Video conversation/monitoring system having a remote monitoring function

• US 5,745,160 A
• Filed: 08/29/1996
• Issued: 04/28/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Inventors: Aramaki, Tooru, Nakao, Atsuko, Matsuda, Tokusou, Torii, Nobuyoshi, Kidokoro, Masato, Matsuyama, Nobuyuki, Watanabe, Toshio, Ishida, Kiyoshi, Yamada, Takehiko, Ebihara, Toru
• Primary Examiner(s): Peng, John K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Miller, John W.
• Application Number:
  US08/705,314
• Time in Patent Office: 607 Days
• Field of Search: 348/14, 348/15, 348/16, 348/20, 379/202, 379/204, 379/205, 379/206, 379/203
• US Class Current: 348/14.09
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/50 Telephonic communication in combination with video communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/567 Multimedia conference systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/42 Systems for two-way working , e.g. conference systems H04N1/32 takes precedence
• 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: H04Q 11/0457 Connection protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13034 A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13091 CLI, identification of calling line
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13092 Scanning of subscriber lines, monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13104 Central control, computer control
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13174 Data transmission, file transfer
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13179 Fax, still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13206 User-to-user signaling, UUS
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13209 ISDN
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13337 Picturephone, videotelephony
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13376 Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/174 Data transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/179 Facsimile; Fax, e.g. still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/337 Picturephone

Abstract

A video conversation/monitoring system having a remote monitoring function includes a center station and multiple end stations linked through the ISDN network. The center station includes a video conversation/monitoring circuit, video input device, video output device, audio input device, audio output device, system controller, facsimile, and ISDN line terminating unit. Each end station includes a video conversation/monitoring circuit, system controller, first video input device, second video input device, audio input device, audio output device, calling device, first notification device, second notification device, detection device, facsimile, and ISDN line terminating unit. Based on the remote monitoring function of the video input device and the remote control function of the system controller for switching the video input device, various guidance services are accomplished in addition to the video-phonic conversation service. The integrated unit enables easy desk-top installation, the application of the ISDN network reduces the communication cost, and the provision of various state detection devices in the end stations enables image-based monitoring and state monitoring in addition to the conversation.

Claims

1. A video conversation/monitoring system comprising:

a center station; and

at least one end station connected with said center station through an ISDN line,

wherein said end station includes;

a detector which detects a presence of a person,

an automatic calling unit automatically establishing a call between said center station and said end station in response to an output of said detector,

a first camera which outputs a first image detected by said first camera,

a second camera inputting with a second image detected by said second camera,

a voice input/output unit,

a display unit, and

a controller which controls sending/receiving information by sending the input voice and one of output images of said first and said second cameras to said center station through the ISDN line, switching between output images of said first and second cameras to be sent to said center station in response to a switching indication from said center station, and outputting image and voice sent from said center station to said display unit and said voice input/output unit,

wherein said center station has a conversation with said end station and monitors said end station by monitoring voice and image sent from said end terminal.

2. A video conversation/monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said end station further comprises:

a input key for requiring a conversation with said center station,

said controller sends a call establishment signal including a first notification signal through the ISDN line when establishing a call in response to output of said input key, and said controller sends a call establishment signal including a second notification signal through the ISDN line when establishing a call in response to output of said detector, and

wherein said center station comprises;

a system control unit which receives a call establishment signal including one of the first notification signal and the second notification signal and identifies a calling category, and a display unit displaying the identified result.

3. A video conversation/monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein said end station further comprises:

an emergency key for notifying an emergency to said center station,

said controller sends a call establishment signal including a third notification signal through the ISDN line when establishing a call in response to output of said emergency key, and

wherein, in said center station, said system control unit receives a call establishment signal including one of the first notification signal, the second notification signal and the third notification signal, and identifies a calling category, and s aid display unit displays the identified result.