KR20040087466A - The device for moving picture communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A device for video communication through a PC is provided to enable a user not skillful in computer use to easily use the video communication by offering a user interface as an external terminal for the video communication similar to a general telephone. CONSTITUTION: A PC main body(23) processes an A/V(Audio/Video) signal of the user inputted through a camera(27) and a microphone, and outputs the signal to the network by equipping with a video telephone software(23a). The PC main body processes the A/V signal of a counterpart inputted through the network, and outputs the signal to the external terminal and a monitor. The external terminal(25) is equipped with an address input part(25c) for inputting an IP(Internet Protocol) address of a counterpart PC or a specified number matched with the IP address, and a handset(25a), and outputs a control signal to operate the video telephone software when the handset is an on-hook state. The camera pictures an image of the user. A monitor(21) displays an image of the counterpart output from the PC main body.

Description

The device for moving picture communication

The present invention relates to a video call device, and more particularly, to a video call device that enables easier video call through an interface for a PC video call, which is almost the same as a general telephone.

A PC camera used for a video call is connected to a USB port or a 1394 port of a PC main body and inputs an image to a PC. The user interface for the video call mainly consists of a mouse and a keyboard.

1 illustrates a configuration of a video call apparatus according to the prior art, which includes a monitor 1 for displaying an image, a PC main body 3 connected to the monitor 1, and having built-in video telephone software; A camera 5 connected to the PC main body 3 to take an image, a mouse 7 and a keyboard connected to the PC main body 3 and connected to the video phone software for a video call to perform various functions. It consists of (9).

Here, the PC main body 3 outputs an audio signal output from the video telephone signal processing unit 3a and a video telephone signal processing unit 3a in which video telephone software is embedded through an external speaker and is input through an external microphone. An audio input / output unit 3b for transmitting audio to the video telephone signal processing unit 3a, a network connection unit 3c connected to various networks such as the Internet, and a video signal output from the camera 5 to the video telephone signal. An image input unit 3d input to the processing unit 3a, an image output unit 3e for outputting the video signal output from the video telephone signal processing unit 3a to the monitor 1, and the mouse 7 A mouse connection part 3f connected to deliver a mouse signal to the video phone signal processor 3a, and a keyboard connection part 3g connected to the keyboard 9 to transmit a keyboard signal to the video phone signal processor 3a. By phrase It is.

Such a video call apparatus according to the prior art, the user looks at the screen displayed on the monitor 1 provided by the video phone software, selects various menus using the mouse (7) or the keyboard (9), and the desired data Video call with the other party is made by inputting.

That is, the video of the user photographed by the camera 5 and the user's voice input through an external microphone are converted into a form that can be output through the network from the video telephone signal processor 3a and the network connection unit 3c. The video and audio of the other party inputted through the network connection unit 3c are properly processed by the video telephone signal processing unit 3a, and the audio is transmitted through the audio input / output unit 3b. The image is output to the monitor 1 through the image output unit 3e so that the user can make a video call with the other party while watching the screen displayed on the monitor 1.

However, the video call apparatus according to the prior art as described above has limitations for use by children or people who do not have basic knowledge of computers. In other words, the conventional video call device uses a video call software, for example, MSN Messenger ^TM , to make a video call. There was a problem, and as a result, it is not only cheaper than general telephone calls using CO lines, but also makes video calls unpopular even though video calls are possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a video call apparatus capable of making a video call using a PC more easily, even with no knowledge of a computer.

1 is a block diagram of a video call apparatus using a PC according to the prior art

2 is a block diagram of a video call apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a configuration diagram of an address input unit of an external terminal according to a video call apparatus according to the present invention;

4 is a block diagram of a video call apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a detailed configuration diagram of an external terminal according to FIG.

6 is a configuration diagram of a video call apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

21: monitor 23: PC body

23a: video telephone signal processor 23b: audio input / output unit

23c: network connection 23d: video input

23e: video output unit 23f: second interface unit

25: external terminal 25a: handset

25b: hook switch 25c: address input unit

27: camera 61a, 61b: first and second USB interface unit

250a: DTMF generator 250b: microphone selector

250c: Speaker selector

In the video call apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object, in the video call apparatus using a PC, the video call software is embedded to process the video and audio signals of the user input through the camera and microphone to output to the network, The PC main body which processes the audio and video signals of the other party input through the network and outputs them to an external terminal and a monitor, and an address input unit and handset for inputting the IP address of the other party's PC or a specific number matched to the IP address. And an external terminal for outputting a control signal to the PC main body so that the video telephone software can be driven when the handset is on-hook, a camera for photographing a user's image, and an output from the PC main body. And a monitor for displaying an image of the counterpart.

Here, the external terminal further comprises a first interface unit for interfacing with the PC main body, and a hook switch for detecting whether the handset is on-hook and outputting a detection signal to the first interface unit when the handset is on-hook. Include.

In addition, it is preferable that the external terminal further comprises a number key for inputting a number and a "* / ·" key for inputting an IP address, and registering the specific number matching the IP address of the counterpart PC. When input to the video telephone signal processing unit, the PC finds the IP address matched to it and is used to call a partner to an external network.

On the other hand, the PC main body includes a video telephone signal processor for processing audio and video signals with a built-in video telephone software, a video input unit for transmitting a video signal input from the camera to the video telephone signal processor, and the external terminal. A second interface unit for an interface of the user and a voice and video signal of a user, which is connected to a network and output from the video telephone signal processor, to the network, and outputs the voice and video signal of the other party received through the network Network connection means for transmitting to the telephone signal processing unit, a video output unit for outputting the video signal of the other party output from the video telephone signal processor to the monitor, an external microphone and an external speaker connected to the video telephone signal processor Outputs a voice signal of the other party to the external speaker, And an audio input / output unit for inputting a user's voice signal input from an external microphone to the video telephone signal processor.

In addition, the PC main body may use the audio input and output unit as an interface means with an external terminal. Accordingly, a video telephone signal processing unit for processing audio and video signals with a built-in video telephone software is inputted from the camera. A video input unit for transmitting a video signal to the video telephone signal processor, a voice and a video signal of a user connected to a network and output from the video telephone signal processor to the network, and a voice of the other party received through the network; Network connection means for transmitting a video signal to the video telephone signal processor, a video output unit for outputting a video signal of the other party output from the video telephone signal processor, and an interface with the external terminal; User's sound input from handset of external terminal An audio input / output unit for transmitting a sex signal to the video telephone signal processor and outputting a voice signal of the other party output from the video telephone signal processor to a handset of the external terminal.

Meanwhile, the first interface unit generates a DTMF signal corresponding to a numeric key input by a user under the control of a hook switch detecting whether the handset is on-hook, and the hook when the handset is on-hook. A microphone selector for outputting a user's voice signal input through the microphone of the handset to the PC main body under control of a switch, and a voice of the other party input from the PC main body under the control of the hook switch when the handset is on-hook; It further comprises a speaker selection unit for outputting a signal to the speaker of the handset.

In this case, the microphone selector is connected to a separate external microphone to connect the external microphone and the PC body when the handset is off-hook, and the speaker selector is connected to a separate external speaker to the external speaker when the handset is off-hook. It is preferable to connect the PC main body.

Meanwhile, the first interface unit and the second interface unit include interface means using a USB cable or an IEEE 1394 cable.

Hereinafter, a video call apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a block diagram of a video call apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 2, the video call apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is largely composed of a monitor 21, a PC main body 23 incorporating video telephone software, and an external terminal 25.

Here, the external terminal 25 is a handset 25a, a hook switch 25b for detecting whether the handset 25a is on-hook, and a specific number corresponding to the IP address of the counterpart PC or the IP address. It comprises an address input section 25c for input and a first interface section 25d which is in charge of the interface with the PC main body 23.

The PC main body 23 outputs an audio signal output from the video telephone signal processing unit 23a and a video telephone signal processing unit 23a, which are embedded with video telephone software, through an external speaker, and is input through an external microphone. Audio input / output unit 23b for transmitting the video signal to the video phone signal processing unit 23a and various networks such as the Internet to transmit the user's voice and video to the other party, and to send the other party's voice and video to the video phone signal processing unit 23a. Output from the network connection unit 23c for transmitting the video signal from the camera 27, the video input unit 23d for inputting the video signal output from the camera 27 to the video phone signal processing unit 23a, and the video telephone signal processing unit 23a. And an image output unit 23e for outputting the video signal to the monitor 21, and a second interface unit 23f for interfacing with the external terminal 25.

Here, the video telephone signal processing unit 23a further includes a video telephone software driving request detecting unit (not shown) for detecting a driving request of the video telephone software from a signal input from the second interface unit 23f.

Whether the handset 25a is on-hook is detected by the hook switch 25b, and the detection signal is transmitted to the second interface in the PC main body 23 via the first interface 25d in the external terminal 25. It is delivered to the unit 23f and finally to the video telephone software drive request detecting unit. For reference, when the user lifts the handset 25a for the video call, the video call software driving request detection unit regards the video call software from the hard disk (HDD) as the main memory of the PC, considering that the user currently desires the video call. The driving of the video telephone software starts from the loading.

Therefore, compared to operating a mouse or keyboard while watching a screen displayed on a monitor, a user can operate a video telephone software simply by picking up the handset. There is no difficulty.

3 shows a user interface of an external terminal according to the video call apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Similar to a general telephone, a dial key of 0 to 9 and a special key "* / ..." , "#", "Send", "Redial", "Speed dial", and "Phone book" are provided with various function keys.

The operation of the video call apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is as follows.

First, when the user picks up the handset 25a of the external terminal 25 for the video call, it is detected by the hook switch 25b and sensed by the second interface 23f through the first interface 25d. Is passed.

The video telephone software driving request detection unit connected to the second interface unit 23f assumes that the current user wants to use the video telephone by picking up the handset 25a through the detection signal input from the second interface unit 23f. The video telephone software is loaded from the hard disk into the main memory to drive the video telephone software.

Accordingly, the user inputs the IP address of the counterpart PC or a specific number matched with the IP address by using the address input unit 25c of the external terminal 25. At this time, the specific number is not the telephone number of the general telephone connected to the trunk line but preferably the number of the external terminal for the video telephone.

For example, assuming that the IP address of the counterpart PC is "211.35.13.76", when the user inputs the IP address, the division between 211 and 35, 35, 13, 13, and 76 is performed by the external terminal 25. Use the Key. Therefore, the external terminal 25 determines that the currently input number is the IP address of the counterpart PC and outputs it to the second interface unit 23f of the PC main body 23. For reference, the "*" key can use the "*" key included in the dial key of a general telephone, and the external terminal 25 of the present invention is actually referred to as the "* / *" key. Is expressed.

On the other hand, the video call apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention matches the IP address of the counterpart PC with a specific number and replaces the specific number with the telephone number registration unit (not shown) in the video telephone signal processing unit 23a. After registering, when the user presses the specific number using the external terminal 25, the external terminal 25 uses the second interface 23f on the PC main body 23 side via the first interface 25d. The image signal processor 23a of the PC main body 23 attempts to call by finding an IP address matching the corresponding number.

That is, when the user presses a specific number "5120869", the external terminal 25 transfers it to the second interface unit 23f through the first interface unit 25e, whereby the video telephone of the PC main body 23 is provided. The signal processing unit 23a finds an IP address matching the specific number, and the network connection unit 23c in the PC main body 23 attempts to connect with the counterpart PC having the corresponding IP address.

At this time, the user presses the "Send" key after pressing "9" which is the last number of the specific number, so that the external terminal 25 recognizes that the input of the number is completed.

As such, if the IP address matching the specific number pressed by the user is not in the telephone number register (not shown) of the video telephone signal processor 23a of the PC main body 23, it is on the external network through the network connection and is connected to the telephone number register. You can also find the IP by communicating with an IP server (not shown) that has similar data.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a video call apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which an audio input / output unit is used as an interface means with an external terminal instead of the second interface unit as compared with the first embodiment. In comparison with the first embodiment, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

That is, as shown in Fig. 4, the PC main body 23, the external terminal 25, the monitor 21, the camera 27 is composed of a large, the PC main body 23 is an image with the built-in video telephone software A network connection unit 23c which is connected to a telephone signal processor 23a, various networks such as the Internet, and transmits a user's voice and video to the other party and delivers the other party's voice and video to the video telephone signal processor 23a; An image output unit 23e for outputting the image of the other party output from the video telephone signal processor 23a to the monitor 21, and an image for transferring the image input from the camera 27 to the video telephone signal processor 23a. It comprises an input unit 23d and an audio input / output unit 23b which is responsible for interfacing with the external terminal 25.

As shown in FIG. 5, the external terminal 25 includes a handset 25a, an interface unit 25d that is in charge of interfacing with the PC main body 23, and whether the handset 25a is on-hook. It comprises a hook switch 25b for detecting the and the address input unit 25c for inputting the IP address of the counterpart PC and a specific number matched with the IP address.

Here, the first interface unit 25d may receive a control signal of the hook switch 25b and generate a DTMF signal corresponding to a key pressed by a user in the address input unit 25c. 250a), a microphone selection unit 250b for selecting any one of a microphone and an external microphone of the handset 25a by receiving a control signal of the hook switch 25b, and a control signal of the hook switch 25b. And a speaker selector 250c for selecting any one of a speaker and an external speaker of the handset 250a. The microphone selector 250b and the speaker selector 250c are usually used for video telephony. If not, select an external microphone and an external speaker to connect with the audio input and output unit 23b, and if you want to use a video phone, disconnect the existing microphone and the external speaker, and handset 25a. To connect a microphone and a speaker and an audio output unit (23b) is preferred.

The operation of the video call apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

First, in the case of a normal PC use that does not use a videophone, an audio signal is output through an external speaker. That is, an external speaker and an external microphone exist in connection with the audio input / output unit 23b in the PC main body 23. When the user lifts the handset 25a of the external terminal 25 to use a video telephone, Detected by the hook switch 25b, the hook switch 25b outputs a control signal to the DTMF generator 250a, the microphone selector 250b, and the speaker selector 250c.

At this time, since the user picks up the handset 25a, the user wants to use a video telephone. Thus, the DTMF generator 250a receiving the control signal of the hook switch 25b receives the IP address input by the user through the address input unit 25c. Alternatively, a DTMF signal corresponding to a specific number assigned to the IP address is generated, and the DTMF signal is transmitted to the audio input / output unit 23b of the PC main body 23 through the microphone selection unit 250b.

Accordingly, the PC main body 23 is connected to the other party's PC having the IP address input by the user through the network connection unit 23c to make a video call. At this time, the connection between the external microphone and the external speaker is switched to the handset 25a of the external terminal 25 by the microphone selection unit 250b and the speaker selection unit 250c which receive the control signal from the hook switch 25b. Therefore, the user's voice input through the microphone of the handset 25a is input to the audio input / output unit 23b of the PC main body 23 through the microphone selection unit 250c and, conversely, the network connection unit 23c. The other party's voice input through the audio input / output unit 23b is output through the handset 25a of the external terminal 25.

For reference, the image of the user photographed by the camera 27 is input to the video telephone signal processing unit 23a through the image input unit 23d and then transmitted to the other party's PC through the network connection unit 23c. The video signal of the other party is input to the video telephone signal processor 23a through the network connection unit 23c and then output to the monitor 21 through the video output unit 23e.

On the other hand, compared with the first and second embodiments described above, the PC main body 23 is configured in the PC main body 23 and is responsible for the interface with the external terminal 25, and the external terminal 25 is configured in the PC main body 23. It is possible to configure the interface unit in charge of the interface with the USB interface means (61a, 61b) using the USB channel or the 1394 standard, respectively, as shown in FIG.

To this end, the first USB interface means 61a of the external terminal 25 further includes an A / D conversion unit for converting an analog voice signal input through a microphone of the handset 25a into a digital voice signal. On the contrary, the apparatus further includes a D / A converter for converting the digital voice signal into an analog voice signal so that the digital voice signal input from the PC main body 23 can be output through the speaker of the handset 25a.

In addition, the first USB interface unit 61a may add an audio codec to reduce the amount of data using the USB channel.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is clear that the present invention can use various changes, modifications, and equivalents, and that the above embodiments can be appropriately modified and applied in the same manner. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

As described above, the video call apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention provides an external terminal for video telephony similar to a general telephone as a user interface means to lift the handset of the external terminal without using the mouse or keyboard. In addition, since the video phone software runs, even those who are not familiar with computer use can easily use the video call.

Claims (11)

In the video call device using a PC, Built-in video phone software to process the video and audio signals of the user input through the camera and microphone to the network and to process the audio and video signals of the other party through the network to output to external terminals and monitors A main body; An address input unit and a handset for inputting an IP address of the counterpart PC or a specific number matched to the IP address, and the PC for driving the videophone software when the handset is on-hook; An external terminal for outputting a control signal to the main body; A camera for taking an image of a user; And a monitor for displaying an image of the counterpart output from the PC main body. The method of claim 1, wherein the external terminal, A first interface unit for interfacing with the PC main body and a hook switch for detecting whether the handset is on-hook and outputs a detection signal to the first interface unit when the handset is on-hook. Video telephone device. The method of claim 1, wherein the PC body, A video telephone signal processor for processing audio and video signals with a built-in video telephone software; A video input unit for transmitting a video signal input from the camera to the video telephone signal processor; A second interface unit for interfacing with the external terminal; Network connection means connected to a network to output a voice and video signal of a user output from the video telephone signal processor to the network, and to transmit the voice and video signals of the other party received through the network to the video telephone signal processor; , A video output unit for outputting a video signal of the other party output from the video telephone signal processing unit to the monitor; An audio input / output unit connected to an external microphone and an external speaker to output a voice signal of the other party output from the video phone signal processor to the external speaker, and input a voice signal of a user input from the external microphone to the video phone signal processor; A video call device further comprising. The method of claim 1, wherein the PC body, A video telephone signal processor for processing audio and video signals with a built-in video telephone software; A video input unit for transmitting a video signal input from the camera to the video telephone signal processor; Network connection means connected to a network to output a voice and video signal of a user output from the video telephone signal processor to the network, and to transmit the voice and video signals of the other party received through the network to the video telephone signal processor; , A video output unit for outputting a video signal of the other party output from the video telephone signal processing unit to the monitor; It is in charge of the interface with the external terminal, and transmits the voice signal of the user input from the handset of the external terminal to the video telephone signal processor, and the voice signal of the other party output from the video telephone signal processor, the handset of the external terminal And an audio input and output unit for outputting the video signal. The method of claim 2, wherein the first interface unit, A DTMF generator for generating a DTMF signal corresponding to a numeric key input by a user under the control of a hook switch detecting whether the handset is on-hook; A microphone selector configured to output a voice signal of a user input through the microphone of the handset to the PC main body under the control of the hook switch when the handset is on-hook; And a speaker selector configured to output a voice signal of the other party input from the PC main body to the speaker of the handset under the control of the hook switch when the handset is on-hook. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the microphone selector is connected to a separate external microphone to connect the handset off-hook when the external microphone is connected to the PC main body, and the speaker selector is connected to a separate external speaker to connect the handset off-hook. And the external speaker and the PC main body. The method of claim 1, wherein the external terminal, And a numeric key necessary for inputting a number and a "* / *" key for inputting an IP address. The method of claim 2, wherein the first interface unit, And an interface means using a USB cable or an IEEE 1394 cable. The method of claim 3, wherein the second interface unit And an interface means using a USB cable or an IEEE 1394 cable. The method of claim 1, wherein the external terminal, When the specific number is input to the video telephone signal processing unit by registering a specific number matched with the IP address of the other party's PC, the PC finds the IP address matched with it and calls the other party to an external network. Device. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein when the video telephone signal processing unit does not have an IP address matching the specific number, the method includes finding an IP address matching the specific number through communication with an IP server connected to the network access means. Video call device characterized in that.