Video telephone

• US 5,400,068 A
• Filed: 07/24/1992
• Issued: 03/21/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Inventors: Goto, Hiroshi, Ishida, Kiyoshi
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): Chan, Jason
• Application Number:
  US07/918,054
• Time in Patent Office: 970 Days
• Field of Search: 379/53, 379/54, 379/100, 379/420, 379/413, 358/85
• US Class Current: 348/14.04
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/236 Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream multiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2383 Channel coding or modulation of digital bit-stream, e.g. QPSK modulation arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by adapting the channel coding H04L1/0009; analogue front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/434 Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream demultiplexing of data packets for data networks, e.g. RTP/UDP H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4382 Demodulation or channel decoding, e.g. QPSK demodulation analog front ends or means for connecting modulators, demodulators or transceivers to a transmission line H04L27/0002
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/141 between two video terminals, e.g. videophone telephonic communication systems combined with television receiver for reception of entertainment or information matter H04M11/085
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/148 Interfacing a video terminal to a particular transmission medium, e.g. ISDN
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0471 Terminal access circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/003 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/337 Picturephone

Abstract

A video telephone to be connected to the ISDN is a unitary structure comprising a communication controller for controlling communication of digital data, such as voice signal, image signal and facsimile/camera control signal, a dial or key panel unit, a telephone controller for controlling the functions of a handset and the key panel unit, a camera for inputting an image, a display for outputting an image, and an image CODEC for coding an input image signal and decoding a received image signal. The camera is tiltable and detachable.

Claims

1. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel or channels in real time, comprising;

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, voice data and user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a camera for outputting an image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as an image signal to be coded;

(e) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC;

(f) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a handset having a first speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller, and a first microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said first microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(h) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone;

(i) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(j) an image input terminal;

(k) an image output terminal for outputting the image signal decoded by said image CODEC;

(l) a video switch for outputting the image signal from said camera or the input image signal from said image input terminal to said image CODEC as the image signal to be coded;

(m) a voice input terminal;

(n) a second speaker;

(o) a second microphone;

(p) a voice output terminal;

(q) an audio switch for outputting an input signal from said voice input terminal or the voice signal taken by the first microphone or the voice signal taken by the second microphone to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded, and for outputting the voice signal, which is decoded by said voice communication controller, to the first speaker or the second speaker or said voice output terminal;

(r) a serial data interface;

(s) a facsimile terminal;

(t) a camera control terminal; and

(u) a control unit, in response to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and controlling of switching over inputting and outputting of the user data between said multiplexor-separator and each of said serial data interface, said facsimile terminal and said camera control terminal.

2. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel or channels in real time, comprising:

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, a voice data and a user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a camera for outputting an image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as an image signal to be coded;

(e) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC;

(f) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a handset for outputting a voice according to the voice signal decoded by said voice communication controller and for producing a voice signal and transmitting the produced voice signal to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(h) a speaker for outputting a voice according to the voice signal decoded by said voice communication controller;

(i) a microphone for producing and transmitting a voice signal to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(j) an audio switch for outputting the voice signal produced by said handset or the voice signal produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded, and for outputting the voice signal from said voice communication controller to said handset or said speaker;

(k) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and for distributing the power to said video telephone;

(l) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(m) a control unit for controlling said audio switch in response to a key input from said key input unit;

(n) a hands-free control unit for controlling so as to disable a weaker one of the voice signal to be transmitted from said microphone and the voice signal from which said speaker outputs the voice therefrom; and

(o) a facsimile terminal connected to said multiplexor-separator for outputting user data as an analog signal to a facsimile and for inputting an analog signal as user data from said facsimile;

said microphone and said speaker being allocated on a same surface of the video telephone.

3. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel or channels in real time, comprising;

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, a voice data and a user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a camera for outputting an image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as an image signal to be coded;

(e) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC;

(f) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a handset having a first speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller, and a first microphone for producing and transmitting a voice signal to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(h) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone;

(i) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(j) a serial data interface;

(k) a camera control terminal;

(l) a facsimile terminal for outputting an analog signal to a facsimile and for inputting an analog signal from said facsimile;

(m) a digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converter for converting the user data, which is separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an analog signal to be fed to said facsimile terminal, and for converting the analog signal, which is inputted from said facsimile terminal, into user data;

(n) a control unit, in response to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling of switching over inputting and outputting of the user data between said multiplexor-separator and each of said serial data interface, said digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converter and said camera control terminal.

4. A video telephone system comprising;

(I) a video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel or channels in real time, said video telephone including;

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, voice data and user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a camera for outputting an image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as an image signal to be coded;

(e) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC;

(f) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a handset having a first speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller, and a first microphone for producing and transmitting a voice signal to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(h) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone;

(i) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(j) an image input terminal;

(k) a video switch for outputting the image signal from said camera or the input image signal from said image input terminal to said image CODEC as the image signal to be coded;

(l) a camera control terminal for outputting the user data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator;

(m) a control unit for controlling said video switch in response to a key input from said key input unit; and

(o) a facsimile terminal connected to said multiplexor-separator for outputting user data as an analog signal to a facsimile and for inputting an analog signal as user data from said facsimile;

(II) an external camera connected to said image input terminal of said video telephone; and

(III) a camera controller connected to said camera control terminal of said video telephone for controlling panning, tilting, zooming and focusing operations of said external camera.

5. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel or channels in real time, comprising:

(I) a handset for outputting a voice according to an input voice signal and for producing a voice signal and transmitting the produced voice signal;

(II) a mainframe-and-display unit including;

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, voice data and user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal to be output to said handset and for coding an input voice signal input from said handset into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(e) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and for distributing the power to said video telephone;

(f) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(g) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC; and

(h) a facsimile terminal connected to said multiplexor-separator for outputting user data as an analog signal to a facsimile and for inputting an analog signal as user data from said facsimile;

(III) a camera unit including;

(a) a camera for producing and outputting an image signal to said image CODEC as the image signal to be coded; and

(b) a lamp for illuminating a subject to be taken by said camera;

said camera unit being angularly and movably connected to said mainframe-and-display unit.

6. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel or channels in real time, comprising:

(I) a handset for outputting a voice according to an input voice signal and for producing a voice signal and transmitting the produced voice signal;

(II) a mainframe-and-display unit including;

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, voice data and user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted,

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal to be output to said handset and for coding an input voice signal input from said handset into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(e) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to said video telephone;

(f) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(g) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC; and

(h) a facsimile terminal connected to said multiplexor-separator for outputting user data as an analog signal to a facsimile and for inputting an analog signal as user data from said facsimile;

(III) a camera unit accommodating a camera, which is connected to said image CODEC by a cable, for outputting the image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as the image signal to be coded, said camera unit being detachably connected with said mainframe-and display unit.

7. A video telephone according to claim 6, wherein said camera unit has a lamp for illuminating an object and movement apparatus for permitting angular movement of said camera unit over a predetermined angle with respect to said mainframe-and-display unit.

8. A video telephone system comprising a video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel or channels in real time, and a video tape recorder, wherein said video telephone includes:

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, voice data and user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a camera for outputting an image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as an image signal to be coded;

(e) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC;

(f) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal and for coding an input voice signal .into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a handset having a first speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller, and a microphone for producing and transmitting a voice signal to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(h) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone;

(i) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(j) a video input terminal;

(k) a video output terminal for outputting the image signal decoded by said image CODEC;

(l) a voice input terminal;

(m) a voice output terminal;

(n) a video switch for outputting the image signal from said camera or the input image signal from said image input terminal to said image CODEC as the image signal to be coded;

(o) an audio switch for outputting an input signal from said voice input terminal or the voice signal taken by the microphone to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded, and for outputting the voice signal, which is decoded by said voice communication controller, to the speaker or said voice output terminal;

(p) a control unit, in response to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch; and

(q) a video tape recorder control signal terminal for outputting a video tape recorder control signal instructing an action of said video tape recorder by said control unit;

wherein

said video tape recorder is connected to said video output terminal, said voice output terminal, said video input terminal, said voice input terminal and said video tape recorder control signal terminal;

and wherein for incoming data after caretaker image recording is designated by a key of said key input unit, said control unit of said video telephone sends predetermined image data to said multiplexor-separator when a communication channel or channels are connected, outputs the input video signal and the voice signal respectively to said image output terminal and said voice output terminal, and outputs to said video tape recorder control signal terminal a video tape recorder control signal instructing picture and voice recording actions when the communication channel or channel are connected, and outputs to said video tape recorder control signal terminal a video tape recorder control signal instructing stopping of the recording actions when the communication channel or channels are disconnected.

9. A video telephone which is adapted to be connected to a digital communication network for a local power supply and which exchanges image data, voice data and user data in real time through a digital communication channel or channels provided by the digital communication network, said video telephone comprising:

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, voice data and user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a camera for outputting an image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as an image signal to be coded;

(e) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC;

(f) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a handset having a first speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller, and a first microphone for producing and transmitting a voice signal to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(h) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(i) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone, said power supply unit including a voltage converter for converting a voltage of the local power supply into an internal voltage to be used in the video telephone, a detector for detecting an interruption of the supply of power from said external source, and a power distributor for distributing, if said detector detects interruption of the supply of power, to some of the electrical parts including said communication controller, said multiple-separator, said voice communication controller and key input unit, the power whose voltage is converted by said power converter, wherein said some of the electrical parts do not include said camera, said display and said image CODEC; and

(j) a facsimile terminal connected to said multiplexor-separator for outputting user data as an analog signal to a facsimile and for inputting an analog signal as user data from said facsimile.

10. A video telephone which is adapted to be connected to a digital communication network for a local power supply and which exchanges image data, voice data and user data in real time through a digital communication channel or channels provided by the digital communication network, said video telephone comprising:

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, voice data and user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a camera for outputting an image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as an image signal to be coded;

(e) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC;

(f) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a handset having a first speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller, and a first microphone for producing and transmitting a voice signal to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(h) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(i) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone, said power supply unit including a charger for charging the power supplied from the local power supply, a detector for detecting the interruption of the supply of power from said external source, and a power distributor for distributing, if said detector detects the interruption of the supply of power, to some of the electrical parts including said communication controller, said multiplexor-separator, said voice communication controller and key input unit, the power charged by said charger, wherein said some of the electrical parts do not include said camera, said display and said image CODEC; and

(j) a facsimile terminals connected to said multiplexor-separation for outputting user data as an analog signal to a facsimile and for inputting user data from said facsimile.

11. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel or channels in real time, comprising;

(a) a communication controller for controlling communication of image data, voice data and user data, which are multiplexed, through the digital communication channel or channels;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data, voice data and user data into multiplexed data which are to be transmitted;

(c) an image CODEC for decoding image data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into an image signal and for coding an input image signal into image data and transmitting image data to said multiplexor-separator;

(d) a camera for outputting an image signal, which is taken by said camera, to said image CODEC as an image signal to be coded;

(e) a display for displaying an image represented by an image signal which is decoded by said image CODEC;

(f) a voice communication controller for decoding voice data, which are separated by said multiplexor-separator, into a voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a handset having a first speaker for outputting a voice represented by an voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller, and a first microphone for producing and transmitting the voice signal to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(h) a power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone;

(i) a key input unit having a plurality of keys;

(j) a serial data interface;

(k) a facsimile terminal;

(l) a camera control terminal;

(m) a control unit, in response to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling of switching over inputting and outputting of the user data between said multiplexor-separator and each of said serial data interface, said facsimile terminal and said camera control terminal. PG,40