Video telephone

• US 5,587,735 A
• Filed: 12/22/1994
• Issued: 12/24/1996
• 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): Chan, Jason
• Application Number:
  US08/361,957
• Time in Patent Office: 733 Days
• Field of Search: 379/93, 379/94, 379/100, 379/96, 348/13, 348/14, 348/15, 348/16, 348/17, 348/18, 348/19
• 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 5/45 Picture in picture , e.g. displaying simultaneously another television channel in a region of the screen
• 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 11/0457 Connection protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0471 Terminal access circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/003 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13034 A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13096 Digital apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, digital line circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13175 Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13176 Common channel signaling, CCS7
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13179 Fax, still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13209 ISDN
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1326 : Consultation call, broker's call, call hold, toggling
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13334 : Key telephone systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13337 : Picturephone, videotelephony
• 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 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 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;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data and voice data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data and voice 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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

(m) 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;

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) 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 said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) a data terminal; and

(r) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and controlling inputting and outputting of user data between said multiplexor-separator and said data terminal.

2. A video telephone according to claim 1, wherein said control unit displays a guidance information for guiding operations of the key input from said key input unit on said display.

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

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

(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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

(m) 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;

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) 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 said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) an external camera control terminal;

(r) a data terminal; and

(s) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch, controlling of outputting of the user data to said external camera control terminal and controlling inputting and outputting user data between said multiplexor-separator and said data terminal.

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

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

(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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

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

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) 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 he coded, and for outputting the voice signal, which is decoded by said voice communication controller, to said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) a facsimile terminal; and

(r) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and controlling of inputting and outputting of the user data between said multiplexor-separator and said facsimile terminal.

5. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel 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;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data and voice data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data and voice 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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

(m) 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;

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) an audio switch for outputting an input signal from sand 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 said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) a data terminal;

(r) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and controlling inputting and outputting of user data between said multiplexor-separator and said data terminal;

(s) a base section incorporating said communication controller, said multiplexor-separator, said image CODEC, said voice communication controller, said speaker, said microphone, said power supply unit, said key input unit, said image input terminal, said image output terminal, said video switch, said voice input terminal, said voice output terminal, said audio switch and said control unit; and

(t) an upper section, which is arranged above said base section and connected to said base section, incorporating said camera and said display.

6. A video telephone according to claim 5, wherein said power supply unit comprises:

first power distributing means for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone;

means for detecting interruption of supply of power from said external power source; and

second power distributing means for receiving a supply of power from a secondary power source and distributing the power to at least of said communication controller, said multiplexor-separator and said voice communication controller, in a period in which said interruption of supply of power from said external power source is detected, said second power distributing means never distributing the power to at least of said image CODEC, said display and said camera in said period.

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

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

(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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

(m) 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;

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) 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 said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) a data terminal; and

(r) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and controlling of inputting and outputting of the user data between said multiplexor-separator and said data terminal.

8. A video telephone for exchanging image data and voice data through a digital communication channel 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;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data, voice data and user data received by said communication control and for multiplexing image data and voice 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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

(m) 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;

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) 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 said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) a data terminal; and

(r) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and varying data transmission rate respective of image data and voice data on said digital communication channel and controlling inputting and outputting of user data between said multiplexor-separator and said data terminal.

9. 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;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data and voice data received by said communication control and for multiplexing image data and voice 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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

(m) 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;

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) 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 said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) a facsimile terminal; and

(r) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and controlling inputting and outputting of user data between said multiplexor-separator and said facsimile terminal.

10. A video telephone according to claim 9, wherein said control unit displays a guidance information for guiding operations of the key input from said key input unit on said display.

11. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel 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;

(b) a multiplexor-separator for separating multiplexed image data and voice data received by said communication controller, and for multiplexing image data and voice 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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

(m) 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;

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) an audio switch for outputting an input signal from sand 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 said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) a facsimile terminal;

(r) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and controlling inputting and outputting of user data between said multiplexor-separator and said facsimile terminal;

(s) a base section incorporating said communication controller, said multiplexor-separator, said image CODEC, said voice communication controller, said speaker, said microphone, said power supply unit, said key input unit, said image input terminal, said image output terminal, said video switch, said voice input terminal, said voice output terminal, said audio switch and said control unit; and

(t) an upper section, which is arranged above said base section and connected to said base section, incorporating said camera and said display.

12. A video telephone according to claim 11, wherein said power supply unit comprises:

first power distributing means for receiving a supply of power from an external source and distributing the power to each electrical part of the video telephone;

means for detecting interruption of supply of power from said external power source; and

second power distributing means for receiving a supply of power from a secondary power source and distributing the power to at least of said communication controller, said multiplexor-separator and said voice communication controller, in a period in which said interruption of supply of power from said external power source is detected, said second power distributing means never distributing the power to at least of said image CODEC, said display and said camera in said period.

13. A video telephone for exchanging image data, voice data and user data through a digital communication channel 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 control and for multiplexing image data and voice 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 voice signal and for coding an input voice signal into voice data and transmitting voice data to said multiplexor-separator;

(g) a speaker for outputting a voice represented by a voice signal which is decoded by said voice communication controller;

(h) a microphone for transmitting the voice signal, which is produced by said microphone, to said voice communication controller as the voice signal to be coded;

(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;

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

(k) an image input terminal;

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

(m) 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;

(n) a voice input terminal;

(o) a voice output terminal;

(p) 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 said speaker or said voice output terminal;

(q) a facsimile terminal; and

(r) a control unit, responsive to the key input from said key input unit, for controlling said video switch and said audio switch and varying data transmission rate respective of image data and voice data on said digital communication channel and controlling of inputting and outputting of user data between said multiplexor-separator and said facsimile terminal.