Communication system

Abstract

In a communication system configured to exchange images between Area 1 and Area 2, the system provides images that create a sense of unity between people. [Solution] In the communication system 1, the first display unit 27 is positioned to face the first person H who is in the first area 10 and is configured to display the second image 76A, which is an image captured by the second imaging unit 76 that includes the second person G who is in the second area 60. The half mirror M is positioned between the first display unit 27 and the first person H, facing the first person H, and is positioned so that the first person H can see the mirror image of the first person H reflected by the half mirror M and the second image 76A provided through the half mirror M. The first imaging unit 26 is configured to capture the mirror image of the first person H and the second image 76A.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system configured to transmit and receive images between a first area and a second area. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of capturing images of a person (i.e., the user and the other party) using an imaging unit in a first area and a second area respectively, and providing the captured images to the user and the other party. In each area, the user's own image and the other party's image are displayed side by side. Note that the user's own image is captured from light transmitted through a half mirror, and the other party's image is provided as light reflected by the half mirror. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3451317 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, as a result of detailed studies by the inventor, it has been found that in a configuration in which the user's own image and the other party's image are displayed side by side as in the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is difficult to obtain a sense of unity between the user and the other party.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an image that allows a sense of unity between persons in a communication system configured to transmit and receive images between a first area and a second area. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure desirably includes at least one of the following constituent features, for example. Also, as far as possible, any combination of a plurality of the following constituent features may be applied.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a communication system (1) configured to exchange images between a first area (10) and a second area (60). The first area (10) includes a first display unit (27), a first imaging unit (26), a first communication unit (23), and a half-mirror (M). The second area (60) includes a second display unit (77), a second imaging unit (76), and a second communication unit (73).

[0008] The first display unit (27) is positioned to face the first person (H) in the first area (10) and is configured to display the second image (76A), which is an image captured by the second imaging unit (76). The half mirror (M) is positioned between the first display unit (27) and the first person (H) and faces the first person (H). The half mirror (M) is also positioned so that the first person (H) can see both the mirrored image of the first person (H) reflected by the half mirror (M) and the second image (76A) provided through the half mirror (M). The first imaging unit (26) is configured to capture the mirrored image of the first person (H) and the second image (76A). The first communication unit (23) is configured to transmit the image captured by the first imaging unit (26) as the first image (26A) to the second communication unit (73) and to receive the second image (76A) from the second communication unit (73).

[0009] The second display unit (77) is positioned to face the second person (G) in the second area (60) and is configured to display the first image (26A), which is an image captured by the first imaging unit (26). The second imaging unit (76) is configured to capture an image of the second person (G) from the side of the second display unit (77). The second communication unit (73) is configured to transmit the second image (76A) captured by the second imaging unit (76) to the first communication unit (23) and to receive the first image (26A) from the second communication unit (73).

[0010] With this configuration, the first imaging unit (26) captures a mirror image of the first person (H) and a second image (76A), and provides the second person (G) with a first image (26A) in its visual field. In other words, the first image (26A) includes both the first person (H) and the second person (G). Therefore, the second person (G) can be given the sensation that they are together with the first person (H).

[0011] In one aspect of this disclosure, the first area (10) may further include a black pseudo-human image (30). The pseudo-human image (30) may be positioned between the first person (H) and the half-mirror (M) and facing the first display unit (27). Furthermore, the pseudo-human image (30) may be positioned such that the area in the first imaging unit (26) where the second person (G) included in the second image (76A) is imaged overlaps with the area in the first imaging unit (26) where the pseudo-human image (30) is imaged as a mirror image.

[0012] With this configuration, the black pseudo-human image (30) suppresses reflections from the half-mirror (M) in the area where the second person (G) is imaged in the first image (26A). Therefore, the second person (G) can be clearly imaged in the first image (26A).

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, the simulated human figure (30) may be positioned so that its line of sight is directed toward the first display unit (27). Alternatively, the first imaging unit (26) may be positioned in the vertical direction within the region between the line of sight of the first person (H) toward the first display unit (27) and the line of sight of the simulated human figure (30). With this configuration, the positional discrepancy between the second image (76A) seen from the first person (H) via the half-mirror (M) and the pseudo-person image (30) can be reduced.

[0014] In one aspect of this disclosure, the pseudo-person (30) may be equipped with a microphone (36) configured to collect sound in three dimensions. The second person (G) may be surrounded by speakers (37) for three-dimensionally reproducing the sound collected by the microphone (36).

[0015] With this configuration, the sounds heard by the simulated person (30) can be reproduced directly around the second person (G). Therefore, the second person (G) can be given the impression that the first person (H) is right next to the second person (G).

[0016] In one aspect of this disclosure, the first area (10) may further include a displacement mechanism (32) for displacing a simulated human figure (30) in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the pseudo-human figure (30) can be adjusted to the optimal height according to the physique of the second person (G).

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the second area (60) may further include a detection unit (83) configured to detect the height of a second person (G). The first area (10) may further include a control unit (20) configured to drive a displacement mechanism (32) according to the height.

[0018] With this configuration, the pseudo-human figure (30) can be displaced to an optimal height according to the height of the second person (G). The symbols in parentheses above are merely examples indicating the correspondence with the specific configurations described in the embodiments described later, and this disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations indicated by the symbols in parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is an overview diagram showing the configuration of the second area, and Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the guest's height and the captured image. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is an overview diagram showing the configuration of the first area, and Figure 3B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first image. [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a flowchart showing the height detection process performed by the processing unit, and Figure 4B is a flowchart showing the height adjustment process performed by the control unit. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing the relationship between headrest height and mannequin height. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The following "embodiments of the invention" are examples of embodiments belonging to the technical scope of the present disclosure. That is, the invention-specifying matters described in the claims are not limited to the specific configurations, structures, and the like shown in the following embodiments.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiment] [1-1. Correspondence with Configuration of the Present Disclosure] A first display 27 in the embodiment corresponds to a first display unit in the present disclosure, and a first camera 26 corresponds to a first imaging unit in the present disclosure. Further, a second display 77 in the embodiment corresponds to a second display unit in the present disclosure, and a second camera 76 corresponds to a second imaging unit in the present disclosure. Furthermore, a host H in the embodiment corresponds to a first person in the present disclosure, a guest G corresponds to a second person in the present disclosure, and a mannequin 30 corresponds to a pseudo human figure in the present disclosure.

[0022] Further, a first microphone 36 in the embodiment corresponds to a microphone in the present disclosure, and a first speaker 37 corresponds to a speaker in the present disclosure. Furthermore, a position detection unit 83 in the embodiment corresponds to a detection unit in the present disclosure, and a mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32 corresponds to a displacement mechanism in the present disclosure.

[0023] [1-2. Configuration] The communication system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system configured to exchange images between the first area 10 and the second area 60. The communication system 1 functions as a videophone system. That is, the communication system 1 is configured to exchange both video as images and audio. In particular, the communication system 1 of this embodiment is designed to give a guest G (see Figure 2A) in the second area 60 the feeling that they are together with host H in the first area 10, which is far from the second area 60. Details will be explained below.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the first area 10 is equipped with a control unit 20, a mannequin 30, a first camera 26, and a first display 27. The first area 10 is further equipped with a half mirror M, as shown in Figure 3A.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the second area 60 is equipped with a processing unit 70, a second camera 76, a second display 77, and a guest seat 80. The processing unit 70 includes a CPU 71, a memory 72, and a second communication unit 73. The second communication unit 73 is, for example, a well-known communication module. The second communication unit 73 is communicateably connected to the control unit 20 in the first area 10 via a communication line 5. The communication line 5 may be partially or entirely wireless, or it may be via a mobile phone communication network, the internet, etc. The second communication unit 73 is configured to transmit various data, including the second image 76A captured by the second camera 76, to the first communication unit 23, and to receive various data, including the first image 26A, from the second communication unit 73. The second communication unit 73 also has the function of transmitting various data, such as the height information of the headrest 80H detected by the second microphone 86 (described later) and the position detection unit 83, to the first communication unit 23.

[0026] The guest seat 80 is positioned in the second area 60, as shown in Figure 2A. The guest seat 80 is a chair configured to allow a guest G located within the second area 60 to sit. The guest seat 80 is equipped with a headrest 80H. The headrest 80H is positioned to support the guest G's head from behind. The headrest 80H is also shaped to support the guest G's head while making contact with the guest G's shoulders.

[0027] In the second area 60, the second camera 76 and the second display 77 are positioned approximately in front of the guest G, who is seated in the guest seat 80, so as to face the guest G. The second camera 76 is configured to capture images of the guest G. The second display 77 is configured to display the first image 26A, which is an image captured by the first camera 26.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the guest seat 80 includes a second motor 81, a headrest vertical displacement mechanism 82, a position detection unit 83, a second microphone 86, and a second speaker 87. The headrest vertical displacement mechanism 82, as shown in Figure 2A, is located at the upper rear of the guest seat 80 (e.g., the seat back), and is a mechanism for displacing the headrest 80H vertically. The headrest vertical displacement mechanism 82 uses any mechanism, such as a rack and pinion mechanism, to linearly displace the headrest 80H vertically.

[0029] The second motor 81 shown in Figure 1 is an actuator for driving the headrest vertical displacement mechanism 82. The second motor 81 operates in response to a command from the processing unit 70, and the headrest 80H is displaced via the headrest vertical displacement mechanism 82 by the power of the second motor 81.

[0030] The position detection unit 83 is configured to detect the height of guest G. Here, the position detection unit 83 detects the height of guest G by detecting the position of the headrest 80H. The position detection unit 83 recognizes the position of the headrest 80H by, for example, detecting drive pulses to the second motor 81 or detecting the amount of rotation of the second motor 81.

[0031] The second microphone, 86, is a microphone used to capture the voice of guest G. The second microphone, 86, is positioned around guest G. The second speaker 87 is a multi-channel speaker configured to reproduce the sound collected by the first microphone 36 in a three-dimensional manner. The second speaker 87 comprises at least two speakers. The second speaker 87 is positioned, for example, on the headrest 80H behind the guest G, as shown in Figure 2A.

[0032] The control unit 20 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, and a first communication unit 23. The first communication unit 23 is configured to transmit various data, including the first image 26A, which is captured by the first camera 26, to the second communication unit 73. The first communication unit 23 is also configured to receive various data, including the second image 76A, from the second communication unit 73. The first communication unit 23 also has a function to transmit audio from the first microphone 36, which will be described later, to the first communication unit 23 as various data.

[0033] The control unit 20 and the processing unit 70 are configured as microcomputers, with CPUs 21 and 71 and memories 22 and 72, respectively. The memories 22 and 72 are semiconductor memories such as RAM or ROM. The functions of the control unit 20 and the processing unit 70 are realized by the CPUs 21 and 71 executing programs stored in non-transitional physical recording media.

[0034] In this example, memories 22 and 72 correspond to non-transitional, tangible recording media that store the program. When this program is executed, a method corresponding to the program is executed. For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 20 and the processing unit 70 implement functions such as displaying images on the first display 27 and the second display 77, and exchanging various data. In addition, height detection processing (see Figure 4A) and height adjustment processing (see Figure 4B) are executed. The control unit 20 and the processing unit 70 may consist of one microcomputer or multiple microcomputers.

[0035] The methods for realizing each function included in the control unit 20 and the processing unit 70 are not limited to software; some or all of the functions may be realized using one or more hardware components. For example, if the above functions are realized by an electronic circuit, which is hardware, that electronic circuit may be a digital circuit, an analog circuit, or a combination thereof.

[0036] Next, in the first area 10, the first display 27 is positioned to face the host H located in the first area 10, as shown in Figure 3A, and is configured to display the second image 76A, which is an image captured by the second camera 76.

[0037] The half-mirror M is positioned between the first display 27 and the host H, facing the host H, and is positioned so that the host H can see the mirrored image of the host H reflected by the half-mirror M and the second image 76A provided through the half-mirror M. In other words, the half-mirror M is configured to transmit some of the light and reflect the remaining part of the light. The half-mirror M is made of acrylic, for example, with a reflectivity of 50% or more and a transmittance set to within the range of 8% to 10%.

[0038] The first camera 26 is configured to capture both the mirror image of the host H, i.e., the reflected light from the half-mirror M, and the second image 76A, i.e., the transmitted light from the half-mirror M. The first camera 26 is positioned, for example, on the top of the mannequin 30's head.

[0039] The mannequin 30 is positioned to suppress the amount of reflected light in the mirror image of the half-mirror M. If the amount of reflected light is high, the reflected light interferes, making it difficult to see the second image 76A, which should be perceived as transmitted light. For this reason, the mannequin 30 is entirely black. Note that black includes colors close to black, and colors that reduce the reflection of the mannequin 30 itself in the mirror image of the half-mirror M. The mannequin 30 is mounted on the support part 38 so as to be displaceable vertically.

[0040] The mannequin 30 is positioned facing the first display 27 and in front of the host H (to the right of the host H in the example of Figure 3A). In other words, the mannequin 30 is positioned between the host H and the half mirror M. Furthermore, the mannequin 30 is positioned such that the area in which the guest G included in the second image 76A is imaged by the first camera 26 overlaps with the area in which the mannequin 30 is imaged as a mirror image by the first camera 26.

[0041] With this configuration, the first camera 26 can obtain a first image 26A as shown in Figure 3B. Specifically, the first image 26A includes the host H and the mannequin 30 as reflected light from the half mirror M. The first image 26A also includes the guest G, which is positioned to overlap the area of ​​the mannequin 30, as transmitted light from the half mirror M.

[0042] Here, in the second area 60, depending on the height of guest G (especially sitting height), the position of guest G's face in the second image 76A captured by the second camera 76 may change. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the face positions of the tall guest G1 and the short guest G2 are significantly different. Therefore, there is a concern that the mannequin 30 and guest G may be misaligned in the first image 26A, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0043] To address these concerns, the mannequin 30 of this embodiment is configured to be displaceable in the vertical direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the mannequin 30 includes a first motor 31 and a mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3A, the mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32 is located at the bottom of the mannequin 30 and is a mechanism for displacing the mannequin 30 vertically. The mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32 uses any mechanism, such as a rack and pinion mechanism, to linearly displace the mannequin 30 vertically.

[0045] The first motor 31 shown in Figure 1 is an actuator for driving the mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32. The first motor 31 operates in response to commands from the control unit 20, and the mannequin 30 is displaced via the mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32 by the power of the first motor 31. Therefore, by displacing the mannequin 30 vertically according to the height of the guest G, it is possible to suppress the misalignment between the area of ​​the mannequin 30 and the area of ​​the guest G in the first image 26A.

[0046] The mannequin 30 is positioned so that its line of sight V2 is directed toward the first display 27. The first camera 26 is positioned in the vertical direction within the region between the line of sight V1 of the host H toward the first display 27 (e.g., eye level) and the line of sight V2 of the mannequin 30. More specifically, the first camera 26 is configured such that its optical axis V3 lies between the line of sight V1 of the host H and the line of sight V2 of the mannequin 30, which are parallel to the optical axis V3. This is done to minimize the positional discrepancy between the second image 76A, which is seen from the host H via the half-mirror M, and the mannequin 30 in the mirrored image.

[0047] The mannequin 30 also includes a first microphone 36 and a first speaker 37. The first microphone 36 is configured to collect sound three-dimensionally. The first microphone 36 may be, for example, a stereo microphone or a dummy head microphone positioned at the ears of the mannequin 30. The first speaker 37 may be positioned at the mouth, back of the head, or the like of the mannequin 30.

[0048] With this communication system 1, guest G can see the first image 26A which includes guest G and host H, and hear guest G's voice three-dimensionally from behind. Therefore, guest G can get the feeling that host H is right behind them, similar to when talking to host H through a mirror in a hair salon or similar setting.

[0049] [1-2. Processing] Next, the height detection process performed by the processing unit 70 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4A. As described above, in the configuration of this embodiment, the operation of displacing the mannequin 30 up and down is automated. That is, the height of the mannequin 30 is automatically adjusted to an appropriate height according to the height of the guest G. The height detection process is started when a start command is input to the processing unit 70. The start command is input to the processing unit 70 by the host H, guest G, etc., operating an arbitrary physical switch, etc., which is not shown in the figure. At the start of this process, the headrest 80H is moved to the highest position. This position is the initial position.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4A, the height detection process first involves the CPU 71 lowering the headrest 80H in S10. That is, it activates the second motor 81, displacing the headrest 80H downwards via the mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32.

[0051] Next, in S20, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a reaction force has been generated in the headrest 80H. When the headrest 80H comes into contact with the guest G's shoulder, the resistance to the second motor 81 increases, and this resistance becomes a reaction force. The processing unit 70 can detect the generation of a reaction force, for example, by monitoring the torque generated in the second motor 81, or by a decrease in the movement speed of the headrest 80H.

[0052] If no reaction force is generated, the CPU 71 repeats the process in S20. If a reaction force is generated, it proceeds to S30. In S30, the CPU 71 stops the descent of the headrest 80H, that is, it stops the second motor 81.

[0053] Next, in S40, the CPU 71 uses the position detection unit 83 to detect the height of the headrest 80H. Then, in S50, the CPU 71 outputs the height of the headrest 80H detected by the position detection unit 83 to the control unit 20 via the second communication unit 73. Once this process is complete, CPU 71 terminates the height detection process.

[0054] Next, the back height adjustment process performed by the control unit 20 in response to the height of the headrest 80H will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4B.

[0055] The back height adjustment process is initiated, for example, when the processing unit 70 outputs the height of the headrest 80H. In the back height adjustment process, first, in S110, the CPU 21 receives the height of the headrest 80H. Then, in S120, the CPU 21 adjusts the vertical position, i.e., the height, of the mannequin 30 according to the height of the headrest 80H.

[0056] Here, the height of the headrest 80H and the height of the mannequin 30 are pre-associated, as shown in Figure 5, for example. That is, as the height of the headrest 80H increases, the height of the mannequin 30 is adjusted to increase proportionally. However, the rate of change of the mannequin 30's height is small compared to the rate of change of the headrest 80H's height; for example, the rate of change of the mannequin 30's height is set to about half the rate of change of the headrest 80H's height.

[0057] At this time, the CPU 21 sets a target value for the height of the mannequin 30 relative to the height of the headrest 80H, and operates the first motor 31 so that the height of the mannequin 30 matches this target value. Once this process is complete, the back height adjustment process is terminated. Thus, the communication system 1 adjusts the height of the mannequin 30 appropriately according to the height of guest G, and then performs the videophone function described above.

[0058] [1-3. Effects] The embodiments described in detail above produce the following effects.

[0059] (1a) In the communication system 1 described above, the first display 27 is positioned to face the host H located in the first area 10 and is configured to display the second image 76A, which is an image captured by the second camera 76. The half mirror M is positioned between the first display 27 and the host H, facing the host H, and is positioned so that the host H can see the mirror image of the host H reflected by the half mirror M and the second image 76A provided through the half mirror M. The first camera 26 is configured to capture the mirror image of the host H and the second image 76A. The first communication unit 23 is configured to transmit the image captured by the first camera 26 as the first image 26A to the second communication unit 73 and to receive the second image 76A from the second communication unit 73.

[0060] The second display 77 is positioned to face the guest G in the second area 60 and is configured to display the first image 26A, which is an image captured by the first camera 26. The second camera 76 is configured to capture images of the guest G from the second display 77 side. The second communication unit 73 is configured to transmit the second image 76A captured by the second camera 76 to the first communication unit 23 and to receive the first image 26A from the second communication unit 73.

[0061] With this configuration, the first camera 26 captures a mirror image of the host H and a second image 76A, and provides this first image 26A to the guest G's vision. The first image 26A includes both the host H and the guest G. Therefore, the guest G can be given the feeling that they are together with the host H.

[0062] (1b) In the communication system 1 described above, the first area 10 is further provided with a black mannequin 30. The mannequin 30 is positioned facing the first display 27, and is arranged such that the area in which the guest G included in the second image 76A is imaged by the first camera 26 and the area in which the mannequin 30 is imaged as a mirror image by the first camera 26 overlap.

[0063] With this configuration, the black mannequin 30 can suppress reflections from the half-mirror M in the area where guest G is imaged in the first image 26A. Therefore, guest G can be clearly imaged in the first image 26A.

[0064] (1c) In the communication system 1 described above, the mannequin 30 is positioned so that its line of sight is directed toward the first display 27. The first camera 26 is positioned in the vertical direction within the region between the line of sight of the host H toward the first display 27 and the line of sight of the mannequin 30.

[0065] With this configuration, the positional discrepancy between the second image 76A, which is visible from the host H via the half-mirror M, and the mannequin 30 in the mirrored image can be reduced. (1d) In the above communication system 1, the mannequin 30 is equipped with a first microphone 36 configured to collect sound in three dimensions. The guest G is surrounded by a first speaker 37 for three-dimensionally reproducing the sound collected by the first microphone 36.

[0066] With this configuration, the sounds heard by mannequin 30 can be reproduced exactly around guest G. Therefore, it is possible to give guest G the impression that host H is right next to guest G.

[0067] (1e) In the above communication system 1, the first area 10 is further provided with a mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32 for displacing the mannequin 30 in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the mannequin 30 can be adjusted to the optimal height according to the physique of guest G.

[0068] (1f) In the above communication system 1, the second area 60 is further provided with a position detection unit 83 configured to detect the height of guest G. The first area 10 is further provided with a control unit 20 configured to drive a mannequin vertical displacement mechanism 32 according to the height. With this configuration, the mannequin 30 can be displaced to the optimal height according to the height of guest G.

[0069] [2. Other Embodiments] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0070] (2a) In the above embodiment, the mannequin 30 was automatically set to the optimal height according to the height of the guest G, but it is not limited to this. For example, the mannequin 30 may be configured to be displaced up and down only manually.

[0071] (2b) Alternatively, the guest seat 80 may be configured to move up and down in accordance with the position of the mannequin 30. In this case, the guest seat 80 should be moved up and down so that the face of guest G is positioned in a predetermined location in the second image 76A.

[0072] (2c) In the above embodiment, the first display 27 and the half mirror M are configured as separate components, but they may be configured as a single unit. That is, the half mirror M may be configured to cover the display surface of the first display 27.

[0073] (2d) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, some of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of other above embodiments.

[0074] (2e) In addition to the communication system 1 described above, the disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a control device which is a component of the communication system 1, a program for causing a computer to function as the control device, a non-transitional physical recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which this program is recorded, and a mannequin control method.

[0075] (2f) Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is consistent with the intent of the disclosures described in the embodiments described above. Therefore, the present disclosure may be a combination of at least two of the embodiments described above, or a configuration in which any of the illustrated components or components described with reference numerals in the embodiments described above is omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1...Communication system, 5...Communication line, 10...First area, 20...Control unit, 21...CPU, 22...Memory, 23...First communication unit, 26...First camera, 26A...First image, 27...First display, 30...Mannequin, 31...First motor, 32...Mannequin vertical displacement mechanism, 36...First microphone, 37...First speaker, 38...Support unit, 60...Second area, 70...Processing unit, 71...CPU, 72...Memory, 73...Second communication unit, 76...Second camera, 76A...Second image, 77...Second display, 80...Guest seat, 80H...Headrest, 81...Second motor, 82...Headrest vertical displacement mechanism, 83...Position detection unit, 86...Second microphone, 87...Second speaker, G...Guest, H...Host, M...Half mirror.

Claims

1. A communication system configured to exchange images between a first area and a second area, The first area is equipped with a first display unit, a first imaging unit, a first communication unit, and a half-mirror. The second area is equipped with a second display unit, a second imaging unit, and a second communication unit. The first display unit is positioned to face the first person in the first area and is configured to display the second image, which is an image captured by the second imaging unit. The half-mirror is positioned between the first display unit and the first person, facing the first person, and is arranged so that the first person can see the mirrored image of the first person reflected by the half-mirror and the second image provided through the half-mirror. The first imaging unit is configured to capture a mirror image of the first person and the second image, The first communication unit is configured to transmit the image captured by the first imaging unit as the first image to the second communication unit, and to receive the second image from the second communication unit. The second display unit is positioned to face the second person in the second area and is configured to display the first image, which is an image captured by the first imaging unit. The second imaging unit is configured to capture the second person from the second display unit side, The second communication unit is configured to transmit the second image captured by the second imaging unit to the first communication unit and to receive the first image from the second communication unit. Communication system.

2. A communication system according to claim 1, The aforementioned first area is further equipped with a black pseudo-human figure, The simulated human figure is positioned between the first person and the half-mirror, facing the first display unit, such that the region in the first imaging unit where the second person included in the second image is imaged and the region in the first imaging unit where the simulated human figure is imaged as a mirror image overlap. Communication system.

3. A communication system according to claim 2, The aforementioned simulated human figure is positioned so that its gaze is directed toward the first display unit. The first imaging unit is positioned in the vertical direction within the region between the line of sight of the first person toward the first display unit and the line of sight of the simulated person. Communication system.

4. A communication system according to claim 2 or claim 3, The aforementioned simulated human figure is equipped with a microphone configured to collect sound in three dimensions, A communication system is provided around the second person, equipped with speakers for three-dimensionally reproducing the sound collected by the microphone.

5. A communication system according to claim 2 or claim 3, The first area is further equipped with a displacement mechanism for displacing the simulated human figure in the vertical direction, in a communication system.

6. A communication system according to claim 5, The second area is further provided with a detection unit configured to detect the height of the second person, The first area further includes a control unit configured to drive the displacement mechanism according to the height. Communication system.

Images