JPH06315145A - Image communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simultaneously record an image to be transmitted and a received image by one set of VTR by providing a recording means for recording synchronously a signal to be transmitted and a received signal in one recording medium. CONSTITUTION:The equipment is provided with a synchronous separation circuit 21 for executing synchronous separation to the respective signals of a transmitting image signal and a receiving image signal, and a synchronization adding circuit 22 for adding common synchronization in order to allow the synchronization to coincide with the transmitting image signal and the receiving image signal subjected to synchronous separation by the synchronous separation circuit 21. Also, this equipment is provided with a two-input/output recording/reproducing device 23 for recording simultaneously the synchronized transmitting image signal and receiving image signal, and also, reproducing and outputting separately the transmitting image signal and the receiving image signal, and a monitor 24 and a monitor 25 for displaying both the contents corresponding to the transmitting image signal and the contents corresponding to the receiving image signal, respectively. According to such a constitution, the transmitting and the receiving images can by recorded simultaneously in one recording medium, and accordingly, the image communication equipment whose operability is very excellent can be obtained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image communication apparatus for transmitting an image and a sound captured by a camera such as a videophone using a communication line and receiving an image transmitted from a partner. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional image communication apparatus of this type includes a camera 1 for photographing a sender and an A / D converter 2 for converting an image captured by the camera 1 into digital data. A transmission memory 3 for storing digitally converted data, a codec section 4 for compressing / decompressing / decoding data to be transmitted / received, a line interface section 5 for exchanging data with a line, and received data A reception memory 6 for storing, a D / A converter 7 for converting reception data into an analog signal, a monitor 8 for displaying transmission or reception contents, and a transmission image or a reception image in the contents displayed on the monitor 8. A control unit 10 including a changeover switch 9 for selecting and further controlling the entire system.
And a video tape recorder (hereinafter referred to as VTR) 11 for recording an image to be transmitted and a VTR 12 for recording a received image.

In the image communication apparatus configured as described above, when recording both information of transmission and reception, the image captured by the camera 1 is recorded in the VTR 11 and digitally transmitted by the A / D converter 2 to be transmitted to the other party. Convert to data. Here, by selecting to display the transmission image with the changeover switch 9, the content of the transmission image can be displayed on the monitor 8.

The digitally converted data is stored in the transmission memory 3, and the data in the transmission memory 3 is input to the codec section 4. Then, in the codec unit 4,
When transmitting and receiving data, data compression is performed to efficiently transfer the data, the result is encoded, and then the line interface unit 5 controls the communication to be placed on the communication line and transmits it to the other party. To do.

On the other hand, the data sent through the communication line is received by the line interface section 5 and passed to the codec section 4. In the codec unit 4, the received data is decrypted and expanded to restore the original data. The result is stored in the receiving memory 6, converted into analog data by the D / A converter 7, and output as a video signal.

The received image contents are recorded in the receiving side VTR 12, and the contents of the received image can be displayed on the monitor 8 by selecting to display the transmitted image with the changeover switch 9.

In the above operation, the control unit 10 writes and reads data to and from the transmission side memory 3 and the reception side memory 6, and controls the codec unit 4, the line interface unit 5 and the changeover switch 9. Is.

[0008]

However, in the conventional image communication apparatus, when it is desired to record the image to be transmitted and the image to be received at the same time, two VTRs for transmission and reception are provided.
There is a problem that it is necessary to prepare.

When two VTRs in which an image to be transmitted and an image to be received are recorded at the same time, the two VTRs are reproduced.
There is a problem that the TRs must be synchronized and played back at the same time.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an image to be transmitted and an image to be received are provided by one V.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image communication device capable of simultaneously recording in TR.

[0011]

The image communication apparatus of the present invention comprises recording means for synchronously recording a transmitted signal and a received signal on one recording medium.

[0012]

In the image communication apparatus of the present invention, the signal to be transmitted and the signal received are field or frame unit,
After dividing into line units or pixel units or the like, the combined video signal outputs are switched in a predetermined unit and recorded in one recording medium by the recording means, so that the image to be transmitted and the received image are the same recording medium. Can be recorded at the same time.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the image communication apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, the basic configuration diagram is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a sync separation circuit 21 that performs sync separation for each of the transmission image signal and the reception image signal,
A synchronization adding circuit 22 for adding common synchronization to match the synchronization of the transmission image signal and the reception image signal which have been synchronized and separated in the synchronization separation circuit 21, and the synchronized transmission image signal and reception image signal are simultaneously recorded. In addition, the two input / output recording / reproducing device 23 that reproduces and outputs the transmission image signal and the reception image signal separately, and the monitor 24 that displays the contents corresponding to the transmission image signal and the contents corresponding to the reception image signal, respectively. And a monitor 25.

In the above structure, the two-input / output recording / reproducing apparatus 23 can record two signals simultaneously by providing two heads in the case of a VTR, and can reproduce them separately. it can.

In the image communication apparatus configured as described above, when the transmission image signal and the reception image signal are input,
First, the sync separation circuit 21 performs sync separation for each of the transmission image signal and the reception image signal, and then the synchronization addition circuit 22 adds common synchronization to the transmission image signal and the reception image signal. , The transmission image signal and the reception image signal are synchronized.

Next, the two input / output recording / reproducing apparatus 23 simultaneously records the synchronized transmission image signal and reception image signal. Here, when recording as digital data, the respective signals have the same timing. A / D conversion with
When recording as digital data in a memory or the like, by doubling the data width at the same address for dots at the same position on the screen (for example, when recording one signal with 16 bits, 3 as width
If 2 bits are prepared and conversely the original signal is 16 bits,
The number of bits may be reduced to 8 bits and recorded as a 16-bit signal.) Two screens can be recorded simultaneously.

From the 2-input / output recording / reproducing device 23,
The transmitted and received images are reproduced separately, and the transmitted image is displayed on the monitor 24.
Each received image is displayed on the monitor 25. Further, when recorded as digital data in the two-input / output recording / reproducing apparatus 23, if transmission image data is recorded in the upper bits of the memory address and received image data is recorded in the lower bits, the data is read out at the same address and the data is stored in the upper bits. After dividing into lower order, D / A conversion is performed on each to make an analog signal, and each signal is displayed on a separate monitor 24 and monitor 25.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where the transmission image signal and the reception image signal are divided into fields and recorded in the VTR, and each signal is reproduced and output separately, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. Explained.

In FIG. 2 showing the construction of a recording system for recording images of two transmission / reception systems of this embodiment, 31 is a transmission image signal changeover switch for switching and outputting the transmission image signal for each field, and 32 is a reception image signal. Receiving image signal changeover switch for switching and outputting for each field, 33 is a synthesizing unit for synthesizing transmitting and receiving image signals output for each field and outputting as a video signal, and 34 is the transmitting image signal changeover switch 31 and receiving image A signal control switch 32 and a control unit for controlling the synthesizing unit 33, and 35 are VTRs for recording the transmission / reception image signals synthesized by the synthesizing unit 33 on a video tape.

The recording system having the above-described structure is provided with the control unit 3
The transmission image signal change-over switch 31 and the reception image signal change-over switch 32 are switched in the field unit designated by 4, and the respective outputs are alternately rearranged for each field in the synthesizing section 33 and outputted. Same as V
Recorded on video tape at TR35.

In the above operation, the VTR 35 is actually used.
As shown in FIG. 3, the image of the transmission / reception image data recorded in (1) is recorded alternately with the transmission image and the reception image for each field as time passes.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the reproducing system for reproducing a video tape in which images of two transmission / reception systems are recorded for each field also includes a VTR 41 for reproducing the video tape and information from the video tape. In addition, a signal detection unit 42 that detects whether the reproduced signal is in an odd field or an even field, a changeover switch 43 that switches based on the detection result of the signal detection unit 42, and the changeover switch 43. A / to convert each output digitally
D converters 44 and 45, memories 46 and 47 that store digitally converted data, D / A converters 48 and 49 that convert the data read from the memories 46 and 47 into analog data, It is provided with a transmission image monitor 50 and a reception image monitor 51 which display the outputs of the D / A converters 48 and 49, respectively.

In the reproducing system configured as described above, the signal detecting section 42 outputs a detection signal whose level changes every vertical synchronization based on the information from the video tape. The changeover switch 43 has a terminal a when the detection signal is at a high level.
On the other hand, when the detection signal is at the low level, it is switched to the terminal b side during the vertical synchronization period.

The output of the changeover switch 43 is converted into digital data by the A / D converters 44 and 45 and stored in the memories 46 and 47. This memory 46, 4
Since each of the digital data stored in 7 has information for one field only, the same data is read twice from the memories 46 and 47 in order to compensate for the information that is lacking in time.

The data read from the memories 46 and 47 is converted into analog data by the D / A converters 48 and 49, and then the output of the D / A converter 48, that is, the transmitted image is the transmitted image monitor 50. The output of the D / A converter 49, that is, the received image is displayed on the received image monitor 51.

Next, the entire system of the image communication apparatus of the present invention will be described with respect to the case where the transmitted image signal and the received image signal are divided into fields and recorded in the VTR, and each signal is reproduced and output separately. 5, the same parts as those in the conventional example will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the image communication apparatus of the present invention, the data read from the transmission memory 3 and the data read from the reception memory 6 are alternately combined for each field, and a combining unit 61. D / A converter 62 for converting the data of the transmission / reception image combined in step S4 into analog data
And a VTR 63 for recording a transmission / reception image signal converted into analog data on a video tape, and further a control section 64 for controlling the entire system including the synthesizing section 61.

In the image communication device configured as described above, the synthesizing unit 61 combines the data for one field from the transmitting memory 3 and the data from the receiving memory 6 based on the switching signal of the control unit 64. Are alternately read out and output as one. Then, the data of the transmission / reception image combined by the combining unit 61 is converted into analog data by the D / A converter 62 and recorded on the video tape by the VTR 63.

Regarding the voice, the voice signal on the transmitting side is mixed before being converted into digital data, and the voice signal on the receiving side is converted into analog data, and then mixed and recorded in the VTR 63.

A combination of the transmission image signal and the reception image signal as analog data will be described with reference to FIG. 6, but the same parts as those in the conventional example will be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the image communication apparatus shown in FIG. 6, a transmission image signal captured by the camera 1 and a reception image signal converted into analog data by the D / A converter 7 are alternately combined for each field. Synthesizing unit 71, and the synthesizing unit 71
A VTR 73 for recording the transmitted / received image signal combined in step 1 on a video tape, and a controller 74 for controlling the entire system including the combiner 71.

In the image communication apparatus configured as described above, the synthesizing unit 71 and the transmission image signal for one field from the camera 1 and D based on the switching signal of the control unit 74.
The received image signals converted into analog data by the / A converter 7 are alternately read and collectively output. Then, the transmission / reception image signal combined by the combining unit 71 is VT
It is recorded on a video tape at R73.

In the above embodiment, the transmission / reception image is simultaneously recorded and reproduced by one VTR, but by displaying the divided areas on the monitor,
You may comprise so that a transmitted / received image may be simultaneously viewed on one monitor.

Further, in the above-mentioned one embodiment, the description has been made of the case where the transmission image signal and the reception image signal are divided for each field and the respective signals are combined to form one video signal. The video signal output may be obtained by dividing the signal into units or the like and subjecting the respective signals to predetermined processing, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned one embodiment.

[0036]

Since the image communication apparatus of the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to record transmitted / received images on one recording medium at the same time. Therefore, an image communication apparatus having extremely excellent operability can be provided. Can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image communication apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram showing a recording system in one embodiment of the image communication apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing a data recording method in an embodiment of the image communication apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram showing a reproduction system in an embodiment of the image communication apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration block diagram showing an overall system of the image communication apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram showing an entire system of the image communication apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional image communication device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Camera 2 A / D Converter 3 Memory 4 Codec Section 5 Line Interface Section 6 Memory 7 D / A Converter 8 Monitor 9 Changeover Switch 21 Sync Separation Circuit 22 Sync Addition Circuit 23 2 Input / Output Recorder 24 Transmitted Image Monitor 25 Received Image Monitor 31 Transmitted Signal Changeover Switch 32 Received Signal Changeover Switch 33 Composing Section 34 Control Section 35 VTR 41 VTR 42 Signal Detection Section 43 Changeover Switch 44, 45 A / D Converter 46, 47 Memory 48, 49 D A / A converter 50 Transmitting side monitor 51 Receiving side monitor 61 Composing section 62 D / A converter 63 VTR 64 Control section 71 Combining section 73 VTR 74 Control section

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image communication device for transmitting an image captured by a camera or the like using a communication line, and receiving and recording an image transmitted from a partner, by synchronizing a signal to be transmitted and a signal to be received. An image communication apparatus comprising a recording means for recording on one recording medium. 2. The image communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: first dividing means for dividing a signal to be transmitted in a predetermined unit, second dividing means for dividing a received signal in a predetermined unit, and An image communication device, comprising: an output unit configured to switch a signal to be transmitted and a received signal by a predetermined unit and output as a combined television signal. 3. The image communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a digital conversion unit that converts a transmitted signal and a received signal into digital data, and a synthesizing unit that synthesizes the digital data as upper bits and lower bits, respectively. And an output unit that outputs the signal synthesized by the synthesizing unit as a video signal. 4. The image communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first dividing unit includes a first thinning unit that thins out a signal to be transmitted in field or frame units, and receives as the second dividing unit. A second thinning means for thinning out a signal in field or frame units is provided, and an identifying means for discriminating between an odd number and an even number in field or frame units, and the thinned transmission signal and received signal for a predetermined time. And an output unit for outputting as a video signal combined in a time sequence. 5. The image communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a storage element, storing the signal to be transmitted and the received signal in the storage element, and transmitting and receiving the signal stored in the storage element. And an image communication apparatus, wherein the divided signal for transmission and the signal for reception are switched at a fixed time and output as a video signal combined in a time sequence. 6. The image communication device according to claim 4, wherein the conversion means for converting the received signal into analog data, the signal to be transmitted before being converted into digital data, and the conversion means converted into analog data. An image communication apparatus, comprising: a synchronization unit that synchronizes with a received signal, and switches the signal to be transmitted and the received signal at a fixed time and outputs the combined video signal as a time sequence. 7. An image communication apparatus for transmitting an image captured by a camera or the like using a communication line, and receiving and displaying an image transmitted from a partner, by synchronizing a signal to be transmitted and a signal to be received. Recording means for recording on one recording medium, reproducing means for simultaneously reproducing a signal transmitted from the recording medium and a received signal, and image contents corresponding to the transmitted and received signals reproduced by the reproducing means at the same time. An image communication apparatus comprising: a display unit for displaying. 8. An image communication apparatus for transmitting an image captured by a camera or the like using a communication line, and receiving and displaying an image transmitted from a partner, thinning out a signal to be transmitted in field or frame units. 1 thinning-out means, 2nd thinning-out means for thinning out the received signal in field or frame units, identifying means for distinguishing odd-numbered and even-numbered fields or frame units, and the thinned-out transmission signal Output means for switching the received signal at a fixed time and outputting as a video signal combined in a time sequence; recording means for recording the video signal output from the output means on one recording medium; and transmission from the recording medium. Reproducing means for reproducing a video signal which is a combination of the received signal and the received signal, and the reproducing means. A switching means for switching and outputting the reproduced video signal in units of fields or frames, and a display means for simultaneously displaying image contents corresponding to the signals transmitted and received by the output of the switching means. Image communication device.