JP2011188384A - Image delivery method and proxy server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology which displays a specific image such as an image or the like taken by an outdoor extension unit with a camera or a security camera on an information terminal with which a user performs viewing. <P>SOLUTION: A proxy server 1 monitors an occurrence of an event according to notification information received from an indoor master unit 21 with a monitor. When any predetermined event occurs, a specific video signal acquired from the indoor master unit 21 with a monitor is inserted in a video content that is acquired from a home network server 31 and delivered to information terminals 32 to 34. As a result, when the predetermined event such as a call by the outdoor extension unit with a camera, abnormality detection by a security sensor, or the like occurs, the specific video signal acquired from the indoor master unit 21 with a monitor that is an image resource other than the home network server 31 is displayed on the information terminals 32 to 34 to which the video content acquired from the home network server 31 is delivered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a proxy server for an image distribution server, and more particularly to a technique for transmitting image data from an image resource different from the image distribution server to a distribution destination of image data from the image distribution server using the proxy server. .

  Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system capable of causing a function that cannot be handled only by a communication apparatus to be executed by another apparatus having the corresponding function. In this communication system, the home gateway stores the function information of the device in a NAPTR (Naming Authority Pointer Resource) record, and the extension number using the ENUM (Telephone Number Mapping) function from the communication device (eg, IP phone). In response to the inquiry, the function of the device assigned with the extension number is returned. The communication device selects the function acquired from the home gateway by the inquiry of the extension number, and causes the device to which this extension number is assigned to execute the function.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-192086

  According to the technique described in Patent Literature 1, for example, in a TV intercom system including an outdoor unit with a camera and an indoor base unit with a monitor, there is no person near the indoor base unit with a monitor. If the indoor base unit with a monitor cannot respond to a call, the communication device executes a voice call with the outdoor unit with the camera and displays the image captured by the outdoor unit with the camera on the TV. Can be made.

  However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the outdoor unit with camera is connected to the same network (home LAN) as the home gateway, communication device, and television. In addition, the ENUM client must be installed in the communication device or the outdoor unit with camera.

  In the existing TV intercom system, the outdoor unit with camera and the indoor unit with monitor are usually connected by an interface unique to each company, and the indoor unit with monitor is used as an external connection terminal such as RS-232C. Only a control signal connection terminal and a video / audio output terminal such as an RCA terminal. The technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied to such an existing television intercom system.

  Moreover, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, in order to display an image captured by an outdoor unit with a camera on a television, a user inputs a television extension number to a communication device and makes an inquiry about the extension number to a home gateway. Must. For example, when the user is enthusiastic about the television program and does not notice that there is a call from the outdoor unit with camera, the image captured by the outdoor unit with camera cannot be displayed on the television.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to display a specific image such as an image captured by an outdoor unit with camera or a security camera on an information terminal being browsed by a user. Is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention acquires image data from an image distribution server according to a request from an information terminal, and acquires notification information related to an event to a proxy server that distributes the acquired image data to the information terminal. And an interface for acquiring image data from an image resource different from the image distribution server. Then, if the proxy server detects an event based on the acquired notification information, and detects the occurrence of any of the predetermined events, the image data acquired from the image distribution server and distributed to the information terminal Insert the image data obtained from the image resource.

For example, the present invention is a proxy server that acquires image data from an image distribution server according to a request from an information terminal, and distributes the acquired image data to the information terminal.
Notification information receiving means for receiving notification information about the event;
Specific image data receiving means for receiving image data output from an image resource different from the image distribution server;
Event detection means for detecting a predetermined event according to the notification information received by the notification information receiving means;
When the occurrence of the predetermined event is detected by the event detection means, image data acquired from the image distribution server and distributed to the information terminal is received from the other image resource by the specific image data reception means. Specific image data insertion means for inserting the received image data.

  According to the present invention, when a predetermined event such as a call reception by a camera-equipped outdoor unit or an abnormality detection by a security sensor occurs, an image different from the image distribution server, such as a camera-equipped outdoor unit or a security camera. The image data acquired from the resource can be displayed at the distribution destination of the image data acquired from the image distribution server.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system including a proxy server 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the proxy server 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a diagram schematically showing an example of registered contents in the information terminal storage unit 105, and FIG. 3B is a diagram schematically showing an example of registered contents in the mail address storage unit 106. is there. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an example of inserting the specific video signal acquired from the indoor parent device with monitor 21 into the video data acquired from the home network server 31. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the distribution processing of the video signal acquired from the indoor parent device with monitor 21 by the proxy server 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining a first operation example of the network system shown in FIG. 1 when the event “calling outdoor unit” occurs, and FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an operation example.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system including a proxy server 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a TV intercom system 2 includes a monitor-equipped indoor master unit 21, a camera-equipped outdoor slave unit 22, a monitor-less indoor slave unit 23, a disaster prevention sensor 24, a security sensor 25, a disaster prevention camera 26, and a security crime. It has a camera 27 and a unique network 28 that interconnects these devices 21 to 27.

  When the user responds to the reception of the calling signal from the camera-equipped outdoor slave unit 22, the monitor-equipped indoor master unit 21 transmits a response signal to the camera-equipped outdoor slave unit 22, and the audio with the camera-equipped outdoor slave unit 22 While starting a call, the imaging signal of the outdoor unit with camera 22 is received and displayed.

  When the user responds to the reception of the calling signal from the unmonitored indoor cordless handset 23, the monitor-attached indoor master phone 21 transmits a response signal to the unmonitored indoor cordless handset 23. Start a voice call.

  In response to transmission of the calling signal to the monitor-less indoor slave unit 23, the monitor-equipped indoor master unit 21 receives a voice call with the monitor-less indoor slave unit 23 when receiving a response signal from the monitor-less indoor slave unit 23. To start.

  In addition, the indoor base unit 21 with a monitor transmits a request signal to the disaster prevention camera 26 installed in the vicinity of the disaster prevention sensor 24 in response to reception of the detection signal from the disaster prevention sensor 24 that detects the generation of heat and smoke. The imaging signal of the disaster prevention camera 26 is received and displayed.

  In addition, in response to the reception of the detection signal from the security sensor 25 that detects the intrusion of a suspicious person, the indoor unit with monitor 21 transmits a request signal to the security camera 27 installed in the vicinity of the security sensor 25, The imaging signal of the camera 27 is received and displayed.

  In addition, although not shown in the figure, the monitor-attached indoor base unit 21 uses a call signal, a detection signal, a response signal, and a request signal (hereinafter referred to as notification information) to be transmitted to and received from each of the devices 22 to 27. A control signal terminal such as RS-232C for outputting, a video signal terminal such as an RCA terminal for externally outputting an imaging signal (hereinafter referred to as a specific video signal) received from each device 22, 26, 27; It has.

  In FIG. 1, the home network system 3 acquires video content from a home network server 31 such as a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) server that distributes video data (hereinafter referred to as video content), and the home network server 31. A TV 32, a digital photo frame 33, and a PC (personal computer) 34, which are information terminals such as DLNA clients to be displayed, a LAN 35 interconnecting the home network server 31 and the information terminals 32-34, and a LAN 35 are connected to the WAN 4. And a gateway (GW) 36. Here, the mobile phone 6 is connected to the WAN 4 via the base station 5.

  In FIG. 1, the proxy server 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to the LAN 35 of the home network system 3 and functions as a proxy server of the home network server 31. That is, according to the distribution request from the information terminals 32 to 34, the home network server 31 is accessed, the video content is acquired from the home network server 31, and the acquired video content is distributed to the distribution request source information terminals 32-34. .

  In addition, the proxy server 1 monitors the event according to the notification information output from the monitor indoor parent device 21 of the TV intercom system 2. If the occurrence of any one of the predetermined events is detected, the specific video signal output from the indoor parent unit with monitor 21 is acquired and distributed to the information terminals 32-34 acquired from the home network server 31. This specific video signal is inserted into the video content. If the end of the event that has occurred is detected, the insertion of the specific video signal into the video content is terminated.

  FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the proxy server 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated, the proxy server 1 includes a LAN interface unit 101, a notification information receiving unit 102, a video signal receiving unit 103, a proxy server processing unit 104, an information terminal storage unit 105, and a mail address storage unit 106. The event monitoring unit 107, the video signal acquisition unit 108, the distribution destination determination unit 109, the image conversion unit 110, the email client processing unit 111, and the image insertion unit 112.

  The LAN interface unit 101 is an interface for connecting to the LAN 35.

  The notification information receiving unit 102 is a control signal terminal such as RS-232C for receiving notification information output from the monitored indoor parent device 21.

  The video signal receiving unit 103 is a video signal terminal such as an RCA terminal for receiving a specific video signal output from the indoor parent device with monitor 21.

  The proxy server processing unit 104 performs processing necessary as a proxy server for the home network server 31. Specifically, according to the distribution request received from the information terminals 32 to 34 via the LAN interface unit 101, the home network server 31 is accessed via the LAN interface unit 101 and video content is acquired from the home network server 31. . Then, the acquired video content is distributed to the distribution request source information terminals 32 to 34 via the image insertion unit 112 and the LAN interface unit 101.

  In addition, the proxy server processing unit 104 updates the information terminal storage unit 105 based on the distribution state of the video content to the information terminals 32 to 34.

  The information terminal storage unit 105 stores information on each of the information terminals 32 to 34 belonging to the home network system 3. FIG. 3A is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of registered contents in the information terminal storage unit 105.

  As illustrated, in the information terminal storage unit 105, a record 1050 is registered for each of the information terminals 32 to 34 belonging to the home network system 3. The record 1050 includes a field 1051 in which addresses of the target information terminals 32 to 34 are registered, a field 1052 in which the terminal type (TV, digital photo frame, PC, etc.) of the information terminals 32 to 34 is registered, A field 1053 in which the distribution format (video distribution, slide distribution, etc.) of the video content for the information terminals 32 to 34 is registered, and a field 1054 in which the priority as the distribution destination of the specific video signal of the information terminals 32 to 34 is registered. And a field 1055 in which a distribution state indicating whether or not video content is being distributed to the information terminals 32 to 34 is registered, and an event serving as a distribution condition of the specific video signal to the information terminals 32 to 34 is managed. Field 1056.

  Here, the field 1055 is updated by the proxy server processing unit 104 every time the distribution state of the video content to the target information terminals 32 to 34 changes. A field 1056 is a sub-field 10561 in which whether or not a specific video signal is to be distributed to the target information terminals 32 to 34 when the event specified by the notification information is “calling outdoor unit” is registered. When the event specified by the notification information is “indoor child device call”, a subfield 10562 in which whether or not the specific video signal should be distributed to the target information terminals 32 to 34 is registered, and the notification information When the event specified by “disaster detection” is “disaster detection”, the subfield 10563 in which whether or not the specific video signal should be distributed to the target information terminals 32 to 34 and the event specified by the notification information are In the case of “crime detection”, a subfield in which whether or not a specific video signal should be distributed to the target information terminals 32 to 34 is registered. Has a 0564, a.

  The mail address storage unit 106 stores mail distribution destination information of the specific video signal. FIG. 3B is a diagram schematically showing an example of registered contents in the mail address storage unit 106.

  As shown in the figure, the mail address storage unit 106 registers a record 1060 regarding the mail distribution destination of the specific video signal. A record 1060 includes a field 1061 in which a mail address of a mail delivery destination is registered, a field 1062 in which a terminal type (PC, mobile phone, etc.) of the mail delivery destination is registered, and a mail delivery condition of a specific video signal for the mail delivery destination. Field 1063 for managing the event to be.

  Here, the field 1063 includes a sub-field 10631 in which whether or not the specific video signal should be delivered to the mail delivery destination when the event specified by the notification information is “outdoor handset call”, and the notification When the event specified by the information is “indoor child device call”, the subfield 10632 in which whether or not the specific video signal should be delivered to the mail delivery destination is registered, and the event identified by the notification information is “ In the case of “disaster detection”, if the event specified by the notification field is “crime detection” and the subfield 10633 in which whether or not the specific video signal should be delivered to the email delivery destination is registered, the email delivery And a sub-field 10634 in which whether or not the specific video signal is to be delivered by mail is registered.

  The event monitoring unit 107 monitors the occurrence / end of an event serving as a distribution condition for the specific video signal based on the notification information received from the monitored indoor parent device 21 by the notification information receiving unit 102.

  Specifically, after receiving the call signal from the camera-equipped outdoor unit 22, no response signal was received from the monitored indoor unit 21 or the non-monitored indoor unit 23 within a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). In this case, it is determined that the event “calling outdoor unit” has occurred. Thereafter, when a response signal is received from the monitored indoor parent device 21 or the unmonitored indoor child device 23, it is determined that the event “outdoor child device call” has ended.

  Further, after receiving a call signal from the indoor unit without monitor 23, if a response signal from the indoor unit with monitor 21 is not received within a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the event “calling indoor unit” Is determined to have occurred. After that, when a response signal is received from the indoor base unit with monitor 21, it is determined that the event “calling indoor unit” has ended.

  Further, when the detection signal from the disaster prevention sensor 24 is received, it is determined that the event “disaster detection” has occurred. Thereafter, when a response signal is received from the indoor unit with monitor 21 or the indoor unit without monitor 23, it is determined that the event “disaster detection” has ended.

  Further, when the detection signal from the security sensor 25 is received, it is determined that the event “security detection” has occurred. Thereafter, when a response signal is received from the indoor indoor unit with monitor 21 or the indoor unit without monitor 23, it is determined that the event "crime detection" has ended.

  When the event monitoring unit 107 detects the occurrence of an event, the video signal acquisition unit 108 starts acquiring the specific video signal from the monitored indoor parent device 21 via the video signal receiving unit 103. When the event monitoring unit 107 detects the end of the event, the acquisition of the specific video signal is ended.

  When the event monitoring unit 107 detects the occurrence of an event, the distribution destination determination unit 109 is a video signal acquisition unit based on the detected event and the registered contents of the information terminal storage unit 105 and the mail address storage unit 106. The distribution destination of the specific video signal acquired by 108 is determined.

  Specifically, when the event monitoring unit 107 detects the occurrence of the event “calling outdoor unit”, information indicating that the specific video signal should be distributed is registered in the subfield 10561, and “being distributed” is the field. The record 1050 registered in 1055 is searched from the information terminal storage unit 105. If there is a record 1050 hit in the search, the distribution of the specific video signal to the information terminals 32 to 34 specified by the record 1050 having the highest priority registered in the field 1054 among these records 1050 is performed. The address, terminal type, and distribution format registered in the fields 1051 to 1053 of this record 1050 are notified to the image conversion unit 110. On the other hand, if there is no record 1050 hit in the search, a search is made from the mail address storage unit 106 for a record 1060 in which information indicating that the specific video signal should be delivered by mail is registered in the subfield 10631. Then, the terminal specified by the searched record 1060 is determined as the mail delivery destination of the specific video signal, and the mail address and terminal type registered in the fields 1061 and 1062 of this record 1060 are notified to the image conversion unit 110. .

  Similarly, when the event monitoring unit 107 detects the occurrence of the event “calling indoor unit”, information indicating that the specific video signal should be distributed is registered in the subfield 10562, and “distributing” is displayed in the field 1055. The registered record 1050 is searched from the information terminal storage unit 105. If there is a record 1050 hit in the search, the distribution of the specific video signal to the information terminals 32 to 34 specified by the record 1050 having the highest priority registered in the field 1054 among these records 1050 is performed. The address, terminal type, and distribution format registered in the fields 1051 to 1053 of this record 1050 are notified to the image conversion unit 110. On the other hand, if there is no record 1050 hit in the search, a search is made from the mail address storage unit 106 for a record 1060 in which information indicating that the specific video signal should be delivered by mail is registered in the subfield 10632. Then, the terminal specified by the searched record 1060 is determined as the mail delivery destination of the specific video signal, and the mail address and terminal type registered in the fields 1061 and 1062 of this record 1060 are notified to the image conversion unit 110. .

  In addition, when the event “disaster detection” is detected by the event monitoring unit 107, information indicating that the specific video signal should be distributed is registered in the subfield 10563, and “being distributed” is registered in the field 1055. The record 1050 is retrieved from the information terminal storage unit 105. Then, all the information terminals 32 to 34 specified by the searched record 1050 are determined as distribution destinations of the specific video signal, and addresses, terminal types, and distribution formats registered in the fields 1051 to 1053 of these records 1050 Is notified to the image conversion unit 110. Further, the mail address storage unit 106 is searched for a record 1060 in which information indicating that the specific video signal should be delivered by mail is registered in the subfield 10633. Then, all terminals specified by the searched record 1060 are determined as the mail delivery destinations of the specific video signal, and the mail addresses registered in the fields 1061 and 1062 of these records 1060 are notified to the image conversion unit 110. .

  Similarly, when occurrence of the event “crime detection” is detected by the event monitoring unit 107, information indicating that the specific video signal should be distributed is registered in the subfield 10564, and “distributing” is registered in the field 1055. The record 1050 is retrieved from the information terminal storage unit 105. Then, all the information terminals 32 to 34 specified by the searched record 1050 are determined as distribution destinations of the specific video signal, and addresses, terminal types, and distribution formats registered in the fields 1051 to 1053 of these records 1050 Is notified to the image conversion unit 110. Further, the mail address storage unit 106 is searched for a record 1060 in which information indicating that the specific video signal should be delivered by mail is registered in the subfield 10634. Then, all terminals specified by the searched record 1060 are determined as mail delivery destinations of the specific video signal, and the mail addresses and terminal types registered in the fields 1061 and 1062 of these records 1060 are set as the image conversion unit 110. Notify

  The image conversion unit 110 distributes the specific video signal acquired by the video signal acquisition unit 108 when the distribution destination determination unit 109 is notified of the address, terminal type, and distribution format of the information terminals 32 to 34 of the distribution destination. The image data is converted into video data corresponding to the format, and the converted video data is output to the image insertion unit 112 together with the address of the distribution destination and the terminal type.

  For example, when the distribution format is “moving image distribution”, the specific video signal is converted into moving image data of a predetermined bit rate, and this moving image data is output to the image insertion unit 112 together with the distribution destination address and the terminal type. In addition, when the distribution format is “slide distribution”, the moving image data represented by the specific video signal is sampled at a predetermined interval and converted into slide image data. To 112.

  In addition, when the delivery destination determination unit 109 is notified of the email address and terminal type of the email delivery destination, the image conversion unit 110 converts the video data represented by the specific video signal acquired by the video signal acquisition unit 108 into the terminal type. Still image data having a corresponding image size is generated, and the still image data is output to the email client processing unit 111 together with the mail address of the mail delivery destination.

  When the still image data is notified together with the mail address from the image conversion unit 110, the e-mail client processing unit 111 creates an e-mail with the still image data attached, and sends the e-mail to the LAN interface unit 101. To the terminal of the mail delivery destination specified by this mail address.

  When the image insertion unit 112 is notified of the video data from the image conversion unit 110 together with the address and the terminal type, the proxy server processing unit 104 uses a method according to the terminal type to identify the information terminals 32 to This video data is inserted into the video content being distributed to 34.

  For example, when the terminal type is “TV” or “PC”, a window 1121 is displayed on the display screen 1120 of the video content (moving image data) being distributed by the proxy server processing unit 104 as shown in FIG. Provided in this window 1121 is the video content being distributed by the proxy server processing unit 104 and the video data notified from the image conversion unit 110 so that the video data (moving image data) notified from the image conversion unit 110 is displayed. And synthesize.

  When the terminal type is “digital photo frame”, as shown in FIG. 4B, the image conversion unit 110 notifies the video content (slide image data) 1122 being distributed by the proxy server processing unit 104. The video data (slide image data) 1123 is replaced.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the distribution processing of the video signal acquired from the indoor parent device with monitor 21 by the proxy server 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. This flow is started when the event monitoring unit 107 detects the occurrence of an event serving as a distribution condition for the specific video signal.

  First, the event monitoring unit 107 notifies the distribution destination determination unit 109 of the event that has occurred. In response to this, the delivery destination determination unit 109 proceeds to S101 when the generated event is either “outdoor child device call” or “indoor child device call” (“various calls” in S100). On the other hand, if the generated event is either “disaster detection” or “crime detection” (“various detections” in S100), the process proceeds to S111.

  In S101, the distribution destination determination unit 109 determines whether there are information terminals 32-34 (hereinafter, corresponding terminals) corresponding to the generated event among the information terminals 32-34 that are distributing the video content. . Specifically, in the distribution destination determination unit 109, information indicating that the specific video signal should be distributed is registered in the subfields 10561 and 10562 corresponding to the generated event, and “distributing” is registered in the field 1055. The record 1050 is retrieved from the information terminal storage unit 105. If there is a record 1050 hit in the search (YES in S101), the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines that the corresponding terminal exists, and the priority registered in the field 1054 is the highest among these records 1050. The information terminals 32 to 34 specified by the high record 1050 are determined as distribution destinations of the specific video signal (S102). Then, the address, terminal type, and distribution format registered in the fields 1051 to 1053 of each determined record 1050 are notified to the image conversion unit 110.

  In response to this, the image conversion unit 110 converts the specific video signal acquired by the video signal acquisition unit 108 via the video signal reception unit 103 into a corresponding distribution destination distribution format for each distribution destination of the specific video signal. The video data is converted into the corresponding video data, and the converted video data is output to the image insertion unit 112 together with the corresponding destination address and terminal type (S103).

  In response to this, the image insertion unit 112 receives the video data received from the image conversion unit 110 by a method according to the terminal type received together with the video data, and the information terminal 32 specified by the address received together with the video data. To 34 are inserted into the video content being distributed (S104). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S118.

  On the other hand, if there is no record 1050 hit in the search in S101 (NO in S101), the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines that the corresponding terminal does not exist, and whether there is a mail delivery destination corresponding to the event that has occurred. Is determined (S105). Specifically, the delivery destination determination unit 109 stores, from the mail address storage unit 106, a record 1060 in which information indicating that a specific video signal should be delivered by mail is registered in the subfields 10631 and 10632 corresponding to the event that has occurred. Search for.

  If there is no record 1060 hit in the search (NO in S105), the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines that there is no email delivery destination corresponding to the generated event, and ends this flow.

  If there is a record 1060 hit in the search (YES in S105), the distribution destination determination unit 109 determines that there is a mail distribution destination corresponding to the event that has occurred, and identifies the terminal specified by these records 1060 as a specific video. Decide on the mail delivery destination of the signal. Then, the image conversion unit 110 is notified of the mail address and terminal type registered in the fields 1061 and 1062 of each of the determined records 1060.

  In response to this, the image conversion unit 110 sends a corresponding mail from the moving image data represented by the specific video signal acquired by the video signal acquisition unit 108 via the video signal receiving unit 103 for each mail delivery destination of the specific video signal. Still image data having an image size corresponding to the terminal type of the distribution destination is generated, and this still image data is output to the e-mail client processing unit 111 together with the mail address of the corresponding mail distribution destination (S106).

  In response to this, the e-mail client processing unit 111 creates an e-mail to which still image data is attached for each still image data received from the image conversion unit 110. Then, the created electronic mail is transmitted to the mail delivery destination terminal specified by the mail address received together with the still image data (S107), and this flow ends.

  In S111, the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines whether there is a mail delivery destination corresponding to the generated event. Specifically, the delivery destination determination unit 109 stores, from the mail address storage unit 106, a record 1060 in which information indicating that a specific video signal should be delivered by mail is registered in the subfields 10633 and 10634 corresponding to the event that has occurred. Search is performed (S111).

  If there is no record 1060 hit in the search (NO in S111), the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines that there is no email delivery destination corresponding to the event that has occurred, and proceeds to S114.

  On the other hand, if there is a record 1060 hit in the search (YES in S111), the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines that there is a mail delivery destination corresponding to the event that has occurred, and determines the terminal specified by these records 1060. The mail delivery destination of the specific video signal is determined, and the mail address and the terminal type registered in the fields 1061 and 1062 of each of the determined records 1060 are notified to the image conversion unit 110.

  In response to this, the image conversion unit 110 sends a corresponding mail from the moving image data represented by the specific video signal acquired by the video signal acquisition unit 108 via the video signal receiving unit 103 for each mail delivery destination of the specific video signal. Still image data having an image size corresponding to the terminal type of the distribution destination is generated, and this still image data is output to the e-mail client processing unit 111 together with the mail address of the corresponding mail distribution destination (S112).

  In response to this, the e-mail client processing unit 111 creates an e-mail to which the still image data is attached for each still image data received from the image conversion unit 110, and sends the e-mail via the LAN interface unit 101. Then, it is transmitted to the mail delivery destination terminal specified by the mail address received together with the still image data (S113). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S114.

  Next, in S114, the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines whether there is a corresponding terminal among the information terminals 32-34 that are delivering the video content. Specifically, in the distribution destination determination unit 109, information indicating that the specific video signal should be distributed is registered in the subfields 10563 and 10564 corresponding to the generated event, and “distributing” is registered in the field 1055. The record 1050 is retrieved from the information terminal storage unit 105.

  If there is no record 1050 hit in the search (NO in S114), the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines that there is no corresponding terminal, and ends this flow.

  On the other hand, if there is a record 1050 hit in the search (YES in S114), the delivery destination determination unit 109 determines that there is a corresponding terminal, and the priority registered in the field 1054 from these records 1050 The information terminals 32 to 34 specified by the record 1050 having the highest are determined as distribution destinations of the specific video signal (S115). Then, the address, terminal type, and distribution format registered in the fields 1051 to 1053 of each determined record 1050 are notified to the image conversion unit 110.

  In response to this, the image conversion unit 110 transmits the specific video signal acquired by the video signal acquisition unit 108 via the video signal receiving unit 103 for each distribution destination of the specific video signal. The converted video data is output to the image insertion unit 112 together with the corresponding destination address and terminal type (S116).

  In response to this, the image insertion unit 112 receives the video data received from the image conversion unit 110 by a method according to the terminal type received together with the video data, and the information terminal 32 specified by the address received together with the video data. To 34 are inserted into the video content being distributed (S117). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S118.

  Next, in S <b> 118, the event monitoring unit 107 monitors the end of the generated event based on the notification information received by the notification information receiving unit 102. If the event ends (YES in S118), the distribution destination determination unit 109 is notified of the end of the event.

  In response to this, the delivery destination determination unit 109 cooperates with the image conversion unit 110 and the image insertion unit 112 to stop the insertion of the specific video signal into the video content (S119), and ends this flow.

  Next, an operation example of the network system shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining a first operation example of the network system shown in FIG. 1 when the event “calling outdoor unit” occurs.

  The proxy server 1 acquires video content from the home network server 31 according to a distribution request from the television 32, and distributes this video content to the television 32 (S201).

  Here, when the visitor operates the outdoor unit with camera 22 and a calling signal and an imaging signal are transmitted from the outdoor unit with camera 22 to the indoor unit with monitor 21 (S202), the indoor unit with monitor 21 Transmits the calling signal of the outdoor unit with camera 22 as notification information to the proxy server 1 (S203), and transmits the imaging signal of the outdoor unit with camera 22 to the proxy server 1 as a specific video signal (S204).

  The proxy server 1 did not receive the notification information “response signal of the monitored indoor base unit 21” after a predetermined time t has elapsed after receiving the notification information “calling signal from the outdoor unit with camera 22”. In this case, the occurrence of the event “calling outdoor unit” is detected (S205). Then, the specific video signal acquired from the indoor parent device with monitor 21 is inserted into the video content acquired from the home network server 31 and being distributed to the television 32. Thereby, a visitor's image | video is displayed on the television 32 (S206).

  Thereafter, when the user operates the indoor parent device with monitor 21 and a response signal is transmitted from the indoor parent device with monitor 21 to the outdoor child device with camera 22 (S207), the indoor indoor device with monitor 21 sends this response signal. Is sent to the proxy server 1 as notification information (S208), and a voice call with the outdoor unit with camera 22 and display of a visitor image captured by the outdoor unit with camera 22 are started (S209).

  On the other hand, when the proxy server 1 receives the notification information “response signal from the indoor unit with monitor 21”, the proxy server 1 detects the end of the event “calling outdoor unit” (S210). Then, the insertion of the specific video signal acquired from the monitored indoor base unit 21 into the video content acquired from the home network server 31 and distributed to the television 32 is terminated. Thereby, the video display of the visitor on the television 32 is ended (S211).

  FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining a second operation example of the network system shown in FIG. 1 when the event “calling outdoor unit” occurs.

  It is assumed that the proxy server 1 does not distribute the video content of the home network server 31 to any of the information terminals 32-34.

  Here, when the visitor operates the outdoor unit with camera 22 and the calling signal and the imaging signal are transmitted from the outdoor unit with camera 22 to the indoor unit with monitor 21 (S221), the indoor unit with monitor 21 Transmits the calling signal of the outdoor unit with camera 22 to the proxy server 1 as notification information (S222), and transmits the imaging signal of the outdoor unit with camera 22 to the proxy server 1 as a specific video signal (S223).

  The proxy server 1 did not receive the notification information “response signal of the monitored indoor base unit 21” after a predetermined time t has elapsed after receiving the notification information “calling signal from the outdoor unit with camera 22”. In this case, the occurrence of the event “calling outdoor unit” is detected (S224). At this time, since the proxy server 1 does not distribute the video content of the home network server 31 to any of the information terminals 32 to 34, the proxy server 1 creates an e-mail attached with the image data generated from the specific video signal (S225). The electronic mail is transmitted to the mobile phone 6 registered in advance as the mail delivery destination when the user does not respond to the call from the outdoor unit (S226). Thereby, the user of the mobile phone 6 can check the video of the visitor.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

  The proxy server 1 according to the present embodiment monitors the occurrence of an event according to the notification information received from the monitored indoor parent device 21. When any predetermined event occurs, the specific video signal acquired from the monitored indoor parent device 21 is inserted into the video content being distributed to the information terminals 32 to 34. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined event such as a call by the outdoor unit with camera 22 or an abnormality detection by the security sensor 25 occurs, an image resource with a monitor that is different from the home network server 31 is attached. The specific video signal acquired from the indoor parent device 21 can be displayed on the information terminals 32 to 34 that are distributing the video content acquired from the home network server 31.

  In addition, the proxy server 1 according to the present embodiment includes an information terminal storage unit 105 in which information about an event serving as a distribution condition for the specific video signal is stored for each of the information terminals 32 to 34. When any predetermined event occurs, the information terminal storage unit 105 is referred to, and the video content being distributed to the information terminals 32-34 associated with the generated event is added to the monitor indoor unit. The specific video signal acquired from 21 is inserted. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the information terminals 32 to 34 that display the specific video signal can be made different for each event, and usability is improved.

  Further, the proxy server 1 according to the present embodiment monitors the end of the event according to the notification information received from the monitored indoor parent device 21. When any predetermined event ends, the insertion of the specific video signal into the video content ends. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the specific video signal from being continuously displayed on the information terminals 32 to 34 that are distributing the video content even after the end of the event.

  Further, the proxy server 1 according to the present embodiment attaches video data generated from a specific video signal if any one of predetermined events occurs and there is no information terminal 32 to 34 that is distributing video content. The generated e-mail is generated, and the e-mail is transmitted to a predetermined mail delivery destination. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of an event even when there is no user viewing the video content.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, Many deformation | transformation are possible within the range of the summary.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the proxy server 1 performs “outdoor child device call”, “indoor child device call”, “disaster prevention detection”, and “disaster prevention detection” based on the notification information acquired from the monitored indoor parent device 21. The event of “crime prevention detection” is monitored, but what event is monitored as an opportunity to acquire the specific video signal from the indoor parent device with monitor 21 may be arbitrarily determined.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the proxy server 1 acquires the notification information and the specific video signal from the indoor parent device with monitor 21, but has an interface with the original network 28 of the TV intercom system 2. Alternatively, the notification information and the specific video signal may be acquired from the unique network 28. Moreover, the proxy server 1 is not limited to what acquires notification information and a specific video signal from the television intercom system 2. A specific video signal may be acquired from a video resource different from the home network server 31 in accordance with notification information acquired from an external device such as a management terminal.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the proxy server 1 represents the home network server 31 belonging to the home network system 3, but may be a proxy for the video content distribution server installed on the WAN 4 side.

  In the above embodiment, the functional configuration of the proxy server 1 shown in FIG. 2 may be realized by an integrated logic IC such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, it may be realized by software by a computer such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Alternatively, in a computer system such as a PC provided with an auxiliary storage device such as a CPU, memory, HDD, DVD-ROM, and an external connection interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), RS-232C, or RCA terminal, the CPU It may be realized by loading the program from the auxiliary storage device onto the memory and executing it.

  1: proxy server, 2: TV intercom system, 3: home network system, 4: WAN, 5: base station, 6: mobile phone, 21: indoor unit with monitor, 22: outdoor unit with camera, 23: monitor None Indoor cordless handset, 24: Disaster prevention sensor, 25: Security sensor, 26: Disaster prevention camera, 27: Security camera, 28: Original network, 31: Home network server, 32: Television (information terminal), 33: Digital photo frame ( Information terminal), 34: PC (information terminal), 35: LAN, 36: gateway, 101: LAN interface unit, 102: notification information receiving unit, 103: video signal receiving unit, 104: proxy server processing unit, 105: information Terminal storage unit 106: Mail address storage unit 107: Event monitoring unit 108: Video signal acquisition unit 1 9: destination determination unit, 110: image conversion unit, 111: E-mail client processing unit, 112: image insertion portion

Claims (5)

An image distribution method for distributing image data acquired from an image resource different from the image distribution server to a distribution destination of image data acquired from the image distribution server using a proxy server,
The proxy server is
Get notification information about the event, monitor the event according to the notification information,
If the occurrence of any one of the predetermined events is detected, if the image data acquired from the image distribution server is being distributed to the distribution destination associated with the event, the image data acquired from the image distribution server If the image data acquired from the other image resource is inserted and the image data acquired from the image distribution server is not being distributed to the distribution destination associated with the event, Send an email with the acquired image data attached to a specified destination,
If the end of the event that has occurred is detected, if the image data acquired from the image distribution server is being distributed to the distribution destination associated with the event, the image data acquired from the image distribution server, An image distribution method comprising: stopping insertion of image data acquired from the another image resource. A proxy server that acquires image data from an image distribution server in accordance with a request from an information terminal and distributes the acquired image data to the information terminal,
Notification information receiving means for receiving notification information about the event;
Specific image data receiving means for receiving image data output from an image resource different from the image distribution server;
Event detecting means for detecting an event according to the notification information received by the notification information receiving means;
When the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected by the event detection unit, the image data acquired from the image distribution server distributed to the information terminal is received from the other image resource by the specific image data reception unit. And a specific image data insertion means for inserting data. The proxy server according to claim 2,
Each information terminal further includes terminal information storage means in which address information is stored in association with each event in which the information terminal is a distribution destination of image data received from the other image resource.
The specific image data insertion means includes
When the occurrence of the predetermined event is detected by the event detection means, the information is distributed to the information terminal specified by the address information associated with the event and stored in the terminal information storage means, The proxy server, wherein the image data received from the other image resource by the specific image data receiving means is inserted into the image data acquired from the image distribution server. The proxy server according to claim 2 or 3,
The specific image data insertion means includes
When the end of the predetermined event is detected by the event detection unit, the image data received from the other image resource by the specific image data reception unit is inserted into the image data acquired from the image distribution server. A proxy server characterized by stopping. The proxy server according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
If occurrence of the predetermined event is detected by the event detection unit and there is no information terminal that is distributing image data of the image distribution server, the specific image data receiving unit detects from the other image resource. A proxy server, further comprising: a specific image mail transmission unit configured to transmit an e-mail attached with received image data to a predetermined destination.

Images