JPH09205499A - Video telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a moving image and a still image with high image quality by distributing audio and image data processed by a CODEC or the like to plural modems in time sharing and making communication with plural telephone lines so as to increase a transmission data quantity. SOLUTION: Audio and image CODECs 9, 10 encode an audio signal from a microphone 23 and an image signal from a camera 25 via an encoder 7 respectively. A decoder 8 converts an output decoded by the CODECs 9, 10 into an analog signal and provides an output of it to a speaker 24 and a monitor 26. modems 17, 18 modulate an internal digital signal from the video telephone set 1 into a signal at a transmission frequency band of analog telephone lines 29, 30 or demodulate vice versa into a digital signal for broad band transmission. A data distribution integral means 16 distributes uniformly the audio and image signals in time sharing to the two modems 17, 18 or integrate the signals inversely to send the signals by using the two telephone lines 29, 30.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention uses an analog telephone line to simultaneously and bidirectionally communicate image data, voice data, and other digital data to reduce costs for video conferencing, video services, remote monitoring, home medical care, and the like. The present invention relates to a videophone device that can be realized by.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, with the progress of image compression technology and digital communication technology, one of various multimedia systems has been developed.
As a result, various video telephone devices or video conference systems have been commercialized. Most of them are ISDN (Integra
ted Services Digital Network) Complies with H.261 and G.711, which are international standards for image compression coding and audio compression coding for lines, and utilizes the features of ISDN lines that can transmit large amounts of data at high speed. doing.

On the other hand, due to the speeding up of modems for transmitting digital data using analog telephone lines and the development of image compression technology compatible with low bit rates, videophones using analog telephone lines with many subscribers have been developed. The development of the device is active, and a conventional videophone device compatible with an analog telephone line will be described below.

FIG. 35 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional videophone device.
Shown in In the figure, reference numeral 121 is a conventional videophone device, the main hardware of which is a system control unit 12, a codec 6,
It is composed of a modem 122, an interface 2, and a line controller 123. The system control unit 12 uses the videophone device 12
It is a block that controls the entire system of 1 and is usually C
It is composed of a PU 13 and a memory (ROM 14 and RAM 15). The codec 6 includes an audio codec 9 and an image codec 10. The audio codec 9 encodes and decodes an audio signal, and the image codec 10 encodes and decodes an image signal. The audio codec 9 and the image codec 10 may be separately configured or may be integrated.
The encoder 7 and the decoder 8 are usually attached to the codec 6, and the encoder 7 A / D converts the analog audio signal and the image signal and inputs them to the audio codec 9 and the image codec 10 in the form of a digital signal, and at the same time. The digital outputs from the audio codec 9 and the image codec 10 are D / A converted by the decoder 8 and output as analog signals. 6 via regular analog telephone line 125
ITU-T H.263 is used as an international standard for moving image coding methods that support data transmission rates of 4k / bit or less, and JPEG (Joint Photographic Exper) is used as a still image coding method.
ts Group) has G.723 as an audio encoding method.

External monitor as image data input / output means
The 26 and the external camera 25 may be integrated with the main body of the videophone device 121 or may be connected externally.
(Figure 35 was created as an external connection).
The same applies to the telephone 22 (or the external microphone 23 or the external speaker 24) as the voice data input / output means. The telephone 22 may have a speakerphone function, and various forms have been proposed in consideration of system development, cost, size reduction, and the like. The modem 122 performs broadband transmission by demodulating a digital signal inside the videophone device 121 into a signal in a transmission band of an analog telephone line. In this case, V.33 with a data signal rate of 14.4 kbit / s
The standard and the V.34 standard of 28.8 kbit / s are used. The line control unit 123 controls the connection of the telephone line 125 to the telephone 22 and the modem 122, and the telephone 22.
It consists of.

Next, the data transmission procedure in the conventional videophone device 121 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The power of the videophone device 121 is turned on (start), and the user transmits the image by videophone to the panel 27.
Alternatively, when instructed by the remote controller 28 or the like (step 60
1) The system controller 12 checks whether the modem 122 can communicate (step 602). When the modem cannot communicate, the system control unit 12 displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is impossible (step 603). If the modem is operational, the modem instructs the contact to dial (step 604). This establishes an electrical connection with the videophone device 121 of the communication partner (step
605), initial settings such as data transmission speed and data format are performed between the modems 122 (step 606), and then image data and audio data from the codec 6 and control data from the modem 122 or the system controller 12 are transmitted. Is started (step 607). Panel 27 or remote control when the user finishes image transmission by videophone
28, etc., the system control unit 12 causes the modem 122 to
Then, the modem 122 disconnects the telephone line (step 609), and then the user turns off the power of the videophone device 121 (end).

[0007]

However, when the videophone is used by utilizing the analog telephone line as in the above-mentioned conventional method, the transmission band of the telephone line is in a narrow range (300 to 3400).
Since it is limited to (Hz) and the data transmission speed by the modem is limited, moving images and still images cannot be transmitted with high image quality, and noise and distortion are emphasized. Further, there is a problem in that the image quality is further deteriorated when the number of frames of the moving image is increased.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a videophone device capable of increasing the amount of data that can be transmitted by time sharing and displaying high-quality moving images and still images. With the goal.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the video telephone apparatus of the present invention increases the amount of data to be transmitted by transmitting data from a single source through a plurality of telephone lines. This is effectively realized by the following means.

That is, a system control unit for controlling the entire system, a codec for encoding and decoding a voice signal and an image signal from a single source, and a data communication for an analog general public telephone line. A plurality of modems, a line control unit for controlling connection of telephones and modems to telephone lines, and a data distribution / integration means for distributing and integrating data by time sharing are provided.
The integrating means distributes the sequentially input data from the codec and supplies the data to the plurality of modems, and at the same time, integrates the data from the plurality of modems and supplies the data to the codec, thereby transmitting these data through a plurality of telephone lines. It is something that is done.

According to the present invention, since the data to be transmitted is distributed and integrated by time sharing, the amount of data to be transmitted is increased, and a videophone device capable of displaying high-quality moving images and still images can be obtained.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in the schematic configuration of FIG. 1, the videophone device according to the first embodiment has a system controller 12, a codec 6, and a plurality of modems 17 and 18.
And a line control unit 20, a data distribution / integration means 16, and an interface 2.

The system control unit 12 is a block for controlling the entire system of the video telephone 1, and is composed of a CPU 13 and a memory (ROM 14 and RAM 15). The codec 6 is composed of an audio codec 9 and an image codec 10, and an encoder 7 and a decoder 8. The audio codec 9 encodes and decodes an audio signal from a single source (external microphone 23 etc.), and the image codec 10 Encodes and decodes image signals from a single source (external camera 25). The analog audio signal and the image signal from the external microphone 23 and the external camera 25 are converted by the encoder 7 into digital data that can be input to the audio codec 9 and the image codec 10, and the audio codec 9 and the image codec are converted.
The output from the audio codec 9 and the image codec 10 is D / A converted by the decoder 8 at the same time and output to the external speaker 24 and the external monitor 26 as an analog signal. Audio codec 9 and image codec 10 are D
Using the SP-based image compression dedicated chip, the encoding and decoding software is downloaded from the external ROM 14 so that the same hardware can support various algorithms such as H.263 or other proprietary methods. To do. Also, audio codec 9 and image codec 10
Wired logic hardware can be used for high-speed processing and cost reduction. The RAM 11 is used for encoding and decoding the image codec 10.

The modems 17 and 18 convert the digital signals inside the videophone unit 1 into analog general public telephone lines 29 and 30.
Modulates the signal in the transmission band of, and simultaneously analog telephone line 2
Broadband transmission is performed by demodulating the signals from 9 and 30 into digital signals. For this, the ITU-T V.34 standard with a data signal rate of 28.8 kbit / s is used. The line control unit 20 includes a line interface 21 that controls the connection of the telephone 22 and the modems 17 and 18 to the telephone lines 29 and 30, and
Consists of a telephone 22.

The data distribution / integration means 16 evenly distributes the image data, the audio data, etc. output from the codec 6 by the time sharing at a predetermined fixed period, temporarily stores them in the RAM 19, and stores them in the two modems 17, Distribute to 18 consecutively. As a result, the data from the videophone device 1 is transmitted to the videophone device 1 of the communication partner using the two telephone lines 29 and 30. Similarly, data such as image data and audio data from the videophone device 1 of the other party is also 2
The data is transmitted by two telephone lines 29 and 30, converted into digital data by the modems 17 and 18 and temporarily stored in the RAM 19, and the data distribution / integration means 16 integrates the data of the modems 17 and 18 at predetermined fixed intervals. The data of the same type such as image data and audio data is transmitted to the codec 6 and the like.

The interface 2 includes a voice interface 3, an image interface 4, and a user interface 5.
Consists of The voice interface 3 is an external microphone 23
From the decoder 8 in the codec 6 and outputs the audio signal from the decoder 8 in the codec 6 to the external speaker 24. The image interface 4 inputs the image signal from the external camera 25 to the encoder 7 in the codec 6, and at the same time outputs the image signal from the decoder 8 in the codec 6 to the external monitor 26. The user interface 5 is a panel 2 input by the user.
7. Input various control signals such as power ON / OFF from the remote controller 28 to the system controller 12.

Next, the data transmission procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the power of the videophone 1 is turned on (start) and the user instructs the image transmission by the videophone with the panel 27 or the remote controller 28 (step 101), it is determined whether the two modems 17 and 18 can operate. Checked by 12 (step 102). When both the two modems 17 and 18 are inoperable, the system control unit 12 uses an external monitor.
Display that communication is not possible at step 26 (step 10
3). When one or both of the two modems 17 and 18 are operable, the system controller 12 instructs the operable modem to dial the communication partner (step 104).
As a result, when the electrical connection with the videophone device 1 of the communication partner is established (step 105), the data transmission speed, the data format and the like are initialized between the modems 17 and 18 (step 106), and both are connected. It is judged whether or not both of the two telephone lines 29 and 30 can transmit data between the video telephone 1 (step 107). When both the two telephone lines 29 and 30 can be used, data transmission using the two telephone lines 29 and 30 is performed (step 108). Two telephone lines 2
When both 9 and 30 cannot be used, it is judged whether one telephone line (telephone line 29 or 30) can be used for data transmission (step 109). One telephone line (telephone line
29 or 30) can be used, the transmission of image data and audio data from the codec 6 is performed by one modem.
Initiated by (modem 17 or 18) (step 11
0). When neither of the telephone lines (telephone line 29 or 30) can be used, the system control unit 12 displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is impossible (step 111).

When the user finishes the image transmission by the videophone, it is instructed by the panel 27, the remote controller 28 or the like, the system control unit 12 transmits the line disconnection request to the modems 17 and 18 (step 112), and the modems 17 and 18 The telephone line is disconnected (step 113), and then the user uses the video telephone device 1
Turn off the power of (end).

According to the first embodiment, the data distribution / integration means distributes the data sequentially input from the codec and the like to the plurality of modems and supplies them to the plurality of modems, and at the same time integrates the data from the plurality of modems. Then, the amount of data to be transmitted is increased by supplying it to a codec or the like and communicating using a plurality of telephone lines, so that high-quality moving images and still images can be displayed.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is only the data distribution / integration means, the modem and the line control unit, this point will be described in detail, and the same reference numerals will be given to the overlapping portions.
The description is omitted.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the videophone device according to the second embodiment. In the figure, data distribution / integration means
42 comprises distribution / integration means 43 and distribution ratio instruction means 44,
Further, the line control unit 48 includes a line detecting means 50. The modems 45, 46, 47 can be freely attached to and detached from the main body of the videophone device 41, and the videophone device 41 of the second embodiment has at least two modems 45, 46. For improvement, 3 or more modems 45, 46,
It is possible to have 47. Further, when the data transmission by a plurality of lines according to the present invention is not used, only one modem 45 can be used.

The line detecting means 50 is provided for all the modems 4 included in the video telephone device 41 when the communication of the video telephone device 41 is started.
By activating 5, 46, 47 (here, the videophone device 41 is equipped with three modems), and detecting the response from the modems 45, 46, 47 of the videophone device 41 of the communication partner. (The videophone device 41 of the communication partner is also equipped with three modems), and detects the number of telephone lines available for data transmission (in this case, three lines). In the distribution ratio instructing means 44, the data distributing / integrating means 42 corresponding to the number of telephone lines used for communication (3 lines) is used by each modem (modems 45, 46, 4
7) A reference signal timing table for distributing or integrating the data is provided, and based on the data (3 lines) of the number of usable telephone lines detected by the line detecting means 50, the data distributing / integrating means 42 displays the image data. Set distribution ratio for distributing and integrating data such as voice data.

The distribution / integration means 43 evenly distributes the image data, the audio data, etc. output from the codec 6 by the time sharing based on the distribution ratio set by the distribution ratio designating means 44 at a predetermined fixed cycle. , All the modems used for data transmission, temporarily stored in RAM19
(Modem 45, 46, 47) is continuously distributed. As a result, the data from the videophone device 41 is transmitted to the videophone device 41 of the communication partner by using all the telephone lines (telephone lines 29, 30, 51) used for transmission. Similarly, data such as image data and voice data from the other party's videophone device 41 is used for all telephone lines (telephone line 2
9, 30, 51) and converted into digital data by the modems 45, 46, 47, and temporarily stored in the RAM 19, and the data distribution / integration means 42 has the modems 45, 46 at fixed intervals determined by the distribution ratio instruction means 44. The data of 46 and 47 are integrated and transmitted to the codec 6 or the like as data such as image data and audio data of the same type.

Next, a data transmission procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the power of the videophone device 41 is turned on (start) and the user instructs the image transmission by the videophone with the panel 27 or the remote control 28 (step 101), all of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 cannot operate. It is checked by the system controller 12 (step 201). When all of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 are inoperable, the system control unit 12 displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is impossible (step 202). When any one of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 is operable, the system controller 12 instructs the modem to dial the communication partner (step 203). When the electrical connection with the videophone device 41 of the communication partner is established by this (step 204), the data transmission speed, the data format, etc. are initialized between the modems (step 205), and the line detection means 50 is used. , It is determined which of the plurality of telephone lines 29, 30, 51 is capable of transmitting data between the two videophone devices 41 (step 20).
6). At that time, the system control unit 12 judges whether or not there is one or more available telephone lines (step 2
07) If there is no available telephone line, the system control unit 12 displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is not possible (step 208).

In the other cases, based on the data of the usable telephone lines detected by the line detecting means 50, the distributing / integrating means 43 outputs the data from the codec 6 based on the distribution ratio set by the distribution ratio instructing means 44. Image data, audio data, etc. are evenly distributed at fixed intervals determined by time sharing, are temporarily stored in RAM 19, and are continuously transmitted to all modems (modems 45, 46, 47) that can be used for data transmission. Distributing and data transmission is started (step 210).
When the user finishes the image transmission by the videophone, it is instructed by the panel 27 or the remote controller 28, and the system control unit 12 transmits the line disconnection request to the modems 45, 46, 47.
(Step 112), modems 45, 46, 47 use telephone lines 29, 30, 5
1 is cut off (step 113), and then the user turns off the power of the videophone device 1 (end).

According to the second embodiment, the line detecting means detects a modem that can be used for data transmission at the start of communication of the videophone device, and the distribution ratio instructing means detects image data, voice data, etc. according to the data. Since the distribution ratio is set,
Data can be optimally distributed to a plurality of telephone lines for data transmission.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the first and second embodiments lies only in the data distribution / integration means and the line control unit, and therefore this point will be described in detail, and the overlapping portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the videophone device according to the third embodiment. The data distribution / integration means 62 according to the third embodiment includes an output data detection means 64,
Further, the line control unit 66 includes a data transmission rate detecting means 68. The output data detection means 64 is a data amount of all encoded image data, audio data, etc. output from the data distribution / integration means 62 at the start of communication of the videophone device 61 (that is, data output from the videophone device 61). Amount) is detected and notified to the data transmission rate detecting means 68. The data transmission rate detecting means 68 detects the data transmission rate of each telephone line 29, 30, 51 used by the videophone device 61 at the start of communication, and detects all the data amounts output from the data distributing / integrating means 62. (That is, the amount of data output from the videophone device 61). If the amount of data output from the data distribution / integration means 62 is smaller than the sum of the data transmission rates of the telephone lines 29, 30, 51 used by the video telephone device 61 for communication, It is determined whether or not there is an unnecessary telephone line for data communication. In this case, the amount of data output from the data distribution / integration means 62 corresponds to the telephone lines 29, 30,
If it is less than 65% of the total data transmission speed of 51, it is judged that there is one telephone line unnecessary for data communication.
If there is an unnecessary telephone line in this way, the line control unit 66 is instructed to disconnect the telephone line (herein, the telephone line 51), and the line control unit 66 outputs the output data detecting means 64.
Based on the data of the telephone line (telephone line 51) not required for data transmission notified by
Disconnect 51).

Further, when the amount of various data output from the data distribution / integration means 62 is larger than the sum of the data transmission rates of the telephone lines 29, 30, 51 used by the videophone device 61 for communication. In this case, the line control unit 66 is instructed to stop all the modems 45, 46 and 47 and to make a call only with the ordinary telephone 22. At the same time, the fact that communication is impossible is displayed on the external monitor 26 through the system control unit 12.

The distribution ratio instructing means 65 changes from the telephone line (telephone lines 29, 30, 51) usable for data transmission sent from the line detecting means 50 to the data transmission detected by the output data detecting means 64. Unnecessary telephone lines (telephone lines 51) are reduced, and the data distribution / integration means 62 sets a distribution ratio for distributing data such as image data and audio data.

Next, a data transmission procedure according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 to 12. First, the power of the videophone device 61 is turned on.
(Start), when the user instructs the image transmission by the videophone with the panel 27 or the remote controller 28 or the like (step 101), the system control unit 12 checks whether all the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 are inoperable. (Step 201). When all of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 are inoperable, the system control unit 12 displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is impossible (step 202 in FIG. 7). When any one of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 is operable, the system controller 12 instructs the modem to dial the communication partner (step 203 in FIG. 6). As a result, an electrical connection is established with the videophone device 61 of the communication partner.
(Step 204), initial settings such as data transmission speed and data format are performed between the modems (Step 205), and the line detection means 50 causes a plurality of telephone lines 29, 30, 51 between both video telephone devices 61. It is determined which of the lines can transmit data (step 206).

At this time, the system control unit 12 judges whether or not there is one or more available telephone lines.
(Step 207) If there is no available telephone line, the system control unit 12 displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is not possible (Step 208 in FIG. 9). In other cases, the output data detection means 64 is a data distribution / integration means.
The amount of image data and audio data output from 62 (that is, the amount of output data from the videophone device 61) is measured (FIG. 8).
Step 301). The data transmission rate detecting means 68 measures the data transmission rate of the usable telephone line (telephone line 29, 30 or 51) (step 302). Then, the data transmission rate detection means 68 compares the various data amounts output from the data distribution / integration means 62 with respect to the sum of the data transmission rates of the telephone lines 29, 30, 51 used by the videophone device 61 for communication. It is determined whether there are more users (step 303). If the number is large, all the modems 45, 46, 47 are stopped, and the line control unit 66 is instructed to make a call only with the ordinary telephone 22 (step 304 in FIG. 10). At the same time, the fact that communication is impossible is displayed on the external monitor 26 through the system control unit 12 (step 305). In other cases, it is determined whether or not an unnecessary telephone line exists for the data communication of the videophone device 61 (step 306 in FIG. 8). If so, the line control is performed so that the unnecessary telephone line is disconnected. The unit 66 is instructed (step 307 in FIG. 11). The line control unit 66 disconnects the corresponding telephone line based on the data of the output data detecting means 64 (step 308). Then, the distribution ratio instructing means 65 subtracts telephone lines unnecessary for data transmission detected by the output data detecting means 64 from telephone lines which can be used for data transmission sent from the line detecting means 50, and distributes data. The integration means 62 distributes data such as image data and audio data,
The distribution ratio to be integrated is set (step 309 in FIG. 8). Then, the distribution / integration means 63 evenly distributes the data and the like output from the codec 6 by the time sharing based on the distribution ratio set by the distribution ratio instruction means 65 at a predetermined fixed cycle, and temporarily stores it in the RAM 19. All modems (modems 45, 46, 47) available for data transmission are continuously distributed, and data transmission is started (step 210 in FIG. 12).

When the user finishes the image transmission by the videophone, the system control unit 12 transmits a line disconnection request to the modems 45, 46 and 47 by the panel 27 or the remote controller 28 (step 112), and the modem 45, 46 and 47 disconnect the telephone lines 29, 30, and 51 (step 113), and then the user turns off the power supply of the videophone 1 (end in FIG. 7).

According to the third embodiment, the output data detecting means detects all the amount of data output from the data distributing / integrating means (that is, the amount of data output from the videophone device), while transmitting the data. By detecting the data transmission speed of the telephone line used by the videophone device at the start of communication, the speed detection means allows the line control unit to use the optimum number of telephone lines for data transmission, and the distribution The ratio indicating means can optimally distribute the transmission data to the telephone line with which communication is being performed.

(Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 21. The difference from the first, second and third embodiments lies only in the codec and the interface. Therefore, this point will be described in detail, and the overlapping portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the videophone device according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, the codec 85 includes an image data encoding control means 87, and the user interface 83 includes an image mode setting means 84. In the videophone device 81 according to the fourth embodiment, the user can select the image mode at the start of communication by the image mode setting means 84 in the user interface 83, and the image resolution can be selected in five stages (default is intermediate). The value of the).
The image mode data is sent to the system control unit 12 through the image mode setting unit 84 in the user interface 83, and the system control unit 12 sends the data to the image data encoding control unit 87.

The image data encoding control means 87 sets the resolution of the image data output from the encoder 7 according to the image mode (image resolution) set by the user.
The amount of image data depends on the resolution, so codec 85
If the image codec 86 therein uses the same data encoding / decoding method, the output data from the image codec 86 depends on the image mode set by the user, that is, the image resolution. Here, as described in the third embodiment, the output data detection means 64 detects all the data amounts output from the data distribution / integration means 62 (that is, the data amounts output from the codec 85), while transmitting the data. The speed detecting means 68 is the telephone line 2 used by the video telephone 81.
By detecting the data transmission speed of 9, 30, and 51, the line control unit 66 uses the optimum telephone line for data transmission, so that the image mode set by the user, that is, the image resolution, is set. Transmission data can be optimally distributed.

Next, a data transmission procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 to 21. First, the power of the videophone device 81 is turned on.
(Start), when the user instructs the image transmission by the videophone with the panel 27 or the remote controller 28 or the like (step 101), whether the user has selected the image mode at the start of communication by the image mode setting means 84 in the user interface 83. Checked by system controller 12
(Step 401). When set, the system control unit 12 sends the data to the image data coding control means 87. The image data encoding control means 87 sets the resolution of the image data output from the encoder 7 according to the set image mode (image resolution) (step 402 in FIG. 20).
If not set, the system control unit 12 sends default data to the image data encoding control means 87, and the image data encoding control means 87 sets the default resolution (step 403). Then, the encoder 7 starts conversion of the image data with the set resolution (step 40).
Four).

Further, the system control unit 12 checks whether all of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 are inoperable (step 201). When all of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 are inoperable, the system controller 12 displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is impossible (step 20 in FIG. 15).
2). When any one of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 is operable, the system controller 12 instructs the modem to dial the communication partner (step 203). As a result, when the electrical connection with the videophone device 81 of the communication partner is established (step 204), initial settings such as the data transmission rate and the data format are performed between the modems (step 20).
5), by the line detection means 50, both videophone devices 41
It is determined which of the plurality of telephone lines 29, 30, 51 is capable of transmitting data (step 206). At this time, the system control unit 12 determines whether or not there is one or more usable telephone lines (step 207). If there is no usable telephone line, the system control unit 12 communicates with the external monitor 26. It is displayed that it is impossible (step 208 in FIG. 16).

Otherwise, the output data detecting means 64
Measures the amount of image data and audio data output from the data distribution / integration means 62 (that is, the amount of output data from the videophone device 81) (step 301 in FIG. 17). The data transmission rate detecting means 68 is a usable telephone line (telephone lines 29, 3
0 or 51), measure the data transmission rate
(Step 302). And the data transmission rate detecting means 68 is
Each telephone line 29, 30, used by the videophone device 81 for communication
It is determined whether or not the amount of various data output from the data distribution / integration means 62 is larger than the sum of the data transmission rates of 51 (step 303). If the number is large, all the modems 45, 46, 47 are stopped, and the line control unit 66 is instructed to talk only by the normal telephone 22 (step 304 in FIG. 18). At the same time, the fact that communication is not possible is displayed on the external monitor 26 through the system control unit 12 (step 30
Five). In other cases, it is determined whether or not there is an unnecessary telephone line for data communication of the videophone device 81 (see FIG. 1).
(Step 306 of 7), if any, instructs the line control unit 66 to disconnect the unnecessary telephone line (Step 30 of FIG. 19).
7), the line control unit 66 disconnects the corresponding telephone line based on the data of the output data detecting means 64 (step 308). Then, the distribution ratio instructing means 65 subtracts telephone lines unnecessary for data transmission detected by the output data detecting means 64 from telephone lines which can be used for data transmission sent from the line detecting means 50, and distributes data. The integration means 62 is image data,
A distribution ratio for distributing and integrating data such as voice data is set (step 309 in FIG. 17). Then the means of distribution / integration 63
Based on the distribution ratio set by the distribution ratio instructing means 65, the data output from the codec 85 by time sharing is evenly distributed every predetermined fixed period, and the RAM
All modems available for temporary storage and data transmission to 19
(Modems 45, 46, 47) are continuously distributed, and data transmission is started (step 210 in FIG. 21).

When the user finishes the image transmission by the videophone, the system controller 12 is instructed by the panel 27, the remote controller 28 or the like, and the system controller 12 transmits a line disconnection request to the modems 45, 46 and 47 (step 112) and the modem 45, 46 and 47 disconnect the telephone lines 29, 30, and 51 (step 113), and then the user turns off the power of the videophone device 1 (end in FIG. 15).
According to the fourth embodiment, the output data detection means detects all the amount of data output from the data distribution / integration means, while the data transmission rate detection means detects the data of the telephone line used by the videophone. By detecting the transmission speed, the ratio of data distribution to the telephone line and the ratio of data integration are set, so the transmission data is optimally distributed according to the image mode set by the user, that is, the image resolution. ， Can be integrated.

(Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments is only the line control unit 102. Therefore, this point will be described in detail, and the overlapping portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 22 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the videophone device according to the fifth embodiment. In the figure, the line control unit 102 includes a modem connection / disconnection means 104, and a data transmission speed detection means 1
05 is provided with line connection / disconnection requesting means 106. Line connection
The disconnection requesting means 106 uses the videophone device 101 for the telephone lines 29, 3
From the start of data transmission using 0, 51 until the end of data transmission, the telephone lines 29, 30, 5 used by the video telephone device 101 present in the data transmission rate detecting means 105.
The data at the data transmission rate of 1 is received, and the data relating to all the data amounts output from the data distribution / integration means 62 detected by the output data detection means 64 are received in real time.

The amount of data input to the data distribution / integration means 62 during communication is based on the sum of the data transmission rates of the telephone lines (telephone lines 29 and 30) used by the videophone device 101 for communication. , When the threshold value 1 is exceeded (90% in the videophone device 101 of the fifth embodiment), the line connection / disconnection requesting means 106 requests a new line (telephone line 51) connection signal. (Line connection request signal) is transmitted to the modem connection / disconnection means 104. At this time, during communication, the videophone device 101
The line connection / disconnection requesting means 10 compared with the sum of the data transmission rates of all the telephone lines 29, 30, 51 used by the
6 transmits a signal for stopping the operation of all the modems 45, 46, 47 to the modem connecting / disconnecting means 104 to stop the data transmission, and as a result, the system control unit 12 indicates that the communication is impossible by the external monitor 26. , So that the call can be made only by the ordinary telephone 22.

On the other hand, the data distribution / integration means 62 is compared with the sum of the data transmission rates of the telephone lines (here, telephone lines 29 and 30) used by the videophone device 101 for communication.
The amount of data input to a certain threshold 2 (2
If it is less than 40% when using the line), it is newly determined that there is an unnecessary telephone line for data communication of the videophone device 101, and the unnecessary telephone line (here the telephone line is used). The modem connection / disconnection means 104 sends a signal (line disconnection request signal) requesting disconnection
Send to

The modem connection / disconnection means 104 is used for line connection / disconnection.
Based on the signal instructing the connection and disconnection of the line transmitted from the disconnection request means 106, the modem required for data transmission is connected and the modem no longer needed for data transmission is disconnected.

A data transmission procedure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 23 to 34. First, the power of the videophone device 101 is turned on (start), and the user transmits the image by the videophone to the panel 27.
Alternatively, when instructed by the remote controller 28 or the like (step 10
1), image mode setting means in the user interface 83
The system control unit 12 checks whether the user has selected the image mode at the start of communication by 84 (step 401). When set, the system control unit 12 sends the data to the image data coding control means 87. The image data encoding control means 87 sets the resolution of the image data output from the encoder 7 according to the set image mode (image resolution) (step 402 in FIG. 29). When not set, the system control unit 12 sends default data to the image data encoding control unit 87, and the image data encoding control unit 87 sets the default resolution (FIG. 2).
Step 3 of 403). Then, the encoder 7 starts conversion of the image data with the set resolution (step 40).
Four).

Further, the system controller 12 checks whether all of the plurality of modems 45, 46 and 47 are inoperable (step 201). When all of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 are inoperable, the system controller 12 displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is impossible (step 20 in FIG. 24).
2). When any one of the plurality of modems 45, 46, 47 can operate, the system control unit 12 instructs the modem to dial the communication partner (step 203 in FIG. 23). When the electrical connection with the videophone device 101 of the communication partner is established by this (step 204 of FIG. 25), the initial settings such as the data transmission speed and the data format are performed between the modems.
(Step 205), the line detection means 50 determines which of the plurality of telephone lines 29, 30, 51 is capable of transmitting data between the two videophone devices 101 (step 20).
6). At that time, the system control unit 12 judges whether or not there is one or more available telephone lines (step 207),
System control unit when no telephone line is available
12 indicates to external monitor 26 that communication is not possible
(Step 208).

Otherwise, the output data detecting means 64
Measures the amount of image data and audio data output from the data distribution / integration means 62 (that is, the amount of output data from the videophone device 101) (step 301 in FIG. 26). The data transmission rate detecting means 105 is a usable telephone line (telephone line 29,
The data transmission rate of 30 or 51) is measured (step 302). And the data transmission rate detecting means 105
Is each telephone line 2 used by the videophone device 101 for communication.
It is judged whether or not the amount of various data output from the data distribution / integration means 62 is larger than the sum of the data transmission rates of 9, 30, and 51 (step 303). If the number is large, all the modems 45, 46, 47 are stopped, and the line control unit 102 is instructed to make a call using only the ordinary telephone 22 (step 304 in FIG. 27). At the same time, the fact that communication is impossible is displayed on the external monitor 26 through the system control unit 12 (step 305). In other cases, it is determined whether or not there is an unnecessary telephone line for data communication of the videophone device 101 (step 306 in FIG. 26), and if so, line control is performed so that the unnecessary telephone line is disconnected. The unit 102 is instructed (step 307 in FIG. 28). The line control unit 102 disconnects the corresponding telephone line based on the data of the output data detecting means 64 (step 308). The distribution ratio instructing means 65 is then connected to the line detecting means 50.
From the telephone lines that can be used for data transmission sent from, the unnecessary telephone lines for data transmission detected by the output data detection means 64 are reduced, and the data distribution / integration means 62 converts data such as image data and audio data. The distribution ratio for distribution and integration is set (step 309 in FIG. 26). Then distribution
Based on the distribution ratio set by the distribution ratio instructing means 65, the integrating means 63 evenly distributes the data and the like output from the codec 85 by time sharing at a predetermined fixed cycle, and temporarily stores the data in the RAM 19 for data transmission. The data transmission is started by continuously distributing to all available modems (modems 45, 46, 47) (step 210).

After the data transmission is started, the line connection / disconnection requesting means 106 uses the telephone lines 29, 30, 5 used by the videophone device 101 existing in the data transmission speed detecting means 105.
The amount of data input to the data distribution / integration means 62 having a data transmission rate of 1 is a constant threshold value 1 (90) with respect to the total data transmission rate of the telephone lines used by the videophone device 101 for communication. %) Is determined (step 503). If the threshold value 1 is exceeded, the data distribution / integration means 62 is compared with the sum of the data transmission rates of all telephone lines that the videophone device 101 can use for communication.
It is determined whether or not the amount of various data input to is larger (step 504 in FIG. 34). If the number is large, the line connection / disconnection request means 106 sends a signal to the modem connection / disconnection means 104 to stop the operation of all the modems 45, 46, 47, and the data transmission is stopped (step 505 in FIG. 31), and the system is disconnected. Control unit 12
Displays on the external monitor 26 that communication is not possible, and allows normal telephone call only by the telephone 22 (step 50
6).

In other cases, the line connection / disconnection request means 106 transmits a new signal for requesting connection of the line (line connection request signal) to the modem connection / disconnection means 104 (step 507 in FIG. 34). In response to the line connection request signal, the modem connection / disconnection means 104 connects the telephone line which is not used and is available, if any (step 508).

On the other hand, the amount of data input to the data distribution / integration means 62 is higher than the sum of the data transmission rates of the telephone lines used by the videophone device 101 for communication at a certain threshold during communication. It is determined whether the number is less than 2 (40% when using 2 lines) (step 509 in FIG. 32), and if there is an unnecessary telephone line for data communication of the videophone device 101. A signal that is newly determined and requests to disconnect unnecessary telephone lines (line disconnection request signal) is transmitted to the modem connection / disconnection means 104 (step 5).
Ten). Based on the line disconnection request signal from the line connection / disconnection requesting unit 106, the modem connection / disconnection unit 104 disconnects the modem that is no longer needed for data transmission (step 511).
When the user finishes the image transmission by the videophone, it is instructed by the panel 27 or the remote controller 28, and the system control unit 12 transmits the line disconnection request to the modems 45, 46, 47.
(Step 112 in FIG. 33), the modems 45, 46 and 47 use the telephone line 2
After disconnecting 9, 30, and 51 (step 113), the user turns off the power of the videophone 1 (end in FIG. 24).

According to the fifth embodiment, the line connection / disconnection request means issues a request for connection / disconnection of the telephone line during data transmission, and the modem connection / disconnection means is that the videophone device transmits data using the telephone line. Since the modem required for data transmission is connected or disconnected during the data transmission, the data transmission speed of the telephone line may change or the image may change during the data transmission. It is possible to respond without interrupting the communication itself.

[0054]

As described above, according to the present invention, data from a single source is distributed by time sharing in a video telephone and supplied to a plurality of modems, and at the same time, data from a plurality of modems are integrated in the same manner. And the like, and the communication is performed using a plurality of telephone lines, the amount of data to be transmitted is increased, and an advantageous effect that a high-quality moving image and still image can be displayed can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a videophone device according to the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 2 is a first embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the above.

FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 4 is a second embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the above.

FIG. 5 is a third embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 6 is a third embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the above, from the start to the detection of the telephone line.

FIG. 7 is a third embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart of the final stage of the data transmission procedure of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a third embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.
3 is a flow chart showing the data transmission procedure of, from detection of data amount to distribution.

FIG. 9 is a third embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.
3 is a flow chart showing a data transmission procedure of the above, and showing a communication impossible state display stage.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure according to the third embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention, in a non-communication stage.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a step of disconnecting unnecessary telephone lines, showing a data transmission procedure of the third embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the third embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, which is a flowchart from a data transmission start stage to an end stage.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the data transmission procedure of the fourth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, from the start to the detection of the telephone line.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the final stage of the data transmission procedure of the fourth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the fourth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, and showing a communication impossible state display stage thereof.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the fourth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, from detection of data amount to distribution.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention, in a non-communicable stage.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a step of disconnecting an unnecessary telephone line, showing a data transmission procedure of the fourth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the fourth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, when the image mode is set.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the data transmission procedure of the fourth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention from the start stage to the end stage of data transmission.

FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fifth embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, from the start to the detection of the modem operation.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the final stage of the data transmission procedure according to the fifth embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention.

FIG. 25 shows a data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, and after confirming that the modem can operate,
It is a flowchart leading to detection of a telephone line.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, from detection of data amount to distribution.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention in a communication impossible stage.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, and a step of disconnecting an unnecessary telephone line.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, when the image mode is set.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, and a step of detecting the relationship between the data output amount and the threshold value from the start of data transmission.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure according to the fifth embodiment of the videophone device of the present invention, in a non-communicable stage.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, and the step of disconnecting the circuit in accordance with the relationship between the data output amount and the threshold value.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, the step of disconnecting the circuit according to a user's instruction.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure of the fifth embodiment in the videophone device of the present invention, detecting a data output amount, and connecting a circuit.

FIG. 35 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional videophone device.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a data transmission procedure in a conventional videophone device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,41,61,81,101,121 ... Videophone device, 2,82
… Interface, 3… Voice interface, 4…
Image interface, 5,83 ... User interface, 6,85 ... Codec, 7 ... Encoder, 8 ...
Decoder, 9 ... Audio codec, 10, 86 ... Image codec, 11, 15, 19 ... RAM, 12 ... System control unit, 13 ... CPU, 14 ... ROM, 16, 42, 62 ... Data distribution / integration means, 17, 18, 45, 46, 47, 122 ... Modem, 20, 48, 66, 102, 123 ... Line control unit, 21, 49,
67, 103, 124 ... Line interface, 22 ... Telephone,
23 ... External microphone, 24 ... External speaker, 25 ... External camera, 26 ... External monitor, 27 ... Panel, 28 ... Remote control, 29,30,51,125 ... Telephone line, 43,63 ... Distribution /
Integrating means, 44, 65 ... Distribution ratio instructing means, 50 ... Line detecting means, 64 ... Output data detecting means, 68, 105 ... Data transmission rate detecting means, 84 ... Image mode setting means, 87 ... Image data encoding control means , 104 ... Modem connection / disconnection means, 106 ... Line connection / disconnection request means.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A system control unit for controlling the entire system, a codec for encoding and decoding a voice signal and an image signal from a single source, and a data communication for an analog general public telephone line. The data distribution / integration means is provided with a plurality of removable modems, a line control unit for controlling connection of a telephone or a modem to a telephone line, and a data distribution / integration unit for distributing and integrating data by time sharing. Distributes the sequentially input data from the codec to the plurality of modems and at the same time integrates the data from the plurality of modems and supplies the data to the codec. A videophone device characterized by communicating by means of communication. 2. The line control unit includes a line detection unit, the data distribution / integration unit includes a distribution ratio instruction unit, the line detection unit detects the number of usable telephone lines, and the distribution ratio is determined based on the detected number. 2. The videophone apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instructing means sets a ratio of distributing the data to the telephone line and a ratio of integrating the data by the data distributing / integrating means. 3. The data distribution / integration means further comprises output data detection means, the line controller further comprises data transmission rate detection means, and the output data detection means comprises the total amount of data output from the data distribution / integration means. The data transmission rate detection means detects the data transmission rate of the telephone line used by the videophone, and the distribution ratio instruction means distributes the data to the telephone line by the data distribution / integration means based on the detected data transmission rate. The videophone device according to claim 2, wherein a ratio for integrating the ratio and the data is set. 4. The codec further comprises image data encoding control means, and the image data encoding control means sets the amount of image data output from the codec according to an image mode designated by the user. Two
Alternatively, the videophone device described in 3. 5. The data transmission rate detecting means further comprises a line connection / disconnection requesting means, the line control section further comprises a modem connection / disconnection means, and the line connection / disconnection requesting means connects a telephone line during data transmission. 5. The disconnection request is transmitted, the modem connection / disconnection means connects a modem required during data transmission, and the modem not required for data transmission disconnects. The videophone device described.