JP2000032420A - Imaging device for interactive dialogue system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an imaging device for a two-way interactive system with a small amount of protrusion and easy position adjustment so that an interlocutor can concentrate on the interaction without being conscious of the CCD camera. An image pickup apparatus for a two-way interactive system for interactively communicating with a remote place by mutually transmitting a captured moving image by a communication means and displaying the captured moving image on a monitor of a dialogue partner. And the main body 10 placed on the monitor 50, and the center of the imaging optical axis is within a predetermined height from the display position of the eye 53 of the conversation partner 52 displayed on the monitor 50 and the display of both eyes. An imaging unit 40 disposed substantially at the center of the position;
And a support mechanism 30 for suspending and supporting the monitor 50. The imaging unit 40 has a projection area on the monitor 50 of 5% or less of the area of the display screen 51 of the monitor 50, and projects from the display screen. The length is within 90 mm.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus for picking up a moving image of each interlocutor in a two-way interactive system used for TV conferences, counseling between remote locations, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A two-way interactive system has been put to practical use for conducting a conference or counseling between remote places by transmitting images and sounds in two directions using a communication line or the like.

One example of such a two-way interactive system is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-130768, and FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the system.

[0004] This system is a system in which an interlocutor 103A performs a two-way dialog with a remote interlocutor 103B (not shown) in real time. More specifically, the system 120A includes a monitor 121A that displays an image of a conversation partner, a CCD camera 122A, a camera driving mechanism 123A, a microphone 124A, an input device 125A, and a control device 126A. It is connected by means 127 to a similar system 120B located at the remote interlocutor 103B.

[0005] The figure of the talker 103A is a CCD camera 122.
A, and audio is collected by the microphone 124A. In response, the interlocutor 103A operates the input device 12
Information input using 5A is transmitted to the remote interlocutor 103B by the transmission means 127 via the controller 126A. Similarly, the video and audio of the interlocutor 103B and the information input by the interlocutor 103B are transmitted by the transmission means 127 to the controller 126A.
26A is a monitor 1 that organizes various information sent to it.
21A.

When remote counseling is performed in this type of system, how to form a sense of unity is important, unlike direct face-to-face dialogue. This is because in counseling, the counselor cannot extract necessary information from the client unless a sufficient sense of unity is formed between the counselor and the client.

In the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-130768, a system is used in which both eyes are matched so that a sufficient sense of unity can be formed between interlocutors. Specifically, by arranging the CCD camera 122A on the front surface of the monitor 121A by the camera driving mechanism 123A, the two cameras have the same line of sight. Thereby, a sense of unity between the interlocutors is formed, and good counseling can be performed.

[0008]

However, in the device disclosed in this technology, the CCD camera projects from the screen toward the interlocutor, so that the interlocutor has a CC camera.
In some cases, the user may be concerned about the D camera and cannot concentrate on the conversation.
Further, the driving mechanism of the camera is complicated, and the operation itself is difficult.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems,
An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system in which the amount of protrusion is small and the position can be easily adjusted so that the interlocutor can concentrate on the conversation without being conscious of the CCD camera.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention transmits a captured moving image to each other by means of communication means and displays it on a monitor on the other side of the conversation, thereby displaying the image on a remote site. An imaging device for a two-way dialogue system that performs a dialogue with a main body placed on a monitor,
It is arranged in front of the image display area of the monitor, and the center of the imaging optical axis is arranged within a predetermined height from the display position of the eye of the conversation partner displayed on the monitor and substantially at the center of the display position of both eyes. An imaging unit, and a support mechanism for suspending and supporting the imaging unit from the main body. The imaging unit has a projection area on the monitor of 5% or less of a display screen area of the monitor. Is 9 from the display screen
It is characterized by being within 0 mm. Further, the protrusion length is preferably within 50 mm.

[0011] According to this, the image pickup unit for picking up the moving image of the user is substantially the same height as the display position of both eyes of the image of the conversation partner displayed on the monitor, and from the center position of both eyes to the user. Will be imaged. Therefore, the user and the conversation partner have the same gaze, and the sense of unity in the conversation is enhanced. By setting the projection area of the imaging unit on the monitor to be 5% or less of the display area of the monitor, the image of the conversation partner is not largely obstructed and does not disturb the display on the monitor. By setting the projection length of the imaging unit from the display screen to be within a predetermined length, the user does not feel a feeling of oppression due to the projection of the imaging unit, and can perform conversation without being aware of the existence of the imaging unit. .

This support mechanism is preferably extendable and contractible. This makes it easy to adjust the height of the imaging unit.

Preferably, the support mechanism is rotatably or swingably connected at a position where the support mechanism is attached to the imaging unit. Alternatively, the support mechanism includes a support arm, a spherical portion having a spherical outer surface attached to a lower end of the support arm, and a spherical outer surface fixed to the imaging section and having a part of the inner surface of the spherical portion. And a holding unit that holds the imaging unit in a predetermined direction by friction by being pressed. It is further preferable that the holding portion is pressed against the spherical portion by an elastic washer. Or
The support mechanism may be rotatably or swingably connected at a position where the support mechanism is attached to the main body.

This makes it possible to adjust the position of the imaging section and the imaging direction.

[0015] The imaging section may include a point light source that irradiates light parallel to the imaging optical axis in proximity to the imaging optical axis. Using this point light source as a guide, it is easy to adjust the imaging direction.

Further, it is preferable that the main body is provided with a drive mechanism for driving the support mechanism with respect to the main body. And
This drive mechanism preferably includes an ultrasonic motor. The position of the imaging unit and the imaging direction can be adjusted by the driving mechanism. When the ultrasonic motor is used for the drive mechanism, the fixing of the imaging unit to the set position is easily and reliably performed by the holding torque due to friction.

[0017] The apparatus may further include a drive control circuit built in the main body for controlling the drive mechanism, and a controller for sending a control signal from outside the main body to the drive control circuit. This facilitates adjustment of the imaging position by the user or the conversation partner.

The image processing apparatus further includes a signal processing unit that processes an image signal obtained from the imaging unit. The signal processing unit is configured to output an image of the subject when the imaging unit is disposed at an appropriate position in the obtained image. May be displayed by superimposing the positions at which the positions should be displayed. According to this, since an appropriate display position when the line of sight matches the current captured image is displayed as a guide, adjustment of the captured position is easy.

The image signal obtained from the imaging section is processed to detect the display position of the subject image in the image, and the driving mechanism is controlled so that the subject image is displayed in a predetermined area on the screen. May be further provided with a control circuit for changing the imaging direction of the image to an appropriate direction. According to this, the imaging position is automatically adjusted to an appropriate position.

Preferably, the display position is detected by extracting the contour of the subject image. further,
It is more preferable to extract the contour if the position of the top of the head is extracted. Thus, the position of the subject is accurately detected.

The imaging section includes a solid-state imaging device and a lens, and may include a built-in imaging control section for controlling the solid-state imaging device. By separating the imaging control unit from the imaging device and storing the imaging control unit in the main body, the imaging unit can be further downsized.

Here, it is preferable that the center of the lens is disposed below the center of the imaging unit. As a result, the center of the optical axis of the captured image is closer to the lower end of the imaging unit. Therefore, even when the lower end of the imaging unit is at the same position, the center of the optical axis of the captured image is further lowered and closer to the position of both eyes in the image of the conversation partner.

In this case, it is preferable that the distance between the center of the lens and the lowermost end of the imaging section is within 20 mm.

It is preferable that a camera cable for electrically connecting the imaging section and the main body is wired in the support mechanism.
And it is preferable that the imaging part is provided with a connector connected to the camera cable. This allows
Easy assembly and handling.

Further, by providing the transmission means in the main body, two-way image communication can be easily performed.

[0026]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements in each drawing as much as possible, and duplicate description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 shows a two-way interactive system using the imaging apparatus of the present invention. The basic configuration of the system is the same as that of the conventional embodiment shown in FIG. 14, and a microphone, an input device, and the like are omitted, but at least a microphone is provided. In the imaging apparatus, the main body 10 is mounted on a monitor 50, and the imaging unit 40 is suspended and supported by a support arm 30 that is rotatably and elastically attached to the main body 10. Then, the imaging unit 40 is connected to the monitor 50
Eyes 53 of the interlocutor image 52 displayed on the screen 51
And at the same height as the display position of, and the center of the imaging optical axis is arranged substantially at the center of both eyes 53. As a result, the angle θ formed by the line connecting the center of both eyes 61 of the user 60 and the center of both eyes 53 of the interlocutor image 52 and the line connecting the center of both eyes 61 of the user 60 and the center of the light receiving lens of the camera is determined. Become smaller. At this time, the angle θ is preferably within 3 °.
Accordingly, it is possible to capture an image of the user 60 in a state where the line of sight is substantially the same as the interlocutor image 52. Information obtained by adding other information to the captured image and the sound if necessary is transmitted to the interlocutor by the transmission means 54.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the image pickup apparatus.
A light receiving lens 42 is attached to the subject side of the imaging unit 40, and this portion has a shape most protruding from the screen. The distance between the projecting tip and the screen 51 at this time is defined as the projecting distance h.
Then, h is preferably within 90 mm. According to an experiment conducted by the inventor of the present application, the protrusion amount is 90 mm.
Most subjects say that they do not care about protrusion if they are within the range. In addition, the monitor screen is 17
In the case of inches or less, it is more preferable to be 50 mm or less. Here, when a glass plate, various filter plates, and the like are installed in front of the screen 51, the projecting distance h indicates a distance from the forefront.

It is preferable that the area of the imaging unit 40 viewed from the user 60 side, that is, the projected area on the screen 51 is within 5% of the display area of the screen 51. This is because the imaging unit 40 becomes considerably smaller than the display area in this case, and most subjects do not care about it as in the case described above. Further, the distance a between the center of the light receiving lens 42 and the lower end of the imaging unit 40 is preferably within 20 mm.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image pickup apparatus. In the figure, thick lines represent physical connections, and arrows represent flows of electric signals. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a driving portion of the support arm 30.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support arm 30 is supported by two adjustment rods 14a and 14b that are perpendicular to the fixed axis of the support arm 30 and perpendicular to each other. These adjustment rods 14a and 14b
Are connected to the ultrasonic motors 13a and 13b.
Here, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the adjustment rods 14a and 14b is mounted eccentrically from the center of the rotation axis of the ultrasonic motors 13a and 13b, or has a non-circular cross section. Therefore, the adjusting rod 1
The position of the fixed shaft of the support arm 30 can be moved in two axial directions according to the rotation of 4a and 14b. A balancer 1 is provided at the end of the support arm 30 on the side opposite to the imaging unit 40 support side.
9 is attached. These ultrasonic motors 13a
And 13b are driven by a control signal from the drive control unit 12. The drive control unit 12 itself is also controlled by the control unit 11. The control unit 11 controls an imaging operation of the CCD camera 41 via the CCD controller 15. By incorporating the control unit in the main body 10, the imaging unit 4
0 can be further reduced in size. CCD camera 4
The image signal sent from 1 is processed by the image signal processing unit 16, sent to the control unit 11, and taken out through the video output terminal 17. On the other hand, a control signal is externally input to the control unit 11 via the control input terminal 18. This control signal can be input from a remote controller or the like.

The operation of this imaging apparatus will be briefly described.
First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the main body 10 is arranged on the monitor, the length of the support arm 30 is adjusted so that the center 42 of the light receiving lens of the imaging unit 40 is displayed on the screen 51. It is set near the center of the eye of the image 52 of the other party.
Thereafter, a control signal is sent from the remote controller to the control unit 11 via the control input terminal 18, and based on the control signal, the ultrasonic motors 13a and 13b are driven to adjust the adjustment rods 14a and 14b.
To swing the support arm 30 by moving
The imaging direction of the CD camera 41 is finely adjusted. Thus, the imaging direction is adjusted to a direction in which the line of sight matches.

Here, the movement of the support arm is not limited to the one by the drive mechanism shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, when the image pickup unit is completely retracted outside the screen with the point A as the center, the image pickup unit does not become a hindrance when using the monitor other than for the conversation, which is convenient. Further, it is convenient to use the support arm 30 so that it can be extended and contracted so that the length thereof can be changed so as to flexibly correspond to the monitor size.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
The swing of the support arm 30 and the image pickup unit 40 may be enabled.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining this swing operation. FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b) are diagrams showing a supporting mechanism which enables this swinging operation. Figure 8 of these
FIG. 8A shows a supporting mechanism using a screw, and FIG. 8B shows a supporting mechanism using a spring.

The support mechanism 43 shown in FIG. 8A has a spherical portion 43a whose outer surface forms a part of a spherical surface, and a spherical portion 43a.
43 having a spherical inner surface that is compatible with the upper half of
b and a pedestal 43c having a spherical inner surface conforming to the lower half of the spherical portion 43a. The spherical portion 43a is fixed to the support arm 30, and the pedestal 43c is fixed to the imaging unit 40 body. Then, the cap 43b is screwed to the pedestal 43c so as to sandwich the spherical portion 43a from above and below, so that the outer surface of the spherical portion 43a and the cap 43b and the pedestal 43 are fixed.
The imaging unit 40 can be fixed in a state where the imaging unit 40 is oriented in a predetermined direction by friction with the inner surface of c. FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d) are cross-sectional views showing the swinging state.

The support mechanism 43 shown in FIG. 8 (b) fixes the cap 43b directly to the screw 43e on the main body of the imaging section 40, and arranges a spring 43d between the spherical section 43a and the main body of the imaging section. The image pickup section 40 is fixed in a predetermined direction by friction between the outer surface of the spherical portion 43a and the inner surface of the cap 43b due to the repulsive force of the spring 43d. In this case, the same effect as in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the internal configuration of the image pickup section 40. The imaging unit 40 has a lens 42 disposed below the main body. The image sensor 41a is located at the position of the lens 42.
Is arranged. The image pickup device 41a includes an image pickup unit 40
It is arranged on a mounting board 41c installed in the main body. An imaging control unit 41c is arranged at a position corresponding to the upper half of the imaging unit 40 of the mounting board 41c. Lens 42
Can be arranged below the imaging unit 40, so that the camera does not have to block the screen during imaging.

As shown in FIG. 10, a hole 45 having a central axis parallel to the image pickup optical axis near the light receiving lens 42.
May be provided, and the light emitting element 44 may be arranged behind the hole 45.
In this case, the light emitting element 4 is located only from a position along the photographing optical axis.
4 can be visually recognized, and by using the light of the light emitting element 44 as a guide, the imaging optical axis can be aligned with the line of sight, that is, the line of sight can be easily realized.

It is easy to adjust the eye-gaze coincidence by displaying a captured image on a monitor screen. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show an example of such adjustment. It is easy to guide the display positions of both eyes, which are considered appropriate when the eye-gaze matching is realized, in a rectangular frame or the like, and adjust the user image in the captured image so that both eyes fall within this rectangular frame. Can be adjusted to match the line of sight.

Alternatively, the imaging direction may be automatically adjusted based on the image signal of the captured image. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the automatic adjustment operation. The automatic adjustment operation will be described with reference to this flowchart and FIG.

First, based on the image signal acquired from the CCD camera 41, the image signal processing section 16 acquires the position of both eyes of the user in the captured image (S1). The position of both eyes is calculated by, for example, obtaining the position of a pupil that is a circular image. It is determined whether the thus obtained positions of the eyes are at predetermined positions to be displayed under the condition that the eyes match (S2). If it is located within the predetermined position, the adjustment process ends because the imaging direction is appropriate (S5). On the other hand, if not arranged, the control unit 11
Calculates the direction in which the CCD camera should be moved (S
3). Then, by driving the ultrasonic motors 13a and 13b to move the adjustment rods 14a and 14b, the support arm 30 is swung in a predetermined direction by a predetermined amount, and C
The imaging direction of the CD camera 41 is finely adjusted (S4). By repeating this, the automatic adjustment of the imaging direction is performed.

In addition, the contour of the user in the captured image, in particular, the contour image of the face may be extracted and used for position adjustment. Furthermore, if the position of the crown is extracted from the contour image and used, the position can be adjusted easily and accurately.

Next, another embodiment of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a swing drive mechanism of the imaging unit in a mode different from that of FIG. 8.

The spherical portion 43a attached to the tip of the arm 30 is pressed against the spherical receiving base 43c via the O-ring 43 by a wave washer 43h disposed in a cap 43f, thereby causing the lens 42 of the imaging section 40 to be pressed. It can be fixed in any direction. In this embodiment,
Compared with the embodiment of FIG. 8, the swinging drive mechanism can be configured to be more compact.

As a mechanism for rotating the arm 30 as shown in FIG. 5, a mechanism using a ball plunger 13c as shown in FIG. 15 can be used. In this mechanism, the arm 30 is connected to the main body 10 by a nut 13e.
The arm 30 can be driven to rotate by rotating the ball plunger 13c in the plunger holder 13d fixed to the main body 10. Accordingly, the imaging unit 40 can be retracted outside the screen of the monitor when the two-way conversation is not performed, and the imaging unit 40 does not interfere when the monitor is used for another purpose.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a wiring state between the image pickup section 40 and the main body 10. Here, a camera cable 46 for electrically connecting the two is wired inside the arm 30, and the camera cable 46 is connected to a connector 41 d attached to the camera 41 of the imaging unit 40. In this way, attachment and assembly of the imaging unit 40 to the arm 30 are facilitated.

FIG. 17 shows a state in which the imaging unit is incorporated in the arm 30 and the upper end thereof is rotatably fixed to the point A of the main body 10.
The figure shows a form in which a lens 42 is arranged on the lower end side. This device is used when the lens 42 is dropped into the display screen 51 of the monitor 50 as shown in FIG. 18A when used, and the arm 30 is moved to the A position as shown in FIG. By rotating the lens 42 at the same height as the point A by rotating the lens 42 about the point by 90 degrees from the use position, the lens 42 can be evacuated from the display screen 51 of the monitor 50.

In the above description, an example in which an ultrasonic motor is used as the driving means has been described. However, other driving means such as a linear motor and a rotary motor may be used. Since the ultrasonic motor has a holding torque due to friction, it can hold the position of the rod without performing control such as servo lock as in a normal electric motor, and is therefore particularly preferable as a driving means.

The camera is not limited to a CCD camera, and other solid-state imaging devices may be used. The control unit of the imaging device is not provided on the main body side, but may be built in the imaging unit as long as miniaturization is possible.

Further, image compression / decompression means for image transmission and transmission means for transmission / reception may be integrated into the main body. Further, voice input means and the like may be incorporated. This makes it possible to easily hold a TV conference or the like using two-way image communication.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the projecting length of the imaging unit from the screen can be suppressed and the imaging unit can be miniaturized, the imaging unit is not bothered and it is effective to form a sense of unity between the interlocutors.

Further, by finely adjusting the imaging direction, it is possible to make the sight lines substantially coincide with each other, and to deepen the sense of unity.

This imaging apparatus is particularly effective for remote counseling, remote education, remote medical care, and the like, in which it is important to form a sense of unity between interlocutors.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a two-way interactive system using an imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a driving mechanism of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a movement operation of a support arm of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another movement operation of the support arm of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another movement operation of the support arm of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an image pickup unit and a mounting portion of a support arm of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention and an operation thereof.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging unit of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a different imaging unit of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating adjustment of an imaging direction of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram further illustrating adjustment of the imaging direction of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating automatic adjustment of the imaging direction of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a different embodiment of the imaging unit and the mounting part of the support arm of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the drive mechanism of the support arm of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a wiring state of a camera cable of the imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the imaging device of the present invention.

18 is a diagram showing a state when the device of FIG. 17 is used and when it is not used.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a conventional two-way interactive system.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: imaging apparatus main body, 11: control unit, 12: drive control unit, 13a, 13b: ultrasonic motor, 14a, 14b ...
Adjustment rod, 15 CCD controller, 16 Image signal processing unit, 19 Balancer, 30 Support arm, 40
Imaging unit, 41: CCD camera, 42: Light receiving lens, 50
…monitor.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhisa Honma 513-7 Shinanomachi, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Within Sumitomo Electric Communication Engineering Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Junichi Matsuo 513- Shinanomachi, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 7 Sumitomo Electric Communication Engineering Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Go Suzuki 513-7 Shinanomachi, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Sumitomo Electric Communication Engineering Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yozo Watanabe Shinanocho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 513-7 Sumitomo Electric Communication Engineering Co., Ltd.

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An image capturing apparatus for a two-way interactive system in which a moving image captured by an image capturing apparatus is mutually transmitted by a communication means and displayed on a monitor of a dialogue partner, thereby performing a dialogue between remote places. A main body placed on the monitor, and a main body placed on the front of an image display area of the monitor, and a center of an imaging optical axis within a predetermined height from a display position of an eye of a conversation partner displayed on the monitor. An imaging unit disposed above and substantially at the center of the display position of both eyes, and a support mechanism for suspending and supporting the imaging unit from the main body, wherein the imaging unit projects onto the monitor. The area is 5% or less of the display screen area of the monitor,
The projection length of the imaging section from the display screen of the monitor is 9
An imaging device for a two-way interactive system, which is within 0 mm. 2. An imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system according to claim 1, wherein a length of said imaging section protruding from a display screen of said monitor is within 50 mm. 3. The imaging device for a two-way interactive system according to claim 1, wherein the support mechanism is extendable and contractible. 4. An image capturing apparatus for a two-way interactive system in which a moving image captured by an image capturing apparatus is mutually transmitted by a communication unit and displayed on a monitor of a dialogue partner, thereby performing a dialogue between remote locations. A main body placed on the monitor, and a main body placed on the front of an image display area of the monitor, and a center of an imaging optical axis within a predetermined height from a display position of an eye of a conversation partner displayed on the monitor. An imaging unit disposed above and substantially at the center of the display position of both eyes, and a support mechanism that suspends and supports the imaging unit from the main body and holds the imaging unit rotatably or swingably. An imaging device for a two-way interactive system, comprising: 5. The support mechanism includes a support arm, a spherical portion having an outer surface attached to a lower end of the support arm and having a spherical band shape, and a part of an inner surface fixed to the imaging portion and having a spherical surface portion. The imaging device for a two-way interactive system according to claim 4, further comprising: a holding unit that holds the imaging unit in a predetermined direction by friction when pressed against a spherical outer surface. 6. The imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system according to claim 5, wherein said support mechanism further includes an elastic washer for pressing said holding portion against said spherical portion. 7. An image capturing apparatus for a two-way interactive system in which a moving image captured by an image capturing apparatus is mutually transmitted by a communication means and displayed on a monitor of a dialogue partner to perform a dialogue between remote places. A main body placed on the monitor, and a main body placed on the front of an image display area of the monitor, and a center of an imaging optical axis within a predetermined height from a display position of an eye of a conversation partner displayed on the monitor. And an imaging unit disposed substantially at the center of the display position of both eyes, and the imaging unit is suspended from the main body and supported, and is connected to be rotatable or swingable at a mounting position with the main body. An imaging device for a two-way interactive system, comprising: a support mechanism. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit includes a point light source that irradiates light parallel to the imaging optical axis in proximity to the imaging optical axis. An imaging device for a dialogue system. 9. The imaging device for a two-way interactive system according to claim 7, wherein a driving mechanism for driving the support mechanism with respect to the main body is provided in the main body. 10. An image pickup apparatus for a two-way interactive system in which a moving image picked up by an image pickup apparatus is mutually transmitted by a communication means and displayed on a monitor of a dialogue partner, thereby performing a dialogue between remote places. A main body placed on the monitor, and a main body placed on the front of an image display area of the monitor, and a center of an imaging optical axis within a predetermined height from a display position of an eye of a conversation partner displayed on the monitor. And an imaging unit disposed substantially at the center of the display position of both eyes, and the imaging unit is suspended from the main body and supported, and is connected to be rotatable or swingable at a mounting position with the main body. An imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system, comprising: a support mechanism; and an ultrasonic motor that rotates and / or swings the support mechanism. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive control circuit built in said main body for controlling said drive mechanism; and a controller for sending a control signal from outside of said main body to said drive control circuit. Item 11. The imaging device for a two-way interactive system according to any one of Items 9 and 10. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a signal processing unit configured to process an image signal obtained from the image capturing unit, wherein the signal processing unit is configured to perform the processing when the image capturing unit is arranged at an appropriate position in the obtained image. The imaging device for a two-way interactive system according to claim 11, wherein a position where the position of the eye of the subject should be displayed can be superimposed and displayed. 13. An image signal obtained from the imaging unit is processed to detect a display position of a subject image in the image, and the driving mechanism is configured to display the subject image in a predetermined area on a screen. The imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system according to claim 9, further comprising a control circuit that controls the imaging unit to change an imaging direction of the imaging unit to an appropriate direction. 14. The imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system according to claim 13, wherein said control circuit extracts a contour of said subject image and detects a display position thereof. 15. The imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system according to claim 14, wherein the contour extraction of the subject image is a position extraction of a top of the head. 16. The imaging unit according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit includes a solid-state imaging device and a lens, and the main body includes an imaging control unit that controls the solid-state imaging device. An imaging device for a two-way interactive system according to any one of the above. 17. The imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system according to claim 16, wherein a center of said lens is disposed below a center of said imaging unit. 18. The imaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a distance between a center of the lens and a lowermost end of the imaging unit is within 20 mm. 19. The imaging device according to claim 19, wherein:
The imaging device for a two-way interactive system according to claim 1, wherein a camera cable for electrically connecting the main body is wired. 20. The imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system according to claim 19, wherein said imaging unit includes a connector connected to said camera cable. 21. The imaging apparatus for a two-way interactive system according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission means for mutually transmitting a captured moving image in said main body.