U.S. patent application number 09/933806 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-14 for picture codec and teleconference terminal equipment.
Invention is credited to Ebihara, Toru, Furuya, Jun, Maruyama, Yukinobu, Matsushima, Hitoshi, Shibata, Yoji, Takizawa, Masaaki, Yamada, Takehiko, Yoshida, Atsuo, Yoshikawa, Hiroshi.
Application Number | 20020018114 09/933806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26346600 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020018114 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shibata, Yoji ; et
al. |
February 14, 2002 |
Picture codec and teleconference terminal equipment
Abstract
In a teleconference terminal equipment; a picture codec for
simultaneously displaying a still picture and video on a single
screen, comprising an analog-to-digital converter which converts a
picture signal into digital picture data, a picture-in-picture
processor which is supplied with the digital picture data as
self-picture data of the terminal equipment, a video decoder or a
still picture decoder which decodes input picture data and delivers
the decoded data to the P-in-P processor, and a digital-to-analog
converter which is supplied with picture data for forming a P-in-P
frame, having been produced from the self-picture data and the
decoded data by the P-in-P processor, and which converts the
supplied picture data into an analog signal and delivers the analog
signal as an output.
Inventors: |
Shibata, Yoji;
(Yokosuka-shi, JP) ; Takizawa, Masaaki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Matsushima, Hitoshi; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Yoshikawa, Hiroshi; (Fujisawa-shi, JP) ; Yoshida,
Atsuo; (Tokyo, JP) ; Ebihara, Toru; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Furuya, Jun; (Tokyo, JP) ; Maruyama,
Yukinobu; (Tokyo, JP) ; Yamada, Takehiko;
(Chigasaki-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANTONELLI TERRY STOUT AND KRAUS
SUITE 1800
1300 NORTH SEVENTEENTH STREET
ARLINGTON
VA
22209
|
Family ID: |
26346600 |
Appl. No.: |
09/933806 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09933806 |
Aug 22, 2001 |
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09559357 |
Apr 27, 2000 |
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6285391 |
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09559357 |
Apr 27, 2000 |
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08997810 |
Dec 24, 1997 |
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6249309 |
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08997810 |
Dec 24, 1997 |
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08782495 |
Jan 10, 1997 |
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5777663 |
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08782495 |
Jan 10, 1997 |
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08509591 |
Jul 31, 1995 |
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5689300 |
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08509591 |
Jul 31, 1995 |
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07913402 |
Jul 15, 1992 |
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5790178 |
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08509591 |
Jul 31, 1995 |
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08384955 |
Feb 7, 1995 |
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5677727 |
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08384955 |
Feb 7, 1995 |
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07838348 |
Feb 20, 1992 |
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5396269 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/14.07 ;
348/E5.112; 348/E7.078; 348/E7.079; 348/E7.081; 348/E7.082;
348/E7.083 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/42 20130101; H04Q
2213/1332 20130101; H04Q 2213/337 20130101; H04Q 2213/13106
20130101; H04Q 2213/13175 20130101; H04Q 2213/13176 20130101; H04Q
11/0457 20130101; H04N 7/142 20130101; H04N 7/147 20130101; H04Q
2213/204 20130101; H04N 7/141 20130101; H04Q 11/0471 20130101; G06T
1/20 20130101; H04N 1/1004 20130101; H04Q 2213/13034 20130101; H04Q
2213/13096 20130101; H04Q 2213/13091 20130101; H04N 5/45 20130101;
H04Q 2213/13204 20130101; G06T 9/00 20130101; H04N 7/148 20130101;
H04N 7/15 20130101; H04Q 2213/13209 20130101; H04Q 2213/13337
20130101; H04Q 2213/13179 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/14.07 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 15, 1991 |
JP |
3-174049 |
Jan 24, 1992 |
JP |
4-11196 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A picture codec to which an analog picture signal, coded still
picture data for playback and coded motion picture data for
playback are input, and from which coded picture data obtained by
coding the input analog picture signal and an analog picture signal
obtained by decoding either of the input coded still picture data
for playback and coded motion picture data for playback are output,
comprising: an analog-to-digital converter which converts the input
analog picture signal into digital picture data; a still picture
coder which codes said digital picture data produced by said
analog-to-digital converter, so as to deliver coded still picture
data; a video coder which codes said digital picture data produced
by said analog-to-digital converter, so as to deliver coded motion
picture data; a selector which selects either of said coded motion
picture data delivered from said video coder and said coded still
picture data delivered from said still picture coder, and which
delivers the selected picture data as the output coded picture
data; a still picture decoder which decodes the input coded still
picture data for playback, into decoded still picture data; a video
decoder which decodes the input coded motion picture data for
playback, into decoded motion picture data; a picture-in-picture
processor which generates picture-in-picture frame data on the
basis of said decoded still picture data delivered from said still
picture decoder, said decoded motion picture data delivered from
said video decoder and said digital picture data delivered from
said analog-to-digital converter; said picture-in-picture frame
data forming a picture-in-picture frame which concerns at least two
of said decoded still picture data, said decoded motion picture
data and said digital picture data; and a digital-to-analog
converter which converts said picture-in-picture frame data
generated by said picture-in-picture processor, into the output
analog picture signal, and which delivers said output analog
picture signal.
2. A picture codec IC, comprising the picture codec as defined in
claim 1, which is built in as an integrated circuit.
3. A picture codec as defined in claim 1, wherein said
picture-in-picture processor includes: a still-picture frame memory
which stores therein said decoded still picture data delivered from
said still picture decoder; a video frame memory which stores
therein said decoded motion picture data delivered from said video
decoder; a self-picture frame memory which stores therein said
digital picture data delivered from said analog-to-digital
converter; fetch control means for fetching the picture data items
for said picture-in-picture frame to-be-formed, from the
corresponding ones of said frame memories in accordance with a
display timing of said picture-in-picture frame to-be-formed; and
multiplex means for multiplexing said picture data items fetched by
said fetch control means and then delivering the multiplexed
picture data.
4. A teleconference terminal equipment, comprising: the picture
codec as defined in claim 1; a communication control unit which
transmits either of said coded still picture data and said coded
motion picture data delivered from said picture codec, through a
digital communication channel, and which receives either of said
coded still picture data for playback and said coded motion picture
data for playback through said digital communication channel and
then delivers the received picture data to said picture codec; a
camera which delivers the analog picture signal to said picture
codec; and a display unit which displays a picture indicated by
said output analog picture signal of said picture codec.
5. A camera codec as defined in claim 1, wherein said still picture
coder performs the coding in accordance with coding rules which
conform to the JPEG algorithm of the ISO Standard, said still
picture decoder performs the decoding in accordance with decoding
rules which conform to said JPEG algorithm of said ISO Standard,
said video coder performs the coding in accordance with coding
rules which conform to CCITT Recommendation H. 261, and said video
decoder performs the decoding in accordance with decoding rules
which conform to said CCITT Recommendation H. 261.
6. A teleconference terminal equipment as defined in claim 4,
wherein said still picture coder performs the coding in accordance
with coding rules which conform to the JPEG algorithm of the ISO
Standard, said still picture decoder performs the decoding in
accordance with decoding rules which conform to said JPEG algorithm
of said ISO Standard, said video coder performs the coding in
accordance with coding rules which conform to CCITT Recommendation
H. 261, and said video decoder performs the decoding in accordance
with decoding rules which conform to said CCITT Recommendation H.
261.
7. A teleconference terminal equipment for exchanging pictures and
video of a plurality of persons in real time through a digital
communication channel, comprising: communication control means for
transmitting and receiving multiplexed video data and audio data
through said digital communication channel; multiplex/demultiplex
means for multiplexing and demultiplexing the video data and the
audio data to be transmitted by said communication control means
and having been received by the same, respectively; a picture codec
which decodes a picture signal from said video data demultiplexed
by said multiplex/demultiplex means and then delivers said picture
signal as an output, and which codes an input picture signal
to-be-coded into said video data and then transfers said video data
to said multiplex/demultiplex means; a camera which includes a
wide-angle lens, and which supplies said picture codec with a
picture signal of a picked-up picture as the picture signal
to-be-coded; a display unit which displays a picture indicated by
the picture signal decoded by said picture codec; an audio codec
which decodes a speech signal from said audio data demultiplexed by
said multiplex/demultiplex means and then delivers said speech
signal as an output, and which codes an input speech signal
to-be-coded into said audio data and then transfers said audio data
to said multiplex/demultiplex means; a loudspeaker which emits
speech based on said speech signal decoded by said audio codec; and
a housing in which said communication control means, said
multiplex/demultiplex means, said picture codec, said camera, said
display unit, said audio codec and said loudspeaker are housed, and
which has a size permitting said teleconference terminal equipment
to be placed on a desk.
8. A teleconference terminal equipment as defined in claim 7,
comprising an echo canceler which cancels an echo having developed
between said input speech signal to-be-coded and the output decoded
speech signal to said loudspeaker, and which is also housed in said
housing.
9. A teleconference terminal equipment as defined in claim 7,
comprising an echo suppressor which suppresses a selected one of
the output of the decoded speech signal to said loudspeaker and the
input of said speech signal to-be-coded to said audio codec, and
which is also housed in said housing.
10. A video information equipment, comprising a body in which, at
least, a camera and a display unit are housed, a base which
supports said body, and a console which includes a plurality of key
switches; wherein said body is connected above said base through a
tilt/swivel mechanism so as to be vertically and horizontally
turnable by predetermined angles relative to said base, and said
console is pivotally mounted on said base under said tilt/swivel
mechanism so as to be horizontally turnable relative to said
base.
11. A document photographing stand, comprising a work surface for
placing a document thereon, a camera which photographs said work
surface, a link which connects said camera with said work surface
and supports said camera, and an illuminator which is embedded in
either of a central position and a corner position of an area of
said work surface to be photographed by said camera.
12. A document photographing stand, comprising a work surface for
placing a document thereon, a camera which photographs said work
surface, and a link which connects said camera with said work
surface and supports said camera; wherein said camera is connected
to said link so as to be turnable from its position for
photographing said work surface in a direction perpendicular to
said work surface, to its position capable of photographing in a
direction parallel to said work surface.
13. A document photographing stand, comprising a work surface for
placing a document thereon, a lower link which is pivotally mounted
on said work surface, an upper link which is pivotally mounted on
said lower link, and a camera which is pivotally mounted on said
upper link; wherein said lower link and said upper link are
respectively turnable relative to said work surface and to said
lower link, up to a position at which said camera is supported
above said work surface; and said camera is turnable relative to
said upper link to its angle capable of photographing said work
surface in a direction perpendicular to said work surface, at said
position at which said camera is supported above said work surface;
and wherein said lower link is turnable relative to said work
surface, up to a position at which it overlies said work surface;
said upper link is turnable relative to said lower link, up to a
position at which it overlies said lower link in said direction
perpendicular to said work surface, in a state in which said lower
link overlies said work surface; and said camera is turnable
relative to said upper link, up to a position at which it overlies
said upper link in said direction perpendicular to said work
surface, in a state in which said lower link overlies said work
surface and in which said upper link overlies said lower link.
14. A teleconference system, comprising a teleconference terminal
equipment, a console which remote-controls said teleconference
terminal equipment, the document photographing stand as defined in
claim 12, which supplies said teleconference terminal equipment
with a picture signal of a photographed picture as a first possible
transmission picture signal, a microphone which supplies said
teleconference terminal equipment with a speech signal as a speech
signal to-be-coded, and a blackboard which is arranged facing said
document photographing stand in said direction parallel to said
work surface, said camera of said document photographing stand
being capable of photographing in the parallel direction; said
teleconference terminal equipment including: communication control
means for transmitting and receiving multiplexed video data and
audio data through a digital communication channel;
multiplex/demultiplex means for multiplexing and demultiplexing the
video data and the audio data to be transmitted by said
communication control means and having been received by the same,
respectively; a picture codec which decodes a picture signal from
said video data demultiplexed by said multiplex/demultiplex means
and then delivers said picture signal as an output, and which codes
an input picture signal to-be-coded into said video data and then
transfers said video data to said multiplex/demultiplex means; a
built-in camera which includes a wide-angle lens, and which
delivers a picture signal of a picked-up picture as a second
possible transmission picture signal; a display unit which displays
a picture indicated by the picture signal decoded by said picture
codec; a transmission picture selector which selects either of said
first possible transmission picture signal supplied from said
document photographing stand or said second possible transmission
picture signal delivered from said built-in camera, and which
delivers the selected picture signal as said picture signal
to-be-coded; an audio codec which decodes a speech signal from said
audio data demultiplexed by said multiplex/demultiplex means and
then delivers said speech signal as an output, and which codes an
input speech signal to-be-coded into said audio data and then
transfers said audio data to said multiplex/demultiplex means; a
loudspeaker which emits speech based on said speech signal decoded
by said audio codec; and a housing in which said communication
control means, said multiplex/demultiplex means, said picture
codec, said built-in camera, said display unit, said audio codec,
said transmission picture selector and said loudspeaker are housed,
and which has a size permitting said teleconference terminal
equipment to be placed on a desk.
15. A teleconference terminal equipment as defined in claim 7,
comprising means for offering a graphic user interface for
operating said teleconference terminal equipment, through said
display unit, wherein the graphic user interface offering means is
also housed in said housing.
16. A video information equipment as defined in claim 10,
comprising: communication control means for transmitting and
receiving multiplexed video data and audio data through a digital
communication channel; multiplex/demultiplex means for respectively
multiplexing and demultiplexing the video data and the audio data
to be transmitted by said communication control means and having
been received by the same; a picture codec which decodes a picture
signal from said video data demultiplexed by said
multiplex/demultiplex means and then delivers said picture signal
as an output, and which codes an input picture signal to-be-coded
into said video data and then transfers said video data to said
multiplex/demultiplex means; an audio codec which decodes a speech
signal from said audio data demultiplexed by said
multiplex/demultiplex means and then delivers said speech signal as
an output, and which codes an input speech signal to-be-coded into
said audio data and then transfers said audio data to said
multiplex/demultiplex means; and a loudspeaker which emits speech
based on said speech signal decoded by said audio codec; wherein
said camera includes a wide-angle lens, and it supplies said
picture codec with a picture signal of a picked-up picture as the
picture signal to-be-coded; said display unit displays a picture
indicated by the picture signal decoded by said picture codec; and
said communication control means, said multiplex/demultiplex means,
said picture codec, said audio codec and said loudspeaker are also
housed in said body.
17. A teleconference terminal equipment as defined in claim 7,
wherein said digital communication channel is one which is offered
by a basic interface of an ISDN.
18. A teleconference terminal equipment for realizing a
teleconference in which pictures and speech of a plurality of
persons are exchanged in real time through a digital communication
channel, comprising: communication control means for transmitting
and receiving communication frames through said digital
communication channel, said each communication frame being capable
of containing video data, audio data, user data and control data;
multiplex/demultiplex means for multiplexing and demultiplexing the
video data, audio data, user data and control data of each
communication frame to be, respectively, transmitted and received
by said communication control means; a picture codec which decodes
a picture signal from said video data demultiplexed from within
said communication frame by said multiplex/demultiplex means and
then delivers said picture signal as an output, and which codes an
input picture signal to-be-coded into said video data and then
transfers said video data to said multiplex/demultiplex means; a
camera which includes a wide-angle lens, and which supplies said
picture codec with a picture signal of a picked-up picture as the
picture signal to be-coded; a display unit which displays a picture
indicated by the picture signal decoded by said picture codec; an
audio codec which decodes a speech signal from said audio data
demultiplexed from within said communication frame by said
multiplex/demultiplex means and then delivers said speech signal as
an output, and which codes an input speech signal to-be-coded into
said audio data and then transfers said audio data to said
multiplex/demultiplex means; a loudspeaker which emits speech based
on said speech signal decoded by said audio codec; an echo canceler
which cancels an echo having developed between said input speech
signal to-be-coded and the output decoded speech signal to said
loudspeaker; data control means for externally supplying at least
part of at least either of said user data or said control data
demultiplexed by said multiplex/demultiplex means, and for
supplying said multiplex/demultiplex means with external input data
as either of said user data or said control data to be multiplexed
by said multiplex/demultiplex means; and a housing in which said
communication control means, said multiplex/demultiplex means, said
picture codec, said camera, said display unit, said audio codec,
said loudspeaker, said echo canceler and said data control means
are housed, and which has a size permitting said teleconference
terminal equipment to be placed on a desk.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a teleconference system
which makes it possible to hold an audio and video meeting between
distant places connected by a communications network.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] A prior-art equipment for a teleconference system is
constructed by combining independent devices such as a display
unit, a codec, a camera, a microphone and a console. In some cases,
a document camera, an electronic blackboard and a small-sized
computer are further combined in accordance with functions required
for conferences.
[0005] Moreover, since such a prior-art teleconference equipment
constructed by combining the independent devices is large in scale,
a teleconference room for exclusive use is usually required for the
teleconference. On the other hand, there is also an equipment for a
teleconference system wherein fundamental devices are housed in a
single rack so as to be movable, thereby dispensing with the need
for a conference room for exclusive use.
[0006] In the teleconference system thus constructed, ordinarily
still pictures and video can be exchanged between the terminals of
the system.
[0007] Techniques relevant to the teleconference equipments are
disclosed in the official gazettes of Japanese Patent Applications
Laid-open No. 39790/1990 and No. 22989/1990.
[0008] In addition, Japanese Patent Applications concerning
teleconference systems filed by the assignee of the present
application are Patent Applications Laid-open Nos. 120889/1992 and
166884/1991, and Patent Applications Nos. 406984/1990, 25987/1991,
25991/1991, 174025/1991, 174046/1991, 174031/1991, 34009/1991 and
27086/1991.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Meanwhile, in the prior-art equipment for the teleconference
system, the codec includes an A/D (analog-to-digital) converter and
a D/A (digital-to-analog) converter for each of a still picture and
video, and the still picture display and video display of a display
unit are changed-over by switching a still picture signal and a
motion picture signal which are delivered from the two D/A
converters.
[0010] Alternatively, the simultaneous display of the still
pictures and video is realized by delivering the still picture and
motion picture signals to two separate display units,
respectively.
[0011] With the method wherein the still picture display and the
video display are changed-over, the conversation of the pertinent
communicating terminal with the opposite terminal is not conveyed
smoothly on account of a complicated switching operation, etc.
[0012] On the other hand, with the method wherein the still picture
signal and the motion picture signal are respectively displayed on
the separate display units, these two display units are
necessitated to render the terminal equipment large in size.
Besides, while the user of the equipment is watching the still
picture, his/her eyes shift widely and are inevitably averted from
the opposite communicating person.
[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a teleconference equipment in which a still picture and
video can be simultaneously displayed on a single display
screen.
[0014] In the prior-art teleconference system, the teleconference
room for exclusive use needs to be prepared as stated before, so
that the introduction of the teleconference system involves a heavy
financial burden. Moreover, when holding the teleconference,
conferees must move to the teleconference room which is
inconvenient.
[0015] In this regard, even the portable teleconference equipment
needs to be moved by several people on account of the size and
weight thereof and cannot be used with ease.
[0016] Because of such circumstances, there has been a great demand
in recent years for the ability to hold a teleconference more
conveniently and more readily.
[0017] It is therefore another object of the present invention to
provide a desktop type teleconference equipment which is small in
size and which is easily portable.
[0018] In order to accomplish the objects, according to the present
invention, there is provided a picture codec to which an analog
picture signal, coded still picture data for playback and coded
motion picture data for playback are input, and from which coded
picture data obtained by coding the input analog picture signal and
an analog picture signal obtained by decoding either of the input
coded still picture data for playback and coded motion picture data
for playback are output, which comprises an analog-to-digital
converter which converts the input analog picture signal into
digital picture data, a still picture coder which codes the digital
picture data produced by the analog-to-digital converter, so as to
deliver coded still picture data, a video coder which codes the
digital picture data produced by the analog-to-digital converter,
so as to deliver coded motion picture data, a selector which
selects either of the coded motion picture data delivered from the
video coder and the coded still picture data delivered from the
still picture coder, and which delivers the selected picture data
as the output coded picture data, a still picture decoder which
decodes the input coded still picture data for playback, into
decoded still picture data, a video decoder which decodes the input
coded motion picture data for playback, into decoded motion picture
data, a picture-in-picture processor which generates
picture-in-picture frame data on the basis of the decoded still
picture data delivered from the still picture decoder, the decoded
motion picture data delivered from the video decoder and the
digital picture data delivered from the analog-to-digital
converter, the picture-in-picture frame data forming a
picture-in-picture frame which concerns at least two of the decoded
still picture data, the decoded motion picture data and the digital
picture data and a digital-to-analog converter which converts the
picture-in-picture frame data generated by the picture-in-picture
processor, into the output analog picture signal, and which
delivers the output analog picture signal.
[0019] Further, there is provided a teleconference terminal
equipment which comprises the picture codec as defined in the above
paragraph, a communication control unit which transmits either of
the coded still picture data and the coded motion picture data
delivered from the picture codec, through a digital communication
channel, and which receives either of the coded still picture data
for playback and the coded motion picture data for playback through
the digital communication channel and then delivers the received
picture data to the picture codec, a camera which delivers the
analog picture signal to the picture codec and a display unit which
displays a picture indicated by the output analog picture signal of
the picture codec.
[0020] Owing to the construction of the picture codec, a still
picture and video can be simultaneously displayed on a single
screen.
[0021] Moreover, the teleconference terminal equipment is small in
size and is easily portable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the general arrangement of
a teleconference terminal equipment according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the construction of a
picture codec which is included in the teleconference terminal
equipment of the first embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the construction of a PinP
(Picture in Picture) processor which is included in the
teleconference terminal equipment of the first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the aspects of a
PinP process which is performed in the teleconference terminal
equipment of the first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the construction of a
G3-FAX (group 3 type facsimile) interface which is included in the
teleconference terminal equipment of the first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the construction of
a camera control/external device multiconnector which is included
in the teleconference terminal equipment of the first
embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the construction of
a V11/RS422 multiconnector which is included in the teleconference
terminal equipment of the first embodiment;
[0029] FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are a perspective view and a rear view,
respectively, showing the external appearance of the teleconference
terminal equipment of the first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the
construction of a teleconference system according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of the
construction of the teleconference system of the first
embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing still another example of
the construction of the teleconference system of the first
embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing yet another example of
the construction of the teleconference system of the first
embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a further example of the
construction of the teleconference system of the first
embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing the construction and
service situation of a teleconference system according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 15 is an exterior view showing the construction of the
first teleconference terminal equipment according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIGS. 16A and 16B are a side view and a sectional view,
respectively, of the first teleconference terminal equipment of the
second embodiment;
[0038] FIGS. 17A and 17B are exterior views showing the
construction of the second teleconference terminal equipment
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIGS. 18A and 18B are a sectional view and a side view,
respectively, of the second teleconference terminal equipment of
the second embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 19 is an exterior view showing the construction of the
third teleconference terminal equipment according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIGS. 20A and 20B are an exterior view and an explanatory
view, respectively, showing the construction of the fourth
teleconference terminal equipment according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the internal construction
of the teleconference terminal equipment of the second
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing the external
construction of a control keyboard according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIGS. 23A and 23B are a block diagram and a schematic
diagram, respectively, showing the internal construction of the
control keyboard of the second embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 24 is an exterior view showing the construction of the
first document photographing stand according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIGS. 25A and 25B are a side view and a rear view,
respectively, of the first document photographing stand of the
second embodiment;
[0047] FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C are exterior views showing the
construction of the second document photographing stand according
to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 27 is an exterior view showing the construction of the
third document photographing stand according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing the situation of a
minor frame display in the teleconference terminal equipment of the
second embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing messages which are
displayed on a monitor screen in the teleconference terminal
equipment of the second embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing graphic user
interfaces which are offered by the teleconference terminal
equipment of the second embodiment;
[0052] FIGS. 31A, 31B, 31C and 31D are a front view, a rear view, a
plan view and a bottom view, respectively, of the first
teleconference terminal equipment of the second embodiment;
[0053] FIGS. 32A and 32B are a right side view and a left side
view, respectively, of the first teleconference terminal equipment
of the second embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the control keyboard of the
second embodiment;
[0055] FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C are a front view, a plan view and a
bottom view, respectively, of the control keyboard of the second
embodiment;
[0056] FIGS. 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E and 35F are, respectively, a
right side view, a left side view, a rear view, a schematic
sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 34A, a schematic
sectional view taken along line B-B' in FIG. 34B and a schematic
sectional view taken along line C-C' in FIG. 34B;
[0057] FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C and 36D are a front view, a right side
view, a plan view and a bottom view, respectively, of the document
photographing stand of the second embodiment;
[0058] FIGS. 37A and 37B are a rear view and a left side view,
respectively, of the document photographing stand of the second
embodiment; and
[0059] FIGS. 38A, 38B and 38C are a front view, a right side view
and a plan view, showing the folded state of the document
photographing stand of the second embodiment.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0060] Now, the first embodiment of a teleconference terminal
equipment according to the present invention will be described.
[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates the functional block arrangement of the
teleconference terminal equipment in this embodiment.
[0062] As shown in the figure, the teleconference terminal
equipment of this embodiment comprises a camera 1, an LCD
(liquid-crystal display) 2, dial function keys 3, a VSW (video
switch) 4, a picture codec 5, a telephone control man-machine
interface 6, a multipoint conversation control 7, a multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit
8, a network interface and communications network control unit 9, a
D/R (driver) 10, a VDT (voltage detector) 11, an audio codec 12, an
ASW (audio switch) 13, a hands-free set 14, a handset 15, a G3-FAX
interface 16, a V11 D/R 17, an RS422 D/R 18, an RS232C D/R 19, a
data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20, a communication interface
matching section 21, a bus SW (switch) 22, communication ports
23.about.25, a control unit 26, peripheral device control
interfaces 27.about.28, and a no-voltage contact 31.
[0063] In addition, as external input/output terminals, the
teleconference terminal equipment comprises a video I/O interface
110, an audio I/O interface 109, a microphone input 108, a G3-FAX
modular jack 107, a V11/RS422 multiconnector 106, an RS232C
connector 105, a mouse jack 104, a conference console connector
103, and a camera control and external device multiconnector
101.
[0064] The network interface and communications network control
unit 9 is connected to a digital communications network through the
D/R 10, and it performs the communication controls and
communication processing between the teleconference terminal
equipment and the network, such as establishing a communication
channel with the opposite communicating terminal equipment. The
multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal
control unit 8 performs various controls between the pertinent
terminal equipment and the opposite terminal equipment. Besides,
this control unit 8 demultiplexes video data, audio data, data to
be multiplexed/demultiplexed, control data, etc. from within a
received communication frame into the individual data types, and it
multiplexes such types of data into a transmission communication
frame. The video data mentioned above is interface data on the
network side of the picture codec 5, while the audio data is
interface data on the network side of the audio codec 12. The data
to be multiplexed/demultiplexed is interface data with respect to
the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20. The control data is
transferred between the control unit 8 and the control unit 6.
[0065] The data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 further demultiplexes
the data demultiplexed from within the received communication frame
by the multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal
signal control unit 8, into individual data types in accordance
with protocols stipulated with the opposite communicating terminal
equipment beforehand.
[0066] Specifically, in a case where a frame stipulated in CCITT
Recommendation H. 221 is taken as the communication frame, the
multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal
control unit 8 transfers FAS or BAS data within the frame to and
from the control unit 26, audio data to and from the audio codec
12, video data in, e.g., a frame stipulated in CCITT Recommendation
H. 261 to and from the picture codec 5, and data
to-be-multiplexed/demultiplexed to and from the data
multiplexor/demultiplexor 20. Besides, in a case where MLP data is
contained in the frame stipulated in Recommendation H. 221, it is
transferred between the control unit 8 and either the control unit
26 or the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 under the control of
the control unit 26.
[0067] Herein, the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 demultiplexes
the data to-be-demultiplexed into G3-FAX data, computer data,
various control data, etc. in accordance with the protocols
stipulated with the opposite communicating terminal equipment
beforehand, and it delivers the demultiplexed data items to the
G3-FAX modular jack 107, V11/RS422 multiconnector 106 and RS232C
connector 105. Contrariwise, the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20
multiplexes the data to-be-multiplexed delivered from the G3-FAX
modular jack 107, V11/RS422 multiconnector 106 and RS232C connector
105 and delivers the multiplexed data items to the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit
8.
[0068] In the case of holding a multipoint teleconference, the
multipoint conversation control 7 performs controls required for
the start and proceeding of the multipoint teleconference. In
contrast, in the case of holding no multipoint teleconference, the
control 7 merely relays data. The VDT 11 is a means for detecting
the feed voltage of the pertinent terminal equipment.
[0069] The camera 1 picks up a picture, which is presented as a
display output by the LCD 2. The VSW 4 is a video switch which
changes-over the connection of the picture codec 5 with the camera
1, LCD 2 and video I/O interface 110. The video input/output of an
external video I/O device can be connected with the video I/O
interface 110.
[0070] The picture codec 5 codes a picture signal supplied through
the VSW 4, and delivers the coded signal to the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit 8
through the multipoint conversation control 7. In addition, the
picture codec 5 decodes the video data demultiplexed from the
received communication frame by the control unit 8 and delivers an
output through the VSW 4.
[0071] The hands-free set 14 is a microphone and a loudspeaker for
freeing hands. The G3-FAX interface 16 is a modular jack to which a
group 3 type facsimile can be connected. The audio input/output of
an external audio I/O device can be connected to the audio I/O
interface 109. An external microphone can be connected to the
microphone input 108.
[0072] The ASW 13 is an audio switch which changes-over the
connection of the audio codec 12 with the hands-free set 14,
handset 15, G3-FAX interface 16, audio I/O interface 109 and
microphone input 108.
[0073] The audio codec 12 codes a speech signal supplied through
the ASW 13, and delivers the coded signal to the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit 8
through the multipoint conversation control 7. In addition, the
audio codec 12 decodes the audio data demultiplexed from the
received communication frame by the control unit 8 and delivers an
output through the ASW 13. Incidentally, the audio codec 12 is
connected to the V11/RS422 multiconnector 106 through the V11 D/R
17.
[0074] The dial function keys 3 are keys for accepting the
instructions of a user. The telephone control man-machine interface
6 controls the ASW 13 in accordance with a key input from the dial
function keys 3, so as to connect the audio codec 12 with the
hands-free set 14, handset 15, G3-FAX interface 16 or microphone
input 108. Besides, the instruction based on the key input is
transferred to the multipoint conversation control 7 through the
telephone control man-machine interface 6. In response to this
instruction, the multipoint conversation control 7 controls the
multipoint teleconference.
[0075] The G3-FAX interface 16 delivers a signal to-be-transmitted
supplied from the G3 FAX (group 3 type facsimile) being an analog
FAX connected to the G3-FAX connector 107, to the audio codec 12
through the ASW 13 in the case of treating the FAX data as audio
data, while it digitizes the signal to-be-transmitted into a code
and delivers the code to the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 in
the case of treating the FAX data as data to-be-multiplexed.
Contrariwise, when supplied with received data toward the G3 FAX by
the audio codec 12, the G3-FAX interface 16 supplies the G3-FAX
modular jack 107 with the received data as it is, and when supplied
with received data toward the G3 FAX by the data
multiplexor/demultiplexor 20, the G3-FAX interface 16 decodes the
received data into an analog signal and delivers the analog signal
to the G3-FAX modular jack 107.
[0076] The RS232C connector 105 serves as an RS232C interface, and
it is a connector to which a computer, a word processor or an
electronic blackboard can be connected. This RS232C connector 105
is connected to the control unit 26 or the data
multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 through the bus SW 22. The
communication interface matching section 21 matches the data rate
of the input/output data of the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20
with that of the input/output data of the RS232C interface 105. The
communication ports 24 and 25 are ones which the control unit 26
uses in relation to the RS232C interface 105.
[0077] The V11/RS422 multiconnector 106 serves as a V11 interface
and an RS422 interface, and it is a connector for connecting an
external device. In this embodiment, an example in which a
conference unit is connected will be described later.
[0078] The multiconnector 106 as the RS422 interface is connected
to the control unit 26 through the bus SW 22. The communication
port 23 is one which the control unit 26 uses in relation to the
RS422 interface 106. The muiticonnector 106 as the V11 interface is
connected to the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20.
[0079] In compliance with the commands of the control unit 26, the
peripheral device control interfaces 27 and 28 control the various
components in the teleconference terminal equipment, a mouse
connected to the mouse jack 104, and a conferential console
connected to the conference console connector 103. Also, they
control an external device such as external camera through the
camera control/external device multiconnector 101.
[0080] Incidentally, the camera control/external device
multiconnector 101 transfers the command of the control unit 26 to
the external device by means of the no-voltage contact 31.
[0081] The details of the picture codec 5 will be explained
below.
[0082] FIG. 2 illustrates the construction of the picture codec
5.
[0083] Referring to the figure, the picture codec 5 includes an A/D
(analog-to-digital) converter 200, a video coder 201, a still
picture coder 202, a variable-length coder 203, a BCH
(Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem code unit) 204, a PinP
(picture-in-picture) processor 205, a video decoder 206, a D/A
(digital-to-analog) converter 220, a still picture decoder 207, a
variable-length decoder 208, a BCH 209, and video switches 210,
211, 212, 213, 214 and 215.
[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, a still picture and video are
treated, but the signals thereof are digitized by the single A/D
converter 200. This is based on the fact that the still picture and
the video are not usually transmitted at the same time on account
of the limited transmission capacity of a communication channel
employed in a digital communications network. That is, in order to
quickly send the still picture of large data quantity to the
opposite communicating terminal equipment, the transmission of the
video is usually suspended during that of the still picture.
[0085] Besides, in this embodiment, a still picture and video which
have been received are displayed in a multiplexed state within an
identical frame through the PinP processor 205 to be detailed
later, thereby making it more convenient for use. Moreover, the
still pictures and video are multiplexed into the identical frame
before analogizing the signals of the respective pictures, whereby
the single D/A converter 220 suffices for turning the picture data
of both the pictures into analog signals.
[0086] Next, the operation of the picture codec 5 will be
explained.
[0087] When supplied with a picture signal through the VSW 4, the
A/D converter 200 converts the picture signal into a digital
signal. Incidentally, although an NTSC signal is assumed as the
picture signal to-be-input in this embodiment, even a signal
conforming to another standard such as PAL or RGB can be similarly
processed. The digitized picture data is transferred to the PinP
processor 205 as the picture data of the pertinent terminal
equipment itself.
[0088] Under the control of the peripheral device control interface
27, the video switches 210 and 211 deliver the digitized picture
data to either the video coder 201 or the still picture coder 202,
depending upon whether the input picture signal is for a still
picture or video.
[0089] The video coder 201 codes the delivered picture data in
accordance with code rules based on the DCT (discrete cosine
transform) stipulated in CCITT Recommendation H. 261. Also, the
still picture coder 202 codes the delivered picture data in
accordance with predetermined code rules. When supplied with the
coded picture data through the video switch 212 from either the
video coder 201 or the still picture coder 202, the variable-length
coder 203 turns the supplied image data into a variable-length code
in accordance with variable-length code rules stipulated in CCITT
Recommendation H. 261. When supplied with the variable-length code
of the image data from the variable-length coder 203, the BCH 204
adds BCH data for error correction to the supplied code into video
data and transfers the video data to the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit 8
through the multipoint conversation control 7.
[0090] On the other hand, when the BCH 209 is supplied with video
data or still picture data through the multipoint conversation
control 7 from the multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and
interterminal signal control unit 8, it checks BCH data for error
correction and delivers the error-corrected video data or still
picture data to the variable-length decoder 208. This
variable-length decoder 208 decodes the delivered picture data in
accordance with the variable-length code rules stipulated in CCITT
Recommendation H. 261. The data decoded by the variable-length
decoder 208 is transferred to either the video decoder 206 or the
still picture decoder 207 through the video switch 215, depending
upon whether it is the video data or the still picture data. When
supplied with the video data decoded by the variable-length decoder
208, the video decoder 206 decodes it in accordance with the code
rules stipulated in CCITT Recommendation H. 261. Also, when
supplied with the still picture data decoded by the variable-length
decoder 208, the still picture decoder 207 decodes it in accordance
with predetermined code rules such as code rules conforming to the
JPEG algorithm of the ISO Standard. The picture data decoded by
video decoder 206 or still picture decoder 207 is transferred as
received motion picture data or received still picture data to the
PinP processor 205 through the corresponding video switch 213 or
214.
[0091] If necessary, the PinP processor 205 performs a PinP process
to be described later, by the use of the image data of the
pertinent terminal equipment itself transferred from the A/D
converter 200 and the image data decoded by the video decoder 206
or the still picture decoder 207, and it supplies the D/A converter
220 with the resulting image data which has been subjected to the
PinP process. The D/A converter 220 converts the supplied image
data into an analog signal, which is delivered to the video switch
4.
[0092] Then, the picture signal is presented as a display output on
the LCD 2 or the like in accordance with the operation of the video
switch 4.
[0093] Next, the details of the PinP processor 205 will be
explained.
[0094] FIG. 3 illustrates the construction of the PinP processor
205.
[0095] Referring to the figure, the PinP processor 205 includes a
self-picture frame memory 301, a still-picture frame memory 302, a
video frame memory 303, MUX'es (multiplexors) 305, 306 and 307, a
major-frame address generator 308, a minor-frame address generator
309, a display frame timing controller 310, and a MUX 311.
[0096] Next, the PinP process which is performed by the PinP
processor 205 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4.
[0097] The "PinP process" is a process for producing a
picture-in-picture frame from a plurality of pictures. That is, it
is a process for multiplexing and outputting two picture data in
order that different output pictures may be displayed in a major
frame area and a minor frame area as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0098] In this embodiment, the two picture data are selected from
among the three picture data of the self-picture data transferred
from the A/D converter 200, the received still picture data
transferred from the still picture decoder 207 and the received
motion picture data transferred from the video decoder 206, and
they are multiplexed and output so as to be displayed in the major
and minor frames areas. In the case where, in this manner, the PinP
process is carried out by selecting two from the three picture data
of the self-picture data, received still picture data and received
motion picture data, six types of picture-in-picture frames can be
produced as shown at symbols (a).about.(f) in FIG. 4.
[0099] The PinP process of the PinP processor 205 proceeds as
stated below.
[0100] The self-picture frame memory 301 stores the transferred
self-picture data therein. The still-picture frame memory 302
stores the received still picture data therein. The video frame
memory 303 stores the received motion picture data therein. The
contents of the individual frame memories are sequentially
updated.
[0101] The major-frame address generator 308 generates addresses
for fetching the data of a picture to be displayed in the major
frame area, in display sequence from the frame memory in which the
picture data are stored. While the major-frame address generator
308 is generating the data addresses of the above picture
corresponding to the major frame area, the minor-frame address
generator 309 generates in parallel with the address generation of
the generator 308, addresses for fetching the data of a picture to
be displayed in the minor frame area, in display sequence from the
frame memory in which the picture data are stored. On this
occasion, the address generation timings of the minor-frame address
generator 309 are controlled by the display timing controller 310.
Besides, the picture to be displayed in the minor frame area must
be reduced in size as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the minor-frame
address generator 309 generates skipped addresses in accordance
with a reduction rate so as to thin out pixels and then fetch the
picture data from the frame memory.
[0102] Herein, the addresses generated by the major-frame address
generator 308 are afforded through the corresponding MUX 305, 306
or 307 to the frame memory 301, 302 or 303 in which the picture
data to be displayed in the major frame area are stored. Likewise,
the addresses generated by the minor-frame address generator 309
are afforded through the corresponding MUX 305, 306 or 307 to the
frame memory 301, 302 or 303 in which the picture data to be
displayed in the minor frame area are stored.
[0103] While the minor-frame address generator 309 is generating
the aforementioned addresses corresponding to the minor frame area,
the MUX 311 selects and delivers the picture data fetched from the
frame memory in which the picture data to be displayed in the minor
frame area are stored. At any other time, the MUX 311 selects and
delivers the picture data fetched from the frame memory in which
the picture data to be displayed in the major frame area are
stored. A change-over timing for these operation modes of the MUX
311 is controlled by the display timing controller 310.
[0104] Incidentally, the frame memories of the PinP processor 205
may well be shared for frame memories which the video coder 201,
still picture coder 202, video decoder 206 and still picture
decoder 207 use for the coding and the decoding.
[0105] Next, the details of the G3-FAX interface 16 will be
explained.
[0106] FIG. 5 illustrates the construction of the G3-FAX interface
16.
[0107] Referring to the figure, the interface 16 includes a hybrid
501, a route SW (switch) 502, a codec 503 for the facsimile, and a
FAX sending/receiving call control 504.
[0108] When the FAX sending/receiving call control 504 is informed
of the reception of G3-FAX data through the peripheral device
control interface 27 by the control unit 26, it applies a ringer
signal to the G3-FAX modular jack 107. In addition, the FAX
sending/receiving call control 504 detects the off-hook or on-hook
condition of the G3 FAX connected with the G3-FAX modular jack 107
and reports the detected condition to the control unit 26 through
the peripheral device control interface 27. Besides, if necessary,
the control 504 reports the content of dialing in the G3 FAX
connected with the G3-FAX modular jack 107, to the control unit 26
through the peripheral device control interface 27.
[0109] The hybrid 501 matches the half-duplex interface of the
G3-FAX modular jack 107 with the full-duplex interface of the route
SW side. In a case where the route SW 502 has been informed to the
effect of treating the G3-FAX data as data to-be-multiplexed,
through the peripheral device control interface 27 by the control
unit 26, it connects the hybrid 501 to the audio codec 12. In
consequence, the audio codec 12 codes the data sent by the
connected G3 FAX and transfers the coded data as audio data to the
multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal
control unit 8 through the multipoint conversation control 7.
[0110] On the other hand, in a case where the route SW 502 has been
informed to the effect of treating the G3-FAX data as audio data,
through the peripheral device control interface 27 by the control
unit 26, it connects the hybrid 501 to the codec 503 for the FAX.
The FAX codec 503 codes the sent data of the connected G3 FAX in
accordance with the .mu./A rules, the ADPCM or the like, and
transfers the coded data as data to-be-multiplexed to the
multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal
control unit 8 through the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20.
[0111] In this manner, according to this embodiment, the ordinary
G3 FAX can be connected to the teleconference terminal equipment
and then used without altering the interface thereof. Furthermore,
the G3-FAX data is coded using the FAX codec 503 and then treated
as the data to-be-multiplexed, whereby a telephone conversation is
possible with the audio codec 12 even during communications with
the G3 FAX.
[0112] Next, the camera control/external device multiconnector 101
will be explained.
[0113] The teleconference terminal equipment according to this
embodiment can have an external camera, an external monitor, an
external microphone/external loudspeaker, etc. connected thereto by
the video I/O interface 110, the audio I/O interface 109, the
microphone input 108, etc.
[0114] The camera control/external device multiconnector 101 is a
connector for controlling the external camera as well as
illumination therefor, and the external microphone among the
aforementioned external I/O devices. The control employing this
multiconnector 101 is realized in such a way that the control unit
26 controls the no-voltage contact such as the relay contact 31 in
compliance with an instruction from the dial function keys 3, an
instruction from the console connected to the conference console
connector 103, or control data received from the opposite
communicating terminal equipment and transferred through the
multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal
control unit 8. Incidentally, in the case stated before where the
frame stipulated in CCITT Recommendation H. 221 is presumed as the
communication frame, the control unit 26 receives the control data
in the form of the FAS, BAS or MLP data from the opposite
communicating terminal equipment and controls the no-voltage
contact 31 in accordance with the received control data.
[0115] FIG. 6 illustrates the construction of the camera
control/external device multiconnector 101. As shown in the figure,
the multiconnector 101 contains the signals of spare 613; zooming
612, 611; focusing 610, 609; illumination 608; wiper 607; panning
606, 605; tilting 604, 603; camera/microphone changing-over 602,
601; and power source 600.
[0116] Using these signals, the control unit 26 can control the
zooming and focusing of the external camera, and the illumination,
a wiper, and panning and tilting for the external camera, through
the camera control/external device multiconnector 101. Also, it can
control the change-over between the camera and the microphone, and
the turn-ON/OFF of the power source of any desired external device
through the multiconnector 101.
[0117] Next, the V11/RS422 multiconnector 106 will be
explained.
[0118] The V11/RS422 multiconnector 106 is a connector which
includes a V11 interface and an RS422 interface.
[0119] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the conference unit
to be described later is connected to the V11/RS422 multiconnector
106.
[0120] The RS422 interface within the V11/RS422 multiconnector 106
is connected with the control unit 26 through the communication
port 23. The control unit 26 transfers control data to and from the
conference unit by the use of the RS422 interface.
[0121] The V11 interface within the V11/RS422 multiconnector 106 is
connected to the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 and the audio
codec 12. On the basis of the control of the control unit 26, the
data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 demultiplexes control data and
data to-be-demultiplexed supplied from the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplex- ing and interterminal signal control unit
8, and it delivers the resulting data to the V11 interface.
Contrariwise, the data multiplexor/demultiplex- or 20 multiplexes
control data and data to-be-multiplexed delivered from the V11
interface, with FAX data etc. delivered from the G3-FAX interface
16, and it supplies the resulting data to the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit
8. Incidentally, in the case of employing the aforementioned H. 221
frame as the communication frame, MPL data can be used as the
control data.
[0122] Herein, the data which is delivered from the data
multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 to the V11 interface is in the form of
the actual burst data demultiplexed and extracted from the
communication frame. Likewise, the data which is delivered from the
V11 interface to the data multiplexor/demultiplexor 20 is burst
data having the same transfer rate as that of data contained in the
communication frame.
[0123] As stated above, in this embodiment, the data area and
control data area of the communication frame can be opened to the
exterior as they are. Accordingly, the V11 interface can freely
utilize the predetermined data area or control data area contained
in the communication frame.
[0124] Here, FIG. 7 illustrates the construction of the V11/RS422
multiconnector 106.
[0125] Referring to the figure, parts 700.about.702 constitute the
RS422 interface, and parts 703.about.710 the V11 interface.
[0126] The RS422 interface includes the lines of transmission data
700, reception data 701 and a transfer clock 702. The V11 interface
includes the lines of sending data 703, a sending burst clock 704
synchronized with sending burst data, a sending frame sink 705,
receiving data 706, a receiving burst clock 707 synchronized with
receiving burst data, a receiving frame sink 708, and two types of
basic clocks 709, 710.
[0127] Next, the external appearance of the teleconference terminal
equipment according to this embodiment are illustrated in FIGS.
8(a) and 8(b).
[0128] FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the terminal equipment
seen obliquely from the front thereof, while FIG. 8(b) is a rear
view of the essential portions thereof showing the arrangement of
connectors.
[0129] Now, the constructions of teleconference systems each of
which employs the teleconference terminal equipment according to
this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 thru
FIG. 13. In these figures, numeral 1000 indicates the
teleconference terminal equipment.
[0130] FIG. 9 shows the teleconference system which is suitable for
the personal telephonic communications between one person and
another, FIG. 10 shows the teleconference system which is suitable
for a teleconference among a small number of people, FIG. 11 shows
the teleconference system of simplified type which is used for a
teleconference, FIG. 12 shows the teleconference system which is
suitable for a regular teleconference, and FIG. 13 shows the
teleconference system which is suitable for a larger
teleconference.
[0131] As seen from the figures, according to the teleconference
systems in this embodiment, a G3 FAX 900, a computer 901 such as a
personal computer or word processor, a camera 903, a monitor 904, a
microphone 905, a camera pan-tilter 906, a conference console 907,
etc. can be connected by the video I/O interface 110, audio I/O
interface 109, microphone input 108, G3-FAX modular jack 107,
V11/RS422 multiconnector 106, RS232C connector 105, mouse jack 104,
conference console connector 103, and camera control/external
device multiconnector 101. Thus, the teleconference systems can be
flexibly constructed in accordance with intended uses.
[0132] In particular, according to the teleconference system in
this embodiment, the external interface based on the digital data
of the audio codec 12 is included in the V11/R422 multiconnector
106 as stated before. As shown in FIG. 12, therefore, a digital
echo canceler 1200 of high performance can be disposed outside if
it is need.
[0133] As shown in FIG. 13, a G3 FAX 900, data processing devices
901 such as a personal computer or word processor and an electronic
blackboard, a camera 903, a monitor 904, microphones 905, a camera
pan-tilter 906, a conference console 907, etc. may well be
connected through a conference unit 1300 so as to realize higher
degrees of conference functions.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 13, the conference unit 1300 includes a
video controller 1301, an audio controller 1302, a unit controller
1303, a video processor 1305 and a power source unit 1306. The
video controller 1301 is connected to the video I/O interface 110
of the teleconference system. The audio controller 1302, unit
controller 1303 and video processor 1305 are connected with the
V11/RS422 multiconnector 106 of the teleconference system through
the unshown data interface unit thereof.
[0135] The unit controller 1303 controls any of the constituents of
the conference unit 1300 in compliance with an instruction from the
conference console 907, an instruction from the control unit 26 of
the teleconference system as delivered through the RS422 interface,
or control data received through the V11 interface from the
opposite communicating terminal equipment. In addition, the unit
controller 1303 transfers data received through the V11 interface
from the opposite communicating terminal equipment, between this
V11 interface and the data processing devices 901 such as the
personal computer or word processor and the electronic
blackboard.
[0136] The video controller 1301 and the still picture processor
control the change-over between the camera and the monitor, for
example, which are connected to the video I/O interface 110 of the
teleconference system. The audio controller 1302 controls the
change-over between the microphone and the loudspeaker, for
example, which are connected to the audio codec 12 of the
teleconference system through the V11 interface. In addition, the
audio controller 1302 performs an echo canceling process as may be
needed. The video processor 1305 performs the control of the camera
pan-tilter 906.
[0137] In this manner, according to the teleconference system of
this embodiment, the pertinent terminal equipment can communicate
with the conference unit connected to the opposite communicating
terminal equipment through the mutual direct controls which are
performed by the use of the data area and the control data area
opened to the external devices as stated before.
[0138] As thus far described, according to the first embodiment, it
is possible to provide the teleconference system in which the still
picture and the video can be simultaneously displayed on the single
screen.
[0139] Now, the second embodiment of a teleconference terminal
equipment according to the present invention will be described.
[0140] First, FIG. 14 illustrates the construction of a
teleconference system which employs the teleconference terminal
equipment according to this embodiment.
[0141] Referring to the figure, the embodiment includes the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 connected to a digital
communications network, a control keyboard 2002, microphones 2003,
a document photographing stand 2004, an electronic blackboard 2005
and a video tape recorder 2006.
[0142] The illustrated teleconference system is fundamentally
configured of the teleconference terminal equipment 2001, the
control keyboard 2002 connected to the teleconference terminal
equipment 2001, and the microphones 2003 connected to the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 through the control keyboard
2002. If necessary, the system is additionally furnished with the
document photographing stand 2004, electronic blackboard 2005 and
video tape recorder 2006 by connecting them to the teleconference
terminal equipment 2001. Besides, as will be described later, a
facsimile machine and a small-sized computer can be connected to
the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 as required.
[0143] As shown in the figure, the teleconference system of this
embodiment features the desktop type teleconference terminal
equipment 2001. Owing to the desktop type construction, when the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 is carried in with the
control keyboard 2002 and the microphones 2003, a teleconference
can be held in an ordinary conference room or by the use of a mere
conference desk.
[0144] The teleconference terminal equipment 2001 will now be
explained.
[0145] FIG. 15 illustrates the external appearance of the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 according to this
embodiment. Referring to the figure, numeral 2100 indicates the
body of the terminal equipment 2001, numeral 2101 a monitor
employing a cathode-ray tube 11 inches in size, numeral 2102 a
camera window, numeral 2103 a ringer speaker, and numeral 2110 a
base. Although not seen in the figure, a speaker window (for a
loudspeaker 2104) is provided on the left side of the body 2100,
and various terminals are provided on the rear surface thereof. A
built-in camera is disposed behind the camera window 2102.
[0146] Next, FIG. 16A is a side view of the teleconference terminal
equipment 2001, while FIG. 16B is a sectional view thereof taken
along line A1-A2 in FIG. 15. Here, mechanisms inside the body 2100
are omitted from the illustrations.
[0147] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the body 2100 and the base
2110 are connected by a tilt and swivel mechanism 2121, so that the
body 2100 is turnable relative to the base 2110 through
predetermined angles in the vertical and horizontal directions.
That is, the body 2100 is turnable about an arbor 2122 through the
predetermined angle in the horizontal direction, and it is turnable
along a slot 2123 through the predetermined angle in the vertical
direction. Incidentally, numeral 2130 denotes a terminal area where
the various input/output terminals are disposed.
[0148] In this embodiment, the camera includes a wide-angle lens of
57.degree.. By employing the wide-angle lens for the camera in this
manner, a plurality of users can be simultaneously photographed
even when they are a short distance away. Accordingly, a plurality
of conferees at a conference desk on each communicating side, for
example, can hold a teleconference merely by putting the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 on one end of the conference
desk. Incidentally, in this embodiment, it is assumed as standard
that several conferees will utilize the teleconference terminal
equipment 2001 having the 11-inch monitor 2101, at a position which
is about 1.5 meters remote from this teleconference terminal
equipment. Thus, the wide-angle lens is set at 57.degree. so that a
horizontal width of 1.5 meters can be photographed at the
aforementioned position. The wide-angle lens, however, may well be
set at any suitable angle, depending upon the size of the screen of
the monitor and the service conditions of the teleconference
terminal equipment. In general, an angle of about 60.degree. will
be desirable.
[0149] Meanwhile, the control keyboard 2002 should preferably be
provided separately from the teleconference terminal equipment 2001
to enable the smooth progress of the conference. Alternatively,
however, a control keyboard may well be provided unitarily with a
teleconference terminal equipment.
[0150] By way of example, FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate the external
appearance of the teleconference terminal equipment which is
unitarily provided with the control keyboard 2002.
[0151] As shown in the figures, in this example, the control
keyboard 2002 is mounted on the base 2110 between the body 2100 and
this base. Besides, as shown in FIG. 18A, this control keyboard
2002 is mounted on the base 2110 by a turning mechanism 2125.
Accordingly, it can be housed under the body 2100 as shown in FIG.
18B while the terminal equipment is not used. Moreover, with such a
turnable control keyboard, each of the conferees is easily able to
operate the control keyboard during the use of the terminal
equipment.
[0152] Although the camera is arranged by the side of the
cathode-ray tube in each of the foregoing teleconference terminal
equipments of the second embodiment, it may well be arranged above
the cathode-ray tube.
[0153] By way of example, FIG. 19 illustrates the external
appearance of a teleconference terminal equipment in which the
camera is arranged above the cathode-ray tube 2101.
[0154] Referring to the figure, numeral 2102 indicates a camera
window, behind which the camera is installed. Numeral 2130
indicates a drawer type handle which is attached in order to
facilitate carrying the teleconference terminal equipment. In this
example, loudspeakers 2104 are arranged in the front of the
teleconference terminal equipment. Also in this example, the body
2100 and the base 2110 are connected by a turning mechanism,
whereby the teleconference terminal equipment can be freely
positioned in the horizontal direction. Incidentally, the
teleconference terminal equipment of this example can be operated
through a wireless remote control from the control keyboard
2002.
[0155] Next, FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate another example of the
teleconference terminal equipment in which the camera is arranged
above the cathode-ray tube 2101.
[0156] As clearly shown in FIG. 20B, the depthwise dimension of the
camera arranged behind the camera window 2102 is short compared
with that of the cathode-ray tube 2101. This fact is utilized here
in the example, and the part of the teleconference terminal
equipment behind the camera window 2102 is shortened to form a
carrying handle 2131.
[0157] Now, the internal construction of the teleconference
terminal equipment 2001 will be explained.
[0158] FIG. 21 shows the internal construction of this
teleconference terminal equipment. As shown in the figure, the
internal construction of the teleconference terminal equipment
according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as
that of the teleconference terminal equipment according to the
first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 before.
[0159] Referring to the figure, numeral 2830 indicates a terminal
which is to be connected to the digital communications network. In
this embodiment, the digital communications network is assumed to
be the ISDN (integrated service digital network), and the terminal
2830 to be a modular jack having eight pins. Besides, the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 includes the camera 2807,
the monitor 2101, the loudspeaker 2104, a video switch 2806, a
video amplifier 2808, a picture codec 2805, a multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit
2804, a network interface and communications network control unit
2803, an audio codec 2810, an echo canceler 2811, an audio switch
2813, an audio amplifier 2812, a FAX interface 2814, a data
interface 2815, a control unit 2802 and a power source 2801.
[0160] Included as the external I/O terminals are video I/O
interfaces 2816 and 2817, audio I/O interfaces 2818 and 2819, a
modular jack 2820 for a G3 FAX (group 3 facsimile), an RS232C
connector 2821, and a connector 2822 for the control keyboard 2002.
These connectors and the above terminal 2830 are arranged on the
rear surface of the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 (refer
to FIG. 15).
[0161] Herein, the network interface and communications network
control unit 2803 is connected to the ISDN through the connector
2830, and it performs the communication controls and communication
processing between the pertinent teleconference terminal equipment
and the network, such as establishing a communication channel with
the opposite communicating terminal equipment. The multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit
2804 performs various controls between the pertinent terminal
equipment and the opposite terminal equipment. Besides, this
control unit 2804 demultiplexes video data, audio data, data to be
multiplexed/demultiplexed, control data, etc. from within a
received communication frame into the individual data types, and it
multiplexes such types of data into a transmission communication
frame. The video data mentioned above is interface data on the
network side of the picture codec 2805, while the audio data is
interface data on the network side of the audio codec 2810. The
data to be multiplexed/demultiplexed is interface data with respect
to the data interface 2815 and the FAX interface 2814. The control
data is transferred between the control unit 2804 and the control
unit 2802.
[0162] The multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal
signal control unit 2804 further demultiplexes the data
demultiplexed from within the received communication frame, into
G3-FAX data, computer data, various control data, etc. in
accordance with protocols stipulated with the opposite transmission
terminal equipment beforehand, and it delivers these data to the
G3-FAX modular jack 2820 and RS232C connector 2821 through the FAX
interface 2814 and data interface 2815, respectively.
[0163] Conversely, the control unit 2804 accepts data to be
transmitted in a multiplexed state, from the G3-FAX modular jack
2820 and RS232C connector 2821.
[0164] The camera 2807 picks up an image, and the monitor 2101
presents the display output of a picture corresponding to the
image. The video switch 2806 supplies the picture codec 2805 with
an input from the video signal input terminal 2816, instead of an
input from the camera 2807. Thus, the document photographing stand
2004 as well as an external camera and the picture codec 2805 can
be connected to the video input interface 2816.
[0165] The picture codec 2805 codes an input picture signal, and
delivers the resulting coded signal to the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit
2804. In addition, it decodes video data demultiplexed from within
a received communication frame by the control unit 2804 and then
delivers the resulting decoded data to the monitor 2101 and the
video output interface 2817. Accordingly, the video tape recorder
2006 can be connected to the video output interface 2817 so as to
record the contents of the teleconference. Also, an external
monitor can be connected.
[0166] The audio input and output terminals 2818 and 2819 can have
the audio input and outputs of external audio devices connected
thereto. The audio switch 2813 is one by which any of an input from
the G3 FAX connected to the FAX interface 2814, an input from a
device connected to the audio input interface 2819, and an input
from the microphones 2003 coupled with the control keyboard 2002
connected to the connector 2822 is transferred to the audio codec
2810 through the echo canceler 2811.
[0167] The audio codec 2810 codes an input speech signal, and
delivers the resulting coded signal to the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit
2804. In addition, it decodes audio data demultiplexed from within
a received communication frame by the control unit 2804 and then
delivers the resulting decoded data to the loudspeaker 2104 and the
audio output interface 2818 through the echo canceler 2811 as well
as the audio amplifier 2812. The audio output interface 2818 has,
for example, the audio input terminal of the video tape recorder
2006 connected thereto. The echo canceler 2811 performs an echo
canceling process between the speech signal decoded from the audio
data and the speech signal delivered from the audio switch 2813,
thereby preventing the occurrence of howling during communications.
Incidentally, the howling may well be prevented by replacing the
echo canceler 2811 with an echo suppressor which suppresses a
selected one of the output from the audio amplifier 2812 or the
input to the audio switch 2813.
[0168] The FAX interface 2814 delivers a signal to-be-transmitted
supplied from the G3 FAX being an analog FAX connected to the
G3-FAX modular jack 2820, to the audio codec 2810 in the case of
treating the FAX data as audio data, while it digitizes the signal
to-be-transmitted into a code and delivers the code to the
multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal
control unit 2804 in the case of treating the FAX data as data
to-be-multiplexed. Contrariwise, when supplied with received data
for the G3 FAX by the audio codec 2810, the FAX interface 2814
supplies the G3-FAX modular jack 2820 with the received data
directly, and when supplied with received G3 FAX data by the
multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal
control unit 2804, the FAX interface 2814 decodes the received data
into an analog signal and delivers the analog signal to the G3-FAX
modular jack 2820.
[0169] The RS232C connector 2821 serves as an RS232C interface, and
it is a connector to which a computer, a word processor or an
electronic blackboard can be connected. This RS232C connector 2821
is connected to the control unit 2802 or the multimedia
multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal control unit
2804 through the data interface 2815.
[0170] The control unit 2802 performs serial data communications
with the control keyboard 2002. Besides, it performs various
controls for the constituents of the teleconference terminal
equipment 2001, for example, the display control of a menu picture
to be described later, on the basis of data transferred from the
multimedia multiplexing/demultiplexing and interterminal signal
control unit 2804 and data transferred from the control keyboard
2002.
[0171] Meanwhile, the picture codec 2805 codes and decodes pictures
in conformity with algorithms stipulated in CCITT Standard, H. 261.
Herein, it can be reduced in size by applying recent
highly-packaged circuit technology. A picture codec is implemented
with two circuit boards each having a size nearly equal to the
A5-format in, for example, a commercially-available video telephone
set HV-100 (trade name) manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd. In the
future, such picture codecs will be increasingly reduced in
size.
[0172] Accordingly, the teleconference terminal equipment of this
embodiment can be satisfactorily realized with the dimensions
mentioned before in relation to FIG. 15 and FIGS. 16A and 16B, for
the 11-inch cathode-ray tube. Moreover, these dimensions afford a
size which is suited to installation of the terminal equipment on a
desk or to carrying.
[0173] Next, the control keyboard 2002 will be explained.
[0174] FIG. 22 shows the external appearance of the control
keyboard 2002. As shown in the figure, the control keyboard 2002 is
in the shape of a sector. Various keys are arranged on the upper
surface of this control keyboard, while terminals 2910 for
connecting microphones and also terminals for cables for
connections with the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 are
disposed on the rear surface. Besides, a built-in microphone 2920
is arranged in the front of this control keyboard.
[0175] The keys disposed on the upper surface of the control
keyboard 2002, and functions which are designated by these keys
will be listed in Tables 1 and 2 below:
1TABLE 1 Names Outlines of Functions START Transmit func: dialing.
Preset func: Input acknowledging dial. REDIAL Retransmitting to
last called address. SPD DIAL Speedy dialing to registered No. by
designating the No. MUTE Turning off transmission speech, and
transmitting mute. CANCEL Deleting last input letter. (Also, ending
help.) COM Alternating HOOK states. MENU Registering, setting and
acknowledging TEL directory, operation modes, etc. VIDEO Non-com.
period: Changing-over Auto/Manual picture sending. Com. period:
Requesting for manual picture sending. MON/PIP Monitor-displaying
transmission picture (coded picture) on Whole screen/Minor screen.
FREEZE Freezing input of transmission picture. AUDIO Changing-over
transmission speech between handset input SRC and external speech
input. VIDEO Changing-over transmission picture between accessory
SRC camera input and external video input. HELP Displaying help
information on function keys, etc. FAX Connecting FAX and TEL
circuit for transmission/ reception. DATA Turning ON/OFF RS232C
port for data com. between both terminal equipments. TELE .Arrow-up
bold. Zooming out built-in camera. (Hard) WIDE .dwnarw. Zooming in
built-in camera. (Hard) VOL .Arrow-up bold. Increasing sound volume
of loudspeaker. (Hard) VOL .dwnarw. Decreasing sound volume of
loudspeaker. (Hard)
[0176]
2TABLE 2 Names Outlines of Functions CURSOR .Arrow-up bold. Spare,
tilt .Arrow-up bold.. CURSOR .dwnarw. Spare, tilt .dwnarw.. CURSOR
.fwdarw. Spare, pan .fwdarw.. CURSOR .rarw. Spare, pan .rarw.. PlC
Q SEL Changing-over quality of transmission picture in 3 stages
(STD/PAST/DETAIL). HS Changing-over loudspeaker and handset.
LOC/RMT Changing-over LOCAL/REMOTE for panning, tilting. zooming or
focusing control.
[0177] Typical keys will be explained. In FIG. 22, numeral 2901
indicates a volume control for controlling the sound volume of the
loudspeaker 2104 built in the teleconference terminal equipment
2001. Numeral 2902 indicates keys for controlling the zooming
functions of the camera 2807. Denoted by numeral 2903 are
numerical-keys and function keys which serve to control the
communication functions of the teleconference terminal equipment
2001, and which are equivalent to those of an ISDN terminal
equipment. In this embodiment, however, the numerical-keys are
shared with alphabet keys. Keys 2904 serve to control a pan-tilter
which is sometimes installed for the camera 2807 of the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001. Besides, keys 2905 serve to
change-over the picture qualities of pictures to-be-transmitted, a
key 2906 serves to change-over the input of the built-in camera
2807 of the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 and the input of
the external camera set on, for example, the document photographing
stand 2004 as a transmission picture, and keys 2907 and 2908 serve
to change-over transmission data from video or audio data to input
data from the facsimile machine and small-sized computer connected
to the teleconference terminal equipment 2001, respectively.
Further, indicators, such as an LED 2909 for indicating the
connection of the power supply, are provided on the upper surface
of the control keyboard 2002.
[0178] FIGS. 23A and 23B show the internal construction of the
control keyboard 2002.
[0179] As shown in FIG. 23A, the control keyboard 2002 includes a
switching regulator 3001 by which a supply voltage fed from the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 is distributed to the
individual parts of this control keyboard, key switches 3002 which
constitute the various keys stated before, and LED's 3003. In
addition, it includes a CPU 3007 which controls the key switches
3002 and the LED's 3003 while performing the serial data
communications with the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 by
the use of data clock pulses supplied from this teleconference
terminal equipment. Also included are the built-in microphone 2920,
the microphone jacks 2910 for connecting the external microphones
2003, a microphone mixer 3005 for mixing an input from the built-in
microphone 2920 and inputs from the external microphones 2003, and
the volume control 2901 for adjusting the sound volume of the
loudspeaker of the teleconference terminal equipment 2001. Shown at
numeral 3006 are terminals for cables 3010 which lead to the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001.
[0180] As seen from the figures, the connections between this
control keyboard 2002 and the teleconference terminal equipment
2001 are collectively effected by the single composite cable 3010.
Besides, an output from the microphone mixer 3005 is sent to the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 through a transformer of 600
ohms by the use of a shielded cable 3011 which is disposed within
the composite cable 3010 as shown in FIG. 23B.
[0181] Next, the document photographing stand 2004 will be
explained.
[0182] FIG. 24 shows the external appearance of the document
photographing stand 2004.
[0183] Roughly speaking, the document photographing stand 2004 is
constructed of a work surface 3101, a lower link 3102, an upper
link 3103 and the camera 3104. Besides, an LED 3105 is embedded in
the central part of the platen 3101 to-be-photographed, and camera
controlling keys 3106 are disposed at one corner of the work
surface 3101. The camera controlling keys 3106 include zooming
control keys (wide angle/telescopic), an autofocusing function
enabling key and a manual focusing controlling key for the camera
3104.
[0184] The lower link 3102 is pivotally mounted on the work surface
3101, the upper link 3103 is pivotally mounted on the lower link
3102, and the camera 3104 is pivotally mounted on the upper link
3103. Thus, the camera 3104 can photograph, not only a document set
on the work surface 3101, but also spaces before and behind the
work surface 3101. Accordingly, when the blackboard 2005 is
arranged behind the work surface 3101 as shown in FIG. 14 referred
to before, characters, patterns etc. written and drawn on this
blackboard can be photographed and transmitted except during the
photographing of the document.
[0185] The LED 3105 embedded in the central part of the work
surface 3101 serves to facilitate the positioning of the document
to-be-photographed. More specifically, when an illuminator is
provided in this manner, the central point of photographing can be
readily established using the transmitted light even for paper or
the like which is placed on the work surface 3101 for
photographing. Herein, LED's may well be disposed at the four
corners of a photographing region on the work surface 3101 for a
document of standard size (for example, A4-format or B5-format).
Owing to the transmitted light beams of such LED's, the desired
region of a document larger than the standard size can be
established and photographed more easily than with a conventional
work surface on which the four corners are marked.
[0186] In the drawings, FIGS. 25A and 25B are a side view and a
rear view, respectively, of the document photographing stand
2004.
[0187] As shown in FIG. 25A, the length l of the lower link 3102 is
set so as not to exceed the length L of the work surface 3101, and
the length m of the upper link 3103 is set so as to be shorter than
the length l of the lower link 3102. Besides, as shown in FIG. 25B,
the width N between both the arms of the lower link 3102 is set
greater than the width n between both the arms of the upper link
3103. Accordingly, as seen from a front view, a side view and a
plan view depicted in FIGS. 38A, 38B and 38C, respectively, the
lower link 3102 can be folded onto the work surface 3101, and the
upper link 3103 can be folded inside the lower link 3102. Thus, the
document photographing stand 2004 can be carried or stored in a
compact state.
[0188] Alternatively, the document photographing stand 2004 may
well be constructed as illustrated in FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C.
[0189] FIG. 26A shows the state in which the stand 2004 is carried
or stored. FIGS. 26B and 26C show the situation in which an upper
link 3103 is turned relative to a lower link 3102. Numeral 3301
indicates stoppers to restrict the turning.
[0190] Further, the document photographing stand 2004 may well be
constructed in a simpler form as illustrated in FIG. 27.
[0191] The example shown in FIG. 27 is configured of a work surface
3101, a camera 3104 and a single link 3401. The link 3401 can be
lengthened and shortened by a slide mechanism, and the camera 3104
is connected to the link 3401 so as to be freely turnable relative
to this link.
[0192] Finally, the man-machine interface of the teleconference
system will be explained. During a teleconference, the received
picture of the opposite communicating side is usually displayed on
the screen of the monitor 2101. When the monitor/PIP key of the
control keyboard 2002 stated before is depressed, the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 presents a minor frame at
the right corner of the monitor 2101 and displays the self-picture
thereof photographed by its own camera 2807, as illustrated in FIG.
28. Further, when the monitor/PIP key is depressed in this state,
the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 displays the
self-picture on the whole monitor screen, and when the key is
depressed again, the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 brings
the screen back into the usual state and displays the picture of
the opposite communicating side on the whole monitor screen. Such a
picture-in-picture display process has been described in connection
with the first embodiment, and shall not be detailed here.
[0193] In addition, the teleconference terminal equipment 2001
guides operations and reports current statuses by the use of the
display of the monitor 2101.
[0194] FIG. 29 illustrates the situations of the operation guidance
and status report utilizing the monitor 2101.
[0195] Letter a in FIG. 29 denotes the display of the monitor 2101
upon connection of the power supply. The current time is indicated
at the left upper corner part of the display screen of the monitor
2101.
[0196] When the start key of the control keyboard 2002 is depressed
in this state, the monitor display is changed as shown at b in FIG.
29, and a message promoting for a dial input is indicated.
Subsequently, when the numerals of the telephone No. of the
opposite communicating side for the teleconference are input with
the numerical-keys of the control keyboard 2002, they are
successively indicated as shown at c in FIG. 29. Next, when the
start key is depressed again by the operator of the control
keyboard 2002 upon acknowledging the indicated telephone No., the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 establishes a channel with
the ISDN to transmit the input No., and it presents a display to
indicate that it is calling the opposite terminal as shown at d in
FIG. 29. Then, when communications with the opposite terminal have
begun, only the elapsed time since the beginning of communication
is indicated as shown at e in FIG. 29.
[0197] On the other hand, in a case where a signal or ringing
arrives at the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 during a
non-communicating period, a display to the effect that the signal
has arrived is presented together with the telephone No. of the
transmitting source as shown at f in FIG. 29.
[0198] Moreover, the teleconference terminal equipment 2001
according to this embodiment offers other various functions in a
menu form.
[0199] FIG. 30 illustrates menus which are displayed on the monitor
2101.
[0200] When the menu key among the control keys is depressed when
the power supply is connected or during the communications, that
is, in the display state shown at a or e in FIG. 29, the main menu
shown at a in FIG. 30 is displayed.
[0201] In the menu a in FIG. 30, patterns are icons which are
provided in correspondence with the offered functions. The icon
3701 serves to start a telephone directory function, the icon 3702
serves to start the function of setting any of the various statuses
of the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 such as the
communication mode and display mode thereof, the icon 3703 serves
to start the function of adjusting the time of a timepiece built
into the teleconference terminal equipment 2001, the icon 3705
serves to start the function of handling information items
(opposite communicating sides, telephone Nos, fees, etc.) on past
communications, and the icon 3706 serves to select whether or not
the time displays shown in FIG. 29 are presented. Besides, the icon
3704 serves to end the menu. The respective icons are displayed in
an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the numerals
1.about.6 of the numerical-keys of the control keyboard 2002, and
the depression of the key at the corresponding position starts the
function which is offered by the pertinent icon.
[0202] By way of example, when the telephone directory function is
started by depressing the numerical-key "1", a menu as shown at b
in FIG. 30 is displayed. More specifically, the same pattern as the
icon having started this function is indicated at the uppermost
part, and the names and telephone Nos. of the opposite
communicating persons already registered are indicated in an area
3711. The user scrolls the indication within the area 3711 by
designating an icon 3713 or 3714 through the depression of the
numerical-key at the corresponding position and then appoints the
opposite communicating person whose information is to be handled,
by designating a select icon 3715 through the depression of the
numerical-key at the corresponding position. An icon 3716 is used
for returning to the menu picture a in FIG. 30.
[0203] Here, when the select icon 3715 is designated, a menu shown
at c in FIG. 30 is displayed. The patterns of the icon which has
started the corresponding function and the icon which was indicated
at the uppermost part of the parent menu of this menu are indicated
at the uppermost part, and all information items registered for the
selected communicating person are indicated in an area 3721. A TEL
icon 3722 serves to designate a transmission to the opposite
communicating person indicated in the area 3721. When the
numerical-key corresponding to this icon is depressed, the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 calls the selected
communicating person in accordance with the registered information
and ends the menu processing steps, to shift to the display shown
at d in FIG. 29. An icon 3724 in the menu c in FIG. 30 serves to
alter the registered information by way of example. More
specifically, when the numerical-key corresponding to this icon is
depressed, the function of, for example, altering the registered
information is indicated, and a new menu corresponding to the
function is displayed. In the new menu, necessary input functions
are similarly assigned to the keys of the control keyboard 2002 so
as to accept the user's inputs of information. Herein, by way of
example, alternatives to an input character are sequentially
changed-over in accordance with a predetermined input key.
Moreover, the conversion of inputs into Chinese characters can be
realized by extending the function of a predetermined input
key.
[0204] Meanwhile, in a case where the register icon 3702 has been
designated in the main menu a in FIG. 30, a menu shown at d in FIG.
30 is displayed. In this menu d in FIG. 30, the current statuses of
the teleconference terminal equipment 2001 are indicated in an area
3731. The user designates any indicated item and also designates an
alter icon 3732 in accordance with steps similar to those of the
operation of the menu b in FIG. 30, whereby the status of the
designated item can be changed to another alternative registered
beforehand.
[0205] In this regard, in a case where the teleconference terminal
equipment 2001 has been called amidst such a hierarchic menu
process, a display to the effect that a signal or ringing has
arrived is presented in an area 3733.
[0206] For reference, FIG. 31A thru FIG. 38C in the accompanying
drawings illustrate the six views, etc. concerning the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001 depicted in FIG. 15, the
control keyboard 2002 depicted in FIG. 22 and the document
photographing stand 2004 depicted in FIG. 24.
[0207] FIGS. 31A, 31B, 31C and 31D are a front view, a rear view, a
plan view and a bottom view, respectively, of the teleconference
terminal equipment 2001. The terminals 2816.about.2822 and 2830 are
disposed in the area 2130 shown in FIG. 31B. FIGS. 32A and 32B are
a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of the
teleconference terminal equipment 2001. Numeral 2104 in FIG. 32B
indicates the position of the built-in loudspeaker.
[0208] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the control keyboard 2002.
Numeral 2920 in this figure indicates the position of the built-in
microphone. In addition, FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C are a front view, a
plan view and a bottom view, respectively, of the control keyboard
2002. Besides, FIGS. 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E and 35F are a right
side view of the control keyboard 2002, a left side view thereof, a
rear view thereof, a schematic sectional view thereof taken along
line A-A' in FIG. 34A, a schematic sectional view thereof taken
along line B-B' in FIG. 34B, and a schematic sectional view thereof
taken along line C-C' in FIG. 34B, respectively. In FIG. 35C,
numeral 2910 represents the terminals for connecting the external
microphones.
[0209] Next, FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C and 36D are a front view, a right
side view, a plan view and a bottom view, respectively, of the
document photographing stand 2004. In addition, FIGS. 37A and 37B
are a rear view and a left side view, respectively, of the stand
2004.
[0210] As referred to before, FIGS. 38A, 38B and 38C are the front
view, the side view and the plan view, respectively, of the
document photographing stand 2004 in the stored condition. As shown
in these figures, the stand 2004 has its constituents folded up
into a compact form.
[0211] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it
is possible to provide the desktop type teleconference terminal
equipment which is small in size and which is easily portable.
* * * * *