JPH08287367A - Camera monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To detect the intruder staying at the same place for fixed time or more from the photographed video of a video camera. CONSTITUTION: The analog video signal from a video camera 1a, etc., is converted into a digital signal and the signal is stored in an image storage part 3. The luminance data fetched from the image storage part 3 at first is defined as reference luminance data, the reference luminance data and the luminance data fetched next are compared by a luminance data discriminating part 4 and the presence or absence of the change of luminance data is discriminated. When the change exists, a timer part 4i is started, and further, the presence or absence of the change for the luminance data fetched next as compared with the data of the previous time is discriminated. This discrimination is repeated for the successively fetched luminance data. When the same data is continued for fixed time by this discrimination, it is discriminated that an intruder stays at the place, a control part 7 generates an alarm (an alarm sound generation part 11) or performs the processing switching a switch part 8 to a pertinent camera.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera monitoring device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a monitoring device that detects illegal trespassers who have stayed in the same place for a certain period of time or more from a video image captured by a video camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for detecting the change in the image content captured by a surveillance video camera to determine the presence or absence of an illegal intruder. For example, a method of comparing the captured video data at regular time intervals, if there is no change in the comparison, it is judged that there is no abnormality, and if there is a change, it is judged as abnormal and a required alarm signal etc. is output. There is. However, if an illegal intruder stays stationary at the place after the intrusion and acts illegally, the above method detects the change at the time of intrusion, but after the stationary, the image is displayed. Since there is no change (or little change) in the data, it is difficult to detect the presence or absence of change.

[0003]

Therefore, there is a need for a method of detecting an abnormality even when an uninhabited store is invaded at night and remains stationary at the same place for a certain time or longer. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera monitoring device configured to detect an illegal intruder who remains stationary at a same place for a certain time or more from a camera-captured video signal. .

[0004]

According to the present invention, an A / D converter for converting an analog video signal from a video camera into a digital video signal, and an image for storing the digital video signal from the A / D converter. Based on the storage unit and the video signal sequentially read from the image storage unit, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the brightness data, and when there is a change and the data after the change continues for a predetermined time, a brightness that outputs a required determination signal There is provided a camera monitoring device comprising a data discriminating means and a first control section for controlling an alarm sound generating section so as to generate a required alarm sound when a discrimination signal is inputted from the luminance data discriminating means. It is a thing.

[0005]

The analog video signal from the video camera is converted into a digital video signal and stored in the image storage section. The brightness data first captured from the image storage unit is used as reference brightness data, and the reference brightness data and the brightness data captured next are compared to determine whether or not the brightness data has changed. When there is a change, the timer is started, and at the same time, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the brightness data that is captured next time from the previous data. This determination is repeated for the luminance data that has been sequentially captured. If the same data is continued for a certain period of time in this determination, it is determined that the intruder remains at that location and a required alarm is generated. Alternatively, when a plurality of video cameras are provided and are monitored by switching them, when the above determination is made, the switching unit is switched to the corresponding camera, and the VTR is started to record the camera image.

[0006]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A camera monitoring device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a main block diagram showing an embodiment of a camera monitoring apparatus according to the present invention when a plurality of video cameras are provided, and FIG. 2 is an operational flowchart for explaining FIG. In FIG. 1, 1a to 1n denote a first video camera (C-1) and a second video camera (C-
2) and the Nth video camera (C-N), 2 is an A / D converter for converting an analog video signal from each camera into a digital video signal, and 3 is a digital video signal from the A / D converter 2. The image storage unit 4 for storing the image data stored in the image storage unit 4 determines whether there is a change in luminance data based on the video signal corresponding to the first video camera 1a read from the image storage unit 1
Is a luminance data determination unit for the video camera 1a.

Reference numeral 5 corresponds to the second video camera 1b, and the luminance data discriminating section 4 for the first video camera 1a is provided.
A luminance data discriminating unit for the second video camera 1b, which has the same function as, and a luminance data discriminating unit 6 for the first video camera 1a, which corresponds to the Nth video camera 1n. Luminance data discriminating unit for video camera 1n, 7 is a first control unit for outputting a required control signal based on the discrimination results from the luminance data discriminating units 4 to 6, and 8 is a video signal from each video camera or a multi-signal. A switching unit for switching an image from the screen processing unit 11 based on a switching control signal from the first control unit 7, 9 is a VTR, 10 is a monitor device, and 11 is an alarm sound generating unit. Further, 12 is a multi-screen processing unit that performs multi-screen (multi-screen) processing based on the video signals from the video cameras from the image storage unit 3, and 13 is a digital video signal from the multi-screen processing unit that is converted into an analog video signal. It is a D / A conversion unit for returning.

Next, the operation of the present invention will be described. The ST number in parentheses in the following description means each step in the operation flowchart shown in FIG. The analog video signal from each of the cameras 1a to 1n is converted into a digital video signal by the A / D conversion unit 2 and stored in the image storage unit 3, respectively. Next, from the image storage unit 3, each luminance data determination unit 4
The video data is read out every 6 to 6 and the luminance data is discriminated respectively. This will be described with reference to the luminance data discriminating section 4 for the first camera 1a. Image storage unit 3 to camera 1a
When reading the brightness data related to
Use 4a to set the dot position and read the data for that dot. This dot position is determined in advance for a plurality of dots (for example, 8 dots) on a certain horizontal line, and the read position setting unit 4a sets the position accordingly. The number of dots may be arbitrarily set to be limited to 8 dots in the above example, and a plurality of horizontal lines may be used. When setting a plurality of dot positions in this way, it is necessary to manage the temporal timing between the dots. This is done by the first timer unit 4b.

The brightness data for each dot read as described above is added by the first adder 4c. When the above example is cited, the luminance data for 8 dots will be added. The addition data is the brightness data of one screen,
It is temporarily stored in the first brightness data memory section 4d. Next, the data is read from the memory unit 4d and the data for a plurality of screens (for example, four screens) is added. This addition is performed by the second adder 4e. The number of screens to be added is not limited to the four screens in the above example and is arbitrary. In the luminance data obtained by the second adder 4e, the luminance data for a plurality of screens (four screens in the above case) first captured from the image storage unit 3 is referred to as "reference luminance data", and The data is obtained from the first plurality of screens immediately after the power of the monitoring apparatus is turned on (ST1). The reference luminance data is stored in the second luminance data memory section 4f.

Subsequently, the brightness data is read from the image storage unit 3 and the next new brightness data (referred to as second brightness data) is obtained by the same process as described above (ST2). The second luminance data is compared with the reference luminance data (first luminance data) stored in the second luminance data memory section 4f in the comparing section 4g (ST3). In the same comparison, when there is no change between the reference luminance data and the second luminance data (ST3-Y), the flow ends in this comparison, the next luminance data is fetched, and the fetched luminance data is The reference brightness data is again compared. After that, this is repeated.

On the other hand, in the above comparison, when the reference luminance data and the second luminance data are not equal (ST3-
N), in this case, the second control unit 4h uses the second timer unit 4i
To start time counting, while the second
The brightness data of the second memory unit 4f (ST4)
(ST5). Next, the data is read from the image storage unit 3 and the third luminance data is loaded in the same manner as above (ST
6). The third brightness data and the second brightness data are compared in the comparison unit 4g (ST7). Comparison here (ST7)
Is to detect whether the data changed from the reference brightness data (second brightness data) continues as it is or further changes. Therefore, when both data are the same in the same comparison (ST7-Y), the fourth luminance data replacing the third luminance data is further fetched, and the second luminance data is again read.
The brightness data is compared (ST7).

During this time, the time counting by the second timer unit 4i is in progress, but new data (fifth, sixth, ...) Is taken in until the time is up, and the comparison with the second luminance data is continued. (ST7-Y → ST8-N → ST6).
When there is no change between the luminance data that has been sequentially captured and the second luminance data until the lapse of a predetermined time (ST7-Y) (ST8
-Y), the second control unit 4h outputs a required discrimination signal (ST9). In this state, the image changes from the first image,
This means that the changed state has continued for a predetermined time.
For example, there is a trespasser, who is stalled at the same location. This discriminating signal is a kind of alarm signal and is used to perform the required processing described later.

On the other hand, in ST7, when the second luminance data and the newly fetched luminance data (for example, the third luminance data) are not equal before the time is up (the second timer unit 4i), (ST7-N), the equalized data (third luminance data) is compared with the reference luminance data (comparing unit 4g) (ST10). The comparison here is to detect whether or not the third luminance data has returned to the reference data, in other words, whether or not the changed image has changed again and has returned to the first image. If both data are the same in this comparison (ST10-Y), the first video (state)
Since this means that the process has returned to step 2, the time counting of the second timer unit 4i is stopped (ST11). This state means that, for example, there was an illegal intruder, but he / she did not move within a short time (within the time-up). In this case, the flow ends and the monitoring is repeated again (ST2).

On the other hand, in the comparison in ST10,
If the reference data and the third luminance data are not equal (ST10-N), the second timer unit 4i is reset and a new time count is started (ST4). This state means that the data is changing with respect to the reference luminance data. For example, there is an illegal intruder in the above example, which means that the person is moving. In this case, the flow from ST4 onward is repeated. The read position setting unit 4a and the first timer unit 4 in the above flow are
b, the first brightness data memory unit 4d, the second brightness data memory unit 4f, the comparison unit 4g, the second timer unit 4i, etc. are controlled by the second control unit 4h.

The above is the operation in the luminance data discriminating unit 4 for the first video camera 1a, but the luminance data discriminating unit 5 for the second video camera 1b and the luminance data discriminating unit for the Nth video camera 1n. The section 6 has the same operation. These discrimination signals from the respective luminance data discrimination units are sent to the first control unit 7. The first control unit 7 switches the switching unit 8 to the camera corresponding to the discrimination signal when the discrimination signal is sent from any of the luminance data discrimination units. This switching unit 8 is V
The VTR 9 and the monitor 10 are connected in advance so that both the TR 8a and the monitor 8b can be switched. The signal input source includes a video signal from each video camera and a multi video generated by the multi screen processing unit 11 based on each camera video (analog signal converted by the D / A changing unit 12). Further, when the first control unit 7 performs the above switching to the corresponding camera based on the input of the discrimination signal, the VTR 9 is also controlled to start recording. As a result, the video of the abnormality occurrence is recorded on the VTR 9 and also displayed on the monitor. Further, the first control unit 7 may control the alarm sound generating unit 11 based on the input of the determination signal so that the alarm generating unit 11 generates an alarm.

[0016]

As described above, according to the present invention, the originally stationary state is monitored by a plurality of camera images, any one of the images changes, and the changed state continues for a certain period of time. If so, a determination signal is output. Therefore, it is possible to switch to the corresponding camera based on this discrimination signal, and to automatically record the video in the VTR. By using the present invention, for example, for monitoring an unattended night time in a store or the like, it is possible to detect a situation in which an illegal intruder or the like stays stationary in the store and acts illegally. From the above, the present invention can contribute to improving the function of the camera monitoring device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of essential parts showing an embodiment of a camera monitoring device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart for explaining FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1a First video camera 2 A / D conversion unit 3 Image storage unit 4 Luminance data determination unit for first video camera 1a 4a Reading position setting unit 4b First timer unit 4c First adder 4d First Luminance data memory unit 4e Second adder 4f Second luminance data memory unit 4g Comparison unit 4h Second control unit 4i Second timer unit 5 Luminance data determination unit for second video camera 1b 6 Nth Luminance data determination unit for video camera 1n 7 First control unit 8 Switching unit 9 VTR 10 Monitor device 11 Alarm sound generation unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An A / D conversion unit for converting an analog video signal from a video camera into a digital video signal, an image storage unit for storing the digital video signal from the A / D conversion unit, and the image storage unit. Based on the video signal read out more sequentially, it is determined whether or not the brightness data has changed,
When there is a change and the data after the change continues for a predetermined time, a luminance data discriminating means which outputs a required discriminating signal, and when a discriminating signal is inputted from the luminance data discriminating means, a required alarm sound is emitted. And a first control unit for controlling the alarm sound generating unit. 2. A read position setting unit for setting the read dot position when the brightness data is read from the image storage unit and reading the brightness data relating to the dot at the set position by the brightness data determination unit, A first timer unit that sets the timing of reading the brightness data by the read position setting unit; and a first adder that adds the required number of read data for each dot and outputs as the brightness data for one screen, A first brightness data memory unit that stores the brightness data from the first adder, and the brightness data obtained by adding the required number of screens to the brightness data for each screen read from the first brightness data memory unit are output. A second adder and a second brightness data that stores the first brightness data added by the second adder as reference brightness data and the required brightness data. A luminance data memory unit, a comparison unit that compares the reference luminance data read from the second luminance data memory unit with new luminance data from the second adder, and detects whether or not the luminance data has changed. A timer is started when a change in the brightness data is detected by the comparison unit, the time is continuously measured while the brightness data after the change is continued, and is cleared when the brightness data is further changed. Timer unit, the read position setting unit, the first timer unit, the first luminance data memory unit, the second
And a second timer unit for controlling the brightness data memory unit, the comparison unit, and the second timer unit, and outputting a required determination signal when a change in the brightness data is detected and the brightness data after the change continues for a predetermined time. The camera monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camera monitoring apparatus is configured by: 3. The A / D conversion unit, the image storage unit, and the brightness data determination unit are provided corresponding to each of a plurality of video cameras, and analog video signals from the plurality of video cameras are switched. A switching unit for sending a video signal to a monitor is provided, and when any one of the brightness data discriminating means inputs a discrimination signal to the first control unit, the control unit causes the switching unit to correspond to the discrimination signal. The camera monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed so as to switch to the camera. 4. A switching circuit for VTR as well as a switching circuit for monitoring is provided in the switching unit, and the switching circuit for both is controlled by the first control unit. Camera surveillance device. 5. When the first control unit performs the switching control on the switching unit, the VTR connected to the switching unit together with the switching control starts recording on the same VT.
5. The camera monitoring device according to claim 3, wherein R is controlled.