EP1398744A1 - Method and device for managing an alarm system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system includes a video surveillance step of a place or a zone (3) due to local stations (2), a step of detection of a predefined triggering event detected by the detection unit (1), e.g. intrusion of a person in this place or zone or the start of a fire, an alerting step close to a central station. The next steps include video recording of images delivered by the station, extraction of a video sequence having this triggering event, this sequence covering the predetermined time span of a front phase of the triggering event and also the phase after this event. The final step includes sending via TCP/IP, of this video sequence to this central station.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a management device of an alarm system. She in particular, but not exclusively, to the remote outdoor video surveillance, also referred to as remote video surveillance, sensitive sites from a station or a central station.

In general, guarding traditional sensitive sites requires one or more guards posted in front of surveillance screens and / or conducting regular rounds, but the budgets of guarding are often very costly actually incurred.

• 1^er niveau : équipement des bâtiments du site surveillé par des systèmes de détection d'intrusion, d' incendie...,
• 2^ème niveau : équipement de la périphérie des bâtiments par des détecteurs extérieurs.

Thus, at present, it is proposed on the market, solutions of the "remote surveillance" type which consist of two levels of possible equipment:

• ^1st level: equipment of the buildings of the site supervised by systems of detection of intrusion, of fire ...,
• ^2nd level: equipment of the periphery of the buildings by external detectors.

The ^1st level of equipment is sometimes enough. The 2 ^nd level of equipment is required when part of the risk is located outdoors, for example in storage areas, or when an early detection, such as the crossing of the property line, is necessary in order to organize a reaction before the intruders enter the buildings.

• les coûts d'équipements de détection spécifiquement conçus pour limiter les déclenchements intempestifs et qui doivent être déployés en nombre suffisant,
• les travaux de voiries, tranchées et canalisations nécessaires pour centraliser les informations,
• les coûts des interventions humaines pour vérification des alarmes, la quasi-totalité des systèmes de détection extérieurs se déclenchant de manière intempestive.

Nevertheless, the costs of external electronic monitoring techniques often hinder their implementation by the operators. These costs consist of:

• the costs of detection equipment specifically designed to limit nuisance tripping and which must be deployed in sufficient numbers,
• road works, trenches and pipelines necessary to centralize information,
• the costs of human intervention for verifying alarms, since almost all external detection systems start untimely.

An alternative to intervention costs consists of performing an alarm check by surveillance cameras whose fields of vision cover detection areas.

• consultation d'une ou plusieurs images de l'événement déjà reçus sur le récepteur. Une seule image ne permet pas de qualifier correctement tous les évènements car, très souvent, l'information (mouvement d'une personne, d'un animal, d'une branche d'arbre) apparaít dans la succession des images.
• consultation d'une ou plusieurs images de l'événement par connexion sur l'équipement du site et rapatriement de l'information. La connexion sur le site client pour récupérer l'information est préjudiciable au traitement de l'opérateur : perte de temps et nécessité de connaítre la procédure propre à l'équipement vidéo.
• consultation du site en direct. La connexion en direct sur le site pour qualifier l'événement est rarement efficace car dans la majorité des cas, les images en direct ne sont plus significatives de l'événement déclencheur de l'alarme, l'intrus ayant déjà quitté le champ de la caméra associée au détecteur lorsque l'opérateur se connecte.

Currently, there are camera surveillance devices on the market. when an alarm is presented to the central station on a receiving station and a video doubt is associated with this alarm, the operator must move to the appropriate video receiver where he will be able to see the additional information according to three techniques, depending on the type of transmission equipment on the site:

• consultation of one or more images of the event already received on the receiver. A single image does not correctly qualify all events because, very often, the information (movement of a person, an animal, a tree branch) appears in the sequence of images.
• consultation of one or more images of the event by connection to the equipment of the site and repatriation of the information. The connection to the customer site to retrieve the information is detrimental to the treatment of the operator: loss of time and need to know the procedure specific to video equipment.
• live site consultation. The live connection to the site to qualify the event is rarely effective because in most cases, the live images are no longer relevant to the event triggering the alarm, the intruder has already left the field of the camera associated with the detector when the operator connects.

patent application No. US 6400265 is also known which describes a device comprising a surveillance system providing images (photos, images, videos, etc.), when an alarm situation is detected by comparison of images. When a change occurs, i.e. motion detection, an alarm may be reported or another user-defined response may be performed. In addition, the image and other relevant data can be transmitted to a central station. The user can also view the images, for example a video clip, remotely via the Internet.
This device is certainly interesting, but it is only intended to solve the problem of the internal surveillance of sites and telemonitoring defined by users via a telecommunication network, in this case the Internet.

The aforementioned solutions proposed by art prior art have a number of disadvantages. They do not propose in any case an integrated process for the management of alarm systems allowing an operator or even customer to ensure the veracity and relevance of the detecting events triggering an alarm, and also do not provide a useful video to analyze a posteriori said trigger event.

• une étape d'orientation, et éventuellement de focalisation, de la caméra précisément en direction de l'événement déclenchant dans le cas où la susdite caméra est mobile ;
• enregistrement vidéo des images délivrées par les stations locales (2) ;
• extraction d'une séquence vidéo comportant le susdit événement déclenchant ; ladite séquence couvrant en outre, pendant un laps de temps prédéterminé, une phase avant l'événement déclenchant ainsi qu'une phase après ledit événement ;

   une étape d'alerte auprès d'au moins une station centrale par la régie vidéo et d'envoi, par liaison TCP/IP, de cette séquence vidéo à la susdite station centrale. The invention therefore more particularly aims to overcome the disadvantages of the systems of the prior art. To this end, it proposes a method for managing an alarm system, comprising a video surveillance step of at least one location or zone using at least one autonomous local station, comprising at least one possibly mobile camera. , said station being connected by wireless link to a video controller, a step of detecting a predefined triggering event by means of detection connected by non-wire link to the local station, such as for example the intrusion of a person in this location or this area or the start of a fire,, characterized in that it further comprises the following steps:

• a step of orientation, and possibly focusing, of the camera precisely in the direction of the triggering event in the case where the aforesaid camera is mobile;
• video recording of images delivered by local stations (2);
• extracting a video sequence comprising the aforesaid triggering event; said sequence furthermore covering, for a predetermined period of time, a phase before the triggering event and a phase after said event;

a step of alerting at least one central station by the video control and send, TCP / IP link, this video sequence to the aforesaid central station.

According to a possibility offered by the invention, the method according to may comprise a subsequent step analysis of the video sequence, by the station operator central possibly assisted by image processing automated, intended to define the appropriate response, such for example sending an intervener to an area or the call to the public forces.

Advantageously, the video sequence will be stored in an independent memory means specific to the aforesaid central station and / or in a means of memorisation accessible from the outside via a network of telecommunication. In this case, an authorized user, example having entered a personal code, will be able to access the video sequence through a network of telecommunications such as for example the Internet, since a computer or a mobile phone. Otherwise, the authorized user will also access a report relating to the triggering event.

The method according to the invention may comprise a subsequent video connection step by an operator, intended for video or surveillance direct video. An authorized user may, from computer or a mobile phone, ensure the management of the alarm device almost identical to the station central to define in particular the video rounds, that is to say scrolling video images on the same screen visualization, visualize live the location or area covered by a local station, analyze the above videos, remote control of the local station and / or detection means.

Advantageously, the video sequence will include an identification code able to define the central station recipient of the alarm, a site code (monitored site), a number identifying the local station (2) having made this video sequence as well as an index allowing to order the images forming this sequence, for example a timestamp to the second, or the sequences themselves in the case of transmissions of a plurality of video sequences.

In the same way, this process can understand a later stage of analysis of video recordings, for example to determine the staff entries / exits.

• une pluralité de moyens de détection autonomes d'un événement déclenchant reliés par liaison non filaire à la station locale (2),
• au moins une station locale, comportant au moins une caméra éventuellement mobile, apte à assurer la transmission/réception d'émissions non filaire,
• au moins une station centrale assurant la supervision centralisée de l'ensemble du dispositif et comportant des moyens de communication,
• au moins une régie vidéo notamment apte à assurer la surveillance, la gestion des transmissions/réceptions entre la station locale (2), la station centrale, les détecteurs et la régie vidéo ainsi que l'enregistrement vidéo de la susdite caméra.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for implementing the method of performing a video surveillance of the images delivered by at least one local station, a detection of a predefined triggering event, an alert with at least one station central, a video recording of the monitoring of said location or of said zone, as well as an extraction of a video sequence comprising the aforesaid triggering event; said sequence furthermore covering, for a predetermined period of time, a phase before the triggering event and a phase after said event, characterized in that it comprises:

• a plurality of autonomous detection means of a triggering event connected by non-wire link to the local station (2),
• at least one local station, comprising at least one possibly mobile camera, capable of transmitting / receiving non-wired broadcasts,
• at least one central station providing centralized supervision of the entire device and including means of communication,
• at least one video control unit in particular capable of ensuring the monitoring, the management of transmissions / receptions between the local station (2), the central station, the detectors and the video control room as well as the video recording of the aforesaid camera.

Advantageously, the emissions between the aforesaid local station and the central station will be performed on a TCP / IP network.

In the same way, the aforementioned video control include at least one TCP / IP master link and possibly a secondary link of a different nature, example of type "GSM DATA".

• le serveur vidéo TCP/IP lorsqu'il est équipé de plusieurs entrées vidéo,
• éventuellement la station réseau sans fil et son antenne, par exemple à 2,4 GHz,
• l'automate TCP/IP pour les informations annexes (autoprotection, piles basses...), éventuellement intégré au susdit serveur vidéo,
• les alimentations basses tensions et les batteries éventuelles,
• le coffret étanche, destiné à protéger les équipements électroniques.

According to a possibility offered by the invention, the local station will include a mobile camera, for example 360 °, for example a TCP / IP dome. In this case, the video sequence may consist of 1 ± 1 images before the alarm, 1 ± 1 image of the alarm, 9 ± 1 images after the alarm. In addition, the TCP / IP dome may include equipment shared by multiple domes on the same building, including:

• the TCP / IP video server when equipped with multiple video inputs,
• possibly the wireless network station and its antenna, for example at 2.4 GHz,
• the TCP / IP controller for ancillary information (self-protection, low batteries, etc.), possibly integrated with the aforementioned video server,
• low voltage supplies and any batteries,
• the waterproof box, designed to protect electronic equipment.

According to another possibility offered by the invention, the device according to the invention will comprise least a means of control of the local station, by examples of telemetry commands capable of performing the moving said local station in site / azimuth / zoom forward / zoom out. In this case, the control means may consist of a command overlay superimposed in images received live, independent of telemetry protocol programmed in the aforesaid station local.

Advantageously, the device will comprise also a means of change of resolution at the source, that is to say the coding of the image, the effect of which resolution depends on the means of compressing images video transmitted from the local station.

According to another possibility offered by the invention, the local station may include a camera fixed, for example a TCP / IP camera. In this case video sequence will consist of 5 ± 1 images before the alarm, 1 ± 1 alarm picture, 5 ± 1 picture after the alarm. In this case, the TCP / IP camera will include including the following elements / features: at least a TCP / IP video server, which can for example be integrated into the camera in the case of TCP / IP cameras, at least a TCP / IP controller, which can be integrated into the server TCP / IP video, possibly a receiver corresponding to transmitters of infrared wireless detectors and, where infrared barriers without wires, possibly lighting switching equipment timed with twilight cell, possibly a wireless network station with at least one 2.4 GHz antenna distance function with the video controller and possibly at least one wireless network station, a plurality of low voltage supplies for the different elements, possibly at least one battery, possibly a waterproof box and supports and fixtures for the camera, antenna and cabinet.

Advantageously, the video control will include at least one or more computers with possibly one software for receiving alarms and controlling domes / cameras with at least some of the features operator positions and software for recording video sources (digital recorder) and supervision domes and cameras, at least one TCP / IP router, one or multiple TCP / IP controllers with inputs / outputs, possibly an alarm transmitter on a link secondary (telephone, GSM Data ...), possibly a "Hub" or "switch", at least one inverter, possibly at least one wireless network access point and an antenna for example at 2.4 GHz.

• la figure 1 illustre schématiquement un site industriel surveillé grâce au dispositif selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre une interface utilisateur permettant d'effectuer le contrôle à distance d'une station centrale assurant notamment la surveillance vidéo d'un emplacement ou d'une zone à surveiller ;

Embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 schematically illustrates an industrial site monitored by the device according to the invention;
• FIG. 2 illustrates a user interface making it possible to remotely control a central station that, in particular, provides video surveillance of a location or zone to be monitored;

The main objective of the present invention concerns the lifting of doubt following the outbreak of alarm.

In the following, we will call "video round" for example, surveillance consisting in checking, at a precise hour daily or weekly, if the exterior gates of any place are well closed and also check a number of key points of a site.

This objective allows an operator to qualify the alarm given for example by an intrusion detector 1. In the examples chosen to illustrate the invention, we have considered the case of an intrusion of a person not allowed in the detection field of the detector 1. This intrusion is an event that triggers the alarm because in this case the detector 1 triggers the alarm when it detects a displacement in the location or zone 3 that he monitors. This triggering event, as well that the detectors 1 used, can, of course, be different in nature but the operation of the process according to the invention will remain substantially the same. So, at As examples, the triggering event may also be consist of a start of fire, the passage of a small animal or more simply the fall of a tree branch.

• associer au détecteur une caméra dont le champ de vision couvre le champ de détection du détecteur,
• asservir l'enregistrement des images de la caméra par l'information d'alarme,
• enregistrer une séquence d'images de l'événement déclenchant.

The removal of doubt consists in the context of the present invention to:

• to associate with the detector a camera whose field of vision covers the detection field of the detector,
• enslave the recording of the images of the camera by the alarm information,
• record a sequence of images of the triggering event.

The device according to the invention comprises least one local station 2, and in the accompanying figures a plurality of local stations 2, each having a 360 ° mobile camera, that is to say able to cover a lap complete field of vision.

So, the removal of doubt consists here in associate a set of detectors with a local station 2, in this case a dome, including fields of vision prerecorded, or pre-positioned, cover the fields of detection of the detectors 1, to enslave the prepositions of the dome to detector 1, to enslave the recording of images to alarm information and record a sequence images of the triggering event.

In the device according to the invention, illustrated in Figure 1, the local stations 2 are ideally placed in order to cover, in a minimum number, the entire perimeter of the site, or area, to be monitored 3 and be able to visualize the part covered by each triggering event detector 1.

As soon as one of the detectors 2 detects an event triggering, it alerts the appropriate local station 2, here the dome, which directs, or performs a rotation so that his camera can view and record a sequence video of the aforementioned part of the area to be monitored covered by the detector 1 having signaled the triggering event.

• quelques images prises avant l'alarme,
• l'image de l'alarme,
• quelques images prises après l'alarme ; la fréquence d'enregistrement des images étant réglables, généralement de 1 à 2 images par seconde.

The sequence of images, or video, consists of a few compressed images in JPEG format or any other standardized format, for example an AVI clip, the number of images being adjustable, usually of the order of ten images. . This video sequence is, according to the method of the invention, composed of:

• some images taken before the alarm,
• the image of the alarm,
• some images taken after the alarm; the recording rate of the images being adjustable, generally from 1 to 2 frames per second.

All transmissions / transmissions between different equipment and installations of the device according to the invention will ideally be performed by non-binding Wired.

• 1 ± 1 images avant l'alarme,
• 1 ± 1 image de l'alarme,
• 9 ± 1 images après l'alarme.

In the case of a mobile local station 2, for example a wireless TCP / IP dome, the images before the alarm are not significant of the triggering event. On the other hand, they allow to see the mobile station to turn and target the sector of the triggering event, in this case the intrusion. The video sequence may for example be set to record the images as follows:

• 1 ± 1 images before the alarm,
• 1 ± 1 image of the alarm,
• 9 ± 1 images after the alarm.

• le serveur vidéo TCP/IP lorsqu'il est équipé de plusieurs entrées vidéo,
• la station réseau sans fil et son antenne 2,4 GHz,
• l'automate TCP/IP pour les informations annexes (autoprotection, piles basses...),
• le dispositif de commutation d'éclairage,
• les alimentations basses tensions et les batteries éventuelles,
• le coffret étanche.

Different devices embedded in a wireless TCP / IP dome can be shared by multiple domes on the same building, including:

• the TCP / IP video server when equipped with multiple video inputs,
• the wireless network station and its 2.4 GHz antenna,
• the TCP / IP controller for ancillary information (self-protection, low batteries, etc.),
• the lighting switching device,
• low voltage supplies and any batteries,
• the waterproof box.

• 5 ± 1 images avant l'alarme,
• 1 ± 1 image de l'alarme,
• 5 ± 1 images après l'alarme.

In the case of a fixed local station 2, that is to say that the camera equipping said station is also fixed, the images before the alarm make it possible to catch up with the "inertia of the detector" in question; ie the delay between the occurrence of the triggering event and the actual triggering of the alarm. The video sequence may for example be set to record the images as follows:

• 5 ± 1 images before the alarm,
• 1 ± 1 image of the alarm,
• 5 ± 1 images after the alarm.

• caméra vidéo,
• serveur vidéo TCP/IP, lequel peut être intégré à la caméra dans le cas de caméras TCP/IP,
• automate TCP/IP, lequel peut être intégré au serveur vidéo TCP/IP,
• récepteur correspondant aux émetteurs des détecteurs infrarouges sans fil et, le cas échéant, des barrières infrarouges sans fils,
• dispositif de commutation d'éclairage temporisé avec cellule crépusculaire,
• station réseau sans fil, au sens du référentiel 802.11,
• antenne 2,4 GHz fonction des distances avec une régie vidéo,
• alimentations basses tensions pour les différents éléments, éventuellement secourues par batterie(s),
• batterie,
• coffret étanche,
• supports et fixations pour la caméra, l'antenne et le coffret.

The fixed local stations 2 here are wireless TCP / IP cameras. The principle for these fixed cameras is the same as for the TCP / IP wireless domes, except that the cameras being fixed, they are generally only solicited by a detector 1. These local stations include the following elements / functionalities:

• video camera,
• TCP / IP video server, which can be integrated into the camera in the case of TCP / IP cameras,
• TCP / IP controller, which can be integrated into the TCP / IP video server,
• receiver corresponding to transmitters of wireless infrared detectors and, where appropriate, wireless infrared barriers,
• timed lighting switching device with twilight cell,
• wireless network station, as defined in 802.11,
• 2.4 GHz antenna functions distances with a video controller,
• low voltages supply for the various elements, possibly rescued by battery (s),
• drums,
• waterproof box,
• brackets and fixtures for the camera, antenna and cabinet.

• rotation en une fraction de seconde vers la partie de la zone à surveiller 3 où l'événement déclenchant a été détecté,
• éventuellement, dans la même seconde commutation, d'un éclairage complémentaire,
• enregistrement d'une séquence vidéo de quelques secondes,
• transmission de cette séquence à la régie vidéo qui relaie vers une station centrale de télésurveillance tout en doublant l'information via une liaison secondaire.

According to a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, at each dome or local station employed is attached several wireless passive infrared detectors 1 and, optionally, one or more active infrared barriers. These detectors and barriers act as "lookouts" on behalf of the dome whose camera can only look in one direction at a time. When a detector witnesses an intrusion, it immediately informs its dome of attachment which implements instantly the principle of removal of doubt:

• rotating in a fraction of a second towards the part of the zone to be monitored 3 where the triggering event has been detected,
• possibly, in the same second switching, additional lighting,
• recording a video sequence of a few seconds,
• transmission of this sequence to the video controller which relays to a central monitoring station while doubling the information via a secondary link.

• point d'accès réseau sans fil au sens du référentiel 802.11 et antennes 2,4 GHz,
• un ou plusieurs ordinateurs avec logiciels ;
  • un logiciel de réception d'alarmes et contrôle des dômes/caméras avec toutes les fonctionnalités des postes opérateurs,
  • un logiciel d'enregistrement des sources vidéo (enregistreur numérique) et de supervision des dômes et caméras,
• routeur TCP/IP, fonction du réseau principal vers la ou les stations centrales de télésurveillance (par exemple routeur « Numéris », ADSL...),
• un ou plusieurs automates TCP/IP avec entrées/sorties,
• transmetteur d'alarmes sur liaison secondaire (téléphonique, GSM Data...) ,
• « hub » ou « switch »,
• onduleur.

The video control device of the invention includes the following equipment:

• wireless network access point in the sense of the 802.11 standard and 2.4 GHz antennas,
• one or more computers with software;
  • a software for receiving alarms and controlling domes / cameras with all the functions of the operator stations,
  • a software for recording video sources (digital recorder) and monitoring domes and cameras,
• TCP / IP router, function of the main network to the central station or central station (eg "Numéris" router, ADSL ...),
• one or more TCP / IP controllers with inputs / outputs,
• alarm transmitter on secondary link (telephone, GSM Data ...),
• "Hub" or "switch",
• inverter.

• réception des séquences vidéo d'alarmes des dômes TCP/IP sans fil et des caméras TCP/IP sans fil,
• si le site est en exploitation locale :
  • identification du dôme/caméra à l'origine de la séquence,
  • envoi d'une trame par le réseau vers l'automate TCP/IP pour activation d'une sortie d'alarme,
  • alarme sonore,
  • affichage d'un libellé d'alarme,
  • connexion en TCP/IP vers le dôme à l'origine de l'alarme,
  • enregistrement automatique éventuel,
  • déconnexion automatique éventuelle après délai paramétrable.
• si le site est en exploitation distante :
  • identification du dôme/caméra à l'origine de la séquence,
  • envoi d'une trame par le réseau vers un automate TCP/IP afin d'activer le transmetteur d'alarme utilisant la liaison secondaire vers la station centrale de télésurveillance pour transmettre l'alarme intrusion,
  • codage de la séquence vidéo,
  • gestion de la redirection vers la ou les stations centrales de télésurveillance,
• réception des alarmes annexes au niveau des automates TCP/IP, activation d'alarmes locales et activation du transmetteur d'alarmes sur la liaison secondaire,
• enregistrement des dômes et caméras selon plusieurs stratégies non exclusives :
  • enregistrement 24h/24h sur une durée limite d'archivage,
  • enregistrement sur plages horaires,
  • enregistrement sur alarme,
  • enregistrement synchronisé sur information extérieure.
• serveur pour relecture des enregistrements au travers du réseau TCP/IP avec :
• recherche par dôme/caméra/jour/heure/minute,
• vitesse de relecture réglable.
• supervision 24/24 des dômes par requête TCP/IP avec :
  • nombre de tentatives échouées paramétrables avant alarme,
  • codage d'une image spécifique et transmission par TCP/IP sur la liaison principale vers le centre de télésurveillance.

The video controller provides the following features (non-exhaustive list):

• receiving alarm video sequences from wireless TCP / IP domes and wireless TCP / IP cameras,
• if the site is in local operation:
  • identification of the dome / camera at the origin of the sequence,
  • send a frame by the network to the TCP / IP controller for activation of an alarm output,
  • sound alarm,
  • display an alarm label,
  • connection in TCP / IP to the dome at the origin of the alarm,
  • eventual automatic recording,
  • automatic disconnection after configurable delay.
• if the site is operating remotely:
  • identification of the dome / camera at the origin of the sequence,
  • sending a frame by the network to a TCP / IP controller in order to activate the alarm transmitter using the secondary link to the central monitoring station to transmit the intrusion alarm,
  • coding of the video sequence,
  • management of the redirection towards the central station or stations of remote surveillance,
• reception of ancillary alarms at the TCP / IP PLCs, activation of local alarms and activation of the alarm transmitter on the secondary link,
• registration of domes and cameras according to several non-exclusive strategies:
  • 24h / 24h recording for a limited time of archiving,
  • recording on time slots,
  • alarm recording,
  • synchronized recording on external information.
• server for replaying records over the TCP / IP network with:
• search by dome / camera / day / hour / minute,
• replay speed adjustable.
• 24/24 supervision of the domes by TCP / IP request with:
  • number of unsuccessful attempts configurable before alarm,
  • encoding of a specific image and TCP / IP transmission on the main link to the central monitoring station.

The aforementioned infrared detectors used are infrared detectors for surveillance outside, that is, they are particularly adapted to the detection of people. In this case, the low consumption of this type of detector allows its power supply via batteries.

In general, detectors 1 used in the present invention are provided with a radio transmitter / receiver transmitting on the frequencies and authorized FM radio bands, for example a range in minimum free field of about 200 meters, in order to alert the nearest local station or the one able to turn from way to point his camera at the aforementioned part of the area to watch 3 where the event triggering was spotted.

In any case, the images will have to ideally contain inlaid the information of the type "site name", "camera number", "date / time / minute / second", the time stamp being for example that of the recording device or that of the station Central.

• un code d'identification permettant d'identifier un ou plusieurs destinataires de l'alarme, ce code pouvant également comporter une indication de la priorité du ou des destinataires, c'est-à-dire l'ordre de transmission de l'alarme,
• un code site, c'est-à-dire une indication permettant d'identifier le site surveillé 3,
• au moins un numéro permettant d'identifier la station locale ayant effectué cette séquence vidéo,
• un index permettant d'ordonner les images formant cette séquence, par exemple un horodatage à la seconde, ou d'ordonner les séquences elles-mêmes en cas d'émissions d'une pluralité de séquences vidéo.

Following the recording of the aforesaid video sequence, the latter is sent to the central station. For a correct routing of the file (s) constituting the video sequence, the name of the file (s) must contain the following elements:

• an identification code making it possible to identify one or more recipients of the alarm, this code may also include an indication of the priority of the recipient or recipients, that is to say the order of transmission of the alarm,
• a site code, that is to say an indication to identify the monitored site 3,
• at least one number to identify the local station having made this video sequence,
• an index making it possible to order the images forming this sequence, for example a timestamp to the second, or to order the sequences themselves in the event of transmissions of a plurality of video sequences.

The device and the method of the invention use a link, called principal, between the station Local 2 of the monitored site 3 and the station (s) central and possibly another link, so-called secondary. The main link is a "TCP / IP" link, that is, the emissions between local station 2 and the central station are carried out on a "TCP / IP" network, while activating the aforementioned secondary link resulting from the implementation of a type of equipment telephone alarm transmitter using the networks switched or cellular networks, for example of the "GSM" type DATA. "Thus, the aforesaid video control unit comprises at least one main TCP / IP link and possibly a secondary link of another nature, for example of the "GSM DATA" type.

• une notification d'information de disponibilité d'une séquence vidéo pour la station locale n° X du site n° Y, appelée "alarme vidéo",
• une notification d'arrivée d'une alarme intrusion de la zone n° Z du site n° Y, appelée "alarme intrusion".

When the two links are available, the monitoring station managing the site 3 thus receives:

• a notice of information of availability of a video sequence for the local station n ° X of the site n ° Y, called "video alarm",
• a notification of arrival of an intrusion alarm of the zone n ° Z of the site n ° Y, called "intrusion alarm".

The shutdown of a local station entails the cessation of surveillance on the parties monitored by the detectors covered by the station local 2.

One of the functions of the video control is to continuously supervise local stations 2 by the technique of "polling", well known to those skilled in the art. In case of non-response from one of the local stations, two notifications are transmitted to the central station of telemonitoring: via the TCP / IP link in the form of a specific file, for example a black image containing "NO VIDEO" or a video clip, reduced to a single image, generated for local station No. X of site No. Y, and by the secondary link as a "fault" alarm Supervision of Local Station No. X of Site No. Y ".

The analysis of the video sequence received must allow operators to qualify the alarm, based on operating instructions for site 3 given by the customer. The operator must be able to connect live on site 3, to follow the evolution of an intrusion diagnosed at the analysis of the video sequence, either in the framework of contractual video-type contractual missions, direct video control, delayed video control, ie checking recent recordings of the site, remote controls. For example, a customer may have a code enabling him from a computer or mobile phone, to directly access an interface user able to give him the command of the station Local 2 and the management of video recording, function for example of the date and time or according to the field of view of said station 2.

The live connection to site 3 for the operator of the central station can be via the "connection" button after information possible field "site". The operator will also have the ability to choose the exit point of the private network local stations 2, depending on the availability of connections or the desired transmission rate (choice of PROXY). The operator has, of course, also the ability to switch to a local station 2 on another local station 2 in case of non-response, or no response from the first local station 2 contacted.

Direct video control of the location or the area to be monitored 3 allows for example to check a person having to enter a building alone sensitive is not accompanied by a third person the threatening or securing a person acting alone in premises at risk. This direct control also allows an operator to control equipment on the site, for example to control the lighting or to control the opening from a gate to receiving an external intercom call.

In this case, the device according to the invention will include at least one control means of the station 2, for example telemetry commands capable of move the local station site / azimuth / zoom in / zoom out. The control means may consist of a command overlay superimposed in the images in the images received live, independent of the telemetry protocol programmed in the aforesaid local station. An example of a user interface is shown in Figure 2.

Moreover, the device according to the invention may include a means of change of resolution to the source, that is to say the coding of the image, the effect of which resolution depends on the compression equipment of the images video recorded and broadcast from the local station.

• possibilité de relire la séquence par action à la souris sur un curseur dans les deux sens (lecture avant - lecture arrière) et/ou image par image,
• possibilité de relire la séquence après un zoom numérique,
• possibilité de relire la séquence vidéo après correction de la luminosité et du contraste,
• possibilité de relire la séquence vidéo après traitement mathématique des images sans limitation, consistant par exemple en un réglage automatique des contrastes, une accentuation des contours, une mise en évidence de cibles en mouvements par analyse différentielle.

The method according to the invention comprises, of course, a subsequent step of analyzing the recorded video sequence. This analysis offers the following possibilities:

• possibility of replaying the sequence by mouse action on a cursor in both directions (read before-backward playback) and / or frame-by-frame,
• ability to replay the sequence after a digital zoom,
• ability to replay the video sequence after brightness and contrast correction,
• possibility of re-reading the video sequence after mathematical processing of the images without limitation, consisting for example of an automatic adjustment of the contrasts, an accentuation of the outlines, a demonstration of moving targets by differential analysis.

The invention is described in the foregoing at as an example. It is understood that the person skilled in the art is even to realize different variants of the invention without however, to leave the framework of the patent.

Claims (24)

Method for managing an alarm system, comprising a video surveillance step of at least one location or zone (3) using at least one autonomous local station (2), comprising at least one possibly mobile camera , said station (2) being connected by wireless link to a video controller, a step of detecting a predefined triggering event by means of detection means (1) connected by non-wire link to the local station (2), such that for example the intrusion of a person in this location or this zone (3) or the departure of a fire, characterized in that it further comprises the following steps: a step of orientation, and possibly focusing, of the camera precisely in the direction of the triggering event in the case where the aforesaid camera is mobile; video recording of images delivered by local stations (2); extracting a video sequence comprising the aforesaid triggering event; said sequence furthermore covering, for a predetermined period of time, a phase before the triggering event and a phase after said event; a step of alerting at least one central station by the video control and send, TCP / IP link, this video sequence to the aforesaid central station. A method of managing an alarm system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a subsequent step of analyzing the video sequence, by the central station operator possibly assisted by an image processing automated, intended to define the appropriate response, such as for example the sending of an intervener on zone (3) or the call to the public forces. A method of managing an alarm system according to claim 1, characterized in that the video sequence is stored in independent storage means specific to the said central station and / or in a storage means accessible from outside via a telecommunication network. A method of managing an alarm system according to claim 3, characterized in that an authorized user, for example having entered a personal code, accesses the video sequence via a computer or a telephone portable via a telecommunications network such as for example the Internet. Method for managing an alarm system according to claim 4, characterized in that the authorized user also accesses a report relating to the triggering event. A method of managing an alarm system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a subsequent video connection step by an operator, for performing a video round or direct video monitoring. Method for managing an alarm system according to claim 6, characterized in that an authorized user can, from a computer or a mobile phone, manage the alarm device almost identically to the central station to define in particular the video rounds, that is to say the scrolling of the video images on a same display screen, to visualize live the location or the area (3) covered by a local station (2), to analyze the aforesaid video sequences, remote control the local station (2) and / or the detection means (1). Method for managing an alarm system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the video sequence comprises an identification code able to define the central station to which the alarm is sent, a site code (monitored site), a number to identify the local station (2) having made this video sequence and an index to order the images forming this sequence, for example a timestamp to the second, or the sequences themselves in case of transmissions. a plurality of video sequences. A method of managing an alarm system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a subsequent step of analyzing the video recordings, for example to determine the staff inputs / outputs. Apparatus for carrying out the method of video monitoring images delivered by at least one local station (2), detecting a predefined triggering event, alerting at least one central station, video recording monitoring said location or said area (3), as well as extracting a video sequence including the aforesaid triggering event; said sequence furthermore covering, for a predetermined period of time, a phase before the triggering event and a phase after said event, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of autonomous detection means (1) for a trigger event connected by non-wire link to the local station (2), at least one local station (2), comprising at least one possibly mobile camera, capable of transmitting / receiving non-wired broadcasts, at least one central station providing centralized supervision of the entire device and including means of communication, at least one video control unit in particular capable of ensuring the monitoring, the management of transmissions / receptions between the local station (2), the central station, the detectors and the video control room as well as the video recording of the aforesaid camera. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the transmissions between the above-mentioned local station (2) and the central station are carried out on a TCP / IP network. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the aforesaid video controller comprises at least one TCP / IP main link and possibly a secondary link of another nature, for example of the "GSM DATA" type. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the local station comprises a mobile camera, for example 360 °. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one control means of the local station (2), for example telemetric commands able to effect the displacement of said local station (2) in site / azimuth / zoom forward / zoom out. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the control means consists of a superimposed command superimposed in the images received live, independent of the telemetry protocol programmed in the aforesaid local station (2). Device according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises means for changing the resolution at the source, that is to say the coding of the image, whose resolution effect depends on the compression means of the images video transmitted from the local station (2). Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the local station comprises a fixed camera. Device according to Claim 17, characterized in that the video sequence consists of 5 ± 1 images before the alarm, 1 ± 1 alarm image, 5 ± 1 images after the alarm. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the video sequence consists of 1 ± 1 images before the alarm, 1 ± 1 alarm image, 9 ± 1 images after the alarm. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the mobile station is a TCP / IP dome. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the TCP / IP dome comprises equipment shared by several domes on the same building, in particular: the TCP / IP video server when equipped with multiple video inputs, possibly the wireless network station and its antenna, for example at 2.4 GHz, the TCP / IP controller for ancillary information (self-protection, low batteries, etc.), possibly integrated with the aforementioned video server, low voltage supplies and any batteries, the waterproof box, designed to protect electronic equipment. Device according to Claim 17, characterized in that the fixed camera is a TCP / IP camera. Device according to Claim 22, characterized in that the TCP / IP camera notably comprises the following elements / functionalities: at least one TCP / IP video server, which can for example be integrated with the camera in the case of TCP / IP cameras, at least one TCP / IP controller, which can be integrated in the TCP / IP video server, possibly a receiver corresponding to the emitters of the wireless infrared detectors and, if applicable, infrared barriers without wires, possibly a lighting switching equipment timed with twilight cell, possibly a wireless network station with at least one 2.4 GHz antenna functions distances with the video controller and possibly at least one wireless network station, a plurality of low voltage power supplies for the various elements, possibly at least one battery, possibly a waterproof case as well as supports and fixings for the camera, the antenna and the box. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the video control unit comprises at least one or more computers, possibly with software for receiving alarms and controlling the domes / cameras with at least some of the functionalities of the operator stations and a control software. recording of video sources (digital recorder) and supervision of domes and cameras, at least one TCP / IP router, one or more TCP / IP controllers with inputs / outputs, possibly a secondary link alarm transmitter (telephone, GSM Data ...), possibly a "hub" or "switch", at least one inverter, possibly at least one wireless network access point and an antenna for example at 2.4 GHz.

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