wireless communication system

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication system capable of reducing the operational burden on a sender and a receiver.SOLUTION: A wireless communication system includes a calling wireless machine used by a caller, a receiving side wireless machine that is communicable with the transmitting side wireless machine and used by each of a plurality of reception candidates, a line-of-sight detection unit that detects the line of sight of the caller, a recipient identification unit that identifies a recipient from among a plurality of recipient candidates on the basis of the detected line of sight of the caller, and a communication control unit that connects the calling-side wireless machine and the identified receiver's receiving-side wireless machine so as to be able to communicate with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to wireless communication systems. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In commercial facilities, event venues, and the like, a plurality of people may be communicating using a wireless communication system such as a walkie-talkie (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-5017 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the wireless communication system described above, for example, multiple wireless devices are used in a state where they are connected to the same channel. In other words, a voice emitted by one wireless device user (hereinafter referred to as a sender) is transmitted to multiple wireless device users (hereinafter referred to as receivers). In this case, if the sender wants to talk only with specific receivers, he or she must switch to a different channel for each of the specific receivers and then switch back to the original channel after the call is over, which is a time-consuming operation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to provide a wireless communication system that can reduce the operational burden on senders and receivers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wireless communication system of the present invention comprises an originating radio used by a sender, a receiving radio capable of communicating between the originating radio and used by each of a plurality of recipient candidates, a gaze detection unit that detects the gaze of the sender, a recipient identification unit that identifies a recipient from among the plurality of recipient candidates based on the detected gaze of the sender, and a communication control unit that connects a wireless communication line between the originating radio and the receiving radio of the identified recipient. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wireless communication system that can reduce the operational burden on the sender and receiver. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a transmitting-side wireless device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a receiving-side radio device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing another example of the operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a wireless communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a transmitting-side wireless device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a receiving-side radio device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the wireless communication system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing another example of the operation of the wireless communication system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a wireless communication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a wireless communication system 100 according to the first embodiment. The wireless communication system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be used, for example, in a commercial facility, an event venue, or the like, when multiple people communicate with each other. The wireless communication system 100 can also be used, for example, in a team sport such as soccer, when a manager or coach gives instructions to players. The wireless communication system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a transmitter wireless device 10 used by a transmitter P1 and receiver wireless devices 20 used by multiple receiver candidates P2. In this embodiment, the transmitter P1 can be, for example, a person who gives instructions to multiple receiver candidates P2, such as a leader of staff working at a commercial facility or an event, or a manager or coach of a team sport. The receiver candidates P2 can be, for example, a person who receives instructions from the transmitter P1, such as a staff member working at a commercial facility or an event, or a player of a team sport.

[0011] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the transmitting wireless device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitting wireless device 10 has an eyeball imaging unit 11, an audio input unit 12, an audio output unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0012] The eyeball imaging unit 11 captures the left and right eyeballs of the sender P1. The eyeball imaging unit 11 inputs eyeball imaging information obtained by capturing images of the left and right eyeballs of the sender P1 to the control unit 15. The eyeball imaging unit 11 can be any of a variety of cameras depending on the method for detecting the gaze of the sender P1. For example, in the case of a method for detecting the gaze of the sender P1 based on the position of the pupil and the position of the corneal reflection of the sender P1, an infrared camera can be used as the eyeball imaging unit 11. In this case, the eyeball imaging unit 11 may be configured to include an infrared light emitting unit that illuminates the eyes of the sender P1. Furthermore, in the case of a method for detecting the gaze of the sender P1 based on the position of the inner corner of the eye and the position of the iris, a visible light camera can be used as the eyeball imaging unit 11.

[0013] The voice input unit 12 acquires voice information and inputs it to the control unit 15. For example, a microphone or the like is used as the voice input unit 12. The voice input unit 12 acquires voice information such as the voice uttered by the sender P1.

[0014] The audio output unit 13 outputs audio information. For example, earphones, headphones, speakers, etc. are used as the audio output unit 13. The audio output unit 13 outputs audio information such as the voice of the recipient received by the communication unit 14.

[0015] The communication unit 14 is capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from the receiving radio 20. The communication unit 14 is able to communicate with the receiving radio 20 by tuning to a predetermined communication channel. The communication channels include a shared channel that allows voice transmission and reception between the transmitting radio 10 and multiple receiving radios 20, and dedicated channels that allow voice transmission and reception individually between the transmitting radio 10 and each receiving radio 20. Note that in this embodiment, a shared channel does not have to be provided. The communication unit 14 transmits voice information of the sender P1 from the voice input unit 12. The communication unit 14 receives voice information from the receiving radio 20. The communication unit 14 receives location information of the recipient candidate P2 that is transmitted from the receiving radio 20. The location information can be received even if the communication with the receiving radio 20 is not possible.

[0016] The control unit 15 has a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 15 controls the transmitting wireless device 10. The control unit 15 has an input / output control unit 16, a line-of-sight detection unit 17, a recipient identification unit 18, and a communication control unit 19.

[0017] The input / output control unit 16 acquires audio information input from the audio input unit 12. The input / output control unit 16 causes the audio output unit 13 to output the audio information.

[0018] Gaze detection unit 17 detects the gaze vector of sender P1 defined, for example, in a three-dimensional global coordinate system, based on the photographed information of the left and right eyes photographed by eye photographing unit 11. Gaze detection unit 17 may be configured to detect the gaze based, for example, on the positions of the pupils and corneal reflections of sender P1 included in the eye photographing information, or may be configured to detect the gaze based on the positions of the inner corners of the eyes and the irises of sender P1 included in the eye photographing information.

[0019] The recipient identification unit 18 identifies a recipient from among the multiple recipient candidates P2 based on the detected line of sight of the sender P1. For example, the recipient identification unit 18 can identify the recipient candidate P2 who is in the line of sight of the sender P1 as the recipient based on the line of sight of the sender P1 and the positions of the multiple recipient candidates P2.

[0020] The communication control unit 19 controls the operation of the communication unit 14. The communication control unit 19 receives location information of the recipient candidate P2 transmitted from the receiving wireless device 20. When a recipient is identified from multiple recipient candidates P2, the communication control unit 19 tunes the call channel of the transmitting wireless device 10 to the dedicated channel of the receiving wireless device 20 of the identified recipient. This operation connects the transmitting wireless device 10 and the receiving wireless device 20 so that they can communicate. In a state where the transmitting wireless device 10 and the receiving wireless device 20 are connected so that they can communicate, the communication control unit 19 causes the communication unit 14 to transmit voice information of the sender P1 from the voice input unit 12. The communication control unit 19 also acquires voice information from the receiving wireless device 20 received by the communication unit 14.

[0021] 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the receiving radio device 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving radio device 20 includes a position detection unit 21, an audio input unit 22, an audio output unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0022] The position detection unit 21 detects the position of the recipient candidate P2 and inputs the detected position information to the control unit 25. For example, a GPS sensor or the like is used as the position detection unit 21. The position detection unit 21 can input the detected position information to the control unit 25 in association with the receiving-side wireless device 20.

[0023] The voice input unit 22 acquires voice information and inputs it to the control unit 25. For example, a microphone or the like is used as the voice input unit 22. The voice input unit 22 acquires voice information such as the voice uttered by the recipient candidate P2, for example.

[0024] The audio output unit 23 outputs audio information. For example, earphones, headphones, speakers, etc. are used as the audio output unit 23. The audio output unit 23 outputs audio information such as the voice of the sender P1 received by the communication unit 24.

[0025] The communication unit 24 is capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from the transmitting radio device 10. The communication unit 24 is set with a common channel common to multiple receiving radio devices 20 and a separate dedicated channel that differs for each receiving radio device 20. By tuning the transmitting radio device 10 to a dedicated channel, it is possible to individually connect to a specific receiving radio device 20 from among the multiple receiving radio devices 20. The communication unit 24 transmits voice information of the receiving candidate P2 input from the voice input unit 22. The communication unit 24 receives voice information of the sender P1 transmitted from the transmitting radio device 10. The communication unit 24 transmits position information of the receiving candidate P2 detected by the position detection unit 21.

[0026] The control unit 25 has a processing device such as a CPU and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 25 controls the receiving radio device 20. The control unit 25 has an input / output control unit 26 and a communication control unit 29.

[0027] The input / output control unit 26 acquires the audio information input from the audio input unit 22. The input / output control unit 26 causes the audio output unit 23 to output the audio information.

[0028] The communication control unit 29 controls the operation of the communication unit 24. The communication control unit 29 causes the communication unit 24 to transmit the detection result by the position detection unit 21. The communication control unit 29 acquires voice information from the transmitting wireless device 10 received by the communication unit 24.

[0029] Next, the operation of the wireless communication system 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the wireless communication system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the sender P1 directs his / her gaze EL at a specific recipient candidate P2 with whom he / she wishes to communicate from among a plurality of recipient candidate P2. In the sending wireless device 10, the eyeball photographing unit 11 photographs the eyeball of the sender P1. The photographed eyeball photographing information is acquired by the input / output control unit 16. The gaze detection unit 17 detects the gaze of the sender P1 based on the eyeball photographing information.

[0030] In the plurality of receiving wireless devices 20, the position detection unit 21 detects the position of each receiving candidate P2. The detected position information is acquired by the input / output control unit 26 and transmitted from the communication unit 24 to the transmitting wireless device 10 under the control of the communication control unit 29. In the transmitting wireless device 10, the communication unit 14 receives the transmitted position information.

[0031] The recipient identification unit 18 detects whether a recipient candidate P2 is present at a position on the line of sight EL of the sender P1 based on the line of sight of the sender P1 and the positions of multiple recipient candidates P2. If the recipient identification unit 18 detects that a recipient candidate P2 is present at a position on the line of sight EL of the sender P1, it identifies the detected recipient candidate P2 as a recipient P2A.

[0032] The communication control unit 19 matches the communication channel of the transmitting wireless device 10 to the communication channel of the receiving wireless device 20 of the identified recipient P2A. In addition, the communication control unit 19 does not match the communication channel of the transmitting wireless device 10 to the communication channel of the receiving wireless device 20 of any recipient candidate P2 other than the recipient P2A. This operation establishes a connection between the transmitting wireless device 10 and the receiving wireless device 20 of the recipient P2A so that communication can be carried out, but does not establish a connection between the transmitting wireless device 10 and the receiving wireless device 20 of any other recipient candidate P2. Therefore, the sender P1 can identify the recipient P2A from among the multiple recipient candidates P2 and communicate with him / her by radio.

[0033] 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the operation of the wireless communication system 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates a case in which a specific candidate recipient P2 moves so as to be hidden behind a structure as viewed from the originator P1. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the originator P1 directs his / her gaze EL to a specific candidate recipient P2 with whom he / she wishes to communicate, from among the multiple candidate recipients P2, as described above. In this case, the originator P1 moves his / her gaze EL in accordance with the movement of the specific candidate recipient P2.

[0034] The receiving wireless device 20 detects the position of the moving recipient candidate P2 and transmits the position information to the transmitting wireless device 10. In the transmitting wireless device 10, the communication unit 14 receives the transmitted position information. In the transmitting wireless device 10, when the recipient identification unit 18 detects that the recipient candidate P2 is present at a position on the line of sight EL of the sender P1, the recipient candidate P2 is identified as the recipient P2A. In this way, even if there is a structure between the sender P1 and the recipient candidate P2, when the recipient candidate P2 is present ahead of the line of sight EL of the sender P1, the recipient candidate P2 can be identified as the recipient P2A.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the wireless communication system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, in the transmitting wireless device 10, the gaze detection unit 17 detects the gaze of the sender P1 based on the eyeball photograph information (step S10).

[0036] The recipient identification unit 18 detects whether or not a recipient candidate P2 exists in a position on the line of sight EL of the sender P1 based on the line of sight EL of the sender P1 (step S20). If the recipient identification unit 18 detects that a recipient candidate P2 exists in a position on the line of sight EL of the sender P1 (Yes in step S20), it identifies the detected recipient candidate P2 as a recipient P2A (step S30). If the recipient identification unit 18 does not detect that a recipient candidate P2 exists in a position on the line of sight EL of the sender P1 (No in step S20), it repeats step S20.

[0037] When the receiver P2A is identified, the communication control unit 19 matches the communication channel of the transmitting wireless device 10 to the communication channel of the receiving wireless device 20 of the identified receiver P2A. In addition, the communication control unit 19 does not match the communication channel of the transmitting wireless device 10 to the communication channel of the receiving wireless device 20 of the receiving candidate P2 other than the receiver P2A. By this operation, the transmitting wireless device 10 and the receiving wireless device 20 of the receiver P2A are connected so that they can communicate with each other (step S40).

[0038] As described above, the wireless communication system 100 of this embodiment includes an originating wireless device 10 used by a sender P1, a receiving wireless device 20 capable of communicating between the originating wireless device 10 and used by each of a plurality of recipient candidates P2, a gaze detection unit 17 that detects the gaze of the sender P1, a recipient identification unit 18 that identifies a recipient P2A from among the plurality of recipient candidates P2 based on the detected gaze of the sender P1, and a communication control unit 19 that connects the originating wireless device 10 and the receiving wireless device 20 of the identified recipient P2A so that they can communicate with each other.

[0039] According to this embodiment, when the sender P1 directs his / her gaze at a recipient candidate P2 with whom he / she wishes to make a call, the gaze of the sender P1 is detected and the recipient candidate P2 at whom the gaze is directed is identified as the recipient P2A, and a call can be established between the sending wireless device 10 and the receiving wireless device 20 of the identified recipient P2A. This eliminates the need to manually select the recipient P2A from the recipient candidates P2 and establish a call-enabled state, thereby reducing the operational burden on the sender P1 and the recipient P2A.

[0040] The wireless communication system 100 according to this embodiment further includes a position detection unit 21 that individually detects the positions of multiple recipient candidates P2, and the recipient identification unit 18 identifies a recipient candidate P2 that is present in the line of sight of the sender P1 as a recipient P2A based on the line of sight of the sender P1 and the positions of the multiple recipient candidates P2. This configuration makes it possible to identify the recipient P2A with high accuracy.

[0041] [Second embodiment] 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a wireless communication system 200 according to the second embodiment. In the following description of each component of the wireless communication system 200 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. The wireless communication system 200 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a transmitting wireless device 30, a processing device 40, and a receiving wireless device 50.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a transmitting-side wireless device 30 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the transmitting-side wireless device 30 has an audio input unit 12, an audio output unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a control unit 35. The audio input unit 12, the audio output unit 13, and the communication unit 14 can be configured in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0043] The control unit 35 comprehensively controls the transmitting radio 30. The control unit 35 has a processing unit such as a CPU and a storage unit such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 35 has an input / output control unit 16 and a communication control unit 39. The input / output control unit 16 can have the same configuration as in the first embodiment. The communication control unit 39 acquires recipient information and correspondence table information transmitted from a processing unit 40 (described later) and received by the communication unit 14. When acquiring the recipient information and correspondence table information, the communication control unit 39 tunes the call channel of the transmitting radio 30 to a channel dedicated to the receiving radio 50 of the recipient. This operation connects the transmitting radio 30 and the receiving radio 50 so that they can communicate with each other. When the transmitting radio 30 and the receiving radio 50 are connected so that they can communicate with each other, the communication control unit 39 transmits voice information of the sender P1 from the voice input unit 12 to the communication unit 14. The communication control unit 39 also acquires voice information from the receiving radio 50 received by the communication unit 14.

[0044] 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of processing device 40 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, processing device 40 has a candidate photographing unit 41, a display unit 42, an eyeball photographing unit 43, a communication unit 44, and a control unit 45.

[0045] The candidate photographing unit 41 photographs an area where a plurality of recipient candidates P2 are present, and inputs the photographed image information to the control unit 45.

[0046] The display unit 42 displays the image information captured by the candidate capturing unit 41. The display unit 42 includes a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED).

[0047] Eyeball photographing unit 43 photographs the eyeballs of sender P1 and inputs the photographed eyeball photograph information to control unit 45. Eyeball photographing unit 43 can be configured to be attached to display unit 42, for example. Note that eyeball photographing unit 43 may also be provided separately from display unit 42.

[0048] The communication unit 44 is capable of wirelessly communicating information with the transmitting wireless device 30. The communication unit 44 transmits to the transmitting wireless device 30 information on the recipient and information on the correspondence table, which will be described later.

[0049] The control unit 45 comprehensively controls the processing device 40. The control unit 45 has a processing device such as a CPU and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 45 has an input / output control unit 61, an image recognition unit 62, a gaze point detection unit 63, a recipient identification unit 64, a storage unit 65, and a communication control unit 66.

[0050] The input / output control unit 61 acquires the candidate photograph information photographed by the candidate photographing unit 41 and the eyeball photograph information photographed by the eyeball photographing unit 43. The input / output control unit 61 causes the display unit 42 to display the acquired candidate photograph information.

[0051] The image recognition unit 62 recognizes the candidate image Q2 of the recipient candidate P2 included in the video information displayed on the display unit 42. The image recognition unit 62 can, for example, calculate the range in which the candidate image Q2 appears within the display unit 42. The image recognition unit 62 can also recognize which recipient candidate P2 the recognized candidate image Q2 corresponds to. The image recognition unit 62 can recognize which recipient candidate P2 the candidate image Q2 corresponds to, for example, based on at least one of the physical characteristics and clothing characteristics of the person included in the video information. Examples of the physical characteristics of a person include the face, height, and body type. Examples of the clothing characteristics of a person include letters, numbers, and the like written on the clothing.

[0052] The gaze point detection unit 63 detects the gaze of the sender P1 and detects the position of the gaze point of the sender P1 on the display unit 42 based on the detected gaze. The gaze point detection unit 63 detects the position of the gaze point of the sender P1. In this embodiment, the gaze point detection unit 63 detects the gaze vector of the sender P1 defined in a three-dimensional global coordinate system based on eyeball imaging information of the left and right eyes of the sender P1 acquired by the eyeball imaging unit 43. The gaze point detection unit 63 can detect the position of the intersection of the detected gaze vector of the sender P1 and the display unit 42 as position information of the gaze point of the sender P1. The gaze point detection unit 63 detects the position information of the gaze point of the sender P1 at predetermined intervals.

[0053] The recipient identification unit 64 identifies a recipient from among multiple recipient candidates P2 based on the recognition result by the image recognition unit 62 and the position of the gaze point detected by the gaze point detection unit 63. The recipient identification unit 64 determines whether or not a candidate image exists at the position of the gaze point of the sender P1, and if it determines that a candidate image exists, identifies the recipient candidate P2 corresponding to the candidate image as the recipient.

[0054] The memory unit 65 stores various information. The memory unit 65 has storage such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. An external storage medium such as a removable disk may be used as the memory unit 65. The memory unit 65 stores a correspondence table indicating the correspondence between the recipient candidate P2 and the receiving radio 50 used by the recipient candidate P2. The memory unit 65 stores physical characteristics of the recipient candidate P2, such as the face, height, and body type, as well as clothing characteristics, such as letters and numbers on the clothing, in association with the recipient candidate P2.

[0055] The communication control unit 66 controls the operation of the communication unit 44. The communication control unit 66 transmits the identified recipient and information on the correspondence table stored in the storage unit 65 to the transmitting wireless device 30.

[0056] Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a receiving radio device 50 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the receiving radio device 50 has an audio input unit 22, an audio output unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a control unit 25. The audio input unit 22, the audio output unit 23, the communication unit 24, and the control unit 25 can be configured similarly to those in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the receiving radio device 50 is configured not to be provided with a position detection unit. However, it is also possible to configure the receiving radio device 50 to be provided with a position detection unit, as in the first embodiment.

[0057] Next, the operation of the wireless communication system 200 configured as described above will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the wireless communication system 200 according to the second embodiment. In the processing device 40, the candidate photographing unit 41 photographs the area where the recipient candidate P2 is located and inputs the photographed information to the control unit 45. The input / output control unit 61 displays the input photographed information on the display unit 42. The sender P1 can identify the multiple recipient candidates P2 by viewing the photographed image displayed on the display unit 42.

[0058] The image recognition unit 62 recognizes the candidate image Q2 of the recipient candidate P2 included in the photographed information displayed on the display unit 42. The image recognition unit 62 detects the range of the display unit 42 in which the candidate image Q2 is displayed. The image recognition unit 62 also recognizes which recipient candidate P2 each individual candidate image Q2 corresponds to. For example, the image recognition unit 62 can recognize which recipient candidate P2 each candidate image Q2 corresponds to based on a characteristic part C, such as a person's uniform number, included in the video information.

[0059] In the processing device 40, the eyeball photographing unit 43 photographs the eyeball of the sender P1 looking at the display unit 42, for example, and inputs the eyeball photographing information to the control unit 45. The input / output control unit 61 acquires the input eyeball photographing information. The gaze point detection unit 63 detects the gaze EL of the sender P1 based on the eyeball photographing information, and detects the position of the gaze point EP on the display unit 42 based on the detected gaze EL.

[0060] The receiver identification unit 64 determines whether or not a candidate image Q2 exists at the position of the gaze point EP of the sender P1 based on the recognition result by the image recognition unit 62 and the position of the gaze point EP detected by the gaze point detection unit 63. If the receiver identification unit 64 determines that a candidate image Q2 exists, it identifies the recipient candidate P2 corresponding to the candidate image Q2 as the receiver P2B. The communication control unit 66 transmits information about the identified receiver P2B and information from the correspondence table stored in the memory unit 65 to the transmitting wireless device 30.

[0061] The transmitting wireless device 30 receives the information of the receiver P2B and the information of the correspondence table at the communication unit 14. The communication control unit 39 acquires the information of the receiver P2B and the information of the correspondence table. When the communication control unit 39 acquires the information of the receiver P2B and the information of the correspondence table, it tunes the communication channel of the transmitting wireless device 30 to the channel dedicated to the receiver's receiving wireless device 50. The communication control unit 39 does not tune the communication channel of the transmitting wireless device 30 to the channel dedicated to the receiving wireless device 50 of any receiver candidate P2 other than the receiver P2B. This operation establishes a connection between the transmitting wireless device 30 and the receiving wireless device 50 of the receiver P2B so that communication can be performed, but does not establish a connection between the transmitting wireless device 30 and the receiving wireless device 50 of the other receiver candidate P2. Therefore, the transmitter P1 can identify the receiver P2B from among multiple receiver candidates P2 and communicate with him / her wirelessly.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the operation of the wireless communication system 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the receiving wireless device 50 has a position detection unit or is provided with a detection means capable of detecting the position of each candidate recipient P2. FIG. 12 illustrates a case in which a specific candidate recipient P2 moves so as to be hidden behind a structure as viewed from the candidate image capture unit 41. As shown in FIG. 12, the sender P1 directs his or her gaze EL toward the candidate image Q2 of the specific candidate recipient P2 with whom he or she wishes to communicate, among multiple candidate images Q2, as described above. In this case, the sender P1 moves his or her gaze EL in accordance with the movement of the candidate image Q2.

[0063] The receiving wireless device 50 detects the position of the moving recipient candidate P2 and transmits the position information to the processing device 40. In the processing device 40, the communication unit 44 receives the transmitted position information. In the processing device 40, the image recognition unit 62 recognizes the target area on the display unit 42 corresponding to the candidate video Q2 based on the position information. In this case, even if the candidate video Q2 is hidden behind a structure, the image recognition unit 62 can recognize the target area on the display unit 42 based on the position information. This target area corresponds to the area on the display unit 42 where the candidate video Q2 would be displayed if no structure were present. When the recipient identification unit 64 detects that the gaze point EP of the sender P1 is within the target area recognized by the image recognition unit 62 when the candidate video Q2 is hidden behind a structure, it can identify the recipient candidate P2 corresponding to the candidate video Q2 as the recipient P2B. In this way, even if the candidate image Q2 is hidden by a structure, if it is estimated that the candidate image Q2 is present at the position of the sender P1's gaze point EP, the recipient candidate P2 can be identified as the receiver P2B.

[0064] As described above, the wireless communication system 200 of this embodiment includes a transmitting wireless device 30 used by a sender P1, a receiving wireless device 50 capable of communicating between the transmitting wireless device 30 and used by each of a plurality of recipient candidates P2, a gaze point detection unit 63 that detects the line of sight of the sender P1, a recipient identification unit 64 that identifies a recipient P2B from among the plurality of recipient candidates P2 based on the detected line of sight of the sender P1, and a communication control unit 39 that connects the transmitting wireless device 30 and the receiving wireless device 50 of the identified recipient P2B so that they can communicate with each other.

[0065] According to this embodiment, when the sender P1 directs his / her gaze at the recipient candidate P2 with whom he / she wishes to make a call, the gaze of the sender P1 is detected and the recipient candidate P2 at whom the gaze is directed is identified as the recipient P2B, and a call can be established between the sender wireless device 30 and the recipient wireless device 50 of the identified recipient P2B. This eliminates the need to manually select the recipient P2B from the recipient candidates P2 and establish a call-enabled state, thereby reducing the operational burden on the sender P1 and the recipient P2B.

[0066] The wireless communication system 200 according to this embodiment further includes a display unit 42 that displays a candidate image Q2 of a candidate recipient P2 captured by a candidate image capturing unit 41, an image recognition unit 62 that recognizes the candidate recipient P2 corresponding to the candidate image Q2 displayed on the display unit 42, and a gaze point detection unit 63 that detects the position of the gaze point of the sender P1 on the display unit 42 based on the detected line of sight, and a receiver identification unit 64 identifies the candidate recipient P2 corresponding to the candidate image Q2 that is located at the gaze point of the sender P1 as the receiver P2B based on the recognition result by the image recognition unit 62 and the position of the gaze point. This configuration makes it possible to identify the receiver P2B with high accuracy.

[0067] In the wireless communication system 200 according to this embodiment, the image recognition unit 62 recognizes the recipient candidate P2 based on at least one of physical features and clothing features of the candidate image Q2. This configuration allows the recipient candidate P2 to be recognized with high accuracy from the candidate image Q2 displayed on the display unit 42.

[0068] The wireless communication system 200 according to this embodiment further includes a storage unit that stores a correspondence table indicating the correspondence between the recipient candidate P2 and the recipient wireless device 50 used by the recipient candidate P2, and the communication control unit 19 selects the recipient wireless device 50 to be connected to the transmitter wireless device 30 based on the information of the identified recipient candidate P2 and the correspondence table. With this configuration, it is possible to select with high accuracy the recipient wireless device 50 to be connected to the transmitter wireless device 30.

[0069] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described first embodiment, the gaze detection unit 17 and the communication control unit 19 are provided in the transmitting radio 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The gaze detection unit 17 and the communication control unit 19 may be provided in a separate processing device or the like that is different from the transmitting radio 10 and the receiving radio 20, as in the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0070] In the above embodiment, a case where one candidate recipient P2 is identified as the recipients P2A and P2B has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the sender P1 looks at multiple candidate recipients P2, the multiple candidate recipients P2 may be identified as recipients.

[0071] In the configuration of the above embodiment, when the transmitting side radio devices 10, 30 and the receiving side radio devices 20, 50 of the specific receivers P2A, P2B are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, a display unit may be provided to display this state. In the second embodiment, the display unit 42 may be configured to display this state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] P1...sender, P2...recipient candidate, Q2...candidate image, EL...gaze, EP...point of gaze, P2A, P2B...receiver, 10, 30...sender radio, 11, 43...eyeball imaging unit, 12, 22...voice input unit, 13, 23...voice output unit, 14, 24, 44...communication unit, 15, 25, 35, 45...control unit, 16, 26, 61...input / output control unit, 17...gaze detection unit, 18, 64...receiver identification unit, 19, 29, 39, 66...communication control unit, 20, 50...recipient radio, 21...position detection unit, 40...processing device, 41...candidate imaging unit, 42...display unit, 62...image recognition unit, 63...gaze point detection unit, 65...storage unit, 100, 200...wireless communication system

Claims

1. A wireless communication system including a transmitting side radio used by a sender and a receiving side radio used by a plurality of recipient candidates, each of which is capable of communicating with the transmitting side radio through a unique communication channel, The transmitting wireless device a gaze detection unit for detecting the gaze of a sender using the sending-side wireless device; a recipient identification unit that identifies a recipient from among the plurality of recipient candidates based on the detected line of sight of the sender; a communication control unit that switches the transmission channel; and the receiving wireless device includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the receiving wireless device; the communication control unit switches the transmission channel to a communication channel of a receiving-side wireless device used by the recipient identified by the recipient identification unit, The recipient specification unit specifies the recipient candidate who is present in the line of sight of the sender as the recipient based on the line of sight of the sender and position information received from the receiving wireless device. Wireless communication system.

2. A wireless communication system comprising: a transmitting radio used by a sender; receiving radios each used by a plurality of potential recipients, capable of communicating with said transmitting radio via a unique communication channel; a display unit for displaying images of said potential recipients captured by a photographing device; and a processing device, The transmitting wireless device a gaze detection unit for detecting the gaze of a sender using the sending-side wireless device; a recipient identification unit that identifies a recipient from among the plurality of recipient candidates based on the detected line of sight of the sender; a communication control unit that switches the transmission channel; and The processing device includes: an image recognition unit that recognizes a candidate image of the recipient candidate included in the captured image displayed on the display unit; a gaze point detection unit that detects the position of a gaze point on the display unit based on the sender's line of sight on the display unit; Equipped with the communication control unit switches the transmission channel to a communication channel of a receiving-side wireless device used by the recipient identified by the recipient identification unit, The recipient specification unit specifies, as the recipient, the recipient candidate corresponding to the candidate image present at the position of the gaze point of the sender, based on the recognition result by the image recognition unit and the position of the gaze point. Wireless communication system.

3. The image recognition unit recognizes the candidate image based on at least one of physical features and clothing features of the person included in the captured image.

3. The wireless communication system according to claim 2.

4. The processing device includes: a storage unit that stores a correspondence table indicating a correspondence relationship between the candidate receivers and the receiving-side radio devices used by the candidate receivers, The communication control unit selects the receiving side wireless device to be connected to the transmitting side wireless device based on the information of the identified receiving candidate and the correspondence table.

4. The wireless communication system according to claim 2 or 3.

Images