JPH0646416A - Video telephone device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a video telephone device which can communicate with the transmitter side that first had a connection request to a voice circuit without cutting this circuit. CONSTITUTION:If a voice call is received from the transmitter side B, the telephone number B of the side B is stored as an identification code and a voice circuit is connected (S2). If a data call is received (Y of S3) afterward, the coincidence or anticoincidence is discriminated between the telephone number (identification code) received by the data call and the telephone number B stored in the step S2. If anticoincidence is confirmed (N of S5), the relevant data circuit is cut and the next data call is waited for. If the coincidence is confirmed between both telephone numbers (Y of S5), the connection of the data circuit is complete.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a videophone device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a data transmission / reception system in a videophone device that enables a data line connection only with a “sending side” that the user desires to receive after connecting a voice line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the widespread use of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Communication Network), development of video telephone devices using ISDN has been carried out. In addition to the conventional telephone that performs only voice communication, this videophone device is also capable of communicating a self-portrait of the caller and images of materials and the like. In such a videophone device, the voice input from the handset is coded and the CCD (Charge cou
The image of the speaker taken by a camera equipped with a pled device) is compression-encoded, and both are I-coded via the ISDN communication control unit.
It is transmitted from the SDN line. On the other hand, since the voice and the image from the “sending side” B speaker are also encoded and transmitted, it is necessary to decode these to output the voice from the handset and to output the decoded image to the display. It has become.

Here, in the case of transmitting voice and image data from the videophone device using the ISDN line,
First, connect the voice line to "Sender" B, then
Data lines with different channels are connected. However, when calls are made from multiple videophones almost at the same time, the following inconveniences may occur depending on the timing of the calls, because the voice and data channels are handled independently. There is a case. That is, FIG.
As shown in, when the "sending side" B requests the "receiving side" A to connect to the voice line (voice call) (step 501), the "receiving side" A and the "transmission side" are subjected to predetermined processing. The voice line is connected to the "side" B (step 502).
Upon completion of the connection of the voice line, voice communication between the "reception side" A and the "transmission side" B becomes possible. Then, originally, there should be a data line connection request (data call) from the "sending side" B to which the voice line is connected to the "reception side" A.

However, before the data call is made from the "sender" B, the "third party" C to the "receiver" A
A data call may be made to (step 503). In such a case, the "reception side" A videophone device receives this "third party" C data call and completes the data line connection between the "reception side" A and the "third party" C. (Step 504). After that, even if there is a data call from the "sending side" B connected to the voice line (step 505), the data line is already "third party" C.
The data line cannot be connected because it is in use by the user (step 506). As described above, there is a possibility that the party to which the voice line is connected and the party to which the data line is connected may be different depending on the call timing from the plurality of videophone devices.

A video telephone apparatus has been proposed which solves such a problem and connects a voice line and a data line only to the same caller (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1097/1992).
No. 46). That is, the source addresses included in both the voice information and image information channels (lines) are compared, and only if the source addresses of the voice and image match, it is determined that the source is a single source Performs line connection processing for both channels and image channels. On the other hand, if the source addresses do not match, it is determined that the sources are different, and line disconnection processing is performed for both channels.

[0006]

However, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 4-1 is used.
In the videophone device proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 09746, if the source addresses of voice and image do not match, the lines for both channels are cut off uniformly. Therefore, when a call is made at the timing shown in FIG. 4, the connection of the voice line completed with the "sending side" B which first made the voice call is disconnected, and the connection of the voice line is made. Was wasted. Further, in order for the "sending side" B to communicate with the "receiving side" A, it was necessary to perform the calling and voice / image line connection processing again.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a videophone device capable of communicating with the transmitting side that first made a connection request for a voice line without disconnecting the voice line.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a videophone device which is connected to an ISDN line, connects a voice line, and then connects a data line to transmit and receive voice and image data. The identification code storage means for receiving and storing the identification code transmitted from the calling side when the voice line is connected, and the identification code transmitted from the calling side when the data line is connected. The video telephone device includes a comparison means for comparing the identification code stored in the identification code storage means and a data line disconnecting means for disconnecting only the connected data line when the comparison means compares the identification codes. In order to achieve the above object. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the videophone device according to the first aspect, after the voice line connection, there is no data line connection request by the same identification code as the identification code stored in the identification code storage means within a fixed time. Is equipped with a data line closing means for closing the data line to achieve the above object.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the identification code stored in the identification code storage means is the identification code transmitted from the video telephone apparatus of the other party when the voice line is connected, for example, the telephone number of the calling party. Then, when the connection request for the data line continues, the identification code transmitted at that time is received, and this identification code is compared with the identification code stored in the identification code storage means. If they match, the connection between the voice line and the data line is completed as it is, and the voice and the image data can be transmitted and received. On the other hand, when the two do not match, only the data line is disconnected and a data line connection request with the same identification code is awaited. In the videophone device according to the second aspect, the data line is closed when the data line connection with the same identification code is not made within a fixed time after the voice line connection. As a result, it becomes possible to communicate only voice data and make a call with a normal key telephone device.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the video telephone device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. Figure 1
Fig. 1 shows the external configuration of the videophone device. As shown in FIG. 1, the videophone device 10 includes a base 11
The handset 12 is arranged on the left side of the base 11, and the display support 13 is arranged on the right side.

The handset 12 is for carrying out a telephone call and includes a microphone and a speaker (not shown). A speaker 14 and various operation keys 15 are arranged on the upper surface of the base 11. The operation keys 15 include a speaker volume knob 15 for adjusting the volume of the speaker 14.
1, a handset volume knob 152 for adjusting the volume of the handset 12, various function keys 153 associated with the telephone function,
A numeric keypad 154 for dialing, a recording key 155 associated with the television function, a privacy key 156 for not sending a self-portrait to the other party, a menu screen key 157 for displaying a menu such as various mode settings are arranged.

A camera 16 composed of, for example, a CCD is arranged in the upper right part of the front surface of the display support 13.
Take a picture of the speaker. Further, a display 17 for displaying an image is provided on the handset 12 side of the display support 13.
Is attached. On the display 17, an image of the other party transmitted from the videophone device of the call “sending side” B is displayed, and a menu screen is displayed in accordance with various modes designated by the operation of the operation keys 15. In addition, the image captured by the camera 16 and transmitted to the call “sending side” B is displayed by being combined with the image of the “sending side” B, and further, a predetermined message text or icon (pictogram) is displayed individually or Various displays such as display combined with an image are performed.

A VT (not shown) is provided on the back side surface of the base portion 11.
VTR connection terminals 25a to 25d for connecting R26
(See FIG. 2) are arranged. A camera switching key 18 for switching between the VTR 26 connected to the connection terminal 25 and the camera 16 mounted on the videophone device 10.
Is arranged on the right side surface of the display support portion 13. Further, on the right side surface of the display support portion 13, a shooting condition switching key 19 for switching shooting conditions such as an aperture according to the brightness of a room shot by the camera 16, a color of an image displayed on the display 17 (RGB ) For adjusting the color adjustment knob 20 and the cap 21 are arranged at predetermined positions. The cap 21 is for covering a screw (not shown) for fixing the display 17 to the display support 13. The display 17 is attached by a biasing force toward the display supporting portion 13 by a spring so as to be vertically rotatable about the center of the cap 21.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a circuit of such a videophone device. As shown in FIG. 2, the videophone device 10 includes a central processing unit 31. The central processing unit 31 is a well-known CP that performs various controls.
A U (central processing unit) 311, a ROM (read / write) storing various programs and data for communication.
The memory 312 includes a memory (only memory) and a RAM (random access memory) as a working memory for storing various data.

In particular, in the ROM, processing for connecting the voice line and the data (image) line only to the same video telephone device (caller), and data connection within a certain time after the voice line connection A processing program according to the present embodiment, such as processing for closing only the data line when there is no line connection request, is stored. Then, the identification code such as the telephone number of the caller necessary for these processes is stored in the RAM. The RAM also has function keys 15
3, the number of the other party who can be received in the incoming call restriction mode for restricting incoming calls other than the specified caller, which is set by the operation of the ten-key pad 154, the speed dial, and the standby, outgoing call, incoming call, Various data such as various flags indicating a state such as communication is stored.

The central processing unit 31 also includes a chip set 313 as a communication interface and a key controller 314 for controlling instruction signals input from various keys of the operation keys 15. This central processing unit 31
A communication control unit 33 and an image processing unit 34 are connected to the via a bus line (ISA bus) 32 such as a data bus. In addition, a personal computer or a CAD (computer aided desig) is provided through the ISA bus 32.
n), DTP (desk top publishing), and other various information processing devices can be connected. Communication control unit 33
Has an ISDN connection terminal 331 and is connected to an ISDN line. This communication control unit 33 uses a communication control signal,
It controls transmission and reception of data such as voice data and image data. The image processing unit 34 includes an image reproduction unit 341 that reproduces compressed image data transmitted from the videophone device of the other party via the communication control unit 33, and the camera 1.
6 and an image compression unit 342 that performs a compression process for transmitting the image data supplied from the VTR 26 by the communication control unit 33.

The video telephone 10 further includes a D / A (digital / analog) converter 36 connected to the image processor 34, an image combiner 37 connected to the D / A converter 36, and an image combiner 37. An audio control unit 38 connected to the unit 37 and the communication control unit 33 is provided. The handset 12, the speaker 14, the voice input / output terminals 25 a and 25 c of the VTR connection terminal 25, and the chip set 313 are connected to the audio control unit 38. The audio control unit 38 is configured to switch audio, hold sound, and DTMF (dual tone multip).
lex frequency), speaker 14 and handset 12
It is designed to adjust the volume of.

The D / A conversion section 36 converts the image data reproduced by the image reproduction section 341 of the image processing section 34 from a digital signal to an analog video signal (NTSC; national tel).
D / A section 36 to convert to an evision system committee)
1 and A / D for converting an analog video signal supplied from the image synthesizing unit 37 into digital image data
A section 362 is provided. The digital image data converted by the A / D unit 362 is the image compression unit 3 of the image processing unit 34.
42.

The image synthesizing section 37 includes an amplifier (AMP) 37.
1, picture-in-picture section 372, AMP3
73 and a changeover switch unit 374, and VT
It is connected to the video input / output terminals 25b and 25d of the R connection terminal 25 and the display 17. AMP371 is
An analog video signal taken by the camera 16 or V
The analog video signal supplied from the VTR 26 via the TR connection terminal 25b is amplified. The selection of both video signals is determined by the connection state of the changeover switch unit 374 by the changeover operation of the camera changeover key 18 in FIG. The analog video signal amplified by the AMP371 is
Normally, it is supplied to the A / D unit 362 and is supplied to both the A / D unit 362 and the picture-in-picture unit 372 when the image combining function is designated by the operation key 15.

Picture-in-picture section 372
AMPs the image data supplied from the D / A unit 361.
Supply to 373. Further, when the image synthesizing function is designated by the operation key 15, the video signal supplied from the D / A unit 361 (the image signal transmitted from the videophone device on the other end of the call) and the AMP 371 are supplied. Video signal (self-portrait or V captured by camera 16)
The video signal supplied from TR26) and the operation key 1
According to the designated state of 5, the synthesized video signal is A
Supply to MP373. AMP373 supplied NT
The SC signal is amplified and supplied to the display 17. The display 17 displays the supplied video signal in color.

Next, the operation of the embodiment thus constructed will be described. FIG. 3 shows the operation of the incoming call processing by the videophone device. Now, it is assumed that a call is first made from the "sending side" B to the "receiving side" A. In this case, in the videophone device of the "sending side" B,
First, a voice line connection request (voice call) is made (step 1). When ISDN is used, the telephone number B of the "sender" B is transmitted to the "receiver" A in this voice call. So, "receiver"
In the central processing unit 31 of A, the telephone number B is stored as an identification code in the RAM of the memory 312 (FIG. 2), and a predetermined line connection process is performed to make a voice communication with the "sending side" B. Complete the line connection (step 2).

Thereafter, the central processing unit 31 of the "receiving side" A
Then continue requesting data line connection (data call)
Is monitored (step 3). When there is a data call (step 3; Y), in the central processing unit 31, the telephone number (identification code) transmitted by the data call matches the telephone number B stored in the RAM of the memory 312 in step 2. Determine whether or not That is, it is determined whether or not a data call is made from the same video telephone device as the one that is first called and connected to the voice line (step 5).

Now, the operation will be described assuming that the data call is made from the "third party" C first (step 4), and then the data call is made from the "sending side" B. In this case, the central processing unit 31 of the "reception side" A reads the telephone number C transmitted from the "third party" C that was previously data-called, and the telephone number B previously stored in the RAM of the memory 312. (Step 5). In this case, the two telephone numbers do not match (step 5; N), so "receiver"
The central processing unit 31 of A transmits a command for rejecting the data call to the "third party" C (step 6),
Return to step 3 to monitor another data call again.

During this time, since the data call from the "sending side" B cannot be accepted by the "reception side" A, the data call continues as it is. Therefore, in the central processing unit 31 of the "receiving side" A, after transmitting a data call rejection command to the "third party" C (step 6), the "sending side"
Accepts a data call from B. Then, the telephone number B transmitted by the data call is read and compared with the telephone number B stored in the RAM of the memory 312 (step 5). In this case, since the two match (step 5; Y), the central processing unit 31 on the "receiving side" A:
After the predetermined line connection processing, the data line is connected to the "transmitting side" B (step 7). As a result, the connection of the data line is completed between the videophone device of the "sending side" B and the videophone device of the "reception side" A, which was first called and the voice line was connected. -Video telephone communication of images becomes possible (steps 8 and 9).

On the other hand, in step 3, the central processing unit 31 of the "reception side" A monitors whether or not a fixed time has elapsed from the voice line connection (step 2) when there is no data call (step 3; N). . If there is no data call after a lapse of a certain time (step 3; Y, step 10; Y), the "sending side" B desires only a voice call or a telephone device such as an ordinary digital telephone. Then, the data line is closed (step 11), and thereafter, a voice call is made with the "sending side" B by the voice line connected in step 2 (step 12).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the telephone number B of the "sending side" B to which the voice line is connected is stored as an identification number, and the same telephone number as that transmitted by the subsequently accepted data call is stored. I try to judge whether I am doing it or not. If the two phone numbers do not match, the data line connected to the "third party" C is disconnected and the data call from the "sending side" B is awaited, so the same phone number is always used. It is possible to connect voice and data lines to and from the videophone device of the number. In particular, on the "receiving side" A, even if there is a data call from the "third party" C between the voice line connection with the "sending side" B and the data call, it will be In this configuration, only the data line of "Sender" B is disconnected, and the data line from "Sender" B is waited for while the voice line of "Sender" B is connected. By this, even if the timing of the data call is delayed, the "sending side" B does not have to start over from the voice call by calling again.

Further, the central processing unit 31 of the "receiving side" A
Then, after connecting the voice line with the "transmission side" B, if there is no data call from the "transmission side" B within a certain period of time, only the data line is closed. Therefore, only the voice call can be performed between the videophone devices. Further, even if a call is made from a normal digital telephone device having no data communication function instead of the video telephone device, only the voice line can be connected.

In the embodiment described above, the telephone number of the "sending side" B is stored in the memory 312 as the identification code. However, in the present invention, the model of the "sending side" videophone device and the transmission An arbitrary symbol or the like input by the person using the operation keys 15 (FIG. 2) may be adopted as the identification code. When the identification code is input from the operation keys 15, it is set in advance for each videophone device, and the RAM of the memory 312 is set.
Alternatively, the identification code may be uniformly used. In addition, an arbitrary identification code may be input from the operation key 15 every time a call is made.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the case where the data line is connected after the connection of the voice line has been described. However, in the case of the video telephone apparatus of the type in which the data line is connected first, this is performed first. The identification code transmitted by the data call may be stored.

According to the present invention, the identification code of the calling side connected to the voice circuit is stored, and this identification code is compared with the identification code transmitted by the data call. Since the configuration is such that only the data line is disconnected, it is possible to perform communication with the transmitting side that first made a connection request for the voice line without disconnecting the voice line.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram of a videophone device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the videophone device of the above.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing inconvenience in a conventional videophone device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 videophone device 11 base unit 12 handset 13 display support unit 15 operation keys 17 display 31 central processing unit 311 CPU 33 communication control unit 34 image processing unit 36 D / A conversion unit 37 image synthesizing unit 38 audio control unit

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A videophone device connected to an ISDN line, connected to a voice line, and then connected to a data line to send and receive voice and image data. Identification transmitted from a calling side when a voice line is connected. An identification code storage means for receiving the code and storing it, and an identification code transmitted from the calling side when the data line is connected, and comparing the identification code with the identification code stored in the identification code storage means. And a data line disconnecting unit that disconnects only the connected data line when the identification codes are different from each other by the comparison of the comparison unit. 2. A data line closing means for closing the data line when there is no request for connecting the data line with the same identification code as the identification code stored in the identification code storage means within a fixed time after the voice line connection. The videophone device according to claim 1, wherein the videophone device is provided.