JP2004229090A - Video doorphone unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video doorphone unit capable of visually and auditorily notifying that a visitor is within a photographing range of a slave unit camera. <P>SOLUTION: This video doorphone unit 100 is provided with a slave unit 2 provided outdoors. The slave unit 2 includes a camera part 8, a display part 10 and a sound generating part 12 for issuing electronic sound or synthetic sound. The video doorphone 100 is further provided with a master unit 4 capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals to/from the slave unit 2 and prepared indoors . The master unit 4 includes an image recognizing part 20 for recognizing the position of an occupying area of a visitor image within an area of an image photographed by the camera part 8 and a control part 22 for controlling the image recognizing part 20 and the slave unit 2. The control part 22 notifies the visitor of information relating to the position of the occupying area recognized by the image recognizing part 20 by the display part 10 or the electronic sound generating part 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a configuration of a video door phone apparatus including a slave unit having a shooting function and a master unit having a recording function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a television doorphone device having a recording function for recording a video signal from a slave camera provided outside as a still image in a master unit provided indoors or a recording unit connected to the master unit. .
[0003]
For example, as a first conventional example, the following configuration is known for a television intercom apparatus that extracts and processes only a signal based on a visitor image in a video signal obtained by imaging (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). That is, in the first conventional example, a video signal obtained by capturing an image of a visitor using a television camera of a child device is supplied to an image recognition unit of the parent device, and the image recognition unit transmits the visitor image in one screen area. The microcomputer recognizes the area occupied by the image and sends an image recognition result signal to the microcomputer. There is disclosed a configuration of a television intercom apparatus that controls extraction and image data to be recorded in an image memory.
[0004]
On the other hand, as a second conventional example, the following configuration of a television intercom system having an answering machine function is known (for example, see Patent Document 2). That is, in the second conventional example, when a calling operation is performed with the doorphone handset with camera when the answering machine is set, the TV intercom master unit starts photographing a visitor with the doorphone handset with camera, and A TV interphone that outputs a predetermined voice message prompting input from a doorphone slave unit with a camera, and records a video taken by the doorphone slave unit with a camera as a still image at the timing of outputting the voice message from the doorphone slave unit with a camera. A system configuration is disclosed.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-233303
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-33838 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the above-described conventional techniques, when photographing a visitor, the visitor cannot know whether the visitor itself is accurately within the photographing range of the camera. Therefore, when the fixed focus method is not provided with the zoom and pan / tilt functions, the face of the visitor may not be confirmed from the monitor of the master unit.
[0008]
Further, in the conventional TV intercom apparatus, when photographing and recording a visitor as a still image, the visitor cannot know the timing of photographing. Therefore, a visitor is not always in front of the camera when capturing a still image.
[0009]
Also, even if the visitor is in front of the camera, the visitor does not always fall within the shooting range of the camera.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for visually or audibly determining whether or not a visitor is within a shooting range of a slave camera, for a visitor being shot by the slave camera in order to solve the above problems. Provided is a television door phone device that can be notified in a targeted manner.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A television intercom apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a slave unit provided outside a room, and the slave unit includes a photographing unit for photographing an image and a notifying unit for notifying a visitor. Further comprising a master unit provided in the room and capable of transmitting and receiving electric signals to and from the slave unit, wherein the master unit recognizes the position of the occupied area of the visitor image from within the area of the image captured by the image capturing means. Recognizing means, and control means for controlling the image recognizing means and the slave unit. The control means causes the notifying means to notify the visitor of the position of the occupied area recognized by the image recognizing means.
[0012]
Preferably, the master unit further includes an image recording unit for recording a still image of the visitor, and the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the visitor of a shooting time at which the image recording unit performs recording.
[0013]
Preferably, the system further includes an operation unit for receiving an input from the visitor, the notifying unit includes a display unit for notifying the visitor of the position of the operation unit, and the control unit includes a control unit configured to display the area occupied by the visitor. When the value falls within a predetermined range, the display color of the display means is changed.
[0014]
Preferably, the notifying unit has a plurality of display units, and the control unit changes the display pattern of the plurality of display units according to the position of the occupied area in the image.
[0015]
Preferably, the notifying means has position display means for displaying information related to the position of the visitor, and the control means controls the position by the position display means according to the position of the occupied area with respect to a predetermined range in the image. Display information related to.
[0016]
Preferably, the notifying unit includes a sound generating unit for generating a sound, and the control unit causes the sound generating unit to notify the position of the occupied area with respect to the predetermined range.
[0017]
Preferably, the apparatus further includes an operation unit for receiving an input from the visitor, the notifying unit includes a display unit for notifying the visitor of the position of the operation unit, and the control unit controls the visitor by the image recording unit. When recording, the display means is displayed blinking.
[0018]
Preferably, the notifying unit has a plurality of display units, and the control unit changes the display pattern of the plurality of display units with time when the visitor is recorded by the image recording unit.
[0019]
Preferably, the notifying means has position display means for displaying the position information of the visitor, and the control means indicates the time until the image is taken when the visitor is recorded by the image recording means. Is displayed.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the television door phone apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a television door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0022]
With reference to FIG. 1, a TV door phone device 100 includes a transmission line 6 for transmitting an electric signal, a slave unit 2 provided outside and connected to one end of the transmission line 6, and a transmission line 6 provided indoors. And a base unit 4 connected to the other end of the main unit. However, the method for exchanging electric signals between the slave unit 2 and the master unit 4 is not limited to the transmission line. For example, an electric signal may be transmitted and received between the slave unit 2 and the master unit 4 by wireless communication or the like.
[0023]
The slave unit 2 includes a camera unit 8 for photographing the visitor, a display unit 10 for displaying the position information of the visitor, a sound generating unit 12 for generating a sound such as an electronic sound or a synthesized voice, It includes an operation unit 14 for receiving an input from a visitor, and a slave unit transmission unit 16 connected to one end of the transmission line 6 for transmitting and receiving an electric signal.
[0024]
On the other hand, the base unit 4 is connected to the other end of the transmission line 6, the base unit 2 for transmitting and receiving an electric signal, and a base unit transmission unit 18, and for analyzing an image displayed by the camera unit 8. An image recognition unit 20, a control unit 22 for determining a display pattern of the display unit 10 of the slave unit 2, and an image recording unit for recording a video projected by the camera unit 8 of the slave unit 2 as a still image 24.
[0025]
The control unit 22 operates the camera unit 8 in response to an input to the operation unit 14 by the visitor. Operation unit 14 includes, for example, operation keys (not shown) such as a call button. The image captured by the camera unit 8 is sent to the image recognition unit 20 via the transmission line 6 by the control unit 22. The control unit 22 analyzes the position and size of the area occupying the visitor image with respect to the area of the image captured by the image recognition unit 20. Then, based on the analysis result by the image recognition unit 20, the control unit 22 determines whether the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8. The control unit 22 notifies the visitor of the position information on the display unit 10 according to the determination.
[0026]
Display unit 10 included in television doorphone device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a display device (not shown) formed of, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) or the like. When the control unit 22 determines that the visitor is within the photographing range, the control unit 22 changes the display color of the display device to notify that the visitor is within the photographing range of the camera unit 8.
[0027]
Alternatively, the control unit 22 may notify the location information of the visitor by generating an electronic sound or a synthesized voice by the sound generation unit 12 included in the slave unit 2. Sound generation unit 12 includes, for example, a speaker (not shown).
[0028]
If there is no response until a predetermined time has elapsed since the visitor made an input to the operation unit 14 of the child device 2, that is, if the family member is away, the control unit 22 uses the image recording unit 24 to make a visit. The person's image. At this time, the control unit 22 notifies the visitor of the shooting timing by blinking the display device. For example, the blinking speed is increased as it gradually approaches the shooting timing. Then, by turning on the display device at the time of photographing, the visitor can know the photographing timing.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the slave unit 2 provided in the TV door phone device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0030]
Referring to FIG. 2, slave unit 2 provided in TV door phone apparatus 100 includes camera unit 8 for photographing a visitor, sound collection device 30 for inputting sound, and sound from master unit 4. Speaker 32 for outputting electronic sound or synthesized voice, etc., a call button 34 for receiving an input from a visitor, and an LED 36 provided above the call button 34 for notifying the position of the call button 34. including. The position of the LED 36 is not limited to the upper part of the call button 34. For example, the position of the LED 36 may be any position as long as the position of the call button 34 can be recognized by the visitor when the outdoor is dark such as at night.
[0031]
Next, in TV intercom apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, an operation when the visitor presses call button 34 and then changes the display color of LED 36 to notify the visitor's position information will be described. .
[0032]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of notifying a visitor of location information in television intercom apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0033]
Referring to FIG. 5, first, call button 34 included in slave unit 2 is pressed by the visitor (step S101).
[0034]
Subsequently, the control unit 22 causes the camera unit 8 to start shooting in response to the pressing of the call button 34 (step S102).
[0035]
Then, the control unit 22 causes the video signal to be transmitted from the camera unit 8 to the parent device 4 via the transmission line 6.
[0036]
At this time, the control unit 22 notifies the visitor that, for example, by voice navigation from the speaker 32, the change in the display color of the LED 36 indicates that the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 (step S103).
[0037]
Next, the control unit 22 starts the image recognition process by the image recognition unit 20 based on the image transmitted from the slave unit 2 (Step S104).
[0038]
Then, the control unit 22 causes the image recognition unit 20 to recognize an area occupied by the visitor image in the image area. Further, the control unit 22 causes the image recognition unit 20 to analyze position information such as the position and size of the area occupied by the visitor image with respect to the image area.
[0039]
Although not particularly limited, the method of analyzing the position information of the area occupied by the visitor image by the image recognition unit 20 may be the same as the method of Patent Document 1.
[0040]
Subsequently, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 based on the visitor's position information analyzed by the image recognition unit 20. The control unit 22 determines the display color of the LED 36 according to the visitor's position information (Step S105).
[0041]
The visitor can know from the change in the display color of the LED 36 that the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 (step S106).
[0042]
Further, the control unit 22 may notify the speaker 32 of the position information of the visitor by the image recognition unit 20 with respect to the shooting range. For example, the control unit 22 may cause the synthesized voice from the speaker 32 to perform voice navigation such as “They are moving to the left.”
[0043]
Subsequently, when the control unit 22 determines that the communication between the child device 2 and the parent device 4 has ended, the control unit 22 ends the processing (step S107).
[0044]
On the other hand, if the control unit 22 determines in step S107 that the communication between the child device 2 and the parent device 4 has not ended, the control unit 22 returns the process to step S104.
[0045]
Next, the operation when the camera unit 8 notifies the photographing timing for recording the image of the visitor in the television door phone apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0046]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of notifying a visitor of a photographing timing in television intercom apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0047]
Referring to FIG. 6, first, call button 34 included in slave unit 2 is pressed by the visitor (step S201).
[0048]
Subsequently, the control unit 22 causes the camera unit 8 to start shooting in response to the pressing of the call button 34 (step S202).
[0049]
At this time, the control unit 22 transmits a video signal from the camera unit 8 to the parent device 4 via the transmission line 6.
[0050]
Then, when the control unit 22 determines that there is a response input to the parent device 4 within a predetermined time, the control unit 22 ends the processing (step S203).
[0051]
On the other hand, in step S203, when there is no response input to the base unit 4, that is, when the family member is out of the house, the control unit 22 causes the blinking of the display of the LED 36 by voice navigation from the speaker 32, for example. 8 is notified to the visitor to indicate the timing of shooting (step S204).
[0052]
Next, the control unit 22 causes the image recording unit 24 to start the recording process of the image of the visitor (Step S205).
[0053]
The control unit 22 sets a photographing time for recording an image by the camera unit 8. At this time, the control unit 22 determines the blinking speed of the LED 36 according to the shooting time (Step S206).
[0054]
Then, the control unit 22 gradually changes the blinking speed as the photographing timing approaches (step S207).
[0055]
For example, the control unit 22 first starts blinking display from gentle blinking. Then, the control unit 22 increases the blinking speed as the timing of capturing a still image approaches.
[0056]
Then, the control unit 22 captures a still image when the LED 36 is finally turned on (step S208). The captured still image is stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided inside the image recording unit 24.
[0057]
Then, the control unit 22 ends the processing.
Here, the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 are parallel processing. In other words, there is a case where an operation of notifying the visitor of notifying that it is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 and notifying of the shooting timing is simultaneously performed to the visitor. For example, when the display color is changed for notifying the visitor of the visitor and a blinking display is issued for notifying the photographing timing, the same LED 36 is used to change the visitor's position information and the photographing timing of the still image. Can be announced at the same time.
[0058]
As described above, by changing the display color of the LED 36 according to the analysis of the image of the visitor by the image recognizing unit 20, the TV door phone device 100 allows the visitor himself / herself to be within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 for the visitor. You can tell if you are in.
[0059]
When a still image of the visitor is recorded in the image recording unit 24, the LED 36 is displayed in a blinking manner, so that the visitor can be notified of the photographing timing.
[0060]
Further, in the TV door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, not only the answering machine of the visitor when the household member is away, but also when the householder is at home, Can be notified of the visitor's own positional information even during a call.
[0061]
As described above, it is possible to reduce the useless recording in which the visitor is not shown by notifying that it is within the shooting range and the shooting timing.
[0062]
(Embodiment 2)
The functional block diagram showing the outline of the configuration of the video doorphone apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is the same as the functional block diagram showing the outline of the configuration of video intercom apparatus 100 shown in FIG. Therefore, description of the configuration will not be repeated.
[0063]
Display unit 10 included in television door phone device 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes, for example, a display device formed by a plurality of LEDs. When determining that the visitor is within the shooting range, the control unit 22 notifies the fact that the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 by changing the display pattern of the plurality of LEDs.
[0064]
Alternatively, the control unit 22 may notify the location information of the visitor by generating an electronic sound or a synthesized voice by the sound generation unit 12 included in the slave unit 2. Sound generation unit 12 includes, for example, a speaker.
[0065]
When there is no response until a predetermined time elapses after the visitor makes an input to the operation unit 14 of the child device 2, that is, when the family member is away, the control unit 22 controls the image recording unit 24. Record images of visitors. At this time, the control unit 22 notifies the visitor of the shooting timing by blinking the display device. For example, the blinking speed is increased as it gradually approaches the shooting timing. Then, by blinking the display device at the time of photographing, the visitor can know the photographing timing.
[0066]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the slave unit 2 provided in the television door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0067]
Referring to FIG. 3, slave unit 2 provided in television intercom apparatus 100 includes a camera unit 8 for photographing a visitor, a sound collection device 30 for inputting sound, and a sound from master unit 4. A speaker 32 for outputting an electronic sound or a synthetic voice, a call button 34 for receiving an input from a visitor, and display LED groups 38, 40, 42 for notifying the visitor. Including.
[0068]
Next, in the TV intercom apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, after the visitor presses the call button 34, the display pattern of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 is changed to change the position information of the visitor. The operation at the time of notification will be described.
[0069]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of notifying a visitor of location information in the TV door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0070]
Referring to FIG. 5, first, call button 34 included in slave unit 2 is pressed by the visitor (step S101).
[0071]
Subsequently, the control unit 22 causes the camera unit 8 to start shooting in response to the pressing of the call button 34 (step S102).
[0072]
Then, the control unit 22 causes the video signal to be transmitted from the camera unit 8 to the parent device 4 via the transmission line 6.
[0073]
At this time, the control unit 22 determines that the change in the display pattern of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 by voice navigation from the speaker 32 indicates the visitor's position information with respect to the shooting range of the camera unit 8, for example. (Step S103).
[0074]
Next, the control unit 22 starts an image recognition process by the image recognition unit 20 based on the captured image transmitted from the slave unit 2 (Step S104).
[0075]
Then, the control unit 22 causes the image recognition unit 20 to recognize an area occupied by the visitor image in the image area. Further, the control unit 22 causes the image recognition unit 20 to analyze position information such as the position and size of the area occupied by the visitor image with respect to the image area.
[0076]
Although not particularly limited, the method of analyzing the position information of the area occupied by the visitor image by the image recognition unit 20 may be the same as the method of Patent Document 1.
[0077]
Then, the control unit 22 causes the image recognition unit 20 to analyze the position information of the visitor image with respect to the image area (Step S104).
[0078]
As a result, the control unit 22 determines whether the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 based on the visitor's position information analyzed by the image recognition unit 20. The control unit 22 determines a display pattern of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 according to the visitor's position information (Step S105).
[0079]
The visitor can know from the change in the display pattern of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 that the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 (step S106).
[0080]
For example, when the visitor is not reflected on the camera, the control unit 22 turns off all the LEDs of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42. When the visitor is moving to the left, the control unit 22 turns on the LED 38. When the visitor is reflected in the middle of the camera, the control unit 22 turns on the LED 40. On the other hand, when the visitor has shifted to the right, the control unit 22 causes the LED 42 to light up. As described above, the display patterns of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 represent the location information of the visitor.
[0081]
Further, the control unit 22 may notify the speaker 32 of the position information of the visitor by the image recognition unit 20 with respect to the shooting range. For example, the control unit 22 may cause the synthesized voice from the speaker 32 to perform voice navigation such as “They are moving to the left.”
[0082]
Subsequently, when the control unit 22 determines that the communication between the child device 2 and the parent device 4 has ended, the control unit 22 ends the processing (step S107).
[0083]
On the other hand, if the control unit 22 determines in step S107 that the communication between the child device 2 and the parent device 4 has not ended, the control unit 22 returns the process to step S104.
[0084]
Next, the operation when the camera section 8 notifies the photographing timing for recording the image of the visitor in the television intercom apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.
[0085]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of notifying a visitor of a shooting timing in television intercom apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0086]
Referring to FIG. 6, first, call button 34 included in slave unit 2 is pressed by the visitor (step S201).
[0087]
Subsequently, the control unit 22 causes the camera unit 8 to start shooting in response to the pressing of the call button 34 (step S202).
[0088]
At this time, the control unit 22 transmits a video signal from the camera unit 8 to the parent device 4 via the transmission line 6.
[0089]
Then, when the control unit 22 determines that there is a response input to the parent device 4 within a predetermined time, the control unit 22 ends the processing (step S203).
[0090]
On the other hand, in step S203, when there is no response input to the base unit 4, that is, when the family member is out of the office, the control unit 22 causes the display LED groups 38, 40, The visitor is notified that the blinking of the display at 42 indicates the timing of shooting by the camera unit 8 (step S204).
[0091]
Next, the control unit 22 causes the image recording unit 24 to start the recording process of the image of the visitor (Step S205).
[0092]
The control unit 22 sets a photographing time for recording an image by the camera unit 8. At this time, the control unit 22 determines the blinking speed of the lit LED among the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 according to the shooting timing (step S206).
[0093]
Then, the control unit 22 gradually changes the blinking speed as the photographing timing approaches (step S207).
[0094]
For example, the control unit 22 first starts blinking display from gentle blinking. Then, the control unit 22 increases the blinking speed as the timing of capturing a still image approaches. Further, the control unit 22 may notify the photographing timing by partially changing the color of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42. Alternatively, the control unit 22 may notify the photographing timing by turning off the display of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42.
[0095]
Then, the control unit 22 captures a still image when the blinking LED among the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 is finally turned on (step S208). The captured still image is stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided inside the image recording unit 24. When all the LEDs are turned off, no photographing is performed.
[0096]
Then, the control unit 22 ends the processing.
Here, the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 are parallel processing. In other words, there is a case where an operation of notifying the visitor of notifying that it is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 and notifying of the shooting timing is simultaneously performed to the visitor. For example, when the display pattern is changed for notifying the visitor and the blinking display for notifying the photographing timing is performed for the visitor, the same display LED group 38, 40, 42 is used for the visitor's position information. And the shooting timing of the still image can be notified at the same time.
[0097]
As described above, by changing the display pattern of the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 in accordance with the analysis of the visitor's image by the image recognition unit 20, the television door phone apparatus 100 allows the visitor to Can be notified whether or not is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8.
[0098]
Then, when the still image of the visitor is recorded in the image recording unit 24, the display LED groups 38, 40, and 42 are blinked and displayed, so that the visitor can be notified of the photographing timing.
[0099]
Further, in the television door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, not only the answering machine of the visitor when the household member is away, but also when the household member is at home, Can be notified of the visitor's own positional information even during a call.
[0100]
As described above, it is possible to reduce the useless recording in which the visitor is not shown by notifying that it is within the shooting range and the shooting timing.
[0101]
(Embodiment 3)
The functional block diagram showing the outline of the configuration of the video doorphone device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is the same as the functional block diagram showing the outline of the configuration of video intercom device 100 shown in FIG. Therefore, description of the configuration will not be repeated.
[0102]
Display unit 10 included in television door phone device 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention includes, for example, a display device for notifying the location information of the visitor. The control unit 22 notifies the visitor by displaying the position information of the visitor on the display device.
[0103]
Alternatively, the control unit 22 may notify the location information of the visitor by generating an electronic sound or a synthesized voice by the sound generation unit 12 included in the slave unit 2. Sound generation unit 12 includes, for example, speaker 32.
[0104]
When there is no response until a predetermined time elapses after the visitor makes an input to the operation unit 14 of the child device 2, that is, when the family member is away, the control unit 22 The person's image. At this time, the control unit 22 causes the display device to display the remaining time until the shooting timing. Then, the visitor can know the shooting timing by counting down to the shooting timing.
[0105]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the slave unit 2 provided in the television door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0106]
Referring to FIG. 4, slave unit 2 provided in TV door phone apparatus 100 includes camera unit 8 for photographing a visitor, sound collection device 30 for inputting sound, and sound from master unit 4. A speaker 32 for outputting an electronic sound or a synthesized voice, a display device 44 formed of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like; a call button 34 for receiving an input from a visitor; And an LED 36 provided above the call button 34 for indicating the position of the call button 34. The position of the LED 36 is not limited to the upper part of the call button 34. For example, the position of the LED 36 may be any position as long as the position of the call button 34 can be recognized by the visitor when the outdoor is dark such as at night.
[0107]
Next, an operation of the television intercom apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the visitor presses the call button 34 and then announces the visitor's position information on the display device 44 will be described.
[0108]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of notifying a visitor of location information in the TV door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0109]
Referring to FIG. 5, first, call button 34 included in slave unit 2 is pressed by the visitor (step S101).
[0110]
Subsequently, the control unit 22 causes the camera unit 8 to start shooting in response to the pressing of the call button 34 (step S102).
[0111]
Then, the control unit 22 causes the video signal to be transmitted from the camera unit 8 to the parent device 4 via the transmission line 6.
[0112]
At this time, the control unit 22 notifies the visitor that the display by the display device 44 indicates the position information of the visitor with respect to the shooting range of the camera unit 8 by voice navigation from the speaker 32 (step S103).
[0113]
Next, the control unit 22 starts an image recognition process by the image recognition unit 20 based on the captured image transmitted from the slave unit 2 (Step S104).
[0114]
Then, the control unit 22 causes the image recognition unit 20 to recognize an area occupied by the visitor image in the image area. Further, the control unit 22 causes the image recognition unit 20 to analyze position information such as the position and size of the area occupied by the visitor image with respect to the image area.
[0115]
Although not particularly limited, the method of analyzing the position information of the area occupied by the visitor image by the image recognition unit 20 may be the same as the method of Patent Document 1.
[0116]
Subsequently, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 based on the visitor's position information analyzed by the image recognition unit 20. The control unit 22 determines the display on the display device 44 according to the location information of the visitor (Step S105).
[0117]
The visitor can know from the display on the display device 44 that the visitor is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 (step S106).
[0118]
For example, the control unit 22 causes the display device 44 to display characters such as “You are moving to the left.”, “Please move in the direction of →”, “It is not reflected on the camera.” At this time, the control unit 22 scrolls and displays a long character string that cannot be accommodated in the display device 44.
[0119]
Further, the control unit 22 may notify the speaker 32 of the position information of the visitor by the image recognition unit 20 with respect to the shooting range. For example, the control unit 22 may cause the synthesized voice from the speaker 32 to perform voice navigation such as “They are moving to the left.”
[0120]
Subsequently, when the control unit 22 determines that the communication between the child device 2 and the parent device 4 has ended, the control unit 22 ends the processing (step S107).
[0121]
On the other hand, if the control unit 22 determines in step S107 that the communication between the child device 2 and the parent device 4 has not ended, the control unit 22 returns the process to step S104.
[0122]
Next, a description will be given of an operation when the camera section 8 notifies the photographing timing for recording an image of a visitor in the television intercom apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0123]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of notifying a visitor of a shooting timing in television intercom apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0124]
Referring to FIG. 6, first, call button 34 included in slave unit 2 is pressed by the visitor (step S201).
[0125]
Subsequently, the control unit 22 causes the camera unit 8 to start shooting in response to the pressing of the call button 34 (step S202).
[0126]
At this time, the control unit 22 transmits a video signal from the camera unit 8 to the parent device 4 via the transmission line 6.
[0127]
Then, when the control unit 22 determines that there is a response input to the parent device 4 within a predetermined time, the control unit 22 ends the processing (step S203).
[0128]
On the other hand, in step S203, when there is no response input to the base unit 4, that is, when the family member is out of the office, the control unit 22 causes the display of the display unit 44 to display the camera 8 is notified to the visitor to indicate the timing of shooting (step S204).
[0129]
Next, the control unit 22 causes the image recording unit 24 to start the recording process of the image of the visitor (Step S205).
[0130]
The control unit 22 sets a photographing time for recording an image by the camera unit 8. At this time, the control unit 22 determines the countdown start time of the display device 44 according to the shooting time (Step S206).
[0131]
Further, the control unit 22 causes the display device 44 to display the remaining time (step S207). Then, the control unit 22 starts the countdown until the photographing timing.
[0132]
The control unit 22 captures a still image when the countdown of the display device 44 is finally completed (step S208).
[0133]
The captured still image is stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided inside the image recording unit 24. Then, the control unit 22 ends the processing.
[0134]
Here, the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 are parallel processing. In other words, there is a case where an operation of notifying the visitor of notifying that it is within the shooting range of the camera unit 8 and notifying of the shooting timing is simultaneously performed to the visitor. For example, when a display for notifying the position information and a countdown display for notifying the shooting timing are given to the visitor, the same display device 44 is used to display the visitor's position information and the still image shooting timing. Can be announced at the same time.
[0135]
As described above, by displaying the position information of the visitor on the display device 44 in accordance with the analysis of the image of the visitor by the image recognizing unit 20, the television door phone device 100 allows the visitor to communicate with the camera unit. 8, it can be notified that the user is in the shooting range.
[0136]
When recording a still image of the visitor in the image recording unit 24, the display device 44 can count down the remaining time to notify the visitor of the shooting timing.
[0137]
Further, in the TV door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, not only the answering machine of the visitor when the household member is away but also when the household member is at home, Can be notified of the visitor's own positional information even during a call.
[0138]
As described above, by notifying that the user is in the photographing range and the photographing timing, it is possible to reduce unnecessary recording in which the visitor is not shown.
[0139]
In Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, image recording unit 24 is included in master unit 4, but may be included in slave unit 2.
[0140]
The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[0141]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the control unit included in the master unit notifies the visitor of the position of the occupied area recognized by the image recognition unit with respect to the predetermined range in the image area by the notification unit included in the slave unit. By notifying, the visitor being imaged by the camera can visually and audibly know the position of the visitor himself with respect to the photographing range.
[0142]
Further, by notifying that the still image is within the shooting range and the shooting timing when the still image is shot by the camera, the visitor can be shot at an appropriate position.
[0143]
Alternatively, by notifying that the still image is within the shooting range and the shooting timing at the time of shooting a still image, it is possible to reduce the processing load associated with useless recording in which the visitor is not shown.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of a configuration in a television door phone apparatus 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a slave unit 2 provided in the television door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a slave unit 2 provided in the television door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a slave unit 2 provided in the television door phone apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of notifying a visitor of position information in the TV door phone apparatus 100 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of notifying a visitor of a shooting timing in the television door phone apparatus 100 of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 slave unit, 4 master unit, 6 transmission line, 8 camera unit, 10 display unit, 12 sound generation unit, 14 operation unit, 16 slave unit transmission unit, 18 master unit transmission unit, 20 image recognition unit, 22 control unit, 24 image recording unit, 30 sound collector, 32 speaker, 34 call button, 36 call button emphasis LED, 38, 40, 42 LED, 44 display device.

Claims (9)

Equipped with a child unit installed outside the room,
The slave unit is
Photographing means for photographing an image;
Notification means for notifying visitors,
Further comprising a master unit provided in the room, capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the slave unit,
The master unit is
Image recognition means for recognizing the position of the occupied area of the visitor image from within the area of the image taken by the imaging means,
Including control means for controlling the image recognition means and the slave unit,
The TV intercom apparatus, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the visitor of information related to the position of the occupied area recognized by the image recognition unit. The master unit further includes image recording means for recording a still image of the visitor,
The television intercom apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the visitor of a shooting time at which the image recording unit performs the recording. Further comprising operating means for receiving input from the visitor,
The notification means has display means for notifying the visitor of the position of the operation means,
The television intercom apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a display color of the display unit when the occupied area of the visitor falls within a predetermined range in the image. The notification means has a plurality of display means,
The television intercom apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a display pattern of the plurality of display units according to the information related to the position of the occupied area in the image. The notifying unit has a position display unit for displaying the information related to the position of the visitor,
The television door phone apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the position display unit to display the information related to the position in accordance with the position of the occupied area with respect to the predetermined range in the image. The said notifying means has a sound generating means for generating a sound, and the control means causes the sound generating means to notify the information relating to the position of the occupied area with respect to the predetermined range. 2. The television doorphone device according to 1. Further comprising operating means for receiving input from the visitor,
The notification means has display means for notifying the visitor of the position of the operation means,
The television intercom apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to blink when the image recording unit records the visitor. The notification means has a plurality of display means,
The television intercom apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the display pattern of the plurality of display units over time when the image recording unit records the visitor. The notifying unit has a position display unit for displaying position information of the visitor,
The television intercom apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the position display unit to display a time until the image is taken when the image recording unit records the visitor.

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