message (multiplexed signal) converted by the external input means 36 is output to the transmitting means 11 via the SWs 52, 53, 50, and the transmitting means 11 transmits the message to the communication line 80. To do.

Therefore, the user can confirm not only the content of the message stored in the external storage device 25 using his / her own device but also the other device.

As in the case of the first embodiment described above, the signal received by the receiving means 12 following the predetermined personal identification number is not only a message message reproduction instruction but also an unnecessary message message, for example. It may be an instruction to delete.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that instead of storing the message in the message storage means 21, the message is stored in an external storage device 25 provided outside the videophone. This is the point I remembered. This allows the external storage device 25 to be added / replaced even after the videophone is installed.

The signal transmission path between the videophone and the external storage device 25 is, for example, SCSI or RS2.
General-purpose standards such as 32C and RS422 can be used, and thus inexpensive storage media such as hard disks and MO storage devices can be used.

Next, a third embodiment of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 26 is a DAT (digital audio tape) recording / reproducing device.

The signal transmission format between the DAT recording / reproducing apparatus 26 and the external control means 30, the external output means 35, and the external input means 36 is an optical or electrical serial format. Further, in particular, the signal transmission path between the DAT recording / reproducing device 26 and the external control means 30 may be a wireless transmission path using an infrared pulse.

In this embodiment, the DAT recording / reproducing apparatus 2 is used as a concrete example of the external storage device 25 in the second embodiment.
6 is used, and the operation of this embodiment is
This is similar to the second embodiment.

The DAT tape in the DAT recording / reproducing device 26 is an inexpensive storage medium having a storage capacity of several GB, and can be easily taken in and out of the device. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to take out the DAT tape in which the message is stored and reproduce it by another DAT recording / reproducing apparatus. Also, by exchanging / storing the DAT tape, it becomes possible to store the message for a long term.

Next, a fourth embodiment of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as those in FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 5, 27 is a VTR, 31 is an image signal external output means for outputting an image signal (analog signal) to the VTR 27, 32 is an audio signal external output means for outputting an audio signal (analog signal) to the VTR 27, and 33 is a VTR 27. Image signal external input means for inputting an image signal to be reproduced, 34 is an audio signal external input means for inputting an audio signal reproduced by the VTR 27, 5
7 to 64 are SW.

In this embodiment, a VTR 27 is used as a specific example of the external storage device 25 in the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, VT
Since R27 is used, the message is stored at the analog signal stage.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the control means 1
The external control means 30 allows the control means 13 to control the operation of the VTR 27.
The control signal output to the VTR 27 is converted into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27. The image signal external output means 31 converts the image signal output to the VTR 27 (the image signal obtained by decoding the encoded image signal of the message) into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27, The voice signal external output means 32 converts the voice signal output to the VTR 27 (the voice signal obtained by decoding the encoded voice signal of the message) into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27. Further, the image signal external input means 33 outputs the image signal reproduced by the VTR 27,
Convert to the signal transmission format with VTR27,
The audio signal external input means 34 converts the audio signal reproduced by the VTR 27 into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27.

The operation of the videophone of this embodiment will be described below. The operation when storing the absence message and the operation when transmitting the absence message are the same as those in the first embodiment. First, the operation of storing the message will be described. The receiving unit 12 receives the signal transmitted from the communication line 80. When the message is stored, the control unit 13 controls the VTR 27 to start the storing operation, and the output destination of the SW 56 is the personal identification number. Switch to the means 19. As a result, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number determining means 19 and the separating means 10 via the SW 56. Also,
The control unit 13 switches the output destination of the SW 59 to the image signal external output unit 31 and switches the output destination of the SW 62 to the audio signal external output unit 32.

The personal identification number discriminating means 19 uses the first
In the same manner as in the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the receiving means 12 is a predetermined personal identification number, and the determination result is output to the control means 13. In the same way as the first embodiment, the control means 13 stores the VTR 27 when the discrimination result output from the personal identification number discrimination means 19 indicates that the personal identification number is predetermined. Control is performed so as to stop the operation, and the output destination of the SW 56 is the control unit 13.
Switch to.

In this case, since the signal received by the receiving means 12 is the message, the separating means 10 separates the message into a coded image signal and a coded audio signal. The image signal decoding means 7 decodes the encoded image signal separated by the separating means 10, and the D / A converter 16 converts the image signal (digital signal) decoded by the image signal decoding means 7 into an image signal (analog signal). Convert. The audio signal decoding means 8 decodes the encoded audio signal separated by the separating means 10, and the D / A converter 17 converts the audio signal (digital signal) decoded by the audio signal decoding means 8 into an audio signal (analog signal). ).

The image signal converted by the D / A converter 16 is output to the image signal external output means 31 via the SW 59, and the audio signal converted by the D / A converter 17 is S
It is output to the audio signal external output means 32 via W62.

In this embodiment, the external control means 30
The control means 13 converts the control signal output for controlling the VTR 27 to start the storage operation into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27, and then outputs it to the VTR 27. Further, the image signal external output means 31 regards the image signal converted by the D / A converter 16 as a message message, converts it into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27, and then outputs it in time series to the VTR 27. Then, the audio signal external output means 32 regards the audio signal converted by the D / A converter 17 as a message, converts it into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27, and then outputs it in time series to the VTR 27. To do.

Thus, the VTR 27 stores the image signal output by the image signal external output means 31 and the audio signal output by the audio signal external output means 32 on the video tape in time series as a message.

Next, the operation when the message is reproduced will be described. When reproducing the message using the self device, the user inputs an instruction to reproduce the message from the input means 90 of the self device.

When the message reproduction instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the VTR 27 to start the reproduction operation and switches the input destination of the SW 60 to the image signal external input means 33. , SW6
The input destination of 3 is switched to the audio signal external input means 34, the output destination of SW61 is switched to the television monitor 3, and the output destination of SW64 is switched to the speaker 4.

In this embodiment, the external control means 30
Converts the control signal output by the control means 13 for controlling the VTR 27 to start the reproducing operation into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27, and then outputs the signal to the VTR 27. The stored image signal and audio signal are reproduced in time series, and the image signal external input means 33 converts the image signal reproduced by the VTR 27 into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27, and the audio signal external input means. Reference numeral 34 converts the audio signal reproduced by the VTR 27 into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27.

The image signal converted by the image signal external input means 33 is output to the television monitor 3 via the SWs 60 and 61, and the television monitor 3 displays the image signal on the screen.
Further, the audio signal converted by the audio signal external input means 34 is output to the speaker 4 via the SWs 63 and 64, and the speaker 4 outputs the audio signal.

On the other hand, when playing back a message using another device, the user makes a call from the other device to the videophone storing the message, and the connection with the communication line 80 is established. After that, a predetermined personal identification number is input from the input device 90 of the other device, and then the input device 90 of the other device is input.
Enter the instruction to play the message from. Each of the personal identification number and the message reproduction instruction is transmitted as a signal from the communication line 80 to the videophone storing the message, and is received by the receiving means 12 of the videophone.

As described above, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number judging means 19 via the SW 56. The personal identification number discrimination unit 19 discriminates whether or not the signal is a predetermined personal identification number, and outputs the discrimination result to the control unit 13.

In this case, the secret code number is a predetermined secret code number, so the secret code number discriminating means 19 outputs a discrimination result to that effect to the control means 13, and the control means 13 causes the VTR 27.
The storage operation is controlled so as to stop, and the output destination of the SW 56 is switched to the control means 13. As a result, the signal (instruction message reproduction instruction) that the receiving unit 12 receives next is output to the control unit 13.

Based on the message reproduction instruction, the control means 13 controls the VTR 27 to start the reproduction operation, switches the input destination of SW60 to the image signal external input means 33, and inputs it to SW63. Is switched to the audio signal external input means 34, the output destination of SW61 is switched to SW57, the input destination of SW57 is switched to SW61, and the output destination of SW64 is S.
Switch to W58, and the input destination of SW58 is SW6
Switch to 4.

In this embodiment, the external control means 30
Converts the control signal output by the control means 13 for controlling the VTR 27 to start the reproducing operation into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27, and then outputs the signal to the VTR 27. The stored image signal and audio signal are reproduced in time series, and the image signal external input means 33 converts the image signal reproduced by the VTR 27 into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27, and the audio signal external input means. Reference numeral 34 converts the audio signal reproduced by the VTR 27 into a signal transmission format with the VTR 27.

The image signal converted by the image signal external input means 33 is output to the A / D converter 14 via the SWs 60, 61 and 57, and the A / D converter 14 converts the image signal (analog signal) into the image signal. (Digital signal). The image signal encoding means 5 is the A / D converter 1
The image signal converted by 4 is encoded. Further, the audio signal converted by the audio signal external input means 34 is the SW 63, 6
Is output to the A / D converter 15 via
The / D converter 15 converts the audio signal (analog signal) into an audio signal (digital signal). The audio signal encoding means 6 encodes the audio signal converted by the A / D converter 15.

The coded image signal coded by the image signal coding means 5 and the coded audio signal coded by the audio signal coding means 6 are respectively SW45, 46 and SW4.
It is output to the multiplexing means 9 via 8, 49, and the multiplexing means 9 multiplexes the coded image signal and the coded audio signal. The transmission unit 11 transmits the multiplexed signal multiplexed by the multiplexing unit 9 to the communication line 80 as a message message.

Therefore, the user can confirm not only the content of the message stored in the VTR 27 using his / her own device but also the other device.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the signal received by the receiving means 12 following the predetermined personal identification number is not only the message reproduction instruction but also an unnecessary message. It may be an instruction to delete.

According to this embodiment, the message just before being output to the television monitor 3 and the speaker 4,
Since the VTR 27 stores the video tape in the video tape, it is possible to take out the video tape in which the message is stored and reproduce the video tape in another VTR without using the videophone. Also, by exchanging / storing the video tape, it becomes possible to store the message for a long term.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 6, 28 is a caller information storage means for storing caller information including the telephone number of the videophone that issued the message,
Reference numeral 37 denotes a sender information adding unit for adding sender information corresponding to the message to the message message and storing it in the message message storage unit 21. Reference numeral 38 denotes a message message reproduced by the message message storage unit 21. It is a sender information separating means for separating sender information.

As partly performed on the ISDN line,
There is a service in which the caller information can be transmitted from the calling side to the called side when the communication line 80 is connected. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the caller information is transmitted from the videophone on the calling side, the caller information is added to the message and stored when the message is stored. , When reproducing the message, separate the sender information added to the message,
It is possible to make a call based on the caller information. That is, when the user who reproduces the subject message desires to make a call to the videophone that is the sender of the subject message, he / she only needs to input a calling instruction indicating that from the input means 90, It is possible to automatically make a call based on the caller information added to the message.

The operation of the videophone of this embodiment will be described below. The operation when storing the absence message and the operation when transmitting the absence message are the same as those in the first embodiment. First, the operation of storing the message will be described. The receiving unit 12 receives the signal transmitted from the communication line 80. When the message is stored, the control unit 13 controls the message storage unit 21 to start the storage operation and outputs the SW51. The destination is switched to the sender information addition means 37, and the output destination of the SW 56 is switched to the personal identification number discrimination means 19. As a result, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number determining means 19 via the SW 56, and the SW
It is output to the sender information adding means 37 via 51. Further, the receiving means 12 extracts the sender information from the received signal and directly outputs the sender information to the sender information adding means 37.

The personal identification number discriminating means 19 discriminates whether or not the signal received by the receiving means 12 is a predetermined personal identification number, and outputs the discrimination result to the control means 13. Further, the sender information adding means 37 regards the signal output from the receiving means 12 via the SW 51 as a message,
The caller information directly output from the receiving means 12 is added to the signal. The message storage means 21 regards the signal added with the caller information by the caller information addition means 37 as a message message and stores it in time series as a multiplexed signal. It may be a message or not. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the discrimination result output from the personal identification number discriminating means 19 indicates that the personal identification number is a predetermined personal identification number, the control means 13 stores the message in the message storage means 21. The operation is controlled to stop and the output destination of SW51 is SW5.
2, so that the output destination of SW56 is the control means 1
I am trying to switch to 3.

Here, since the signal received by the receiving means 12 is the message, the message storage means 2
1 stores time-sequentially the message message with the sender information added as a multiplexed signal.

Next, the operation at the time of reproducing the message will be described. When reproducing the message using the self device, the user inputs an instruction to reproduce the message from the input means 90 of the self device.

When a message reproduction instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the message storage means 21 to start the storage operation and S
The input destination of W52 is switched to the sender information separating means 38, the output destination of SW53 is switched to the separating means 10, the output destination of SW54 is switched to the image signal decoding means 7, and the output destination of SW55 is audio. Signal decoding means 8
Switch to.

Thereby, the message storage means 21
Plays the stored message in chronological order,
The sender information separating means 38 separates the sender information added from the message. The sender information separated by the sender information separating means 38 is the sender information storage means 28.
The sender information storage means 28 stores and holds the sender information until new sender information is output from the sender information separating means 38. Further, the message of which sender information is separated by the sender information separating means 38 is SW5.
It is output to the separating means 10 via 2, 53, and the separating means 1
0 separates the message (multiplexed signal) into a coded image signal and a coded audio signal.

The image signal decoding means 7 decodes the coded image signal separated by the separation means 10, and the D / A converter 16
Converts the image signal (digital signal) decoded by the image signal decoding means 7 into an image signal (analog signal), and the television monitor 3 displays the image signal converted by the D / A converter 16 on the screen. The audio signal decoding means 8 decodes the encoded audio signal separated by the separating means 10, and the D / A converter 17 converts the audio signal (digital signal) decoded by the audio signal decoding means 8 into an audio signal (analog signal). ), And the speaker 4 outputs the audio signal converted by the D / A converter 17.

Here, the television monitor 3 and the speaker 4
When the user who has confirmed the message output from the user wants to make a call to the videophone that has sent the message, the user inputs a call instruction from the input means 90.

When a calling instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the sender information storage means 28 to output the sender information to the transmission means 11, and the transmission means 1
1 makes a call based on the telephone number included in the caller information and controls the line connection.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when the message is stored, the sender information is added to the message and stored, and when the message is reproduced, the message is reproduced. Since the caller information added to the message can be separated and the call can be sent based on the caller information, the user who reproduced the message sends the message to the videophone that is the sender of the message. If desired, by simply inputting a call instruction from the input means 90, the call can be automatically transmitted based on the caller information added to the message.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the operation of the user when making a call to the videophone that has sent the message, and improve the usability.

Also in this embodiment, the message can be reproduced by using another device. That is,
When reproducing a message using another device, the user makes a call from the other device to a videophone that stores the message, and after the connection with the communication line 80 is established, the user A predetermined personal identification number is input from the input unit 90, and then an instruction to reproduce the message is input from the input unit 90 of another device. Each of the personal identification number and the message reproduction instruction is transmitted as a signal from the communication line 80 to the videophone storing the message, and is received by the receiving means 12 of the videophone.

As described above, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number judging means 19 via the SW 56. The personal identification number discrimination unit 19 discriminates whether or not the signal is a predetermined personal identification number, and outputs the discrimination result to the control unit 13.

Here, since the password is a predetermined password, the password identifying means 19 outputs a determination result indicating that to the controlling means 13, and the controlling means 13 stores the message in the message storage means 21. The operation is controlled to be stopped, the output destination of SW51 is switched to SW52, and the output destination of SW56 is switched to the control unit 13. As a result, the signal (instruction message reproduction instruction) that the receiving unit 12 receives next is output to the control unit 13.

On the basis of the message reproduction instruction, the control means 13 controls the message storage means 21 to start the reproducing operation and switches the input destination of the SW 52 to the sender information separating means 38. , The output destination of SW53 is switched to SW50, and the input destination of SW50 is switched to SW53. As a result, the message storage unit 21 reproduces the stored message message, and the message message is output to the transmission unit 11 via the sender information separation unit 38, SW 52, 53, 50. The transmitting means 11 transmits the message to the communication line 80.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as those in FIGS. 1 to 6 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 7, 29 is a message storage means 2 for message messages.
The head address storage means for storing the storage position (absolute or relative start address) in 1 is reduced by 39, and the image size of the image signal of the first frame or the arbitrary number frame of the message is reduced and stored. It is a menu screen creating means for creating a menu screen for the user to select a message to be played back when the message is played back.

In the present embodiment, when the message storage means 21 can store a plurality of message messages, the storage positions of these message messages in the message storage means 21 are managed. In this way, when the message is reproduced, the message desired by the user can be reproduced on the basis of the managed storage position.

Therefore, the message storage means 21
For each of the plurality of message messages stored in, the image signal of the first frame or the frame of an arbitrary number of the message is stored by reducing its image size,
A menu screen for the user to select a message to be reproduced can be displayed on the screen.

Note that, in FIG. 7, for simplification of description, only the blocks that operate during reproduction of the message are shown.

The operation at the time of reproducing the message will be described below. When reproducing the message using the self device, the user inputs an instruction to reproduce the message from the input means 90 of the self device.

When a message message reproduction instruction is input from the input means 90, in the present embodiment, first, a menu screen for the user to select a message message to be reproduced is displayed on the television monitor 3. .

That is, the control means 13 controls the message storage means 21 to partially reproduce the first frame or an arbitrary number of frames of each message, and the input destination of the SW 52 stores the message message. Means 2
The input destination of SW53 is switched to SW52, the output destination of SW65 is switched to the menu screen creating means 39, and the input destination of SW66 is switched to the menu screen creating means 39.

Thereby, the message storage means 21
Partially reproduces all of the stored message messages sequentially, but at the same time, the control means 1 controls the start address of the message message.
Output to 3. The control unit 13 outputs the start address output from the message storage unit 21 to the start address storage unit 29, and the start address storage unit 29 sequentially stores the start address.

On the other hand, the subject message partially reproduced by the subject message storage means 21 (partial subject message)
Is output to the separating means 10 via the SWs 52 and 53,
The separating means 10 separates the partial message into an encoded image signal and an encoded audio signal. The image signal decoding means 8 decodes the coded image signal separated by the separating means 10, and the coded image signal is output to the menu screen creating means 39 via the SW 65.

The menu screen creating means 39 stores the image signal decoded by the image signal decoding means 8 with its image size reduced. When the above-described operations are completed for all the message messages stored in the message message storage means 21, a menu screen signal is created based on the stored image signal.

This menu screen signal is output to the D / A converter 16 via the SW 66, and the D / A converter 16 converts the menu screen signal (digital signal) into a menu screen signal (analog signal), and the TV The monitor 3 displays the menu screen signal converted by the D / A converter 16 on the screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the television monitor 3. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 100 is a display screen of the television monitor 3, and reference numerals 101 to 104 are partial image display areas in which a partial message with a reduced image size is displayed on the screen.

The partial image display areas 101 to 104 are arranged such that the display screen 100 is divided into an M × N matrix format. The arrangement rule at this time may use forward / backward chronological order in which the message is stored, or caller information transmitted from the videophone on the calling side. Further, the user may be allowed to select the placement rule in advance before creating the menu screen.

Now, the user selects a desired partial message from the menu screen displayed on the television monitor 3 from the input means 90, thereby selecting a desired message to be reproduced.

When the partial message is selected from the input means 90, the control means 13 causes the head address storage means 2 to operate.
From the start addresses stored in 9, the start address corresponding to the selected partial message is called,
The message storage unit 21 controls to start the reproduction operation for the message stored at the head address, switches the output destination of SW65 to SW66, and sets the input destination of SW66 to SW65. , And the output destination of SW67 is D / A converter 17
Switch to.

Thus, the message storage means 21
Reproduces the message to be reproduced, and the message is output to the separating means 10 via the SWs 52 and 53. The separating means 10 encodes the message into an encoded image signal and an encoded voice. Separate into signals. The image signal decoding means 8 decodes the coded image signal separated by the separation means 10. The encoded image signal decoded by the image signal decoding means 8 is output to the D / A converter 16 via the SWs 65 and 66, and the D / A converter 16 converts the image signal (digital signal) into an image signal (analog signal). Then, the television monitor 3 displays the image signal converted by the D / A converter 16 on the screen. Further, the audio signal decoding means 9 decodes the encoded audio signal separated by the separating means 10. The encoded audio signal decoded by the audio signal decoding means 9 is output to the D / A converter 17 via the SW 67, and the D / A converter 17 converts the audio signal (digital signal) into an audio signal (analog signal). Then, the speaker 4 outputs the audio signal converted by the D / A converter 17.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, with respect to the plurality of message messages stored in the message message storage unit 21, a part of each message message is cut out and the image size thereof is reduced. Since the menu screen is displayed on the TV monitor 3 so that the message message selected by the user from the menu screen can be reproduced, the user can identify the sender of the message message on the menu screen. After confirmation, it becomes possible to select the message to be reproduced. Therefore, it is possible to improve the usability when reproducing the message of interest using the own device.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as those in FIGS. 1 to 8 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 9, 68 to 70 are SWs.

In this embodiment, in addition to the sixth embodiment, even when a message is reproduced by remote control from another device, the TV monitor 3 of the videophone on the originating side which performs remote control operates. The menu screen can be displayed on the screen.

The operation at the time of reproducing the message will be described below. When reproducing a message using another device, the user makes a call from the other device to a videophone that stores the message, and after the connection with the communication line 80 is established, the user A predetermined personal identification number is input from the input unit 90, and then an instruction to reproduce the message is input from the input unit 90 of another device. Each of the personal identification number and the message reproduction instruction is transmitted as a signal from the communication line 80 to the videophone storing the message, and is received by the receiving means 12 of the videophone.

As described above, the signal received by the receiving means 12 is output to the personal identification number judging means 19 via the SW 56. The personal identification number discrimination unit 19 discriminates whether or not the signal is a predetermined personal identification number, and outputs the discrimination result to the control unit 13.

Here, since it is a predetermined secret code number, the secret code number discriminating means 19 outputs the discrimination result to that effect to the control means 13, and the control means 13 stores it in the message storage means 21. The operation is controlled to be stopped, the output destination of SW51 is switched to SW52, and the output destination of SW56 is switched to the control unit 13. As a result, the signal (instruction message reproduction instruction) that the receiving unit 12 receives next is output to the control unit 13.

On the basis of the message reproduction instruction, the control unit 13 controls the message message storage unit 21 to partially reproduce the first frame or the arbitrary number frame of each message, and the SW52. Is switched so that the input destination of the
Switch so that the input destination of W53 becomes SW52, and switch to SW6
The output destination of 5 is switched to the menu screen creating means 39, the input destination of SW66 is switched to the menu screen creating means 39, the output destination of SW68 is switched to SW69, and the input destination of SW69 is SW68. Switch.

Thereby, the message storage means 21
Partially reproduces all of the stored message messages sequentially, but at the same time, the control means 1 controls the start address of the message message.
Output to 3. The control unit 13 outputs the start address output from the message storage unit 21 to the start address storage unit 29, and the start address storage unit 29 sequentially stores the start address.

On the other hand, the subject message partially reproduced by the subject message storage means 21 (partial subject message)
Is output to the separating means 10 via the SWs 52 and 53,
The separating means 10 separates the partial message into an encoded image signal and an encoded audio signal. The image signal decoding means 8 decodes the coded image signal separated by the separating means 10, and the coded image signal is output to the menu screen creating means 39 via the SW 65.

The menu screen creating means 39 stores the image signal decoded by the image signal decoding means 8 with its image size reduced. When the above-described operations are completed for all the message messages stored in the message message storage means 21, a menu screen signal is created based on the stored image signal.

This menu screen signal corresponds to SW66, 6
It is output to the image signal encoding means 5 via 8, 69, and the image encoding means 5 encodes the menu screen signal.
The menu screen signal encoded by the image encoding means 5 is output to the transmitting means 11 via the multiplexing means 9 and the SWs 45, 46, 50, and the transmitting means 11 transmits the menu screen signal to the communication line 80. . At this time, the multiplexing means 9 does not necessarily have to multiplex the encoded audio signal with the encoded image signal of the menu screen signal.

As a result, the menu screen is displayed on the TV monitor 3 of the videophone on the calling side, and the user
By selecting an arbitrary partial message from the menu screen displayed on the TV monitor 3 from the input side 90 of the videophone on the calling side, the message to be reproduced is selected.

The signal indicating the selected partial message is transmitted from the communication line 80 to the videophone storing the message, the receiving means 12 of the videophone receives the signal, and the control means via SW56. 13 is output.

Based on the partial message message indicated by the signal, the control means 13 calls the head address corresponding to the partial message from the head addresses stored in the head address storage means 29, and uses it. The subject message storage means 21 controls to start the reproduction operation for the subject message stored at the head address, switches the input destination of SW52 to the subject message storage means 21, and outputs the output destination of SW53. Is switched to SW50.

As a result, the message storage means 21
Reproduces the message to be reproduced, and the message is transmitted via the SW 52, 53, 50 to the transmission means 1
1, and the transmission means 11 transmits the message to the communication line 80.

As described above, according to this embodiment, with respect to the plurality of message messages stored in the message message storage means 21, a part of each message message is cut out and the image size thereof is reduced. Since the menu screen can be displayed not only on the TV monitor 3 of the own device but also on the TV monitor 3 of the other device, the user can display the screen on the TV monitor 3 of the other device. After confirming the sender etc. of the message on the menu screen, it becomes possible to select the message to be reproduced. Therefore, it is possible to improve the usability when reproducing the message of interest using another device.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as those in FIGS. 1 to 9 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 10, 71 and 72 are SW, and 91 is the first of the message.
The image size of the image signal of the frame or the arbitrary number frame is reduced to 1 / M × 1 / N, and a sender image creating means for creating a sender image of the message, and 92 is created by the sender image creating means 91. Connected storage means for connecting and storing the caller image and the corresponding caller information and the storage position in the message storage means 21 for each caller image, and 93 is created by the caller image creating means 91. It is a matrix display means for creating a menu screen in which the caller images are arranged in a matrix of m × n.

In the present embodiment, when the message storage means 21 can store a plurality of message messages, the plurality of message messages can be stored in the first frame of the message or any message. The image size of the image signal of the number frame is reduced to 1 / M × 1 / N, a sender image of the message is created, and a menu screen in which the created sender image is arranged in a matrix is displayed,
By allowing the user to select a desired caller image from the menu screen, the corresponding message can be reproduced and the caller can be automatically called based on the corresponding caller information. There is.

Note that, in FIG. 10, only the blocks that operate when the message is reproduced are shown for the sake of simplicity.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below.
The operation for storing the message is the same as that in the sixth embodiment. The operation at the time of playing the message will be described. In reproducing the message using the own device, in the present embodiment, the user first inputs an instruction to display the menu screen from the input means 90 of the own device.

When a menu screen display instruction is input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the message storage means 21 to partially reproduce only the head portion of each message, and the SW 52 The input destination is switched to the sender information separating means 38, the output destination of SW65 is switched to the sender image creating means 91, and SW6
6, the input destination of 6 is switched to the matrix display means 93, the output destination of SW67 is switched to the cutoff state, and the output destination of SW71 is switched to SW72.
The output destination of the SW 72 is switched to the matrix display means 93.

As a result, the message storage means 21
For all the stored message messages, only the beginning part of the message message is partially reproduced sequentially. Therefore, from the message message storage unit 21, one message frame to several frames of each message message are reproduced. The minute image signal (partial message) and the caller information added thereto are output. At this time, the message storage means 2
1 outputs the start address of each message to the concatenation storage means 92.

The sender information separating unit 38 separates the sender information added to the partial message output from the message storage unit 21, and outputs the separated sender information to the connection storage unit 92. . The partial message with the sender information separated is separated by the separating means 1 via the SW 52.
0, and the separating means 10 separates the partial message (multiplexed signal) into a coded image signal and a coded audio signal. The image signal decoding means 8 decodes the coded image signal separated by the separation means 10. The audio signal decoding means 9 decodes the encoded audio signal separated by the separating means 10, but the audio signal is not output to the D / A converter 17 because the SW 67 is in the cutoff state. It is not output from the speaker 4. The SW 67 may be located between the separating means 10 and the voice decoding means 9.

The image signal decoded by the image signal decoding means 8 is output to the sender image creating means 91 via the SW 65, and the sender image creating means 91 outputs 1 from the image signal.
Only the image signal for the frame is cut out, the image size of the image signal for one frame is reduced, and the TV monitor 3
A sender image having a screen area ratio of 1 / M × 1 / N is created. The sender image created by the sender image creating means 91 is output to the linked storage means 92, and the linked storage means 92 is output.
Stores the sender image and the sender information and the start address corresponding to the sender image in a linked manner, and outputs the sender image in order according to a predetermined regularity. The sender image output by the linked storage means 92 is SW71, 7
2 is output to the matrix display means 93, and the matrix display means 93 creates a menu screen signal in which the sender image is arranged in a matrix of m × n.

This menu screen signal is output to the D / A converter 16 via the SW 66, and the D / A converter 16 converts the menu screen signal (digital signal) into a menu screen signal (analog signal). The television monitor 3 displays the menu screen signal (analog signal) converted by the D / A converter 16 on the screen.

As a result, the menu screen in which the sender images of the message stored in the message storage unit 21 are arranged in a matrix is displayed on the television monitor 3.

Here, in the case where the user desires to see the caller image arranged on the menu screen displayed on the television monitor 3 and reproduce the message message sent by one of the callers. The input means 90 is used to select an image of a caller who desires to reproduce the message and input an instruction to reproduce the message.

Based on the input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the connection storage means 92 to output the head address stored in connection with the selected sender image, and outputs the SW72. The destination is switched to the control means 13, the output destination of SW65 is switched to SW66, the input destination of SW66 is switched to SW65, and the output destination of SW67 is switched to the D / A converter 17.

As a result, the link storage means 92 outputs the head address stored linked to the selected sender image, and the head address is output to the control means 13 via the SW 71, 72. . The control means 13 controls the subject message storage means 21 so as to start the reproduction operation for the subject message stored in the head address output from the linked storage means 92.

The message storage means 21 reproduces the message to be reproduced, and the separating means 10 separates the message into an encoded image signal and an encoded audio signal. The image signal decoding means 8 decodes the coded image signal separated by the separation means 10. The image signal decoded by the image signal decoding means 8 is output to the D / A converter 16 via the SWs 65 and 66, and the D / A converter 16 converts the image signal (digital signal) into an image signal (analog signal). However, the TV monitor 3 is the D / A converter 1
6 displays the converted image signal. Further, the audio signal decoding means 9 decodes the encoded audio signal separated by the separating means 10. The audio signal decoded by the audio signal decoding means 9 is S
Output to D / A converter 17 via W67
The A converter 17 converts the audio signal (digital signal) into an audio signal (analog signal), and the speaker 4 outputs D
The audio signal converted by the / A converter 17 is output.

Further, when the user looks at the caller image arranged on the menu screen displayed on the TV monitor 3 and desires to make a call to the videophone of any caller, the input means is used. From 90, a sender image desired to be sent is selected, and an instruction to send is input.

Based on the input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the connection storage means 92 to output the caller information stored in connection with the selected caller image, and the SW 71 of the SW 71. The output destination is switched to the transmitting unit 11. In addition, the transmission means 11 controls to make a call based on the caller information and establish a line connection.

As a result, the connection storage means 92 outputs the sender information stored in connection with the selected sender image, and the sender information is transmitted via the SW 71 to the transmission means 11.
And the transmitting means 11 automatically makes a call based on the caller information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image size of the image signal of the first frame or the arbitrary number frame of each message for the plurality of message messages stored in the message message storage means 21. 1 / M × 1 /
The caller image is reduced to N to create a caller image, and the caller image created and the corresponding caller information and the storage position in the message storage means 21 are linked and stored, and the caller image created is also saved. Since the menu screens arranged in a matrix can be displayed on the TV monitor 3, the user reproduces the corresponding message by selecting a desired caller image from the menu screen. Alternatively, it is possible to automatically make a call to the corresponding caller.

Since the linked storage means 92 links and stores the sender image and the corresponding sender information and the storage position in the message storage means 21, the connected storage means 92 outputs. The sender image can be selected by the user by inputting sender information. Therefore, for example, a menu screen for a specific caller can be displayed on the television monitor 3.

The values of M, N, m, n are M = m, N
It is preferable that N = n, but the values of M and N do not have to match the values of m and n. Further, when the number of caller images displayed on the menu screen is less than m × n, the screen margin portion has a predetermined image (for example, a solid image of a single color or a block repeated at a constant cycle). Is complemented by.

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same blocks as those in FIGS. 1 to 10 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 11, 73 and 74 are SWs, and 94 is a destination information storage in which a telephone number of a destination videophone, an image of the user of the videophone, and other incidental information are associated and stored in a database. It is a means.

In this embodiment, the destination information in which the telephone number of the destination videophone, the image of the user of the destination videophone, and other supplementary information are associated is stored in a database and stored in the database. By displaying the displayed image of the user on the TV monitor 3 as a destination menu screen, the user desires to make a call from the destination menu screen without inputting the telephone number of the destination videophone. By selecting the image of the user, a call operation can be performed.

The image of the user of the destination videophone stored in the database is created by using the subject message transmitted from the videophone and stored in the subject message storage means 21. The telephone number is created using the caller information transmitted from the videophone together with the message.

In FIG. 11, for simplification of description, only the blocks that operate during database creation and transmission are shown.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below.
First, the operation when creating a database will be described. The operation until the sender image creating means 91 creates a sender image is the same as in the eighth embodiment.

Here, the control means 13 switches the output destination of SW73 to SW74, switches the input destination of SW74 to SW73, and outputs the output destination of SW71 to SW74.
The output destination of SW72 is switched to the matrix display means 93, and the input destination of SW66 is switched to the matrix display means 93.

As a result, the sender image created by the sender image creating means 91 is connected to the storage means 9 via the SW 73.
2 is output to the connection storage means 92 and the sender image and
The caller information and the start address corresponding thereto are linked and stored, and the caller images are output in the order in accordance with the predetermined regularity. The caller image output from the linked storage unit 92 is output to the matrix display unit 93 via the SW 73, 74, 71, 72, and the matrix display unit 93 arranges the caller image in a matrix of m × n. Create the selected menu screen signal.

This menu screen signal is output to the D / A converter 16 via the SW 66, and the D / A converter 16 converts the menu screen signal (digital signal) into a menu screen signal (analog signal). The television monitor 3 displays the menu screen signal (analog signal) converted by the D / A converter 16 on the screen.

As a result, the TV monitor 3 displays a menu screen on which the sender images of the message stored in the message storage means 21 are arranged in a matrix.

[0200] Here, the user looks at the caller image arranged on the menu screen displayed on the TV monitor 3 and sees one of the caller images as the image of the user ( When it is desired to make a database as a (destination image), the desired sender image is selected from the input means 90, and a destination image storage instruction to that effect is input.

Based on the input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls the connection storage means 92 to output the selected sender image and the sender information stored in connection with the selected sender image, and also the SW73. Is switched to the destination information storage means 94. Further, the destination information storage unit 94 controls so that the sender image and the sender information output from the connection storage unit 92 are associated with each other and stored in a database.

As a result, the connection storage means 92 outputs the selected sender image and the sender information stored in connection with the selected sender image, and the sender image and the sender information are:
It is output to the destination information storage means 94 via SW73. The destination information storage unit 94 regards the sender image output by the connection storage unit 92 as a destination image, and associates it with the sender information to create a database.

The user can input the supplementary information for the destination information from the input means 90, and the supplementary information is output from the control means 13 to the destination information storage means 94 and the destination information storage means 94. May be made to be able to make a database by associating the additional information.

Further, the destination information storage means 94 regards all the sender images and the sender information output by the connection storage means 92 as the sender images and associates them with the sender information in the database. You may make it into.

Next, the operation at the time of making a call when the user makes a call operation using the database created as described above will be described. When making a call operation, the user first inputs an instruction to display a callee menu screen from the input means 90.

When the destination menu screen display instruction is input, the control means 13 controls the destination information storage means 94 to output the destination image in accordance with the predetermined regularity, and the input destination of the SW74 is changed. Destination information storage means 9
4, the output destination of SW71 is switched to SW72, the output destination of SW72 is switched to the matrix display means 93, and the input destination of SW66 is switched to the matrix display means 93.

Accordingly, the destination information storage means 94 is
The stored destination images are sequentially output, and the destination images are output to the matrix display means 93 via the SWs 74, 71, 72. The matrix display means 93 creates a menu screen signal in which the destination images output by the destination information storage means 94 are arranged in a matrix.

This menu screen signal is output to the D / A converter 16 via the SW 66, and the D / A converter 16 converts the menu screen signal (digital signal) into a menu screen signal (analog signal). The television monitor 3 displays the menu screen signal (analog signal) converted by the D / A converter 16 on the screen.

As a result, on the television monitor 3, a destination menu screen in which the destination images stored in the sender information storage means 94 are arranged in a matrix is displayed.

[0210] Here, when the user wants to make a call to a videophone of any of the callees by looking at the callee image arranged on the callee menu screen displayed on the TV monitor 3, Selects a desired destination image from the input means 90 and inputs an instruction to transmit.

Based on the input from the input means 90, the control means 13 controls so as to output the destination information stored in the destination information storage means 94 in association with the selected destination image, and the SW71. Is output to the transmission means 11
Switch to. Further, the control means 13 controls to make a call based on the telephone number included in the callee information output by the callee information storage means 94 and to establish a line connection.

Accordingly, the destination information storage means 94 is
The destination information stored in association with the selected destination image is output, and the destination information is output to the transmitting unit 11 via the SWs 74 and 71, and the transmitting unit 11 includes the destination information. Make a call based on the phone number provided.

The order in which the destination information storage unit 94 outputs the destination image may be such that the number of times the user has performed the transmission operation is stored and the number of times is ascending.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the user does not have to input the telephone number of the videophone of the call destination.
By selecting the destination videophone user from the destination menu screen, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the originating operation. Therefore, the transmission operation by the user is simplified and ensured, and the usability is improved.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the device calling the videophone of this embodiment is described as a videophone, but it may be a digital phone or an analog phone. Therefore, when the transmitting means 11 and the receiving means 12 can also communicate with these digital telephones and analog telephones, the following operation can be performed.

That is, when the calling side is a digital telephone, when the absence message is transmitted, the absence message voice signal storage means 24 reproduces the absence message voice signal and only the absence message voice signal is transmitted by the transmission means 11.
When the message is stored, the message storage unit 21 stores only the voice signal received by the receiving unit 12.

When the calling side is an analog telephone, the absent message voice signal storage means 24 reproduces the absent message voice signal when the absent message is transmitted, and the absent message voice signal is converted into the voice signal decoding means 8. Is decoded by the D / A converter 17 and converted by the D / A converter 17 into an analog signal before being transmitted by the transmitting means 11. When the message is stored, the voice signal received by the receiving means 12 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 15. And the voice signal encoding means 6 encodes it, and then the message storage means 21 stores it. The message storage means 21 stores a label indicating whether the message is a message sent from a videophone, a message sent from a digital phone, or a message sent from an analog phone. Alternatively, the message may be stored as a message. The detailed description of the operation of the SW and each means in these examples can be inferred from the description of the present embodiment, and will be omitted.

[0218]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the stage before the coded image signal and the coded audio signal are multiplexed, they are separately stored as the absent message image signal and the absent message audio signal, respectively. When transmitting the absence message, the stored absence message image signal and the stored absence message voice signal are multiplexed before transmission, so the length of the absence message image signal is set to the absence message. It becomes possible to make it shorter than the length of the voice signal for use. Therefore, there is an effect that the storage capacity for storing the absence message can be reduced.

Further, since the absence message image signal and the absence message audio signal are separately stored, it is possible to change only one of them.

Further, according to the present invention, when a predetermined personal identification number is transmitted at the time of an incoming call, the signal transmitted thereafter is regarded as the same as the instruction inputted from the own device. Therefore, the stored message can be reproduced based on the instruction input and transmitted from another device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional videophone.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a menu screen.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a videophone according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a videophone according to a ninth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Camera, 2 ... Microphone, 3 ... Television monitor, 4 ... Speaker, 5 ... Image signal encoding means, 6 ... Audio signal encoding means, 7 ... Image signal decoding means, 8 ... Audio signal decoding means, 9
... multiplexing means, 10 ... separation means, 11 ... transmission means, 12
... Receiving means, 13 ... Control means, 14, 15 ... A / D converter, 16, 17 ... D / A converter, 18 ... Housing,
Reference numeral 19 ... PIN identification means, 20 ... Absence message storage means, 21 ... Message message storage means, 23 ... Absence message image signal storage means, 24 ... Absence message voice signal storage means, 25 ... External storage device, 26 ... DAT recording / reproducing device, 27 ... VTR, 28 ... Caller information storage means,
29 ... Leading address storage means, 30 ... External control means, 3
1 ... Image signal external output means, 32 ... Audio signal external output means, 33 ... Image signal external input means, 34 ... Audio signal external input means, 35 ... External output means, 36 ... External input means,
37 ... Caller information adding means, 38 ... Caller information separating means, 39 ... Menu screen creating means, 40-74 ... Switches, 80 ... Communication line, 90 ... Input means, 91 ... Caller image creating means, 92 ... Connection Storage means, 93 ... Matrix display means, 94 ... Destination information storage means.

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. An image input unit for capturing an image of a subject and capturing an image signal, a voice input unit for capturing a voice as a voice signal, an image signal captured by the image input unit and a voice signal captured by the voice input unit. Coding means for coding, multiplexing means for multiplexing the coded image signal and coded audio signal coded by the coding means, and the multiplexed signal multiplexed by the multiplexing means are transmitted to a communication line. Transmitting means, receiving means for receiving the multiplexed signal transmitted from the communication line, separating means for separating the multiplexed signal received by the receiving means into a coded image signal and a coded audio signal, and the separating means. Decoding means for respectively decoding the encoded image signal and encoded audio signal separated by the means, image display means for displaying the image signal decoded by the decoding means on a screen, A videophone comprising a voice output unit for outputting the voice signal decoded by the decoding unit as voice, which stores / reproduces an encoded image signal of a predetermined length as an image signal for absence message. Absent message storage / reproduction means, second absence message storage / reproduction means for storing / reproducing an encoded audio signal having a predetermined length as an absence message audio signal, and the first absence message storage. An image signal for an absent message reproduced by the reproduction means, an audio signal for an absent message reproduced by the second absence message storing / reproducing means, and an image for an absence message reproduced by the first absence message storing / reproducing means A signal and an audio signal for an absent message reproduced by the second absent message storage / reproduction means are multiplexed by the multiplexing means; Videophone, characterized in that a answering device to transmit as missed messages in serial transmission means. 2. The videophone according to claim 1, wherein the first absence message storing / reproducing means is predetermined from among the encoded image signals which are captured by the image input means and encoded by the encoding means. A coded image signal of a given length is cut out and stored as an image signal for an absent message, and the second absent message storing / reproducing means is an encoding encoded by the encoding means incorporated by the voice input means. A videophone, which stores an audio signal up to a predetermined length as an audio signal for an absence message. 3. The videophone according to claim 2, wherein the length of the absence message image signal is shorter than the length of the absence message audio signal, and the answering machine responds to the multiplexing means. When the message image signal and the absence message voice signal are multiplexed, as long as the absence message voice signal is longer than the absence message image signal, at least a part of the absence message image signal A videophone characterized by being duplicated so that they are multiplexed. 4. The videophone according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the absence message image signal has a length necessary for the image display means to display the image signal for at least one screen. A videophone that is characterized. 5. The videophone according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the first absence message storing / reproducing means and the second absence message storing / reproducing means is stored. A videophone, which is equipped with means for changing an absent message. 6. The videophone according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, and an external storage device control means for controlling an operation of an external storage device connected to the videophone, and the transmission means. Message message output means for outputting the multiplexed signal received by the receiving means after transmitting the absence message to the external storage device as a message message in time series, and a message message reproduced by the external storage device. And the message message input by the message message input means is separated by the separating means and decoded by the decoding means, and the image signal decoded by the decoding means is converted into the image. And a message reproducing means for causing the audio reproducing means to reproduce the audio signal decoded by the decoding means while displaying the image on the display means. The external storage device control means controls the external storage device to store the message message output by the message message output means, and when an instruction to reproduce the message message is input from the outside, A videophone, wherein the external storage device is controlled so as to reproduce a message message stored in the external storage device. 7. The videophone according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, and an external storage device control means for controlling an operation of an external storage device connected to the videophone, and the transmission means. , The multiplexed signal received by the receiving means after transmitting the absent message is separated by the separating means and decoded by each of the decoding means, and the image signal and the audio signal decoded by the decoding means are separated. A message message output means for outputting to the external storage device as a message message, a message message input means for inputting a message message reproduced by the external storage device, and a message message input by the message message input means The image signal of the message is displayed on the image display means, and the voice signal of the message received by the message input means is received. A message reproduction means for reproducing a message to the voice reproducing means, the external storage device control means controls the external storage device to store the message message output by the message message output means, A videophone, wherein the external storage device is controlled so as to reproduce the message message stored in the external storage device when an instruction to reproduce the message message is input from the outside. 8. The videophone according to claim 6 or 7, wherein when the power of the videophone and the power of the external storage device are different, the external storage device control means receives an incoming call from a communication line. The external storage device is controlled to turn on during the period from the time when the transmission means finishes transmitting the absent message, and when the communication line is disconnected, the power to the external storage device is turned off. A videophone characterized by being controlled to. 9. A videophone according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein whether the multiplexed signal received by said receiving means while said transmitting means is transmitting an absent message is a predetermined personal identification number. When the personal identification number discriminating means for discriminating the personal identification number and the personal identification number discriminating means discriminates the predetermined personal identification number, the external storage device control means displays the message message stored in the external storage device. The external storage device is controlled to be reproduced, and the message message reproduced by the external storage device is input to the message message input device and is transmitted to the transmission device. And a videophone. 10. The video telephone according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein whether the multiplexed signal received by said receiving means while said transmitting means is transmitting an absent message is a predetermined personal identification number. When the personal identification number discriminating means for discriminating and the personal identification number discriminating means discriminates that the personal identification number is predetermined, the signal received by the receiving means thereafter is inputted from the outside to the videophone. A videophone comprising: a remote-controlled state that is regarded as an instruction, and remote-controlled means that controls the operation of each means based on the signal. 11. The videophone according to claim 7, wherein the remote control means causes the transmitting means to transmit a signal indicating that the remote control means is in a remote-controlled state. . 12. The videophone according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the multiplexed signals received by the receiving means after the transmitting means has transmitted the absent message are time-series. When a message storage / playback means for storing the message as a message and an instruction for playing the message are input from the outside, the message above is stored / stored in the message above.
The reproduction means reproduces, the separation means separates, the decoding means decodes, the image signal decoded by the decoding means is displayed on the screen of the image display means, and the audio signal decoded by the decoding means A video phone, comprising: a message reproduction means for causing the output means to output as a voice. 13. The videophone according to claim 12, wherein the secret code number determines whether or not the multiplexed signal received by the receiving means while the transmitting means is transmitting the absence message is a predetermined secret code number. When the identification number and the identification number determination means determine that the identification number is a predetermined identification number, the message is stored in the message storage / reproduction means and reproduced by the transmission means. A videophone comprising a message transfer means. 14. The videophone according to claim 12, wherein the personal identification number is used to determine whether the multiplexed signal received by the receiving means while the transmitting means is transmitting the absence message is a predetermined personal identification number. When it is determined by the identification means and the identification number identification means that the identification number is a predetermined identification number, the signal received by the reception means thereafter is regarded as an instruction input from the outside to the videophone. A videophone comprising: a remote controlled state, and remote controlled means for controlling the operation of each means based on the signal. 15. The videophone according to claim 14, wherein the remote control means causes the transmitting means to transmit a signal indicating that the remote control means is in a remote-controlled state. . 16. The videophone according to claim 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein when the receiving means also receives caller information including a telephone number of a calling side when receiving the multiplexed signal, Caller information adding means for adding the caller information received by the receiving means together with the message message to the message message when the message message storing / reproducing means stores the message message; When the message storing / reproducing means reproduces the message, the sender information separating means for separating the sender information added to the message and the sender information separated by the sender information separating means are provided. The sender information storing means to be stored and the sender information storing means when the instruction to send is inputted from the outside after the message message reproducing means reproduces the message. There outgoing signals created based on the telephone number included in the caller information stored, videophone, characterized in that it comprises an automatic transmission unit to transmit to the transmission means. 17. The videophone according to claim 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein said message storing / reproducing means stores a message when it can store / reproduce a plurality of message messages. When an instruction to reproduce is inputted from the outside, for all the message messages stored in the message storage / reproducing means, the message is separated into the separating means, and the separating means is separated. It is necessary for the decoding means to decode the encoded image signal in the message, and the image display means displays the image signal for at least one screen out of the image signals decoded by the decoding means. A menu screen in which the image size is reduced, the image size is reduced, and the reduced image signal is arranged on one screen. The menu screen creation means and the menu screen created by the menu screen creation means from all the message messages stored in the message storage / playback means are created from the storage location of the message and the message message. And a storage unit that associates the image signal associated with the image signal with the image signal, when any one of the image signals arranged on the menu screen is externally selected and instructed. A videophone, comprising: a selected message message reproducing means for causing the message message reproducing means to reproduce the message message stored in the position. 18. The videophone according to claim 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein said message reproducing means is capable of storing / reproducing a plurality of message messages, and said receiving means is a multiplexed signal. When receiving the caller information including the telephone number of the calling party when receiving the message, the receiving means stores the message together with the message when the message storing / reproducing means stores the message. Caller information adding means for adding the received caller information to the message, and caller information added to the message when the message storage / playback means reproduces the message. All the messages stored in the message storage / playback unit when the sender information separating unit that separates the message and the instruction to display the menu screen are input from the outside. Regarding the message,
From the image signal decoded by the decoding means, the coded image signal in the message message separated by the separating means is decoded by the decoding means,
A menu image creating unit that creates a menu image signal by reducing the image size by cutting out a length required for the image displaying unit to display the image signal on at least one screen, and the above message. For all the message messages stored by the storage / playback means, the storage position of the message message, the image signal for the menu created by the image creating means for menu from the message message, and the transmission from the message message An associating means for associating the sender information separated by the person information separating means, and a menu screen creating means for displaying on the image displaying means a menu screen in which the menu image signal created by the menu image creating means is arranged on one screen. And one of the menu image signals arranged on the menu screen above. When an instruction to select from the outside and an instruction to reproduce the message are input from the outside, the message stored in the storage location associated with the menu image signal by the associating unit is displayed as described above. The selection message reproducing means to be reproduced by the message reproducing means, and any one of the menu image signals among the menu image signals arranged on the menu screen is externally selected and instructed to be transmitted. An automatic transmission means which, when input from the outside, creates a transmission signal based on a telephone number included in sender information associated with the menu image signal by the association means, and causes the transmission means to transmit the signal. A videophone equipped with. 19. The videophone according to claim 18, wherein one of the menu image signals arranged on the menu screen is externally selected and the menu image signal is stored in a database. When a command for converting is inputted from the outside, the menu image generating means is provided with a database converting means for storing the menu image signal and the caller information associated with the menu image signal in the database in association with each other. When an instruction to display the contents of is inputted from the outside, a database menu screen in which the image signal for menu stored in the database by the database forming means is arranged on one screen is displayed on the image displaying means, The automatic call means is the menu that is placed on the database menu screen. When any one of the menu image signals for the menu image signal is externally instructed to be selected, it is included in the sender information stored in the database by the database conversion means in association with the menu image signal. A videophone, characterized in that an outgoing signal is created based on a telephone number that is present and is transmitted to the transmitting means. 20. The videophone according to claim 18, further comprising a database forming means for taking out the menu image signal and the caller information associated with each other by the associating means and storing them in a database. If the same sender information as the sender information associated with the means is not stored in the database, the sender information and the image signal for the menu associated by the associating means are made into a database, and the menu screen creating means is a database. When an instruction to display the contents of is inputted from the outside, a database menu screen in which the image signal for menu stored in the database by the database forming means is arranged on one screen is displayed on the image displaying means, The automatic transmission means is the database menu screen above When any one of the menu image signals arranged in the menu is externally selected and instructed, the database information is stored in the database by the database forming means in association with the menu image signal. A videophone, characterized in that an outgoing signal is created based on a telephone number included in, and is transmitted to the transmitting means. 21. The videophone according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said menu screen creating means is only a menu image signal whose caller information stored in the database by said database forming means satisfies a predetermined condition. A videophone characterized by displaying or preferentially displaying. 22. The videophone according to claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the database forming means further associates the incidental information input from the outside and stores it in the database.