CN103824407B - Systems and methods for distributed monitoring of remote sites - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for distributed monitoring of remote sites. Rules are applied to video surveillance data to detect events. Localization of the events is achieved by decomposing events into distinct components, each of which can, in some embodiments, be defined at different locations and by different users.

Description

For the system and method for distributed monitoring of remote sites

The application is Application No. 200780028664.7, entitled " for distributed monitoring of remote sites The divisional application of the application of system and method ".

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the U.S. Application No. 11/446,523 and U.S. Application No. 11/446 submitted on June 2nd, 2006, 570 priority and rights and interests, the disclosure content of above-mentioned application is combined herein by reference of text.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the method and system that computer based is used for surveillance operation, and more particularly relate to a kind of energy The area of computer aided monitoring system of the event that enough detections occur in multiple sites.

Background technology

The current awareness of safety for increasingly improving and the supervision equipment cost for constantly reducing are already led to using such as closed circuit electricity Depending on（CCTV）More applications of the monitoring system of technology.These systems have diminished crime under various different environment, prevented Only accident and the generally potentiality of enhancing security.Video monitoring system typically comprises a series of video camera, these shootings Machine is located at a relevant range（For example, warehouse, retail location, office building, an airport）Difference everywhere Position.Video feed is sent back a central observation station by these video cameras（Or multiple observation stations）, the central observation station allusion quotation Type ground is on duty by a security personnel.These different monitoring feedbacks are displayed on a series of screen, and these screens are used to supervise Depending on suspicious actions.

In addition to using CCTV systems in respective location, it is to use video monitor and analysis system that people are very interested To collect the data relevant with the behavior of the personnel across multiple positions.For example, a national Retail chain shop may be right Behavior of the shopper in different shops is interested.Although the data being collected into from a single site are useful, only Have whole values that these data could be realized when being compared from the data from different sites, for example for how one Spread all over multiple positions within site or a site and the deep understanding of resource offer is optimally provided, to realize specific mesh Mark.

However, in order to useful, should be with the data collected in other similar positions from a data for position It is comparable.That is, identical event（For example, " personnel stop before displaying "）There should be consistent meaning in each position Justice.But, due to off-gauge floor plan, the configuration of variable video camera and other site differences, event Generation may seem very different in each position（From from the perspective of a monitoring system）.These differences cause independent one It is personal（For example, a safety supervisor or company marketing analyst）Be difficult on required level of detail specify an event so as to Reliably the event is detected in multiple diverse locations.

A kind of mode for processing the inconsistent problem in this position is to make a global operation person in each single field Point and a monitoring system interaction, to define dependent event.Although this method this have the advantage that and concentrated with to event Control and management, but the limitation of time and resource inhibits scalability across many sites.The requirement of another method across The similar position of more all sites is in horizontal layout and the aspect all same of sensor arrangement two.Although this method allows one entirely Office operator carrys out centralized definition dependent event and replicates these events across all positions, but require all positions it is all identical be not Reality.The third method is in giving the hand of local site operator by the responsibility of event definition, but this method is put Abandon any centralized Control factor and significantly reduce the data consistency for crossing over site.

Regrettably, no one of these methods are to meet needs.Therefore, what is desired is that a kind of technology, It is used for centralized definition and management event on a global level and in allowing location layout and video camera configuration simultaneously can Denaturation.

The content of the invention

According to the present invention, rule is applied to monitor data（For example, video surveillance data, point of sale（POS）Data, penetrate Frequency is recognized（RFID）Data, eas（EAS）Data, personal identification data（Such as contactless card data and/or biometric Amount data）Deng to detect a generation for event（Or do not occur）.In order to assist while carrying out centralized Control and positioning, event Definition is divided into multiple key elements, makes some key elements be global definition, and other key elements are locally defined.One event it is complete The leap that office's key element can describe such as event is owned（Or certain big collection）It is all identical on position（Or it is almost identical）'s Aspect.Local key element describes the aspect that the event can be directed to each position and customize.

For example, using the system and technology of following explanation, a central security mechanism can create an event definition " mould Plate ", the template includes some dependent events（For example, stealing, deliberately destruction, shopping etc.）Global, specific information, and For " placeholder " of the event information that localizes, these placeholders will be completed by the operator in long-range site, these operators To typically there are more knowledge of the aspects such as product placement, camera arrangements, floor plan.The template is provided to this A little sites are simultaneously implemented as a part for site monitoring system.Local system operator completes the template, and will be a true Recognize and be sent to central office, the confirmation shows that event has been completely defined and has been used for monitoring in progress.

Thus, in a first aspect, the invention provides a kind of method for assisting the multiple difference sites of monitoring, the method includes The rule of a set of description dependent event is provided.These rules have multiple key elements, and some of them key element is the peculiar key element of site, and Other key elements are independently of site.These key elements independently of site are globally defined, and then by these Rule distribution is thereby assisted in the definition of the peculiar key element of these sites and is carried out using these rules in the multiple site Site is monitored.

The peculiar key element of these sites can specify that the position relevant with these sites, floor-plan data, sensor are known Other data（For example, video camera ID, RFID sensor ID, POS sensor ID and/or EAS sensor ID）, or their any group Close.These independently of the key element of site can specify that these sites occur behavior, spread all over these sites placement object and/ Or the personnel interactive with the object for spreading all over the site.

In certain embodiments, the alarm for showing that event occurs in these sites is received from these sites.Can collect These alarms determine to be connect from some sites during a predetermined time period to assist the statistical analysis of such as these alarms, such as The average of the alarm for receiving.For example, special analysis can determine whether these distinctive key elements of regular site are secondary Optimization and/or they whether inconsistently applied across these sites.In some cases, by analysis proposed for The change of the peculiar key element of these sites can be assigned to the site for observing inconsistency.Can be with（Intensively or remotely） These secondary alerts are simultaneously sent to a long-range site by generation secondary alert, and the long-range site can generate one or many The site of individual initial alarm, or to a different site.In some examples, this different site can be based on being connect by it Receive a relation derived in these alarm events and/or site and be identified.The distinctive key element of these sites also may be used Ratified and/or issued to be sent to a central office.

Except（Or substitute）Receive alarm, it is also possible to receive monitoring data from these different sites.In such cases, These rules are applied to monitor generation of the data to detect dependent event（Or do not occur）, so as to generate above-mentioned can carry out The alarm for collecting and/or analyzing.

On the other hand, the invention provides a system, the system is used to monitor multiple difference sites and including a rule Then definition module and a delivery module.The rule-definition module assists establishment description to be likely to occur in（Or do not occur）These The rule of the different event of site.These rules both include the peculiar key element of site（For example, floor-plan data, position, shooting Machine positional information etc.）Also the key element independently of site is included（For example, the site occur behavior, the site object with And in the site personnel interactive with monitored object）.These rules are sent to monitored site by delivery module, at this A little sites can define the distinctive position elements of environment.

In certain embodiments, it is possible to use a Website server to be provided to the rule to the client of long range positioning The access of definition module, each client is associated with a specific site（And it is usually located at the site-specific）.In some feelings Under condition, the access of these remote clients is authorized in Website server management, so as to limit these clients, for example, so that these are remote Journey client can only change the peculiar key element of site or access a subset of these key elements.The delivery module can be with（For example, from In monitored environment）Data are received, such as shows that one alarm of event occurs a position, such as regarded together with sensing data Frequently, RFID data, EAS data and POS data.In certain embodiments, the system can also include an analysis module, should Analysis module be used for for example, by collect the data for receiving for statistical analysis, compare what is received from monitored position The quantity of alarm and recognize that the inconsistency between these alarms for receiving and/or monitoring data is special to determine these environment There are the degree of accuracy and the uniformity of key element.Based on the inconsistency for being recognized, modification can be made to these rules（For example, using The rule-definition module）, and via the delivery module these rules are re-assigned to long-range site in some cases.Should System can also include a data memory module, for storing video surveillance data, these rules, being performed by the analysis module Analysis result and the distinctive data of other application.

On the other hand, the present invention provides a kind of method for monitoring multiple sites, and the method includes providing a rule Model site is laid out, one or more elements that site layout regulation has to a quantity of site.This is given by occasion assignment A little elements without considering the practical layout of these sites, so as to produce a canonical site layout for having note.Then this is noted Solution layout is sent to a user, and the user is familiar with sending it site of the layout, and the user is then able to modification This canonical site layout（For example, using a Downloadable applet, such as one AJAX small routine）, so that the rule Model site layout is consistent with actual site layout and can be used in monitoring the site.

These elements can specify that the position about these sites, such as floor-plan data.It is assigned to specification planar cloth These events for putting figure can be that site is distinctive（For example, video camera ID, RFID sensor ID, POS sensor ID and/or EAS The sensor identification data of sensor ID）And/or independently of site, such as one position（Outlet, passageway etc.）Or one One kind between people and an element is interactive（Such as one customer stops at a product introduction）.

In certain embodiments, the layout that this was changed can be used within a monitoring system（For example, at one Or multiple sites）, a basis of alarm is generated as the generation based on these events.These alarms can be analyzed with true It is fixed（For example）The degree of accuracy of these events and/or floor plan.

On the other hand, the invention provides a kind of system for monitoring multiple sites, the system includes user circle Face and a modified module.The user interface includes one be wherein associated with canonical site layout independently of the element of site Canonical site layout's frame and wherein by actual site it is peculiar layout be presented to one frame of user.The modified module assists the reality The element independently of site of site layout is associated with the peculiar element of site.

In certain embodiments, the modified module includes an asynchronous JavaScript applet.The system is also A Website server can be included, the Website server is used to provide the user the small routine, and processed using such as XML come From the request of data of the small routine.One data memory module can also be used for meeting to be made by modified module and is taken via the website The request of data that business device is submitted to.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following figures, the similar reference marker through different views is generally referred to identical part.And, this A little accompanying drawings are also not necessarily to scale, but generally lay stress in explanation principle of the invention.

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of the monitoring system of an embodiment of the invention, and the monitoring system merges from multiple The data of sensor network.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of monitoring system embodiment, and the monitoring system has one of the invention Concentration the and long-range disposal ability of embodiment.

Fig. 3 is the different key elements that an embodiment of the invention is used for the event defined in a monitoring system One schematic diagram.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart, this diagram depicts an embodiment of the invention for implementing monitoring system Method.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart, and the figure describes an embodiment of the invention and is used to realize a monitoring system Method additional step.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart, and it describes embodiment of the invention and is used to realizing monitoring system The additional step of method.

Fig. 7 is a snapshot of user interface, and the user interface is used to implement an embodiment of the invention Monitoring system.

Fig. 8 is a diagram for user interface, and the user interface is used to be the prison according to one embodiment of the invention Viewing system defines floor plan template.

Fig. 9 is user interface snapshot, and the user interface is used to define an implementation of the invention A position elements for event in the monitoring system of scheme.

Figure 10 is user interface snapshot, and the user interface is used to define an implementation of the invention Event in the monitoring system of scheme.

Figure 11 is user interface snapshot, and the user interface is used to change an implementation of the invention Event in the monitoring system of scheme.

Figure 12 is a diagram for user interface, and the user interface is used for the prison in an embodiment of the invention Site distinctive key element is defined as the attribute of event in viewing system.

Figure 13 is a diagram for user interface, and the user interface is used for the prison in an embodiment of the invention One distinctive floor plan of site of a floor plan model customization is used in viewing system.

Detailed description of the Invention

Although be described herein with reference to user and product is tracked in retail location, and as in detection stealing and It is useful when in terms of the different sale and ruuning situation in measurement shop, but the following system for illustrating and technology are for various purposes May be equally applied to any monitored environment, such as airport, amusement gambling house, school, amusement park, public place of entertainment and office building.

Fig. 1 shows the video monitor and sensor network system of integration of different embodiments of the invention 100.System 100 captures monitoring data from one or more monitored wild points at any number of monitoring arrangement, therefore, these Data are available in locally（In each monitoring arrangement, in a native processor or in the two）, in single concentration Position and/or it is analyzed and/or processes in any number of intermediate data processing position.In certain embodiments, below The treatment of explanation and analytical technology can be according to bandwidth, disposal ability and other specifications long-range, moderate distance and central It is allocated between site.The data from these monitoring arrangements can be processed according to one or more rules, to examine Survey the generation in monitored one or more events of site（It is in some cases do not occur）.The system generally includes one Individual intelligent video surveillance system 105 and one or more optional external sensor networks 110.Intelligent video surveillance system 105 Including a video processing module 115 and an alarm/search process module 120.Video processing module 115 analyzes video flowing, So as to produce the video and video metadata of the compression as output.In certain embodiments, alarm/search process module 120 include 130, alarm module 135 of a tracking module and a delivery module 140, and scan frequency metadata to find out The pattern matched with a set of pre-defined rule, so as to generate alarm when pattern match is found that（Or the unit for prerecording Search Results under data cases）, then these alarms can be sent to one or more output devices 145（It is hereinafter detailed State）.The example of alarm module metadata used when these are regular in treatment includes object ID, object type（For example, people Member, product etc.）, date/time stamp, current camera position, previous camera position, bearing data, product cost, product damage Consumption etc..

One example of intelligent video surveillance system 105 is in jointly owned, Co-pending U.S. Patent Application sequence number 10/706,850, " Method And System For Tracking And Behavioral Monitoring Of Multiple Objects Moving Through Multiple Fields-Of-View（For to being moved through many visuals field Multiple objects be tracked with behavior monitor method and system）" in be described, whole disclosure contents of this application lead to Cross and be incorporated herein by reference.In some embodiments, alarm/search process module 120 increased extra input, with using not With the tracking and data capture of form data, such as point of sale are received from external sensor network 110（“POS”）System, radio frequency are known Not（RFID）System and/or electronic article surveillance（EAS）System, is such as the jointly owned, common of the submission of on May 30th, 2006 With pending U.S. Patent Application No. 11/443,500, " Object Tracking and Alerts（Object tracking and alarm）” Described in, whole disclosure contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference.

Video monitoring system 105 includes multiple input pickups 125, and the capture of these input pickups is depicted in a quilt Personnel and the interactive data of article in the environment of monitoring.These sensors 125 can include video camera（For example, optical pickocff, Infrared Detectors, camera, analog video camera, digital video camcorder can generate the sufficiently high picture number of quality Any device of the method for following explanation is supported according to this）With the sensor for being not based on video（For example, RPID base stations, POS scanners And system of inventory control）.These sensors can also include that cigarette, fire and carbon monoxide detector, door and window enter detector, glass Breakage detector, motion detector, audio detector, Infrared Detectors, computer network monitor, voice recognition device, regard Frequency video camera, camera, microphone and/or fingerprint, face, retina or other biological measurement identifying device.In some examples In, these sensors can include conventional emergency button, HA Global Positioning Satellite（GPS）Locator, other geographic locators, doctor Learn indicator and Vehicle Information System.These sensors can also be with other existing Information System Integrations, such as storage controlling System, accounting system or similar system.

In the case where extra external sensor network 110 is combined implementation with video monitoring system 105, external sensor Network 110 collects the signal for representing the output of these sensors, and by one or more normal data tranmission techniques this A little signals are sent to the alarm/search process module 120 of video monitoring system 105.These signals can by a LAN and/ Or a WAN（For example, Tl, T3,56kb, X.25）, broadband connection（ISDN, frame relay, ATM）, wireless link（802.11st, it is blue Tooth etc.）Etc. being transmitted.In certain embodiments, it is possible to use if trusted key is to encryption technology（trusted key- pair encryption）These vision signals are encrypted.Different sensing systems can use different communication paths Transmission information, such as Ethernet or wireless network, direct serial or parallel connection, USB, fire wall, bluetooth or proprietary interface.System System 100 can be configured to one " star network ", wherein, each sensor 125 is separately connected to alarm/search module 120, Or in some cases, sensor network 110 can have a more general topological structure, the topological structure includes opening Other common components in pass, router and computer network.In certain embodiments, sensor 125 can carry out double To transmission such that it is able to receive signal from video monitoring system 105（With hoisting power, sound the alarm, move, change setting Deng）.

In certain embodiments, system 100 includes a video storage modules 150 and a rule/metadata storage Module 155.Video storage modules 150 store the video captured from video monitoring system 105.Video storage modules 150 can be with Including VCR, DVR, RAID array, USB hard drive, optical disc recorder, flash memory device, image analysis apparatus, general-purpose computations Machine, video enhancement device, de-interlacing scanner, scaler and/or other videos or data for storing and/or processing video Treatment and memory element.Can be captured with different analog and/or digital forms and store these vision signals, only conduct is shown Example, these forms include national television systems committee（NTSC）Standard, line-by-line inversion（PAL）Standard and order and storage color TV（SECAM）Standard, the uncompressed data signal connected using DVI or HDMI and/or based on a kind of general CODEC forms （For example, MPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4 or H.264）Compression digital signal.

Rule/tadata memory module 150 is stored and captured from video monitoring system 105 and external sensor network 110 The metadata for arriving, and compare these metadata rules according to which, to determine whether that alarm should be triggered.Rule/metadata is deposited Storage module 155 can be implemented on an other computer of server level, and the computer includes application program instructions, these applications Programmed instruction is used to store these alarm rules and these alarm rules are supplied to alarm/search process module 120.Can be used for The example for implementing the database application of video storage modules 150 and/or the storage of rule/tadata memory module 155 includes The MySQL database server of the MySQLAB companies of Sweden Uppsala, the California, USA Berkeley PostgreSQL whole world are opened What the PostgreSQL database servers of hair group exploitation or California, USA Redwood Shores ORACLE companies provided ORACLE database servers.In certain embodiments, it is real on a server using such as multiple subregions and/or mode Video storage modules 150 and rule/tadata memory module 155 are applied, to obtain desired systematic function.

Various external sensor networks 110 can provide data to system 100.For example, POS network is contained is connected to one Many base stations of individual network（For example, cashier's machine, scanner etc.）, when these base stations are activated, the sensor in base station is one The Transaction Information of individual customer（Product, price, customer ID etc.）And the state of the cashier's machine（It is turned on and off）It is sent to the net Network.Similarly, EAS network is typically comprised positioned at many pedestals of retail shop's near exit, and these pedestals sensing is put In high-value product（It is in some cases all over products）On activation eas tag presence.When detecting the presence of a mark During label, the pedestal is by the network information transmission a to middle position.Many commercial buildings also use security system, these Security system senses the opening and closing of door, and uses " swiping the card " system, these " swipe the card " system requirements employee enter or from Open up when applying brush ID card or show ID card.According to the present invention, some or all these sensor-based monitoring system 110 Integrated with video monitoring system 105, to strengthen ability and the degree of accuracy of the video monitoring system.Certainly, sensor class above Type list is simultaneously not exhaustive, provide only the example of the type of the sensor network 110 that can be used.

In a non-limiting examples, sensor network 110 includes a RFID subsystem, the RFID subsystem itself Including transmitter（Also referred to as " base station " or " station "）, these transmitters be located above the object tracked by monitoring system 100 should Answer device interactive.These base stations in certain effective radius of base station off and on（For example, every n-th millisecond, wherein n round numbers）Send RF energy.When a transponder enter this effective radius when, RF energy " wake-ups " transponder, then the transponder with this RF energy interactions notify the base station with by an identification signal.The signal typically comprises transponder object attached thereto Different information, such as one SKU yards, source code, quantity code etc..These data obtain the letter from the transponder Breath（For example, a transmitter ID and date/time stamp）Supplement, and can be stored as the record of a uniqueness. Spread in a region by by multiple transmitters（For example, spreading all over a shop or warehouse）, the RFID subsystem can be used for Coordinate and their number of times interactive with the transponder by using these transmitters determine an object for being loaded with RFID label tag Position and path.

In certain embodiments, the alarm for being created by alarm/search process module 120 can be sent to output device 145, such as intelligence or unintelligent terminal, network computer, wireless device（For example, hand-held PDA）, radio telephone, massaging device, Work station, minicom, mainframe computer or other computing devices that can be run as a general purpose computer, Or it is used as the output device 145 in system 100 using only a kind of hardware unit of special purpose.In an example, it is Security personnel provide wireless output device 145, these devices make an inspection tour a monitored environment when have text, message and Video capability.When alarm is generated, message is sent to these output devices 145, so as to these staff are guided to one Individual specific position.In certain embodiments, video can be included in these message, so that for these tour personnels provide Related personnel or the visual confirmation of object.

In certain embodiments, these output devices 145 can also include geography information business（GIS）Data.At this In a little implementation methods, map and/or floor plan（Practical photograph or its graphical signal）With icon information and text message Combination, these information describe the object in the environment and the environment.For example, can be in a guarantor for large retailing store work Peace personnel provide wireless handheld device（Such as Samsung SCHi730 radio telephones）, these devices can be presented static and/or video Figure, these figures include the parking lot near a floor plan and/or the shop.Using by similar device（Or Person, in some cases, by the RFID base stations for spreading all over the shop）The gps coordinate of acquisition, it may be determined that different show area, The position of personnel, vending machine or group, and by these position displays into the shop a width map.By this method, own Site is common, it is possible that the characteristic positioned at diverse location can be relative to each site map making.

When the analysis customer of system 100 and other objects it is mobile when, alarm/search process module 120 is supervised using from video The metadata that viewing system 115 and external sensor network 110 are received is regular to determine whether satisfaction one or more, if meeting One or more rule, then generate alarm.As an example, it is possible to use manual association and/or automatic technique（It is based on, example Such as, duplicate detection is to two objects closely）To make the object ID associated with a customer be closed with a Related product One product IDs of connection link together.If it is determined that the product and the customer（Repeatedly, continuously or with certain fixed intervals Ground）Co-located, then can generate an alarm for showing that the customer has been placed into the product shopping cart.If with Show that the product is sensed in a RFID base station in the exit in the shop afterwards, without showing the product one Individual POS base stations are scanned, then can be shown that a shoplifting event.Then the alarm can be transmitted to security personnel, make The position of the product and personnel can be seen on the shop floor plan with the security personnel of the device with GIS functions.

In certain embodiments, extra data can be added to the show area, for example, adds color to represent crowd Density or a preferred path, further to assist security personnel to a quick movement for ad-hoc location.Can also add Color enhancing effect is showing the speed that an object is being moved, or shows the prestige that the object is monitored environment structure The degree of the side of body.In some cases, can be the information transmission for updating to the show area, to provide monitored event and object One in real time（Or it is approximate real time）Represent.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention 200, wherein, configure multiple with a kind of distributed way Video monitor and sensor network system 100, to assist to monitor multiple sites.As illustrated, distributed video monitoring and biography Sensor network system 100 includes at least one central site 205 and multiple long-range site 210,210', 210 "（It is referred to as 210）, this A little sites are communicated by a network 215.As illustrated, the system includes three long-range sites, but this is intended merely to show Model purpose, can essentially there is any amount of site 210.Each long-range site can include video monitor and sensor network One or more elements 220,220', 220 of system 100 "（It is referred to as 220）, such as monitoring the local visitor of the long-range site Family software 225 and/or one or more sensor networks 230.In some embodiments, intelligent video surveillance system 105 One complete implementation method may reside in each（Or some）Long-range site 210.For example, specific long-range site（Such as Warehouse, shop in large-scale metropolitan area etc.）Can be with a sufficiently large complete implementation method to ensure the system, and at it Implementation method in his typical small-sized place can be confined to be sent to the data of capture the sensor of central site 205 Device.In some embodiments, multiple long-range sites 210 are certain amount（Typically larger than one and be less than the number of long-range site Amount）Middle site provide video and/or sensor network data, to be processed, be analyzed and/or be stored.

Native client software 225 can be assisted to the long-range connection of a server of centrally located site 205.In these realities Apply in scheme, native client software 225 can include both web browser, a client software or more.The network browsing Device allows to be in a user for long-range site 210 come requested webpage or asks other Downloadable journeys with a web-page requests Sequence, small routine or document（For example, from central site 205 and/or other long-range sites 210）.One example of webpage is one Individual data file, this document includes information, image, sound, text and/or video that computer can perform or can compiling, this A little contents can be shown, perform, play, process, propagate and/or store, it is also possible to comprising the link to other webpages or refer to Pin.In one embodiment, one net from central site 205 of user's manual request of native client software 225 Page.As an alternative, native client software 225 can automatically make request in the web browser.Commercially available net The example of network browser software includes the INTERNET EXPLORER that Microsoft provides, what America Online/Time Warner provided The FIREFOX that NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR or Mozilla foundation are provided.

Native client software 225 can also include one or more application programs, and these application programs allow a user The key element of management of sensor network 230 and/or the rule relevant with the special site 210 is monitored.Can come in different forms These application programs are performed, for example, in the form of a Java, the Java is downloaded in the client, and And operation is combined with a web browser, or the application program can be a form for stand-alone utility, with one kind Platform language performs this stand-alone utility, such as Java, Visual Basic or C, or with local processor Executable code is performed.In one embodiment, if performed on client at a long-range site 210, should One is opened by a network connection for server at communication network 215 to central site 205 with program, and via this Connection and server communication.In a special example, such as asynchronous JavaScript and XML can be used（AJAX）As one An information screen in single application program performs the application program, and the behavior that so many users start is in the remote field Point is processed.In these cases, the data exchange of behind can be carried out with central site 205, and is making change every time Shi Wuxu reload long-range site user viewing any webpage so that improve the interactive of the application program, speed and Availability.

For example, long-range site 210 can be in a personal computer（Such as one PC or with Intel processors Platform apple MACINTOSH）Upper execution local software 225, the Microsoft that the personal computer can run State of Washington Redmond is public The MICROSOFT WINDOWS sequence of maneuvers system of department, the MACINTOSH operations system of California Cupertino Apple Computer System and a variety of Unix systems, the SUN SOLARIS of such as Santa Clara, California Sun Microsystems, Inc. and North Carolina The GNU/Linux of state Durham RED HAT companies（And other）.Local software 225 can also be such as intelligent or non intelligent Terminal, network computer, wireless device, radio telephone, massaging device, work station, minicom, mainframe computer or other Performed on computing device, this computing device runs as a general purpose computer or special purpose hardware unit, this Hardware unit is planted to be only used for as a client in the monitoring system.

Multiple system mutuals at central site 205 and each long-range site 210.In one embodiment, video prison Depending on some parts with sensor network system 100, such as intelligent video surveillance system 105, one at central site 205 240 perform on server.In these examples, preferably server is realized on the other computer of one or more server level 240, such computer has sufficiently large internal memory, data storage and disposal ability, and it is other to run a server level Operating system（For example, SUN Solaris, GNU/Linux and MICROSOFT WINDOWS sequence of maneuvers systems）.Can also root Amount according to the ability of the device, site quantity and the data for receiving and analyzing is hard using system as described herein is different from Part and software.For example, server 240 can be a logical groups of one or more servers（Such as a server zone or clothes Business device network）Or a part for the logical groups.As another example, there can be multiple servers, they can phase each other Associate or be connected, or, multiple servers can be with independent operating, but with shared data.In a further embodiment And used as the typical case in large scale system, application software can be performed in key element, wherein different key elements is in difference Server computer on operation, on identical server operation or in certain combination run.In certain embodiments, Server 240 can be in a service bureau（service bureau）Or in trusteeship service (hosting service) perform or Run by, the service bureau or host services represent different, sometimes incoherent entity, these entities wish outsourcing this Class is serviced.

Communication network 215 is using a delivery module 245 at central site 205 by these Remote implementations and service Device 240 is connected.The non-limiting examples for being able to carry out the application program of the function of the delivery module take including APACHE networks Business device and WINDOWS INTERNET INFORMATION SERVER.This communication can enter via any medium and agreement OK, as described by above in conjunction with Fig. 1.Preferred network 215 can carry ICP/IP protocol communication, and, this is local soft The HTTP/HTTPS requests and the connection between local software 225 and server 240 that part and/or the server are proposed can lead to Such TCP/IP networks are crossed to communicate.However, the type of network is not a kind of limiting, it is possible to use any appropriate network. Can serve as the non-limiting examples of the network of a part for communication network 215 or communication network 215 includes wireless or has The in-house network based on Ethernet of line, LAN or wide area network（LAN or WAN）And/or it is referred to as the Global Link of Internet Communication network, these networks are adapted to various different communication medias and agreement.

In some embodiments that central site 205 carries out all or part for the treatment of and analysis,

Server 240 can also include different application program modules, and these application program modules are used for long-range with monitoring Definition, storage and the analysis of the relevant data of site 210 and rule.For example, a definition module 250 is assisted and is likely to occur in The relevant rule of the dependent event of these long-range sites and for these rules to be defined as into site（General site or specific field Point）The definition of the floor plan of attribute, as described in more detail below.

Server 240 can also include a centralized storage module 255, such as one Database Systems, the data base set System is stored from the data of these the long-range sites 205 reception rule relevant with these dependent events in one or more databases Then, user's license, industrial data and similar information.The database typically provides data to other within server 240 Module and the local software at long-range site 205 225.For example, the database can provide information to an analysis mould Video data is compare to determine if a specific event by block 260, the analysis module with the rule of definition. In certain embodiments, analysis module examination ＆ verification historical data, to attempt identifying special feature, example in these data Such as there is more situation in a special event in specific site compared with other sites.Centralized storage module 255 The database of difference can also be included, this database is used for video and non-video sensors data, regular key element, history point Analysis, user's license etc..Can be configured to perform these and other similar functions database server example include Fig. 1 in it is right In the server of memory module description.

Server 240 is also used as a mass storage device, and this mass storage device is used to store Application program instructions and data, these application program instructions and data are used to that these monitoring to be communicated and processed with long-range site 210 Data.More precisely, server 240 can be configured into a storage event detection of the invention and supervision application journey Sequence, this be for obtaining monitoring data from the different device of multiple long-range sites 210, and for the treatment of central site 205 this A little data.The event detection and supervision application program include the instruction that computer can perform, when by server 240 and/or locally When software 225 performs these instructions, the application program is obtained, analyzed and transmission monitoring data, as being described in detail below Like that.By the event detection and supervision application program storage on computer-readable any medium, and can utilize and the calculating Be loaded into this application program in the internal memory of server 240 by an associated drive mechanism of machine computer-readable recording medium, this driving machine Structure is, for example, floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM drive or network drive.

In many embodiments, these long-range sites 210 can be homogeneity in function and/or design；However, In many examples, one or more long-range sites 210 can be different from other sites.For example, a department store chain can be at it Implement a system of the invention in all warehouses, distribution center and retail shop, so in the planar cloth of different sites Figure, activity and operation planning is put to differ.In some examples, some sites can be with closely similar（For example, having similar The shop fronts of design）, but different monitoring strategies can benefit from due to the difference of environment, the different such as shops of environment The surrounding area of position and/or an exclusive promotional event in specific shop.In these examples, it is difficult to accurate Degree does not cause to significantly affect or dependent event of the description in each site is defined in the case of not increasing the burden of employee excessively One regular series of overall importance of different aspect.

Fig. 3 describes element event configuration more than, and the configuration is balanced and defined and open-ended for the rule concentrated The demand of implementation method, this implementation method wishes the localization input and customization in these long-range sites.In general, this hair Bright configuration multiple key element（Some of which be substantially it is of overall importance, i.e., it is not distinctive for any special site its Characteristic）It is combined to form event 305 with the distinctive key element of site.It is then possible to each key element being based on defined in the event Detection come detecting event 305 generation（Or do not occur）.For example, a certain key element of an event can be a position 310, Such as one sales counter of point of sale, one outlet, corridor, doorway or other places that physically can recognize that.Event 305 Key element can also include multiple objects 315（Such as a particular commodity in a retail shop）And various behaviors 320（As selected And/or the movement of purchase object 315 or personnel in the site everywhere）.

These events can be implemented as rule, and these rules are for testing these events in one or more sites Generation or do not occur.A kind of possible form of these rules is to use Boolean logic.Moved back using a fraudulent employee Goods event as example, a rule can be expressed as " if（（The return of goods have been processed in XXX POS）With（No（YYY articles It is present in ZZZ camera views））, then alarm is sent "." XXX " refers to being assigned to the one of each POS work station herein Individual unique No. ID, " YYY " refers to a specific product, and " ZZZ " refers to being assigned to one the one of video camera uniquely No. ID, the video camera have a visual field corresponding with the POS work stations.The definition of the rule and thus by the POS works Associating of making that station ID and region ID carry out can be by the system with this specific POS work station and these positions for video camera One onsite user of the knowledge put to determine by hand, and the product information by one can lack site special knowledge but know The user that the particular commodity is often returned goods to stolen or being spoofed property carrys out global definition.

In general, an alarm rule utilizes Boolean logic（For example, "AND", "or", Not operator）By event and this The key element of a little events is combined together, and this can be detected on a given sensor network.For example, POS events can With including " returning goods processed ", " cashier's machine opening ", " ZZZ projects have been bought " etc..Video system event can include " object In the presence of ", " object movement ", " number of objects>N " etc..Security system event can include " No. #123456 card has been swiped the card ", " door is opened Open ", " detecting movement " etc..

These events can be had joined together to create into alarm statement with Boolean logic, these alarm statements can be any Ground is complicated.One rule can be made up of one or more alarm statements.If that entirely states is evaluated as "true", one is generated Individual alarm.For example, work as detecting an eas（EAS）During event, it is considered to which an alarm is having detected whether two People have left shop.These event arguments are " detecting label " and " number of objects>2”.If two key elements are all "true", that This event has occurred and has sent alarm.Therefore, be combined be expressed as "（#123 EAS detect label）With（#456 regions Middle number of objects>2）”.As it was previously stated, unique No. ID is used to make this special EAS pedestal connection to appropriate video camera On a relevant range.

As another example, entrance can be restricted into one based on two personal uses, one certificate is detected（It is logical Frequently referred to " incidentally "）And trigger an alarm.The alarm rule is similar to EAS alarm rules above：If "（#834 doors It is opened）With（#532 section object quantity>2）, then alarm is sent ".Other alarms can be based on hazardous material (fluids), automobile and goods The movement of the objects such as thing, these movement determine the object whether be going into a restricted region, whether move it is too fast or Whether person moves at the moment that should can't detect action.

It is similar with detection employee's return fraud, understand when a cashier for POS work stations is opened and in the absence of Gu Visitor is often useful.These events generally indicate that employee theft.As a more complicated regular example, to this thing The detection of part can be combined with employee's return fraud rule, so be capable of detecting when both of which with a rule： If "（（（In the processed return of goods of #XXX POS）Or（Opened in #XXX POS cashier's machines））And（No（Object is present in #YYY In number region））, then alarm is sent ".

Together, each key element provides a part for the event, and such as customer chooses a commodity and brings it to one Cashier's machine.Although can this event of abstract definition, i.e., without reference to any specific cashier's machine, monitoring arrangement 325 be used for monitor the receipts Silver-colored machine or the device（The visual field of such as one video camera or a radius of clean-up for RFID sensor）Operating area 330, but The event is not fully accurate, untill this type of information is added to the event.Therefore, by the definition of individual event key element point The ability that dispensing is uniquely familiar with the personnel of the physical attribute of single site allows the overall purpose of these events in these sites Between be consistent, and allow to carry out these events necessary customization, to illustrate the different physical characteristic of these sites.

In many cases, each long-range site will share some characteristics（For example, they all have passageway, door, change one's clothes Room, show area etc.）, but particular configuration characteristic can be different.Used as an example, a convenient chain shop can be at each There is self-service food court, refrigerator and a lobby in shop, but due to different floor plans, these Physical relation between region will be differed.More particularly, the refrigerator in a shop can be put along wall paper after, knot The position of account sales counter is and exports along same face wall, but a passageway of the refrigerator in the middle part of shop in another shop Interior, check-out counter is on the opposite of outlet.

When the event that these are defined is relevant with a special shop, in order to further be easy to these defined events Perform, a general site template can be defined（Or moulding plate series）, these from each long-range site of the template representative One kind " canonical form (canonical form) " of point floor plan.For example, the specification floor plan can define one Individual site（For example, wall, outlet, passageway, room etc.）Any amount of general-purpose attribute and physical characteristic, these general-purpose attributes and Physical characteristic is that these sites have, and in some cases by event and one or more elements of the floor plan It is associated, as being described in more detail below.In certain embodiments, if for example, the user is special for a set of Site layout have certain knowledge if, then the specification floor plan can include generic features and the peculiar element of site Combination.

Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 shows a kind of different embodiment of technology, and the technology is used to be performed across multiple difference sites One rule-based monitoring system.This process can on the whole be divided into three stages of uniqueness：One definition phase（It is overall On figure 4 illustrates）, the global property of event is defined at this stage, and can be general in central site formation one Site floor plan；One customization and monitoring phase（Generally figure 5 illustrates）, these can be made during this stage Event and/or floor plan are customized and for these single sites for monitoring the activity of these sites；With And, one is alarmed and the analysis phase（Generally figure 6 illustrates）, during this stage, central site receive alarm and Sensing data, and these alarms and sensing data are analyzed to recognize the trend and exception in these data.

When the different task of this technology is described, will pass through and two user roles are mentioned below.First, one " center User " is responsible for performing being attached to central site of the task, and these tasks are substantially as a rule of overall importance, that is, be applied to Some（It is in some cases all）Long-range site.Secondly, one " long-distance user " responsible execution is attached to appointing for long-range site Business, these tasks are as a rule specific for one（Or a small group）It is distinctive for long-range site.Generally by these Task Authorization is to long-distance user, because central user lacks this peculiar knowledge of site to perform the task（For example, being a thing Part assigns a specific video camera）, or, the amount of task causes that it is more effective to be shared out the work across large number of user Rate.

Referring to Fig. 4, a central user of the system performs different tasks, these task definitions these events it is only One or more universal planes of the multiple key elements for standing on site and the starting point that can serve as the peculiar floor plan of site Layout drawing.More specifically, the central user defines an event configuration by recognizing the different key elements of these events（Step 405）.As described above, these key elements can be independently of site or site is distinctive.Independently of the reality of the event argument of site Example includes behavior（For example, the selection of article, movement, purchase etc.）And object（For example, personnel, product, automobile, cash etc.）. The example of the peculiar key element of point includes monitoring sensor, and such as video camera, point of sale work station, RFID transmitters, contactless card are read Device and be arranged in these sites everywhere for receive monitoring data other devices.

Key element such as position can be that to be both independently of site is also distinctive site.For example, central user can basis General property defines position, such as outlet, point of sale sales counter, dressing cubicle, parking lot and/or the special passageway of product or displaying Area, it is known each（Or several）In the presence of these positions of long-range site.Then can be led to by long-distance user Crossed and the notional position defined in central site is converted into the physical location in the long-range site customize these positions.

Using the different key element of defined event, central user can specify that for some or all of global key element Information（Step 410）.For example, central user can specify that an event is based on as two objects（For example, customer and One specific products）Attribute a behavior（For example, one is selected behavior）.In certain embodiments, these events can With including multiple behaviors, the combination of multiple object and multiple positions and they each do not occur.Each key element can have There are one or more threshold values associated there（Such as date/time parameter）And count, and these ginsengs in some cases Number can be by central user, long-distance user or the two common setups.These parameters can also be based on satisfaction one threshold value and/or one The generation of individual event（Do not occur）Requirement and manually and/or automatically reset.It is by time-based parameter determination The attribute of these behaviors, the threshold value of these events can be adjusted, and its mode is allowed accurately while minimizing wrong report Detect the event in ground.For example, an event for detection shoplifting can include three behavioral primitives, such as one article Selection, one leave and lack and once sell；Two project elements, such as a special item in one personnel and commodity Mesh；And, two position elements, i.e., one point of sale sales counter and one outlet.These events are once defined, you can to distribute （Step 415）It is used for further customization to these long-range sites and performs.

In certain embodiments, central user also defines one or more of the template that can serve as these remote locations Specification floor plan（Step 420）.In some cases, a specification floor plan can be used for all of remote field Point；However, in many cases, multiple specification floor plans can be designed for the template of the subset of long-range site, this A little collection shares many features.For example, larger retail chain store can have many warehouses and center for distribution and a lot The shop of different brands, such as teen-age shop, the shop for baby father and mother and the shop for professional person. In this case, central user can define a specification floor plan for each type of site.In some examples, use In a type of site（For example for the shop of youth）Specification floor plan can serve as other sites（Such as pin To the shop of professional person）Specification floor plan（There may be a small amount of modification）A template.Can create not The quantity of same specification floor plan is actually unrestricted, but generally depends on the similarity degree between these sites And central user can provide the design of these floor plans.These specification floor plans can also fill one or many Individual event（Step 425）And it is assigned to these long-range sites（Step 430）.Thus, risen for these long-distance users provide one Thus the event set of beginning and a universal plane layout drawing, these long-distance users can build a peculiar floor plan of site And complete the definition of these events by adding the distinctive key element of site.

Each event framework, event, floor plan template and combinations thereof can be stored in（For example）Central field In the centralized storage module 255 of the server 240 of point.

Referring to Fig. 5, these long-distance users receive these events and/or floor plan（Step 505）, and using herein The local software and system of description customizes these events and/or floor plan, with meet each long-range site or One group of individual demand of long-range site in some cases.For example, these long-distance user's definables initiated by central user this The distinctive key element of site of a little events（Step 510）, this is unique for a site-specific by adding or changing Position elements.For example, long-distance user can to one or more monitoring sensors of a location assignment, it is such a " from Beverage display area choose commodity " event with one have the visual field comprising the show area video camera, one have include the exhibition Show the RFID sensor of the radius of clean-up in area and/or for tracking the position of the object in the show area or other sensings of movement Device is associated.In a video camera（Or other sensors）The visual field be divided into some implementation methods of many sub-regions, Long-distance user can by using an interactive graphics interface select the floor plan a region and subregion by one Video camera ID and a sub-regions ID are assigned to this event.

In certain embodiments, the event for remotely defining and/or the key element for constituting these events can be in single fields Point is reused, it is also possible to reused by central user, and such central user can build subsequent event and planar cloth Understanding when putting artwork plate using long-distance user to the site.For example, the central user can define a position elements as " changed Cosmetic end cabinet（makeup endcap）" to contain on retail shop's floor plan, it is possible to based on by remote The user-defined position of journey, associated there some parameters（Highly, time cycle, sensor ID number）.

These long-distance users can also set the parameter being associated with these events.For example, some shops can keep and it His the shop different time, or with the special time for requiring additionally to ensure public security, therefore, determine that the time parameter of these events exists Can be different between shop and shop.As another example, in the business with bigger overlay area compared with bantam shop Two events in shop（For example, a shopper chooses an article and leaves a shop）Between allow time span may Need longer.

In a long-range site receives an embodiment for specification floor plan, the long-distance user can customize this Floor plan（Step 515）To meet the demand of the site-specific.For example, central user may have been provided for one it is general Layout, the layout has four passageways, two point of sale location and one outlets.If however, the long-range site has six Passageway, three point of sale location and two outlets, the long-distance user can add necessary element, and so the floor plan is just More accurately represent the practical layout of the site.Additionally, central user may in a conventional manner be scheduled that these Element, and do not consider the relation between these elements and/or surrounding wall.Equally, the long-distance user can be with（For example, using Above-mentioned local software 225, is detailed below）The floor plan is adjusted, so that the floor plan reflects（Or it is very similar In）Actual site.

In some examples, central user may have been defined for an event, and by itself and specification horizontal layout One element of figure is associated, for example, customer's selection of a commodity item is associated with a special passageway, this is base It in multiple sites is common to believe that this association is in him.However, being inaccurate in this association（For example, in a spy Do not have the product in fixed shop, or the product is maintained at behind sales counter）In the case of, the long-distance user can break this Associate, redefine the event, event and the floor plan different element are associated or above-mentioned behavior Any combinations.In some examples, if unmatched with the long-range site, long-distance user can delete a center definition Event or event argument.A building block by event driven monitoring system is provided by long-distance user, wherein should Monitoring system maintains certain uniformity across multiple sites, and still allows to customize these events in the site level, the system The demand of data general-purpose and site changeability is balanced, so central site will receive comparable from these different sites Data.

Once having customized these events and/or the floor plan for the site, these events are in the monitoring system Implement（Step 250）.In certain embodiments, it is this to implement to include that the event customized these and/or floor plan are protected It is stored to the centralized storage module in server.In the monitoring system（Or its some）In other realities that long-range site is implemented Apply in scheme, local storage 525 can be used for storing these events and floor plan and application code, the application Program code is used in site by system（Step 530）Monitoring is related to the activity of these events.

While the system monitoring site（Or after which）, information can be with（Program is altered automatically, manually or more The two）It is sent to the central site.For example, for the alarm/search module（In Fig. 1 120）Positioned at the implementation of long-range site Mode, alarm is generated when these events occur, and in addition to being sent to local security personnel, and these alarms are by can be with It is sent to central site（Step 535）To carry out crossing over the analysis of multiple sites and compare.In other embodiments, video counts According to the central site can also be sent to（Step 540）, or transmission in real time is for event handling and generation alarm, or It is periodically to transmit to provide centralized storage and analysis across the video and associated metadata of site.In some cases, this A little video datas can be in batch fashion in peak absences（For example, once a night）Send, so as to avoid data processing resources Congestion and overload.Similarly, it is also possible in order to similar purpose will be from other sensors（RFID, POS etc.）Sensor Data are sent to the central site（Step 545）.

Referring to Fig. 6, these alarms, video and/or sensing data are received in the central site（Step 605,610 and 615）, can store herein（For example, storage is in centralized storage module 255）With these data for the treatment of.In some embodiment party In case, these data are aggregated（Step 620）And analysis（Step 625）.Can specify according in the event for triggering these alarms Time, site（Or multiple sites）And/or object collects and analyzes these alarms.If for example, the people of central site Member wishes to compare and a special article across multiple sites（For example, shaver, babies ' formula milk powder etc.）Relevant enters shop row Surreptitiously event, then can choose all of alarm based on the event with these articles, and be grouped according to site.At some In example, the video and/or sensing data captured in the event procedure can be further analyzed（Step 630）To determine The event whether be wrong report, or determine in the event procedure with the presence or absence of change these events when should consider other Behavior or object.For example, this analysis can be carried out using the central analysis module 260 on server 240.

Based on this analysis, exceptional value can be recognized（Step 635）, these exceptional values show one or more events by not Suitably define.As explanation, if an event is assigned into substantial amounts of site, the alarm received from each shop it is flat Mean can be shown that " typical " event rates for the type site.However, notable from a specific site received quantity Ground is bigger or significantly smaller（For example, standard deviation more than twice bigger than average value）Event the event can be can be shown that at this Site is inadequately defined, or shows in other site practical works that the other specification of the site is compared with it not phase Together.For example, the distinctive key element in the position of the event may be inaccurate（For example, the passageway of a mistake is belonged into a product On, or region is assigned the video camera of mistake）, a sensor may fail or a long-distance user may be Through destroying the system to hide the stealing based on employee.In these cases, the central user can advise to these events Modify, or voluntarily carry out this modification in some cases（Step 640）And these events are re-assigned to by shadow Loud site（Step 650）.

These sites, position, event and the deduction relation in site between object can be used for the other alarm of generation, These other alarms can be assigned to these sites.For example, can be compared with the traveling time between two different sites Certain time interval in the alarm that is received from the two different sites, wherein this alarm shows identical（Or it is related 's）Commodity item has been stolen, and this might mean that same person has carried out this and stolen twice.Once it is determined that such one kind Contact, the central site can transmit a secondary alarm（Including for example, both text, video and/or the above）To these Site in the certain radius of the stolen site of mesh, alerts these sites and notes possible stealing.It is this for these remote fields The determination of point can be based on manual site and select, or in some cases based on the history number stored in the central site According to and carry out automatically.When the relation between site is assigned to these sites, secondary alarm can be in first site Generation, and is sent to the site being confirmed as to first site " related ", this can by geography, product line or other go through History data determine.

In the case of these alarms and some or all sensing datas are received in central site, can will be additional Rule is applied to these sensing datas.For example, additional rule can be more complicated in itself（For example, determining these data In pattern or trend）And/or can be confirmation property（For example, the rule for being assigned to long-range site is replicated, to confirm that these are advised The then positive alarm for returning to correct number）.These sensing datas can also be with reality（It is accurately and inaccurate）Alarm number According to combination, and an input for training algorithm is can serve as, in the training algorithm, system effectively " can learn " more Dependent event is recognized exactly.

In addition to the use in terms of security incident, these data can be also used for purpose of marketing and run.For example, can be with Definition event to monitor selling cheap, new product release, the marketing activity during customer flow or relevant time period.Can collect based on this The alarm of the generation of class event to compare across multiple shops and in the overall Customer Experience of different time, with determine promotion, The validity of price and other things related to commodity.

Referring to Fig. 7, an example of application screen includes a user interface 700 for menu-drive, user circle Face is used to implement above-mentioned system and technology.Interface 700 includes four major functions：Template definition 705, position defines 710, thing Part defines 715 and event/position display 720.Template definition function 705 assists definition and modification to can serve as the peculiar layout of site Starting point a specification floor plan.Position defined function 710 assists to define a universal location, in the universal location There are one or more behaviors in place, and have multiple objects interactive.The uniqueness of these positions can be fanned in most general situation such as Door is to change in the range of the loading frame of a special position such as No. #3 of #2 warehouses.Event definition function 715 allows user Combination of these events as one or more event arguments is defined, also allows user that attribute or parameter is related to these events Connection, illustrates in greater detail as described above and below in conjunction with Figure 10.Event/position display 720 allows a user to audit The site that defined position and event and these positions and event are already assigned within the system.

Referring to Fig. 8, an example of application screen includes a stencil design user interface 800, the user interface Floor plan and template for creating specification.The user interface includes 805, the template parameter selection of a site template Region 810 and a template behavior region 815.Template 805 is implemented as an interactive interface, and the interactive interface allows user The element of selection, editor, addition, deletion and the mobile floor plan.In certain embodiments, these element representations are tool Have the application object of the attributes such as size, height, so as to allow the user specify object relative to other objects Size（For example, unit, pixel etc.）And use absolute value representation（For example, inch, foot etc.）.Template 805 can be responded " drag and drop " The user of formula/display screen is interactive, and this interaction is based on the input through keyboard using fixed-point apparatus such as mouse or light pen and/or order Input.In the embodiment that user interface 800 is supplied to user by a browser application, these objects can be with Be expressed as the object in a window based on Flash, or an AJAX application program, the editor for so being started by user and The order of mobile these template objects is main to be processed in the client machine, and requirement commutes a minimal data for server Transmission.

Template parameter region 810 provides the region for being input into and checking the parameter being associated with the template.It is clearer and more definite Say, the user can specify that the type of the template（For example, warehouse, retail, bilayer, suburb, common etc.）, the template establishment One or more sites that date and the template are assigned to.Template behavior region 815 provides the object that can be taken action（For example, Hyperlink, control button, combo box etc.）, for example, when user selects these objects, the template is assigned to one by these objects Individual specific site（Or site group）, the template is disclosed（For example, being disclosed to long-distance user）, and the template is replicated to start one The establishment of individual new template.

User interface 800 also includes template elements storehouse, and these storehouses can be used for establishment event, element is turned into the attribute of template Or more the two.Specifically, user interface 800 can include the location library 825, of a library of object 820, behavior storehouse 830 and an event base 840.Each storehouse provides one list of corresponding element, and user can usually be combined into the mould using these yuan An event in plate（As described above）And/or position.Each ATL further provide needed in the storehouse add unit The ability of element.

One user can be utilized from this by select a key element and the key element being pulled into the position in template 805 Event and/or event argument in a little storehouses explain these templates.For example, the user may want to fix wall 845, using two sides 850, one, individual passageway check-out counter 855 and a merchandise display area 860 create a template.In many cases, the mould The floor plan represented in plate will not actually describe any site-specific, but can be used as a starting point by long-distance user For customization（Described in detail below in conjunction with Figure 12 and Figure 13）.

In certain embodiments, user interface 800 can also include a sensor bank（It is not shown）, the sensor bank One list of available sensor in different sensors network and video monitoring system is provided, so as to allow the user to The template adds general purpose transducer（For example, video camera）And/or sensor special（For example, #321 video cameras）Position Put.In the case where the template is just defined by a central user, these templates are stored in central site, and can be complete Into rear to long-distance user " disclosure ".

Referring to Fig. 9, an example of application screen includes a position definition of user's interface 900, the user interface For defining the position in the location library, and can be used for explaining floor plan and/or establishment event.User interface 900 Including region 905 and 910, user can respectively by a full name（For example, the blue jeans load bed before shop）With one Referred to as（Blue jeans load bed）It is input into the two regions.One text box of location type 915 provides one for the user Region, specifies the type of position being just defined in this region（For example, load bed, door, sales counter, lobby, parking building etc.）.One Individual description region 920 allows a text more long of the user input position to describe, and text description can be included as being somebody's turn to do Other correlation properties of the coordinate of position, the instruction for performing the position and the position.One capture of contact area 925 creates the position One attribute of the user for putting, such as e-mail address, user name, employee-number or a responsibility.One submitting button 930 The user of the position is created according to (such as), the framework of the system implements or other are based on parameters of system by the position and its category Property is saved in both centralized storage module, remote storage modules or more.

Referring to Figure 10, an example of application screen includes an event definition user interface 1000, user circle Face is used to define within the system（And once the modification after definition）One event.As described above, event can be from One or more event arguments build, such as behavior, position and object and further describe the event how to implement and when The parameter of implementation.Typically, define event-consumers interface 1000 by central user be used to providing these events independently of site Key element, such as time parameter, universal location, behavior etc..However, in certain embodiments, long-distance user may be given visit The authority of this definition Event Function is asked, to create the distinctive new events of complete site.In some cases, a central administrator Can permit in the way of per user or the such function of denied access.User interface 1000 includes an event Name area 1005, the region is used to capture a title of the event and recognize the event in the data memory module（Some situations Under be to uniquely identify）.One band of position 1010 provides of the available position that can be associated with the event List.Parameter region 1015 provides the ability to the occasion assignment date and/or time range for the user.For example, being directed to Detection shopper can be defined to the date in shop business with one event of commodity of selection before being parked in a show area And the time.

The key element that the assistance of project 1020 and 1025 defines the Behavior-based control of the event is chosen in behavior.For example, in a retail During shop is set, the behavior around a special show area is probably related, and such as one shopper is parked in an exhibition Before showing area, select an article and the article is put into shopping cart.However, judge whether event occurs exactly may Ask attribute that time-based parameter determination is specific behavior.Specifically, in order to determine whether a user is parked in one Before individual show area, it is possible to use " residence time " parameter detects whether this shopper veritably stops before the show area The sufficiently long time is stopped（For example, exceeding the several seconds）To check the commodity.Similarly, one section of residence time more long combine one Individual " without behavior "（For example, not selecting a commodity）Although may illustrate that the show area is attractive for buyer, The product simultaneously has no attraction or does not fix a price suitably.

These behaviors can help to by passing through but ignoring the show area（For example, no residence time, not touching one Commodity but the show area is gone to）Buyer quantity be attracted to the show area（For example, more than the Sojourn times of several seconds Between and touch a commodity）Buyer quantity be compared to determine a validity for show area.Additionally, can be by these Count and be compared with based on the macromarketing volume such as POS data, and compared with the sum of the buyer for entering the shop Compared with.Detect and count behavior that specific buyer occurs at specific position and compare across other different sites More similar event just can make these events effectively " standardize " and be absorbed in straight by removing the peculiar generation difference of site It is connected to and helps buyer's behavior interactive with commodity.

Referring to Figure 11, an example of application screen includes an event edits user interface 1100, user circle Face is used to change an event and to the peculiar element of occasion assignment site.In certain embodiments, previously（For example, by one Individual central user）It is input into and for the data that a long-distance user is displayed in user interface 1100 are read-only, but at some In the case of, specific element can be read-only（For example, the parameter based on title and time）And other data elements are to compile Volume.In each case, user interface 1100 also includes an appointment video camera choice box 1105 and an appointment sensor Choice box 1110.When a long-distance user receives instruction in their site（Or site group）When performing the event, the user Made a choice in video camera and/or sensor id that can be available from her site-specific.Allow long-distance user Audit these events and select suitable sensor to improve for example correct camera record thing for detecting the event The probability of part.

Referring to Figure 12, an example of application screen includes an edit model user interface 1200, user circle Face is used to allow long-distance user to customize the shop floor plan template provided by a central user.Except stencil design user Outside the function and characteristic at interface 800, edit model user interface 1200 allows user（Central user or long-distance user）Modification These templates, so make these templates preferably describe a site-specific.The library of object can include different video cameras Machine 1210 and sensor 1215（Identified by unique ID in some cases）, the diverse location of floor plan can spread all over Select and position these video cameras and sensor.For example, a user may know that a particular camera is fixed on one On individual specific wall and a passageway is pointed to, and the video camera is therefore placed on this position.Similarly, a RFID sensor Or other similar EAS devices can be placed on the store exit.In some cases, the template can include by central user The element of addition（Wall, passageway, show area etc.）, these elements are positioned at these long-range sites but are not properly oriented.At these In the case of, the long-distance user can select these elements and change their positioning in the site floor plan.For example, It is oriented to be moved perpendicular to a passageway 1220 of the specific wall of one side in primary template, so that it is now parallel to This face wall.Similarly, merchandise display area 1220 can also move, so that its end still in the passageway of new placement.Point of sale Position 1430（For example, a check-out counter）The physical plane layout drawing of the site can also be based on and move to its correct position Put.In some cases, extra element can be added（For example, the extra wall 1440 of one side）To complete the floor plan. After completing for the distinctive change of the site of the floor plan, the floor plan is saved（It is saved in and remotely deposits Both reservoir, central memory or more）And it is used as monitoring the basis of these sites.In some cases, implement and/or Before template as future, these changes are sent back to a central user to be given the ratification.

Referring to Figure 13, an example of application screen includes a floor plan map user interface 1300, should User interface is used to for the element of a specification floor plan to be mapped to a physical plane arrangement for long-range site Figure.Similar with edit model user interface 1200, it is peculiar that floor plan map user interface 1300 allows user to build site Floor plan is implemented with an above-mentioned monitoring system；However, it provides template 805 and existing site horizontal layout One of Figure 130 5 visual statement, explains so as to allowing the user using the template and manipulates site floor plan 1305. In certain embodiments, the electronics statement for a floor plan for long-range site can be obtained from other channel, Such as architectural drawing, building layout, design drawing etc., and the user may want to use these drawings as site spy There is the starting point of floor plan.For example, the user can show in site floor plan 1305 video camera and/or The position of sensor 1310, and project is selected from template 805 and shows that they are real in site floor plan 1305 Position.Specifically, such as passageway 1315, POS device 1320 and element as merchandise display area 1325 can be in templates 805 On be selected, pull into site floor plan 1305 and be placed on correct position.In some cases, can be by unit Element is added to floor plan 1305, such as entrance 1330.In some cases, allow the user implement template 805 be used for Before monitoring the site, all of project " placement " for carrying out self-template is arrived site floor plan 1305 by system requirements user On.The result is that a complete and accurate site floor plan is supplied to system, for detecting the phase of the site Pass event, and being not required for central user has deep understanding to each long-range site, to but ensure that and implement certain in each site The event of individual minimum number.

In addition to specification floor plan element is mapped into actual floor plan, actual horizontal layout pel Element can also be mapped on specification floor plan element, so as to a central user show by specific occasion assignment to Element in the specification floor plan.This method further assist code requirement standard flat layout drawing " site is arrived The comparing of site ", but it is the use of the data captured based on the peculiar parameter of site.For example, in order to compare with different The multiple of physical plane layout drawing（For example, more than two）Total volume of the flow of passengers between shop, can be in the specification floor plan Upper drafting event data.As a result, central user is capable of identify that across the event of multiple sites generations or with unexpectedly high The proportion of goods damageds product, without considering these different site floor plans first.

For providing the embodiment as one or more software programs by these methods, the program can be used many Any one in kind of high-level language is write, such as FORTRAN, PASCAL, JAVA, C, C++, C#, BASIC, different scripts Language and/or HTML.Using such as ODBC and Direct data access client/server technology and by network service, XML and AJAX technologies, can transmit data between different application programs and memory module.Additionally, the software can use one Plant assembler language to implement, the assembler language is implanted in a resident microprocessor for object-computer；For example, the software Can be implemented with Intel80x86 assembler languages, if it is configured as being run on an IBMPC or clone PC.Should Software can be embodied on a kind of manufacture article, including but not limited to floppy disk, hard disk, CD, tape, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, field programmable gate array or CD-ROM.

Without departing from the spirit and scope of required invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in this institute The changes, modifications of the content of description and other embodiment.Therefore, the present invention is not limited by property described above description, and It is to be limited by the spirit and scope of claims below.

Claims (22)

1. it is a kind of to be used for by using video monitor and sensor network system (100) in the long-range sites different from multiple (210) monitoring is improved in the result of the detection of each different long-range site execution in the central site (205) of communication The computer implemented method of the security at the multiple different long-range site (210) place, the video monitor and sensor With video monitoring system (105) and at least one external sensor network (110), the method includes network system (100)：

Set of rule is provided in the central site, the set rule describes at least one event of concern and including extremely A few distinctive key element of site and at least one independently of site key element；

Central site (205) place, this is defined at least one independently of field using the definition module (250) of server (240) The key element of point；

Delivery module (245) using the server (240) is regular from the central field by the set via communication network (215) Point (205) distributes to the multiple different long-range site (210), thus causes the peculiar key element of at least one site to be defined At the multiple different long-range site (210) place, so that can be according to the rule in each different long-range site Perform using the monitoring of at least one external sensor network (110), and the distinctive key element of at least one site Can be reused in the central site；

Via the delivery module (245), the alarm/search being associated from the long-range site (220) different from each is received One or more alarms of processing module (120), each alarm indicates sending the described different remote of the alarm of the reception Journey site there occurs one or more in event of concern；And

The alarm of the reception, the police for causing the reception are analyzed using the analysis module (260) at central site (205) place The alarm for collecting and being received from the subset of the multiple different site (220) during predetermined time period of report it is flat The determination of mean.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein the peculiar key element of each site specifies to be selected from the group that constitutes is listd by down One or more：At least one position of at least one site of the multiple different sites, floor-plan data, and Sensor identification data.

3. the method for claim 1, wherein each specifies from the group that constitutes is listd by down independently of the key element of site One or more of selection：At least one behavior, at least one object, and a people interactive with least one object.

4. method as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the sensor identification data includes that video surveillance camera ID, RFID are passed One or more in sensor ID, eas sensor ID and contactless card sensor ID.

5. the method for claim 1, further includes to analyze the alarm, is used to detect that to belong to each different remote Inconsistency between the peculiar key element of the site of journey site.

6. method as claimed in claim 5, further includes to change the peculiar key element of at least one site of a rule and incite somebody to action The rule changed distributes to the site for observing inconsistency at which.

7. the method for claim 1, further includes：Via the delivery module of the server, based on one Or secondary alert is sent to different long-range sites by the alarm that multiple is received.

8. method as claimed in claim 7, wherein, transmitted from the secondary alert via the delivery module of the server Different long-range site outside the long-range site located to it receive the secondary alert be based on described in the alarm that receives.

9. method as claimed in claim 8, wherein, institute is received with from it based on the long-range site that the secondary alert is transmitted to it The deduction relation between the different long-range site of alarm is stated to determine to pass it via the delivery module of the server Give the site of the secondary alert.

10. the method for claim 1, further includes：Monitoring number is received from least one different long-range site According to；And

One or more in rule from the set of rule are applied to the monitoring data, are not caused at this at least one not There is the detection of one or more in event of concern everywhere in same long-range site.

11. methods as claimed in claim 10, further include to be based at least one different long-range site everywhere There are one or more in event of concern and generate alarm.

12. methods as claimed in claim 11, further include to collect the alarm of multiple generations, thereby assist in generated police The statistical analysis of report.

13. methods as claimed in claim 12, wherein, this collects including based on occurring during a predetermined time period Event at the subset of the plurality of different long-range site determines the average of the alarm of generation.

14. methods as claimed in claim 12, further include the generated alarm of analysis, are belonged to detection one Or the inconsistency between the peculiar key element of the site of each in multiple different long-range sites.

15. the method for claim 1, further include related different long-range site define this at least one The peculiar key element of site.

16. methods as claimed in claim 15, further include by the peculiar key element of at least one site be sent to it is described in Centre site is used to ratify.

17. the method for claim 1, further include：

The site layout of specification is provided, site layout regulation shares element positioned at least one of multiple long-range sites, often Individual long-range site is laid out with actual site；

Created by the way that one or more occasion assignments are laid out to one or more shared elements without the consideration actual site Have the canonical site layout of note；

Assisting this has the modification of the layout of note so that it is consistent with each in the actual site layout；And

Each long-range site is monitored according to its corresponding amended layout for having a note.

18. methods as claimed in claim 17, wherein, it is described modification include it is following in one or more：Deleting this has note The element of the canonical site layout of solution, change with this have note canonical site layout the element position, the Yi Jixiang that are associated This has canonical site layout's addition element of note.

19. is a kind of for being monitored described many in the central site (205) of multiple different long-range sites (210) is connected to Behavior and the system of the result of the detection of external event that individual different long-range site (220) place performs, the system include：

In multiple first processing units at each different long-range site (210) place；And

In the processing unit (240) at central site (205) place, the processing unit (240) and the multiple processing unit In each via communication and with set of rule therein is stored in, each rule describes one or many Individual event of concern and including the distinctive key element of one or more sites and one or more independently of site key element, The processing unit (240) further includes：

Rule-definition module (250), it is configured as defining one or more key elements independently of site；

Delivery module (245), the delivery module (245) for by one or more in the rule from the central site (205) the multiple different long-range site (210) is sent to, thus causes the peculiar key element of one or more of sites to be determined Justice at the multiple different long-range site (210) place so that can according to the one of each long-range site (210) place or Multiple rules perform monitoring and the peculiar key element of at least one site and can be reused in the central site, and And for receiving one or more alarms from the different long-range site, each alarm indicates sending received police The different long-range site of report there occurs one or more in the event of concern；And

Analysis module (260), the analysis module (260) causes the remittance of the alarm of the reception for analyzing received alarm The inspection of the inconsistency between the peculiar key element of site that is total and belonging to one or more different long-range sites (210) Survey.

20. systems as claimed in claim 19, wherein, the rule-definition module is further configured to based on the institute for detecting State inconsistency and change the set of rule.

21. systems as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the delivery module is further configured to a socket gauge of the modification Then it is sent to the different long-range site.

22. systems as claimed in claim 19, further include：

User interface, the user interface have site layout templates frame, and the site layout templates frame is used for Display specification site cloth Office；

The peculiar frame of site, the peculiar frame of the site is used for the actual site layout of the site for showing monitored；And

Modified module, the modified module is used to assist the element and the actual site layout independently of site described at least one The association of the peculiar element of site.