Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

Provided are a communication device, a communication method, and a program which prevent an increase in communication resources. A communication device (30) according to the present invention includes: an imaging unit (301) for capturing an area in front of a user; an identification unit (302) for identifying a prescribed feature from a captured image captured by the imaging unit (301); and a determination unit (303) for, when the prescribed feature is identified from the captured image, setting a simultaneous call mode in which bidirectional communication is possible.

Description

Communication device, communication method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image recording device including a camera that detects a line-of-sight direction and efficiently records a working situation or the like.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-137000

[0004] When communication resources for the simultaneous call mode are larger than those for the eavesdropping call mode, if the simultaneous call mode is assigned to all users, there is a problem that the required communication resources increase.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device, a communication method, and a program that prevent an increase in communication resources in view of the above-described problems.

[0006] A communication device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: an imaging unit that images the front of a user; a specifying unit that specifies a predetermined feature from an imaging image captured by the imaging unit; and a determining unit that sets a simultaneous call mode enabling two-way communication when the predetermined feature is specified from the imaging image.

[0007] A communication method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes: a step of imaging the front of a user; a step of specifying a predetermined feature from an imaging image of the front of the user; and a step of setting a simultaneous call mode enabling two-way communication when the predetermined feature is specified from the imaging image.

[0008] A program according to a third aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute: a process of imaging the front of a user; a process of specifying a predetermined feature from an imaging image of the front of the user; and a process of setting a simultaneous call mode enabling two-way communication when the predetermined feature is specified from the imaging image.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a communication device, a communication method, and a program that prevent an increase in communication resources.

[0010] This is a block diagram illustrating a system including a communication device according to Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to Embodiment 1. This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to Embodiment 2. This is a schematic diagram illustrating a user of the communication device according to Embodiment 2. This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to Embodiment 2. This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to Embodiment 3. This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to Embodiment 3. This is a block diagram illustrating a system including a communication device according to Embodiment 4. This is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to Embodiment 4. This is a schematic diagram illustrating a user of the communication device according to Embodiment 4. This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to Embodiment 4.

[0011] In the following, specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where necessary for clarity.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system including a communication device according to Embodiment 1. The system shown in Figure 1 comprises a cloud server 10, a wireless device 20, and communication devices 31 to 33. When the communication devices 31 to 33 are not distinguished from each other, they may simply be referred to as communication device 30. The number of communication devices 30 may be two or less, or four or more.

[0013] The cloud server 10 and communication devices 31-33 are connected to each other via a network N, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or an internet connection, enabling them to communicate with one another. The radio 20 has the function of acquiring system information via the network N. Through communication between the radio 20 and the communication device 30, the system information is also shared between the radio 20 and the communication device 30.

[0014] Communication device 31 includes an HMD (Head Mounted Display) 41 and a radio 51. Communication device 32 includes an HMD 42 and a radio 52. Communication device 33 includes an HMD 43 and a radio 53. When HMDs 41 to 43 are not distinguished from each other, they may simply be referred to as HMD 40. When radios 51 to 53 are not distinguished from each other, they may simply be referred to as radio 50. HMD 40 may be a transparent HMD that can present information without obstructing the user's field of view. Note that HMD 40 does not have to have a function to present information to the user. HMD 40 may be attached to a helmet worn by the user.

[0015] The HMD 40 includes an imaging device (e.g., a camera) that images the area in front of the user wearing the HMD 40. The HMD 40 is communicatively connected to the wireless device 50. The HMD 40 may transmit the images captured by the imaging device to the wireless device 50. Alternatively, the HMD 40 may perform processing using the captured images and transmit the processing results to the wireless device 50. The processing using the captured images may be a process that identifies predetermined features from the captured images, as described later.

[0016] The radio 50 communicates wirelessly with each other via the master radio 20. The wireless method may be TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) digital communication such as DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications). The radio 50 may communicate using frequencies allocated for business radio.

[0017] For example, radio 51 is set to intercept mode. Intercept mode is a mode that allows one-way communication, specifically a mode for receiving only. For example, radios 52 and 53 are set to simultaneous mode. Simultaneous mode is a mode that allows two-way communication, specifically a mode in which transmission and reception can occur simultaneously. In simultaneous mode, each user uses two time slots, one for uplink and one for downlink, but in intercept mode, one downlink time slot is shared among multiple users.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 30 according to Embodiment 1. The communication device 30 includes an imaging unit 301, a identification unit 302, and a determination unit 303. The communication device 30 may also be a computer including a processor and memory (not shown). The functions of the imaging unit 301, the identification unit 302, and the determination unit 303 may be realized by the processor executing a program loaded into memory. The imaging unit 301, the identification unit 302, and the determination unit 303 may include hardware such as sensors and circuits. The imaging unit 301, the identification unit 302, and the determination unit 303 may be provided in the above-mentioned wireless device 50, or in the above-mentioned HMD 40, cloud server 10, or wireless device 20.

[0019] The imaging unit 301 captures images in front of the user using the communication device 30. For example, the imaging unit 301 may be an imaging device such as a camera, and may be attached to a part of the user's body other than the head. The imaging unit 301 may be an imaging device, or it may be a control unit that controls the imaging device. The images captured by the imaging unit 301 may be moving images or still images. The captured images may include sound synchronized with the moving images. The communication device 30 may include a storage unit for storing the captured images and a transmission unit for transmitting the captured images via the network N.

[0020] The identification unit 302 identifies a predetermined feature from the image captured by the imaging unit 301. The predetermined feature may be, for example, a predetermined piece of equipment. Specifically, the predetermined equipment may be a crane, wire, rope, shackle, or hook. The predetermined feature may also be a specific action of a worker. Specifically, the specific action may be the action of a worker attaching or detaching a rope or hook to a load. The predetermined feature may also be, for example, a signal given by a worker. Specifically, the signal may be a hand signal given by a worker to the crane operator. The signal may also include verbal instructions. The predetermined feature may also be the action of moving a load by a crane or hoist. The predetermined feature may also be that the moving load is swaying significantly.

[0021] At construction sites and other work sites, there may be main workers who actually perform the work and supporting workers. In this case, the predetermined feature may be an object located in front of the main worker, such as a load, crane, wire, rope, shackle, or hook. Alternatively, the predetermined feature may be an action performed by the main worker. In other words, the identification unit 302 may determine the predetermined feature based on a first captured image showing the area in front of the first user, and identify the predetermined feature from a second captured image showing the area in front of the second user. The first user may be predetermined. Alternatively, the first user may be determined based on the position and size of the image area in which the load, etc., is captured. Alternatively, the first user may be determined based on the distance from the communication device 30 to the load, etc. The distance from the communication device 30 to the load, etc., may be measured by a distance measuring unit 306, which will be described later.

[0022] When the determination unit 303 identifies predetermined features from the captured image, it sets the communication device 30 to a simultaneous call mode that enables two-way communication.

[0023] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to Embodiment 1. First, in step S11, the imaging unit 301 captures an image of the area in front of the user. Next, in step S12, the identification unit 302 identifies predetermined features from the image captured in step S11. Next, in step S13, the determination unit 303 determines whether or not predetermined features have been identified from the image. If predetermined features have been identified from the image (YES in step S13), in step S14, the determination unit 303 determines the simultaneous call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30. If predetermined features have not been identified from the image (NO in step S13), in step S15, the determination unit 303 determines the intercepted call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30.

[0024] Embodiment 1 sets the simultaneous call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30 when a predetermined feature is identified from the captured image. In Embodiment 1, since it is not necessary to assign the simultaneous call mode to all users, an increase in communication resources can be prevented. Furthermore, Embodiment 1 can prevent a shortening of the battery usage time that supplies power to the communication device 30.

[0025] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 is a specific example of Embodiment 1. Descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 30a according to Embodiment 2. Comparing Figure 2 and Figure 4, the communication device 30a further includes a detection unit 304 and an analysis unit 305. The determination unit 303 in Figure 2 is replaced by the determination unit 303a in Figure 4. The functions of the determination unit 303a, detection unit 304, and analysis unit 305 may be realized by a processor executing a program loaded into memory. The determination unit 303a, detection unit 304, and analysis unit 305 may include hardware such as sensors and circuits.

[0026] The detection unit 304 detects the gaze direction of the user using the communication device 30a. The detection unit 304 can detect the gaze direction based, for example, on the positional relationship between the inner corner of the eye and the iris, or the positional relationship between the corneal reflection and the pupil. The detection unit 304 may also identify the direction the user is looking based on the orientation of the face and use the detected direction as the gaze direction. For example, the detection unit 304 may divide the user's field of view into multiple regions and detect which region corresponds to the gaze direction. Any known technique can be used as the gaze detection technique.

[0027] The analysis unit 305 analyzes whether the user is fixated on a predetermined feature based on the gaze direction detected by the detection unit 304. For example, the analysis unit 305 may determine that the user is fixated on a predetermined feature if the user's gaze overlaps with the predetermined feature, or if the user's gaze overlaps with the predetermined feature for a predetermined time or longer. The analysis unit 305 can also determine that the user is fixated on a predetermined feature if the user's gaze follows a moving predetermined feature (e.g., luggage).

[0028] The analysis unit 305 can determine, for example, that the user's gaze is following a predetermined feature if the direction of movement of a predetermined feature in the captured image (e.g., vertical, horizontal) matches the direction of movement of the user's gaze (e.g., vertical, horizontal). The analysis unit 305 can also determine that the user's gaze is following a predetermined feature if the predetermined feature is stationary in the captured image and the user's gaze is fixed.

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating users U1 to U5 of the communication device 30a. Users U1 to U2 are the main workers who perform the task of moving the luggage 6, which has predetermined characteristics. Users U3 to U5 are peripheral workers who support users U1 to U2. For example, if the luggage 6 moves vertically and user U3's line of sight moves vertically, the analysis unit 305 can analyze that user U3's line of sight is following the luggage 6 and that user U3 is fixating on the luggage 6.

[0030] Referring to Figure 4, the determination unit 303a, similar to Embodiment 1, sets the simultaneous call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30a when a predetermined feature is identified from the captured image. Furthermore, if the determination unit 303a analyzes that the user is not focusing on the predetermined feature, it sets the intercept call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30a.

[0031] Furthermore, the communication device 30a may issue an alert if the main worker's attention level is low. When the main worker's attention level is low, for example, the main worker's gaze may not follow a predetermined feature, or the frequency and duration of the main worker's gaze deviating from the predetermined feature may increase. Also, even if the main worker's gaze is following a predetermined feature, the main worker's gaze may not move to a specific range, such as below the suspended load. The communication device 30a can determine whether or not the main worker's attention level has decreased based on the detection results from the detection unit 304.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to Embodiment 2. The processes in steps S21 to S25 are the same as those in steps S11 to S15 in Figure 3. Step S24 may be omitted.

[0033] In step S26, the detection unit 304 detects the user's gaze direction, and the analysis unit 305 analyzes whether the user is gazing at a predetermined feature based on the gaze direction. Next, in step S27, the determination unit 303a determines whether the user is gazing at a predetermined feature. If the user is gazing at a predetermined feature (YES in step S27), in step S28, the determination unit 303a sets the communication device 30a to simultaneous call mode. If the user is not gazing at a predetermined feature (NO in step S27), in step S25, the determination unit 303a sets the communication device 30a to intercept call mode.

[0034] Embodiment 2 sets an intercept call mode as the call mode for users with a low degree of involvement in the work, based on the user's gaze direction. This allows Embodiment 2 to further reduce communication resources.

[0035] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 is a specific example of Embodiment 1. Descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted. Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device 30b according to Embodiment 3. Comparing Figure 2 and Figure 7, the communication device 30b further includes a distance measuring unit 306. The determination unit 303 in Figure 2 is replaced by the determination unit 303b in Figure 7. The functions of the determination unit 303b and the distance measuring unit 306 may be realized by a processor executing a program loaded into memory. Note that the determination unit 303b and the distance measuring unit 306 may include hardware such as sensors and circuits.

[0036] The distance measuring unit 306 measures the distance from the communication device 30b to a predetermined feature. For example, the distance measuring unit 306 may be a distance sensor provided on the communication device 30b. The distance measuring unit 306 may measure the distance from the communication device 30b to the predetermined feature based on the measurement result of a distance sensor provided on the HMD 40 or the radio 50. Specifically, the distance sensor may be an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a radar sensor. The distance sensor may measure the distance by, for example, transmitting infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, or radio waves and measuring the time or phase difference until the reflected waves from the predetermined feature return to the distance sensor. Also, if the size of the predetermined feature is known, the distance measuring unit 306 may measure the distance from the communication device 30b to the predetermined feature from the size of the image area in which the predetermined feature is captured in the image captured by the imaging unit 301. Any known technology can be used as the distance measurement technique.

[0037] Similar to Embodiment 1, the determination unit 303b sets the simultaneous call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30b when a predetermined feature is identified from the captured image. Furthermore, if the distance from the communication device 30b to the predetermined feature is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, the determination unit 303b sets the interception call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30b.

[0038] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method according to Embodiment 3. The processes in steps S31 to S35 are the same as those in steps S11 to S15 in Figure 3. Step S34 may be omitted.

[0039] In step S36, the distance measuring unit 306 measures the distance from the communication device 30b to a predetermined feature. In step S37, the determination unit 303b determines whether the distance from the communication device 30b to the predetermined feature is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. If the distance from the communication device 30b to the predetermined feature is less than the predetermined distance (NO in step S37), in step S38, the determination unit 303b sets the communication mode of the communication device 30b to simultaneous call mode. If the distance from the communication device 30b to the predetermined feature is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance (YES in step S37), in step S35, the determination unit 303b sets the communication mode of the communication device 30b to intercept call mode.

[0040] Embodiment 3 determines that the user's involvement in the task is low when the distance from the communication device 30b to a predetermined feature is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, and sets the user's call mode to intercept mode. This allows Embodiment 2 to further reduce communication resources.

[0041] Embodiment 3 can be combined with Embodiment 2. For example, the determination unit 303b of the communication device 30b may set the simultaneous call mode when the user is looking at a predetermined feature, or when the distance from the communication device 30b to the predetermined feature is less than a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the communication device 30b may set the simultaneous call mode when the user is looking at a predetermined feature AND the distance from the communication device 30b to the predetermined feature is less than a predetermined distance.

[0042] [Embodiment 4] Embodiment 4 is a specific example of Embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating a system including a communication device according to Embodiment 4. Comparing Figure 1 and Figure 9, the HMDs 41-43 have been replaced with AI (Artificial Intelligence) earphones 61-63 with cameras. When the AI ​​earphones 61-63 with cameras are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as AI earphone 60 with a camera. Explanations that overlap with Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the communication device 30c according to Embodiment 4. The AI earphone 60 with a camera includes an imaging unit 301, an identification unit 302, an input unit 307, and a speech recognition processing unit 308. Comparing FIG. 2 and FIG. 10, the AI earphone 60 with a camera further includes an input unit 307 and a speech recognition processing unit 308. The determination unit 303 in FIG. 2 is replaced by the determination unit 303c in FIG. 10. The functions of the identification unit 302, the determination unit 303c, the input unit 307, and the speech recognition processing unit 308 may be realized by the processor executing the program read into the memory. Note that the imaging unit 301, the identification unit 302, the determination unit 303c, the input unit 307, and the speech recognition processing unit 308 may include hardware such as sensors and circuits.

[0044] The input unit 307 picks up the sound around the communication device 30c. The input unit 307 can pick up various sounds including, for example, voice commands for the communication device 30c. The input unit 307 outputs the picked-up sound to the speech recognition processing unit 308. The input unit 307 is arranged in the communication device 30c. The input unit 307 is composed of, for example, a microphone, an amplifier circuit, etc.

[0045] The speech recognition processing unit 308 performs speech recognition processing on speech data based on the speech signal picked up by the microphone of the input unit 307. Specifically, the speech recognition processing unit 308 performs speech recognition processing to recognize the utterance content by natural language processing or the like from the speech data based on the speech signal picked up by the microphone of the input unit 307.

[0046] The speech recognition processing unit 308 recognizes, for example, an utterance having a meaning such as object information or person information related to a predetermined feature such as "that luggage" or "that worker" as a trigger word (voice command).

[0047] The imaging unit 301 includes an imaging device (e.g., a camera) that images the front of the user wearing the AI earphone 60 with a camera. The AI earphone 60 with a camera is communicably connected to the wireless device 50. The AI earphone 60 with a camera may transmit the captured image captured by the imaging unit 301 to the wireless device 50. Alternatively, the AI earphone 60 with a camera may perform processing using the captured image and transmit the processing result to the wireless device 50. The processing using the captured image may be processing for identifying a predetermined feature from the captured image, which will be described later.

[0048] The specifying unit 302 specifies a predetermined feature from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 301. The predetermined feature may be specified, for example, from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 301 based on a predetermined voice command such as the name of a luggage recognized by the voice recognition processing unit 308.

[0049] At a work site such as a construction site, there may be a main worker who actually performs work and a peripheral worker who supports the main worker. In this case, the predetermined feature may be to identify an object in front of the main worker related to the voice command from the captured image, or to identify an object in front of the main worker or an action performed by the main worker by the peripheral worker. That is, the specifying unit 302 may specify, as a predetermined feature, an object existing in front related to the voice command recognized by the voice recognition processing unit 308 from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit 301 of the first user, or may specify, as a predetermined feature, an object existing in front of the main worker or an action performed by the main worker related to the voice command recognized by the voice recognition processing unit 308 from the second captured image captured by the imaging unit 301 of the second user. The first user may be determined in advance. Also, the main worker related to the voice command recognized by the voice recognition processing unit 308 may be specified as the first user from the second captured image captured by the imaging unit 301 of the second user.

[0050] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating users U1 to U5 of the communication device 30c. Users U1 to U2 are the main workers who perform the task of moving the luggage 6, which has predetermined characteristics. Users U3 to U5 are peripheral workers who support users U1 to U2. For example, when the luggage 6 moves in the vertical direction, the speech recognition processing unit 308 of user U3 recognizes the conversation related to the luggage 6 from the spoken voice and can analyze that user U3 is aware of the luggage 6.

[0051] Referring to Figure 10, the determination unit 303c sets the simultaneous call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30c when a predetermined feature is identified from the captured image, similar to Embodiment 1. Furthermore, if the determination unit 303c analyzes that the user is not aware of the predetermined feature, it sets the intercept call mode as the call mode of the communication device 30c.

[0052] Furthermore, the communication device 30c may issue an alert if the main worker's attention level is low. When the main worker's attention level is low, for example, the amount of speech that does not involve the predetermined characteristics may increase when the main worker does not identify the predetermined characteristics. The communication device 30c can determine whether or not the main worker's attention level is low based on the identification of the predetermined characteristics by the identification unit 302 and the speech recognition results by the speech recognition processing unit 308.

[0053] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to Embodiment 4. The processes in steps S41 to S45 are the same as those in steps S11 to S15 in Figure 3. Step S44 may be omitted. In addition, predetermined features may be identified from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 301 based on a predetermined voice command recognized by the voice recognition processing unit 308 in the process of S42.

[0054] In step S46, the speech recognition processing unit 308 analyzes the voice data picked up by the input unit 307 based on a voice command relating to a predetermined feature to determine whether the user is speaking about a predetermined feature. Next, in step S47, the determination unit 303c determines whether the user is aware of the predetermined feature. If the user is aware of the predetermined feature (YES in step S47), in step S48, the determination unit 303c sets the communication device 30c to simultaneous call mode (step S48). If the user is not aware of the predetermined feature (NO in step S47), in step S45, the determination unit 303c sets the communication device 30c to intercept call mode.

[0055] Embodiment 4 sets the intercept mode as the call mode for users with a low degree of involvement in the task, based on the content of the user's speech. This allows Embodiment 4 to further reduce communication resources.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described above in accordance with the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiments, and of course includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims of the present patent application.

[0057] Although the above embodiments were described as hardware configurations, the invention is not limited thereto. This disclosure can also be implemented by having the CPU execute computer programs to perform any processing.

[0058] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagating signals.

[0059] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-025086, filed on 19 February 2025, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0060] This disclosure can be suitably applied to communication systems, communication devices, HMDs, and AI earphones.

[0061] 1 Communication system 31, 32, 33, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c Communication device 301 Imaging unit 302 Identification unit 303, 303a, 303b, 303c Determination unit 304 Detection unit 305 Analysis unit 306 Distance measurement unit 10 Cloud server 20, 51, 52, 53, 50 Wireless device 41, 42, 43, 40 HMD 6 Luggage N Network 60, 61, 62, 63 AI earphone

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: an imaging unit that captures images in front of the user; an identification unit that identifies predetermined features from the captured image captured by the imaging unit; and a determination unit that sets a simultaneous call mode enabling bidirectional communication when the predetermined features are identified from the captured image.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects the direction of the user's gaze when the predetermined feature is identified from the captured image; and an analysis unit that analyzes whether the user is gazing at the predetermined feature based on the direction of the gaze, wherein the determination unit sets an intercept call mode that enables one-way communication when it is analyzed that the user is not gazing at the predetermined feature.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a distance measuring unit that measures the distance from the communication device to the predetermined feature when the predetermined feature is identified from the captured image, wherein the determination unit sets an intercept call mode that enables one-way communication when the distance from the communication device to the predetermined feature is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: an input unit for inputting sounds from the user's surroundings; and a speech recognition processing unit for recognizing speech content from speech data based on the speech signal input by the input unit, wherein the identification unit identifies predetermined features from the captured image based on the speech content; and the determination unit sets an intercept call mode that enables one-way communication when it is analyzed that the user is not aware of the predetermined features.

5. A communication method comprising the steps of: capturing an image of the area in front of a user; identifying a predetermined feature from the captured image of the area in front of the user; and, when the predetermined feature is identified from the captured image, setting up a simultaneous communication mode that enables bidirectional communication.

6. A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: capture an image of the area in front of the user; identify a predetermined feature from the captured image of the area in front of the user; and, if the predetermined feature is identified from the captured image, set up a simultaneous two-way communication mode.

Images