KR100377315B1 - Remote Supervising method through network and apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a remote monitoring method and apparatus through a network, and the remote monitoring method through a network is provided at a remote location by using a remote monitoring server that provides a monitor with images transmitted from a plurality of video transmission terminals connected to the network. 1. A method for monitoring a network, the method comprising: (a) registering a remote monitoring server with information including at least a network address of a video transmission terminal for a plurality of video transmission terminals; (b) checking an ID input from a monitor, and receiving information, including at least a video transmission terminal selection and a type of the monitor terminal, from the monitor; And (c) directly transmitting an image transmitted from the selected image transmitting terminal to the terminal according to the type of the terminal, or processing the image and transmitting the result to the terminal.

According to the remote monitoring method through the network of the present invention, by connecting the video transmission terminal through the network to the area, such as home, office, shop or factory, and the video transmission terminal to the remote monitoring server through the network Surveillance is possible. That is, the intruder or a specific person can be monitored, and if necessary, the images can be stored in a continuous form.

Description

Remote supervising method through network and apparatus therefor}

The present invention relates to a remote monitoring method and apparatus through a network, and in particular, to provide a remote image information input to a user through an image transmission terminal connected to a network, and a remote monitoring method for a receiver to obtain desired information using the image information. And to an apparatus.

In the conventional method of providing remote image information through a network, an image input through a camera connected to a remote computer is transferred to a receiver as it is, or an image already stored in a database is provided to the receiver. As such an example, a conventional security system should follow a procedure of recording a video delivered to a receiver using a medium capable of recording a video such as a VTR, and then replaying the recorded video if necessary. However, this situation requires an excessive amount of storage media, has to change the storage media from time to time, and has to be monitored by the watcher at all times. There are also restrictions on where the system can be monitored, how long data is stored, and how long it is kept.

As another example of a conventional method for providing a remote image through a network, a shopping mall using a network provides a receiver with an image of a product already stored in a database. However, this method has a problem that it is difficult for the receiver to obtain real-time image information on the product to be purchased currently.

The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to install a video transmission terminal connected to a network at a remote location, to provide a remote image transmitted from the video transmission terminal to a receiver in real time, or to provide a result of processing a remote image in a network, It provides a remote monitoring method and an apparatus therefor.

Another technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to install a video transmission terminal connected to the network in the home or office, to provide the administrator with a web-based information appliances in the home or office in real time, the administrator remotely To provide a remote control method of the electronic device is a web-based information service to control the electronic device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for providing remote video information through a network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a remote monitoring method through a network according to the present invention.

3 is a detailed block diagram of the remote monitoring server of FIG. 1.

4A illustrates the structure of a PC in more detail when the terminal is a PC in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating a connection structure with a web server when the terminal is a web TV in FIG. 1.

4C illustrates a connection structure with a web server when the terminal is a wireless video terminal.

5 is a block diagram of another embodiment of an apparatus for providing remote image information through a network according to the present invention.

6 is a block diagram of another embodiment of an apparatus for providing remote image information through a network according to the present invention.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, the remote monitoring method through the network of the present invention is a remote monitoring method using a remote monitoring server that provides the monitor with images transmitted from a plurality of video transmission terminals connected to the network connected to the network; (A) the remote monitoring server registering information including at least a network address of the video transmitting terminal with respect to the plurality of video transmitting terminals; (b) checking an ID input from a monitor, and receiving information, including at least a video transmission terminal selection and a type of the monitor terminal, from the monitor; And (c) directly transmitting an image transmitted from the selected image transmission terminal to the terminal according to the type of the terminal, or processing the image and transmitting the result to the terminal.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, a remote monitoring device through a network of the present invention is installed in a remote location and a device for monitoring a remote location by using a remote monitoring server that provides a monitor with images transmitted from a plurality of video transmission terminals connected to the network. A plurality of monitor terminal for receiving the image through the network, the monitor inputs predetermined information; A plurality of image transmission terminals for transmitting images captured at predetermined time intervals through the network; And a remote monitoring server connected to the network and directly transmitting the video transmitted from the video transmission terminal selected by the supervisor through the supervisor terminal to the supervisor terminal or by performing a predetermined process.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a remote control method of a web-based information appliances of a plurality of web-based information appliances installed in a home or office, from an image transmission terminal installed in the home or office and connected to a network. A method of providing a service for an administrator to control the web-based information appliance by using a remote home appliance control server that provides the buyer with an image of the electronic appliance, wherein the web-based information is transmitted. Registering information about the plurality of web-based home appliances and the image transmission terminal provided in a home or an office to be managed by the manager; Checking an ID input from an administrator connected through a network and displaying images of the web-based home appliances transmitted from the image transmission terminal to the administrator; When the image of the web-based home appliance to be controlled is selected from the manager, the remote home appliance control server receiving a setting value for controlling the selected web-based home appliance from the manager; And controlling, by the remote home appliance control server, transmitting the set value to a corresponding web-based home appliance.

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

1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for providing remote video information through a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The remote monitoring apparatus according to FIG. 1 is connected to the remote monitoring server 120 through the image transmission terminal 100, the remote monitoring server 120, the first DB 121, and the wireless network 130 connected to the Internet 110. It includes a wireless video terminal 140, a personal computer 141 or a web TV 143 connected to the remote monitoring server 120 via a wired network 131. The personal computer 141 has a second DB 142.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a remote monitoring method through a network according to the present invention. With reference to Figures 1 and 2 will be described in more detail the remote monitoring method through the network.

The image transmission terminal 100 may be an image device capable of accessing the Internet 110 through a telephone line, a dedicated line, or wirelessly, and may transmit a captured image through the Internet 110. The image transmission terminal 100 may be provided in plural, and may be installed at home or other places where security and surveillance are required or where a supervisor's request is requested.

The video transmission terminal 100 installed at a remote location controls the status information and control of the video transmission terminal 100 including a location where the video transmission terminal 100 is installed and a network address such as an IP address of the video transmission terminal 100. Information for registration is registered in the remote monitoring server 120 (step 200). The remote monitoring server 120 receives an ID and a password from the monitor and authenticates the monitor. When the authentication is made, the monitor receives the remote site to be monitored and the type of terminal to which the monitor will receive an image or data (step 202).

In this case, the monitor may control the image transmission terminal 100 by inputting values for adjusting the imaging state of the image transmission terminal 100 through the terminals 140, 141, and 143. For example, an image transmission terminal setting condition such as a time interval for transmitting an image from the image transmission terminal 100 or an imaging angle of the image transmission terminal 100 is input, and the remote monitoring server 120 inputs the input setting condition. The image transmission terminal 100 transmits the image transmission terminal 100, and the image transmission terminal 100 operates according to the transmitted setting condition, so that the monitor can obtain desired image information.

If the monitor terminal is a PC (step 204), it is selected whether to transfer the image directly to the PC or to transmit the image to the PC after the predetermined processing by the remote monitoring server 120 (step 205).

If the image is selected to be directly transmitted to the PC in step 205, the remote monitoring server 120 directly transmits the image input from the image transmitting terminal 100 to the PC 141 through the wired network 131 at a set time (206). step). The image input from the image transmission terminal 100 may be stored in the form of a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), Wavelet, or Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) according to a storage option.

The PC 141 compares the reference image read from the image storage unit (not shown) included in the PC 141 with the currently input image according to a predetermined comparison criterion (step 208). In this case, the reference image may be an image input and stored at a previous time or may be an image stored in advance for comparison.

Comparison criteria may vary depending on how the observer adopts. For example, if the luminance difference between the two images is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, it may be determined that there is motion, and thus, there may be an intruder. Alternatively, if face recognition is performed in real time, if a face image other than a face image previously stored in the PC 141 is input, an intruder may be considered to have occurred. Alternatively, an intruder may be deemed to have occurred if a certain part of the image, for example, a door is located, compares a previous image inputted at a previous time with a current image and satisfies a set comparison condition.

As described above, if it is determined that there is an intruder according to the set condition, the PC 141 stores the current image in the second DB 142 and generates an alarm signal (step 210). When the alarm signal is generated, the PC 141 may continuously store the input image in the MPEG format or the JPEG or motion JPEG format according to the frame setting for a predetermined time in accordance with a preset condition of the monitor.

If it is determined that there is no intruder, the PC 141 may store the current image as a reference image in an image storage unit (not shown).

If the monitor terminal is the web TV 143 or the wireless video terminal 140 in step 204, or if the video is selected to transmit after the predetermined process in the remote monitoring server 120 in step 206, the remote monitoring server 120 The current image is compared with the reference image according to the comparison criteria. Here, the wireless video terminal 140 is a terminal capable of transmitting and receiving images, such as an IMT-2000 terminal or a personal disgital assistant (PDA). The reference video is an image storage unit (not shown) provided in the remote monitoring server 120. Are stored in. The remote monitoring server 120 compares the reference video with the current video according to the comparison criteria (step 212). As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that there is an intruder, the remote monitoring server 120 stores the current image in the first DB 121.

In addition, the remote monitoring server 120 transmits the current video and alarm signal to the wireless video terminal 140 connected to the wireless network 130 or the web TV 143 connected to the wired network 131 (step 214). After generating the alarm signal, the remote monitoring server 120 may continuously store the input image in the first DB 121 in the form of MPEG or JPEG by frame setting for a predetermined time continuously according to a condition previously set by the monitor. have.

After generating an alarm signal, the PC 141 or the remote monitoring server 120 may notify the police station or other security company connected to the network an emergency situation.

In addition to the remote monitoring method as described above, the remote monitoring server 120 may transmit the image input from the image transmitting terminal 100 to the monitor terminal as it is, in this case, the monitor may be remotely located through his terminal. You can get video information about the current situation.

3 is a detailed block diagram of the remote monitoring server of FIG. 1. The remote monitoring server according to FIG. 3 includes an image receiving unit 300, an image transmitting terminal control unit 302, an image processing unit 304, an image storing unit 306, a web server 308, and an image transmitting unit 310. .

The image receiving unit 300 receives an image input from the image transmitting terminal 100. The image processing unit 304 compares the current image with the reference image according to the same information such as the terminal type input by the monitor, and determines whether to store the image, or transmits it directly to the monitor terminal.

The image storage unit 306 stores the reference image and stores the current image in the first DB 121 or stores the image stored in the first DB 121 according to a stored signal or a read signal generated by the image processor 304. Read out.

The web server 308 transmits the current image or the images stored in the first DB 121 to the terminal according to the image transmission signal generated by the image processor 304 or the image transmission signal input from the terminal. The web server 308 also processes the data for the terminal and the interface. In the image transmission, the web server 308 directly transmits the data to be sent to the terminal if the image, and if the data requested by the monitor, the data transmission unit 310 passes after a predetermined process. Here, the data requested by the monitor means, for example, statistical data that the watcher requests, such as the time or number of times the monitor receives an image input from a specific video transmission terminal or the number of times the monitor uses the monitoring service. .

The image transmission terminal controller 302 controls the image transmission terminal 100 according to conditions required by the monitor through the web server 308.

The remote monitoring server 120 having such a detailed structure may be configured as a single server, or may be configured as a distributed multi-server such as an image processing server, an image storage server, and a web server.

4A illustrates the structure of a PC in more detail when the monitor terminal is a PC. The PC structure according to FIG. 4A includes a web browser 400, a PC image processing unit 402, and a PC image storage unit 404 connected to the web server 308 of FIG. 3. The web browser 400 interfaces with the web server 308. The monitor connects to the web server 308 through the web browser 400, authenticates the web server 308, and sets a control or transmission condition for the image transmission terminal 100 designated by the monitor. The PC image processing unit 402 processes and analyzes an image transmitted from the web server 308, and stores the image meeting the set condition in the second DB 142 through the PC image storage unit 404. In addition, the monitor may search for the image stored in the second DB 142 through the web browser 400 and the PC image storage unit 404.

4B is a block diagram illustrating a connection structure with a web server when the monitor terminal is a web TV. As shown, the monitor using the web TV accesses the web server 308 through the web browser 406, authenticates with the web server 308, and then controls the image transmission terminal 100 designated by the monitor. Or set the transmission conditions. In addition, a monitor using a web TV may receive images transmitted from the web server 308 of FIG. 3 and data transmitted from the data transmitter 310.

4C illustrates a connection structure with a web server when the monitor terminal is a wireless video terminal. As illustrated, the monitor using the wireless video terminal 140 may access the web server 308 or the data transmission unit 310 through the wireless communication service provider 410. After the monitor connects to the web server 308, the supervisor sets control or transmission conditions for the video transmission terminal 100 designated by the monitor. In addition, a monitor using a wireless video terminal may receive images transmitted from the web server 308 of FIG. 3 and data transmitted from the data transmitter 310.

5 is a block diagram of a shopping mall service apparatus using an image transmission terminal as another embodiment of an apparatus for providing remote image information through a network according to the present invention.

The shopping mall service apparatus according to FIG. 5 includes a plurality of image transmission terminals configured to transmit a plurality of products 501 and 502 provided in the exhibition hall 50 and images of the plurality of products 501 and 502 through the Internet 110. 511 and 512, the wireless video terminal 140 and the wired network 131 connected to the shopping mall service server 520 through the shopping mall service server 520 connected to the Internet 110, the DB 521, and the wireless network 130. It includes a personal computer 141 or a web TV 143 connected to the shopping mall service server 120 through.

The plurality of video transmission terminals 511 and 512 are suitable video devices capable of accessing the Internet 110 through a telephone line, a dedicated line, or wirelessly, and may transmit captured images through the Internet 110. The video transmission terminals 511 and 512 are installed at locations where the products 501 and 502 can be photographed in the exhibition hall 10, and the network addresses or IDs of the video transmission terminals 511 and 512 and the respective video transmissions. The products 501 and 502 to be imaged corresponding to the terminals 511 and 512 are registered in the shopping mall service server 520 and stored in the DB 521. In addition, the DB 521 has detailed text information on the products 501 and 502 provided in each exhibition hall 50 for the plurality of exhibition halls 50, for example, information such as a manufacturer, a price, or a feature of the product. Can be stored. In this case, the image transmission terminals 511 and 512 and the products 501 and 502 do not need to correspond 1: 1, and one image transmission terminal may capture a plurality of products.

The shopping mall service server 520 receives an ID and a password from a buyer connected through the wired / wireless network 130 or 131 using the purchaser terminals 140, 141, and 143, and then selects the exhibition hall 50. The shopping mall service server 520 displays an image of a product transmitted from the image transmission terminals 511 and 512 installed in the selected exhibition hall 50 to the buyer. At this time, the image displayed to the buyer may be classified according to the classification criteria selected to easily distinguish each product and displayed sequentially.

The shopping mall service server 520 reads information about the selected product from the buyer and transmits the information about the selected product to the buyer terminal 140, 141, and 143.

The shopping mall service server 520 checks and processes the product purchase request from the buyer, and stores the processing result in the DB 521.

Operators or buyers of the shopping mall service server 520 may obtain various statistical data from the shopping mall service server 520, such as the number of inquiry of the purchaser, the number of purchases, or the preference of the manufacturer of the product.

6 is a block diagram of a web-based information appliance control device using an image transmission terminal as another embodiment of an apparatus for providing remote image information through a network according to the present invention.

The web-based information appliances control apparatus according to FIG. 6 includes a plurality of web-based information appliances (Internet home appliances) 601 and 602, an image transmitting terminal 611, and a remote device connected to the Internet 110 in a predetermined format. The home appliance control server 620, the DB 621, the wireless home terminal 140 connected to the remote home appliance control server 620 through the wireless network 130, and the remote home appliance control server through the wired network 131 ( A personal computer 141 or web TV 143 coupled to 620.

Internet home appliances 601 and 602 and the image transmission terminal 611 are installed in the home or office 60, and each is registered in the remote home appliance control server 620. The registered information includes IDs for distinguishing each one and setting conditions for control. At this time, the manager who manages the home or office is also registered.

The Internet home appliances 601 and 602 are connected to the Internet 100 based on JINI, Universal Plug aNd Play (UPNP), Home Audio Video Interoperability (HAVI), or HomeAPI.

There may be a plurality of image transmission terminals 611 installed in each home or office 60, and an image device capable of accessing the Internet 110 through a telephone line, a dedicated line, or a wireless device is appropriate, and the captured image is displayed on the Internet 110. ) Can be sent.

The remote home appliance control server 620 connects to the home appliance through its own terminals 140, 141, and 143. The home appliance control server 620 authenticates the home appliance and transmits the image to the home appliance (611). Images 601 and 602 are transmitted to the manager. The manager selects the Internet home appliances 601 and 602 to be controlled, and the remote home appliance control server 620 sets a control value setting menu for the Internet home appliances 601 and 602 selected by the manager. 141, 143). The remote home appliance control server 620 controls the Internet home appliances 601 and 602 by transmitting the setting values input from the administrator to the corresponding internet home appliances 601 and 602 through the Internet 110.

The manager may control the imaging condition of the image transmission terminal 611 through the remote home appliance control server 620. That is, the imaging angle of the image transmission terminal 611 may be set in order to select the Internet home appliances 601 and 602 to be controlled.

The remote monitoring method through a network, a shopping mall service method, or a control method of a web-based information home appliance according to the present invention can be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, hard disk, floppy disk, flash memory, optical data storage device, and also carrier waves (for example, transmission over the Internet). It also includes the implementation in the form of. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

According to the remote monitoring device of the present invention, by connecting the video transmission terminal to the area of the home, office, shop or factory through a network, and the video transmission terminal to the remote monitoring server through the network to monitor the area Is possible. That is, the intruder or a specific person can be monitored, and if necessary, the images can be stored in a continuous form. You can also get statistics by watcher and by watch area. If the remote monitoring apparatus and method according to the present invention is applied to an area where an ATM is installed, it may store the current situation, may operate only when there is a person who uses the ATM, and if there is a real time face recognition in the future, it is illegal. You can also screen out users.

According to the shopping mall service method of the present invention, an image of a product provided in an exhibition hall can be received and viewed in real time, so that an effect of purchasing a product can be obtained by visiting directly without visiting the exhibition hall.

In addition, according to the web-based information electronic device control method of the present invention, the information can be controlled while checking the current state of the electronic device at a remote location.

Claims (14)

A method for monitoring a remote site by using a remote monitoring server that provides a monitor with images transmitted from a plurality of video transmission terminals installed at a remote site and connected to a network, (a) the remote monitoring server registering information including at least a network address of the video transmitting terminal with respect to the plurality of video transmitting terminals; (b) checking an ID input from a monitor, and receiving information, including at least a video transmission terminal selection and a type of the monitor terminal, from the monitor; And (c) transmitting the image transmitted from the selected image transmitting terminal directly to the terminal according to the type of the terminal, or processing the image and transmitting the result to the terminal. Way. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) (c1) when the terminal type is a PC, the remote monitoring server directly transmitting an image transmitted from the image transmission terminal to the PC; And (c2) when the PC compares the received current image with a pre-stored reference image and satisfies a predetermined comparison criterion, storing the current image and generating an alarm signal. The method of claim 2, and (c3) storing the current image as the reference image. The method of claim 2, and (c3) continuously storing an image input from the image transmission terminal for a time set by the monitor. The method of claim 1, wherein the step (b) and (c) (d) receiving a setting value for controlling the imaging state of the image transmitting terminal from the monitor; And (e) the remote monitoring server transmitting the setting value to the video transmitting terminal; And (f) the video transmitting terminal further comprising adjusting an image pickup state according to the set value. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) (c1) When the type of the terminal is a web TV or a wireless video terminal, the remote monitoring server compares a current video transmitted from the video transmission terminal with a pre-stored reference video to satisfy a predetermined comparison criterion. Storing the current image; And (c2) transmitting the current image and the alarm signal to the terminal. The method of claim 6, and (c3) storing the current image as the reference image. The method of claim 6, and (c3) continuously storing an image input from the image transmission terminal for a time set by the monitor. An apparatus for monitoring a remote site by using a remote monitoring server that provides a monitor with images transmitted from a plurality of video transmission terminals installed at a remote site and connected to a network, A plurality of monitor terminals for receiving the image through the network or for inputting predetermined information by the monitor; A plurality of image transmission terminals for transmitting images captured at predetermined time intervals through the network; And a remote monitoring server connected to the network, the remote monitoring server configured to directly transmit or to process the image transmitted from the image transmission terminal selected by the monitor through the monitor terminal to the monitor terminal. The method of claim 9, wherein the remote monitoring server An image receiving unit which receives an image transmitted from the image transmitting terminal; According to the information input by the monitor through the monitor terminal, it is determined whether to directly transmit the image output from the video receiver to the monitor terminal or a predetermined process, and if it is transmitted immediately outputs the output image of the video receiver Image processing unit for transmitting to the monitor terminal; And And a web server for providing predetermined information to a supervisor connected through the supervisor terminal, transmitting the input information to the image processing unit, and transmitting a result output from the image processing unit to the supervisor terminal. monitor. The method of claim 10, wherein the monitor terminal PC image storage unit for storing the reference image; A database storing an image input according to a predetermined storage signal; A PC image processor configured to generate the storage signal, input the current image to the database, and generate an alarm signal when a situation in which the current image input from the image processor is compared with the reference image to satisfy a predetermined comparison criterion occurs; And And a PC having a web browser interfaced with the web server to display information provided from the web server and to transmit information input from the monitor to the web server. The method of claim 10, wherein the image processor An image storage unit storing a reference image; And It further comprises a database for storing the input image in accordance with a predetermined storage signal, In the case where it is determined to transmit the image by predetermined processing, when the situation in which the current image received from the image receiving unit satisfies a predetermined comparison criterion occurs, the storage signal is generated and the current image is input to the database. And transmitting the current image and the alarm signal to the monitor terminal. delete A remote home appliance control server for providing a buyer with a video of the web-based information is a home appliance, the web-based information transmitted from a video transmission terminal installed in the home or office and connected to the network for the electric appliance In the method for the administrator to provide a service for controlling the web-based information electronic device, Receiving, by the remote home appliance control server, information on an administrator, a plurality of web-based home appliances provided in a home or office to be managed by the administrator, and the image transmission terminal; Checking an ID input from an administrator connected through a network and displaying images of the web-based home appliances transmitted from the image transmission terminal to the administrator; When the image of the web-based home appliance to be controlled is selected from the manager, the remote home appliance control server receiving a setting value for controlling the selected web-based home appliance from the manager; And The remote home appliance control server remote control method of the web-based information appliance, characterized in that it comprises the step of transmitting the control value to the corresponding web-based home appliances.