Optical communication apparatus and optical communication method

An optical communication apparatus is disclosed. The optical communication apparatus includes a light transmission section, a light reception section, and a control section. The light transmission section causes a light emitting portion which outputs light in a visual line direction of a user to transmit information. The light reception section causes a light receiving portion which receives light from the visual line direction of the user to receive information. The control section determines whether or not another optical communication apparatus is an information communication target based on identification information when the light reception section has optically received communication request information and the identification information from the other optical communication apparatus and causes the light transmission section to optically transmit communication response information to the other optical communication apparatus when the control section has determined that the other optical communication apparatus be the information communication target.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-010273 filed on Jan. 19, 2007 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-113964 filed on Apr. 24, 2007, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an optical communication apparatus and an optical communication method, in particular, to a technique of mutual communications between optical communication apparatus so as to exchange information therebetween.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-56343, referred to as Patent Document 1, discloses a technique of communicating information with a light blinking pattern of a light emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 4-26289, referred to as Patent Document 2, discloses a technique of an eye-glass type image display apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although optical communications have been used in various fields, techniques of information communications effective in the state of which persons face each other (they watch each other) and a technique of obtaining information in the state of which a person faces an object (he or she watches the object) have not yet proposed. In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide an optical communication apparatus and an optical communication method of effectively performing optical communications when a user watches another person or an object.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an optical communication apparatus. The optical communication apparatus includes a light transmission section, a light reception section, and a control section. The light transmission section causes a light emitting portion which outputs light in a visual line direction of a user to transmit information. The light reception section causes a light receiving portion which receives light from the visual line direction of the user to receive information. The control section determines whether or not another optical communication apparatus is an information communication target based on identification information when the light reception section has optically received communication request information and the identification information from the other optical communication apparatus and causes the light transmission section to optically transmit communication response information to the other optical communication apparatus when the control section has determined that the other optical communication apparatus be the information communication target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical communication apparatus also includes a storage section which stores providing information. The control section causes the light transmission section to optically transmit the providing information stored in the storage section along with the communication response information when the control section has determined that the other optical communication apparatus is the information communication target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical communication apparatus also includes a storage section which stores providing information. The control section causes the light transmission section to optically transmit the providing information stored in the storage section when the light reception section has received the communication response information optically transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical communication apparatus also includes a display section. The control section causes the display section to display an indication based on information transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control section causes the display section to display an indication based on the identification information when the control section has determined that the other optical communication apparatus that has transmitted the communication request information and the identification information be an information communication target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control section causes the display section to display an indication based on the identification information when the light reception section has received the communication response information optically transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control section causes the display section to display an indication based on the providing information when the light reception section has received the providing information optically transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display section is capable of causing all or a part of a screen area which displays an image to be a through-state which is transparent or semi-transparent.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control section causes the display section to display an indication based on information transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus in a vicinity of the other optical communication apparatus displayed on a display screen of the display section.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical communication apparatus also includes an image capturing section which captures the visual line direction of the user as an object direction. The control section causes the light transmission section to optically transmit communication request information and own identification information to another optical communication apparatus according to an analysis result of the image capturing section.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the optical communication apparatus has a plurality of entries of own identification information, the control section causes the light transmission section to optically transmit communication request information and all or a selected part of the plurality of entries of own identification information.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical communication apparatus also includes a storage section stores a communication management table with which at least the identification information is managed. The control section references the communication management table and determines whether or not the other optical communication apparatus is an information communication target when the light reception section has received the communication request information and the identification information optically transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication management table is configured to correlatively manage the identification information and the communication response information. The control section causes the light transmission section to optically transmit the communication response information correlated with the identification information on the communication management table when the control section has determined that the other optical communication apparatus be the information communication target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication management table is configured to correlatively manage the identification information and providing information. The control section causes the light transmission section to optically transmit the providing information correlated with the identification information on the communication management table when the control means has determined that the other optical communication apparatus be an information communication target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the identification information is information about a group. The control section determines that the other optical communication apparatus be an information communication target when the control section has recognized that the other optical communication apparatus belongs to a group which is same as a group to which the own optical communication apparatus belongs with the identification information optically transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control section performs a process of storing the identification information as communication history information when the light reception section has received the identification information.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control section performs a counting process of counting the communication history information so as to generate counted data for each entry of the identification information.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical communication apparatus also includes a communication section which performs a data communication with an external apparatus. The control section causes the communicating section to transmit the communication history information to an external counting server.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an optical communication apparatus mounted on an apparatus-mounted object other than a person. The optical communication apparatus includes a light reception section, a light transmission section, a storage section, and a control section. The light reception section causes a light receiving portion which receives light in a forward direction to receive information. The light transmission section causes a light emitting portion which outputs light in the forward direction to transmit information. The storage section stores providing information. The control section determines whether or not another optical communication apparatus is an information communication target based on the identification information when the light reception section has received communication request information and identification information optically transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus which is present in the forward direction of the own optical communication apparatus and causes the light transmission section to optically transmit the providing information stored in the storage section when the control section has determined that the other optical communication apparatus be an information communication target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control section performs a process of storing the identification information as communication history information when the light reception section has received the identification information.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control section performs a counting process of counting the communication history information so as to generate counted data for each entry of the identification information.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical communication apparatus also includes a communication section which performs a data communication with an external apparatus. The control section causes the communicating section to transmit the communication history information to an external counting server.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an optical communication method. A light receiving portion which receives light from a visual line direction of a user is caused to receive communication request information and identification information optically transmitted from another optical communication apparatus. It is determined whether or not the other optical communication apparatus is an information communication target based on the received identification information. A light emitting portion which outputs light in the visual line direction of the user is caused to optically transmit communication response information when it has been determined that the other optical communication apparatus be an information communication target.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an optical communication method. A light receiving portion which receives light in a forward direction is caused to receive communication request information and identification information optically transmitted from another optical communication apparatus. It is determined whether or not the other optical communication apparatus is an information communication target based on the received identification information. A light emitting portion which outputs light in the forward direction is caused to optically transmit providing information which has been stored when it has been determined that the other optical communication apparatus be an information communication target.

According to embodiments of the present invention, when users who are wearing an optical communication apparatus watch each other, the optical communication apparatus perform optical communications therebetween. In addition, when a user who is wearing an optical communication apparatus watches an apparatus-mounted object on which another optical communication apparatus has been mounted, these optical communication apparatus perform optical communications therebetween. Thus, when users face each other, they can provide information therebetween. In addition, an optical communication apparatus mounted on an apparatus-mounted object rather than a person can provide information to a user who is wearing an optical communication apparatus. As a result, new information transmission systems and methods can be accomplished in a wide application range. In addition, in the state of which optical communication apparatus face each other, a first optical communication apparatus determines whether or not a second optical communication apparatus is an information communication target based on identification information. Only when the first optical communication apparatus has recognized that the second optical communication apparatus is an information communication target for example because the second optical communication apparatus belongs to the same group as that of the first optical communication apparatus, the first optical communication apparatus transmits information (for example, the first optical communication apparatus transmits providing information to the second optical communication apparatus). As a result, since information is not unconditionally transmitted, it can be provided only to adequate users.

In addition, when a person who is wearing the optical communication apparatus watches an another person who is wearing the optical communication apparatus or an apparatus-mounted object on which optical communication apparatus has been mounted, these apparatus perform optical communications therebetween. Thus, when an optical communication is performed, identification information is stored as communication history information (log) and counted for each entry of identification information. Thus, effective information that represents the number of times persons watched commercial products, signboards, and so forth can be generated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next, an optical communication apparatus and a communication method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described. In these embodiments, an optical communication display apparatus1and an optical communication apparatus30that a user wears, and an optical communication apparatus50mounted on an apparatus-mounted object other than a person correspond to an optical communication apparatus as set in claims of the present application. In addition, as processes of the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, and the optical communication apparatus50, optical communication methods of embodiments of the present invention are performed. In addition, the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, and the optical communication apparatus50may be another optical communication apparatus as set forth in claims of the present application.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.

[1. Examples of appearances of optical communication display apparatus, optical communication apparatus, and display apparatus]

[2. Examples of structures of optical communication display apparatus, optical communication apparatus, and display apparatus]

[3. Communication management tables and communications]

[4. Example of process of optical communication display apparatus]

[5. Example of process of optical communication apparatus mounted on apparatus-mounted object]

[6. Effects of embodiments and modification and extension of embodiments]

[7. Another extension of embodiment (counting based on communication log)]

[1. Examples of Appearances of Optical Communication Display Apparatus, Optical Communication Apparatus, and Display Apparatus]

FIG. 1shows an example of an appearance of the optical communication display apparatus1according to an embodiment of the present invention. The optical communication display apparatus1is an eye-glass type display camera that the user can wear. The optical communication display apparatus1has a frame type mounting unit that surrounds from both the head side portions to the head rear portion. As shown inFIG. 1, by placing the mounting unit on his or her both conchae, he or she can wear the optical communication display apparatus1. In the mounted state shown inFIG. 1, a pair of display panel portions2afor the left eye and the right eye are disposed immediately in front of both the eyes of the user, namely at the positions of lenses of regular eye-glasses. The display panel portions2aare composed of for example liquid crystal panels. By controlling the transmissivity of the liquid crystal panels, the display panel portions2abecome a through-state shown inFIG. 1, namely a transparent state or a semi-transparent state. Since the display panel portions2abecome the through-state, even if the user is regularly wearing the optical communication display apparatus1like eye glasses, the optical communication display apparatus1does not adversely affect his or her normal life.

When the user wears the optical communication display apparatus1, an image capturing lens3afaces forward such that an image is captured in the visual line direction of the user, namely the direction of the object. In this example, an image capturing section3(shown inFIG. 5and so forth) that includes the image capturing lens3afunctions as a light reception means that receives information optically transmitted from another optical communication display apparatus1, another optical communication apparatus30, or another optical communication apparatus50in addition to capturing a scene in the visual line direction of the user.

A light emitting section4athat emits light in the visual line direction of the user who wears the optical communication display apparatus1is composed of for example an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this example, a light transmission section4(shown inFIG. 5and so forth) including the light emitting section4afunctions a light transmission means that optically transmits information to another optical communication display apparatus1, another optical communication apparatus30, or another optical communication apparatus50in the visual line direction of the user.

FIG. 1is just an example of a structure of the optical communication display apparatus1. Thus, various types of structures of which the optical communication display apparatus1that the user wears can be contemplated. The optical communication display apparatus1may have any structure as long as the mounting unit is of regular eye-glass type or head mounting type, the display panel portions2aare disposed in front of the eyes of the user, and the image capturing direction of the image capturing lens3aand the light output direction of the light emitting section are the visual line direction of the user, namely the forward direction of the user. In the foregoing example, the optical communication display apparatus1has a mounting unit of eye-glass type or head mounting type. Instead, the mounting unit may be of any type, for example, headset type, neckband type, ear hanging type, or the like. Instead, the mounting unit may be mounted to regular eye-glasses, a regular visor, or a regular headset with a mounting tool such as a clip. Instead of the display panel portions2acorresponding to both the eyes of the user, the display panel portions2amay correspond to the eyes of the user. In addition, the mounting unit may have one or two earphone speakers that are inserted into one or both ear holes of the user who wears the mounting unit. In addition, the mounting unit may have a microphone that collects external sound.

The optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 1is an apparatus of which an optical communication section and the display panel portions2a, which monitor an image, are integrally formed and that the user wears. As an apparatus that the user wears, the optical communication apparatus30and a display apparatus40shown inFIG. 2AandFIG. 2B, respectively can be contemplated.

The optical communication apparatus30shown inFIG. 2Ais mounted at both head side portions of the user with the predetermined mounting frame. The image capturing lens3aand the light emitting section4aare disposed in the forward direction such that a target is captured in the direction of the object that is the visual line direction of the user who wears the optical communication apparatus30. In other words, although the optical communication apparatus30does not have a display function, the image capturing lens3afaces forward such that image capturing lens3acaptures an image in the direction of the object that is the visual line direction of the user who wears the optical communication apparatus30and receives optical transmission information in the visual line direction of the user.

In addition, the optical communication apparatus30has the light emitting section4athat emits light in the visual line direction of the user who wears the optical communication apparatus30and transmits information. Like the optical communication display apparatus1, it can be contemplated that the optical communication apparatus30is structured in various shapes and mounting structures and using various structural elements.

InFIG. 2B, the display apparatus40is of wrist watch type. It can be contemplated that the display apparatus40that the user wears or has is formed in various forms and mounting structures. The display apparatus40may be, for example, of portable and small type. When the display apparatus40is a portable apparatus, it may be a mobile phone, a portable game machine, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like that has a display function as well a dedicated apparatus having only a display function.

Although the optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40, respectively, shown inFIG. 2AandFIG. 2Bmay be independently used, it can be contemplated that the user wears both the optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40as an optical communication display apparatus composed of them. For example, the optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40communicate data therebetween and the display apparatus40monitors an image captured by the optical communication apparatus30and displays received information.

Although it is assumed that the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, and the display apparatus40, respectively, shown inFIG. 1,FIG. 2A, andFIG. 2Bare used by the user (person), an optical communication apparatus50mounted on an apparatus-mounted object rather than a person can be contemplated. It can be contemplated that examples of an apparatus-mounted object other than a person (hereinafter simply referred to as an apparatus-mounted object) include stationary objects such as posters, signboards, guide plates for various types of facilities, walls of buildings, doors, windows, and trees, moving objects such as cars and railroad trains, commercial products in stores, and animals such as dogs and cats. FIG.3shows an example of which the optical communication apparatus50is mounted on a poster as an apparatus-mounted object. The optical communication apparatus50has a light receiving section8aand the light emitting section4athat face forward. When the user who is wearing for example the optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 1or the optical communication apparatus30shown inFIG. 2Aturns his or her eyes on the apparatus-mounted object, the light receiving section8areceives information optically transmitted from the optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30). In addition, the optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30) receives information optically transmitted from the light emitting section4a.

The optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, and the optical communication apparatus50, respectively, shown inFIG. 1,FIG. 2A, andFIG. 3perform optical communications therebetween when they face each other.FIG. 4A,FIG. 4b, andFIG. 4Cshow examples of communication modes.FIG. 4Ashows the case of which user A and user B are each wearing the optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 1. When user A turns his or her eyes on user B or user B turns his or her eyes on user A, in other words, when their eyes meet, the image capturing lens3aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user B can capture (receive) light emitted from the light emitting section4aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user A. In addition, the image capturing lens3aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user A can capture (receive) light emitted from the light emitting section4aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user B. In this state, these optical communication display apparatus1perform optical communications therebetween.

FIG. 4Bshows the state of which user C who is wearing the optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40, respectively, shown inFIG. 2AandFIG. 2Bperforms optical communications with user B who is wearing the optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 1. As in the case shown inFIG. 4A, when the eyes of user B meet the eyes of user C, the image capturing lens3aof the optical communication apparatus30of user C captures (receives) light emitted from the light emitting section4aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user B. In addition, the image capturing lens3aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user B captures (receives) light emitted from the light emitting section4aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user C. As a result, they can perform optical communication therebetween. When the eyes of users who are each wearing the optical communication apparatus30shown inFIG. 2Ameet, they perform optical communications therebetween (not shown inFIG. 4B).

FIG. 4Cshows the state of which when user B who is wearing the optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 1watches an apparatus-mounted object on which the optical communication apparatus50has been mounted as shown inFIG. 3, the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus50performs optical communications therebetween.

The optical communications shown inFIG. 4A,FIG. 4B, andFIG. 4Care performed in such a manner that the transmission side transmits data in a light blinking pattern emitted from the light emitting section4a. In other words, the light emitting section4abrinks light in a modulation pattern with data to be transmitted. On the reception side, the image capturing section3(that will be described later) including the image capturing lens3arecognizes an emitted light pattern and demodulates received data. In these optical communications, although visible light may used, light having wavelengths other than the visible light range, for example infrared light, may be used.

[2. Examples of Structures of Optical Communication Display Apparatus, Optical Communication Apparatus, and Display Apparatus]

Next, with reference toFIG. 5toFIG. 7, examples of structures of the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, the display apparatus40, and the optical communication apparatus50will be described.FIG. 5shows an example of a structure of the optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 1.

A system controller10is composed of a microcomputer having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a nonvolatile memory section, and an interface section. The system controller10is a control section that controls the entire optical communication display apparatus1. The system controller10performs various types of arithmetic processes and exchanges control signals and so forth with each section through a bus13based on a program stored in an internal ROM or the like and causes each section to execute a predetermined operation.

The optical communication display apparatus1has an image capturing section3as a structure that captures a scene in the visual line direction of the user and receives data optically transmitted from another optical communication apparatus placed in the visual line direction of the user. Another optical communication apparatus is one of the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, and the optical communication apparatus50. Hereinafter, the term “another (other) optical communication apparatus” refers to one of another optical communication display apparatus1, another optical communication apparatus30, and another optical communication apparatus50that can function as other communication party.

The image capturing section3has an image capturing optical system, an image capturing element section, and a captured image signal processing section. The image capturing optical system of the image capturing section3include a lens system composed of the image capturing lens3ashown inFIG. 1, a diaphragm, a zoom lens, a focus lens, and so forth, and a drive system that causes the lens system to perform a focus operation and a zoom operation. The image capturing element section of the image capturing section3has a solid state image capturing element array that detects captured light obtained by the image capturing optical system, converts the captured light into electricity, and generates a captured image signal. The solid state image capturing element array is for example a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor array or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor array. The captured image signal processing section of the image capturing section3includes a sample hold/AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit that adjusts the gain of a signal obtained by the solid state image capturing element array and trims the waveform of the signal and a video A/D converter. The captured image signal processing section obtains captured image data as digital data. In addition, the captured image signal processing section performs a white balance process, a luminance process, a color signal process, a hand jitter correction process, and so forth for the captured image data.

The image capturing section3that has these image capturing optical system, the image capturing element section, and the captured image signal processing section captures an image and obtains captured image data. In addition, the image capturing section3receives data optically transmitted from another optical communication apparatus. When optical communications are performed, for example, with infrared light, the image capturing element section and the captured image signal processing section are structured to process the infrared region as well as the visible region.

The image data obtained by the image capturing operation of the image capturing section3are processed by a capturing control section6. The capturing control section6performs a process of converting captured image data into a predetermined image data format and predetermined signal processes of displaying an image on a display section2under the control of the system controller10. The signal processes of displaying an image on the display section2include for example luminance level adjustment, color correction, contrast adjustment, sharpness (contour emphasis) adjustment, screen division process, combining process for character images, generation of enlarged or reduced image, image effect processes of mosaic image/luminance inversion image/soft focus/partially emphasized indication of image/change of atmosphere of colors of entire image. The capturing control section6performs on/off controls of the image capturing operation of the image capturing section3, drive controls of zoom lens and focus lens of the image capturing optical system, controls of sensitivity and frame rate of the image capturing element section, settings of parameters of each process of the captured image signal processing section, and so forth under the control of the system controller10. The capturing control section6supplies captured image data to a memory section12that stores captured image data and to a display control section7that displays the captured image data on the display section2under the control of the system controller10. When the captured image data are supplied to the memory section12, the capturing control section6performs an encoding process such that image data can be recorded.

The capturing control section6analyzes the captured image data and detects an emitted light pattern transmitted from another optical communication apparatus. When the capturing control section6detects an emitted light pattern optically transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus, the capturing control section6analyzes the emitted light pattern and demodulates it as received data. The capturing control section6supplies the received data to the system controller10and the memory section12that stores the received data.

As a structure that displays data for the user, the optical communication display apparatus1has the display section2and the display control section7. The display section2has the display panel portions2a, composed of the foregoing liquid crystal panel or the like, and a display drive section that drives the display panel portions2ato display data. The display drive section is composed of a pixel drive circuit that causes the display panel portions2athat are for example liquid crystal displays to display an image signal supplied from the capturing control section6and data obtained through optical communications. The pixel drive circuit applies a drive signal to each pixel arranged in a matrix shape in the display panel portions2abased on an image signal at a predetermined horizontal/vertical drive timing and causes the display panel portions2ato display an image.

The display control section7drives the pixel drive circuit of the display section2to cause the display panel portions2ato display a predetermined indication under the control of the system controller10. In other words, the display control section7causes the display panel portions2ato display an image as a monitor of the image capturing section3, a reproduced image of captured image data stored in the memory section12, and data received by optical communications. In addition, the display control section7causes the display drive section to control the transmissivity of each pixel under the control of the system controller10such that the display panel portions2abecomes the through-state (a transparent state or a semitransparent state). The display control section7performs on/off (through) controls of the display operation of the display section2, setting of process parameters for image data to be displayed, image area setting control, character generation, and so forth under the control of the system controller10.

The memory section12is used to store various types of data. For example, the memory section12stores captured image data, received data through optical communications, and communication management tables (that will be described later). The memory section12may be composed of a solid state memory such as a RAM or a flash memory. Instead, the memory section12may be composed of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Of course, the memory section12may be a memory card having a built-in solid state memory, a recording and reproducing drive for a record medium such as an optical disc, an optical magnetic disc, or a hologram memory. The memory section12may be the RAM or nonvolatile memory of the system controller10instead of an independent memory. The memory section12records image data that have been captured and received through optical communications under the control of the system controller10. In addition, the memory section12reads recorded data under the control of the system controller10and supplies them to the system controller10, the display control section7, and so forth.

In addition, the optical communication display apparatus1has a light transmission section4and a light emission control section5. The light transmission section4is composed of the light emitting section4ashown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2Aand a light emitting circuit that causes the light emitting section4a(for example, an LED) to emit light. The light emission control section5causes the light transmission section4to emit light under the control of the system controller10. In other words, when data to be transmitted to another optical communication apparatus are supplied from the system controller10to the light emission control section5, it modulates the data and causes the light emitting section4aof the light transmission section4to emit light in a light blinking pattern based on the modulated data. The system controller10causes the light transmission section4to regularly transmit communication request information and identification information stored in a communication management table (that will be described later). When the optical communication display apparatus1communicates with another optical communication apparatus, the system controller10causes the light transmission section4to transmit communication response information and providing data stored in the communication management table. The light emitting section4a(for example, an LED) of the light transmission section4may emit visible light or infrared light when optical communications are performed with invisible light such as infrared light. When optical communications are performed with invisible light, the light emitting section4ais composed of for example an LED that emits infrared light.

The optical communication display apparatus1has an operation input section11with which the user operates the optical communication display apparatus1. The operation input section11may have for example operation switches such as keys and dials and detect user' operations for keys and so forth or user's intentional actions. When the operation input section11has operation switches, they may be for power on/off operations, operations for the image capturing system (for example, zoom operation and command operations for signal processes), display related operations (for example, display menu selection and display adjustment operation), and so forth.

When the operation input section11detects user's actions, it can be contemplated that the operation input section11has an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a vibration sensor, a pressure sensor, and so forth. When the user taps a side surface of the optical communication display apparatus1, the acceleration sensor, the vibration sensor, and so forth detect the user's action. It can be contemplated that when the lateral acceleration exceeds a predetermined level, the system controller10recognizes it as a user's operation. If the optical communication display apparatus1can detect whether the user has tapped a right portion (corresponding to the bow of eye glasses) or a left portion of the optical communication display apparatus1with the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor, the system controller10can determine that these actions be predetermined operations. If the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor detect user's actions of which he or she has turned his or her head or has shaken his or her head sideway, the system controller10can recognize them as his or her operations. In the case that pressure sensors are disposed at the left and right portions (corresponding to the bows of eye glasses) and so forth of the optical communication display apparatus1, if the user presses the right portion with his or her finger, the optical communication display apparatus1may perform a telescopic zoom operation. In this case, if the user presses the left portion with his or her finger, the optical communication display apparatus1may perform a wide angle zoom operation.

The operation input section11may have a biosensor. When the biosensor detects bioinformation, the optical communication display apparatus1may recognize it as an operation input. Examples of bioinformation include pulse rate, heart rate, electrocardiogram information, electromyography, respiratory information (for example, breathing rate, breathing depth, breathing capacity, and so forth), perspiration, GSR (Galvanic Skin Response), blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation concentration, skin surface temperature, brain waves (for example, information about α waves, β waves, θ waves, and δ waves), blood flow change, and eye conditions. The system controller10may recognize information detected by the biosensor as an user's operation input. As user's intentional actions, the motions of eyes (change of visual line direction and blinking) can be contemplated. When the user blinks his or her eyes three times, the system controller10may recognize it as a predetermined operation input. In addition, when the system controller10uses the foregoing bioinformation, the system controller10may detect that the user has put on or off the optical communication display apparatus1and that a predetermined user has put on the optical communication display apparatus1. When the system controller10detects such bioinformation, the system controller10may turn on/off the power of the optical communication display apparatus1.

The operation input section11supplies information obtained from the operation switches, acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, vibration sensor, pressure sensor, biosensor, and so forth to the system controller10. The system controller10detects a user's operation based on these types of information.

Next, examples of structures of the optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40will be described. As shown inFIG. 4B, as the apparatus that user C has, both the optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40, respectively, shown inFIG. 2AandFIG. 2Bmay have the same function as that of the optical communication display apparatus1. In this case, it can be contemplated that the optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40have, for example, structures shown inFIG. 6. For simplicity, inFIG. 6, same sections as those shown inFIG. 5are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. In the example shown inFIG. 6, the optical communication apparatus30has nearly the same structure as that of the optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 5. However, the optical communication apparatus30does not have a display section2and a display control section7. Instead, the optical communication apparatus30has a transmission section14. The transmission section14encodes image data supplied from the capturing control section6and the memory section12, indication data (or command data of indication characters) based on received data through optical communications, control signals supplied from the system controller10, and so forth and transmits the encoded data to the display apparatus40.

The display apparatus40has a reception section41, a display control section42, and a display section2. The reception section41performs data communications with a transmission section21of the optical communication apparatus30. The reception section41receives data (indication image data and control data) transmitted from the optical communication apparatus30and decodes the received data. The decoded data are supplied from the reception section41to the display control section42. The display control section42performs processes including an indication signal process, a screen division process, and a character combining process, generates an indication image signal, and supplies the indication image signal to the display section2having a display panel2athat is for example a liquid crystal display. The display section2applies a drive signal to each pixel of the display panel portion2aarranged in a matrix shape based on the indication image signal at a predetermined horizontal/vertical drive timing and causes the display panel portion2ato display an image.

Thus, the user who is wearing the optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40as in user C shown inFIG. 4Bcan use them in the same manner as the optical communication display apparatus1. The optical communication apparatus30and the display apparatus40may perform communicates using a near distance wireless communication system, for example, wireless LAN or Bluetooth.

FIG. 7shows an example of a structure of the optical communication apparatus50, shown inFIG. 3, mounted on an apparatus-mounted object other than a person. Since the optical communication apparatus50is not an apparatus that a person wears, a structural portion with respect to the user interface is omitted. In other words, the display section2, the display control section7, and the operation input section11are omitted from the structure shown inFIG. 5. Instead of the image capturing section3and the capturing control section6shown inFIG. 5, the optical communication apparatus50has a light reception section8and a data demodulation section9. The light reception section8has a light receiving portion composed of for example a phototransistor, a simply structured image capturing element array, or the like. The light reception section8receives transmission light from another optical communication apparatus. The data demodulation section9demodulates the received light signal as received data. The received data are supplied to a system controller10and then stored in a memory section12.

The optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 5and the optical communication apparatus30shown inFIG. 6that are apparatus that the user wears have the image capturing section3that has a function of capturing an image in the visual line direction of the user as a light reception means for optical communications. When the optical communication apparatus50performs only optical communications rather than an image capturing function for an image in the visual line direction of the user, as shown inFIG. 7, instead of the image capturing section3, the optical communication apparatus50may have the light reception section8, which has a light receiving portion composed of a phototransistor, a simply structured image capturing element, or the like, and the data demodulation section9that demodulates received light of the light reception section8as received data.

In the foregoing, the structures of the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, the display apparatus40, and the optical communication apparatus50have been described. However, they are just examples. Of course, various structural elements may be added to and/or deleted from these apparatus depending on an operation and a function of the system that is actually embodied.

[3. Communication Management Tables and Communications]

Next, optical communications performed by the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus30and50will be described. First of all, a communication management table that is stored in the memory section12of each of the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus30and50will be described.

FIG. 8AandFIG. 8Bshow examples of communication management tables that the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus30have. A communication management table is a table that correlatively stores group names as identification information, start codes as communication request information, return codes as communication response information, and providing data as various types of data provided to other communication party. Providing data may be stored as real data in the communication management table. Instead, providing data may be link information such as another file data stored in a communication management table.

The communication management table can have one or a plurality of entries that are registered. For example, the user selects a group to which he or she belongs (he or she creates a group together with his or her friends or the like) and registers himself or herself thereto. Providing data may be data that the user has freely created or edited.

FIG. 8Ashows a communication management table stored in the optical communication display apparatus1that for example user A has.FIG. 8Bshows a communication management table stored in the optical communication display apparatus1that for example user B has. It is assumed that user A belongs to a group having group name GPN1and user B belongs to five groups having group names GPN1, GPN2, GPN3, GPN4, and GPN10. In other words, user A has registered one group to his or her optical communication display apparatus1. In contrast, user B has registered five groups to his or her optical communication display apparatus1.

In this case, group name GPN1has been registered as entry #1in the communication management table stored in the optical communication display apparatus1that user A has. In addition, start code STC1and return code RTC1have been registered such that they have been correlated with group name GPN. In addition, data DTa of user A provided to other persons who belong to the same group have been correlated.

Group names GPN1, GPN2, GPN3, GPN4, and GPN10have been registered as entries #1to #5, respectively, in the communication management table stored in the optical communication display apparatus1that user B has. Start code STC1and return code RTC1have been registered such that they have been correlated with group name GPN1. In addition, data DTb of user B provided to other persons of the same group have been correlated. Likewise, with respect to group names GPN2, GPN3, GPN4, and GPN10, start codes, return codes, and providing data have been correlated. However, each user can freely correlate any providing data to any group name. For example, user B has not correlated providing data to group name GPN3of entry #3. In this case, user B does not want to provide any information to other persons who belong to group name GPN3. In this example, group name GPN10as entry #5is a group name for a particular information service and the optical communication apparatus of a person who belongs to this group communicates with the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object. In this case, it can be contemplated that providing data have not been registered. Of course, providing data may be registered. When the user receives an information service, he or she may provide information to the optical communication apparatus50.

As is clear fromFIG. 8AandFIG. 8B, predetermined start code and return code have been registered for each group. For example, for group name GPN1, start code STC1and return code RTC1have been registered. For group name GPN2, start code STC2and return code RTC2have been registered.

As shown inFIG. 4A, when the optical communication display apparatus1of user A performs optical communications with the optical communication display apparatus1of user B, their group names are the same, GPN1. When they perform optical communications, start code STC1and return code RTC1are used.FIG. 9shows basic communications performed between the optical communication display apparatus1of user A and user B. In both the optical communication display apparatus1, their light transmission sections4regularly transmit start code STC1and group name GPN1to each other. Since the number of entries registered in the communication management table of the optical communication display apparatus1of user A is one, the light transmission section4regularly transmits start code STC1and group name GPN1at intervals of one second or several seconds. On the other hand, the number of entries registered in the communication management table of the optical communication display apparatus1of user B is five, the light transmission section4regularly and cyclically transmits start codes and group names of these group.

It is assumed that at time t1, the eyes of user A meet the eyes of user B (they face each other) and the optical communication display apparatus1of user B has received start code STC1and group name GPN1that the optical communication display apparatus1of user A had transmitted. After having recognized a communication request with start code STC1, the optical communication display apparatus1of user B checks whether or not group name GPN1is a group name of a group to which user B belongs. In other words, the optical communication display apparatus1of user B references the communication management table shown inFIG. 8B. Since the optical communication display apparatus1of user B also belongs to the group having group name GPN1, the optical communication display apparatus1of user B performs optical communications with the optical communication display apparatus1of user A. In other words, after having checked that the optical communication display apparatus1of user B belongs to the same group, the optical communication display apparatus1of user B transmits return code RTC1registered in the communication management table shown inFIG. 8Bas communication response information against group name GPN1to the optical communication display apparatus1of user A and transmits providing data DTb correlated with the return code at time t2. As a result, the optical communication display apparatus1of user A receives return code RTC1and providing data DTb.

After having checked return code RTC1from the optical communication display apparatus1of user B who belongs to the group having group name GPN1, the optical communication display apparatus1of user A transmits providing data DTa correlated with group name GPN1and registered in the communication management table shown inFIG. 8Aand at time t3. After having received return code RTC1at time t2and providing data DTb at time t4, the optical communication display apparatus1of user A causes the display section2to display an indication based on one or both of providing data DTb and group name GPN1at time t4. On the other hand, after having received providing data DTa from the optical communication display apparatus1of user A at time t3, the optical communication display apparatus1of user B causes the display section2to display an indication based on one or both of providing data DTa and group name GPN1at time t5.

When user A faces user B, such communications are automatically performed. For example, the display section2of each user displays an indication based on providing data transmitted from each other.FIG. 10AandFIG. 10Bshow examples of indications. InFIG. 10AandFIG. 10B, it is assumed that the contents of providing data Da and Db are names. In other words, it is assumed that the name of user A is “David H.” and the contents of providing data DTa correlated with group name GPN1and registered in the communication management table shown inFIG. 8Aof the optical communication display apparatus1are “David H.” In addition, it is assumed that the name of user B is “Christina” and the contents of providing data DTb correlated with group name GPN1and registered in the communication management table shown inFIG. 8Bof the optical communication display apparatus1are “Christina”.

In this case, when user A and use B face each other, communications shown inFIG. 9are performed. Finally, information of “Christina” is provided to the optical communication display apparatus1of user A. In addition, information of “David H.” is provided to the optical communication display apparatus1of user B. Thus, as shown inFIG. 10A, the display panel portions2aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user A display an image of a visual scene captured by the image capturing section3at this point as a main indication100. In addition, the display panel portions2aoverlay the main indication100with contents “Cristina” of providing data DTb as a data indication101. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 10B, the display panel portions2aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user B displays an image of a visual scene captured by the image capturing section3at this point as a main indication100. In addition, the display panel portions2aoverlays the main indication100with the contents “David H.” of providing data DTa as a data indication101.

In other words, when users face each other, their information is provided to each other. Indications based on the providing data are displayed. The main indication100shown inFIG. 10AandFIG. 10Bis a scene in front of each user. The main indication100may be an image captured by the image capturing section3. Instead, the main indication100may be an image that passes through the display panel portions2a. In other words, the display panel portions2amay partly display the data indication101in the through-state.

FIG. 11Ashows an example of which “OO group” based on group name GPN1as a group indication102is displayed in addition to the data indication101.FIG. 11Bshows an example of which “OO group” based on group name GPN1as the group indication102is displayed without the data indication101. For example, when providing data have not been received from the other apparatus side, only the group indication102can be displayed. Thus, since the data indication101based on providing data and/or the group indication102based on the group name can be displayed depending on a user's selection or whether providing data have been received, users who belong to the same group (who have registered the same group) can check information provided by the other apparatus side each other.

Groups that are registered include a group of friends of each user. For example, each user may select a group according to his or her hobby and/or preference. As user's hobbies and/or preferences, he or she may selectively register groups of music, music genres, sports, sports games, movies, novels, comics, authors, travels, driving, gourmet, fishing, and so forth. In this case, when unknown users face each other, if they belong to the same group of a hobby, communications shown inFIG. 9are performed. As a result, they can check their group and providing data and knows that they have a common hobby and so forth.

The contents of providing data DTa and DTb that these users provide each other may be name information such as their real names or nicknames or their attribute information such as brief description of their hobbies or preferences. Of course, the contents may be attribute information such as a joined organization, age, sex, and date of birth. Each user can register such information as information that he or she can or wants to teach to other users who belong to the same group. The contents of providing data may be common in each group. Instead, the contents of providing data may be changed in each group. For example, in the communication management table shown inFIG. 8B, as registered as providing data DTb, DTc, and DTd, it is preferred that user B be able to discretely register the contents of providing data to each group name GPN. For example, providing data DTb for group name GPN1may be real name data. Providing data DTc for group name GPN2may be data that describes a user's hobby. Providing data may not been registered for group name GPN3. Providing data DTd for group name GPN4may be information that represents a nickname.

Next, communications performed between the optical communication display apparatus1that user B wears and the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object as shown inFIG. 3will be described. It is assumed that as shown inFIG. 8B, group name GPN10has been registered as a group of a particular information providing service in the communication management table of the optical communication display apparatus1of user B. In addition, it is assumed that the communication management table shown inFIG. 8Chas been stored in the memory section12of the optical communication apparatus50shown inFIG. 3. In this case, in the communication management table shown inFIG. 8C, group name GPN10, start code STC10, return code RTC10, and providing data DTf have been correlated with each other.

When user B faces the apparatus-mounted object (a poster or the like) shown inFIG. 3, since their group names are the same, GPN10, the optical communication display apparatus1of user B performs communications with the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object as shown inFIG. 12.

Since a plurality of entries have been registered in the communication management table of the optical communication display apparatus1of user B as shown inFIG. 8B, the optical communication display apparatus1regularly and cyclically transmits the start code and the group name of each entry. It is assumed that user B faces and watches the apparatus-mounted object at time t10. At this point, it is assumed that the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object has received start code STC10and group name GPN10that the optical communication display apparatus1of user B had transmitted. After having recognized a communication request as start code STC10, the optical communication apparatus50determines whether or not group name GPN10is a group name of a group to which the optical communication apparatus50belongs (from which the optical communication display apparatus1receives an information providing service). In other words, the optical communication apparatus50references the communication management table shown inFIG. 8C. In this case, since group name GPN10is a group name of a group that has been registered to the communication management table of the optical communication apparatus50, it determines that the optical communication display apparatus1has a right to receive information. Thus, the optical communication apparatus50also performs communications with the optical communication display apparatus1. In other words, at time till, the optical communication apparatus50transmits return code RTC10registered in the communication management table shown inFIG. 8Cas communication response information against group name GPN10and transmits providing data DTf correlated with group name GPN10. As a result, the optical communication display apparatus1of user B receives return code RTC10and providing data DTf from the optical communication apparatus50.

When the optical communication display apparatus1has checked return code RTC10as a response from the optical communication apparatus50, the display section2of the optical communication display apparatus1displays an indication based on one or both of providing data DTf and group name GPN10at time t12.FIG. 13shows an example of the indication. It is assumed that providing data Df is information of contents about the poster as the apparatus-mounted object, for example information about a discount ticket. Thus, the display panel portions2aof the optical communication display apparatus1of user B display an image of a visual scene captured by the image capturing section3at the point (namely, the image of the poster that user B watches) as a main indication100(or user B watches the image through the display panel portion2athat is in the through-state) and overlays the main indication100with discount ticket information that is the contents of providing data DTf as a data indication101. In addition, the display panel portions2adisplay a group name “ΔΔ group” as a group indication102. In this case, the display panel portions2acan display one or both of the data indication101and the group indication102.

When a particular user watches the apparatus-mounted object of the optical communication apparatus50, such communications are automatically performed. Thus, the user can receive information about the apparatus-mounted object. It can be contemplated that the contents of providing data DTf are various types of information including data that represent the name of the apparatus-mounted object, data that represent an attribute such as uses of the apparatus-mounted object, information of an advertisement or description about the apparatus-mounted object, and information that represents the positions, directions, and so forth of a target to be successively explored.

For example, member-limited information such as discount information, pre-event information, and preview information for concerts, plays, events, movies, and so forth can be provided. In addition, the optical communication display apparatus1may be lent to a visitor of an art gallery, a museum, or the like. In addition, when the user has registered a group for an information service to the optical communication display apparatus1, he or she may be provided with the information service about exhibits and visiting routes of such facilities. In addition, in a recreation event, information about a place or a target to be explored next or a place to go can be provided. In addition, in a building or a facility, information about a member-limited service may be provided. Likewise, in facilities of companies and organizations, member-limited information may be providing data. In stores, commercial products may be apparatus-mounted objects. Member-limited customers may be provided with detailed information, discount information, and so forth about commercial products as apparatus-mounted objects. When an animal such as a dog or a cat is an apparatus-mounted object, the name of the animal and information about the owner may be providing data.

In the foregoing examples, as shown inFIG. 8B, a start code and a return code are uniquely registered for each group name. However, on the basis of a precondition of which a start code as communication request information is transmitted together with a group name, a common start code may be used because each group can be identified by a group name. Likewise, when a return code as communication response information is transmitted together with a group name, a common return code may be used. When a common start code and a common return code are used, it is not necessary to register them to the communication management table.FIG. 9andFIG. 12show examples of communication procedures. For example, a return code and providing data may be transmitted separately, not simultaneously. When a start code is unique for each group, it is not necessary to transmit a group name together with a start code. Instead, a group name may be information that also functions as a start code (communication request information). Although many communication procedures may be contemplated, any communication procedure may be used as long as when apparatus that have registered the same group face each other, communications are automatically performed.

[4. Example of Process of Optical Communication Display Apparatus]

The optical communication display apparatus1shown inFIG. 5(or the optical communication apparatus30shown inFIG. 6) that performs the foregoing optical communications and displays providing data will be described. Next, with reference toFIG. 14, a process of the system controller10will be described.

At step F101, the system controller10controls the transmission of a start code and a group name. In other words, the system controller10reads a start code and a group name of one group or each of a plurality of groups registered as an entry or entries in the communication management table and supplies them to the light emission control section5. The light emission control section5modulates the start code and the group name and supplies the modulated start code and group name to the light transmission section4. The light transmission section4optically transmits them. When a plurality of entries have been registered in the communication management table, the light transmission section4cyclically transmits a start code and a group name of each group.

While the system controller10is performing determination processes at steps F102, F103, and F104, the system controller10repeats the transmission process at step F101. In other words, the system controller10cyclically performs the transmission process at step F101unless the determination conditions have been satisfied at steps F102, F103, and F104. Thus, in the normal state, the system controller10cyclically performs the transmission process for a start code and a group name of one group or each of a plurality groups registered in the communication management table.

Instead, the system controller10may perform the transmission process for a start code and a group name of one group that the user has selected or the system controller10has automatically selected. For example, it can be contemplated that the user selects any group for which the system controller10does not temporarily perform the transmission process. In addition, it can be contemplated that the user selects a date, a period of time, or the like for which the system controller10performs the transmission process for a start code and a group name of a particular group.

At step F102, the system controller10determines whether or not a start code has been received from another optical communication apparatus. At step F103, the system controller10determines whether or not a return code has been received from another optical communication apparatus. At step F104, the system controller10determines whether or not an operation termination (power off) command has been issued for example by the user.

A start code is detected at step F102when the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that performs the process shown inFIG. 14operates as the apparatus of user B shown inFIG. 9. In other words, the other optical communication apparatus receives a start code and a group name transmitted at step F101. On the other hand, a return code is detected at step F103when the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that performs the process shown inFIG. 14operates as the apparatus of user A shown inFIG. 9or as the apparatus of user B shown inFIG. 12. In other words, the other optical communication apparatus sends back a return code (and providing data) against the start code and the group name transmitted at step F101.

First of all, the case of which a start code has been received at step F102will be described. The image capturing section3and the capturing control section6receive a start code and a group name from the other optical communication apparatus, demodulate them, and supply the demodulated start code and group name to the system controller10. Thereafter, the flow advances from step F102to step F105. The system controller10references the communication management table stored for example in the memory section12and checks whether or not the received group name is a group name registered in the communication management table. In other words, the system controller10checks whether or not the other optical communication apparatus that has transmitted the start code and the group name belongs to the same group as that registered in the local communication management table. If the received group name is not a group name registered in the local communication management table, the system controller10does not perform the process of receiving a start code and a group name. Thereafter, the flow returns from step F106to step F101. In other words, the system controller10determines that the group of the received group name be not the same as a group name registered in the local communication management table and does not perform the transmission process.

In contrast, when the received group name is the same as a group name registered in the local communication management table, the flow advances from step F106to step F107. At step F107, the system controller10performs a transmission process for a return code and providing data. In other words, the system controller10reads a return code and providing data correlated with a group name that is the same as the received group name from the communication management table and transfers the return code and providing data to the light emission control section5. The light emission control section5modulates the return code and providing data and supplies the modulated return code and providing data to the light transmission section4. The light transmission section4optically transmits the modulated return code and providing data. When providing data correlated with the received group name have not been registered in the communication management table, the system controller10performs the transmission process only for a return code.

At step F108, the system controller10waits until the other optical communication apparatus transmits providing data.

At step F108, the system controller10waits until the other optical communication apparatus transmits providing data for a predetermined period of time. For example, the system controller10starts counting time after the system controller10has transmitted a return code. While the system controller10is not receiving providing data from the other optical communication apparatus, the system controller10determines whether or not a timeout has occurred at step F109. When the system controller10receives providing data before a timeout occurs, the flow advances from step F108to step F111. At step F111, the system controller10causes the memory section12to store the received providing data. At step F112, the system controller10causes the display section2to display an indication based on the received providing data and/or the group name. For example, the display section2displays indications shown inFIG. 10Aand FIG.10B or indications shown inFIG. 11AandFIG. 11B. Thus, the user of the optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30) can see information transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus that a person is wearing to whom the user is watching.

When providing data have not been received and the system controller10has determined that a timeout has occurred, the flow advances to step F110. At step F110, the system controller10causes the display section2to display an indication based on this group name as shown inFIG. 11B. As a result, the user of the optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30) knows that the person whom the user is watching belongs to the same group. When providing data have not been received, the system controller10may not cause the display section2to display an indication based on the group name. In this case, the flow returns to step F101.

At step F112or step F110, the display section2may overlay an image captured by the image capturing section3with an indication based on the received providing data and/or the group name. Instead, while the display panel portions2aare in the through-state, the display section2may display an indication based on the providing data and the group name. The system controller10may cause the display section2to stop displaying an indication based on the providing data and/or the group name displayed at step F112or F110in a predetermined condition. For example, the system controller10may cause the display section2to display an indication based on the providing data and/or the group name for a predetermined period of time or to stop displaying it according to a user's operation. Instead, the system controller10may cause the capturing control section6to analyze a captured image (namely, a scene in front of the user) and determine whether or not the user is watching the other party (other optical communication party). When the user turns his or her head and there is no other optical communication party in the captured image, the system controller10may cause the display section2to stop displaying an indication based on the providing data and/or the group name.

Next, the case of which a return code has been received at step F103will be described. The image capturing section3and the capturing control section6receive a return code and providing data from the other optical communication apparatus, demodulate the return code and providing data, and informs the system controller10that the return code has been received. Thereafter, the flow advances from step F103to step F113. At step F113, the system controller10causes the memory section12to store the providing data. When providing data are not received, the system controller10omits this step. Thereafter, the flow advances to step F114. At step F114, the system controller10causes the display control section7to display an indication based on the providing data and/or the group name. As a result, the display control section7displays the indications shown inFIG. 10AandFIG. 10Bor the indications shown inFIG. 11AandFIG. 11B. Thus, the user of the optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30) can see information received from the other optical communication apparatus that a person is wearing to whom the user is watching. Instead, the display control section7displays an indication as shown inFIG. 13. Thus, the user of the optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30) can see information transmitted from the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object. In this case, the indication can be controlled in various manners as in those at steps F112and F110.

Thereafter, the flow advance to step F115. At step F115, the system controller10determines whether or not there are providing data to be transmitted to the other party. In other words, the system controller10determine whether or not providing data correlated with this group name (the group name correlated with the received return code) have been registered in the communication management table. When providing data have not been registered, flow returns to step F101. When providing data correlated with this group name have been registered, the flow advances to step F116. At step F116, the system controller10performs a transmission process for the providing data. In other words, the system controller10reads providing data correlated with this group name from the communication management table and transfers the providing data to the light emission control section5. The light emission control section5modulates the providing data and supplies the modulated providing data to the light transmission section4. The light transmission section4optically transmits the modulated providing data. Thereafter, the flow returns to step F101.

When the operation termination command has been issued at step F104, the flow advances to step F117. At step F117, the system controller10performs an operation termination process of terminating the operation of each section and turning off the power of the apparatus. When the system controller10performs the process shown inFIG. 14, the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that the user is wearing performs the operations shown inFIG. 9toFIG. 13.

[5. Example of Process of Optical Communication Apparatus Mounted on Apparatus-Mounted Object]

FIG. 15shows an example of a process of the system controller10of the optical communication apparatus50, shown inFIG. 7, mounted on an apparatus-mounted object other than a person. At step F201, the system controller10of the optical communication apparatus50determines whether or not a start code has been received from the other optical communication apparatus (in this case, the optical communication display apparatus1or optical communication apparatus30that a person is wearing).

A start code is detected at step F201when the user who is wearing the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30faces an apparatus-mounted object of the optical communication apparatus50that performs the process shown inFIG. 15, he or she turns his or her eyes to the apparatus-mounted object, and the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30has received a start code and a group name transmitted at step F101shown inFIG. 14.

The light reception section8and the data demodulation section9receive the start code and group name from the other optical communication apparatus, demodulate the start code and the group name, and supply the demodulated start code and group name to the system controller10. Thereafter, the flow advances from step F201to step F202. At step F202, the system controller10references the communication management table stored, for example, in the memory section12and checks whether or not the received group name is the same as a group name registered in the communication management table. In other words, the system controller10checks whether or not the other optical communication apparatus that has transmitted the start code and group name belongs to the same group as a group to which the local optical communication apparatus belongs and has a right to receive providing data from the local optical communication apparatus. If the received group name is not the same as a group name registered in the local communication management table, the system controller10does not perform a process for the received start code and group name. Thereafter, the flow returns from step F203to step F201. In other words, the system controller10determines that the group of the received group name be not the same as a group name registered in the local communication management table. As a result, the system controller10does not perform optical communications with the other optical communication apparatus.

In contrast, when the received group name is the same as a group name registered in the local communication management table, the flow advances from step F203to step F204. At step F204, the system controller10performs a transmission process for a return code and providing data. In other words, the system controller10reads a return code and providing data correlated with the received group name from the communication management table and transfers them to the light emission control section5. The light emission control section5modulates the return code and the providing data and supplies the modulated return code and providing data to the light transmission section4. The light transmission section4optically transmits the modulated return code and providing data. Thereafter, the flow returns to step F201.

When the system controller10of the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object performs the process shown inFIG. 15, the optical communication apparatus50performs communications shown inFIG. 12with the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that the user is wearing. As a result, an information providing service can be performed for the user.

Instead, in the optical communication apparatus50mounted on an apparatus-mounted object, the light transmission section4that emits light at a narrow directive angle may regularly transmit a start code. When the optical communication apparatus50receives a return code from the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that the user is wearing, the optical communication apparatus50may transmit providing data.

[6. Effects of Embodiments and Modification and Extension of Embodiments]

In the foregoing embodiments, when the users who are wearing the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30watch each other, the optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30) perform optical communications therebetween. As a result, when the users face each other, they can provide and receive information to and from the other. Thus, various communication opportunities can be created. When a user who is wearing the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30watches an apparatus-mounted object on which the optical communication apparatus50has been mounted, the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30performs optical communications with the optical communication apparatus50and it provides information to the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30. As a result, the user can receive an information providing service from the optical communication apparatus50.

When it has been determined that both parties belong to the same group having a group name as identification information, the other party recognizes the local party as a communication target and optically transmits providing data to the local party. Thus, even if users who are wearing the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30face each other, the apparatus do not transmit providing data to the other. Thus, the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30can provide information only to a proper party. In addition, only when a group name of a group to which the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30belongs is the same as a group name of the optical communication apparatus50mounted on an apparatus-mounted object, the optical communication apparatus50transmits providing data. Thus, the optical communication apparatus50can provide information only to a user who satisfies a predetermined condition and who has been registered to the same group as a group to which the optical communication apparatus50belongs. For example, the optical communication apparatus50can provide information to limited members including general users who have a predetermined interest, members of companies and/or organizations, designated persons such as facility supervisors, and charge-based members.

When visible light is used for optical communications, the users can easily recognize blinking of the light emitting section4aeach other. Thus, when a person face many persons, he or she can easily recognize a party who is performing information communications. In contrast, when infrared light is used for optical communications, since the users are not able to see blinking of the light emitting section4aeach other, the users and the surrounding persons can be prevented from feeling awkward or uncomfortable.

In addition, although the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus30use the image capturing section3as a light reception means of optical communications, since the image capturing section3performs an image capturing operation and an optical communication operation in common, the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus30can be simply structured. When the image capturing section3captures an image and the memory section12stores the captured image data, the user can record daily scenes. When optical communications are performed while daily captured image data are being recorded, if providing data, a group name, and so forth can be recorded together with the captured image data, the user can check the providing data and the group name together with the captured image data that are reproduced. When the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus30have the light reception section8and the data demodulation section9of the optical communication apparatus50instead of the image capturing function (the image capturing section3and the capturing control section6), the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus30can be simply structured and light-weighted.

As the structures and processes of the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, and the optical communication apparatus50, many modifications and extensions of the foregoing embodiments can be contemplated. Next, modifications and extensions of the foregoing embodiments will be described in the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 16shows another example of a process of the system controller10of the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30. InFIG. 16, the same steps as those ofFIG. 14are designated by the step numbers and their description will be omitted. InFIG. 16, for a transmission process for a start code and a group name, steps F91, F92, and F93are added. In this case, at step F91, the system controller10causes the capturing control section6to start analyzing a captured image. In this case, the capturing control section6analyzes whether or not the captured image contains an image of a person.

When the capturing control section6has not analyzed that a scene of a captured image does not contain an image of a person, namely the captured image control section6has not recognized a person in front of the user, the flow advances from step F92to steps F102, F103, and F104for determinations processes. Thereafter, the flow returns to step F92. When the capturing control section6has recognized an image of a person as the image analyzed result, the flow advances to step F93. At step F93, the system controller10controls the transmission of a start code and a group code. In other words, the system controller10reads a start code and a group name of one group or each of a plurality of groups as one entry or a plurality of entries registered in the communication management table and supplies the start code and the group name to the light emission control section5. The light emission control section5modulates the start code and the group name and supplies the modulated start code and group name to the light transmission section4. The light transmission section4optically transmits the modulated start code and group name. Thereafter, the flow advances to steps F102, F103, and F104as determination processes. Thereafter, the system controller10performs the same steps as those shown inFIG. 14.

In other words, in the example of the process shown inFIG. 16, a start code and a group name are optically transmitted only when it has been detected that there is a person in the visual line direction of the user. When there is no person in front of the user, it is needless to transmit a start code and a group name. Thus, since a start code and a group name are transmitted only when a person in front of the user has been recognized, the process can be effectively performed and the power consumption can be decreased. The case of which a start code and a group name are transmitted when it has been recognized that there is a person in front of the user is applied for communications between the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that the users are wearing. Thus, a start code and a group name are not transmitted to the optical communication apparatus50mounted on an apparatus-mounted object. However, in this case, if the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object regularly transmits a start code and a group name, when the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that performs the process shown inFIG. 16has received the start code and the group name from the optical communication apparatus50, the flow advances to step F102. Thus, communications between the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30and the optical communication apparatus50can be performed.

Instead, depending on the image analyzing performance of the captured image control section6, it may recognize another optical communication apparatus rather than a person. In the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, and the optical communication apparatus50, a predetermined square shape (a part of a square) or a mark may be registered. When the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, or the optical communication apparatus50recognizes such a square shape or such a mark, the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, or the optical communication apparatus50may transmit a start code and a group name.

Next, an example of an operation of a display process based on providing data and a group name will be described. As exemplified inFIG. 10A,FIG. 10B,FIG. 11A,FIG. 11B, andFIG. 13, indications are displayed on the basis of providing data and a group name. An indication based on both providing data and a group name, an indication based on providing data, or an indication based on a group name may be selected or changed by the user.

When these indications are displayed, it is preferred that the luminance, chromaticity, transmissivity, and so forth of the data indication101and the group indication102be adjusted on the basis of the luminance and color of the main indication100, in particular, the luminance and color of the background of the data indication101and the group indication102. The visibility of the data indication101and the group indication102is improved for example by selecting the color and luminance complementary to the background image.

It can be contemplated that the data indication101and the group indication102are displayed at various positions on the screen of the display panel portions2a. The data indication101and the group indication102may be displayed at the bottom portion or the top portion of the screen such that they are separated from the main indication100. As shown inFIG. 10A,FIG. 10B,FIG. 11A,FIG. 11B, andFIG. 13, the main indication100may be overlaid with the data indication101and the group indication102. Instead, the user may select the positions of the data indication101and the group indication102on the screen. When the amount of data of indications displayed on the basis of providing data and a group name is large, all the data of the indications may be displayed by scrolling or page-feeding. In addition, it can be contemplated that providing data are image data or contains image data. In this case, it can be contemplated that image data are displayed in a child screen or image data are displayed on the entire screen.

It is preferred that the data indication101and the group indication102be displayed near an image of the other party as the other communication party. For example, as shown inFIG. 17, if there are a plurality of persons in front of the user and they are displayed on the display panel portions2a(or the user sees them through the display panel portions2a), when the position of the data indication101on the screen of the display panel portions2ais close to the position of the other communication party on the screen, the user can easily recognize the person who has transmitted providing data. By analyzing a captured image, the lighting position of the transmission light of the other party can be detected as a position on the screen. Thus, the display positions of the data indication101and the group indication102are decided on the basis of the detected lighting position. Instead, when the lighting position is detected, it may be displayed with a pointer or the like on the screen. Thus, even if the positions of the data indication101and the group indication102are fixed for example at a corner of the screen, the user can easily recognize the other communication party.

As an example of a structure of the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30, the light reception section8and the data demodulation section9may be added along with the image capturing section3and the capturing control section6as shown inFIG. 18. In this structure, it can be contemplated that the image capturing section3and the captured image control section6operate only as the image capturing function and the light reception section8and data demodulation section9operates only as the reception function of optical communications.

In addition, in this structure, it can be contemplated that the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30operates in the following manner. It is assumed that optical communications are performed with light having wavelengths in an invisible region such as infrared light. The image capturing section3has a structure that can detect light in the visible region and light in an invisible region such as infrared light and has a filter that passes only visible light. The light reception section8detects light in an invisible region such as infrared light. In the normal state, the image capturing section3captures an image of visible light with the foregoing filter and the display section2displays the captured image. On the other hand, the light reception section8and the data demodulation section9detect a start code transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus on the other party side. When the other party belongs to the same group as that of the local optical communication apparatus and it starts communications, the image capturing section3causes the filter not to operate such that the user can recognize a light emitting pattern of optical communications as a captured image. Thus, unless communications are performed between the same group, the user is unable to see lighting of the other optical communication apparatus. As a result, the user can be prevented from being visually disturbed by excessive lighting. In contrast, when communications are performed between the same group, the user can see lighting of the other party side. Thus, the user can easily recognize the other communication party.

All or part of communications of a group name, a start code, a return code, and providing data optically communicated may be encrypted. At least, communications of providing data may be encrypted. The communications may be performed with an encryption key common in the system. When a unique encryption key is used for each group, it is preferred that communications of each group be secured. For example, as shown inFIG. 19, unique encryption keys K1, K2, K3, and so forth for individual groups are registered in the communication management table. When the optical communication display apparatus1having group name GPN2communicate with each other, providing data DTc is encrypted with encryption key K2and the encrypted data are transmitted. When encryption key K2for group name GPN2has been registered in the communication management table on the other party side, providing data DTc can be decrypted on the other party side.

It can be contemplated that providing data are audio data. When the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30has an audio output section such as an earphone and an audio signal processing section. In this case, when the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30has received audio data as providing data, it can be contemplated that the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30outputs audio data to the earphone or the like so that the user can hear the audio data.

[7. Another Extension of Embodiment (Counting Based on Communication log)]

Next, another extension of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this extension, when the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that a person is wearing and the optical communication apparatus50mounted on an apparatus-mounted object perform optical communications, these apparatus store a communication log (communication history information), perform a counting process based on the communication log, and generate useful information (ranking information).

First, with reference toFIG. 20, an example of the process of the optical communication apparatus50mounted on an apparatus-mounted object other than a person will be described. In this extension, the apparatus-mounted object is for example a signboard. InFIG. 20, the same steps as those inFIG. 15are designated by the same step numbers and their redundant description will be omitted. In the example of the process shown inFIG. 20of the system controller10of the optical communication apparatus50, step F250is added to the process shown inFIG. 15. In other words, at step F201, the optical communication apparatus50receives a start code from the other optical communication apparatus (the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that a person is wearing). At step F202, the optical communication apparatus50receives a group name and checks whether or not the received group name is the same as a group name registered in the communication management table. At step F250, the optical communication apparatus50performs a process of storing a log. For example, the system controller10stores a time stamp and a group name as a communication log, for example, to the memory section12.

A time stamp is information about the reception time of a start code in the format of year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. The system controller10counts the current date and time in the format of year, month, day, hour, minute, and second with an internal clock function and adds the reception time of the start code to the communication log.

When the group name transmitted from the other optical communication apparatus on the other party side is the same as a group name registered in the communication management table of the optical communication apparatus50, the flow advances from step F203to F204A. At step F204A, the optical communication apparatus50transmits a return code and providing data to the other optical communication apparatus. In this example, the optical communication apparatus50transmits a signboard ID as identification information of the apparatus-mounted object (in this case, a signboard), on which the optical communication apparatus50has been mounted, together with the return code and providing data. The system controller10has stored a signboard ID (an ID of this signboard or a common ID of signboards that describe the same information). The system controller10transmits the signboard ID. As shown inFIG. 22, the signboard ID is transmitted such that the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that a person is wearing stores and counts the communication log. Thus, the optical communication apparatus50does not use a signboard ID. As a result, unless the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that a person is wearing does not store a log including a signboard ID, it is not necessary for the optical communication apparatus50to transmit a signboard ID.

In the process shown inFIG. 20, whenever a start code is received, its information is stored in a communication log. Information of the communication log is stored as shown inFIG. 21A. In other words, a group name is transmitted from the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30of a user who is watching the signboard and is stored in the communication log along with a time stamp. Since such information is stored in the communication log, when log information is counted at a particular time, beneficial information can be obtained.FIG. 21Bshows an example of which information of a communication log is counted for one month of March and ranking data of group names are generated. Log data of March 2007 are extracted on the basis of time stamps and counts of group names are obtained. As a result, data that represent ranking of counts of group names can be generated. This ranking data become data that represent the number of persons who watched a particular signboard, group names of groups to which persons who watched the signboard belong, and the number of times persons who belong to these groups watched the signboard. When group names have been registered on the basis of the foregoing hobbies and preferences, information about hobbies and preferences of persons who watched the signboard and those of persons who did not watch it can be obtained. In other words, this ranking data can be used to estimate advertisement effects of signboards and obtain an index for more effective advertisements.

In this example, the apparatus-mounted object is a signboard. When the apparatus-mounted object of the optical communication apparatus50is a commercial product or an exhibit, the ranking data become information that represents the number of persons who watched it, the number of persons who picked and watched it, and hobbies and preferences (group names) that persons who had an interest in it tend to have. When the apparatus-mounted object is a commercial product for example a music CD or a DVD, the ranking information can be used to determine the effect of an album jacket (whether or not it is attractive). Of course, the ranking information becomes effective information to determine the attractivity of any commercial product such as an electric appliance, cloth, a book, furniture, or commodity and the tendency of hobbies and preferences of persons who had an interest to it.

In the process shown inFIG. 20, when a start code is received, log data are stored regardless of whether or not the transmitted group name is the same as a group name registered in the optical communication apparatus50. Instead, immediately before or immediately after step F204A, log data may be stored. In this case, only when a user who belongs to the relevant group name watched a signboard or the like, log data are stored.

As described inFIG. 15, the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object may transmit a start code. In addition, when the optical communication apparatus50has received a return code from the other optical communication apparatus, the optical communication apparatus50may transmit providing data. In such a case, it is necessary to store log data when the optical communication apparatus50receives a return code. In addition, it is preferred that a communication log contain only a group name as user side information, not information that would infringe privacy of the user.

There may be many output formats of the generated ranking data. For example, a display section and an operation section may be added to the structure shown inFIG. 7. Ranking data may be displayed according to an operation of the supervisor of the optical communication apparatus50. In addition, a recoding section having a portable record medium such as an optical disc or a memory card may be added. When the supervisor or the like attaches the portable record medium to another reproducing apparatus, he or she can watch the ranking data with another reproducing apparatus. When a communication section is added to the optical communication apparatus50, ranking data can be transmitted. As a result, the supervisor or the like can watch the ranking data with the reception side apparatus.

Next, a recording process and a counting process for a communication log of the optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus30that a person wears will be described.FIG. 22shows a process of the system controller10of the optical communication display apparatus1or the system controller10. In the process shown inFIG. 22, steps F150and F151of storing a log are added to the process shown inFIG. 14. InFIG. 22, the same steps as those ofFIG. 14are designated by the same step numbers and their description will be omitted.

InFIG. 22, when a return code has been received at step F103, the flow advances to step F150. At step F150, a storing process for a communication log is performed. Instead, when a start code has been received at step F102, the flow advances to step F151. At step F151, a storing process for a communication log is performed. In other words, when a start code or a return code is received from the other optical communication apparatus (the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30of the other person or the optical communication apparatus50mounted on an apparatus-mounted object such as a signboard) at steps F150and F151, the system controller10causes for example the memory section12to store a time stamp, a group name, and a signboard ID as a communication log. A time stamp is information that represents reception date and time of a start code or a return code in the format of year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. The system controller10counts the current date and time in the format of year, month, day, hour, minute, and second with the internal time function and adds the reception date and time of the start code or return code in the format of year, month, day, hour, minute, and second as a time stamp to the communication log. At step F151, a group name is a group name received at step F105. At step F150, a group name is a group name that causes the other party to transmit a return code (namely, a group name that the local optical communication apparatus has transmitted at step F111). When the other party of the optical communications is the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the signboard and performs the process shown inFIG. 20, the optical communication apparatus50transmits a signboard ID along with a return code. In this case (when the local optical communication apparatus has received the signboard ID), the signboard ID is also added to the log data. In this case, a “signboard ID” is used. When the optical communication apparatus50is mounted on a commercial product or an exhibit, “a commercial product ID” or “an exhibit ID” is used instead of a signboard ID.

In the process shown inFIG. 22, whenever a start code and a return code are received, a communication log is stored. Information of a communication log is stored as shown inFIG. 23A. In other words, a group name transmitted from the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30of the other person as the other communication party or the optical communication apparatus50of the apparatus-mounted object such as a signboard is stored along with a time stamp. When the other communication party is the optical communication apparatus50mounted on a signboard, a signboard ID is also stored. In the log data shown inFIG. 23A, group names GPN10and GPN15are group names of the optical communication apparatus50mounted on signboards.FIG. 23Ashows that a signboard ID is stored along with a group name. On the other hand, group name GPN1is a group name correlated with a start code or a return code transmitted from the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that the other person are wearing. In this case, only a group name is stored along with a time stamp.

When a communication log is stored in such a manner, by counting log information, ranking information can be obtained.FIG. 23Bshows an example of which a communication log is counted for example for one month of March and ranking data of group names are generated. By extracting log data of for example March 2007 based on time stamps and counting group names from the log data, ranking data that represent counts of group names are generated. The ranking data become data that represent counts of group names of groups to which persons, signboards, and so forth the user watched belong. As a counting method, by extracting log data of for example persons (log data that do not include signboard IDs) and counting the log data, the ranking data become information that represents the number of times the user met persons and group names of groups to which the persons belong. By extracting log data containing signboard IDs and counting the log data, the ranking data become information that represents the number of times the user watched signboards and group names of groups to which the signboards belong.FIG. 23Cshows ranking data that represent counts of signboard IDs extracted for example based on time stamps in a predetermined period of time. This ranking data become information that represents the number of times the user watched signboards having signboard IDs. Thus, the ranking data represent signboards in which the user has an interest. When the ranking data of commercial product IDs, exhibit IDs, or the like instead of signboard IDs, the ranking data become information that represents commercial products or the like in which the user has an interest. In addition, the ranking information becomes information that represents commercial products or the like that the user watched many times.

There may be many output formats of the generated ranking data. For example, the display section2shown inFIG. 5orFIG. 6may display ranking data according to a user's operation. In addition, a recoding section having a portable record medium such as an optical disc or a memory card may be added. When the supervisor or the like attaches the portable record medium to another reproducing apparatus, he or she can watch the ranking data with another reproducing apparatus. When a communication section is added, ranking data can be transmitted. As a result, the supervisor or the like can watch the ranking data with the reception side apparatus.

Next, a system having a counting server that counts log data of the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30of many users and log data of the optical communication apparatus50mounted on many apparatus-mounted objects will be described.FIG. 24shows a structure of the system. The optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30(not shown)) that a person wears has a communication section140in addition to the structure shown inFIG. 5(orFIG. 6). Moreover, the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object such as a signboard has the communication section140in addition to the structure shown inFIG. 7. The transmission sections14of the optical communication display apparatus1, the optical communication apparatus30, and the optical communication apparatus50can communicate with a counting server70through a network60. It can be contemplated that examples of the network60include the Internet, a mobile phone communication network, a PHS network, an ad hock network, and a LAN.

The optical communication display apparatus1and the optical communication apparatus50or the optical communication display apparatus1(or the optical communication apparatus30) that persons wear exchange a start code, a return code, providing data, and so forth through optical communications. Log data generated through optical communications are transmitted to the counting server70through the network60. Thus, the counting server70collects log data from many optical communication display apparatus1(or many optical communication apparatus30) and many optical communication apparatus50and performs a collecting process for them.

As an example of a process of the system shown inFIG. 24,FIG. 25shows an example of a process of the system controller10of the optical communication apparatus50mounted on the apparatus-mounted object such as a signboard. InFIG. 25, step F251is added to the process shown inFIG. 20. When a start code has been received, the flow advances to step F250. At step F250, log data containing a time stamp and a group name is stored. Thereafter, the flow advances to step F251. At step F251, the time stamp and the group name as the log data and a signboard ID are transmitted from the communication section140to the counting server70.

When the optical communication apparatus50mounted on each signboard performs the process shown inFIG. 25, log information (a time stamp and a group name) of each signboard ID is collected in the counting server70. In other words, the counting server70can collect log data from many optical communication apparatus50, counts the collected log data, and generates various types of ranking data. For example, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent hobbies and preferences (group names) of persons who watched signboards having signboard IDs. For example, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of group names for example for one signboard ID. In addition, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of signboard IDs of signboards that persons watched. In other words, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of signboard IDs of signboards (group names) that persons watched. In addition, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of signboard IDs of signboards that persons who belong to groups having group names watched. In other words, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of signboard IDs for a particular group. When the locations or the like of signboards can be identified with signboard IDs, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of locations. When log data of signboard IDs of signboards located around the Hachiko Dog at Shibuya station are extracted and counted, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of signboards that persons watched many times around the Hachiko Dog at Shibuya station. In other words, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of signboard IDs of signboards located around the Hachiko Dog. When log data of signboard IDs of signboards that persons who belong to a particular group name watched at a particular location are extracted and counted, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of signboard IDs of signboards that persons who belong to a group having a particular group name watched at a particular location.

In the counting process of the counting server70, various types of information about signboards for example an advertisement effect of signboards that persons watched many times, a tendency of group names of groups to which persons who watched signboards belong, an advertisement effect at each location, and an advertisement effect of each signboard at a particular location. Of course, the counting server70can generate beneficial ranking data for commercial products and exhibits rather than signboards.

FIG. 26shows an example of a process of the system controller10of the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30that a person wears on the basis of the system shown inFIG. 24. In the process shown inFIG. 24, steps F152and F153are added to the process shown inFIG. 22. In other words, when a start code has been received, the flow advances to step F151. At step F151, log data containing a time stamp, a group name, and a signboard ID are stored. Thereafter, the flow advances to step F153. At step F153, the time stamp, group name, and signboard ID as log data are transmitted from the communication section140to the counting server70.

When a return code has been received, log data containing a time stamp, a group name, and a signboard ID are stored at step F150. Thereafter, the flow advances to step F152. At step F152, the time stamp, group name, and signboard ID of the log data are transmitted from the communication section140to the counting server70. When log data that do not contain a signboard ID are generated in communications between users, it can be contemplated that the transmission process at step F152or F153is not performed.

When the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30performs the process shown inFIG. 26, log information (a time stamp, a group name, and a signboard ID) of the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus30of many users is collected in the counting server70. The counting server70can count the collected log information and generate various types of ranking information. In this case, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent hobbies and preferences (group names) that persons who watched each signboard having a signboard ID have. In addition, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of signboard IDs of signboards that persons watched. In other words, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent the number of times persons watched each signboard having a signboard ID. In addition, when the locations or the like of signboards can be identified with signboard IDs, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent counts of locations of signboards that persons watched.

In other words, in this case, as in the process shown inFIG. 25, beneficial ranking data that represent advertisement effects of signboards and tendencies of persons who watched them, ranking data that represent counts of locations of signboards that persons watched, ranking data that represent counts of signboards that persons watched at a particular location, and other ranking data. Of course, when the counting server70collects log data that contain commercial product IDs and exhibit IDs instead of signboard IDs, the counting server70can generate ranking data that represent indexes such as attractivity of these commercial products and so forth.

A counting process based on a communication log has been described. Various types of ranking data as counted results become important research data with respect to advertisement activities and commodity sales and become data that represent tendencies of users' personal activities. In particular, the optical communication display apparatus1or the optical communication apparatus50perform optical communications with the optical communication apparatus50mounted, for example, on a signboard when a person watches the signboard. With respect to signboards, commercial products, and so forth, log data are stored and counted upon an event in which a person watches a signboard or a commercial product. Thus, the reliability of ranking data is very high with respect to advertisement effects and attractivity and the ranking data become information based on actual situations.