KR20090018502A - How to check if you are using a video call device and alternate video - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a video call device and a method of checking whether to use an alternative video. The video call apparatus includes a communication unit configured to receive a response signal for using compressed video data and an alternate video from a counterpart terminal through a communication network; An image signal processor which decodes the compressed image data and converts the compressed image data into image data; A control unit controlling the communication unit to transmit a confirmation request signal indicating whether the image data is a substitute image to the counterpart terminal; And a display unit configured to output at least one of information corresponding to the image data and the response signal under control of the controller. The present invention has the effect of checking whether the counterpart terminal transmits a substitute video or a real-time video during a video call.

Description

{APPARATUS FOR VIDEO CALL AND METHOD FOR CHECKING USE OF ALTERNATE IMAGE}

The present invention relates to a portable terminal and a method that can be performed in the portable terminal, and more particularly, to confirm use of an alternative video of a counterpart terminal during a video call.

 Recently, as portable electronic devices having various multimedia functions (for example, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebooks, etc.) are widely used, various applications used in portable electronic devices (for example, The ability to output MP3 sound sources, TV reception functions, etc.) is also actively developed. Among these various application technologies, a function of generating image or video data using a camera attached to a portable terminal or outputting stored image or video data through a display unit is one of the most widely used technologies.

For example, a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera enables a user to create a photo or video data anywhere as well as make a video call. That is, the mobile communication terminal can take a video call between a plurality of mobile communication terminals by taking a user's image in real time and transmits it to the other terminal through the mobile communication network.

In addition, when performing a video call, instead of transmitting a user's image in real time, an alternative video already stored in the terminal may be transmitted to the counterpart terminal. However, there is a problem that the user of the other terminal may be mistaken that the video being played on the screen during the video call is taken in real time due to the use of the alternative video.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is to provide a portable terminal and a method for confirming the use of the alternate video of the counterpart terminal during the video call.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a portable terminal and a method for transmitting a response signal corresponding to the request to confirm the replacement video received from the counterpart terminal during the video call.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a portable terminal comprising: a communication unit configured to receive a response signal for using compressed image data and an alternate image from a counterpart terminal through a communication network; An image signal processor which decodes the compressed image data and converts the compressed image data into image data; A control unit controlling the communication unit to transmit a confirmation request signal indicating whether the image data is a substitute image to the counterpart terminal; And a display unit configured to output one or more of the image data and the information corresponding to the response signal under the control of the controller.

The controller may control one or more of a predetermined character and a picture to be displayed through the display unit when the response signal indicates information corresponding to the use of the substitute image.

The response signal may be inserted and received in a data stream corresponding to the compressed image data, or the response signal and the compressed image data may be received as independent data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable terminal comprising: an image signal processor for encoding and converting image data into compressed image data; A communication unit which transmits the compressed image data to a counterpart terminal through a communication network; And receiving a confirmation request signal for using an alternative video from the counterpart terminal through the communication unit, generating a response signal indicating whether the compressed video data is pre-stored video data or real-time generated video data. A portable terminal including a control unit for transmitting to a counterpart terminal is provided.

A storage unit storing one or more pieces of the compressed image data; The apparatus may further include an input unit configured to receive at least one of a command for designating the compressed image data stored in the storage as a substitute image and a command for using the substitute image.

The apparatus may further include a camera unit generating and outputting image data corresponding to a subject in real time.

During the conversion and transmission of the image data generated by the camera unit into the compressed image data, when the substitute image use command is input, the controller is a video data designated as a default or selected by a user among the image data stored in the storage unit. By using the control unit may be controlled to generate and transmit the compressed image data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for verifying use of an alternative video in a portable terminal, the method comprising: receiving compressed video data from a counterpart terminal through a communication network; Decoding the compressed image data and converting the compressed image data into image data; Transmitting a confirmation request signal to the counterpart terminal whether the video data is a substitute video; Receiving a response signal to the confirmation request signal; And outputting at least one of the image data and the information corresponding to the response signal.

The method may further include displaying one or more of a predetermined character and a picture on the screen when the response signal indicates information corresponding to the use of the substitute image.

The response signal may be received by being inserted into a data stream corresponding to the compressed image data, or the response signal and the compressed image data may be received as independent data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for transmitting a response signal corresponding to a confirmation request for using a substitute image in a portable terminal, comprising: encoding the image data and converting the image data into compressed image data; Transmitting the compressed image data to a counterpart terminal through a communication network; And when a confirmation request signal for using an alternative video is received from the counterpart terminal, generating a response signal indicating whether the compressed video data is pre-stored video data or real-time generated video data and transmitting the response signal to the counterpart terminal. A method for transmitting a response signal is provided.

Storing one or more pieces of the compressed image data; The method may include receiving one or more of a command for designating the compressed image data as a substitute image and a command for using the substitute image.

The method may further include generating and outputting image data corresponding to a subject in real time.

In the transmitting of the compressed image data, during the conversion of the compressed image data and the transmission of the compressed image data, when the substitute image using command is input, the compressed image data may be transmitted by default or selected by the user among the stored compressed image data. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is tangibly embodied a program of instructions that can be executed by a portable terminal to perform a method for verifying use of a substitute image, and records a program that can be read by the portable terminal. A medium, comprising: receiving compressed video data from a counterpart terminal through a communication network; Decoding the compressed image data and converting the compressed image data into image data; Transmitting a confirmation request signal to the counterpart terminal whether the video data is a substitute video; Receiving a response signal to the confirmation request signal; And a recording medium having a program recorded thereon for outputting at least one of the image data and information corresponding to the response signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is tangibly implemented a program of instructions that can be executed by a portable terminal to perform a method of transmitting a response signal corresponding to a confirmation request for using an alternative image. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the method comprising: encoding the video data and converting the video data into compressed video data; Transmitting the compressed image data to a counterpart terminal through a communication network; And when a confirmation request signal for using an alternative video is received from the counterpart terminal, generating a response signal indicating whether the compressed video data is pre-stored or real-time generated video data and transmitting the response signal to the counterpart terminal. A recording medium on which the program is recorded is provided.

The present invention has an effect that can provide a portable terminal and a method for confirming the use of the alternate video of the other terminal during the video call.

In addition, the present invention also provides a portable terminal and a method for transmitting a response signal corresponding to the replacement video usage confirmation request received from the counterpart terminal during the video call.

As the invention allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, it should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features. It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, components, or a combination thereof.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, each functional unit of the portable terminal 100 for determining whether to use an alternative image according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

1 is a block diagram of a functional unit of a portable terminal for determining whether to use a substitute image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the portable terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an input unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, a camera unit 150, and an image signal. The processor 160, a sound input unit 170, a sound signal processor 180, a sound output unit 190, and a controller 195 are included.

The input unit 110 generates various signals corresponding to a user's manipulation and inputs them to the controller 195. In particular, when a predetermined button or menu is selected to use a substitute video for a video corresponding to a video call, the input unit 110 generates a corresponding signal and transmits the corresponding signal to the controller 195. The input unit 110 may be a keypad or a touch pad or other various signal input devices.

The display 120 may be activated or terminated by the control of the controller 195, and outputs the processed image data as visual information to the outside. For example, the image data processed by the image signal processor 160 may be output as visual information so that a user can identify the image data. In addition, the display unit 120 may include an LCD or a plasma display panel (PDP), and may further include components for functioning as a touch screen. However, since the configuration of the display unit 110 to perform the above-described function and the additional configuration for functioning as a touch screen are obvious to those skilled in the art, a separate description will be omitted.

When the portable terminal 100 operates in a communication mode (especially, a video communication mode) for performing communication, the communication unit 130 performs various data such as voice, video, and the like (e.g., text messages, incoming calls, etc.) and wirelessly connected mobile communication networks. Communication signals). The communication unit 130 may include a transmitter for amplifying the frequency of the transmitted signal and a receiver for amplifying the received signal and adjusting the frequency. In addition, the communication unit 130 may further include a modem for modulating and demodulating the transmitted and received signals.

The storage unit 140 may include data for controlling a general operation of the portable terminal 100 and / or image data input through a camera unit 150 or an external input device (for example, a 24-pin data input / output terminal). It may be a memory for storing. Of course, the storage 140 may further store communication related data for enabling a user to use a communication service.

The camera unit 150 converts an input analog image signal (that is, an image signal corresponding to a subject) into a digital image signal and transmits the digital image signal to the image signal processor 160. For example, the camera unit 150 may include a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) sensor or a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

The image signal processor 160 may convert and / or process an image signal input from the camera unit 150 in a preset manner and transmit the image signal to the display unit 120. In particular, the image signal processor 160 may process the image data stored in the storage 140 in a preset manner and provide the image data to the communication unit 130 under the control of the controller 195.

The sound input unit 170 may be activated or terminated by the control of the controller 195. The sound input unit 170 converts a voice or sound input from the outside into an electric voice signal, which is an electrical signal, and converts the voice signal into a voice signal. ) Can be sent. For example, when the portable terminal 100 operates in a communication mode (particularly, a video communication mode or a voice communication mode), the portable terminal 100 may convert the input voice into a voice signal which is an electrical signal and transmit the converted voice signal to the sound signal processor 180. .

The sound signal processor 180 decodes the voice communication data input by the control of the controller 195 in a preset manner. The voice signal decoded by the sound signal processor 180 may be output to the outside through the sound output unit 190. Through this, the user can check the voice communication data transmitted from the counterpart terminal. The audio communication data processed (decoded) by the audio signal processor 180 may be output in synchronization with the video communication data processed by the video signal processor 160.

The sound output unit 190 outputs the decoded voice signal under the control of the controller 195. For example, the sound output unit 190 may include a speaker or earphone.

The controller 195 controls the overall operation of the portable terminal 100. For example, the controller 195 controls the operation of necessary components of the portable terminal 100 in order to perform a corresponding function when various signals are input according to a user's manipulation of the input unit 110.

For example, if the user sets the video corresponding to the video call to use the real-time video data, the controller 195 controls the real-time compressed video data to be transmitted to the counterpart terminal through the communication unit 130 during the video call mode. . At this time, when the communication unit 130 receives the confirmation request signal from the counterpart terminal through the communication network, the control unit 195 generates a response signal indicating the use of a real-time image composed of a predetermined bit string (for example, a flag composed of 1 bit). In addition, the communication unit 130 may control to transmit the response signal to the counterpart terminal. At this time, it is obvious that the communication unit 130 may transmit the response signal together with the compressed image data or generate and transmit a separate call.

When the compressed image data is received from the counterpart terminal through the communication network, the communication unit 130 may be transmitted so that a signal for requesting confirmation of the use of the alternate image of the compressed video data (hereinafter, referred to as a 'confirmation request signal') is transmitted to the counterpart terminal. To control. For example, the controller 195 generates an acknowledgment request signal composed of a predetermined bit string (for example, a predetermined bit string of one packet indicating the acknowledgment request signal), and the communication unit 130 generates an acknowledgment request signal. The other terminal may be controlled to be transmitted through a communication network. At this time, it is apparent that the communication unit 130 may transmit the confirmation request signal together with the compressed image data or generate and transmit a separate call.

In addition, the control unit 195 may be set in advance according to a user's input to automatically make a confirmation request. When the user selects a predetermined button or menu to automatically make a confirmation request, the control unit 195 receives a confirmation request signal without a separate user input. Obviously it can be controlled to transmit to the terminal.

Subsequently, when the communication unit 130 receives a signal indicating that the substitute image is used as a response signal for the confirmation request signal from the counterpart terminal, the controller 195 provides the substitute image to the image output through the display unit 120. A character (for example, encoded time information or date and time information, etc.) or a picture (for example, an icon or emoticon, etc., correspondingly designated) is displayed. Similarly, when the control unit 195 receives a signal indicating that a real-time generated image is used as a response signal corresponding to the confirmation request signal through the communication unit 130, a predetermined character (for example, a character such as 'LIVE' or encoding) is received. Visual information, etc.) or a picture (for example, a corresponding icon or emoticon) is displayed.

As described above, when a video call is performed between portable terminals to which the present invention is applied, each portable terminal has a feature of easily identifying whether the video data received from the counterpart terminal is real-time video data or a substitute video.

Hereinafter, a method of confirming whether or not to use an alternative image of the portable terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of confirming use of a substitute image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each step described below may be performed by each internal component of the portable terminal 100, but will be collectively described as a portable terminal 100 for the convenience of understanding and explanation.

Referring to FIG. 2, in operation 210, the portable terminal 100 receives compressed image data from a counterpart terminal through a communication network.

In operation 220, the portable terminal 100 decodes the compressed image data and converts the compressed image data into image data.

In operation 230, the portable terminal 100 displays the decoded image data through the display 120.

In operation 240, the portable terminal 100 receives a command for requesting confirmation of use of the substitute image. At this time, the confirmation request command may be input through a predetermined button or menu.

In operation 250, the portable terminal 100 transmits a confirmation request signal for using an alternate image to the counterpart terminal through a communication network.

In operation 260, the portable terminal 100 receives a response signal corresponding to the confirmation request signal from the counterpart terminal through the communication network.

In operation 270, the portable terminal 100 displays information through the display 120 to determine whether to use the replacement image according to the response signal received in operation 260, that is, whether the image is real time data or the replacement image.

Obviously, the above-described portable terminal 100 may check whether the replacement image is used by omitting step 240. That is, it is apparent that the portable terminal 100 can check whether the substitute image is transmitted by automatically transmitting the substitute image use confirmation request signal to the counterpart terminal without a separate request command for requesting the use of the substitute image. In this case, the information on whether or not the real-time video data does not need to be always displayed when the decoded compressed video data is displayed, and is displayed only when the user inputs a predetermined button or menu to confirm whether the decoded compressed video data is displayed. It is obvious that it may be possible. Further, the information on whether the compressed image data is real time image data is not displayed when the compressed image data is real time image data, and is automatically displayed only when the information corresponding to the response signal received in step 260 indicates a substitute image. Of course you can. In addition, when the other party changes the setting so that the alternative video is transmitted during the video call, the corresponding information is displayed on the display unit 120 by receiving a response signal according to the change setting.

Hereinafter, a process of transmitting a response signal corresponding to a request for confirming whether to use an alternative image of the counterpart terminal of the portable terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting a response signal corresponding to a confirmation request of whether to use an alternative image of the portable terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each step described below may be performed by each internal component of the portable terminal 100, but will be collectively described as a portable terminal 100 for the convenience of understanding and explanation.

In operation 310, the portable terminal 100 receives a setting regarding whether to use an alternative image from the corresponding user. Whether or not to use the alternative video may be set or changed before or during the video call. If a configuration change request (for example, a command to use an alternative video) is input during the video call, the real time video is transmitted to the counterpart terminal until that point in time, but thereafter, it is set by the user or by default. The replacement video will be sent to the other terminal.

In operation 320, the portable terminal 100 determines whether it is set to use a substitute image.

If it is set to use the substitute image, in step 330 the portable terminal 100 transmits the substitute image to the counterpart terminal. In this case, the operation of the camera unit 150 which is started by default when the video call is performed may be set to end to reduce power consumption.

If the alternative image is not used, the portable terminal 100 generates an image through imaging in step 340. Generation of the image through imaging will be performed by the camera unit 150 as described above.

In operation 350, the portable terminal 100 encodes the image, converts the image into compressed image data, and transmits the image to the counterpart terminal through the communication network.

In operation 360, the portable terminal 100 receives a confirmation request signal for using an alternate image from a counterpart terminal through a communication network.

In operation 370, the portable terminal 100 transmits a signal corresponding to whether to use an alternative image to the counterpart terminal through a communication network. In addition, when the portable terminal 100 receives the confirmation request for the use of the replacement video during the current video call and changes the use of the replacement video, the portable terminal 100 sends a response signal for the replacement video confirmation request to the counterpart terminal every time the setting is changed. Will send

Although the above has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below It will be appreciated that modifications and variations can be made.

1 is a block diagram of a functional unit of a portable terminal for determining whether to use a substitute image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of confirming use of a substitute image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of transmitting a response signal corresponding to a confirmation request of whether to use an alternative image of the portable terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (16)

In a portable terminal, A communication unit receiving a response signal for using compressed image data and an alternate image from a counterpart terminal through a communication network; An image signal processor which decodes the compressed image data and converts the compressed image data into image data; A control unit controlling the communication unit to transmit a confirmation request signal indicating whether the image data is a substitute image to the counterpart terminal; And And a display unit configured to output one or more of the image data and the information corresponding to the response signal under the control of the controller. According to claim 1, And the controller controls to display one or more of a predetermined character and a picture through the display unit when the response signal indicates information corresponding to the use of the substitute image. According to claim 1, The response signal is inserted into a data stream corresponding to the compressed video data and received, or the response signal and the compressed video data are received as independent data. In a portable terminal, An image signal processor which encodes the image data and converts the image data into compressed image data; A communication unit which transmits the compressed image data to a counterpart terminal through a communication network; And When the confirmation request signal regarding the use of the substitute image is received from the counterpart terminal, a response signal is generated whether the compressed video data is pre-stored video data or real-time generated video data to generate the response signal through the communication unit. A portable terminal comprising a control unit for transmitting to a terminal. The method of claim 4, wherein A storage unit storing one or more pieces of the compressed image data; And an input unit configured to receive at least one of a command for designating the compressed image data stored in the storage as a substitute image and a command for using the substitute image. The method of claim 5, A portable terminal further comprising a camera unit for generating and outputting image data corresponding to a subject in real time. The method of claim 6, During the conversion and transmission of the image data generated by the camera unit into the compressed image data, when the substitute image use command is input, the controller is a video data designated as a default or selected by a user among the image data stored in the storage unit. And controlling the compressed video data to be generated and transmitted using the digital camera. In the method for verifying the use of alternative video in a mobile terminal, Receiving compressed image data from a counterpart terminal through a communication network; Decoding the compressed image data and converting the compressed image data into image data; Transmitting a confirmation request signal to the counterpart terminal whether the video data is a substitute video; Receiving a response signal to the confirmation request signal; And And outputting at least one of the image data and information corresponding to the response signal. The method of claim 8, And displaying one or more of a predetermined character and a picture on a screen when the response signal indicates information corresponding to the use of the substitute image. The method of claim 8, And the response signal is inserted and received in a data stream corresponding to the compressed image data, or the response signal and the compressed image data are received as independent data. A method for transmitting a response signal corresponding to a confirmation request for using an alternative video in a portable terminal, Encoding the video data and converting the video data into compressed video data; Transmitting the compressed image data to a counterpart terminal through a communication network; And And receiving a confirmation request signal regarding the use of the substitute video from the counterpart terminal, generating a response signal indicating whether the compressed video data is pre-stored video data or real-time generated video data and transmitting the response signal to the counterpart terminal. Signal transmission method. The method of claim 11, wherein Storing one or more pieces of the compressed image data; And receiving one or more of a command for designating the compressed image data as a substitute image and a command for using a substitute image. The method of claim 12, And generating and outputting image data corresponding to a subject in real time. The method of claim 13, The transmitting of the compressed image data may include transmitting a data designated as a default or selected by a user among the stored compressed image data when the substitute image using command is input while converting the image data into the compressed image data and transmitting the compressed image data. A method of transmitting a response signal, characterized in that. In the recording medium recording a program that can be read by the portable terminal is implemented tangibly implemented to perform a method for verifying the use of the replacement image, Receiving compressed image data from a counterpart terminal through a communication network; Decoding the compressed image data and converting the compressed image data into image data; Transmitting a confirmation request signal to the counterpart terminal whether the video data is a substitute video; Receiving a response signal to the confirmation request signal; And And a program for performing at least one of outputting at least one of the image data and information corresponding to the response signal. In order to carry out a method of transmitting a response signal corresponding to a confirmation request for using a substitute image, a program of instructions that can be executed by a portable terminal is tangibly implemented, and a record recording a program that can be read by the portable terminal. In the medium, Encoding the video data and converting the video data into compressed video data; Transmitting the compressed image data to a counterpart terminal through a communication network; And When the confirmation request signal for using the alternative video from the counterpart terminal is received, generating a response signal for whether the compressed video data is pre-stored or real-time generated video data and transmitting the response signal to the counterpart terminal The recorded recording medium.

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