JP2002101407A - Image storage server and its method, remote supervisory system using the image storage server, and image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote supervisory system that can be built up by a user desiring utilization of the remote supervisory system by allowing the user to have only to prepare a supervisory camera, to connect the camera to the Internet and to register utilization conditions to an image storage server. SOLUTION: The image storage server accepts the setting of utilization conditions of the server from a terminal of the user connected to the Internet, stores the utilization conditions of the user, receives image information from an image pickup device connected to the Internet based on the utilization conditions and provides the image information from the image pickup device based on the utilization conditions to the terminal of the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image storage server connected to the Internet and allowing access to the image storage server. The present invention relates to an image storage server on the Internet that stores image information from a device and allows a user to reproduce the image when selecting a place, and a remote monitoring system using the image storage server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional image monitoring system includes a monitoring camera and an image recording / reproducing device for recording / reproducing image data (other than a multiplexer, a monitor for displaying, etc.).
Was connected through a general public line, a private network, and a dedicated line, and recorded at the required rate / image quality.

[0003] Surveillance cameras and image recording / reproducing devices are often composed of analog cameras and time-lapse video.
With the advancement of digital technology, digital surveillance cameras, digital time-lapse videos, hard disk recorders, and the like have been put into practical use.

[0004] In these conventional image monitoring systems, a set of devices is configured and installed and operated according to the location and conditions to be monitored for each individual user.

[0005]

In the conventional image monitoring system, when providing an image monitoring system to a plurality of users, it is necessary to provide an image monitoring system according to the number of users.

Further, even when a small-scale monitoring system is to be constructed, it is necessary to install cameras and recording devices and to carry out cable work, so that a corresponding initial investment is required and maintenance and operation of the monitoring system (for example, When a tape or the like is used as a recording medium of the apparatus, it is necessary to periodically change the tape).

Further, when the area to be monitored is expanded or reduced, additional investment such as expansion of a recording / reproducing device is required depending on the number of surveillance cameras, and it is necessary to maintain and manage useless equipment.

When there are a plurality of monitoring places such as stores and offices, and when the places are far apart, it is necessary to install a recording device at each point or to connect the points by a network. there were.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new image storage server connected to the Internet network and a new remote monitoring system using the image storage server.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote monitoring system by simply preparing a surveillance camera and connecting the camera to the Internet.

Another object of the present invention is to connect a surveillance camera from a mobile phone to an image storage server via the Internet to easily monitor a place where it is difficult to lay a telephone line or the like. It is to provide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote monitoring system in which an image storage server is accessed from a mobile phone so that an image of a monitoring camera can be viewed, so that a monitoring image can be viewed from any location. It is to provide.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote monitoring system and its environment that allow a user to easily construct a remote monitoring system that is uniquely suited to the user's intended use.

Another object of the present invention is to use a LAN, a general public line, an ISDN line, a CAT
It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote monitoring system capable of constructing a monitoring network through all communication means such as V, xDSL, PDC / PHS, IMT-2000, and satellite line.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote monitoring system in which a surveillance camera and an image recording device are placed in different places so that even if an intruder or the like destroys the camera, the previous recording can be kept. It is to provide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote monitoring system in which a user does not need to establish a maintenance operation system so that a user can install a recording device himself and always operate the recording device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote monitoring system which does not require a user to periodically change a tape as a recording medium.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote monitoring system which can ensure high reliability.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote monitoring system in which a user can reduce initial investment and can easily scale up and down in the future.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote monitoring system which can be started without purchasing or installing software even when a user desires to add a new service.

Another object of the present invention is to identify a user connected via a network, configure an image monitoring system for a plurality of users on an image storage server on the network, and configure an image storage server on the network. To provide a remote monitoring system that can provide services of an image monitoring system to a plurality of users, and can sell off the monitoring system service.

[0022]

An image storage server according to the present invention is an image storage server 1 connected to a network such as the Internet network 3, and includes a plurality of users (users) connected to the Internet network 3. A, B, C,
..) From the terminal device (computer 12, mobile phone 13), and means for storing the usage conditions of the plurality of users (user data table) 102),
Imaging devices (4, 4A-1, 4A-2, 4A) of a plurality of users connected to the Internet network based on the usage conditions.
-3, 4B-1, 4B-2,...) And image storage means for storing the received image information (image data) in an area allocated to the user. (Image storage unit 101) and image providing means (control unit 103) for providing the stored image from the imaging device of the user to the terminal device of the user based on the usage conditions. An image storage server connected to the Internet network.

The image storage server according to the present invention is connected to a network such as the Internet and stores image information of a plurality of users. The means for identifying the plurality of users (user A data table 102, a control unit 103), means for identifying a monitoring camera belonging to each of the plurality of users, and recording conditions for recording an image received from the monitoring camera belonging to the user. Means for specifying an area for recording an image from the surveillance camera belonging to the user based on the recording condition; and An image storage server connected to the Internet, comprising a recording unit for recording an image.

Further, based on an alarm notification from the user's imaging device, the information may be notified to the user's terminal device.

[0025] The user may be charged based on the usage conditions set by the user.

Further, the method of using the image storage server according to the present invention includes: means for receiving setting of use conditions of the image storage server from terminal devices of a plurality of users connected to a network such as the Internet; Means for storing usage conditions of a plurality of users; receiving means for receiving image information from an imaging device connected to a network based on the usage conditions; and storing the received image information in an area assigned to the user. An image storage server connected to a network, comprising: an image storage unit for storing; and an image providing unit for providing the stored image from the imaging device of the user to the terminal device of the user based on the use condition. Is a method of connecting an image storage server to a network and receiving information from a plurality of users who desire to store image information captured by an imaging device. And allowing the plurality of users to set storage conditions for storing the image information of the imaging device, and instructing the image storage server to store the image information from the user's imaging device based on the storage conditions. This is a method in which a plurality of users construct an image storage system using an image storage server connected to a network by distinguishing and storing the images.

Further, a remote monitoring system according to the present invention is connected to a network such as the Internet network and stores an image information, and captures image information and captures the image information to the image storage server via the network. A plurality of user imaging devices that use the image storage server to transmit image information, and a user terminal device that accesses the image storage server via a network and receives image information of the imaging device; Remote monitoring system using an image storage server connected to the
The plurality of users register storage conditions for capturing image information with the image capturing server as usage conditions of the image storage server in the image storage server, and the image storage server performs the registration based on the registered usage conditions. Storing image information of the user's imaging device, and when there is a use request for the image information from the user's terminal device, the user's image is stored in the user's terminal device based on the user's use conditions. A remote monitoring system using an image storage server characterized by providing information.

Further, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention comprises: means for transmitting the captured image information to the image storage server; and determination means for determining whether an event to be notified of an alarm has occurred in the captured image information. An image pickup apparatus comprising means for notifying an image storage server when an event to be notified of an alarm occurs.

[0029]

In the image storage server according to the present invention, a user prepares a surveillance camera, connects the surveillance camera to the Internet network, and sets the conditions for using the surveillance camera in the image storage server. Can be built.

Further, the service provider of the image storage server can make a plurality of users use the image storage server, and can sell the image monitoring system using the image storage server.

Further, when an intruder is detected, it can be notified to the image storage server and the user. In addition, by charging based on the user's usage conditions,
Unnecessary charges can be eliminated and reasonable charges can be made.

[0032]

According to the present invention, a user who wishes to use the remote monitoring system prepares a monitoring camera, connects the camera to the Internet, and registers usage conditions in the image storage server. Only with this, a remote monitoring system desired by the user can be constructed.

In addition, since the service provider of the image storage server can sell the image monitoring system using the image storage server by allowing a plurality of users to use the image storage server, high profits are expected. it can.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0035]

FIG. 1 shows the overall system configuration of a remote monitoring system 100 using an image storage server 1 according to the present invention. In the figure, 1, 1a, 1b, 1c... Indicate image storage servers, and the image storage servers have a large storage capacity for storing a large number of images. In the figure,
Although multiple image storage servers are connected, it is not always necessary to have multiple servers. Depending on the number of users and service content,
The number may be set to an appropriate number, and may be distributed in various places instead of being installed in one place and connected to the Internet network 3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the image storage server 1. As shown in FIG. Reference numeral 101 denotes an image storage unit that records image data sent from the monitoring camera 4, 102 denotes a user data table that stores monitoring service conditions for each user, and 103 denotes a user based on the contents stored in the user data table. This is a control unit that provides an image storage service to. Reference numeral 104 denotes an I / F.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a router for connecting the image storage server 1 to the Internet 3.

4,4A-1,4A-2,4A-3,4B
-1, 4B-2,... Indicate a user's surveillance camera (a combination of a camera and a computer).
Reference numerals 4A-1, 4A-2, and 4A-3 denote surveillance cameras of the user A, and 4B-1, 4B-2 denote surveillance cameras of the user B. These surveillance cameras 4, 4A-1, 4A-2,
4A-3, 4B-1, 4B-2,... Are configured to output images captured via the Internet network 3 to the image storage server 1 by a method described later.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the surveillance camera. In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes an imaging unit. Note that, depending on the configuration, it is also possible to make only this imaging unit a separate or separable configuration. Reference numeral 402 denotes an imaging condition table for setting an imaging condition of the imaging unit. The imaging condition table 402 includes an IP (internet protocol) address of the image storage server 1 and connection information to the Internet network 3 (the Internet provider 8).
a), connection conditions with the image storage server 3 (permanent connection, regular or predetermined time (period) connection, etc.), protocol used for connection, transmission rate of image data (for example, 1 fps, 1 frame) / 3 seconds), compression ratio /
Information such as an image size, a recording capacity, and an alarm notification condition is registered. Each condition set in this imaging condition table is as follows:
The user may directly set the monitoring camera 4, but the image storage server 1 downloads the usage conditions registered in the user database 102 of the image storage server 1 from the user terminal devices 12 and 13 to the monitoring camera 4 by a method described later. It is good also as a structure which performs. By adopting the configuration for downloading, the user database 1 of the image storage server 1
02 and the registered content of the imaging condition table of the monitoring camera 4 can be matched.

In the case of a configuration in which the image storage server 1 and the monitoring camera 4 are always connected, the image storage server 1 does not need to register imaging conditions on the monitoring camera 4 side.
An image of the monitoring camera 4 can be captured. In this case, the image storage server 1 sends an image transmission request to the monitoring camera 4 based on the registered usage conditions, and the monitoring camera 4 transmits the image to the image storage server 1 in response to the transmission request. What is necessary is just to be a structure.

Reference numeral 403 denotes an I / F for connecting to the Internet 3.

A control unit 404 controls transmission of a captured image to the image storage server 1 based on the registered contents of the image capturing condition table 402. When alarm notification is required in the imaging condition table 402, the control 404 includes:
An alarm notification is transmitted to the image storage server 1 based on the set conditions. For example, when an intruder is detected during the monitoring in the room (a change in the image is detected by a motion detection function for detecting a change in the image), the information is transmitted to the image storage server 1. The detection program may be downloaded from the image storage server 1.
Further, the control unit 404 supports a protocol according to a connection mode to the image storage server 1. That is, a public line or integrated services digital network (ISDN)
k) When a dial-up connection is made via a line, a PPP (point-to-point protocol) protocol is supported, and a PHS (personal handyphone syst.
em) PIAFS (PHS Internet Access Forum Standa)
rd), PIAFS I / F and its driver are supported, and local area network (local area network)
rk), use Ethernet (registered trademark)
(Ethernet (registered trademark)) I / F and its driver are supported, and other TCP / IP (transmissi
on control protocol / internet protocol), UDP (u
ser datagram protocol, IP, FTP (file transf)
er protocol) and RS-232C I / F.

Also, the surveillance camera 4 is provided with an interface for inputting information of various sensors (temperature, humidity, gas leak, opening / closing of doors / windows, etc.), and information of various sensors installed in the monitored building is collected. Then, the information can be sent to the image storage server 1. The image storage server 1 sends the image data from the monitoring camera 4 connected thereto.
In addition to recording the information of the various sensors, based on the usage information of the user, when the registered value exceeds a specified value or a change is recognized, a method previously recorded in the user data table 102 is used. Therefore, the information is notified to the computer 12 or the mobile phone 13 of the user. Notification of the information includes sending a message to a specified e-mail address, dialing and voice notification to a specified telephone number (including fixed and mobile phones), and a center of a security company with which the user has contracted. Can be taken, and which method to select can be recorded in advance as use information of the user of the image storage server 1.

Reference numeral 5a denotes a mobile phone of the user A connected to the monitoring camera 4A-1. The mobile phone 5a connects the surveillance camera 4a to the image storage server 5 on the Internet 4 using the Internet connection service provided by the communication carrier 7a via the mobile communication network 6a, or The monitoring camera 4A-1 is connected to the image storage server 5 on the Internet 4 using the provider 8a.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a modem connected to the ISDN line 10. Image data output from the surveillance cameras 4A-2 and 4A-3 is transmitted from the modem 9 via the Internet service provider 8a to an image on the Internet network 4. It is configured to be transmitted to the storage server 1.

Reference numerals 11a and 11b denote private LANs and private lines connected to the Internet network 4 and the monitoring cameras 4B-1 and 4B.
It is a router that connects B-2.

Reference numeral 12 denotes the monitoring cameras 4A-1, 4A-
Computer (ViewPC, user terminal device) of user A or B used to view, search, or change imaging conditions of 2, 4A-3 or 4B-1, 4B-2 images It is. The computer 12 connects to the image storage server 1 on the Internet network 3 via the Internet provider 8b, and monitors the surveillance cameras 4A-1, 4A.
A-2, 4A-3 or 4B-1, 4B-2 directly
Lines can be connected.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a mobile phone (user terminal device) of the user A or B. The user uses the Internet connection service provided by the communication carrier 7b from the mobile phone 13 via the mobile communication network 6b. To connect to the image storage server 1 on the Internet network 4 or to monitor cameras 4A-1, 4A-2, 4A-3 or 4B-1, 4B.
A mobile phone can be directly connected to B-2.

Next, a method of using the remote monitoring system using the image storage server 1 will be described.

A user who wants to use this system can use a surveillance camera (which may be a combination of a camera and a computer) 4 that can be connected to the Internet network 3 and a user terminal device 12 or 12 to access the image storage server 1.
/ And13 is prepared.

Then, the user accesses the image storage server 1 to open the homepage of the remote monitoring system, from which user information is registered.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the user registration. The procedure of the user registration will be described with reference to FIG.

User A accesses the homepage of the remote monitoring system of image storage server 1 from mobile phone 13 or computer 12 (step S10). The screen information of the accessed home page is sent from the image storage server 1 to the user's terminal device 12 or 13 (step S20). When the user A selects new registration from the displayed homepage (step S11), a new registration screen is sent from the image storage server 1 (step S2).
1) The new registration screen is displayed on the terminal device 12 or 13 of the user.

When the user inputs the name (or name), address, settlement method (credit number), etc. of the user A and instructs the registration (step S12), the image storage server 1 uses the registered information based on the registered information. The user is referred to a third party organization such as a credit company (step S
22), answer from credit company (step S30)
To determine whether or not to allow registration based on
23). If the registration of the user A is approved (step S24), the identification code is issued to the user A (step S25), and the identification code is sent to the user A (step S26). On the other hand, if the registration is not permitted (step S24), a message indicating that the registration is not possible is sent (step S26).

User A who has been issued the identification code,
Thereafter, by using the identification code, the user can access the image storage server 1 and receive the service of the remote monitoring system.

Next, the user A enters the surveillance camera 4 to be used.
And the conditions of the service to be used. This registration procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 showing the procedure for registering the service conditions of the user.

In the same manner as the new registration procedure, the user A
Accesses the homepage of the image storage server (step S10, step S20), and from the displayed screen,
Select registration / change of service information (step S11)
1) As a result, a log-in request is issued from the image storage server 1 (step S211), and when the user A inputs the identification code and the password (step S112), the image storage server 1 activates the authentication subsystem, and the identification code and the password are activated. Authenticates the user (step S21)
2). If the authentication subsystem can identify the user A registered in the image storage server 1 from the input user identification code and password, that is, if the authentication is OK, the service information registration / update screen is displayed. (Step S21).
4). On the other hand, when the authentication subsystem cannot identify the user registered in the image storage server 1 from the input identification code and password of the user A, the authentication subsystem notifies the terminal devices 13 and 12 of the user A of login rejection, The process ends.

FIG. 6 shows the terminal devices 13 and 1 of the user.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen example of a service information registration / update screen displayed in FIG.

In the upper part, the identification code (I
D) Information such as 200, user name / name 201, contract date (new registration date) 202, and last update date 203 of user service information are displayed.

A registration column for the service contents of the user A is displayed below the middle row. .., 210, 220, 230... Indicate registration fields for each camera. The user A registers the conditions of the monitoring cameras 4A-1, 4A-2, 4A-3 in the registration fields 210, 220, 230.

In the camera registration column, 211, 221, 23
Reference numeral 1 denotes a registration field for registering a number for identifying the monitoring cameras 4A-1, 4A-2, and 4A-3, where the IP addresses of the monitoring cameras 4A-1, 4A-2, and 4A-3,
Enter a number for specifying an RL or an IP address or a URL.

Reference numerals 212 and 222 denote columns for setting connection conditions between the monitoring camera 4 and the image storage server 1. As connection conditions, the line between the surveillance camera 4 and the image storage server 1 is always connected, or the connection is made only periodically or for a specified time, or the image is stored using the electronic mail. Can be set.
Also specify the protocol to use when connecting. Here, if the recording is selected periodically or only for the designated time, the time, period, date and time, etc. are also set.

Numerals 213 and 223 are columns for setting a recording rate. For example, 1 fps, 1 frame / 3 seconds or the like can be set.

Reference numeral 214 denotes a column for setting a compression method / compression ratio or image size.
(JPEG, MPEG, M-JPEG) can be set according to the type of image format. As the compression ratio or the image size, the compression ratio or the size of the compression result with respect to the original image such as 1/3 can be designated in units of bytes.

Reference numeral 215 denotes a camera 1 (surveillance camera 4A-
1) is a column for setting the recording capacity of the image from (1) (how many bytes, how many hours, how many days, etc.). In this field, the image corresponding to the recording capacity set in the registration field 215 is further stored. Recording mode after recording on the storage server 1 (overwrite mode,
Recording stop mode, etc.).

Reference numeral 216 denotes a column for setting whether or not a notification service is required when an alarm event occurs when a predetermined condition such as intrusion occurs, a notification destination (telephone number, e-mail address, etc.), and condition setting for the predetermined condition. This is a column for registering conditions (such as recording at a high rate only for a predetermined time) when an alarm event occurs.

As described above, the user can select the user according to the purpose of use.
Various usage conditions for the image storage server 1 can be set. For example, for general surveillance purposes, the connection method can be set to always-on connection.On the other hand, for entertainment purposes such as live broadcasting of shows and introduction of sightseeing spots, set the required time zone. Thus, recording can be performed periodically or only for a predetermined time.

When the user A performs the registration after inputting the registration information (step S113), the contents described on the registration screen are stored in the user data table 10 of the image storage server 1.
Registered in 2.

FIG. 7 shows the user data table 10.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing registered contents of No. 2;

In the figure, reference numeral 102A denotes a user data table of the user A, and similarly, 102B denotes a user data table of the user B, and 102C denotes a user data table of the user C. As described above, the user data table 102 sets the user registration conditions for each user.

Reference numeral 1021 denotes a profile table of the user A, and the identification code “A” of the registered user A
ABBCC ”, user name / name“ xxxxx ”, contract date“ xx / month / day ”, data update date / month / month
Month xx day is registered.

Reference numeral 1022 denotes a table that describes service contents (live images and the like) permitted to the user A.

Reference numeral 1023 denotes a table for specifying a data storage area on the image storage server 1 allocated to the user A, and based on the recording capacities of the registered cameras 1, 2, 3,... A storage area for recording an image is secured, and area information is stored in the table 102.
Set to 3.

Reference numeral 1024 denotes a table describing a number (IP address, URL, etc.) for identifying the surveillance camera (4A-1, 4A-2, 4A-3) belonging to the user A and a method of recording camera image data. The information of camera 1 ((4A-1)) is registered in 1024a, the information of camera 2 ((4A-2)) is registered in 1024b, and 1022.
Information of the camera 3 ((4A-3)) is registered in 4c.

The registered contents can be downloaded to the imaging condition table 402 of the monitoring camera 4. Further, the registration of the service information of the user may be performed by uploading and registering the service information from the monitoring camera 4 to the image storage server 1 based on the registration content of the imaging condition table 402 of the monitoring camera 4.

The user is charged based on the user's usage conditions (service content, number of cameras, usage time from view device, usage recording capacity, etc.) registered in the user data table 102. be able to. According to this, the user is only charged for the usage conditions actually used or desired, and there is no charge for unnecessary services that the user does not want, so a reasonable charge It can be carried out.

The image storage server 1 stores the image data captured by the surveillance camera 4 based on the registered contents of the user data table 102. The accumulation of image data
First, a connection is made from the monitoring camera 4 or the image storage server 1 to the other. Then, under the set conditions, the image data is transmitted from the surveillance camera 4 and the image storage server 1
Stores the image data in the image storage unit 1 under the registered conditions.
01 is stored.

Next, the procedure for using the service when the user accesses the image storage server 1 to play, search, or edit the image of the surveillance camera 4 will be described. A description will be given based on the flowchart shown.

User A starts up mobile phone 13 or computer 12 (step S9) and accesses the homepage of the remote monitoring system on image storage server 1 (step S10). The homepage of the remote monitoring system is transmitted from the image storage server 1 to the terminal device 13 or 12 of the user A (step S20).

When the user A selects the use of the monitoring service (step S121), a log-in request is made from the image storage server 1 (step S221), and when the user A inputs an identification code and a password (step S12).
2), the image storage server 1 activates the authentication subsystem,
The user A is authenticated based on the identification code and the password (step S222). In addition, the authentication method of the user A is as follows.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration using an ID issued by a certificate authority may be used.

The authentication subsystem uses the input identification code and password of the user A to store the image
If the user A registered in the user data table 102 can be specified, that is, if the authentication is OK, the user data table 102
Then, the service contents of the registered user A are read (step S224), and the service use screen displaying the service contents permitted by the user is displayed on the terminal device of the user A (step S225).

On the other hand, when the authentication subsystem cannot identify the user A registered in the image storage server 1 from the input identification code and password of the user A, the authentication subsystem notifies the user terminal device 13 or 12 of the rejection of the login. , End the process.

The user A selects a desired service from the displayed service use screen (step S12).
3). The image storage server 1 interprets the selected service (step S226). If the live image of the monitoring camera 4 has been selected, it belongs to the user A and is a selected monitoring camera, for example, 4A-1. Is notified to send a live image (step S227). Surveillance camera 4
A-1 transmits a live image to the image storage server 1 according to a request from the image storage server 1 (step S4).
1) The image storage server 1 is the terminal device 13 of the user A
Alternatively, the image is transmitted to 12 (step S228).

On the other hand, when the reproduction / search processing of the image data recorded in the image storage server 1 is selected, the surveillance camera belonging to the user A and selected, for example,
4A-2 is stored in the user data table 1
The corresponding image data is reproduced from the image storage server 1 with reference to the data storage area information in which the image data of the monitoring camera 4A-2 registered in the storage device 02 is stored, or the stored image list is stored in the user terminal. The data is transmitted to the device 13 or 12 (step S229).

The user terminal devices 13 and 12 receive the image data or the image list sent from the image storage server 1 and perform operations such as display (step S124).

If there is data to be continuously serviced, both image storage server 1 and user terminal devices 13 and 12 repeat the same. When there is no data to be continuously provided, the image storage server 1 notifies the user terminal devices 13 and 12 of the fact and notifies the user A terminal device 1
Wait for the next request from 3,12.

When the user A knows that the service selected in step S123 has ended, the user A selects whether to continue requesting another service or log out of the image storage server 1. The user terminal devices 13 and 12
If the user A continues to request another service, the process returns to step S123 again, and the image storage server 1 returns to step S226 if another service is continuously requested from the user's terminal device 13, 12.

When the user A selects logout from the image storage server 1, the user terminal devices 13 and 12
The image storage server 1 is notified to that effect, logs out, and ends.

When the image storage server 1 receives the logout notification from the terminal device 13 or 12 of the user A, it releases the connection with the terminal device of the user A.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing a system configuration of a remote monitoring system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the image storage server 1 of the remote monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a monitoring camera 4 of the remote monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a new registration procedure of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure for registering and updating service information of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a service information registration / update screen of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a user data table 102.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a service providing procedure of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1a, 1b, 1c ... image storage server 2 ... router 3 ... Internet network 4, 4a, 4b, 4c ... surveillance camera (imaging device) 5 ... mobile phone. 6a, 6b Mobile communication network 7a, 7b Communication carrier 8a, 8b Provider 9 Modem 10 ISDN line 11 Router 12 Computer 13 Mobile telephone

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G08B 25/08 G08B 25/08 E H04N 7/173 610 H04N 7/173 610A F-term (reference) 5B049 AA01 CC36 DD00 EE05 FF07 GG07 5C054 AA01 DA01 DA09 GB01 GD09 HA18 5C064 BA07 BB03 BC18 BC20 BD01 BD07 5C087 AA09 AA10 AA21 BB03 BB12 BB14 BB20 BB32 BB46 BB48 BB64 BB73 BB74 02 GG30 GG31 GG32 GG36 GG46 GG70

Claims (9)

[Claims] An image storage server connected to a network such as the Internet, wherein setting of use conditions of a user who uses the image storage server is received from terminal devices of a plurality of users connected to the network. Means, means for storing usage conditions of the plurality of users, reception means for receiving image information from imaging devices of a plurality of users connected to a network based on the usage conditions, and the received image Image storage means for storing information in an area allocated to a user; and image provision for providing the stored image from the user's imaging device to the user's terminal device based on the use condition. An image storage server connected to a network, characterized by comprising means. 2. An image storage server which is connected to a network such as the Internet network and stores image information of a plurality of users, comprising: means for identifying the plurality of users; Means for identifying a surveillance camera to which the user belongs, means for setting recording conditions for recording an image received from the surveillance camera belonging to the user, and monitoring belonging to the user based on the recording condition. Means for specifying an area for recording an image from a camera; and recording means for recording an image from a surveillance camera belonging to the user in the specified area. Image storage server. 3. The image storage server according to claim 1, wherein the information is notified to a terminal device of the user based on an alarm notification from the imaging device of the user. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said user sets a usage condition based on:
The image storage server according to claim 1, wherein the user is charged. 5. A means for receiving setting of use conditions of the image storage server from terminal devices of a plurality of users connected to a network such as the Internet network, and means for storing the use conditions of the plurality of users. Receiving means for receiving image information from an imaging device connected to a network based on the use condition; image storing means for storing the received image information in an area allocated to a user; A method of using an image storage server connected to a network comprising an image providing means for providing an image from an imaging device to a terminal device of the user based on the use condition, comprising: Connected to allow access from a plurality of users who desire to store image information captured by the imaging device, and to allow the plurality of users By setting storage conditions for storing the image information of the imaging device and storing the image information from the imaging device of the user in the image storage server based on the storage conditions, a plurality of users can be set. Is a method for constructing an image storage system using an image storage server connected to a network. 6. The image storage server according to claim 1, wherein the image storage server is connected to a network such as the Internet to store image information captured by an image capturing apparatus. And allowing the plurality of users to set storage conditions for storing the image information of the imaging device as usage conditions of the image storage server, and based on the usage conditions, By storing image information from the imaging device of the user, the operator of the image storage server can pay a plurality of users who use the image storage server a price for using the image storage server. An image storage business using an image storage server, characterized by making a request. 7. An image storage server connected to a network such as the Internet for storing image information, and an image storage server for capturing image information and transmitting the image information to the image storage server via the network. An image storage server connected to a network, comprising an imaging device of a plurality of users to be used and a user terminal device for accessing the image storage server via a network and receiving image information of the imaging device. A remote monitoring system, wherein the plurality of users register storage conditions for capturing image information with the image capturing device as usage conditions of the image storage server, and the image storage server Based on the registered use conditions, image information of the user's imaging device is stored, and a request for use of the image information is sent from the user's terminal device. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote monitoring system using an image storage server, wherein image information of a user is provided to a terminal device of the user based on usage conditions of the user. 8. The remote monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein the image storage server is connected to a network such as the Internet to allow a plurality of users to connect, and the plurality of users are imaged from the plurality of users. By setting a storage condition when capturing image information by the device, the image captured by the user can be stored in the image storage server, and the plurality of users are charged for the use of the image storage server. A remote monitoring business using a remote storage system. 9. A means for transmitting imaged image information to an image storage server; a judging means for judging whether an event to be notified of an alarm has occurred in the imaged image information; The imaging apparatus used in a remote monitoring system using an image storage server according to claim 7, further comprising means for notifying the image storage server.