JP2008135935A - Home network system and video telephone system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video telephone system which allows a collaborative operation between a video phone and a television receiver which are controlled by different servers. <P>SOLUTION: A video telephone system 100 includes a video phone server 110, an AV device server 130, and a television receiver 140 controlled by the AV device server 130. The video phone server 110 includes a speech state reporting part 112 for reporting the speech state of the video telephone 120 to the AV device server 140 and a video phone image transmission part 114 for transmitting a busy video telephone image received from the video telephone 120. The AV device server 130 includes a video phone information output part 133 which outputs information showing the speech state of the video phone and the video phone image which are received from the video phone server 110 to the television receiver 140. The television receiver 140 displays a synthesized image resulting from synthesizing information showing the speech state or the video phone image with a content being displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a home network system and a videophone system.

  With the spread of Internet / broadband networks, digital home appliances, and Internet home appliances to general households, the introduction of home network systems is spreading. The home network system connects a plurality of devices existing in the home to each other, and performs cooperative operation and remote control of these devices. At present, such home network systems are generally distributed in a plurality of network environments depending on the types of devices. For example, AV networks that control AV (Audio and Visual) devices such as TVs and HDD / DVD recorders, living networks to which equipment such as lighting equipment, air conditioners, refrigerators, and home appliances are connected, telephones, The current system is composed of separate network environments, such as a communication network such as FAX, a security network for security devices such as sensors, surveillance cameras, and intercoms, and a server exists for each network. .

  In such a home network system, a technology is used in which functions of individual devices such as home appliances, facility devices, and sensors are operated in accordance with human behavior, changes in the external environment, and the like. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a call is made while watching a TV program, an incoming call to the telephone is detected by the HDD recorder connected to the telephone line, and the video being played is paused or viewed. A method is described in which a TV program, a movie, or the like can be viewed without being interrupted by a telephone by recording a TV program.

JP 2002-335479 A

  In the method of Patent Document 1, it is assumed that a telephone that operates in cooperation with a video recording / reproducing apparatus such as an HDD recorder is connected to the same telephone line. That is, the telephone and the HDD recorder need to be on the same network. However, when a communication device such as a telephone and an AV device such as an HDD recorder exist in different network environments as in the current home network system, the method described in Patent Document 1 is not used. There was a problem that the telephone and AV equipment could not be linked.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to perform a linking operation between a communication device and an AV device controlled by different servers in a home network. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved home network system and videophone system that are capable of performing the above.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, a video communication device server that controls a video communication device that performs communication using video and audio, an AV device server that controls an AV device, and an AV device And a display device controlled by the server. The video communication device server includes a communication state notification unit that notifies the AV device server of a communication state of the video communication device, and a communication received from the video communication device. A communication video transmission unit for transmitting video to the AV device server, and the AV device server outputs information indicating the communication state of the video communication device received from the video communication device server and communication video to the display device. Including an information output unit, the display device displays a composite video in which either the information indicating the communication state or the communication video is combined with the content being displayed. , The home network system is provided.

  With this configuration, in the video communication device server, the communication status notification unit notifies the AV device server of the communication status of the video communication device, and the communication video transmission unit transmits the communication video received from the video communication device to the AV device server. To do. The communication information output unit of the AV device server outputs information indicating the communication state of the video communication device received from the video communication device server and the communication video to the display device, and the display device displays information indicating the communication state or communication video. A synthesized video obtained by synthesizing any one of the displayed contents is displayed. As a result, even when the video communication device and the AV device exist in different networks and are controlled by different servers, the communication state of the video communication device and the communication video are transmitted to the AV device, and the linked operation is performed. Will be able to.

  The AV device server may further include a video composition unit that synthesizes either the information indicating the communication state or the communication video and the content being displayed on the display device. Thereby, the communication state of the video communication device and the communication video can be displayed on the display device simultaneously with the content. For example, while a content such as a TV program or DVD video is being received on a television, it is possible to display a video such as a videophone or an interphone on the television screen simultaneously with the content.

  Further, the AV device server may control the display device such that the composite video displayed on the display device changes according to the communication state of the video communication device. Thereby, the user can confirm through the display device that the communication state of the video communication device has changed.

  Further, the AV device server may determine whether or not to display the composite video on the display device in accordance with a selection signal transmitted from the video communication device server. Accordingly, the user can select whether or not to display the synthesized video on the display device in the video communication device. Alternatively, the communication partner in the video communication device selects whether to display the composite video on the display device, and the video communication device server that has received the selection signal further transmits the selection signal to the AV device server, thereby displaying Whether or not to display the composite video on the apparatus can also be selected by the communication partner side.

  Further, the AV device server may control the display device to display the communication video instead of the synthesized video. Accordingly, the user can select to display only the communication video without displaying the content during communication in the video communication device.

  The video communication device server acquires video transmission source information related to the transmission source of the communication video and transmits it to the AV device server. The AV device server outputs the video transmission source information received from the video communication device server to the display device. Then, the display device may display a synthesized video obtained by synthesizing the video transmission source information and the content being displayed. As a result, for example, the calling number acquired by a function such as a number display of a videophone, the name of the caller, and the like can be displayed on the display device together with the incoming call notification, which improves convenience for the user.

  The AV device server detects the power state of the display device when receiving either the communication state or the communication video from the video communication device server, and switches the power state to ON when the power state is not on. May be. As a result, even when communication is started in the video communication device when the power of the display device is off, communication video or the like can be automatically displayed on the display device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a videophone server that controls a videophone, an AV device server that controls an AV device, and a television controlled by the AV device server A videophone system including a receiver, wherein the videophone server includes a call status notification unit that notifies the AV device server of a videophone call status, and a videophone video during a call received from the videophone. A videophone video transmission unit that transmits to the device server, and the AV device server outputs the videophone call information and the videophone video information that is received from the videophone server to the video receiver. The television receiver displays a composite video obtained by synthesizing information indicating a call state or a videophone video and the content being displayed. Levi telephone system is provided.

  With this configuration, in the videophone server, the call state notification unit notifies the AV device server of the call state of the videophone, and the videophone video transmission unit transmits the videophone video during the call received from the videophone to the AV device server. Send to. The videophone information output unit of the AV device server outputs information indicating the call state of the videophone and the videophone image received from the videophone server to the TV receiver, and the TV receiver receives the information indicating the call state or the TV A composite video obtained by combining the phone video and the content being displayed is displayed. As a result, even when the videophone and the TV receiver are in different networks and controlled by different servers, the videophone communication status and video are displayed on the TV receiver display, and the linked operation is performed. Will be able to do.

  The AV device server may further include a video composition unit that synthesizes either the information indicating the call state or the videophone video and the content being displayed on the television receiver. Thus, the videophone call state and the video during the call can be displayed on the TV receiver simultaneously with the content. For example, simultaneously with content such as a TV program being viewed or a DVD image being played back, it is possible to display on the TV screen the video of the other party on the videophone call.

  In addition, the AV device server may control the television receiver so that the composite video displayed on the television receiver changes according to the videophone call state.

  For example, the call state notification unit of the videophone server transmits an incoming call notification notifying that the videophone call is being received to the AV device server, and the AV device server that has received the incoming call notification indicates that the incoming call is being received. The video may be displayed on the television receiver.

  Alternatively, the call state notification unit of the videophone server transmits a call start notification notifying that the call has been started in the videophone to the AV device server, and the AV device server that has received the call start notification A composite video combined with the content may be displayed on the television receiver.

  Alternatively, the call state notification unit of the videophone server transmits a call disconnection notification for notifying that the call has been disconnected in the videophone to the AV device server, and the AV device server that has received the call disconnection notification receives a call. You may make it the synthetic | combination image | video to the effect of cutting | disconnection display on a television receiver.

  Thereby, the user can confirm on the screen of the television receiver a change in the communication state of the videophone such as an incoming call, a call being started, or a call being disconnected.

  Further, the AV device server may determine whether or not to display the composite video on the TV receiver in accordance with the selection signal transmitted from the TV phone server. As a result, the user can select whether or not to display the synthesized video on the television receiver in the videophone or the videophone server. Alternatively, a selection signal for selecting whether or not to display the composite video on the display device is transmitted from the other party of the videophone call, and the videophone server that has received the selection signal further transmits a selection signal to the AV device server. Thus, whether or not to display the composite video on the screen of the television receiver can also be selected by the other party.

  The AV device server may control the television receiver so that the television receiver displays a communication video instead of the synthesized video. Thus, the user can select to display only the videophone video on the screen of the TV receiver without displaying the content during a videophone call.

  In addition, the videophone server acquires the source information of the incoming call to the videophone and transmits it to the AV device server, and the AV device server outputs the source information received from the videophone server to the video receiver, The television receiver may display a synthesized video obtained by synthesizing the transmission source information and the content being displayed. As a result, when a videophone call is received, the caller ID and caller name acquired by the number display function can be displayed on the TV receiver screen together with the incoming call notification. Convenience is improved for the user.

  Further, the AV device server detects the power state of the TV receiver when receiving either a call state or a video phone image from the video phone server, and switches the power state to ON when the power state is not ON. It may be. As a result, even when a videophone call is received or a call is started by making a call when the TV receiver is turned off, the videophone call image or incoming call notification is automatically received. Will be displayed on the machine screen.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform a linking operation between a communication device and an AV device controlled by different servers in a home network.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  First, a home network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, a videophone system in which the video communication device and the display device according to the present invention are applied to a videophone and a video receiver, respectively, will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the videophone system 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a videophone system 100 according to this embodiment includes a videophone server 110, a videophone 120, an AV (Audio and Visual) device server 130, and a television receiver 140. Consists of including. The video phone 120 is connected to the video phone server 110 via the network 150, and the video receiver 140 is connected to the AV device server 130 via the network 160. The video phone server 110 and the AV device server 130 are connected to each other via a network 170 and are connected to an external network such as the Internet 180.

(Videophone server 110)
The videophone server 110 is a server that is connected to the videophone 120 via the network 150 and controls the videophone 120. The videophone server 110 may be connected to various communication devices in addition to the videophone 120, and may be configured to manage, monitor, and control those communication devices. For example, a device for communicating with the outside from a house such as a normal voice-only telephone, FAX, and door phone may be connected to the videophone server 110 via the network 150. Alternatively, the network 150 may be connected to a security device such as a surveillance camera installed at a front door or a parking lot, or a home appliance having a communication function such as an internet refrigerator or an internet washing machine. May be connected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the video phone server 110 includes a video phone control unit 111, a communication state notification unit 112, a video decoding unit 113, and a communication video transmission unit 114. Hereinafter, each part of the videophone server 110 will be described.

(Videophone control unit 111)
The videophone control unit 111 is a functional unit for controlling the overall operation of the videophone 120. The videophone control unit 111 has a general function for controlling the operation of the videophone 120, but here, in particular, only functional parts related to the videophone system according to the present embodiment will be described. Description of other functions is omitted.

  The videophone control unit 111 detects a communication state in the videophone 120 such as an incoming call to the videophone 120, an outgoing call from the videophone 120, a response to the incoming call, and a call disconnection. Furthermore, the videophone control unit 111 notifies the communication state notification unit 112 of information regarding the detected communication state. In addition, the videophone control unit 111 acquires a caller's telephone number or a caller name registered corresponding to the telephone number by a function such as a number display when a call to the videophone 120 is received, The communication status notification unit 112 is notified.

  Furthermore, the videophone control unit 111 receives the video signal of the other party during the call, passes the received video signal to the video decoding unit 113, and requests decoding of the video signal.

  In addition, the videophone control unit 111 receives various signals notified by the user's operation on the videophone 120 or notified from the telephone of the other party through the telephone line, and notifies the communication state notification unit 112. For example, if a selection signal for selecting whether or not to transmit video during a call to the AV device server 130 is received and it is selected not to transmit to the AV device server 130, transmission of the video signal is stopped. To do. Alternatively, when the TV receiver 140 receives a signal to display only the videophone video during a call, it generates a signal for notifying the AV device server 130 to that effect, and a communication status notification unit 112 is instructed to notify the AV device server 130.

(Communication status notification unit 112)
The communication state notification unit 112 is a functional unit for notifying the AV device server 130 of the communication state of the video phone 120. The communication state of the video phone 120 is, for example, that there is an incoming call to the video phone 120, that the call is disconnected without a response, that the call is answered after the incoming call is answered, The state of an incoming call or a call at the video phone 120, such as the call being disconnected at the video phone 120 or the other party's phone and the call being terminated. The communication state notification unit 112 acquires the communication state as described above from the videophone control unit 111 and notifies the AV device server 130 of the communication state.

  In addition to the communication status, the communication status notification unit 112 also has a function of receiving information transmitted from the videophone control unit 111 and transmitting the information to the AV device server 130. For example, the caller's phone number and caller name that are notified when an incoming call is received, a selection signal indicating whether or not to display a video during a call, and whether or not only a videophone video is displayed when a video during a call is displayed Alternatively, information such as a selection signal for selecting whether to display the contents over the contents is transmitted to the AV device server 130.

(Video decoding unit 113)
The video decoding unit 113 is a functional unit for decoding the video of the other party that the video phone 120 received during a call. The video decoding unit 113 decodes the video signal supplied from the telephone line according to the video data transmission method in the network 170. The video decoded by the video decoding unit 113 is transmitted to the AV device server 130 through the communication video transmission unit 114.

(Communication video transmission unit 114)
The communication video transmission unit 114 is a functional unit for transmitting the video of the other party of the call received during a call by the videophone 120 to the AV device server 130. The communication video transmission unit 114 receives the decoded video data from the video decoding unit 113 and transmits it to the AV device server 130 via the network 170.

(Videophone 120)
The video phone 120 is a device for performing communication by exchanging audio and video, and is a combination of a general audio only phone and a video camera and a monitor screen. The user can talk using the videophone 120 while looking at the face of the other party on the monitor screen. In addition, it is possible to transmit a video of a person's face taken by a video camera provided in the video phone 120 to the other party.

  The video phone 120 is connected to the video phone server 110 via the network 150 and is controlled by the video phone control unit 111 of the video phone server 110. Here, the video phone 120 may be an ISDN video phone using an ISDN line, or an IP video phone using an IP communication line (optical fiber, ADSL, cable TV, LAN, etc.). Alternatively, an analog line videophone using a conventional analog telephone line may be used.

(AV equipment server 130)
The AV device server 130 is a server that is connected to various AV devices via the network 160 and controls them. A television receiver 140 is connected to the AV device server 130 as one of the AV devices, and the television receiver 140 is controlled. In addition to the television receiver 140, various AV devices such as an HDD / DVD recorder and digital video are connected to the network 160, and the AV device may be configured to manage, monitor, and control the AV device. Good.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the AV device server 130 includes a videophone receiver 131, a video composition unit 132, a videophone output unit 133, and a video control unit 134. In addition to the above, the AV device server 130 may include a function unit that executes a general function for controlling each connected AV device. Hereinafter, each unit of the AV device server 130 will be described.

(Videophone receiver 131)
The videophone receiving unit 131 is a functional unit for receiving a call state of the videophone 120 and a video during a call transmitted from the videophone server 110. The call state of the video phone 120 is information indicating a communication state such as an incoming call to the video phone 120, an outgoing call from the video phone 120, a response to the incoming call, and a call disconnection. The videophone video during a call is a video of the other party that is transmitted from the other party's videophone through a telephone line and displayed on the monitor of the videophone 120 or the like during a call on the videophone 120. The videophone receiver 131 passes the received information to the video composition unit 132 and requests video composition.

  The videophone receiver 131 receives various signals transmitted from the videophone server 110 in addition to the above-described call state and videophone video. For example, a selection signal for selecting whether or not to display a videophone video during a call on the TV receiver 140, and whether to display a composite video or a videophone video itself when displayed. Receiving a selection signal or the like. When the videophone video during a call is not displayed on the TV receiver 140 or when a composite video is not displayed, the video composition unit 132 is notified of this and an instruction is given not to perform video composition during a call.

(Video composition unit 132)
The video synthesizing unit 132 synthesizes the content being displayed on the television receiver 140, for example, a TV program being viewed, a DVD video being played back, and various types of information input from the videophone receiving unit 131. It is a functional part. 2 to 5 are diagrams illustrating display examples in which the video combined by the video combining unit 132 is displayed on the television receiver 140. FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the video composition unit 132 displays an incoming call notification 142 indicating that the video phone 120 has received an incoming call, overwriting a part of the content 141 such as a TV program or a DVD video. The video composition is performed as shown. Alternatively, depending on the communication state of the videophone input from the videophone receiver 131, information such as a call start notification indicating that the call has started and a call end notification indicating that the call has ended are received. It may be displayed instead of the notification 142. When the caller's phone number and caller name are notified together with the incoming call notification, the incoming call notification is edited so that the information is displayed at the same time as the incoming call notification 143 shown in FIG. Also good.

  In addition, the video composition unit 132 performs video composition so that the video transmitted from the other party during the call on the video phone 120 is displayed in a form that overwrites the content being displayed on the television receiver 140. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the video phone image 144 may be displayed by overwriting the lower right portion of the content 141. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, content 141 and videophone video 145 may be displayed side by side.

(Videophone output unit 133)
The videophone output unit 133 is a functional unit for outputting the synthesized video generated by the video synthesis unit 132 to the television receiver 140. The videophone output unit outputs the synthesized video input from the video synthesis unit 132 to the television receiver 140 under the control of the video control unit 134. The videophone output unit 133 also outputs a composite video when a signal indicating that the composite video is not output is input from the videophone server 110 through the video control unit 134 or the videophone reception unit 131 and the video synthesis unit 132. End the output process.

(TV control unit 134)
The television control unit 134 is a functional unit for controlling the overall operation of the television receiver 140. The TV control unit 134 has a general function for controlling the operation of the TV receiver 140, but here, in particular, only a functional part related to the TV phone system according to the present embodiment will be described. Description of other functions is omitted.

  The television control unit 134 outputs the content being displayed on the television receiver 140 to the video composition unit so that a composite video is generated. Further, when the television receiver 140 receives an input indicating that the composite video is not displayed, the television receiver 140 notifies the video composition unit 132 or the videophone output unit 133 to that effect and performs video composition processing or composite video output. Control not to do.

  The configuration of the videophone system 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above. With such a configuration, the video receiver and the video receiver that exist in different networks and are controlled by different servers display the video communication status and the video in communication on the TV receiver, thereby linking operation. Will be able to do. As a result, the user can sense that the video phone has received an incoming call even while watching the TV, and can simultaneously view the video of the other party while watching the TV program or DVD on the TV screen. It becomes possible to make a call by watching.

  Each function unit included in the videophone server 110 and the AV device server 130 may be software configured by a program module capable of executing each function described above, or may execute each function described above. It may be configured by hardware such as a simple processor.

  Next, an example of processing executed by the videophone system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing when an incoming call to the video phone 120 is executed by the video phone system 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the above processing. is there.

  6 and 7, first, in step S200, the videophone server 110 detects that there is an incoming call to the videophone 120.

  Next, in step S <b> 202, the videophone server 110 transmits an incoming call notification for notifying that there is an incoming call to the AV device server 130. The videophone server 110 acquires caller information such as the caller number acquired by the number display function of the videophone 120 or the caller name registered in association with the caller number simultaneously with the incoming call notification, You may make it notify to AV apparatus server 130. FIG.

  When the AV device server 130 receives the incoming call notification in step S204, the AV device server 130 overwrites a part of the content currently displayed on the television receiver 140 in step S206, and displays the incoming call notification as shown in FIG. To generate a composite image. When the caller information is notified from the videophone server 110 at the same time as the incoming call notification, a composite image is generated so that the caller information is displayed on the screen together with the incoming call notification as shown in FIG.

  Here, in the television receiver 140, for example, when content is not displayed because the power is turned off, the video may not be combined. Alternatively, the television control unit 134 checks the power state of the television receiver 140, and if the power state is off, automatically turns it on, for example, and generates a composite video using content such as a received television program. You may make it do.

  Next, in step S208, the AV device server 130 transmits the synthesized video to the television receiver 140, and displays the synthesized video including the incoming call notification on the screen of the television receiver 140 as in the example shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. Let

  Further, when a response to the incoming call is made in the videophone 120, the videophone server 110 receives a response notification from the videophone 120 in step S210. Next, in step S212, the videophone server 110 transmits a call start notification notifying that the call has started to the AV device server 130. In step S214, the AV device server 130 that has received the call start notification displays on the television receiver 140 that the call has started. Also, the videophone server 110 notifies the call originator of the incoming call that the call has started, and a call path is formed through the telephone line.

  When a call is started on the videophone 120, the videophone server 110 receives an audio signal and a video signal from the caller's telephone through a telephone line. The audio signal is transmitted to the video phone 120, and the user makes a call with the other party using a handset provided in the video phone 120 or the like. The video signal is transmitted to the videophone server 110. In step S216, the videophone server 110 passes the received video signal to the video decoding unit and decodes the video.

  The decoded video signal is transmitted to the AV device server 130 by the communication video transmission unit 114, and is received by the AV device server 130 in step S218. In step S220, the AV device server 130 combines the received video signal with the content currently displayed on the television receiver 140. Next, the synthesized video synthesized in step S222 is transmitted to the television receiver 140, and the synthesized video is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 140, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.

  In this way, during a call, the videophone server 110 transmits video transmitted from the videophone of the other party to the AV device server 130, and the AV device server 130 performs video composition and displays it on the TV receiver 140. The process of making it repeat is performed.

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the call is disconnected at the video phone 120 or the video phone of the other party. Then, in step S224, the videophone server 110 receives a notification that the call has ended.

  Upon receiving the call end notification, the videophone server 110 transmits the call end notification to the AV equipment server 130 in step S226.

  In step S228, when the AV device server 130 receives the call end notification from the videophone server 110, in step S230, the AV device server 130 performs video composition so that the display of the call end is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 140. Is displayed on the television receiver 140. Thereafter, when the composite video after the call is displayed for a predetermined time, the display of the composite video may be terminated and the display may be switched to display only the original content. Or you may make it complete | finish the display of a synthetic | combination image | video by a user's operation. In step S206, when the power of the television receiver 140 is automatically turned on, a process such as automatically turning off the power and returning to the original state may be performed.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the videophone server decodes the video received by the videophone and transmits it to the AV device server. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the videophone server may transmit the video signal received by the videophone as it is to the AV device server, and decode the video signal so that the video is displayed on the TV receiver in the AV device server.

  In the above embodiment, the video composition is described as being performed by the AV device server. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a video composition unit is provided on the television side, and the received content, the videophone video, May be combined and displayed.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the video telephone system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the notification of the incoming call was displayed on the television screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the notification of the incoming call was displayed on the television screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the image | video of the videophone was displayed on the television screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the image | video of the videophone was displayed on the television screen. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process of the videophone system concerning the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the videophone system concerning the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Videophone system 110 Videophone server 111 Videophone control part 112 Communication state notification part 113 Video decoding part 114 Communication video transmission part 120 Videophone 130 AV equipment server 131 Videophone reception part 132 Video composition part 133 Videophone output part 134 Television Control unit 140 TV receiver 150, 160, 170 Network 180 Internet

Claims (17)

A home network system comprising: a video communication device server that controls a video communication device that performs communication using video and audio; an AV device server that controls an AV device; and a display device controlled by the AV device server. And
The video communication equipment server is
A communication state notification unit for notifying the AV device server of the communication state of the video communication device;
A communication video transmission unit that transmits the communication video received from the video communication device to the AV device server;
Including
The AV device server
A communication information output unit that outputs information indicating a communication state of the video communication device received from the video communication device server and the communication video to a display device;
The display device
A home network system, characterized in that a synthesized video obtained by synthesizing either the information indicating the communication state or the communication video and the content being displayed is displayed.   2. The home according to claim 1, wherein the AV device server further includes a video synthesis unit that synthesizes either the information indicating the communication state or the communication video with the content being displayed on the display device. Network system.   3. The AV device server according to claim 1, wherein the AV device server controls the display device so that a composite video displayed on the display device changes according to a communication state of the video communication device. Home network system described in 1.   The AV device server determines whether or not to display the composite video on the display device according to a selection signal transmitted from the video communication device server. A home network system according to the above.   5. The home network system according to claim 1, wherein the AV device server controls the display device to display the communication video instead of the synthesized video. 6. The video communication device server acquires video transmission source information related to the transmission source of the communication video and transmits it to the AV device server,
The AV device server outputs the video transmission source information received from the video communication device server to the display device,
The home network system according to claim 1, wherein the display device displays a composite video obtained by combining the video transmission source information with the content being displayed.   The AV device server detects the power state of the display device when receiving either the communication state or the communication video from the video communication device server. If the power state is not on, the AV device server changes the power state. The home network system according to claim 1, wherein the home network system is switched on. A videophone system comprising a videophone server that controls a videophone, an AV device server that controls an AV device, and a video receiver controlled by the AV device server,
The videophone server is
A call state notification unit for notifying the AV device server of a call state of the videophone;
A videophone video transmitter for transmitting a videophone video during a call received from the videophone to the AV device server;
Including
The AV device server
A videophone information output unit that outputs information indicating the videophone call state received from the videophone server and the videophone video to the video receiver;
The videophone system, characterized in that the video receiver displays information indicating the call state or a synthesized video obtained by synthesizing the videophone video and the content being displayed.   9. The AV device server according to claim 8, further comprising a video composition unit that synthesizes either the information indicating the call state or the videophone video and the content being displayed on the television receiver. Video phone system.   10. The AV device server according to claim 8, wherein the AV device server controls the television receiver so that a composite video displayed on the television receiver changes according to a call state of the videophone. The video phone system described in Crab. The call state notifying unit transmits an incoming call notification notifying that the videophone is receiving a call to the AV device server,
11. The videophone system according to claim 10, wherein, when the AV device server receives the incoming call notification, the composite video indicating that the incoming call is being received is displayed on the TV receiver. The call state notification unit transmits a call start notification notifying that a call has started in the videophone to the AV device server,
11. The AV device server, when receiving the call start notification, displays the synthesized video obtained by synthesizing the video phone video and the content on the television receiver. 12. The videophone system according to any one of 11 above. The call state notification unit transmits a call disconnection notification notifying that the call has been disconnected in the videophone to the AV device server,
13. The AV device server according to claim 10, wherein when the call disconnect notification is received, the composite video indicating that the call has been disconnected is displayed on the television receiver. The videophone system described in 1.   14. The AV device server according to claim 8, wherein the AV device server determines whether or not to display the composite video on the video receiver according to a selection signal transmitted from the video phone server. The video phone system described in Crab.   The AV device server controls the television receiver to cause the television receiver to display the communication video instead of the synthesized video. Video phone system. The videophone server acquires source information of an incoming call to the videophone and transmits it to the AV device server,
The AV device server outputs the transmission source information received from the videophone server to the video receiver,
The videophone system according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the television receiver displays a synthesized video obtained by synthesizing the transmission source information and the content being displayed.   The AV device server detects the power state of the video receiver when receiving either the call state or the video phone video from the video phone server, and if the power state is not on, the power state The videophone system according to claim 8, wherein the videophone system is switched on.

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