Patent ID: 6268879
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
An image and sound communication apparatus comprising:image-pickup means for converting an optical picture focused by a photographic optical system into an electric video signal and for outputting the electric video signal;communication means for performing data communication using a public telephone network;a transmission/reception signal processing circuit unit for processing the video signal into a signal having a suitable form so that the video signal is transmitted by said communication means, and for processing the signal received by said communication means into a signal having a form suitable for recording or reproduction;voice output means for outputting an audio signal;voice input means for inputting an audio signal;an audio signal processor, controlled by said transmission/reception signal processing circuit unit, for processing an audio signal stored in storage means or an audio signal received by said communication means into a signal having a form suitable for outputting from said audio output means, and for processing the audio signal input by said voice input means or the audio signal received by said communication means into a signal having a form suitable for recording;storage means for storing the video signal obtained by said image-pickup means and the audio signal processed by said audio signal processor;operation means for causing said image and voice communication apparatus to execute various processes;display means for displaying contents and results of the operation performed by said operation means; anda loading unit for inserting a card-shaped medium in which line subscriber information is stored;whereby transmission of image data and audio data is performed by said communication means;wherein after data communication is performed by said card-shaped communication device fixed to said fixing unit, circuit use information is acquired and is written in said card-shaped medium, and after this writing, the contents of the operation caused by said operation means can be determined.