JP2001211450A - Image pickup system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup system that can set processed contents of compression of image information for each image pickup means. SOLUTION: The image pickup system is provided with an image pickup station 3 and a base station 5 interconnected via a communication channel 1, and the image pickup station 3 transmits an image or the like obtained by picking up an image of a prescribe supervisory object or the like to the bas station 3 via the communication channel 1. Then each camera 11 is provided with a compression section 11b and a parameter such as a compression system and a compression rate can be set to each camera 11. Moreover, the image pickup system is provided with an automatic control mode and a semi-automatic control mode where the contents of the compression and the image pickup condition of each camera 11 are automatically or semi-automatically decided to optimum setting according to a feature of each monitor object.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging system for transmitting an image captured by a first station such as an imaging station to a second station such as a base station via a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The prior art of this type of imaging system is listed below.

In the first prior art, even when a plurality of image pickup means are provided in an image pickup station, only a single compression processing means is provided in the image pickup station, and image information taken by each image pickup means is stored. Is compressed by the same compression method and the same compression ratio by a single compression processing means and transmitted to the base station.

In the second prior art, image information transmitted from an imaging station is recorded in a single recording means provided in a base station. Since a large recording capacity is required as the recording means, a means for recording on a large-capacity recording medium such as a hard disk is used.

In the third conventional technique, compressed image information received by a base station is stored in a large-capacity buffer memory composed of a semiconductor memory, and then read out from the buffer memory and decompressed. It is displayed on the display means. Further, when the compressed image information stored in the buffer memory is recorded on a recording means (such as a hard disk) for recording on a recording medium, the decompressed image information is displayed on the display means. After that, recording on the recording means is performed by specifying a recording holder and inputting a recording command.

In the fourth prior art, the image information transmitted from the imaging station to the base station is not provided with time information indicating the time at each time when the image information was captured.

Here, regarding the prior art of the invention described in claim 11 of the present application, as in the present invention, each image information of a plurality of cameras transmitted from an imaging station to a base station via a communication line is captured. It is considered that there is no imaging system configured to automatically determine and display the number of screen divisions of the display means according to the number of operating cameras.

In the fifth prior art, when image information captured by a plurality of image capturing means is transmitted from an image capturing station to a base station,
The image information of each imaging means is transmitted at the same transmission rate (the amount of transmission information per unit time).

[0009]

In the first prior art, since the imaging station is provided with only a single compression processing means, the processing content of the compression processing performed on the image captured by each imaging means is described. There is a problem that it cannot be set individually for each imaging means.

In the second prior art, since the image information transmitted from the imaging station is recorded in a single recording means provided in the base station, the image information transmitted to the base station is recorded. When the transmission speed is high, there is a problem that the recording speed of the recording means cannot catch up with the transmission speed and image information cannot be recorded without omission.

In the third prior art, the compressed image information received by the base station is temporarily stored in a buffer memory, decompressed and displayed on a display means, and then a recording holder is designated and a recording command is issued. By performing the input of, for example, is transferred from the buffer memory to the recording means and is recorded, since a plurality of steps are required from the reception of the compressed image information to the recording to the recording means, There is a problem that it takes a long time for the decompression process, the command input, and the like, so that the compressed image information cannot be quickly recorded.

In the fourth prior art, the image information transmitted from the imaging station to the base station is not provided with time information indicating the time of each point in time when the image information was imaged. There is a problem that it is inconvenient to search for image information when it is desired to reproduce image information at a predetermined time in recorded image information.

In the fifth prior art, since the image information of each imaging means is transmitted at the same transmission rate, it is not possible to set the transmission rate according to the characteristics of the imaging target of each imaging means. There is.

In view of the above problems, the first aspect of the present invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging system capable of setting the processing content of image information compression processing for each imaging unit.

[0015] A second object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system capable of increasing the speed of recording image information transmitted to a base station on a recording medium.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup system which can easily search for image information based on the image pickup time.

A fourth object of the present invention is to appropriately display each image information of a plurality of cameras transmitted to a base station via a communication line on one display means in accordance with the number of cameras during an imaging operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system that can display an image in size.

A fifth object of the present invention is to determine the amount of information transmitted per unit time when image information captured by each imaging means is transmitted from an imaging station to a base station, based on characteristics of an imaging target of each imaging means. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system which can be set for each image information based on the image information.

[0019]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging system for transmitting an image captured by a first station to a second station via a communication line.
The station is provided with a plurality of image pickup means for picking up an image of an image pickup target and outputting digital image information, and a plurality of compression processing provided for each of the image pickup means, for compressing the image information and outputting the compressed image information Means for transmitting the compressed image information output from each of the compression processing means to the second station via the communication line.

Preferably, the first station comprises a feature detecting means for detecting a feature of each of the objects to be imaged by each of the image sensing means and outputting a result of the detection as feature information. The first station or the second station may be provided with a compression control means for determining the processing content of the compression processing to be performed based on the characteristic information and giving the result to each compression processing means.

Preferably, the processing content determined by the compression control means is at least one of a compression method and a parameter for determining characteristics of compression processing by each compression method.

Preferably, the first station is provided with feature detecting means for detecting a feature of each of the objects to be imaged by each of the image sensing means and outputting a result of the detection as feature information. The means is capable of externally controlling imaging conditions when imaging the imaging target, and determines the imaging conditions when each of the imaging means performs imaging based on the characteristic information output from the characteristic detecting means. It is preferable that the first station or the second station is provided with an imaging control unit that gives the image to each of the imaging units.

Preferably, the imaging control means includes:
It is preferable that the imaging conditions of the plurality of imaging units can be simultaneously controlled based on the determined content determined based on the feature information or the input content input from outside.

[0024] Further, it is preferable that the imaging conditions of each of the imaging means determined by the imaging control means are the same or associated with each other.

Further, a technical means for achieving the above object is an imaging system for transmitting an image picked up by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein the first station has a predetermined function. A camera that captures an image of an imaging target and outputs image information; and a transmission unit that transmits the image information provided from the camera to the second station via the communication line. A plurality of recording means for independently performing a recording operation of the image information on a predetermined recording medium, and a distribution for receiving the image information transmitted from the first station and distributing and recording the information to the plurality of recording devices Means.

[0026] More preferably, a plurality of said cameras are provided in said first station, and said transmitting means converts said image information output from each camera into identification information for identifying said image information. Multiplexed and transmitted to the second station via the communication line, and the distributing means controls one or more of the plurality of the image information so that the image information is equally distributed to the plurality of recording means. Preferably, one recording unit is assigned to each image information of the camera, and each image information is identified based on the identification information and recorded in the corresponding recording unit.

[0027] Further, a technical means for achieving the above object is an imaging system for transmitting an image taken by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein the first station has a predetermined function. Imaging means for imaging an imaging target and outputting image information;
The image information output from the imaging means is subjected to compression processing, and the compressed
Compression processing means for transmitting to the station, the second station,
Recording means for recording the compressed image information on a predetermined recording medium; display means for displaying the image information; and recording the compressed image information transmitted from the first station on the recording means at the same time as receiving the compressed image information. Processing means for expanding the compressed image information in parallel and displaying the image information obtained by the expansion processing on the display means.

Further, the technical means for achieving the above object is that an image picked up by the first station is transferred to the second station via a communication line.
An image capturing system for transmitting to a station, wherein when transmitting image information from the first station, time information indicating an image capturing time at each point in time when an image capturing target corresponding to the image information is captured is transmitted to the first station. Is given to the image information at predetermined time intervals,
The information is transmitted to the second station together with the image information.

Further, a technical means for achieving the above object is an imaging system for transmitting an image picked up by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein the first station is provided with a predetermined signal. A plurality of cameras that capture an image of an imaging target and output image information, and transmit the image information given from each of the cameras to the second station via the communication line, and perform the imaging operation of the camera. Transmitting means for detecting the number of cameras and transmitting the information as number information to the second station via the communication line, wherein the second station uniformly displays the display means and the screen of the display means in a grid pattern. A function of displaying image information captured by each camera in each display area obtained by dividing by the square of the natural number n, wherein the image information and the image information transmitted from the first station are provided. Upon receiving the number information, The screen is divided so that the number of divisions is larger than the number of cameras indicated by the number information, and is the minimum number, and the image captured by each camera in any of the display areas obtained as a result. Processing means for displaying information.

Further, the technical means for achieving the above object is that an image picked up by the first station is transferred to the second station via a communication line.
An imaging system for transmitting to a station, wherein the first station captures a predetermined imaging target and outputs image information, and the image information output from each of the imaging units is the first Information for processing and outputting each image information so that the amount of transmission information per unit time of each image information when transmitted to two stations is a predetermined rate value determined for each of the imaging means. Processing means; and transmitting means for transmitting the image information processed by the information processing means to the second station via the communication line.

Preferably, the transmitting means multiplexes the captured images by a time-division multiplexing method and transmits the multiplexed images, and sets the order of multiplexing and transmitting the captured images in accordance with a set priority. Good to decide.

More preferably, the information processing means is a compression processing means for performing a compression process on each of the image information provided from each of the imaging means and outputting the compressed image information. The information is subjected to temporary compression processing, and based on the information amount of each image information before and after the temporary compression processing, the information amount of each image information after the actual compression processing is adapted to each of the corresponding rate values. Preferably, the compression ratio of the compression process is determined for each of the image information, and the image information is compressed and output at the determined compression ratio.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a monitoring system (imaging system) according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, the overall configuration of the monitoring system will be described with reference to FIG. This monitoring system includes an imaging station 3 and a base station 5 connected via a communication line 1 such as the Internet.
Then, an image or the like obtained by imaging a predetermined monitoring target (imaging target) is transmitted to the base station 3 via the communication line 1. As a result, the base station 3 can monitor a remote place based on an image or the like transmitted from the imaging station 3.

The imaging station 3 has at least a plurality of cameras 11 for imaging different or identical objects to be monitored.
And a sensor group 13 for detecting a characteristic (such as occurrence of abnormality) of a monitoring target monitored via each camera 11, and a distribution device 15. The distribution device 15 controls each camera 11 and the sensor group 13, transmits an image captured by each camera 11 and a detection result of the sensor group 13 to the base station 5 via the communication line 1, and To receive control information and the like transmitted from the base station 5. All information transmission between the imaging station 3 and the base station 5 is performed via the communication line 1.

The base station 5 includes at least the receiving device 21
, A display device 23, and a plurality of recording devices 25. The receiving device 21 receives the operation input and displays the display device 2
3 and control of each recording device 25, reception of various information transmitted from the imaging station 5, display of a received image on the display device 23, recording and reading of the received image to and from each recording device 25, communication of various control information Transmission to the imaging station 3 via the line 1 is performed. The information transmitted to the imaging station 3 by the receiving device 21 also includes alarm information for operating an alarm device (not shown) provided in the imaging station 3 for notifying occurrence of an abnormality or the like. ing.

Each recording device 25 is a large-capacity recording device for recording and reading information on a predetermined recording medium, and here a hard disk is used. Although a hard disk is used here as the recording device 25, a DV that performs recording and reading on a DVD is used.
A D deck may be used, or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM may be used if a large capacity can be realized.

Hereinafter, features of the monitoring system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, each feature point of the monitoring system is extracted, and description will be given for each feature point.

<First Feature> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of the monitoring system of FIG. 1 in more detail.
Each of the cameras 11 has an imaging unit (imaging unit) 11a for imaging the assigned monitoring target, a compression processing unit (compression processing unit) 11b, and a camera 11 based on control information input from the distribution device 15. A processing unit 11c is provided for performing control and detecting a feature of a monitoring target of each camera 11b based on an imaging result of the imaging unit 11a and the like. Here, the processing unit 11b of each camera 11 and the sensor group 1
3 has the function of the characteristic portion detecting means according to the present invention.

The image pickup section 11a includes a CCD image pickup device and outputs image information obtained as a result of image pickup. Further, under the control of the processing unit 11c, the imaging unit 11a has a function of adjusting imaging conditions such as zoom, pan, tilt, aperture value, and sensitivity.

The compression processing section 11b performs a compression process on the digital image information output from the imaging section 11a and outputs it to the distribution device 15 as compressed image information. In addition, the compression processing unit 11b performs the compression content (here,
It has a function of setting and changing the compression method and parameters (such as parameters indicating the compression ratio) that determine the characteristics of the compression processing by each compression method under the control of the processing unit 11c.

The processing section 11c sets the imaging conditions of the imaging section 11a and the processing contents of the compression processing of the compression processing section 11b based on the control information given from the distribution device 15.
Further, the processing unit 11c has a function of detecting a feature of a monitoring target imaged by each camera 11 based on an imaging result or the like of the imaging unit 11a and outputting the detection result to the distribution device 15.

The feature detection function of the monitoring target of the processing unit 11c includes an image change detection function (motion sensor function) for detecting the degree of change (movement) of the image picked up by the image pickup unit 11a, Image complexity detection function for detecting complexity, subject size detection function for detecting the size of a subject in a captured image, distance measurement for detecting the actual distance between the subject and the camera 11 in a captured image It includes a function, an illuminance detection function for detecting the brightness of a monitoring target, and the like.

In the motion sensor function, for example, a difference between frame images output from the imaging unit 11a is obtained, and the degree of change of the image is detected based on the magnitude of the difference result. The complexity detection function pays attention to the fact that, in a general image compression method, the more complicated the image, the smaller the rate of reduction in the amount of information due to the compression. Is used to detect the complexity of the image.

In the subject size detection function, for example, a moving object in a captured image is recognized as a subject, and the size of the subject in the image is detected. In the distance measurement function,
For example, a moving object in a captured image is recognized as a subject, and a distance between the recognized subject and the camera 11 is detected via a distance measurement sensor 11d provided in the camera 11. In the illuminance detection function, the brightness of a monitoring target is detected based on the brightness of a captured image.

The sensor group 13 is disposed at least at each position in an image pickup area to be monitored by each camera 11,
A plurality of personal sensors for detecting an intruder or the like are provided. Upon detecting an intruder, each of the human sensors 11 outputs a detection result to the distribution device 15.

The transmitting / receiving unit (transmitting means) is provided in the distribution device 15.
15a and processing unit (compression control means, imaging control means) 15b
And are provided. The transmission / reception unit 15a transmits information to and from the base station 3 via the communication line 1. Processing device 1
Reference numeral 5b denotes power on / off of each camera 11;
The control of the entire imaging station 3 such as the control of the imaging unit 11a and the compression processing unit 11b via one processing unit 11c is performed. The detailed control operation of the processing unit 15b will be described later.

The receiving device 21 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 21a, a decompression processing unit 21b, a processing unit 21c, and an input receiving unit 21d.
And are provided. The transmission / reception unit 21a transmits information to and from the imaging station 3 via the communication line 1. The decompression processing unit 21b performs decompression processing on the compressed image information received by the transmission / reception unit 21a and outputs it to the display device 23 as image information. The output image information is displayed on the display device 23 as an image. The processing unit 21c controls the entire base station 5 such as the control of the transmission / reception unit 21a and the expansion processing unit 21b based on an operation input input via the input reception unit 21d. Further, the processing unit 21c manually sets the settings of each camera 11 of the imaging station 3 (the imaging conditions and the processing of the compression processing).
For example, when performing the above control, a function of transmitting control information input via the input receiving unit 21d to the imaging station 3 via the transmitting / receiving unit 21b is also provided.

It should be further noted that the first feature point is that the processing unit 15b of the distribution device 15 of the imaging station 3 has the processing unit 11c of each camera 11 and the feature of each monitoring target detected by the sensor group 13. As described below, the processing conditions of the imaging unit 11a of each camera 11 and the processing content of the compression processing of the compression processing unit 11b are described as follows.
This is automatically or semi-automatically set via.

Here, the image pickup unit 11a by the processing unit 15b
And an automatic control mode for controlling the compression processing section 11b.
A semi-automatic control mode and a manual control mode are switchably provided. The control mode switching is performed by inputting a control mode switching command via the input receiving unit 21d of the receiving device 21.

In the automatic control mode, out of a plurality of pre-registered imaging conditions and processing contents of the compression processing, the imaging conditions and compression processing most suitable for the characteristics of each monitoring target detected by the processing unit 11c and the sensor group 13 are described. The processing content is the processing unit 11c of each camera 11 and the sensor group 13
Is determined for each camera 11 in accordance with a preset correspondence relationship based on the characteristics of each monitoring target detected by the camera 11, and the imaging unit 11 a and the compression processing unit 11 of each camera 11 are determined.
b.

In the semi-automatic control mode, out of a plurality of pre-registered imaging conditions and processing contents of the compression processing, the imaging conditions and compression processing most suitable for the characteristics of each monitoring target detected by the processing unit 11c and the sensor group 13 are described. The processing content is the processing unit 11c of each camera 11 and the sensor group 1
3 is determined for each camera 11 in accordance with a preset correspondence based on the characteristics of each monitoring target detected by 3 and whether to change the settings of the imaging unit 11a and the compression processing unit 11b of each camera 11 An execution determination request signal for prompting the determination is transmitted to the base station 21 via the transmission / reception unit 15a. At this time, the imaging condition and the processing content of the compression process, which are candidates for the setting change, are transmitted to the base station 5 via the transmission / reception unit 15 and displayed on the display device 23 together with the execution determination request signal. You may do so.

When a command to change the setting is input via the input receiving section 21d of the receiving device 21 of the base station 21 and transmitted from the base station 1, the setting change becomes a candidate for the setting change. The imaging conditions and the processing contents of the compression processing are the imaging unit 11a and the compression processing unit 1 of each camera 11.
1b. On the other hand, the input receiving unit 21 of the base station 21
When a command to the effect that the setting is not changed via d is input and transmitted from the base station 1, the imaging conditions of the imaging unit 11a of each camera 11 and the processing content of the compression processing of the compression processing unit 11b are changed. It is kept as it is.

In the manual control mode, the operation is input via the input receiving unit 21d provided in the receiving device 21 of the base station 5, and based on the control information transmitted from the base station 5,
The imaging conditions of the imaging unit 11a of each camera 11 and the processing content of the compression processing of the compression processing unit 11b are set.

Here, in the automatic control mode or the semi-automatic control mode (especially, the automatic control mode), it is necessary to reduce the transmission information amount of control information necessary for controlling each camera 11 between the imaging station 3 and the base station 5. In addition to the above, the transmission time required for transmitting the control information can be reduced so that quick control can be performed.

In this embodiment, the automatic control mode,
Camera 1 with semi-automatic control mode and manual control mode
Although the processing 1 is performed by the processing unit 15b of the distribution device 15, the processing may be performed by the processing unit 21c of the receiving device 21.

[0056]

[Table 1]

Table 1 above shows an example of the setting of the imaging conditions of the imaging section 11a of each camera 11 and the processing content of the compression processing of the compression processing section 11b in the automatic control mode. Regarding the characteristics of the monitoring target in Table 1, “small movement” and “many movement” are determined based on the detection result of the image change detection function. Whether the image is a “precise image” is determined based on the detection result of the image complexity detection function. Whether the subject is a “small subject” is determined based on the detection result of the subject size detection function. Whether the subject is a “close subject” is determined based on the detection result of the distance measurement function. Whether the importance is “high” is determined based on, for example, the image change detection function and the detection result of the sensor group 13. Here, when there is a change in the image (change in the monitoring target) by the image change detection function, or when the interpersonal sensor of the sensor group 13 detects an intruder, the image or the interpersonal sensor is provided. An image obtained by capturing the monitoring target is regarded as an important image. Whether it is “dark” or not is determined based on the detection result of the illuminance detection function.

The setting items in Table 1 exemplify items for which the processing unit 15b performs automatic setting. "Imaging conditions"
The “compression method” indicates a compression method performed by the compression unit 11b of each camera 11, and the “image size” indicates a reduction processing of an image captured by each camera 11. "Compression ratio" indicates a parameter indicating a compression ratio when compression processing is performed by the compression processing unit 11b of each camera 11, and "the number of frames" Indicates the frame rate of an image transmitted from each camera 11 via the distribution device 15. In Table 1, “−−” indicates that an arbitrary setting is sufficient. For example, in the “−−” part, the existing setting state is maintained.

In the setting example of Table 1, when the captured image is precise (complex), the image pickup section 11a of the camera 11
In order to focus each part of the image, the aperture is narrowed down so as to expand the distance range in which the imaging unit 11a is in focus.

It should be further noted that the first feature point is that the processing unit 15 b of the distribution device 15 of the imaging station 3.
Indicates that in each of the three control modes described above, each camera 11
The control of the imaging unit 11a and the compression processing unit 11b can be performed simultaneously so that the same setting content is set or the setting content associated with each other is set. .

As a specific control example, the following example can be considered. For example, in the automatic control mode, when the monitoring target of each camera 11 becomes dark after sunset,
It is conceivable that the sensitivity of the imaging unit 11a of each camera 11 is automatically increased at the same time. Further, in the automatic control mode, when any one of the human sensors of the sensor group 13 detects an intruder, the pan angle and the tilt angle of the imaging unit 11a of each camera 11 are automatically and simultaneously changed in association with each other. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the imaging unit 11a of each camera 11 is directed to the installation location of the personal sensor that has detected the intruder. Further, in the manual control mode, the receiving device 2
In synchronization with a single operation signal input from an operation input unit such as a joystick provided in one input reception unit 21d and transmitted via the communication line 1, the imaging units 11a of the plurality of cameras 11 capture images. It is conceivable that the directions (pan angle and tilt angle) are changed simultaneously (for example, the plurality of cameras 11 are simultaneously turned rightward).

As described above, in the first characteristic point, since the compression processing section 11b is provided for each camera 11, the compression method and the compression ratio are set for each camera 11 according to the monitoring target characteristics of each camera 11. Etc. can be set.

Further, there are provided an automatic control mode and a semi-automatic control mode in which the imaging conditions of each camera 11 and the processing contents of the compression processing are automatically or semi-automatically determined to the optimum setting contents according to the characteristics of each monitored object. Therefore, it is not necessary for the monitor (user) to determine the imaging conditions and the processing content of the compression processing, which is convenient.

Further, the processing unit 15b of the distribution device 15
In each control mode, the control of the imaging unit 11a and the compression processing unit 11b of each camera 11 is performed simultaneously so that the same setting contents are set or the setting contents related to each other are set. Because
Control of each camera 11 can be performed in a shorter time than in a case where the cameras 11 are controlled one by one, and a plurality of cameras 11 can be controlled at once by one operation input. , Convenient and efficient.

<Second Feature> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of the monitoring system of FIG. 1 in more detail.
In the monitoring system according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, each compressed image information corresponding to each camera 11 transmitted from the imaging station 3 is transmitted to the base station 5 by a plurality of recording devices 2.
5 and recorded.

In the imaging station 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), the transmitting / receiving section (transmitting means) 15a of the distribution device 15 transmits the compressed image information output from each camera 11 to any of the cameras 11 on the base station 3 side. An identification code (ID = 1 to n, etc.) for identifying the object is attached to each piece of compressed image information and the base station 5
To be transmitted. At this time, each camera 11
Are compressed and multiplexed by the time-division multiplexing method and transmitted. here,
As the identification code added to each piece of compressed image information, the one previously fixedly assigned to each camera 11 is used, but any one of a plurality of identification codes prepared in advance is used. Is assigned to which camera 11 according to the order in which the camera 11 is powered on, for example, I
D = 1, 2, 3,... May be used.

In response to this, on the receiving station 5 side, one recording device 25 is evenly allocated to one or a plurality of identification codes given to each camera 11, and the transmitting / receiving section ( Upon receiving each piece of compressed image information transmitted in time series from the imaging station 5 by time division multiplexing, the distributing unit 21a converts each piece of compressed image information to an identification code assigned to each piece of compressed image information. To the recording device 25 for recording.

For example, six cameras 11 and a recording device 25
The case where three are provided will be described. In this case, each camera 11 is provided with an identification code of ID = 1 to 6, and each piece of compressed image information output from each camera 11 is packet-based by one or several frames in ascending order of the identification code (ID). The data is transmitted to the base station 5 in time series. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the adjacent identification codes (ID) in the order (for example, ID = 1 and ID = 2) are not assigned to each recording device 25 to the same recording device 25. As described above (so-called intermittently), six identification codes are equally allocated to the three recording devices 25.

Here, the recording device 25a has ID = 1.
And ID = 4 are assigned to the recording device 25b.
D = 2 and ID = 5 are assigned, and the recording device 25a is assigned ID = 3 and ID = 6. Then, when each piece of compressed image information is transmitted to the base station 5, 1
Each compressed image information of the packet is cyclically and uniformly recorded in the order of the recording device 25a, the recording device 25b, and the recording device 25c.

As described above, according to the second feature point, the compressed image information of each camera 11 transmitted to the base station 5 in time series by time division multiplexing as shown in FIG. Since the image data is distributed and evenly distributed among the plurality of recording devices 25, the compressed image information transmitted at a high speed can be recorded without omission.

<Third Feature> Further, in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, in the base station 5, each compressed image information transmitted from the imaging station 3 is transmitted to the receiving device 21. , The compressed image information is recorded in the corresponding recording device 25 by the transmission / reception unit 21a at the same time as the reception, and the compressed image information is decompressed by the compression processing unit 21b in parallel with this. The image data is output to the display device 23 as image information and displayed as an image. Here, the receiving device 21 corresponds to the processing means according to the ninth aspect of the present invention.

As described above, according to the third characteristic point, the compressed image information received by the base station 5 is received simultaneously (before the expansion processing on the compressed image information is performed).
Since the data is directly recorded in the recording device 25 without passing through the buffer memory, the received compressed image information can be quickly recorded regardless of the length of time required for the decompression process.

<Fourth Feature> Further, in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment, the imaging station 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 3)
When the transmitting / receiving unit 15 of the distribution device 15 transmits the compressed image information output from each camera 11 to the base station 5, an image corresponding to the compressed image information is captured by each camera 11. Time information indicating the imaging time at each point in time is added to each piece of compressed image information at predetermined time intervals, and transmitted to the base station 5 together with each piece of compressed image information.

This point will be described in more detail. Each compressed image information output from each camera 11 is composed of a plurality of image frames 31 transmitted in time series as shown in FIG. The time information is transmitted as a time frame 33 interposed between the image frames 31. The time information is added to each piece of compressed image information output from each camera 11.

Here, the time information indicates hours, minutes, and seconds, and is added to each piece of compressed image information at one-minute intervals. Can be arbitrarily changed.

In response to this, in the base station 5 (see FIG. 3), the transmission / reception section 21a of the receiving device 21 transmits the received time information together with each compressed image information and each recording device corresponding to each compressed image information. 25. When recording the time information added to each piece of received compressed image information in each recording device 25, the transmitting and receiving unit 21a records the recorded time information and the time information as shown in Table 2 below. A table is created for each recording device 25 in association with the recording position (location, address, sector, etc.) in the recording medium of each recording device 25, and is recorded on each recording device 25. I have. In this case, the table is recorded for each recording device 25. However, any one of the recording devices representative of the table showing each time information and the recording position of each time information in all the recording devices 25 is used. 25 may be recorded.

[0077]

[Table 2]

As described above, according to the fourth feature, each piece of compressed image information transmitted from the image capturing station 3 includes time information indicating the image capturing time at each point in time when the image was captured at the predetermined time interval. When searching for compressed image information corresponding to an image captured at a specific time from among the compressed image information recorded on the base station 5 side, the search is easily performed based on the time information. can do.

Each recording device 25 of the base station 5 stores the recorded time information and each recording device 25 of the time information.
Since a table (table) in which the recording positions in the recording medium are associated with each other is created and recorded, the table is read out from each recording device 25 when the compressed image information is retrieved, and the retrieval is performed more quickly. A search for compressed image information can be performed.

Here, as a modified example of the present embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 15a of the distribution device 15 performs not only the time information but also the frame rate indicating the frame rate of each compressed image information output from each camera 11 at each time point. Information may be included in each time frame 33 shown in FIG. Thereby, when the frame rate is set so that a plurality of frame images are transmitted within the time interval to which the time information is added, the time information and the time information are transmitted on the base station 5 side. By referring to the frame rate at the indicated time, it is possible to substantially specify and search the time at which the frame image was captured in frame units. For example, if time information is provided at one-minute intervals and the frame rate is set to transmit an image of one frame per second, and if one wants to search for an image at 12:30:30, the time information , A frame image at 12:30 is searched based on the frame rate, and a frame image at 30:30 from the frame image at 13:30 is searched as a frame image at 12:30:30 based on the frame rate. be able to.

<Fifth Feature> Further, in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment, the image capturing station 3 (see FIG. 2) performs a process such as starting the transmission of the compressed image information output from each camera 11. The transmission / reception unit 15a of the distribution device 15 detects the number of cameras m of the cameras 11 performing the imaging operation by detecting whether the power of each camera 11 is turned on or off or whether or not each camera 11 outputs a captured image. Then, the number information is transmitted to the base station 5 via the communication line 1 as the number information.

Correspondingly, in the base station 5 (see FIG. 2), the processing section 21c of the receiving device 21 changes the screen 35 of the display device 23 as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (e). To display images captured by the cameras 11 in the respective display areas 35a obtained by equally dividing the image into a grid by the square of the natural number n, and the number information transmitted from the imaging station 3. And a function of determining the optimal number of divisions of the screen 25 based on the number m of cameras indicated by the number information. The function of the processing means according to the invention described in claim 11 of the present application is performed by the receiving device 21.

The processing unit 21c determines the optimal number of divisions of the screen 35 by deriving a natural number n satisfying the relational expression of (n-1) ² <m ≦ n ² ,
This is done by dividing the power to the number of divisions. That is, the relationship between the number of cameras m and the optimal number of divisions of the screen 35 is given as in Table 3 below.

[0084]

[Table 3]

Here, the screen 35 is evenly divided into squares of a natural number n in a grid pattern. This dividing method is simple, so that the screen 35 is hard (or soft). This is because the division processing can be easily performed with a simple hardware configuration.

Under the control of the processing unit 21c, each of the compressed image information of the cameras 11 received by the transmission / reception unit 21a is added to the decompression processing unit 21b in each of the display areas 35a obtained by being divided by the optimum number of divisions. Are displayed as images.

As described above, in the fifth feature point, the screen 3 of the display device 23 is changed according to the number m of cameras during the imaging operation.
5 is determined, and the image information of each camera 11 transmitted to the base station 5 is displayed in each display area 35a obtained as a result. To 1 according to the number of cameras m during the imaging operation.
It is possible to display an appropriate display size on the display means of the stand.

Hereinafter, a modified example regarding this characteristic point will be described. When a plurality of images are displayed in each display area 35a of the display device 23 and one or more of the displayed images are to be preferentially displayed when an abnormality occurs or the like. There is. In such a case, an image change is detected by the abnormality occurrence information output and transmitted from the interpersonal sensor of the sensor group 13 of the imaging station 3 and the image change detection function of the processing unit 11c of each camera 11, The processing unit 21c responds to the abnormality occurrence information or the like output from the processing unit 11c and transmitted, and advances the display order of the image corresponding to the abnormality occurrence information,
The number of divisions may be changed so that only the image corresponding to the abnormality occurrence information is displayed in an up state. Alternatively, the display order of one or more images selected by the operation input input from the monitor via the input receiving unit 21d is advanced, or the number of divisions of the screen 25 is changed to change the selected one or more images. May be displayed in an up-only state.

<Sixth Feature> Further, in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment, in the imaging station 3 (see FIG. 2), the compression processing section (information processing means) 11b), the order in which the compressed image information output from each camera 11 is time-division multiplexed and transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 15b, and the distribution of the amount of transmission information transmitted per unit time (bit rate distribution) Is to be determined. The determined bit rate distribution is set in the compression processing unit 11b via the processing unit 11c of each camera 11. Then, each compression processing unit 11b determines a compression ratio of image information and performs compression processing so as to conform to the set bit rate distribution.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, four pieces of compressed image information D1 to D4 output from four cameras 11 are
In the order of D1, D2, D3, D4, and D1 is 40M
A bit rate of 20 Mbps is allocated to each of bps and D2 to D3, and transmission is performed at a total of 100 Mbps. In the example shown in FIG. 8, three pieces of compressed image information D1 to D3 output from three cameras 11 are:
In the order of D2, D1, and D3, and D2 is 44 Mbp
A bit rate of 33 Mbps is allocated to s and D1, and a bit rate of 23 Mbps is allocated to D3, so that a total of 100 Mbps is transmitted.

The reason for making the order of transmission variable in this way is to make the order of transmission correspond to the change in the importance of the monitoring target of each camera 11. The reason why the bit rate distribution to the image of each camera 11 is made variable is that the communication line 1
There is an upper limit to the bit rate that can be transmitted via the communication line 1, the distribution device 15, the receiving device 21, and the like, and how the bit rate is allocated to the image of each camera 11 depends on the imaging. This is because the number greatly changes depending on the number of cameras 11 being performed, the importance of images of the cameras 11, and the like.

The determination of the transmission order and bit rate distribution by the processing unit 15b is performed automatically or manually. In the case of automatic, the number of cameras 11 during the imaging operation, the sensor group 13 and the processing unit 11b of each camera 11
The transmission order and the bit rate distribution are automatically determined on the basis of the characteristics of each monitoring target detected by the method. For example, abnormality occurrence information output and transmitted from the interpersonal sensor of the sensor group 13 and each camera 1
A change in image is detected by the image change detection function of the first processing unit 11c, and a large bit rate and a fast transmission order are added to the compressed image information corresponding to the abnormality occurrence information output from the processing unit 11c and transmitted. Is to be given. On the other hand, in the case of manual operation, the transmission order and the bit rate are determined based on the operation input input and transmitted by the monitor via the input reception unit 21d of the receiving device 21 of the base station 3. The automatic and manual switching is performed by an operation input that is input and transmitted through the input reception unit 21d of the reception device 21.

Next, a method of determining a compression rate applied to the bit rate set by the compression processing unit 11b of each camera 11 will be described. When the bit rate is set by the processing unit 15b of the distribution device 15, each compression processing unit 11b performs temporary compression processing (temporary compression processing) on the image information output from the imaging unit 11a at a predetermined compression rate. On the basis of the information amount of the image information after the provisional compression processing, the compression ratio at the time of the actual compression processing is adjusted so that the information amount of the compressed image information obtained by the actual compression processing matches the set bit rate. To determine. Then, each compression processing unit 11b performs a compression process on each image information at the determined compression ratio and outputs the result as compressed image information.

Note that the same compression processing is performed between the temporary compression processing and the actual compression processing except for the compression ratio.
Further, since the reduction rate of the information of the compressed image information after compression with respect to the image information before compression processing is almost proportional to the compression rate, this proportional relationship, the compression rate at the time of the temporary compression processing, and the temporary Based on the information amount of the image information before and after the compression process, the compression ratio can be determined so that the information amount of the image information of the actual compression process becomes a value corresponding to the set bit rate. Furthermore, the temporary compression process may be performed a plurality of times while changing the compression ratio, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the compression ratio.

As described above, according to the sixth characteristic point, the transmission order and bit rate distribution when each piece of compressed image information output from each camera 11 is transmitted from the imaging station 3 to the base station 5 are determined. Since it is variable, it is possible to set the transmission order and bit rate according to the number of cameras 11 during the imaging operation, the importance of the images captured by each camera 11, and the like.

The transmission order and the bit rate can be set automatically or manually.
In the automatic mode, the transmission order and the bit rate distribution are automatically determined based on the number of cameras 11 during the imaging operation, the characteristics of each monitoring target detected by the sensor group 13 and the processing unit 11 b of each camera 11. This is convenient.

By the way, depending on the type of the compression method, even if the compression is performed at a fixed compression ratio, the ratio between the amount of image information before compression and the amount of image information after compression greatly changes depending on the complexity of the image. In such a compression method, it is difficult to predict the amount of image information after compression. However, according to the sixth characteristic point, the compression ratio of the compression processing performed on the image information based on the result of the temporary compression processing Is determined, so that the information amount of the compressed image information after the actual compression process matches the set bit rate regardless of the type of compression method to be used and the complexity of the image. The compression ratio of the compression processing performed on each image information can be easily and quickly determined.

[0098]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the compression processing means is provided for each of the imaging means, the compression processing is performed for each of the imaging means in accordance with the characteristics of the imaging target of each of the imaging means. Processing content can be set.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the compression control means provided in the first station or the second station performs each compression processing means on the basis of the characteristic of the imaging target of each imaging means detected by the characteristic detection means. Since the processing content of the compression processing performed by the compression processing means is determined, the user does not need to bother to determine the processing content of each compression processing means, which is convenient.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, at least one of the compression method in the compression processing performed by each compression processing means and the parameter that determines the characteristics of the compression processing by each compression method is performed by the compression control means. Therefore, the user does not need to make complicated decisions, which is convenient.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the imaging control means provided in the first station or the second station determines whether each imaging means is based on the characteristics of the imaging target of each imaging means detected by the characteristic detection means. Since the imaging conditions at the time of imaging are determined, the user does not need to set complicated imaging conditions, which is convenient.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the imaging control means simultaneously changes the imaging conditions of the plurality of imaging means based on the determined content determined based on the characteristic information or the input content input from outside. Because the multiple that can be controlled,
It is possible to control each imaging unit in a shorter time than in a case where a plurality of imaging units are sequentially controlled one by one, and it is possible to control a plurality of imaging units at once by one operation input. It is convenient and efficient.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the imaging conditions of each imaging means determined by the imaging control means are the same or associated with each other,
The user can easily control the imaging conditions of each imaging unit.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the image information transmitted to the second station is distributed and recorded by the distribution means to a plurality of recording means which perform a recording operation independently of each other. Image information transmitted at a high speed can be recorded without omission.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, one recording medium is allocated to one or a plurality of camera image information so that the image information of each camera is equally distributed to the plurality of recording means. Therefore, image information can be recorded using a plurality of recording devices efficiently.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, while the compressed image information received by the second station is recorded by the processing means on the recording means simultaneously with the reception, the compressed image information is decompressed in parallel with the reception. Since the display means is displayed, the received compressed image information can be quickly recorded regardless of the length of time required for the decompression processing.

According to the tenth aspect, the image information transmitted from the first station is provided with the time information indicating the imaging time at each time when the imaging was performed at a predetermined time interval. For example, by recording the image information together with the time information on the second station side, when searching for the image information captured at a specific time from the recorded image information, based on the time information, And can be easily searched.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the number of divisions of the screen of the display means is determined to be an optimum number according to the number of cameras during the imaging operation, and the resulting display area has the second number.
Since the image information of each camera transmitted to the station is displayed, the image information of a plurality of cameras is displayed on a single display means in an appropriate display size according to the number of cameras during the imaging operation. be able to.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, as the content of each rate value set for each image pickup means is changed, each image information transmitted per unit time is changed. Since the amount of transmitted information has been changed,
The amount of transmission information per unit time of each piece of image information can be set for each piece of image information based on the characteristics of the imaging target of each imaging unit.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the order of multiplexing and transferring each captured image is determined according to the set priority order.
Image information can be transmitted in accordance with the importance of the image information, such as by transmitting important image information to the second station as soon as possible.

By the way, depending on the type of the compression method, even if the compression is performed at a constant compression ratio, the ratio between the amount of image information before compression and the amount of image information after compression changes greatly due to the difference in complexity of the image. In such a compression method, it is difficult to predict the amount of image information after compression.
According to the invention described in the above, since the compression ratio of the compression processing performed on the image information is determined based on the result of the temporary compression processing, regardless of the type of compression method employed and the complexity of the image In addition, the compression ratio of the compression processing performed on each piece of image information can be easily and quickly determined so that the amount of transmission information per unit time of each piece of image information has a predetermined rate value.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of the monitoring system of FIG. 1 in more detail.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of the monitoring system of FIG. 1 in more detail;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between a plurality of recording devices and compressed image information.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of compressed image information and time information added thereto.

6 (a) to 6 (e) are diagrams showing a divided form of a screen of a display device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a transmission form of a plurality of pieces of compressed image information to be transmitted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a transmission form of a plurality of pieces of compressed image information to be transmitted.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 communication line 3 imaging station 5 base station 11 camera 11a imaging unit 11b compression processing unit 11c processing unit 13 sensor group 15 distribution device 15a transmission / reception unit 15b processing unit 21 reception device 21a transmission / reception unit 21b expansion processing unit 21c processing unit 21d input reception unit 23 display device 25 recording device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tetsuji Kajiya 4-5-36 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi Inside Mega Chips Co., Ltd. (72) Toshikazu Kaneko 4-5-36, Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi Stock Association F-term (reference) in Megachips Corporation 5C059 KK00 MA00 MA24 PP04 RB01 RC04 RC11 RC26 TA17 TC00 TC10 TC13 UA02 UA05

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An imaging system for transmitting an image captured by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein the first station captures an image of an imaging target and outputs digital image information. A plurality of image pickup means, a plurality of compression processing means provided for each of the image pickup means, compressing the image information, and outputting the compressed image information as compressed image information; An imaging system comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the data to the second station via the communication line at a time. 2. The first station includes a feature detection unit that detects a feature of each of the imaging targets imaged by each of the imaging units and outputs a result of the detection as feature information. The first station or the second station is provided with compression control means for determining the processing content of the compression processing to be performed based on the characteristic information and providing the compression processing means to each of the compression processing means. 3. The imaging system according to claim 1. 3. The processing content determined by the compression control means is at least one of a compression method and a parameter that determines characteristics of compression processing by each compression method. 3. The imaging system according to claim 1. 4. The first station includes a feature detection unit that detects a feature of each of the imaging targets imaged by each of the imaging units, and outputs a result of the detection as feature information. The imaging conditions for imaging the imaging target are externally controllable, and the imaging conditions for imaging by each of the imaging units are determined based on the characteristic information output from the characteristic detecting unit, and The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein an imaging control unit provided to the imaging unit is provided in the first station or the second station. 5. The imaging control means according to claim 1, wherein said imaging conditions of said plurality of imaging means can be controlled simultaneously based on the determined content determined based on said characteristic information or an input content operated and input externally. The imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that: 6. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein the imaging conditions of each of the imaging units determined by the imaging control unit are the same or associated with each other. 7. An imaging system for transmitting an image captured by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein the first station captures a predetermined imaging target and outputs image information. And transmitting means for transmitting the image information provided from the camera to the second station via the communication line, wherein the second stations independently of each other transmit a predetermined recording medium of the image information to a predetermined recording medium. An imaging system comprising: a plurality of recording units that perform the recording operation of (1); and a distribution unit that receives the image information transmitted from the first station and distributes and records the image information to the plurality of recording devices. . 8. A plurality of cameras are provided in the first station, and the transmitting means attaches each of the image information output from each of the cameras to identification information for identifying each of the image information. Multiplexed and transmitted to the second station via the communication line, the distributing means controls the one or more of the cameras so that each of the image information is equally distributed to the plurality of recording means. 2. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein one recording unit is assigned to each image information, and the image information is identified based on the identification information and recorded in the corresponding recording unit. 9. An imaging system for transmitting an image captured by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein the first station captures an image of a predetermined imaging target and outputs image information. Means for compressing the image information output from the image pickup means, and as the compressed image information,
Compression processing means for transmitting the compressed image information to a station, recording means for recording the compressed image information on a predetermined recording medium, display means for displaying the image information, and transmission from the first station. Processing means for causing the recording means to record the compressed image information that has been received and simultaneously expanding the compressed image information and displaying the image information obtained by the expansion processing on the display means An imaging system comprising: 10. An imaging system for transmitting an image captured by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein when transmitting the image information from the first station, an image corresponding to the image information is transmitted. Time information indicating an imaging time at each point in time when an object is imaged is added to the image information by the first station at predetermined time intervals, and transmitted together with the image information to the second station. system. 11. An imaging system for transmitting an image captured by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein the first station captures a predetermined imaging target and outputs image information. And the camera transmits the image information given from each camera to the second station via the communication line, and detects the number of the cameras performing the imaging operation, and as the number information, the communication line Transmitting means for transmitting to the second station through the display unit, the second station divides a screen of the display means into a grid in a uniform manner by a square division number of a natural number n. Has a function of displaying image information captured by each camera in each display area obtained by obtaining the image information and the number information transmitted from the first station. The turtle indicated by the number information Processing means for dividing the screen so that the number is equal to or greater than the number of cameras and the minimum number, and displaying the image information captured by each camera in any of the display areas obtained as a result. An imaging system characterized by the above-mentioned. 12. An imaging system for transmitting an image captured by a first station to a second station via a communication line, wherein the first station captures a predetermined imaging target and outputs image information. And the amount of transmission information per unit time of each piece of the image information when the each piece of image information output from each of the pieces of imaging means is transmitted to the second station is determined for each of the plurality of pieces of imaging means. An information processing means for processing and outputting each of the image information so as to have a predetermined rate value; and transmitting each of the image information processed by the information processing means to the second station via the communication line. An imaging system comprising: a transmission unit. 13. The transmission means multiplexes each of the captured images by a time-division multiplexing method and transmits the multiplexed images, and determines an order of multiplexing and transmitting each of the captured images in accordance with a set priority order. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein
3. The imaging system according to claim 1. 14. The information processing means is a compression processing means for performing a compression process on each of the image information provided from each of the imaging means and outputting the compressed image information. A compression process is performed, and based on an information amount of each of the image information before and after the temporary compression process, a compression process is performed such that an information amount of each of the image information after the actual compression process adapts to each of the corresponding rate values. 14. The imaging system according to claim 12, wherein a compression ratio is determined for each of the image information, and the image information is compressed and output at the determined compression ratio.