WO2007023626A1

WO2007023626A1 - Network camera, management server, and video distribution system

Info

Publication number: WO2007023626A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/314257
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eizo Umeda
Original assignee: Megachips Corporation
Priority date: 2005-08-24
Filing date: 2006-07-19
Publication date: 2007-03-01
Also published as: JPWO2007023626A1; JP4576637B2

Abstract

It is possible to provide a technique for distributing video and audio captured by a plurality of network cameras (1A, 1B) via the Internet only by connecting the network cameras to a router (3). A network camera (1A) connected to the router (3) requests a management server (7A) having data on port numbers as a database to allocate a port number. Thus, a port number different from the network camera (1B) is allocated for the network camera (1A). For the port number, a port forward function of the router (3) is set and a connection confirmation test from outside is performed. If an error occurs at the stage of setting, resetting is automatically performed.

Description

Specification

Network camera, management server and video distribution system

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a technique for distributing video captured by a network camera connected to a router.

Background art

In recent years, broadband Internet has become common, and network devices such as network cameras have been actively used.

[0003] If a network camera is connected to the Internet and used, an image captured by the network camera installed at home or the like can be viewed from a remote location. The network camera has a function to distribute the captured video and audio via the Internet. By specifying the IP address of the network camera connected to the Internet on a web browser such as another computer device, the network camera captures the image. You can view the video inside. For example, when using a surveillance camera to check whether an abnormal situation has occurred at home by looking at home images captured by a network camera during a long trip, Are various.

[0004] In communication over the Internet, a method called DNS (Domain Name System) is generally used. The most basic purpose of this DNS is to provide the ability to convert between domain names and IP addresses. DNS allows the IP address, which is a list of 32bits numbers, to be converted into a domain name that is easy for humans to divide and memorize, so that the user can easily change the IP address to the target IP address without being aware of the IP address. Can be accessed.

[0005] By using such a DNS, it becomes possible to view images captured by a network camera from a remote location.

[0006] Note that Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for assigning a port number as a technique related to the present invention.

[0007] Patent Document 1: JP 2004-266320 A Disclosure of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] By the way, when receiving an image captured by a home network camera while being in a remote place, it is necessary to make a transmission request of the image from the receiving destination to the home network camera.

[0009] When using a network camera connected to the Internet by an individual, the global IP address of the network camera is generally not fixed, and at a predetermined timing such as when connecting to the Internet, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) will use the dynamic IP address assigned by the server.

[0010] For this reason, recently, as a name resolution service, video captured by a network camera using a simple DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) service provided by a corporate server connected to the network. Is often delivered. DDNS solves this problem by associating dynamically changing global IP addresses and subdomain names on the Internet.

[0011] For example, if there is a DDNS server with the domain name “00.

Consider the case where the subdomain name “.00” is assigned to a personal network camera. In this case, when accessing a network camera such as an external camera, enter the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name (hereinafter referred to as “address”)) “xxx.xxx.co.jp” in the address input field. For example, the DDNS server power of domain name “00.co.jp” is converted to the global IP address registered in association with the subdomain name “Γχχχ.〇〇〇.co.jp”. It is possible to connect to the network camera with the global IP address.

[0012] Each time the global IP address assigned to the network camera changes, the network camera dynamically registers the global IP address associated with the subdomain name to the DDNS server, thereby renewing the global IP address. Domain names can be used instead of IP addresses.

In recent years, a plurality of network cameras are often used not only in companies and the like but also in individual homes. In addition to computer devices, other than network cameras In addition, home appliances such as a node disk recorder compatible with the network have also appeared. For this reason, it is often the case that a plurality of network devices including a network camera are connected to a router to construct one network environment at home.

[0014] In such a case, in order to distribute the video captured by the network camera via the Internet, it is necessary not only to use the DDNS server but also to use the port forward function of the router. The port forwarding function is a function that assigns and transfers access to a specific port number from the Internet side to a network device in the home having a specific private IP address. By using this function, the network camera can be used as a Web server on the Internet.

[0015] However, in order to use the port forward function, the router must be set up. For this purpose, there are problems that knowledge and understanding of the network are required, and time and effort is required for the setting operation.

In order to solve this, some network cameras in recent years automatically perform a setting operation related to a port forward function of a router. As a result, in an environment where only one network camera is connected to the router, the router's port forward function is automatically set by the network camera, so connect the network camera to the router. It is only possible to distribute video over the Internet.

[0017] However, since network cameras only set the port forward function for a fixed port number, when trying to use multiple network cameras, make sure that all network cameras use the same port number. Try to configure the router. Even if one network camera is used, it may already be assigned to another network device such as a computer device under the port number router that the network camera intends to use. In such a case, the port forwarding function of the router cannot be set normally.

[0018] For this reason, even if the router setting operation is automatically performed, the network camera power cannot normally deliver video via the Internet, and eventually the user can change the IP address to the port forward function. Therefore, there was a problem that the setting operation had to be performed after understanding. [0019] With the recent spread of network devices such as computer devices and network cameras, the number of users who have insufficient knowledge and understanding of networks is increasing. When such a user uses multiple network cameras, it is difficult to perform the router setting operation described above. Therefore, a specialized worker is requested to set the router, and the work cost is increased. There was also a problem that we had to pay.

[0020] Furthermore, when there are a large number of network cameras to be used, there is a problem that setting the port forward function for all network cameras is very laborious.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is when a plurality of network cameras are connected to a router for use, or when a network device other than a network camera is connected under the router. Another object is to provide a technology that allows video and audio captured by a network camera to be distributed via the Internet simply by connecting the network camera to a router.

Means for solving the problem

[0022] A first invention that solves the above problem is a video distribution system that distributes captured video via a network, the router connected to the network, and connected to the router, A network camera that transmits the identification information of the router and the global IP address of the router, and a database that associates and manages the identification information, the global IP address and the port number, and the network camera power received the global camera When the port number associated with the IP address and the identification information different from the identification information received from the network camera is stored, the port number different from the port number is assigned to the network. Assign to the camera and assign the assigned port number to the network camera. And a management server for transmission.

[0023] Further, the second invention is the video distribution system according to the first invention, wherein the network camera receives the port number from the management server and assigns the port number to itself. It is characterized by setting the port forward function of the router.

[0024] The third invention is the video distribution system according to the first or second invention, wherein The network camera transmits the identification information, the global IP address, and error information to the management server when the port forward function of the router is not set within a predetermined time, and the management server When the error information is received, the network camera power is searched based on the received global IP address, and the port number different from the port number stored in association with the global IP address is determined. Reassigning to the network camera and transmitting the reassigned port number to the network camera.

[0025] Further, the fourth invention is the video distribution system according to any one of the first to third inventions, and the network camera, when the setting of the port forward function of the router is completed, the management server The management server requests connection to the network camera by the port number transmitted to the network camera in response to a request from the network camera. Features.

[0026] Further, the fifth invention is a video distribution system according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, and further assigns a subdomain name corresponding to the identification information to the global IP address. DDNS server that manages the network, and when the network camera recognizes that the connection by the port number has been established from the management server, the network camera transmits the identification information and the global IP address to the DDNS server. It is required to assign a subdomain name.

[0027] The sixth invention is the video distribution system according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, and further manages by assigning a subdomain name to the identification information and the global IP address. When the network camera recognizes that the connection by the port number has been established from the management server, it generates a subdomain name corresponding to the identification information, and the identification information, The global IP address and the subdomain name are transmitted to the DDNS server to request assignment of the subdomain name.

[0028] Further, a seventh invention is the video distribution system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the DDNS server assigns the sub domain name in response to a request from the network camera. Is notified to the network camera, and the network When receiving the notification, the work camera notifies the completion of the setting.

[0029] Further, the eighth invention is a network camera that distributes captured images via a network, and is connected to the network via a router, and includes its own identification information and the router's global information. The router sends the IP address to the management server connected to the network, requests the port number assignment, receives the port number assigned by the management server, and assigns the port number to itself. It is characterized by setting the port forward function.

[0030] Also, the ninth invention is the network camera according to the eighth invention, wherein if the port forward function of the router is not set within a predetermined time, the global IP address and When the port number changed by the management server is transmitted by sending error information to the management server and the port number changed by the management server is received, the port forward function of the router is assigned so that the port number is assigned to itself. It is characterized by resetting.

[0031] Further, the tenth invention is the network camera according to the eighth or ninth invention, wherein when the setting of the port forward function of the router is completed, the management server is checked for connection via the router. It is characterized by requiring to do.

[0032] Further, the eleventh invention is the network camera according to any of the eighth to tenth inventions, and when the management sano recognizes that the connection by the port number has been established, the DDNS server The identification information and the global IP address are transmitted to request assignment of the subdomain name.

[0033] Also, the twelfth invention is the network camera according to any of the eighth to tenth inventions, and when the management sano recognizes that the connection by the port number has been established, A corresponding subdomain name is generated, and the identification information, the global IP address, and the subdomain name are transmitted to a DDNS server to request assignment of the subdomain name.

[0034] Further, the thirteenth invention is the network camera according to any of the eighth to twelfth inventions, and when the signal notifying that the assignment of the subdomain name is completed, the setting is completed. It is characterized by notifying. [0035] Further, the fourteenth invention comprises a database that manages the identification information and the global IP address in association with the port number, and receives the global IP address when the identification information and the global IP address are received. If the port number associated with the address and the identification information different from the received identification information is stored, the port number different from the port number is determined, and the port number is determined. And transmitting to the sender of the identification information and the global IP address.

[0036] Further, the fifteenth aspect of the invention is the management server according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, wherein when data including the identification information, the global IP address and the error information is received, the management server is based on the received global IP address. Then, the database is searched, the port number different from the port number stored in association with the global IP address is reassigned to the transmission source, and the reassigned port number is assigned to the error information. It is characterized by being sent to the sender.

The invention's effect

[0037] According to the video distribution system according to the first invention or the management server according to the fourteenth invention, even when a plurality of network cameras are connected under the router, the port numbers of the network cameras may overlap. It is automatically assigned so that the user does not have to consider and determine the port number for each network camera!

[0038] According to the video delivery system of the second invention, since the port forward function of the router is automatically set by the network camera, even when the user uses a plurality of network cameras, It is not necessary to set the router's port forward function for each network camera.

[0039] According to any one of the video distribution system according to the third invention, the network camera according to the ninth invention, and the management server according to the fifteenth invention, a network device other than the network camera is connected to the router. Even if the port number assigned to the network camera has already been assigned to another network device, the port number assigned to the network camera is automatically changed. There is no need to check the port number used by the device or to determine the port number of the network camera. [0040] According to the video distribution system according to the fourth invention or the network camera according to the tenth invention, it is confirmed whether or not it is possible to distribute video and audio from the network camera by the determined port number. be able to.

[0041] According to any of the video distribution system according to the fifth and sixth inventions and the network camera according to the eleventh and twelfth inventions, the user uses the domain name instead of the global IP address. Can be connected to a camera.

[0042] According to the video distribution system according to the seventh invention or the network camera according to the thirteenth invention, the user has completed the setting of the port forward function of the router and the setting of the subdomain name by the DDNS server. By connecting to each network camera using a domain name, it is possible to recognize that video and audio can be viewed.

[0043] According to the network camera of the eighth invention, even when a plurality of network cameras are used, port number assignment and router port forwarding function settings are automatically performed. Users can distribute all network camera power video and audio simply by connecting to the router.

The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation related to port number determination of the management server according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the video distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As a basic configuration of the video distribution system, a modem 4 for connecting to the Internet 6 and performing communication using ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), FTTH (Fiber To The Home), etc. and a plurality of network devices are provided. Connect to Internet 6 Network routers 1A and 1B for distributing video and audio, and a management server 7A and a DDNS server 7B connected to the Internet 6. In addition to the network cameras 1A and 1B, the router 3 is also connected to a network device such as the computer device 2. The network cameras 1A and 1B, the computer device 2, the router 3 and the modem 4 constitute a LAN (Local Area Network) 5. The mobile phone 8 in the figure is shown as an example of a terminal that is connected to the Internet 6 and uses this video distribution system to view video and audio captured by the network camera 1.

[0047] Note that, in FIG. 1, force indicating two network cameras 1A and 1B. This is an example. One network camera may be used, or three or more network cameras may be used. Absent. Hereinafter, network cameras are collectively referred to as network cameras 1.

[0048] The network camera 1 has a function of distributing captured video and audio as a Web server. As a result, the user uses a terminal such as a mobile phone 8 to connect to the network camera 1 via the Internet 6 and uses a web browser or the like for video and audio captured and distributed by the network camera 1. Can be viewed.

In addition to this, the network camera 1 communicates with the management server 7A to determine a port number to be used for video distribution, and assigns a subdomain name to the DDNS server 7B. Performs various operations to realize the requested function and the function to perform connection authentication for terminals such as mobile phones 8.

[0050] Furthermore, the network camera 1 has a UPnP (Universal Plug & Play) function, and can simply execute each of the above functions at a predetermined timing just by connecting to the network. Details of these functions and operations will be described later.

The computer apparatus 2 is an example of a general network apparatus that is connected to the Internet 6 in the same manner as the network camera 1. Since the network camera 1 can be connected to the LAN using a private IP address via the router 3, the computer device 2 can view video and audio captured by the network camera 1, and can also connect to the network camera. It can also be used to make various settings for 1.

[0052] The router 3 is a device that performs routing for using one global IP address assigned on the Internet 6 by a plurality of network devices 1 and 2 connected to the LAN 5. Have the ability. Specifically, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) function that assigns private IP addresses to multiple network devices 1 and 2 connected to LAN 5, and these network devices 1 and 2 communicate using the Internet 6. When performing communication, it has a function to mutually convert the IP address related to the data to be transmitted / received into a private IP address in LAN5 and to a global IP address on Internet6.

[0053] The modem 4 is a device necessary for performing data communication via the Internet 6 using a global IP address assigned to the network device power such as the network camera 1 and the computer device 2, and includes ADSL and It has a function to perform data communication by various methods such as FTTH.

The mobile phone 8 is connected to the network camera 1 via the Internet 6 and is used for viewing video and audio captured by the network camera 1. At this time, connection authentication may be performed on the mobile phone 8 in order to realize security for connection to the network capability 1.

[0055] However, the mobile phone 8 is an example, and a terminal used for viewing video and audio may be another terminal such as a computer device, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or a mobile game terminal. What! /

[0056] The router 3 also receives a connection request from a network device on the Internet 6 to the network camera 1 that operates as a Web server for the purpose of viewing captured video and audio. It has a port forward function that enables data transmission and reception between the device and network camera 1. Specifically, a specific port is released from the router 3 to the Internet 6 side, and data is transmitted / received through the port.

[0057] For example, by assigning port number 80 to the private IP address of network camera 1, in response to a connection request from the Internet 6 side that specifies the global IP address, the private IP address connected to LAN5 can be assigned. Network camera 1 can operate as a web server.

[0058] With this function, a terminal such as a mobile phone 8 connected to the network camera 1 from the outside via the Internet 6 can view images and sounds captured by the network camera 1 using a Web browser or the like. It becomes possible. [0059] Similarly, if port numbers 20 and 21 are to be assigned to the private IP address of network camera 1, FTP (File Transfer) can be used between network camera 1 and a terminal to which external power is also connected via the Internet 6. It is also possible to implement operations such as (Protocol) transfer.

[0060] Here, the global IP address used by the network camera 1 is assigned when the modem 4 is connected to the Internet 6. However, when the connection is terminated and reconnected, a new global IP address is assigned. It is done. Alternatively, the global IP address assigned every predetermined time may change. In other words, the global IP address assigned to network camera 1 is not fixed but changes dynamically.

[0061] The management server 7A has a function of managing a port number used by the network camera 1 for video and audio distribution. The internal storage device (not shown) manages information such as network camera identification information, global IP addresses, and port numbers used for video and audio distribution as a database. In response to a request from the network camera 1, it has a function of searching for data in the database and determining a port number used by the network camera 1 according to the search result. Details of these functions and operations will be described later.

[0062] The DDNS server 7B has a function of assigning a subdomain name to a global IP address used by the network camera 1. As a result, when connecting to the network camera 1 from the outside, it is possible to use an address including a subdomain name rather than an IP address that is a list of numerical values.

[0063] In the figure, the management server 7A and the DDNS server 7B are shown separately. The present invention is not limited to this. One server realizes the operations and functions of the management server 7A and the DDNS server 7B. It may be a mode that operates so as to.

Next, the operation of the video distribution system shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network camera 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for determining a port number performed by the management server 7A. Figure 4 shows the overall flow of the video distribution system, including the corresponding actions shown in Figures 2 and 3. The operation of the video distribution system with reference to these figures explain.

The router 3 is connected to the Internet 6 via the modem 4. Router 3 is assigned a global IP address and can communicate over the Internet 6.

[0067] First, when the network camera 1A is connected to the router 3 and turned on, a private IP address is assigned to the network camera 1A by the DHCP function of the router 3. When the network camera 1A recognizes the global IP address assigned to the router 3, the network camera 1A transmits data including its serial number, global IP address, and requested port number as parameters to the management server 7A (see FIG. 2 steps Sl).

[0068] Here, the requested port number means the port number for which allocation is requested for use in the distribution of video and audio of the network camera 1A, and the initial value for the manufacturing stage. A predetermined port number stored as.

[0069] Further, the description will be made by using the serial number given at the manufacturing stage as the identification information of the network camera. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any information that is unique to each network camera 1 can be identified. For example, information other than the serial number, such as a MAC address, may be used.

[0070] Based on the data received from the network camera 1A, the management server 7A determines a port number used for distributing video and audio from the network camera 1A.

First, when receiving the data transmitted from the network camera 1A, the management server 7A extracts the serial number and global IP address of the network camera 1A as reception parameters (step Sl in FIG. 3).

[0072] At this time, the operation when error information is included in the parameters (Yes in step S22) will be described later.

[0073] Next, the management server 7A starts searching for the database stored in the internal storage device based on the extracted parameters (step S12).

[0074] The database is configured with data power in which the global IP address, serial number, and port number to be used of each network camera 1 are associated. In other words, by referring to the database, each network camera 1 identified by the serial number is assigned to which group. It belongs to the global IP address, and you can check which port number is used to distribute video / audio.

[0075] In the data stored in the database, the same port number is duplicated in the network camera 1 having the same global IP address by the method of determining the port number and the method of registering the data in the database, which will be described later. It is managed not to be assigned. In other words, if the port number used by the network camera 1 is determined so that it matches the data in the database, even if multiple network cameras 1 are connected under the router 3 in the LAN 5 at home, Video and audio can be distributed via the Internet 6 from each network camera 1 where port number collisions do not occur.

[0076] First, the management server 7A also searches the database power for data having an IP address that matches the global IP address of the network camera 1A (step S13).

If there is data having the corresponding IP address as a result of the search, data matching the serial number of the network camera 1A is further searched from among the data (step S14).

If the corresponding data does not exist as a result of the search, next, data in which only the network camera 1A matches the serial number is searched from the database (step S15).

[0079] That is, by the operations of steps S13 to S15, the global IP address and serial number of network camera 1A are compared with the data in the database, and there is data that has the same global IP address and the same serial number. (In the first case: Yes in step S14) When there is data that matches the global IP address, but there is no data that matches the serial number (in the second case: step S14) No), data with the same global IP address does not exist and data with the same serial number does not exist (in the third case: No in step S15), and data with a matching global IP address Does not exist!ヽ is divided into four cases where the data with the same serial number exists (fourth case: Yes in step S15).

[0080] Hereinafter, a method for determining a port number used in the network camera 1A and a method for registering data in the database in the first to fourth cases will be described. [0081] First, the first case will be described.

In this case, data including the global IP address and serial number of network camera 1A is already stored in the database in management server 7A. In other words, this corresponds to a case where the network camera 1A has already been registered in the database of the management server 7A, and a port number assignment request has been made.

[0083] Therefore, the management Sano 7A acquires the port number associated with the data matching the global IP address and serial number received from the network camera 1A from the database, and the port number (hereinafter referred to as the acquired port number). Is sent to the network camera 1A (step S17).

[0084] As described above, in the database, when the same global IP address is a different serial number, different ports are used so that the same global IP address is not assigned a duplicate port number. Data with numbers assigned to it is managed. Therefore, if port numbers are assigned to each network camera 1A, 1B in the same procedure, duplicate port numbers cannot be used.

Next, the second case will be described.

[0086] In this case, it is managed in the database as having the same global IP address !, and there is no serial number of the corresponding network camera 1A among the serial numbers of the network camera 1. In other words, this corresponds to a case where a network camera 1A is newly added to the network camera 1 being connected to the LAN 5 and being used.

[0087] Therefore, the management server 7A searches for the data with the largest port number assigned among the data having the same IP address (step 16), and sets the maximum value of the searched port numbers to 1. The number with is added to network camera 1 A (step S18).

Then, management server 7A registers the global IP address, serial number, and assigned port number of network camera 1A as new data in the database (step S21).

[0089] As a result, in an environment where a plurality of network cameras 1 having the same global IP address are used, the newly added network camera 1A has a port number used by the existing network camera 1. A port number with 1 added to the maximum value is assigned. Because of this, duplicate port numbers may not be assigned!

[0090] Further, since the information related to the network camera 1A is newly registered in the database of the management server 7A, when the port number assignment request is next issued from the network camera 1A, it is the first case. Port numbers are assigned according to the procedure described above.

[0091] Next, the third case will be described.

In this case, neither the global IP address information relating to the network camera 1A nor the information relating to the serial number exists in the database managed by the management Sano 7A. That is, this corresponds to a case where a user who newly purchases the network camera 1A connects the network camera 1A to the router 3 for the first time.

Therefore, the management server 7A transmits the request port number received from the network camera 1A in step S11 to the network camera 1A as it can be used as it is (step S19).

Then, the management server 7A registers the global IP address, serial number, and requested port number of the network camera 1A as new data in the database (step S21).

[0095] As a result, the global IP address, serial number, and port number related to network camera 1A are registered in the database as a new management target in the database. Next, a port number assignment request is received from network camera 1A. If there is, the port number is assigned according to the procedure described above in the first case.

[0096] In addition, when another network camera 1B is newly added to the user of the network camera 1A, the port number is assigned in the procedure described above in the second case, and the data is stored in the database. It will be newly registered.

[0097] Note that here, the network camera 1A transmits a predetermined request port number set as an initial value to the management server 7A, and the management server 7A transmits this to the network camera 1A. For example, only the serial number and the global IP address are transmitted from the network camera 1A, and in the case corresponding to the third case described above, the predetermined port number that the management server 7A has as an initial value is used. It does not matter if it is transmitted. [0098] Next, the fourth case will be described.

[0099] In this case, data having the serial number of the network camera 1A exists in the database of the management server 7A, but the IP addresses do not match. In other words, this corresponds to a case where the global IP address assigned to the LAN 5 that uses the network camera 1A is changed.

[0100] Therefore, the management Sano 7A transmits the port number associated with the data with the matching serial number to the network camera 1A (step S20).

[0101] The management server 7A then updates the database by rewriting the global IP address associated with the serial number of the network camera 1A registered in the database with the global IP address received from the network camera 1A. (Step S 22)

[0102] This allows network camera 1A to be assigned the same port number as before the global IP address was changed. As described above, on the database, the same global IP address and a different serial number are assigned. In the case of, since the data associated with having different port numbers is managed, the network camera 1A is not assigned a port number that overlaps with the other network camera 1B.

[0103] Further, since the information related to the network camera 1A is updated and registered in the database of the management server 7A, next, when there is a port number assignment request from the network camera 1A, the above case is described in the first case. The port number is assigned according to the procedure described above.

[0104] When using a plurality of network cameras 1, port numbers are assigned to all network cameras 1 according to the procedure shown in the above first to fourth cases.

[0105] In this way, for the network camera 1A that sends a parameter including a global IP address and serial number and makes a port number assignment request, the management server 7A shows the cases shown in the first to fourth cases. By supporting, network camera 1A will not be assigned a port number that is duplicated with other network camera 1B.

Therefore, it is possible to avoid the problem that the port forward function of router 3 described later cannot be normally set because an attempt was made to use a duplicate port number as in the conventional case. [0107] Further, since the operation related to the port number assignment described above is automatically performed by simply connecting the network camera 1A to the router 3 connected to the Internet 6, the user can connect the network camera 1A to the network camera 1A. Knowledge about networks that do not require complicated operations is required.

[0108] If only the network camera 1 is connected to the router 3, the port number received by the network camera 1A is duplicated with the port number assigned to the other network camera 1. Therefore, the port forward setting can be completed with certainty. Therefore, for example, simply change the port number and repeat the port forward function setting, and complete the port forward function setting in a shorter time than when the port forward setting is completed when the port number does not overlap. be able to.

[0109] Next, the network camera 1A that has received the port number determined in the above procedure (step S2 in Fig. 2) automatically uses the UPnP function to start setting the port forward function of the router 3. (Step S3).

[0110] Specifically, for the router 3 using the global IP address, the access to the port number received from the management server 7A is forwarded to the private HP address assigned to the network camera 1A. Set the port forward function.

[0111] Thereby, the network camera 1A can operate on the Internet 6 as a Web server using the assigned port number and global IP address.

[0112] However, if the network camera 1A tries to set the port forward function for the router 3 and the port number power has already been assigned to another network device on the router 3, a problem occurs.

Specifically, for example, when the port number assigned by the management server 7A to the network camera 1A is already used by another network device such as the computer device 2 connected to the LAN5. Or, a network camera different from the present invention is used, and the port number being used by the network camera is assigned to the network camera 1A. Since the management server 7A manages only the port number of the network camera 1, if another network device such as the computer device 2 is used, these network devices There is a possibility that the port number already assigned to the network device and the port number to be assigned to network camera 1 on the management server 7A overlap.

[0114] In addition, there is a possibility that a failure occurs in the operation or database of the management server 7A described above, and a port number duplicated with the other network camera 1B is assigned to the network camera 1A.

[0115] In such a case, the port forward function cannot be set normally because an attempt is made to use the duplicate port number already set in the network camera 1A power router 3. Therefore, the router 3 does not return a response indicating that the port forward function has been set normally to the network camera 1A, and there is no response or an error has occurred. A response indicating is returned.

[0116] In order to cope with such a case, the network camera 1A tries to set the port forward function for the router 3 according to the port number determined by the management server 7A. If there is no response from the router 3 indicating that the port forward function has been successfully set within the specified time, it is assumed that an error has occurred and the operation returns to step S1 again (step S1). S4 No).

[0117] However, in this case, the parameter sent from the network camera 1A to the management server 7A indicates that an error has occurred in the router 3 in addition to its own serial number and global IP address. Send error information.

[0118] Then, the management server 7A that has received this operates differently from the first to fourth cases described above with reference to FIG.

[0119] Specifically, the management server 7A, when the signal received from the network camera 1A contains error information indicating that an error has occurred in the settings of the router 3, (in step S22) Yes), data having the same global IP address as that of network camera 1A is searched from the database, and data having the maximum value of the port number is further searched (step S23). Then, the port number obtained by adding 1 to the maximum value of the searched port number is transmitted to the network camera 1A (step S24), and the data is rewritten using the port number as the port number of the network camera 1A to update the database. (Step S25). [0120] Then, the network camera 1 A operates again with steps S3 and S4 as described above. That is, the operation force of steps S1 to S4 is repeated until the setting of the port forward function of router 3 is completed normally.

[0121] If an error occurs in the setting operation of the port forward function of router 3, 1 is added to the maximum port number assigned to network camera 1 connected to LAN5. Determined as the port number. Thereafter, the value determined as the port number of the network camera 1 A is incremented by 1 while an error occurs in the router 3. This is the same as the port number assigned to network camera 1A, and does not overlap with the port numbers of other network cameras 1, computer devices 2, etc., and continues until the port forward function setting of the router can be completed normally .

[0122] In the present embodiment, the management server 7A that has received the error information searches for data having the same global IP address and the maximum port number, and adds 1 to the port number. Thus, although a mode of determining a new port number has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. If it is different from the port number assigned to the data with the same global IP address in the database of Management Server 7A, and if it determines a port number different from the assigned port number when an error occurs, the port number In addition to a mode in which a predetermined numerical value is added to the maximum value, a mode in which a port number is determined by performing a predetermined calculation may be used.

[0123] As a result, even if an error occurs in the port forward function setting operation of Router 3 because a duplicate port number is specified, the port number may be changed and the port forward function setting terminated normally. it can.

[0124] In addition, since the operations related to the change of the port number described above are all automatically performed by the network camera 1A and the management server 7A, the user does not need to operate the network camera 1A. Knowledge about the network etc. is not required.

[0125] When the network camera 1 of the present invention and other network devices are mixed and connected to the router 3 in this way, the network camera 1A has a port number other than the port number assigned to the network camera 1. Set the port forward function with the port number. Therefore, when changing the port number and setting the port forward function repeatedly Compared to, the setting of the port forward function can be completed in a shorter time.

[0126] Next, the network camera 1 A, which has determined the port number and has successfully completed the setting of the port forward function for the router 3, sends a signal requesting the management server 7A to check the external connection. Is transmitted (step S5 in FIG. 2).

[0127] The management server 7A that has received this refers to the data in the database managed for the requested network camera 1A, specifies the global IP address and port number registered in the data, and specifies the network camera. Attempt to connect to 1A. In other words, the video and audio captured by the network camera 1A can be distributed from the outside of the LAN 5 to the terminal that requests connection by specifying the global IP address and port number via the Internet 6. Test for power.

[0128] If the signal sent from the management server 7A specifying the global IP address and port number can be received by the network camera 1A via the router 3, the global IP address and port number This means that the assignment and setting of the port forwarding function of the router has been performed normally.

[0129] If the signal from the management server 7A is not received within a predetermined time despite the transmission of a signal requesting external connection confirmation to the management server 7A, the port forward function of the router 3 Assuming that the settings and data in the database in the management server 7A are not in a normal state, the network camera 1A returns to step S1 and operates (No in step S6). Then, the operations of steps S1 to S5 are performed again.

[0130] Then, when the network camera 1A receives the signal from the management server 7A and confirms that all the settings related to the global IP address and port number have been normally completed, the network camera 1A A signal that responds to is sent to the management server 7A (step S7).

[0131] In relation to the network camera 1A, the management server 7A manages, in addition to the global IP address, serial number, and port number, information indicating that the external connection confirmation test has been performed normally as data in the database.

[0132] As a result, the network camera 1A simply uses the port number determined not to be duplicated and only sets the port forward function of the router 3 for the port number. With this port number, it is possible to confirm whether it is possible to distribute video and audio via the Internet 6.

[0133] If the network camera 1A cannot be connected to the network camera 1A from the port number set for the router 3, the setting operation is automatically performed again so that the external connection can be made normally. Try again.

[0134] Since these operations are automatically performed by the network camera 1A and the management server 7A, the user is required to have knowledge about the network and the like that do not need to operate the network camera 1A. That's also true.

[0135] However, in this state, it is necessary to specify a global IP address that is an enumeration of numbers in order to view the video and audio captured by connecting to the terminal power network camera 1 A such as the mobile phone 8. is there.

[0136] Therefore, the network camera 1 starts a connection to the DDNS server 7B via the Internet 6 so that a domain name can be assigned to the global IP address. Specifically, the global IP address and serial number are sent to the DDNS server 7B via the Internet 6 to request assignment of a subdomain name (step S8

) o

[0137] When the DDNS server 7B receives the serial number and the global IP address from the network camera 1A, the DDNS server 7B assigns the subdomain name determined according to the serial number to the global IP address. More specifically, for example, when the DDNS server 7B has a domain name! If the number is mcsOOOl, the subdomain name mcsOOOl is assigned, and the address “mcs 0001.00 Oxo.jp J!” Is associated with the global IP address of network camera 1 and managed.

At this time, the DDNS server 7 associates and manages the serial number, the global IP address, and the subdomain name of the network camera 1A in order to respond to a request to change the subdomain name later.

[0139] When the setting of the subdomain name is completed on the DDNS server 7B, the DDNS server 7B notifies the network camera 1A of the set subdomain name. And network Camera 1A manages its serial number, private IP address, global IP address, port number, and subdomain name.

[0140] Note that the subdomain name is determined by the DDNS server 7B. The present invention is not limited to this. The network camera 1A power is determined based on the serial number, etc. The IP address and serial number may be sent to the DDNS server 7B, and the DDNS server 7B may simply manage the settings so that the received subdomain name is assigned to the global IP address.

[0141] In addition, although the DDNS server 7B and the management server 7A exist separately and the information related to the subdomain and the like is managed in the DDNS server 7B, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management server 7A and the management server 7A The DDNS server 7B may be realized by the function of the server device, and the information related to the subdomain name may be managed together with the information related to the port number managed by the management server 7A described above. .

[0142] When the setting of the subdomain name is completed, using the Web browser of the mobile phone 8, the global IP address that is a list of numerical values is not included in the address "http: 〃 mcs0001.000.co. By specifying an easy-to-use address using the character string “jp”, the network camera 1 can be connected. At this time, since the domain name is fixed in advance, the user can connect to the network camera 1 by inputting the serial number of the network camera 1 as the subdomain name.

[0143] As described above, since the domain name is automatically set, the user is not required to have knowledge about the network and the like that do not need to operate the network camera 1A.

[0144] When all operations such as determination of the port number, setting of the port forward function of the router, confirmation of connection from the outside, setting of the subdomain name, etc. are completed, the network camera 1A performs this on its display device. The user is notified by displaying on the screen or lighting of a lamp such as an LED (not shown).

Thus, the user can recognize that all the settings have been completed and the connection to the network camera 1A using the subdomain name has become possible.

[0146] The global IP address assigned to router 3 via modem 4 is as described above. May change dynamically. The network camera 1 has changed its IP address assigned to the power router 3 that sends information such as the Gloren IP address to the management server 7A and the DDNS server 7B every predetermined time. When it is recognized, the contents of the global IP address managed internally are changed, and the serial number and the changed global IP address are transmitted to the management server 7A and the DDNS server 7B.

[0147] In response, DDNS server 7B changes the global IP address corresponding to the corresponding serial number. Also in the management server 7A, the database is updated by rewriting the global IP address of the corresponding serial number registered in the database. The operations of the management server 7A and the DDNS server 7B related to the change of the global IP address are performed independently of the operations of steps S1 to S9 described above.

[0148] Thus, even when the global IP address is changed, the change without any operation by the user is automatically reflected in the settings of the management server 7A and the DDNS server 7B. For this reason, even in an environment where the global IP address is dynamically changed, the user can easily connect to the network camera 1 using an address having domain power.

[0149] When the private IP address assigned to itself is changed by the router 3 or the like, the network camera 1 that has recognized this updates the information managed internally, and Change the settings so that Internet 6 is the best connection requirement.

[0150] As a result, even when the private IP address is changed, the change that the user does not perform any operation is automatically reflected in the router 3 settings. For this reason, the user can easily connect to the network camera 1 by using an address having a domain name.

[0151] As described above, just connect the network camera 1 to the router 3 connected to the Internet 6, and determine the port number to be used so that it does not overlap with other network devices 1, 2 such as other network cameras 1. Then, the port forward function of router 3 is set for the port number, and all the processes up to the confirmation of whether or not the external connection by the port number is normally performed are automatically performed. [0152] Therefore, even when a user uses a plurality of network cameras 1 or introduces a new network camera 1 in addition to other network devices that have already been installed, the network camera can be easily used. 1 can be used and knowledge about the network etc. is not required.

[0153] In addition, when a private IP address or global IP address is changed by simply setting the subdomain name, the change is automatically reflected in the settings of DDNS server 7B and router 3. The network camera 1 can be easily used for IJ because the user can continue to use the domain name address without changing the setting every time the IP address is changed.

[0154] Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Innumerable variations not illustrated The power of the scope of the present invention It is understood that the power can be assumed without departing.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A video distribution system for distributing captured images via a network (6), comprising: a router (4) connected to the network;

A network camera (1; 1A, IB) connected to the router and transmitting its own identification information and the global IP address of the router;

A database for managing the identification information and the global IP address and the port number in association with each other, and the network camera power received the global IP address and the identification information received from the network camera are different from each other. When the port number associated with the information is stored, the management server which assigns the port number different from the port number to the network camera and transmits the assigned port number to the network camera. (7A)

A video distribution system comprising:

[2] The video distribution system according to claim 1,

When the network camera receives the port number from the management server, the network camera sets a port forward function of the router so as to assign the port number to itself.

[3] The video distribution system according to claim 2,

When the network camera does not have the router's port forwarding function set within a predetermined time, the network camera sends the identification information, the global IP address, and error information to the management server.

Upon receiving the error information, the management server searches the database based on the received global IP address and differs from the port number stored in association with the global IP address. The video distribution system, wherein the port number is reassigned to the network camera, and the reassigned port number is transmitted to the network camera.

[4] The video distribution system according to claim 2 or claim 3,

When the setting of the port forward function of the router is completed, the network camera requests the management server to check connection via the router, The video distribution system, wherein the management server attempts to connect to the network camera using the port number transmitted to the network camera in response to a request for the network camera.

[5] The video distribution system according to claim 4, further comprising:

A DDNS server (7B) that assigns and manages a subdomain name corresponding to the identification information to the global IP address;

With

When the network camera recognizes that the connection by the port number has been established from the management server, the network camera sends the identification information and the global IP address to the DDNS server to request the assignment of the subdomain name. A featured video distribution system.

[6] The video distribution system according to claim 4, further comprising:

DDNS server (7B) that assigns and manages a subdomain name to the identification information and the global IP address,

With

When the network camera recognizes that the connection by the port number has been established from the management server, it generates a subdomain name according to the identification information, and also identifies the identification information, the global IP address, and the subdomain name. Is sent to the DDNS server to request assignment of the subdomain name.

[7] The video distribution system according to claim 5,

The DDNS server notifies the network camera that assignment of the subdomain name is completed in response to a request from the network camera,

When the network camera receives the notification, the network camera notifies the completion of setting.

[8] The video distribution system according to claim 6,

The DDNS server notifies the network camera that assignment of the subdomain name is completed in response to a request from the network camera, When the network camera receives the notification, the network camera notifies the completion of setting.

[9] A network camera (1; 1A, 1B) that distributes captured images via the network (6),

The router is connected to the network via the router (4), and its own identification information and the router's global IP address are sent to the management server (7A) connected to the network to assign the port number. Request,

When the port number assigned by the management server is received, a port forward function of the router is set so that the port number is assigned to itself.

[10] The network camera according to claim 9,

When the setting of the port forward function of the router is not performed within a predetermined time, the global IP address and error information are transmitted to the management server to request the port number change,

When the port number changed by the management server is received, the network camera is configured to reset the port forward function of the router so as to assign the port number to itself.

[11] The network camera according to claim 9 or claim 10,

When the setting of the port forward function of the router is completed, the network camera is configured to request the management server to check connection through the router.

[12] The network camera according to claim 11,

When the management server recognizes that the connection by the port number has been established, it sends the identification information and the global IP address to the DDNS server (7B) to request assignment of a subdomain name. .

[13] The network camera according to claim 11,

When the management server recognizes that the connection by the port number has been established, it generates a subdomain name corresponding to the identification information, and also transmits the identification information, the global IP address, and the subdomain name to the DDNS server (7B ) To send the subdomain A network camera characterized by requesting a name assignment.

[14] The network camera according to claim 12,

A network camera characterized in that, upon receiving a signal notifying that the assignment of the subdomain name is completed, the completion of setting is notified.

[15] The network camera according to claim 13,

[16] Database that manages identification information and global IP addresses and port numbers in association with each other,

With

When the identification information and the global IP address are received, the received port number associated with the received global IP address and the identification information different from the received identification information is stored! In this case, the management server determines the port number different from the port number, and transmits the port number to the transmission source of the identification information and the global IP address.

[17] The management server according to claim 16,

When data including the identification information, the global IP address and error information is received,

Based on the received global IP address, the database is searched and the port number different from the port number stored in association with the global IP address is transmitted to the source of the error information. A management server characterized by: