Intercom system

Abstract

To improve convenience.SOLUTION: An intercom system 100 comprises a slave unit 1 having an imaging section 10 for imaging a picture and a master unit 2 having a display section 20 for displaying the picture imaged by the imaging section 10. The intercom system 100 includes a mode selection section for automatically selecting one picture mode out of a plurality of picture modes corresponding to a plurality of display modes for the picture at the display section 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to intercom systems, and more particularly, to an intercom system that displays visitors. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional intercom system is an intercom system with a television, described in Patent Document 1. This conventional system includes a doorphone slave with a camera and an intercom master with a monitor television, and displays a still image captured by the doorphone slave on the television monitor of the intercom master for a predetermined time after the call button on the doorphone slave is pressed, and after an answering operation is performed on the intercom master (handset off the hook), displays a moving image captured by the doorphone slave on the television monitor of the intercom master. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-276518 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an intercom system such as that described in Patent Document 1, if the visibility of still and moving images displayed on the television monitor of the intercom parent unit is poor, the user of the intercom parent unit must adjust the image quality themselves, which is inconvenient.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide an intercom system that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An intercom system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a slave unit having an imaging unit for capturing an image, and a master unit having a display unit for displaying the image captured by the imaging unit. The intercom system includes a mode selection unit for automatically selecting one of a plurality of image modes corresponding to each of a plurality of display modes of the image on the display unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an intercom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a handset control unit of the intercom system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a master unit control unit of the intercom system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an external view of a master unit provided in the intercom system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the intercom system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image displayed on a display unit of the intercom system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image and a menu screen displayed on a display unit of the intercom system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image, a menu screen, and a selection screen displayed on a display unit of the intercom system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a handset control unit included in the intercom system of the second modification. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the intercom system of the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An intercom system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment and modified examples described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment and modified examples. Other than the embodiment and modified examples, various modifications are possible according to the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. In addition, the following embodiments (including modified examples) may be realized in appropriate combination.

[0010] (1) Overview The intercom system 100 according to the present embodiment is an intercom system for collective housing, for example, applied to collective housing such as an apartment building. However, the intercom system 100 according to the present embodiment may be applied to detached houses other than collective housing. Alternatively, the intercom system 100 may be applied to non-residential facilities such as offices, stores, schools, or nursing homes.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the intercom system 100 includes a slave unit 1 having an imaging unit 10 that captures an image Im1, and a master unit 2 having a display unit 20 that displays the image Im1 (see FIG. 6) captured by the imaging unit 10.

[0012] Furthermore, the intercom system 100 includes a mode selection unit 262 that automatically selects one image mode from among a plurality of image modes corresponding to each of a plurality of display modes of the image Im1 on the display unit 20, as shown in FIG.

[0013] Here, the subject of the imaging unit 10 is a visitor H1 to the apartment complex.

[0014] Furthermore, an "image" in this disclosure may be a still image or a video.

[0015] According to this configuration, one image mode corresponding to a display mode in which the image Im1 is most visible to, for example, a user (a resident of an apartment building) of the master unit 2 is automatically selected from among the multiple image modes. This eliminates the need for the user of the master unit 2 to manually switch image modes before or during a response to the visitor H1, thereby improving convenience.

[0016] (2)Details Hereinafter, details of the intercom system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] (2.1) Overall Structure As shown in Fig. 1, the intercom system 100 includes a plurality of handset units 1 (two in Fig. 1), a master unit 2, a control device 3, a plurality of door phones 4 (two in Fig. 1), and a plurality of switch units 5 (two in Fig. 1). The intercom system 100 also includes an electric lock device (not shown) for the common entrance door of the apartment building. The electric lock device is switched between an unlocked state and a locked state by the handset unit 1 and the control device 3, etc.

[0018] Each of the multiple base units 2 is, for example, a dwelling unit terminal installed in each dwelling unit of an apartment building. Each base unit 2 is configured to communicate (for example, make a call and receive an image signal, etc.) with the handset 1. Each base unit 2 has a display unit 20 that displays an image Im1 (see Figs. 6 to 8) captured by the imaging unit 10 of the handset 1. The base unit 2 may also be installed in a management office, a multipurpose room, etc. of the apartment building. The multipurpose room is, for example, a common facility in the apartment building, such as a meeting hall, a guest room, a kids' room, or a party room.

[0019] The control device 3 is configured to perform call control and relay signals between the handset 1 and each base unit 2. The control device 3 is installed, for example, in a management office of an apartment building. For example, when a visitor H1 to the apartment building uses the handset 1 to call the base unit 2, the control device 3 relays signals transmitted and received between the handset 1 and the base unit 2.

[0020] Each of the multiple door phones 4 is installed, for example, at the outer entrance of each dwelling unit in an apartment building. The multiple door phones 4 correspond one-to-one to the multiple master units 2. Each door phone 4 is configured to communicate (for example, make calls and transmit image signals) with the corresponding master unit 2. Note that the door phone 4 does not need to be connected to a master unit 2 installed in a multipurpose room or the like.

[0021] In this embodiment, the handset 1 is a lobby intercom 6 installed in a common area of ​​an apartment building such as a lobby. The handset 1 (lobby intercom 6) is connected to the control device 3 via a first trunk line L1. Each of the multiple switch units 5 is inserted into the second trunk line L2, and allows multiple parent units 2 to be connected to the second trunk line L2. In this embodiment, the second trunk line L2 branches into multiple branch lines L3, and the multiple switch units 5 are provided at the branch points of the multiple branch lines L3 on the second trunk line L2, respectively. This allows each parent unit 2 to be connected to the second trunk line L2 via the switch unit 5.

[0022] Each master unit 2 is connected to the control device 3 via a second trunk line L2, a branch line L3, and a splitter 5. Each door phone 4 is connected to a corresponding master unit 2 via a connection line L4. Each of the first trunk line L1, the second trunk line L2, the branch line L3, and the connection line L4 is formed of, for example, a twisted pair cable.

[0023] (2.2) Child unit Next, the configuration of the child device 1 will be described.

[0024] As described above, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the handset 1 is a lobby intercom 6 installed in a common area of ​​an apartment building, such as a lobby.

[0025] 1, the lobby interphone 6 which is the handset 1 has an imaging section 10, a conversation section 11, a communication section 12, a handset control section 13, an operation section 14, an image processing section 15, a storage section 16, a sensor 17, a display section 18, and a timing section 19. The handset 1 also has a housing (not shown) which houses or holds the above-mentioned components.

[0026] The imaging unit 10 has an imaging element and is a camera for capturing an image of a subject. Here, the subject is assumed to be a visitor H1 to the apartment complex (see Figs. 6 to 8). In this embodiment, the imaging area (field of view) of the imaging unit 10 is set in front of the child unit 1 so that at least the face of the visitor H1 can be captured when the visitor H1 operates the child unit 1. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 10 is a camera that captures moving images. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging unit 10 is a camera that captures color images. Note that the imaging unit 10 may be a camera that captures still images. Furthermore, the imaging unit 10 may be a camera that captures monochrome images.

[0027] The imaging element is, for example, a two-dimensional image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The imaging unit 10 forms an image of light from a subject on an imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the imaging element by an optical system such as a lens, and converts the light from the subject into an electrical signal by the imaging element. The imaging unit 10 then outputs an output signal of the imaging element to the image processing unit 15 as an image signal.

[0028] The communication unit 11 includes a speaker and a microphone, and is configured to be able to communicate with the base unit 2.

[0029] The communication unit 12 is a communication interface for communicating with the parent unit 2. The communication unit 12 is connected to the control device 3 via a first trunk line L1. The communication unit 12 is configured to be able to communicate with the parent unit 2 in both directions via the communication unit 30 of the control device 3.

[0030] The communication unit 12 is also configured to transmit a communication signal to the base unit 2. The communication signal includes an audio signal, an image signal, a control signal, and the like. The communication unit 12 receives the communication signal transmitted from the base unit 2 via the communication unit 30 of the control device 3, and acquires an audio signal, and the like, by demodulating the received communication signal. The audio signal is output to the call unit 11 via the handset control unit 13.

[0031] The display unit 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 18 is configured to display the image Im1 captured by the imaging unit 10. If the lobby intercom 6 is equipped with a touch panel display, the touch panel display may function as both the display unit 18 and the operation unit 14.

[0032] The operation unit 14 is configured to receive operations from a person (visitor H1). The operation unit 14 is an input interface having, for example, a plurality of push buttons, a touch panel, and the like. The plurality of push buttons include, for example, a numeric keypad with numbers 0 to 9, an asterisk (*) button, an erase button, and a call button. For example, when the visitor H1 wants to call a resident of room number (above dwelling number) "room 1024" using the sub-unit 1, he / she presses the numeric buttons on the numeric keypad in order to input the room number. The input room number is displayed on the display unit 18 in order each time the numeric button is pressed. Finally, the visitor H1 presses the call button to confirm the input of the room number, and a call is made to the master unit 2 of the abode with room number "1024".

[0033] The image processing unit 15 is configured to receive an image signal output from the imaging unit 10 and process data of an image Im1 included in the image signal by signal processing. The image processing unit 15 is realized by a device such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0034] The sensor 17 is, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and detects a person or the like by detecting the amount of change in infrared light that occurs when a person or the like moves. Note that the sensor 17 is not an essential component of the lobby intercom 6, and may be omitted.

[0035] The storage unit 16 is configured with a readable and writable memory. The storage unit 16 is, for example, a flash memory. The storage unit 16 stores data of the image Im1 captured by the imaging unit 10 and the like.

[0036] The timekeeping unit 19 is, for example, a real-time clock, and is configured to output the current date, time, day of the week, etc. in response to an inquiry from the outside (for example, the child device control unit 13 described later).

[0037] The handset control unit 13 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the microcomputer to function as the handset control unit 13. The program executed by the CPU is pre-recorded in the memory of the microcomputer here, but may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0038] 2, the child device control unit 13 has a communication control unit 130, an imaging control unit 131, an image processing control unit 132, and a signal generation unit 133. Note that the communication control unit 130, the imaging control unit 131, the image processing control unit 132, and the signal generation unit 133 merely indicate functions realized by the child device control unit 13, and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations.

[0039] The function of each unit of the child device control unit 13 will be described in "(2.5) Image display operation."

[0040] (2.3) Parent unit Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the base unit 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the base unit 2 has a display unit 20, a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, a call unit 23, an operation unit 24, an image processing unit 25, a base unit control unit 26, and a storage unit 27. The base unit 2 also has a housing (not shown) that houses or holds the above-mentioned components.

[0041] The communication unit 23 includes a speaker and a microphone, and is configured to be able to communicate with the handset 1 (lobby interphone 6) and the door phone 4, which will be described later.

[0042] The first communication unit 21 is a communication interface for communicating with the handset 1. The first communication unit 21 is connected to the control device 3 via the second trunk line L2, the branch line L3, and the splitter 5. The first communication unit 21 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the handset 1 via the communication unit 30 of the control device 3. The first communication unit 21 is configured to transmit a communication signal to the handset 1. The communication signal includes a voice signal, a control signal, and the like. The first communication unit 21 also receives a communication signal transmitted from the handset 1 via the communication unit 30, and obtains a voice signal, an image signal, and the like by demodulating the received communication signal. The voice signal is output to the speech unit 23 via the parent unit control unit 26, and the image signal is output to the display unit 20 via the parent unit control unit 26.

[0043] The second communication unit 22 is a communication interface for communicating with the door phone 4. The second communication unit 22 is connected to the door phone 4 via a connection line L4. The second communication unit 22 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the door phone 4. The second communication unit 22 is configured to transmit a communication signal to the door phone 4. The communication signal includes a voice signal, a control signal, and the like. The second communication unit 22 also receives the communication signal transmitted from the door phone 4 and acquires a voice signal, an image signal, and the like by demodulating the received communication signal. The voice signal is output to the call unit 23 via the parent unit control unit 26, and the image signal is output to the display unit 20 via the parent unit control unit 26.

[0044] The display unit 20 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 20 is configured to display images transmitted from the slave unit 1 and the door phone 4. The display unit 20 is also a touch panel display, and also serves as an image mode input unit 241 (see FIG. 8) which is a part of the operation unit 24 described later.

[0045] The operation unit 24 is configured to receive operations from a person (for example, a resident). The operation unit 24 has, for example, a call button 242, an unlock button 243 (see FIG. 4), and an image mode input unit 241 (see FIG. 8).

[0046] When the call button 242 is pressed while the first communication unit 21 is receiving a call signal to call a resident, a voice call becomes possible between the handset 1 (lobby intercom 6) and the master unit 2. When the call button 242 is pressed while the second communication unit 22 is receiving a call signal to call a resident, a voice call becomes possible between the doorphone 4 and the master unit 2. When the unlock button 243 is pressed, the electric lock device of the common entrance door is unlocked.

[0047] The image mode input unit 241 accepts an input from the user to select one image mode from a plurality of image modes. An example of the operation of the image mode input unit 241 will be described in "(2.5) Image Display Operation".

[0048] The image processing unit 25 is configured to receive an image signal from the slave unit 1 received by the first communication unit 21, and process an image included in the image signal by signal processing. The image processing unit 25 is realized by a device such as a DSP or an FPGA.

[0049] The storage unit 27 is configured with a readable and writable memory. The storage unit 27 is, for example, a flash memory. The storage unit 27 stores data of the image Im1 captured by the imaging unit 10 and the like.

[0050] The parent unit control unit 26 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU and a memory. The CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the microcomputer to function as the parent unit control unit 26. The program executed by the CPU is pre-recorded in the memory of the microcomputer here, but may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0051] 3, parent device control unit 26 has a communication control unit 260, an image processing control unit 261, a mode selection unit 262, a signal generation unit 263, a display control unit 264, and an information acquisition unit 265. Note that communication control unit 260, image processing control unit 261, mode selection unit 262, signal generation unit 263, display control unit 264, and information acquisition unit 265 merely indicate functions realized by parent device control unit 26, and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations.

[0052] The function of each unit of parent device control unit 26 will be explained in "(2.5) Image display operation."

[0053] (2.4) Control device Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the control device 3. The control device 3 has a communication unit 30 and a signal processing unit 31, as shown in FIG.

[0054] The communication unit 30 is a communication interface for communicating with the child unit 1 and the parent unit 2. The communication unit 30 is connected to the child unit 1 via the first trunk line L1. The communication unit 30 is also connected to the parent unit 2 via the second trunk line L2, the branch line L3, and the splitter 5. The communication unit 30 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the communication unit 12 of the child unit 1. The communication unit 30 is also configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the first communication unit 21 of the parent unit 2. That is, the communication unit 30 is configured to relay communication between the first communication unit 21 of the parent unit 2 and the communication unit 12 of the child unit 1. Therefore, the communication unit 30 relays a communication signal transmitted from the communication unit 12 of the child unit 1 and transmits it to multiple parent units 2. Here, the communication signal transmitted from the child unit 1 contains information (e.g., an address, etc.) for identifying the parent unit 2 to which the communication signal is to be transmitted. Therefore, only the parent unit 2 whose address assigned to itself matches the address contained in the communication signal among the multiple parent units 2 can receive the communication signal. Furthermore, the communication unit 30 relays communication signals transmitted from each of the multiple base units 2 and transmits them to the child unit 1.

[0055] The signal processing unit 31 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU and a memory. The CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the microcomputer to function as the signal processing unit 31. The program executed by the CPU is pre-recorded in the memory of the microcomputer here, but may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0056] The signal processing unit 31 is configured to control the communication unit 30. Specifically, the signal processing unit 31 controls the communication unit 30 to transmit a communication signal transmitted from the child device 1 to the multiple parent devices 2, and to transmit a communication signal transmitted from each of the multiple parent devices 2 to the child device 1.

[0057] (2.5) Image display operation The intercom system 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure displays the image Im1 of the visitor H1 captured by the imaging unit 10 on the display unit 20 in a display mode that provides the highest visibility to the user (a resident of the apartment building) of the master unit 2. Specifically, the intercom system 100 displays the image Im1 on the display unit 20 in one image mode (optimum mode) that provides the highest visibility of the image Im1 to the user of the master unit 2, among a plurality of image modes corresponding to each of a plurality of display modes of the image Im1 on the display unit 20.

[0058] Here, in the present embodiment, as an example, the multiple image modes include an off mode, a high-dynamic-range rendering (HDR) mode, a vivid mode, a backlight compensation mode, and an automatic (AE) mode. The off mode is, for example, an image mode corresponding to a display mode of a default setting. The HDR mode is, for example, an image mode corresponding to a display mode in which the luminance width of the image Im1 is enlarged compared to the display mode of the default setting. The vivid mode is, for example, an image mode corresponding to a display mode in which the primary color of the image Im1 is emphasized compared to the display mode of the default setting. The backlight compensation mode is, for example, an image mode corresponding to a display mode in which the visibility of a dark part in the image Im1 caused by backlight is improved. The automatic (AE) mode is, for example, an image mode corresponding to a display mode in which the brightness of the image Im1 is automatically adjusted by automatically selecting one of multiple values ​​set in advance as the exposure target value of the imaging unit 10. Note that the multiple image modes are not limited to the above image modes and may include other image modes.

[0059] An example of the display operation of the image Im1 in the intercom system 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5. Here, the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 merely shows an example of the operation of the intercom system 100 according to the present embodiment, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0060] First, when the operation unit 14 of the lobby intercom 6 accepts a call operation to the parent unit 2 by the visitor H1 (entering the room number and pressing the call button) (step S1), the signal generating unit 133 generates a mode information request signal. The mode information request signal is a signal including request information for requesting the parent unit 2 to select an optimal mode from among a plurality of image modes. The mode information request signal also includes information other than the request information. The information other than the request information is, for example, date and time information indicating the current date and time. The date and time information is obtained from the clock unit 19. Here, the "current date and time" is, for example, the date and time when the operation unit 14 of the lobby intercom 6 accepts the call operation to the parent unit 2 by the visitor H1.

[0061] The communication control unit 130 causes the mode information request signal generated by the signal generating unit 133 to be transmitted from the communication unit 12 to the master unit 2 (step S2).

[0062] When the first communication unit 21 of the parent unit 2 receives the mode information request signal, the mode selection unit 262 automatically selects one image mode (optimum mode) from among the multiple image modes based on the information (request information and date and time information) included in the mode information request signal. In other words, the mode selection unit 262 automatically selects one image mode (optimum mode) from among the multiple image modes based on the information acquired by the parent unit 2.

[0063] An example of the optimum mode selection operation will be described below.

[0064] When the first communication unit 21 receives the mode information request signal, the information acquisition unit 265 acquires the date and time information included in the mode information request signal (step S3).

[0065] The mode selection unit 262 refers to correspondence information indicating the correspondence between date and time and multiple image modes, which is stored, for example, in the memory unit 27, and automatically selects one image mode that corresponds to the current date and time indicated by the date and time information acquired by the information acquisition unit 265 as the optimal mode (step S4).

[0066] As an example, in the correspondence information, a day is divided into a number of periods (e.g., "morning," "afternoon," "evening," and "night"), and one image mode optimal for each period is registered. Here, "one image mode optimal for each period" is, for example, one image mode that maximizes the visibility of the image Im1 in each period.

[0067] In this operation example, for example, the correspondence information registers vivid mode, HDR mode, backlight compensation mode, and automatic (AE) mode corresponding to "morning," "daytime," "evening," and "night," respectively.

[0068] Also, different time periods are set for each period depending on the season. As an example, in seasons when the sun sets later (e.g., June to August), "evening" is set to 17:00-19:00, and in seasons when the sun sets earlier (e.g., November to January), "evening" is set to 16:00-18:00. As a result, in the correspondence information, one image mode is set that corresponds one-to-one with the date and time. Note that the correspondence relationship between the date and time included in the correspondence information and multiple image modes can be changed depending on the location of the apartment building, the installation position of the handset 1 (lobby intercom 6), etc.

[0069] Here, if the date and time indicated by the date and time information is, for example, 18:30 on July 3, one image mode corresponding to the date and time information is the backlight compensation mode registered for the "evening" period. That is, the mode selection unit 262 selects the backlight compensation mode as the optimal mode. Note that the reason why the backlight compensation mode corresponds to the "evening" period in the correspondence information is that it is assumed that there is a high possibility that sunlight will be incident on the imaging unit 10 of the lobby intercom 6 during the time period of 17:00-19:00 from June to August, taking into consideration the location conditions of the apartment complex and the annual weather conditions.

[0070] When the mode selection unit 262 selects the optimum mode (step S4), the signal generation unit 263 generates a mode information signal including information about the optimum mode selected by the mode selection unit 262.

[0071] The communication control unit 260 causes the mode information signal generated by the signal generating unit 263 to be transmitted from the first communication unit 21 to the lobby interphone 6 (step S5).

[0072] When the communication unit 12 of the lobby interphone 6 receives the mode information signal, the imaging control unit 131 causes the imaging unit 10 to start imaging the image Im1 under imaging conditions (optimum imaging conditions) corresponding to the optimal mode selected by the mode selection unit 262 of the master unit 2 (step S6). That is, when the communication unit 12 receives the mode information signal, the imaging unit 10 captures the image Im1 under the optimal imaging conditions. Note that the "imaging conditions" are conditions defined by a combination of adjustable parameter settings (e.g., exposure, gain, white balance, etc.) when the imaging unit 10 captures the image Im1. More specifically, a plurality of imaging conditions corresponding to each of a plurality of image modes are stored in the storage unit 16, and the imaging unit 10 reads out the optimal imaging conditions corresponding to the optimal mode from the storage unit 16 and starts imaging the image Im1.

[0073] In this operation example, the optimal mode is the backlight compensation mode, and the imaging unit 10 captures the image Im1 under imaging conditions corresponding to the backlight compensation mode. The imaging conditions corresponding to the backlight compensation mode are imaging conditions that improve the visibility of dark areas of the image Im1 (e.g., the area where the visitor H1 is standing) that are caused by backlighting. Specifically, the imaging conditions corresponding to the backlight compensation mode are imaging conditions that have characteristics such as a higher gain of the imaging unit 10 and a longer exposure time than the imaging conditions corresponding to the off mode.

[0074] The image processing control unit 132 causes the image processing unit 15 to compress the data of the image Im1 captured by the imaging unit .

[0075] The communication control unit 130 causes the data of the image Im1 compressed by the image processing unit 15 to be transmitted from the communication unit 12 to the parent device 2.

[0076] When the first communication unit 21 of the parent device 2 receives the data of the image Im1, the image processing control unit 261 of the parent device control unit 26 causes the image processing unit 25 to process the data of the image Im1 so that the data is in a display condition (optimum display condition) corresponding to the optimal mode. Also, the display control unit 264 causes the data of the image Im1 processed by the image processing unit 25 to be decoded, and causes the display unit 20 to display the image Im1 in the optimal display condition, as shown in FIG. 6. That is, when the first communication unit 21 receives the data of the image Im1, the display unit 20 displays the image Im1 in the optimal display condition (step S7). Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state in which the optimal mode is selected by the mode selection unit 262, the display control unit 264 causes the display unit 20 to display text information G1 (for example, "image mode: backlight compensation") indicating the name of the optimal mode together with the image Im1. That is, in a state in which one image mode (optimum mode) is selected by the mode selection unit 262, the display unit 20 displays the name of the optimal mode.

[0077] The "display conditions" are conditions defined by a combination of adjustable parameter settings (e.g., brightness, color, contrast, and shading) when the image processing unit 25 processes the data of the image Im1. More specifically, a plurality of display conditions corresponding to a plurality of image modes are stored in the storage unit 27, and the image processing unit 25 reads out the optimal display conditions corresponding to the optimal mode from the storage unit 27 and processes the data of the image Im1.

[0078] In this operation example, the optimal mode is the backlight compensation mode, and the image processor 25 processes the data of the image Im1 so that the display conditions correspond to the backlight compensation mode. The display conditions corresponding to the backlight compensation mode are, for example, display conditions that improve the visibility of the dark areas of the image Im1 caused by backlight (for example, the area where the visitor H1 is standing).

[0079] The resident, who is the user of the parent unit 2, checks the image Im1 displayed on the display unit 20 and performs an operation on the operation unit 24. Specifically, if the resident checks the image Im1 and can visually confirm the appearance of the visitor H1 (step S8: Yes), he or she presses, for example, the call button 242 to start a call with the visitor H1.

[0080] Here, consider a case where the optimum mode selected by the mode selection unit 262 is not appropriate due to the actual weather being, for example, cloudy and not as much sunlight entering the imaging unit 10 as expected.

[0081] In such a case, the visibility of the visitor H1 in the image Im1 may decrease. If the resident cannot visually recognize the appearance of the visitor H1 from the image Im1 due to the decrease in visibility of the visitor H1 (step S8: No), the resident operates the image mode input unit 241 (described later) of the operation unit 24 to manually select an optimal mode from among a plurality of image modes (step S9). Note that the resident may manually select an optimal mode from among a plurality of image modes after pressing the call button 242 to start a call with the visitor H1.

[0082] An example of a method for manually selecting the optimum mode will be described below.

[0083] First, as shown in FIG. 6, the resident taps on adjustment button B1, which is one of a plurality of buttons displayed below image Im1 on display unit 20, which is a touch panel display, for adjusting the image quality and ringtone of image Im1.

[0084] When the adjustment button B1 is tapped, the display control unit 264 reduces and displays the image Im1 on the left side of the display unit 20, and displays the menu screen Im2 on the right side of the display unit 20, as shown in FIG.

[0085] The menu screen Im2 includes an image mode switching button B2 for manually switching the optimum mode. The image mode switching button B2 displays the name of the image mode currently selected as the optimum mode (for example, "backlight compensation").

[0086] The resident taps the image mode switching button B2 to switch to the optimal mode.

[0087] When the image mode switching button B2 is tapped, as shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit 264 displays the selection screen Im3, for example, superimposed on the menu screen Im2.

[0088] Here, the selection screen Im3 functions as an image mode input unit 241 that accepts an input to select an optimal mode from among a plurality of image modes. The selection screen Im3 includes selection buttons B3 (B31 to B35) on which are displayed character strings ("Off", "HDR", "Vivid", "Backlight compensation", "Auto (AE)") representing the plurality of image modes (Off mode, HDR mode, Vivid mode, Backlight compensation mode, Auto (AE) mode).

[0089] At this time, among the selection buttons B31 to B35, the selection button B3 corresponding to the image mode currently selected as the optimal mode (selection button B34 corresponding to the backlight compensation mode in this operation example) is configured not to accept input (tap operation) by the resident. Also, the selection button B3 (B34) corresponding to the image mode currently selected as the optimal mode is displayed in a display mode different from the other selection buttons B3 (for example, a display mode darker than the other selection buttons B3). In other words, the image mode input unit 241 does not accept an input to select the image mode selected as the optimal mode among the multiple image modes.

[0090] When the resident taps, for example, the selection button B31 corresponding to the off mode among the selection buttons B31 to B33, B35, the mode selection unit 262 selects the off mode as a new optimal mode based on the input to the image mode input unit 241.

[0091] When mode selection unit 262 selects the optimum mode based on the input to image mode input unit 241 (step S9), signal generation unit 263 generates a mode information signal including information on the selected optimum mode (here, the off mode).

[0092] The subsequent operations are similar to steps S5 to S8 above, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0093] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. In addition, a function similar to that of the intercom system 100 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a control method for the intercom system 100, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, etc.

[0094] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

[0095] (3.1) Variation 1 The mode selection section 262 may automatically select one image mode (optimum mode) from among a plurality of image modes based on the history of inputs received by the image mode input section 241.

[0096] An example of the operation of selecting the optimum mode based on the history of inputs received by the image mode input unit 241 will be described below.

[0097] In step S9 (see FIG. 5) in the above embodiment, the mode selection unit 262 selects the off mode as the new optimum mode based on the input to the image mode input unit 241. At this time, the storage unit 27 associates the input received by the image mode input unit 241 (the input selecting the off mode) with date and time information (specific date and time information) indicating the date and time (18:30 on July 3) when the operation unit 14 of the lobby intercom 6 received the call operation of the master unit 2 by the visitor H1, and stores the result as an input history.

[0098] For example, when the operation unit 14 receives a call operation of the parent unit 2 by the visitor H1 during a period related to the specific date and time information, the mode selection unit 262 automatically selects one image mode (e.g., off mode) associated with the specific date and time information as the optimal mode from among the multiple image modes based on the input history stored in the storage unit 27. Here, the period related to the specific date and time information is, for example, a period from 18:00 to 19:00 for three days before and after July 3. Note that the period related to the specific date and time information is not limited to the above period, and may be set based on the location of the apartment building, weather conditions, etc.

[0099] (3.2) Variation 2 9, the intercom system 100 according to the second modification differs from the above embodiment in that the handset control unit 13 has a mode selection unit 134 that automatically selects one image mode from among a plurality of image modes corresponding to each of a plurality of display forms of the image Im1 on the display unit 20. In the intercom system 100 according to the second modification, the handset control unit 13 further has an information acquisition unit 135.

[0100] An example of the display operation of image Im1 in intercom system 100 according to Modification 2 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. Here, the flowchart shown in Fig. 10 merely shows one example of the operation of intercom system 100 according to Modification 2, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, and processing may be added or omitted as appropriate. Note that in the following description, description of operations common to the above embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0101] First, when the operation unit 14 of the lobby interphone 6 accepts a call operation (entry of a room number and pressing of a call button) of the master unit 2 by the visitor H1 (step S11), the signal generating unit 133 generates a mode information request signal.

[0102] The communication control unit 130 causes the mode information request signal generated by the signal generating unit 133 to be transmitted from the communication unit 12 to the master unit 2 (step S12).

[0103] When the first communication unit 21 receives the mode information request signal, the information acquisition unit 265 acquires the date and time information included in the mode information request signal (step S13).

[0104] The mode selection unit 262 refers to correspondence information indicating the correspondence between date and time and multiple image modes, which is stored in the memory unit 27, for example, and automatically selects one image mode (e.g., backlight compensation mode) corresponding to the current date and time indicated by the date and time information as the first optimal mode (step S14).

[0105] When the mode selection unit 262 selects the first optimum mode (step S14), the signal generation unit 263 generates a mode information signal including information about the first optimum mode selected by the mode selection unit 262.

[0106] The communication control unit 260 causes the first communication unit 21 to transmit the mode information signal generated by the signal generating unit 263 to the lobby interphone 6 (step S15).

[0107] When the communication unit 12 of the lobby intercom 6 receives the mode information signal, the imaging control unit 131 causes the imaging unit 10 to capture image Im1 under imaging conditions (default imaging conditions) corresponding to the off mode (image mode corresponding to the default display mode) (step S16).

[0108] The information acquisition unit 135 of the handset 1 acquires information from the image Im1 (default image) captured by the imaging unit 10 under default imaging conditions. Here, the information acquired from the default image includes environmental information related to the surrounding environment of the lobby intercom 6. As an example, the environmental information includes information on the brightness of the surrounding environment of the lobby intercom 6 (brightness information). That is, the information acquisition unit 135 acquires the brightness information from the default image (step S17).

[0109] The mode selection unit 134 of the child unit control unit 13 determines whether or not the selection of the first optimal mode (backlight compensation mode) by the mode selection unit 262 of the parent unit 2 is appropriate based on the brightness information acquired by the information acquisition unit 135 and the information of the first optimal mode included in the first mode information signal transmitted from the parent unit 2 (step S18).

[0110] The following describes an example of the operation of determining the appropriateness of the first optimum mode by the mode selection unit 134. Note that the operation of determining the appropriateness of the first optimum mode is not limited to the following example and can be modified as appropriate.

[0111] The mode selection unit 134 calculates the difference between the maximum and minimum brightness values ​​in the default image from the brightness information. If the difference between the maximum and minimum brightness values ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the mode selection unit 134 determines that backlight correction of the default image is necessary, and determines that the selection of the first optimum mode (backlight correction mode) by the mode selection unit 262 is appropriate (step S18: Yes).

[0112] When the mode selection unit 134 determines that the selection of the first optimal mode by the mode selection unit 262 is appropriate, the imaging control unit 131 causes the imaging unit 10 to start capturing an image Im1 under the first optimal imaging conditions corresponding to the first optimal mode (step S19).

[0113] The image processing control unit 132 causes the image processing unit 15 to compress the data of the image Im1 captured by the imaging unit .

[0114] The communication control unit 130 causes the data of the image Im1 compressed by the image processing unit 15 to be transmitted from the communication unit 12 to the parent unit 2.

[0115] When the first communication unit 21 of the parent unit 2 receives the data of the image Im1, the display unit 20 displays the image Im1 under first optimum display conditions corresponding to the first optimum mode (step S20).

[0116] On the other hand, if the difference between the maximum and minimum brightness values ​​is less than the predetermined value, the mode selection unit 134 determines that backlight correction of the default image is unnecessary and determines that the selection of the first optimal mode (backlight correction mode) by the mode selection unit 262 is inappropriate (step S18: No).

[0117] When the mode selection unit 134 determines that the selection of the first optimum mode by the mode selection unit 262 is inappropriate, the mode selection unit 134 automatically selects a second optimum mode from among a plurality of image modes based on information (e.g., brightness information) acquired by the imaging control unit 131 (step S21). As an example, the mode selection unit 134 calculates the maximum brightness value in the default image from the brightness information, and selects the off mode as the second optimum mode if the maximum brightness value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0118] When the mode selection unit 134 selects the off mode as the second optimum mode, the imaging control unit 131 causes the imaging unit 10 to start capturing an image Im1 under second optimum imaging conditions corresponding to the second optimum mode (step S22).

[0119] The image processing control unit 132 causes the image processing unit 15 to compress the data of the image Im1 captured by the imaging unit .

[0120] Furthermore, when the mode selection unit 134 selects the off mode as the second optimum mode, the signal generation unit 133 generates an updated mode information signal including information about the second optimum mode selected by the mode selection unit 134.

[0121] The communication control unit 130 causes the communication unit 12 to transmit the image data compressed by the image processing unit 15 and an update mode information signal to the parent unit 2 (step S23).

[0122] When the first communication unit 21 of the parent unit 2 receives the data of the image Im1 and the update mode information signal, the display unit 20 displays the image Im1 under the second optimal display conditions corresponding to the second optimal mode (off mode) (step S24).

[0123] (3.3) Other Modifications In the above embodiment, the intercom system 100 has been described assuming that the lobby intercom 6 is the slave unit 1, but the door phone 4 may also be configured to operate as the slave unit 1. In this case, it is sufficient that the door phone 4 has components having functions equivalent to at least the imaging unit 10, the slave unit control unit 13, and the image processing unit 15.

[0124] The intercom system 100 in the present disclosure includes a computer system, for example, in the master unit control unit 26 of the master unit 2. The computer system is mainly composed of a processor and a memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system to realize the function of the master unit control unit 26 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided through an electric communication line, or provided by recording it in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI referred to here are called by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be adopted as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated in one chip or distributed among multiple chips. The chips may be integrated in one device or distributed among multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Thus, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0125] Furthermore, it is not essential for the parent unit 2 that multiple functions are integrated into one housing, and the components of the parent unit 2 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the parent unit 2, such as the parent unit control unit 26, may be realized by, for example, the cloud (cloud computing), etc. Conversely, all of the functions of the parent unit 2 may be integrated into one housing, as in the above embodiment.

[0126] Furthermore, it is not essential for the slave unit 1 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the slave unit 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the slave unit 1, such as the slave unit control unit 13, may be realized by, for example, the cloud (cloud computing), etc. Conversely, all of the functions of the slave unit 1 may be concentrated in one housing, as in the above embodiment.

[0127] (4) Summary As described above, the intercom system (100) according to the first aspect is an intercom system including a slave unit (1) having an imaging unit (10) that captures an image (Im1), and a master unit (2) having a display unit (20) that displays the image (Im1) captured by the imaging unit (10). The intercom system (100) has a mode selection unit (134, 262) that automatically selects one image mode from among a plurality of image modes corresponding to each of a plurality of display modes of the image (Im1) on the display unit (20).

[0128] According to this embodiment, one image mode corresponding to the display mode in which the image (Im1) is most visible to the user (resident of the apartment house) of the parent unit (2) is automatically selected from among the multiple image modes. This eliminates the need for the user of the parent unit (2) to manually switch the image mode before or during a response to the visitor (H1), thereby improving convenience.

[0129] In the intercom system (100) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the imaging unit (10) captures an image (Im1) under imaging conditions corresponding to one image mode, and the display unit (20) displays the image (Im1) under display conditions corresponding to the one image mode.

[0130] According to this aspect, by controlling the imaging conditions of the imaging section (10) and the display conditions of the display section (20), the display aspect of the image (Im1) can be made more appropriate.

[0131] In the intercom system (100) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the parent unit (2) has a mode selection unit (262) and a first communication unit (21) that transmits information relating to an image mode selected by the mode selection unit (262) to the child unit.

[0132] According to this embodiment, information regarding one image mode selected by the mode selection section (262) of the parent device (2) can be shared with the child device (1).

[0133] In the intercom system (100) according to the fourth aspect, in any of the first to third aspects, the slave unit (1) has a mode selection unit (134) and a communication unit (12) that transmits information related to one image mode selected by the mode selection unit (134) to the master unit (2).

[0134] According to this embodiment, information regarding one image mode selected by the mode selection section (134) of the child device (1) can be shared with the parent device (2).

[0135] In the intercom system (100) according to the fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the mode selection unit (262) automatically selects one image mode from among a plurality of image modes based on information acquired by the master unit (2).

[0136] According to this embodiment, one image mode corresponding to the display mode in which the image (Im1) is most visible to the user (resident of the apartment house) of the parent unit (2) is automatically selected from among the multiple image modes. This eliminates the need for the user of the parent unit (2) to manually switch the image mode before or during a response to the visitor (H1), thereby improving convenience.

[0137] In the intercom system (100) according to the sixth aspect, the information acquired by the master unit (2) in the fifth aspect includes date and time information indicating the current date and time.

[0138] According to this aspect, one image mode that corresponds to the current date and time can be automatically selected from among a plurality of image modes.

[0139] In the intercom system (100) according to the seventh aspect, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the mode selection unit (134) automatically selects one image mode from among a plurality of image modes based on information acquired by the handset (1).

[0140] According to this embodiment, one image mode corresponding to the display mode in which the image (Im1) is most visible to the user (resident of the apartment house) of the parent unit (2) is automatically selected from among the multiple image modes. This eliminates the need for the user of the parent unit (2) to manually switch the image mode before or during a response to the visitor (H1), thereby improving convenience.

[0141] In the intercom system (100) according to the eighth aspect, the information acquired by the slave unit (1) in the seventh aspect includes environmental information related to the surrounding environment of the slave unit (1).

[0142] According to this embodiment, one image mode that corresponds to the surrounding environment of the child device (1) can be automatically selected from among a plurality of image modes.

[0143] In the intercom system (100) according to a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the master unit (2) further includes an image mode input unit (241) that receives an input from a user to select one image mode from a plurality of image modes. The mode selection unit (262) automatically selects one image mode from the plurality of image modes based on a history of the input received by the image mode input unit (241).

[0144] According to this aspect, one image mode is automatically selected from among a plurality of image modes based on the input history, so that the user does not need to manually switch image modes, thereby improving convenience.

[0145] In the intercom system (100) according to the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the image mode input unit (241) does not accept an input for selecting an image mode that is selected as one image mode among a plurality of image modes.

[0146] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will select an image mode that has already been selected as one image mode.

[0147] In an intercom system (100) according to an eleventh aspect, in any of the first to tenth aspects, the display unit (20) displays the name of one image mode when the one image mode is selected by the mode selection unit (134, 262).

[0148] According to this aspect, the user can easily recognize the currently selected image mode.

[0149] The second to eleventh aspects are not essential components of the intercom system (100) and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1 Child unit 2 Parent unit 10. Imaging unit 12 Communications Department 20 Display section 21 First Communications Department 100 Intercom System 134 Mode selection section 241 Image mode input section 262 Mode selection section H1 Visitors Im1 Images

Claims

1. An intercom system including a slave unit having an imaging unit that captures an image, and a master unit having a display unit that displays the image captured by the imaging unit, a mode selection unit that automatically selects one image mode from among a plurality of image modes corresponding to each of a plurality of display modes of the image on the display unit; Intercom system.

2. The imaging unit captures the image under imaging conditions corresponding to the one image mode, the display unit displays the image under a display condition corresponding to the one image mode.

2. The intercom system according to claim 1.

3. The parent unit is The mode selection unit; a communication unit that transmits information about the one image mode selected by the mode selection unit to the child device.

3. An intercom system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The child device is The mode selection unit; a communication unit that transmits information about the one image mode selected by the mode selection unit to the parent device, 3. An intercom system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The mode selection unit automatically selects the one image mode from among the plurality of image modes based on information acquired by the parent device.

3. An intercom system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The information includes date and time information indicating a current date and time.

6. The intercom system according to claim 5.

7. the mode selection unit automatically selects the one image mode from among the plurality of image modes based on information acquired by the child device; 3. An intercom system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The information includes environmental information regarding an environment surrounding the child device.

8. The intercom system according to claim 7.

9. the parent device further includes an image mode input unit that receives an input from a user to select the one image mode from the plurality of image modes, the mode selection unit automatically selects the one image mode from among the plurality of image modes based on a history of the input received by the image mode input unit; 3. An intercom system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the image mode input unit does not accept the input for selecting an image mode that has been selected as the one image mode among the plurality of image modes; 10. The intercom system according to claim 9.

11. the display unit displays a name of the one image mode in a state in which the one image mode is selected by the mode selection unit.

3. An intercom system according to claim 1 or 2.

Images