GB2589704A

GB2589704A - Emergency stand-by system for monitoring a monitoring region and carrying out emergency measures and method for monitoring a monitoring region and carrying

Info

Publication number: GB2589704A
Application number: GB2013925.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wollinger Giacomelli Andreas
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2019-09-05
Filing date: 2020-09-04
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-04
Also published as: GB202013925D0; GB2589704B; KR20210029700A; DE102019213487A1

Abstract

An emergency CCTV system for monitoring a monitoring region and introducing and carrying out emergency measures. At least one video monitoring device 3 such as a camera records monitoring data C in a monitoring region. The camera can adopt a first monitoring state A or a second monitoring state B, wherein the first monitoring state differs from the second state. A functional device 5 outputs information about an emergency or notifications concerning the emergency in the monitoring region. A processing and control device 4 processes the monitoring data and actuates a functional device 5 as a function of the first or second states. The emergency stand-by system comprises at least one activation device 2 for activating a switch of the camera from the first to the second monitoring state. Ideally the first monitoring state involves recording and transmitting metadata of the scene, in order to protect privacy.

Description

Emergency stand-by system for monitoring a monitoring region and carrying out emergency measures and method for monitoring a monitoring region and carrying out emergency measures with an emergency stand-by system The invention relates to an emergency stand-by system for monitoring a monitoring region and carrying out emergency measures and to a corresponding method. The emergency stand-by system comprises at least one video monitoring device for recording monitoring data in a monitoring region. The at least one video monitoring device can adopt a first monitoring state and a second monitoring state, with the first monitoring state differing from the second monitoring state. The emergency stand-by system comprises at least one functional device for outputting information and/or warning notifications about an emergency in the monitoring region and a processing and control device for processing the monitoring data and actuating the at least one functional device as a function of the first or second monitoring state.

Prior art

Devices for monitoring a monitoring region using video cameras and evaluating video material are sufficiently known from the prior art. Through the video monitoring, the protection of individuals and objects and the traceability of incidents, for example in public spaces or in public buildings, should be ensured.

For example, the publication DE 10 2013 217 223 Al, which likely forms the closest prior art, describes a monitoring system, which comprises at least one monitoring camera for recording a monitoring image, which shows a monitoring region in an environment. The monitoring system comprises a second camera for recording a control image, which shows a control region in the same environment. The monitoring region and the control region overlap in an overlapping region at least partially. The control image with a labelling of the monitoring region is displayed on a portable display module.

Disclosure of the invention -2 -

As part of the invention, an emergency stand-by system for monitoring a monitoring region and carrying out emergency measures with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Furthermore, a method for monitoring a monitoring region and carrying out emergency measures with the emergency stand-by system according to the features of claim 10 is proposed. Preferred and/or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the following description and the enclosed figures.

The emergency stand-by system is designed to monitor a monitoring region and carry out emergency measures. For example, the monitoring region is a public space or a building, in particular a public building, a public institution or a residential building, preferably with multiple residents.

The emergency stand-by system comprises a video monitoring device. The video monitoring device is designed to record monitoring data in a monitoring region. The at least one video monitoring device can adopt a first monitoring state and a second monitoring state. The first monitoring state is different to the second monitoring state.

The emergency stand-by system comprises at least one functional device, which is designed to output information about an emergency and/or notifications concerning the emergency. For example, the at least one functional device is designed as at least one display device and/or as at least one speaker device.

The emergency stand-by system has a processing and control device. The processing and control device is designed to process the monitoring data. The processing and control device is designed to actuate the at least one functional device as a function of the first or second monitoring state of the at least one video monitoring device.

According to the invention, the emergency stand-by system comprises at least one activation device. The at least one activation device is designed to activate and/or trigger a switch of the video monitoring device from the first monitoring state to the second monitoring state. Video recordings of the monitoring region are preferably made in the second monitoring state, whereas the monitoring region is not filmed in the first monitoring state.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one activation device is designed -3 -as a switch or button that is to be manually actuated. Alternatively or optionally additionally, the activation device can be a graphic representation of a code, in particular a two-dimensional code, in particular a OR code. It is possible as part of the invention that the graphic representation of the code has a manually removable covering, which conceals the code. The code can preferably be read by the video monitoring device when the covering is removed.

The at least one activation device is preferably arranged so as to be easily visible and reachable in the monitoring region. It can for example be attached to walls, columns or on decorative objects, such as for example pictures or advertising surfaces. In particular the switch, button or the code is assigned to the video monitoring device which monitors the monitoring region, in which the switch, button is provided for actuation or in which the code is arranged for reading.

In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the activation device can be designed as an app on a mobile device, e.g. on a smartphone.

It is advantageous when an individual, who is located in the monitoring region and is involved in an emergency or observes said emergency, can easily and quickly actuate the activation device in order to report the emergency and in order to activate the video recording in the monitoring region. To this end, the individual must simply press the switch, touch the button, start the app or remove the covering of the graphic representation of the code. The individual's inhibition level to report the emergency is very low as a result. Complex actions, which the individual had to carry out hitherto, such as for example making a phone call in order to inform emergency services about the emergency, are no longer necessary as a result. This is in particular advantageous when the emergency is an attack scenario, in which contacting the emergency services themselves could put the individual in danger.

In a possible implementation of the invention, the monitoring data is designed in the second monitoring state as image data. For example, the image files comprise video material which can be displayed and/or played as a video film or video sequences. The monitoring data designed as image data is preferably transmitted to the processing and control device. -4 -

In a possible configuration of the invention, the at least one functional device comprises at least one display device. The at least one display device is preferably arranged in an emergency control centre staffed with emergency personnel. For example, the at least one display device is designed as at least one screen of a computer. Alternatively, it is possible that the at least one display device is designed as a display or touchpad of at least one laptop, tablet or another mobile device.

As part of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the processing and control device actuates the at least one display device in the second monitoring state to display and/or play the image files as the information about the emergency in the monitoring region. In particular, the monitoring data, as the image data in the second monitoring state, is displayed and/or played on the display device as the video film or as the video sequences. It is particularly preferred when the video film or the video sequences show recordings which occurred some time before the activation and/or actuation of the activation device.

In a further possible implementation of the invention, the at least one functional device comprises at least one speaker device. The at least one speaker device is preferably arranged in the monitoring region. It is particularly preferred as part of the invention that the processing and control device actuates the output of the notifications concerning the emergency in the monitoring region when the video monitoring device is activated to switch to the second monitoring state and/or when it adopts the second monitoring state.

Alternatively or optionally additionally, the processing and control device in the second monitoring state actuates the connection to the emergency control centre via the speaker device in the monitoring region. It is possible as part of the invention that the processing and control device actuates the at least one speaker device to interrupt an output of background music or announcements when the switch of the video monitoring device to the second monitoring state is triggered.

Notifications concerning the emergency, which can be output via the speaker device, are, for example: "An emergency video alarm has been triggered! I can see you; how can I help you?", "Remain calm, help is on the way! I'll help you with first aid now!", "There is a defibrillator in the adjoining room to your left!" or "I can see you, the police have been informed! You are being recorded!" -5 -Since the notifications concerning the emergency are output via the at least one speaker device, the at least one individual present in the monitoring region can be informed about the video monitoring device making recordings in the monitoring region. In particular, video recordings are only made when an emergency is reported by actuating the at least one activation device. As a result, permanent video monitoring and the intervention often associated with this into personal rights and time-consuming and costly evaluation of significant amounts of images and data can be avoided. The protection of personal privacy can be advantageously ensured as a result.

It is also advantageous that the at least one individual, who is located in the monitoring region during the emergency, can be informed about the requested assistance. The at least one individual can also be instructed via the speaker announcements about which steps are to be done next, e.g. in order to assist another individual or to extinguish a fire.

In addition, information can also be communicated about an escape route, an emergency exit or the nearest location of a fire extinguisher via the speaker device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitoring data in the first monitoring state of the video monitoring device are exclusively non-graphic data. The monitoring data configured as non-graphic data are preferably transmitted to the processing and control device. By continuously transmitting the non-graphic data to the processing and control device, the video monitoring device can be checked for functionality and faults detected.

For example, the non-graphic data are so-called metadata. It is advantageous as part of the invention that the non-graphic data can be processed by means of the processing and control device for counting individuals and/or determining the presence of individuals in the monitoring region. During the emergency, this may simplify the control of automatic doors, escalators and lifts and/or an evacuation of the space or building in which the monitoring region is located.

The emergency stand-by system offers a solution that is easy and cost-effective to implement for video monitoring increasingly perceived as negative in the population or off-putting due to the danger of "transparent citizens". The video monitoring device is on stand-by at all times to record the image data, if needed, so that this data can be -6 -broadcast as a video film or video sequence. The activation of the recording and broadcast can take place by an individual involved in an emergency simply actuating the activation device. The population can be assured as a result that they are not being permanently filmed and monitored against their wishes and that they can still receive assistance through the image material if this is required. As a result, the existing or even increasing requirement for security of the population can be fulfilled and at the same time concerns in regard to privacy protection can be allayed.

A practical example is the workplace during operation, where video monitoring is in an area of conflict between the employee's freedom and the employer's concerns. The emergency stand-by system can offer an advantageous solution here to counter this area of conflict, equally at train stations, at underground stops, in government agencies, in schools, in residential complexes or in public spaces etc. Moreover, the problem of producing enormous quantifies of data through permanent video monitoring and significantly stressing data lines and networks, can similarly be alleviated or even resolved through the emergency stand-by system.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the emergency stand-by system comprises at least one further video monitoring device. The at least one further monitoring device is preferably identical in construction and/or function to the previously described video monitoring device, in particular to the video monitoring device designed according to the preceding description and/or the claims ito 8.

It is possible as part of the invention that the at least one further video monitoring device is arranged in the monitoring region and/or in an environment of the monitoring region. The processing and control device preferably actuates the at least one further video monitoring device to switch from the first monitoring state to the second monitoring state. The actuation of the at least one further video monitoring device is as a result in particular triggered and/or in particular takes place when the previously described video monitoring device adopts the second monitoring state. In particular, the switch of the at least one further video monitoring device from the first monitoring state to the second monitoring state is actuated upon activation of the switch between the first monitoring state and the second monitoring state of the previously described video monitoring device. -7 -

Since a plurality of video monitoring devices are also switched to the second monitoring state during and/or after activating the switch of the previously described video monitoring device, more extensive monitoring of regions, which adjoin the monitoring region or are adjacent thereto, can be achieved. In particular, an overall situation in the building or at the location where the emergency occurs can be better assessed so that emergency measures of the emergency control centre can be more effectively adapted and carried out.

It is particularly preferred as part of the invention that the previously described video monitoring device and/or the at least one further video monitoring device is designed to display the current monitoring state. For example, the previously described video monitoring device and/or the at least one further video monitoring device have a display device, in particular in the form of an LED display. It is therefore possible that the LED display is activated during the switch from the first monitoring state to the second monitoring state and in particular illuminates in a signal colour or that the colour of the LED display changes during the switch between the monitoring states. As a result, the individuals located in the monitoring region can be easily informed about video recordings being made in the monitoring region.

A method for monitoring a monitoring region and carrying out emergency measures with an emergency stand-by system according to the preceding description and/or according to any one of claims 1 to 9 forms a further subject matter of the invention.

As part of the method, the at least one video monitoring device is actuated to switch from the first monitoring state to the second monitoring state. The actuation of the switch preferably takes place during and/or after an activation of an activation device. In particular, the at least one video monitoring device records monitoring data in the first monitoring state which is non-graphic data. In particular, the at least one video monitoring device monitors monitoring data in the second monitoring state which is image data.

In one possible method step, the non-graphic data to count individuals and/or to determine the presence of individuals in the monitoring region, which is recorded in the first monitoring state, is processed.

In a further possible method step, the image data recorded in the second monitoring -8 -state is displayed and/or played on a display device, in particular as video film or video sequences.

Information and/or warning notifications are preferably output via a speaker device in the monitoring region when the at least one video monitoring device adopts the second monitoring state.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. They show: Figure 1 a schematic representation of an emergency stand-by system for monitoring a monitoring region and introducing and carrying out emergency measures; Figure 2 an activation device of the emergency stand-by system in the form of a switch or button; Figure 3 an activation device of the emergency stand-by system in the form of a graphic representation of a code.

Parts that correspond to one another or that are identical are each provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

A schematic representation of an emergency stand-by system 1 is shown in Figure 1.

The emergency stand-by system 1 is designed to monitor a monitoring region and carry out emergency measures. The monitoring region may be a public space or a building, in particular at which or in which a number of individuals are often located.

The emergency stand-by system 1 has an activation device 2, a video monitoring device 3 and at least one further video monitoring device 8.

The video monitoring device 3 is designed as a video camera. The video monitoring device 3 can adopt a first monitoring state A and a second monitoring state B different from the first monitoring state A. The video monitoring device 3 is formed and/or arranged in the monitoring region to record monitoring data X. The monitoring data X in the first -9 -monitoring state A is different to the monitoring data X in the second monitoring state B. The monitoring data X is configured as non-graphic data 11, in particular so-called metadata, in the first monitoring state A. The monitoring data X is configured as image data 14 in the second monitoring state B. The at least one further video monitoring device 8 is identical in construction and/or function to the video monitoring device 3 and can also adopt the first monitoring state A and the second monitoring state B and record further monitoring data as further non-graphic data in the first monitoring state A and as further image data in the second monitoring state B. The at least one further video monitoring device 8 is arranged in at least one region, which is adjacent to the monitoring region or is in an environment of the monitoring region.

The activation device 2 is designed to activate the video monitoring device 3 to switch from the first monitoring state A to the second monitoring state B. During normal operation, in particular when the activation device 2 is not actuated and/or deactivated Y, in particular is not/has not been actuated, the video monitoring device 3 adopts the first monitoring state A and records the non-graphic data 14 as the monitoring data X. During and/or after activation and/or actuation Z of the activation device 2, the video monitoring device 3 adopts the second monitoring state B and records the image data 11 as monitoring data X. The activation device 2 is, represented by way of example in Figure 2, designed as a switch or button 9 for manual actuation by an individual who is located in the monitoring region. A label 15 can be arranged on the switch or button 9 which e.g. reads: "EMERGENCY CALL Emergency Video Access".

Alternatively, the activation device 2 can also be designed as a graphic representation of a code 10 provided with a covering, in particular a two-dimensional code, for example a OR code, as is shown in Figure 3. In order to activate the activation device 2 and to trigger the switch to the second monitoring state, the individual must simply remove the covering so that the code 10 can be read by the video monitoring device 3. In particular, the code 10 is clearly assigned to the video monitoring device 3, which monitors the -10 -monitoring region in which the graphic representation of the code 10 is arranged.

The activation device 2 is arranged in the monitoring region so as to be easily visible and reachable. It is for example attached to a wall, door or on objects, which are located in the monitoring region. Therefore, the individual located in the monitoring region can easily, quickly and safely actuate the activation device 2. In the event where it concerns the graphic representation of the code 10, the individual can remove the covering so that the code 10 is revealed and so that the video monitoring device 3 can read it and can be activated, as a result.

Alternatively, it is possible that the activation device 2 can be triggered via an app on a mobile device, e.g. on a smartphone, which is carried by an individual seeking assistance.

It is advantageous that the individual who would like to report the emergency can do so in a very simple, quick and uncomplicated manner, in particular without drawing attention to themselves e.g. through a telephone call or contacting another person. They must simply actuate the switch or button 9, start the app or remove the covering of the code 10. Precisely during an attack or rampage, this is greatly advantageous since the individual does not draw attention to themselves through their behaviour and does not have to endanger themselves even further as a result.

The emergency stand-by system 1 can ensure that during the normal operation of the video monitoring device 3, i.e. when an emergency is not reported, only the non-graphic data 14 is recorded and therefore permanent video monitoring does not take place. As a result, the requirement for protection of personal freedom can be taken into account. Only when an emergency is reported by actuating the activation device 2 will the image data 11 be recorded and video recording carried out. Therefore, the desire for security can also be met.

The emergency stand-by system 1 also comprises a processing and control device 4 and at least one functional device 5 which can be actuated by the processing and control device 4. The functional device 5 comprises a display device 6 and a speaker device 7. The speaker device 7 is arranged in the monitoring region and the display device 6 in an emergency control centre staffed by emergency personnel.

The emergency stand-by system 1 can comprise at least one further functional device, not shown, with at least one further display device and with at least one further speaker device. The at least one further display device is also arranged in the emergency control centre and the at least one further speaker device in the region in which the at least one further video monitoring device is arranged.

The display device 6 and/or the at least one further display device is designed as a screen for a computer or as a display of a mobile device. Alternatively, it can also be designed as a touchpad. The image data 14 can be broadcast as video sequences or as a video film on the display device 6 or on the at least one further display device. It is possible and/or preferred that the video sequences or the video film also contain scenes, which have been recorded a few seconds before the actuation of the activation device 2 By means of the speaker device 7 and/or the at least one further speaker device, notifications concerning the emergency, in particular announcements and/or alarm sounds, can be output in the monitoring region or in the region in which the at least one further speaker device is arranged.

As part of a method for monitoring the monitoring region and for introducing and carrying out emergency measures with the emergency stand-by system 1, the following steps are performed: In the event that the activation device 2 is deactivated Y, i.e. is not/has not been actuated, the video monitoring device 3 has the first monitoring state A. In the first monitoring state A, the video monitoring device 3 records the non-graphic data 11 as the monitoring data X and transmits it to the processing and control device 4.

The processing and control device 4 processes the non-graphic data 11, determines the presence 13 of individuals located or recently present in the monitoring region and/or determines a number of individuals 12 who are located or were recently located in the monitoring region.

It is advantageous that, based on the determined number of individuals 12 and/or on the -12 -basis of the presence determination 13, an adequate actuation of transport facilities in the building in which the monitoring region is located can take place. Furthermore, in the case of an emergency, evacuation of the space or building can be simplified.

In the event that the activation device 2 is activated Z, i.e. is/has been actuated by the individual who is located in the monitoring region, in order to report the emergency, the video monitoring device 3 switches to the second monitoring state B. In the second monitoring state B, the video monitoring device 3 records the image data 14 as the monitoring data X and transmits it to the processing and control device 4.

The processing and control device 4 actuates the functional device 5. In particular, it actuates the display device 6 to play the image data 14 as video sequences or as a video film. Therefore, the emergency personnel in the emergency control centre can follow the situation and the events in the monitoring region and introduce corresponding measures.

The emergency personnel of the emergency control centre can guide emergency services directly to the location of the emergency by means of a corresponding site plan using the position of the video monitoring device 3 providing the image data 14.

The processing and control device 4 also actuates the speaker device 7 to output the notifications concerning the emergency in the monitoring region. To this end, announcements or background music, which are often played in the monitoring region, can be interrupted in order to direct the attention of the individuals in the monitoring region to the notifications concerning the emergency. The notifications can be output by the emergency personnel via the speaker device 7 or be played from a tape depending on the situation. They can e.g. be directed to provide assistance regarding conduct during a fire, an attack or in the case of a medical emergency. The notifications also contain information about the monitoring region now being video-monitored and about recordings of the individuals located in the monitoring region being made.

In addition, the video monitoring device 3 in the second monitoring state B can send an optical signal, e.g. in the form of at least one illuminating or flashing LED in order to inform the individuals in the monitoring region about the recordings. Therefore, data protection and personal rights can be taken into consideration by the individuals located in the monitoring region not being filmed unnoticed. A further advantage is the stemming of the flow of data due to permanent video monitoring. The effort to evaluate the video -13 -material can be notably reduced as a result.

During and/or after switching the video monitoring device 3 from the first monitoring state A to the second monitoring state B or during and/or after receiving the image data 14, the processing and control device 4 actuates the at least one further video monitoring device 8 to switch from the first monitoring state A to the second monitoring state B. As a result, the further image data can be recorded in the region in which the at least one further monitoring device 8 is arranged.

The further image data is, as previously described, transmitted to the processing and control device 8. This device actuates the at least one further functional device such that the further image data is played as further video sequences or as further video film on the at least one further display device and such that further notifications concerning the emergency are output via the at least one further speaker device.

By means of the at least one further video monitoring device 8, additional security in the vicinity and/or the environment of the monitoring region can be provided and timely intervention of the emergency personnel can be enabled. This can e.g. be greatly advantageous in the case of the spreading of a fire, in the case of an attack, rampage or mass panic since the emergency personnel can maintain an overview of the situation on-site and can output further notifications to the relevant locations via the at least one further speaker device 7.

-14 -List of reference numerals 1 emergency stand-by system 2 activation device 3 video monitoring device 4 processing and control device functional device 6 display device 7 speaker device 8 further video monitoring device 9 switch or button code 11 non-graphic data 12 number of individuals 13 presence determination 14 image data label A first monitoring state B second monitoring state X recorded data non-actuated/deactivated activation device actuated/activated activation device

Claims

-15 -Claims Emergency stand-by system (1) for monitoring a monitoring region and for introducing and carrying out emergency measures, comprising at least one video monitoring device (3) for recording monitoring data (X) in a monitoring region, wherein the at least one video monitoring device (3) can adopt a first monitoring state (A) and a second monitoring state (B), wherein the first monitoring state (A) differs from the second monitoring state (B), comprising at least one functional device (5) for outputting information about an emergency and/or notifications concerning the emergency in the monitoring region and comprising a processing and control device (4) for processing the monitoring data (X) and actuating the at least one functional device (5) as a function of the first or second monitoring state (A, B), characterised in that the emergency stand-by system (1) comprises at least one activation device (2) for activating a switch of the video monitoring device (3) from the first monitoring state (A) to the second monitoring state (B).
2. Emergency stand-by system (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the activation device (2) is a manually actuatable switch or button.
3. Emergency stand-by system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the activation device (2) is a graphic representation of a code with a manually removable covering readable by the at least one video monitoring device (3).
4. Emergency stand-by system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the monitoring data (X) in the second monitoring state (B) is image data (14) that can be and/or is transmitted to the processing and control device (4).
5. Emergency stand-by system (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the at least one functional device (5) comprises at least one display device (6), wherein the processing and control device (4) actuates the at least one display device (6) in the second monitoring state (B) to display and/or to play the image data as the -16 -information about the emergency.
6. Emergency stand-by system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one functional device (5) is at least one speaker device (7), wherein the processing and control device (4) in the second monitoring state (B) actuates the output of the notifications concerning the emergency by means of the at least one speaker device (7).
7. Emergency stand-by system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the monitoring data (X) in the first monitoring state (A) is non-graphic data (11), in particular metadata, that can be and/or is transmitted to the processing and control device (4).
8. Emergency stand-by system (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the processing and control device (4) processes the non-graphic data (14) to determine a number of individuals (12) and/or to determine the presence (13) of individuals in the monitoring region.
9. Emergency stand-by system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one further video monitoring device (8), wherein the processing and control device (4) actuates the at least one further video monitoring device (8) to switch from the first monitoring state (A) to the second monitoring state (B) when the video monitoring device (3) adopts the second monitoring state (B).
10. Method for monitoring a monitoring region and introducing and carrying out emergency measures with an emergency stand-by system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the video monitoring device (3) is activated to switch from the first monitoring state (A) to the second monitoring state (B).