JPH1023382A - Bi-directional communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bi-directional communication system especially suitable for a video telephone in which excellent human interface connection can be realized. SOLUTION: When a first speaker inputs a communication item to an input device 126, persons corresponding to the communication item among persons selectable as a previously stored second speaker are retrieved, and second speaker simple information related with the retrieved persons is outputted to a monitor 134. When the first speaker selects one of the retrieved persons, second speaker detail information related with the selected person is outputted to the monitor 134. The first speaker selects the person as the second speaker based on the second speaker detail information. Moreover, bi-directional communication between both the first speaker and the second speaker is operated at a date on which both of them agree.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a two-way communication system in which a talker can have a conversation by two-way communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, research and development have been conducted on a two-way communication system using both audio and video as a medium. Video conferences and videophones are examples of applications of this two-way communication system. Of these, videoconferencing is generally a two-to-many two-way communication,
It is said that the main point is to see the surrounding atmosphere, rather than to look at the expressions and gestures of each speaker, and it has already been put to practical use.

[0003] On the other hand, a videophone is generally a one-to-one two-way communication, and it is possible to have a conversation while not only listening to the voice of the other party but also watching the expression and gesture of the other party. It is expected to be put to practical use as a bidirectional communication system excellent in human interconnection.

[0004]

However, videophones have not yet been put to practical use. The cause is considered as follows (references: Kenichiro Hirota, "Utility of video communication from the viewpoint of consumers", Telecommunications, Vol.55, N
o.545, pp.33-39, (1992)). In other words, a person inherently has both a transmission and reception function of "speak" and "listen" for voice, while a person has a reception function of "see" for images, There is no "show" transmission function. Therefore, people are not yet accustomed to "showing" themselves.

[0005] In connection with this, there is a great concern about privacy infringement. This is because people are not accustomed to "showing" and are further promoting the psychology of "I do not want to see". In particular, it is not a pleasure to be able to see your self at that time when the other party suddenly receives a videophone call. Also,
When making a videophone call with a first-time person, it is often the case that not only the privacy infringement problem, but also the opposition to showing oneself to the other party without knowing what the other party is is felt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is possible to realize an excellent human interconnection, and particularly to a bidirectional communication suitable for use in a videophone. The purpose is to provide a system.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a two-way communication system in which a first station has first input means and a first output means, and a second station has a second input means. Input means and second output means, information inputted from the first input means is outputted to the second output means, and information inputted from the second input means is outputted to the first output means. And a two-way communication between the first talker on the first station side and the second talker on the second station side. Talker information storage means for storing second talker brief information relating to each of the persons selectable as the second talker in association with a keyword; and (2) a talker based on the keyword input to the first input means. Out of the selectable persons stored in the And (3) one of the persons searched by the talker search and display means for outputting the second talker simple information relating to the searched person to the first output means. A talker selecting means for selecting a second talker based on the talker designation signal input to the first input means.

According to the two-way communication system according to the first aspect, the second talker brief information relating to each of the persons who can be selected as the second talker is stored in the talker information storage means in association with the keyword. I have. When the first talker inputs a keyword to the first input means, the talker search and display means corresponds to the keyword among the selectable persons stored in the talker information storage means based on the keyword. The person is searched, and the second talker brief information on the searched person is output to the first output means. When the first talker selects one of the persons searched by the talker search and display means and inputs a talker designation signal to the first input means, the talker selection means
That person is selected as the second talker, allowing two-way communication between them.

A two-way communication system according to a second aspect is the two-way communication system according to the first aspect, wherein the talker information storage means further stores second talker detailed information relating to each of the selectable persons. Concurrently, the talker selection means outputs talker information display means for outputting, to the first output means, second talker detailed information relating to the person selected as the second talker based on the talker designation signal; And a talker determining means for determining the person selected as the second talker as the second talker based on the talker confirmation signal input to the input means.

[0010] According to the two-way communication system according to the second aspect, the second talker detailed information regarding each of the selectable persons is further stored in the talker information storage means, and the first talker is able to talk to the user. When one of the persons searched by the person search and display means is selected and a talker designation signal is input to the first input means, second talker detailed information relating to the selected person is displayed in the talker information display means. Is output to the first output means. Then, when the first talker inputs the talker confirmation signal to the first input means, the talker determination means determines the person selected as the second talker as the second talker.

[0013] A two-way communication system according to a third aspect is the two-way communication system according to the first aspect, wherein the talker information storage means further stores conversation reservation information relating to each selectable person. The system is configured to determine between the first talker and the second talker based on the communication date / time instruction signal input to the first input means and the conversation reservation information about the person selected as the second talker. Communication reservation means for reserving the date and time of the communication, and communication start means for starting communication between the first talker and the second talker at the date and time reserved by the communication reservation means. Features.

According to the two-way communication system according to the third aspect, conversation reservation information relating to each of the selectable persons is further stored in the talker information storage means, and the first talker can input the first input. When the communication date / time instruction signal is input to the means, the communication date / time instruction signal and the second
The date and time of communication between the first talker and the second talker are reserved based on the conversation reservation information about the person selected as the talker. Then, communication between the first talker and the second talker is started by the communication start means at the reserved date and time.

A four-way communication system according to a fourth aspect is the two-way communication system according to the third aspect, wherein the communication reservation means comprises: (1) a communication date / time instruction signal input to the first input means; (2) a tentative reservation means for tentatively reserving the date and time of communication between the first and second talkers based on the conversation reservation information of the person selected as the second talker; A real reservation means for determining the date and time of communication provisionally reserved by the provisional reservation means based on a second talker acceptance / rejection signal indicating either acceptance or rejection of communication of the second talker inputted to the input means of , Is provided.

According to the two-way communication system of the present invention, when the first talker inputs the communication date and time instruction signal to the first input means, the communication date and time instruction signal is selected as the second talker. Based on the conversation reservation information of the person
The provisional reservation means provisionally reserves the date and time of communication between the first talker and the second talker. Then, when the second talker inputs a second talker acceptance / rejection signal indicating either acceptance or rejection of the communication to the second input means, the temporary reservation is performed by the reservation means based on the second talker acceptance / rejection signal. The date and time of the temporarily reserved communication is determined by the reservation means.

A two-way communication system according to claim 5 is the two-way communication system according to claim 3, wherein the communication reservation means (1) stores the first talker information regarding the first talker in the first talker.
And (2) first talker information transmitting means for outputting the first talker information to the second output means. And According to the two-way communication system according to claim 5,
First talker information relating to the first talker is input to the first input means by the first talker information creating means to be created, and is output to the second output means by the first talker information transmitting means; The second talker is notified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the two-way communication system according to the fourth aspect, the communication reservation means outputs the second talker acceptance / rejection signal to the first output means. It is characterized by further comprising permission / rejection signal transmission means. According to the two-way communication system according to claim 6,
The second talker acceptance / rejection signal is output to the first output means by the second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission means, and is notified to the first talker.

The interactive communication system according to claim 7 is the interactive communication system according to claim 6, wherein the second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission means transmits the second talker acceptance / rejection signal to an electronic mail or PHS. To the first talker by
It is characterized by the following. According to the two-way communication system according to the seventh aspect, the second talker acceptance / rejection signal is further transmitted to the first talker and notified by e-mail or PHS.

[0018] The interactive communication system according to claim 8 is the interactive communication system according to claim 5, wherein the first talker information is any one of a still image, a moving image, a voice, and a character.
Or a combination thereof. The two-way communication system according to claim 9 is:
3. The interactive communication system according to claim 2, wherein the second talker detailed information is composed of any one of a still image, a moving image, a voice, and a character, or a combination thereof. According to the two-way communication system according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the information of the other party is composed of any one of a still image, a moving image, a voice, and a character, or a combination thereof. You can know.

A two-way communication system according to claim 10 is
4. The two-way communication system according to claim 3, wherein the reservation date and time of the communication and the other party's conversation are stored in the external storage means provided in each of the first and second stations and held by each of the first and second talkers. Further comprising: an external storage terminal for writing and reading of a party, wherein the communication starting means includes: (1) the external storage means of the first talker in which the communication reservation date and time is written;
When the external storage terminal of the second talker is inserted into the external storage terminal of the second station, the second station where the external storage terminal in which the external storage means of the second talker is inserted is located and the communication reservation date and time are written. When the external storage means of the second talker is inserted into the external storage terminal of the second station, the first station where the external storage terminal into which the external storage means of the first talker is inserted is located And (2) line coupling means for coupling a communication line between the first and second stations searched by the partner station search means to a reserved date and time. And

According to the tenth aspect, when the external storage means of the first talker in which the communication reservation date and time is written is inserted into the external storage terminal of the first station, The second station where the external storage terminal into which the external storage means of the second talker is inserted is located by the partner station search means, and the external storage means of the second talker in which the communication reservation date and time are written is stored. When inserted into the external storage terminal of the second station, the first station where the external storage terminal into which the external storage means of the first talker is inserted is located is searched by the partner station search means. The communication line between the first and second stations searched by the partner station search means is connected by the line connection means at the reserved date and time, and a conversation is started.

[0021] The two-way communication system according to claim 11 is:
4. The two-way communication system according to claim 3, wherein a specific second talker is selected by the plurality of first talkers by the talker selection means and communication is reserved at the same date and time by the communication reservation means. Further, a time-division communication means for performing time-division communication between a specific second talker and each of the plurality of first talkers is further provided. According to the two-way communication system of the eleventh aspect, the specific second
Is selected by the plurality of first talkers by the talker selection means, and communication is reserved at the same date and time by the communication reservation means, the time-division communication means:
Communication is performed between a specific second talker and each of the plurality of first talkers in a time sharing manner.

A two-way communication system according to claim 12 is
12. The two-way communication system according to claim 11, wherein the time-division communication means includes lottery means for selecting a communicable person from among the plurality of first talkers by lottery. According to the two-way communication system of the twelfth aspect, a person who can communicate among the plurality of first talkers is selected by lottery and communication is performed.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description.

First, the results of an analysis relating to the problems of the prior art and the circumstances that led to the present invention will be described. The two-way communication system used in the conventional videophone has various problems as described above. The causes are as follows. First, it is not possible to search and select the other party in advance. It is considered that the two conversation parties do not converse with each other upon agreement, and thirdly, it is difficult to authenticate the other party's person.

On the other hand, if you want to show your self to the other party and have a conversation, or if you are having trouble with a sudden video phone call, but you are a video phone calling on a scheduled date and time, you can show yourself to the other party. It is conceivable that there is a case where it does not matter, or a case where it is OK to show the figure of the other party after confirming the other person. Therefore, the present invention has been made to provide a two-way communication system that enables a search / selection of a partner talker in advance and a conversation based on an agreement between both parties, and also facilitates the person authentication of the partner talker. It is a thing.

Next, the system configuration of the two-way communication system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a two-way communication system according to the present invention. This system is used for two-way communication between a plurality of stations connected to the network 300. The first station 100 connected to the network 300 performs input / output of voice / image and the like and transmission / reception to / from the network 300 under the control of the two-way communication main control unit 110.

As input means, a microphone 122 for voice input, a camera 124 for image input, and an input device 126 for other inputs are provided. Input processing unit 123
And the input data processing unit 125 controls the integrated input control unit 120.

Of these input means, the microphone 122 is preferably a teledirectional microphone because it can collect sound even when the talker's voice is low, and a headphone-type microphone is a talker's hand gesture. It is preferable because it is possible to have a conversation with them. The camera 124 is, for example, a CCD camera, and may be installed on an upper portion of a monitor 134 to be described later. This is preferable. For this eye-gaze matching, the camera 12
4 is arranged in the screen of the monitor 134, and the parallax angle between the line of sight of the other party and the line of sight of the user is desirably 3 ° or less. The input device 126 is, for example, a keyboard, but in consideration of operability, a touch panel type that can be input by touching the screen of the monitor 134 with a finger is also preferable, and the personality of the talker can be transmitted to the other talker. Then, pen input is also suitable, and a mouse is also suitable.

The output means includes a speaker 132 for outputting sound and a monitor 1 for outputting images and characters.
And a printer 136 for printing characters and the like.
Are provided, and each is provided with an audio output processing unit 13.
1. Image output processing unit 133 and output data processing unit 13
5 is controlled by the integrated output control unit 130 via each of them.

Of these output means, the speaker 132 may be of a type attached to a TV receiver used as the monitor 134, but may be of a telephone receiver type or a headphone type. It is preferable since it has excellent sound insulation. The number of monitors 134 is not limited to one, and two or more monitors may be provided. When a plurality of monitors are provided, for example, one of them displays image information,
Character information may be displayed on the other one,
Alternatively, one person may display six person images, and the other one may display another six person images. The printer 136 is suitable for outputting reservation information or the like on paper and checking it.

The external storage terminal 141 is provided for writing and reading information to and from external storage means possessed by the talker, and is controlled by the external storage control unit 140. It is preferable that the external storage means not only store the reservation information but also be used for authentication of a talker who is the owner of the external storage means. Therefore, as the external storage means, for example, an I / O having both a CPU and a memory built-in is used.
C cards are preferred. Further, a transmission / reception control unit 150 that controls transmission / reception of data to / from another station via the network 300 is also provided.

The two-way communication main control unit 110 comprehensively controls the integrated input control unit 120, the integrated output control unit 130, the external storage control unit 140, and the transmission / reception control unit 150. For example, a computer.

Similarly to the first station 100, the second station 200 connected to the network 300 has a two-way communication main controller 210, an integrated input controller 220, a voice input processor 221 and a microphone 222. , Image input processing unit 223, camera 224, input data processing unit 225, input device 22
6, an integrated output control unit 230, an audio output processing unit 231, a speaker 232, an image output processing unit 233, a monitor 234,
An output data processing unit 235, a printer 236, an external storage control unit 240, an external storage terminal 241, and a transmission / reception control unit 250 are provided.

Next, the details of the bidirectional communication main control unit in each station will be described. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a bidirectional communication main control unit in each station of the bidirectional communication system according to the present invention.

The talker information storage control unit 10 writes or reads information to or from the talker information storage unit 70. The talker information storage unit 70 performs a conversation that can perform communication using the present system. In addition to the registration information of the person, the simple information, detailed information, conversation reservation information, and the like for each person are recorded in association with a keyword (conversation item). The talker information storage control unit 10 and the talker information storage unit 70 do not need to be provided in each station. For example, they may be provided only in a specific center station, or in a place different from the station. It may be provided. It is preferable that the talker information storage unit 70 is provided only in one place, since various databases can be centrally managed.

Here, the simple information is simple self-introduction information for each conversation person, and includes, for example, character information indicating a still image of the person or a simple self-introduction message regarding a specialty field. The detailed information is detailed self-introduction information for each talker. For example, the detailed information is composed of a moving image, audio information, and character information of the person.
And so on. The conversation reservation information indicates the reservation status of each talker.

The talker search and display unit 20 displays a talker corresponding to a keyword input by the talker (first talker) of the first station 100 requesting a talk using the input device 126, and talker information. A search is made from the content stored in the talker information storage unit 70 via the storage control unit 10, and simple information on the searched talker is displayed on the monitor 134 for the first talker, for example. Here, as a result of the search, if the corresponding talker is not found, the monitor 13
No. 4 indicates that fact. In addition, when a plurality of the corresponding talkers are found as a result of the search, the monitor 134
The simple information about each of the plurality of talkers is displayed. Thereby, the first talker can know the outline of each searched talker from the simple information displayed on the monitor 134.

The talker selecting section 30 selects a person designated by the first talker using the input device 126 from the talkers searched and displayed on the monitor 134, with the talker of the first talker ( (Second talker). At this time, the first talker may immediately select and confirm the second talker from the simple information of the talker displayed on the monitor 134, but referred to the detailed information on the searched talker. It is preferable to determine the second talker later.

Therefore, the talker information display unit 31 displays the detailed information on the person selected by the first talker using the input device 126 from the persons searched and displayed on the monitor 134, and stores the talker information storage control. The content is read out from the storage content of the talker information storage unit 70 via the unit 10 and, for example, the monitor 134
To be displayed. Then, the first person who has watched the detailed information displayed on the monitor 134 inputs to the input device 126 that the selected person is confirmed as the second person. In response, the person is determined as the second talker. If the first talker who has watched the detailed information displayed by the talker information display unit 31 does not like the selected person, the talker information display unit 31 again displays the selected talker. The detailed information about another person is displayed on the monitor 134.

In this way, a person who matches the item (keyword) with which the first talker wants to talk and who likes the first talker is selected / confirmed as the second talker. Is done. As soon as the second talker is confirmed, the first
A conversation may be started between a second person and a second person. However, it is preferable to make a communication reservation in consideration of the convenience of both parties (particularly the second talker).

[0041] The communication reservation unit 40 is configured so that the first talker selects /
The reservation information about the confirmed second talker is extracted from the storage content of the talker information storage unit 70 via the talker information storage control unit 10 and displayed on the monitor 134, for example, and displayed on the monitor 134. The communication date and time input by the first talker who has watched the reservation information using the input device is received, and the date and time of the conversation between the first talker and the second talker are reserved. Then, the communication start unit 50 communicates with the communication reservation unit 4
At the date and time reserved by 0, a conversation between the first talker and the second talker is started.

In the above description, the communication reservation unit 40 allows the first talker to unilaterally select and confirm the second talker, and the first talker communicates on the second talker's unreserved date and time. The date and time were reserved unilaterally. However, it is preferable to provide the second talker with an opportunity to reject the first talker's own selection or to reject the communication date and time reserved by the first talker.

In this case, the temporary reservation section 41 of the communication reservation section 40
Tentatively reserves communication at that date and time based on the communication date and time input by the first talker and the reservation information of the person selected as the second talker.
When the person selected as the second talker accepts the temporary reservation, the second talker receives a signal indicating acceptance from the input device 226 of the second station 200 and receives the temporary reservation. Determine the communication date and time. If the second talker refuses the temporary reservation, the main reservation unit 42 receives the rejection signal input to the input device 226 by the second talker, and cancels the temporary reservation.

Further, when the second talker accepts the provisional reservation, the second talker obtains information on the first talker who has requested the conversation, and thereby determines whether to accept the provisional reservation. It is preferable to be able to determine whether or not. in this case,
The first talker information creating unit 43 creates the first talker information by inputting the voice and the person image of the first talker using the microphone 122 and the camera 124 of the first station 100, and creates the first talker information. The party information transmitting unit 44 transmits the first talker information to the second station 200 having the second talker. The first talker information transmission unit 44 transmits the first talker information to the second station 200.
May be output immediately to the speaker 232 or the monitor 234, or may be stored once and output to the speaker 232 or the monitor 234 in response to a request from the second talker.

On the other hand, it is preferable for the first talker to know whether the second talker has accepted the provisional reservation. In this case, the second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission unit 45
Receives, from the input device 226 of the second station 200, that the second talker has accepted or rejected the provisional reservation,
The consent signal of the second talker is displayed on the monitor 134 of the first station 100 or the like. In addition, the second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission unit 45 informs the first talker that the second talker has accepted or rejected the provisional reservation by PHS or electronic mail possessed by the first talker. It is also preferable to notify. Thereby, the first talker can know that the conversation reservation has been established with the second talker.

As described above, for the item for which the first talker seeks a conversation, the second talker and the first talker who are appropriate persons for the item and which the first talker has selected. In between, the communication is fully reserved at the date and time selected by the first talker and accepted by the second talker. Then, the communication start unit 50
Starts the communication between the first and second talkers based on the main reservation. At the start of this communication,
The first talker and the second talker are not necessarily at predetermined stations. In such a case, regardless of which station the first talker and the second talker are in, the station where the other talker is located is searched, and the line between the searched station and the own station is established. It is preferable to combine with the reservation date and time.

In this case, the external storage terminal 141 receives the notification that the second talker has accepted the tentative reservation by the second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission unit 45, and receives the reservation date and time and the second The talker is stored in an IC card (external storage means) possessed by the first talker. Also, the external storage terminal 2
41 receives the reservation date and time and the first date and time when the second talker inputs to the input device 226 that the temporary reservation is accepted.
Is stored in the IC card possessed by the second talker.

Then, for example, when the first talker inserts his / her own IC card into the external storage terminal of any station, the external storage terminal reads the reservation date and time stored in the inserted IC card. And the second talker who is the other talker, the other party search unit 51 of the communication start unit 50 reads
The station where the external storage terminal into which the IC card of the second talker is inserted is searched. If the second talker has inserted the IC card into the external storage terminal of any station, the station where the second talker is located is searched and found. However, when the second talker does not insert the IC card into the external storage terminal of any station, the partner station search unit 51 cannot find the station where the second talker exists. In this case, when the second talker inserts his / her own IC card into the external storage terminal of any station, the partner station search unit 51
The first talker searches and finds the station where the external storage terminal into which the IC card is inserted is located.

In this way, when the partner station search unit 51 searches for the station where the first talker and the second talker are located, the line coupling unit 52 switches between the two stations when the reserved date and time come. Join the lines. Alternatively, if the time at which the first talker and the second talker are searched by the partner station search unit 51 is a time zone in which communication between them is permitted, the line coupling unit 52 immediately Connect the line between both stations. When the line between the two stations is connected, the first talker and the second talker can start a conversation with each other.

The above has described a one-to-one conversation in which each of the first talker and the second talker is one.
However, in some cases, an n-to-one conversation between n (n ≧ 2) first talkers and one second talker may be preferred and required. In this case, the communication reservation unit 40
Shall accept multiple bookings during the same time period,
The time-division communication unit 60 switches the n first conversationalists sequentially in a time-division manner, and has a substantially one-to-one conversation.

When selecting the next talker from the n first talkers, the talker may be selected in accordance with an order based on a certain standard (for example, the order in which reservations are made). The next talker may be selected by lottery using. In this case, the lottery unit 61 selects, by lottery, a person who can talk next from the n first talkers. This n
A one-on-one conversation is, for example, when the second speaker is a counselor, T
This is suitable for a case where the user is a V-talent, a movie actor, an athlete, a scholar, a critic, etc., and a plurality of first conversants who want to talk to the second conversant.

Next, a description will be given of a display example of the monitor 134 of the first station 100 from the above-described series of selection of the talker to the determination of the communication reservation. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a monitor display example in the two-way communication system according to the present invention.

The first talker first selects or inputs a conversation item desired by the first talker. FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples of a monitor screen when the first talker selects or inputs an item to be talked with.
Upon selection, a list of items is displayed on the monitor screen,
Also, if necessary, the first talker may scroll
When a desired item is found, the item is selected with an input device (mouse, touch panel, etc.) 126 (FIG. 3).
(A)). The conversation item may be input by a first person using an input device (keyboard, pen, etc.) 126, and may be input in hiragana or converted to kanji. (FIG. 3 (b)).

The talker search and display unit 20 searches the talker information stored in the talker information storage unit 70 via the talker information storage control unit 10 for a person who matches the keyword selected or input by the first talker. From the person registration information, and simple information on the searched person is stored in the talker information storage unit 70.
And displays it on the monitor 134. FIG. 3 (c)
Is an example of a monitor screen displaying simple information of a person selectable as a second talker. In this figure, six people are displayed on one screen, each person's image is a still image, and a simple self-introduction sentence is displayed below each person's image. Also, the next or previous six persons can be displayed by scrolling the screen.

The first talker refers to the personal image and self-introduction sentence of each of the searched persons, and selects one of them using the input device 126, and the talker information display section 31 displays Then, the detailed information on the selected person is read from the talker information storage unit 70 via the talker information storage control unit 10 and displayed on the monitor 134 and the speaker 132. FIG. 3D is an example of a monitor screen displaying the detailed information of the person selected as the second talker.

At the center of the upper half of the monitor screen,
The selected still image is displayed, and on the left side, a “movie” menu to start displaying the moving image, a “stop” menu to stop displaying the moving image, and a reservation screen to select this person as the other party (FIG. 3e)), a "reservation" menu is displayed, and a "return" menu is displayed to return to the previous simplified information display screen (FIG. 3 (c)). I have. Further, in a lower half of the monitor screen, a more detailed introduction sentence about this person is displayed, which can be scrolled up and down.

When the "moving image" menu is selected by the input device (mouse, touch panel, etc.) 126 on the monitor screen, the display of the moving image of the person is started on the monitor 134 and at the same time, the speaker 132 Sound and background sound are output. When the display of the moving image is completed, or when the “stop” menu is selected on the way, the screen returns to the original still screen.

If the first talker likes the person by referring to the detailed information, he selects the "reservation" menu, selects the person as the other party, and
Schedule a conversation date and time. At this time, the provisional reservation unit 41
The reservation information of the person selected as the talker is read from the talker information storage unit 70 via the talker information storage control unit 10 and displayed on the monitor 134, and the desired talk date and time by the first talker is input. Accept. FIG. 3 (e)
Is an example of a monitor screen when the first talker inputs the reservation date and time of the conversation while referring to the reservation information of the second talker.

In the center of the upper half of the monitor screen,
A still image of the second talker is displayed. On the left side, a reservation date and time display column, a "confirmation" menu for confirming the inputted reservation date and time, and a previous detailed information display screen (FIG. 3)
A "return" menu for returning to (d)) is displayed, and a description of the operation method is displayed on the right side. In addition, in a substantially lower half of the monitor screen, a reservable time zone relating to this person is displayed, which can be scrolled up and down. When the first talker uses the input device 126 to select, for example, “June 11 (Tuesday) 10: 00-11: 00”, it is displayed in the reservation date and time display column at the upper left of the monitor screen.
If the reserved date and time is selected incorrectly, another date and time is selected again from the lower column of the monitor screen, and the new date and time are displayed in the reserved date and time display column at the upper left of the monitor screen. When the "confirm" menu is selected, the second
The conversation with the talker is provisionally reserved.

When the temporary reservation is completed, the first talker creates his / her introduction information (first talker information). FIG.
(F) is an example of a monitor screen when the first talker records his / her introduction information. A clock, a still image of the second talker, and a description of the operation method are displayed in the upper half of the monitor screen in order from the left. To the left of the lower half of the monitor screen, "Start" instructs the start of creation of introduction information.
There are a menu, a "stop" menu to instruct termination and cancellation, a "monitor start" menu to monitor the created self-introduction information, and a "confirmation" menu to confirm and confirm the introduction information. To
A column for displaying a text message input by the first talker is provided.

When the first talker selects the "start" menu using the input device 126, the first talker information creating section 43 outputs the first talker's introduction information (first talker information). Start creating. In creating this introduction information, the microphone 122 and the camera 124 input a voice and a personal image of the first talker, and the first talker looks at the clock at the upper left of the monitor screen for a predetermined time. During
Introduce yourself with your gesture and voice. When the first talker has finished this and selects the "monitor start" menu, the introduction information can be monitored and confirmed, and if satisfied, the "confirm" menu is selected. Then, the first talker information transmitting unit 44 transmits the introduction information of the first talker to the second station 200 side.

The second talker sees the first talker's introduction information transmitted from the first talker and output to the monitor 234 and the speaker 232 of the second station, and asks for the second talker. Get information about one talker. Then, based on this, the second talker determines whether or not to respond to the communication request of the first talker. Second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission unit 45
Transmits, to the first station, a signal indicating whether or not the second talker accepts the conversation with the first talker input to the input device 226, and displays the signal on the monitor 134. FIG. 3G is an example of a monitor screen when a reservation has been made with the second talker. About two-thirds of the monitor screen indicates that the second talker has accepted the communication request from the first talker. Approximately in the lower third, a message from the second talker is displayed, which can be scrolled up and down.

The introduction information of the first talker to the second talker side may be transmitted off-line, and when the second talker inserts his / her own IC card into the external storage terminal, the information is transmitted. The first talker information may be referred to. Also, a consent signal from the second talker may be transmitted off-line, and when the first talker inserts his / her IC card into the external storage terminal, a message indicating whether the second talker has accepted or not is sent. It may be referred to.

Next, a case where the two-way communication system according to the present invention is applied to the counseling field will be described. In this case, the first station 100 is, for example, each home, a consultation desk, and the like, and the first talker is a client who is going to receive counseling. Also, the second station 20
0 is, for example, in the case of medical counseling, a hospital, a maker or a store of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, a patient support activity organization, etc., and the second talker (counselor) is, for example,
They are those who engage in them or overcome their illness.

Each counselor has an item (keyword) to which he / she can respond to counseling and a self-introduction CM (second talker brief information, second talker detailed information)
Are created in advance and stored in the talker information storage unit 70.

The client inputs a keyword corresponding to an item to be counseled to the input device 126 of the first station 100. For example, if the client
If the mother is worried about the child's atopy, the input device 126
Input "childcare consultation" and "atopy" as keywords. In response to this input, the speaker search display unit 20 displays a counselor corresponding to these keywords,
Talker information storage unit 7 via talker information storage control unit 10
0, a simple self-introduction CM (second talker simple information) relating to the counselor is read out from the talker information storage unit 70, and the monitor 13 of the first station 100
4 is displayed.

Here, if no counselor matching the keyword input to the input device 126 is found, the fact is displayed on the monitor 134. Input device 12
If there are a plurality of counselors that match the keyword entered in 6, all of them are displayed on the monitor 134. When a plurality of counselors are found, they may be displayed on the monitor 134 at once, or may be displayed one by one or several people at a time. The counselor's self-introduction CM (second talker simple information) displayed on the monitor 134 is a brief introduction of the counselor.
The name, specialty field, organization name, etc. are displayed as still images or characters.

The client refers to a simple self-introduction CM of the counselor displayed on the monitor 134 and sends a talker designation signal for designating an interesting counselor among the displayed counselors to the input device 126 (touch panel, mouse, etc.). ) To enter and select. According to the selection by the client, the talker selection unit 30 may immediately determine the selected counselor as the second talker, but in the following, the client refers to the detailed self-introduction CM of the counselor. After that, it will be decided.

In this case, in response to the selection by the client, the talker information display section 31 displays a detailed self-introduction CM (second talker detailed information) on the selected counselor.
Is read from the talker information storage unit 70 via the talker information storage control unit 10 and the monitor 134 of the first station 100 is read out.
And to the speaker 132. Here the monitor 134
And the counselor's self-introduction CM (second talker detailed information) output to the speaker 132 is a detailed introduction of the counselor, and includes any one of a moving image, a still image, a sound, a character, and the like or a combination thereof. The counselor includes, for example, a self-introduction message in addition to the voice of the counselor and a moving image of the counselor itself.

The client gives a detailed self-introduction C of the counselor output to the monitor 134 and the speaker 132.
Based on M, the compatibility between the client and the counselor can be checked. As a result, if the client wishes to have a conversation with the counselor, the client inputs a talker confirmation signal to the input device 126 to confirm the counselor selection. Talker confirmation section 3
2 determines the counselor as the conversation partner of the client based on the talker determination signal.

If it is convenient for both the counselor and the client whose selection has been confirmed, the conversation between them may be started immediately. However, it is preferable to reserve a conversation at a convenient date and time for both parties. In this case, the conversation information storage unit 70 also stores conversation reservation information of each counselor. When the client selects and confirms the counselor, the communication reservation unit 40 displays the conversation reservation information related to the counselor on the monitor 134, and the client looks at the displayed conversation reservation information and checks the date and time that is convenient for him / her. Is input to the first input unit. If the communication reservation unit 40 determines that a reservation can be made based on the communication date and time and the conversation reservation information of the selected counselor, it makes a reservation at that date and time.

It is preferable that the communication reservation is made in two stages, a temporary reservation and a main reservation. That is, the tentative reservation unit 41 reads out the reservation information of the counselor selected by the client from the talker information storage unit 70 via the talker information storage control unit 10, displays the read information on the monitor 134, and temporarily reserves the client with the tentative reservation. Prompt for date and time of The client selects a counselor reservable time period displayed on the monitor 134 and makes a provisional reservation. And the date and time when the client provisionally reserved
It is transmitted to the counselor selected by the client.

The main reservation unit 42 is a program in which the counselor
When the card is inserted into the external storage terminal 241, the fact that a temporary reservation has been made is displayed on the monitor 234 to notify the counselor. The counselor confirms his / her own convenience again by looking at the provisional reservation date and time, determines whether or not to accept the provisional reservation, and performs an input regarding acceptance or rejection to the input device 226.
Then, the main reservation unit 42 receives an input as to whether or not the counselor has accepted the provisional reservation. If the counselor has accepted the reservation, the reservation is confirmed, and if the counselor rejects the reservation, the provisional reservation is canceled.

When making a communication reservation, it is preferable that the counselor confirms the reservation after obtaining information about the client. In this case, the first talker information creating unit 4
3 creates self-introduction information of the client using the microphone 122 and the camera 124, and the first talker information transmission unit 44 transmits the information of the client when the counselor inserts his / her IC card into the external storage terminal 241. The introduction information is displayed on the monitor 234. The counselor refers to the client's introduction information displayed by the first talker information transmission unit 44 together with the date and time of the client's temporary reservation displayed by the temporary reservation unit 41 and determines whether to accept the temporary reservation. Judge.

When the counselor inputs acceptance or rejection of the conversation reservation, the second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission unit 45 transmits the temporary reservation by the counselor when the client inserts his / her IC card into the external storage terminal 141. The acceptance or rejection is displayed on the monitor 134 to notify the client. The client can see the display on the monitor 134 and know whether or not the counselor has agreed to talk on the date and time of the provisional reservation. Further, the reservation date and time and the counselor who is the other party are stored in the client's IC card inserted into the external storage terminal 141. Further, the second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission unit 45 may notify the acceptance / rejection of the provisional reservation by the counselor using e-mail or PHS as a medium. In this case, the client can immediately know the acceptance / rejection of the counselor. .

As described above, when a conversation reservation is established between the client and the counselor, a conversation between the client and the counselor can be started at the reserved date and time. Prior to the start of the conversation, when the client inserts his / her IC card into the external storage terminal 141 of the first station 100, the external storage terminal 141 stores the conversation reservation date and time stored in the IC card and the counselor who is the partner talker. And the partner station search unit 51 searches for a station in which the external storage terminal in which the counselor's IC card is inserted is located. If the partner station search unit 51 finds a station in which the external storage terminal in which the counselor's IC card is inserted is located, the line coupling unit 52 couples the line between the two stations to the reservation date and time. Starts a conversation between the client and the counselor.

However, if the partner station search unit 51 cannot find the station where the counselor is located, it waits until the counselor inserts its own IC card into the external storage terminal 241 of the second station 200. When the counselor inserts his / her own IC card into the external storage terminal 241 of the second station 200, the external storage terminal 241 reads the conversation reservation date and time and the client who is the other party stored in the IC card,
The partner station search unit 51 searches for a station in which the external storage terminal in which the client's IC card is inserted is located.
If the partner station search unit 51 finds a station where the client is located, the line coupling unit 52 couples the line between the two stations to the reservation date and time, thereby starting a conversation between the client and the counselor. You.

In the above description, it has been described that the client always uses the first station 100 and the counselor always uses the second station 200. However, the station when the client selected the counselor and made a reservation, the station where the client confirmed the reservation acceptance from the counselor,
And the station where the client talks to the counselor,
The same station or different stations may be used. Similarly, the station where the counselor has accepted the conversation request from the client and the station where the counselor has a conversation with the client may be the same station or different stations. That is, the client and the counselor each have their own I
By inserting the C card into the external storage terminal of any station, the station can communicate with the other party.

The application example of the present system described above relates to counseling, and is a conversation between one client and one counselor. However, the system is applicable to other fields. For example, TV
The present invention is also applicable to a case where a talent, a movie actor, an athlete, a scholar, a writer, a critic, etc. is a second talker, and one second talker has a plurality of first talkers. .

In this case, when a plurality of first talkers are allowed for one second talker, the communication reservation unit 40 sets the second talker within the same time zone. Multiple reservations shall be accepted. Then, the time-division communication unit 60 sequentially switches the n first conversationalists in a time-division manner, and has a substantially one-to-one conversation. In selecting the next talker from the n first talkers,
The selection may be made in accordance with an order based on a certain standard (for example, the order in which reservations are made). In addition, the lottery unit 61 determines that n first
For example, a roulette may be used to select the next person who can talk from among the talkers by roulette. In this case, since there is a thrill at the time of drawing, it is necessary to attract the interest of all of the plurality of first talkers. it can. In this way, n (n ≧
2) An n-to-one conversation between the first talker and one second talker becomes possible.

In the above description, the conversation item is selected first, and then the conversation partner and the conversation date and time are selected. However, the purpose of the conversation is not the counseling or the conversation itself, but rather the profession, school, company,
You may be interested in hospitals, cultural circle organizations, etc. In this case, the relevant occupation or organization is searched by the keyword input and displayed on the monitor, and further, simple information of a plurality of persons related to the specific occupation or organization specified from among them is displayed on the monitor, and Then, the detailed information of the more specified one of the plurality of persons is displayed on the monitor, and finally, a conversation reservation is made with that person. As described above, three-stage information reference may be performed when selecting a conversation partner.

For example, when a student engaged in job hunting inputs, as keywords, items related to business contents, locations of business offices and factories, performance, and the like, the corresponding company is searched and displayed on a monitor. Next, when the student selects a specific company of interest from the companies displayed on the monitor, simple information of a plurality of persons related to the specific company is displayed on the monitor. Then, when the student selects a specific person of interest from the plurality of persons, detailed information of the specific person is displayed on the monitor. If the student sees the specific person's detailed information and likes it, he requests a conversation with the specific person. In this way, a profession or an organization may be selected first, and then the procedure may be performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. In addition, not only may the selection be made first for the occupation or group, but also for a particular genre such as qualification or business type.

In general, charging is important when using a two-way communication system. However, in the two-way communication system according to the present invention, only a registered person can possess an IC card, and the system cannot be used unless the IC card is inserted into an external storage terminal. In this case, it is easy to charge for the use of the present system. In addition, if the charge for referring to the detailed information of the other party, the charge for making a reservation, the charge for when the conversation is actually established, etc. are displayed on the monitor screen at each time, the user can By referring to the fee, it can be determined whether or not to proceed to the next step, and the cost required for the current procedure can be confirmed.
In addition, security issues are generally important when using a two-way communication system.
Since the card can have an authentication function, security can be easily dealt with.

[0084]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the second talker brief information relating to each person who can be selected as the second talker is stored in the talker information storage means in association with the keyword. When the first talker inputs a keyword into the first input means, the talker search and display means displays a keyword among the selectable persons stored in the talker information storage means based on the keyword. Is retrieved, and the second talker brief information on the retrieved person is output to the first output means. Then, when the first talker selects one of the persons searched by the talker search and display means and inputs a talker designation signal to the first input means, the talker selection means causes the person to be selected. The user is selected as the second talker, and two-way communication becomes possible between them. With such a configuration,
You can talk to the person who best suits your conversation,
Even if the user is a conversation partner for the first time, information about the conversation partner can be obtained in advance, so that the conversation can be smoothly performed.

The second talker detailed information relating to each of the selectable persons is further stored in the talker information storage means, and the first talker identifies one of the persons searched by the talker search and display means. Upon selection and input of a talker designation signal to the first input means, second talker detailed information relating to the selected person is displayed on the first talker information display means by the talker information display means.
Output means. Then, when the first talker inputs the talker confirmation signal to the first input means, the talker determination means determines the person selected as the second talker as the second talker. In this case, it is possible to select and confirm the other party after obtaining more detailed information on the other party, so that compatibility with the other party can be confirmed, and the conversation can be performed more smoothly.

[0086] Conversation reservation information relating to each of the selectable persons is further stored in the conversation information storage means.
When the talker inputs a communication date and time instruction signal to the first input means, the communication reservation means sets the communication date and time instruction signal based on the communication date and time instruction signal and the conversation reservation information about the person selected as the second talker. The date and time of the communication between the first talker and the second talker is reserved, and
If the communication between the first talker and the second talker is started at the reserved date and time, the convenience of the second talker can be considered, and the communication is suddenly started. Since it is not started, the privacy problem is eliminated.

By making the communication reservation into two stages, a provisional reservation and a regular reservation, it is preferable for the second talker selected by the first talker to reconfirm his or her own schedule. In addition, the second talker obtains information about the first talker and determines whether or not to accept the provisional reservation, thereby obtaining the second talker.
Can confirm the compatibility with the first talker. Then, information as to whether the second talker has accepted the provisional reservation is transmitted to the first talker, so that the first talker is notified.
Can know whether or not the conversation reservation has been established. In particular, it is preferable to transmit to the first talker via e-mail or PHS at this time, because the first talker can immediately know whether or not the second talker has accepted.

When the information about the first talker and the detailed information about the second talker are composed of moving images, the individuality of the person can be known, and selection of a conversation partner and provisional reservation can be made. It is extremely useful in determining whether to accept or not, and in proceeding with the conversation.

Also, the first communication date and time when the communication reservation date and time are written
External storage means (for example, an IC card)
Is inserted into the external storage terminal of the other station, the second station where the external storage terminal into which the external storage means of the second talker is inserted is searched by the partner station search means, and the communication reservation date and time are set. When the written external storage means of the second talker is inserted into the external storage terminal of the second station, the first storage terminal in which the external storage means of the first talker is inserted is located.
Is searched by the partner station searching means, and the communication line between the first and second stations searched by the partner station searching means is connected to the reserved date and time by the line connecting means, and the conversation is started. Be started. With such a configuration, regardless of which station each of the first and second talkers are at, the reservation date and time can be inserted by inserting the external storage means possessed by each into the external storage terminal of that station. Then you can start a conversation.

Further, a specific second talker is selected by the plurality of first talkers by the talker selecting means, and
When communication is reserved at the same date and time by the communication reservation means, the time-division communication means performs time-division communication between the specific second talker and each of the plurality of first talkers, The conversation of n: 1 becomes possible. In particular, when communication is performed by selecting a person who can communicate from among a plurality of first talkers by lottery, there is a thrill, so that the first
Can attract the interest of all of the talkers.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a two-way communication system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a bidirectional communication main control unit in each station of the bidirectional communication system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a monitor display example in the two-way communication system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: Talker information storage control unit, 20: Talker search display unit, 30: Talker selection unit, 31: Talker information display unit, 3
2: Talker determination section, 40: Communication reservation section, 41: Temporary reservation section, 42: Main reservation section, 43: First talker information creation section, 4
4 first talker information transmission unit, 45 second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmission unit, 50 communication start unit, 51 partner station search unit, 52
... line coupling unit, 60 ... time division communication unit, 61 ... lottery unit, 7
0: Talker information storage unit, 100: first station, 110, 2
10: two-way communication main control unit, 120, 220 ... integrated input control unit, 121, 221 ... voice input processing unit, 122, 2
22: microphone, 123, 223: image input control unit, 12
4,224: camera, 125, 225: input data processing unit, 126, 226: input device, 130, 230 ... integrated output control unit, 131, 231: audio output processing unit, 13
2,232: Speaker, 133, 233: Image output control unit, 134, 234: Monitor, 135, 235: Output data processing unit, 136, 236: Printer, 140, 24
0: external storage control unit; 141, 241: external storage terminal
150, 250 ... transmission / reception control unit, 200 ... second station, 3
00 ... Network network.

Claims (12)

[Claims] A first station provided with a first input means and a first output means; a second station provided with a second input means and a second output means; The information input from the first input means is output to the second output means, and the information input from the second input means is output to the first output means. A two-way communication between the first talker and the second talker of the second station side by two-way communication, wherein each of the persons selectable as the second talker A talker information storing means for storing second talker simple information related to a keyword, and the selection stored in the talker information storing means based on the keyword inputted to the first input means. Search for a person corresponding to the keyword among possible persons, A talker search and display means for outputting the second talker simple information relating to the searched person to the first output means; and one of the persons searched by the talker search and display means, A two-way talker selecting means for selecting the second talker based on a talker designation signal input to the input means. 2. The talker information storage means further stores second talker detailed information relating to each of the selectable persons, and the talker selection means, based on the talker designation signal, Based on a talker information display means for outputting the second talker detailed information relating to the person selected as the talker to the first output means, and a talker confirmation signal input to the first input means. 2. The two-way communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: a talker determination unit that determines a person selected as the second talker as the second talker. 3. 3. The talker information storage means further stores conversation reservation information relating to each of the selectable persons, and a communication date / time instruction signal input to the first input means and the second talker. Communication reservation means for reserving the date and time of communication between the first talker and the second talker based on the conversation reservation information relating to the person selected as
The communication start means for starting communication between the first talker and the second talker at the date and time reserved by the communication reservation means, further comprising: Two-way communication system. 4. The communication reservation means, based on the communication date and time instruction signal input to the first input means and the conversation reservation information of a person selected as the second talker, Tentative reservation means for tentatively reserving the date and time of communication between the first talker and the second talker; and either of the communication acceptance or rejection of the second talker input to the second input means 4. The bidirectional communication system according to claim 3, further comprising: a main reservation unit that determines the date and time of the communication provisionally reserved by the provisional reservation unit based on a second talker acceptance / rejection signal indicating whether or not the communication is accepted. 5. The first talker information creating means for creating first talker information by inputting first talker information relating to the first talker into the first input means, and the first talker. The two-way communication system according to claim 3, further comprising: first talker information transmitting means for outputting information to the second output means. 6. The communication reservation means further comprises a second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmitting means for outputting the second talker acceptance / rejection signal to the first output means.
A two-way communication system as described. 7. The second talker acceptance / rejection signal transmitting means further transmits the second talker acceptance / rejection signal by e-mail or PH.
7. The two-way communication system according to claim 6, wherein the communication is transmitted to the first talker by S. 8. The two-way communication system according to claim 5, wherein the first talker information is composed of any one of a still image, a moving image, a voice, and a character, or a combination thereof. . 9. The second talker detailed information includes a still image,
The two-way communication system according to claim 2, wherein the two-way communication system is configured by any one of a moving image, a voice, and a character, or a combination thereof. 10. A communication reservation date and time and writing of the other party's talker in the external storage means provided in each of the first and second stations and held by each of the first and second talkers. Further comprising an external storage terminal for reading, wherein the communication start means has the external storage means of the first talker in which the reservation date and time of communication is written inserted into the external storage terminal of the first station. In the case, the second talker in which the external storage terminal in which the external storage means of the second talker is inserted is located and the communication reservation date and time is written. When the external storage means of the first station is inserted into the external storage terminal of the second station, the first storage where the external storage means of the first talker into which the external storage means is inserted is located. Station search phase Station searching means; and line connecting means for connecting a communication line between the first and second stations searched by the partner station searching means to a reserved date and time. The two-way communication system according to claim 3. 11. When the specific second talker is selected by the plurality of first talkers by the talker selecting means and communication is reserved at the same date and time by the communication reservation means, the specific second talker is selected. 4. The two-way communication system according to claim 3, further comprising a time-division communication unit that performs time-division communication between the two conversation parties and each of the plurality of first conversation parties. 12. The two-way communication according to claim 11, wherein said time-division communication means comprises lottery means for selecting a communicable person from among the plurality of first talkers by lottery. system.