JP2004128962A - Surveillance camera and controlling device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance a ratio of abnormality detection, by setting each detection reference level to different levels when abnormalities of a plurality of imaging points in a surveillance area are detected in a surveillance camera having a pan-tilt function. <P>SOLUTION: The surveillance camera capable of changing the surveillance direction includes an abnormality detecting means for detecting the abnormality in a surveillance area, and a detection reference setting means for setting a detection reference of the abnormality detecting means. The detection reference established by the detection reference setting means is set for every region divided in the surveillance area. The detection of abnormality may be carried out based on a change in distance to the object, to which the focus of the surveillance camera is modulated, in brightness, in color or in motion vector from the image shot through infrared beam by the surveillance camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a surveillance camera and a surveillance camera control device that detect an abnormality in a surveillance area while imaging the surveillance area.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in a moving object detection method and apparatus, a difference image between a first image and a second image captured by a monitoring camera at a time interval of about several seconds is obtained a plurality of times, and the difference image is binarized. There is a method of processing and detecting a monitoring target moving object from the features of the difference image (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-294808
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a surveillance camera having a PAN / TILT function, a surveillance camera and a surveillance camera control device that set detection reference levels to different levels when an abnormality is detected for a plurality of imaging points in a surveillance area have not been proposed. For this reason, if the level is set to a level that ensures detection at the important monitoring point in the monitoring area, there is a problem that erroneous detection in other less important parts increases and only low-reliability detection is performed. .
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a surveillance camera having a PAN / TILT function, different detection reference levels are used for abnormality detection for a plurality of imaging points in a surveillance area. By setting to the level, it is possible to improve the abnormality detection probability of the important monitoring point, prevent erroneous detection at other points, and enable highly reliable abnormality detection.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first invention of the present application is a surveillance camera that has an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality in a monitoring area and a detection reference setting unit that sets a detection reference of the abnormality detection unit, and is capable of changing a monitoring direction. The detection criterion set by the detection criterion setting means is set for each of a plurality of divided areas in the monitoring area.
[0007]
Here, the setting by the detection criterion setting means can be set differently depending on the long term and the short term.
[0008]
On the other hand, the abnormality detecting means can detect an abnormality based on a motion vector from an image captured by the camera body. Here, an abnormality is detected based on a change in subject distance obtained by a function of adjusting the focus of the camera body, or based on a change in brightness of a subject obtained by a function of adjusting light control of the camera body. An abnormality may be detected.
[0009]
Further, an abnormality is detected based on a change in the color of a subject from an image captured by the camera body, or an abnormality is detected based on a motion vector from an image due to infrared light captured by the camera body. You may.
[0010]
A second invention of the present application is a control apparatus for a surveillance camera which has an abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in a monitoring area, and a detection reference setting means for setting a detection reference of the abnormality detection means, and is capable of changing a monitoring direction. Wherein the detection criterion set by the detection criterion setting means is set for each of a plurality of divided areas in the monitoring area.
[0011]
Here, the setting by the detection criterion setting means can be set differently depending on the long term and the short term.
[0012]
On the other hand, the abnormality detecting means can detect an abnormality based on a motion vector from an image captured by the monitoring camera. Here, an abnormality is detected based on the change in the subject distance obtained by the function of adjusting the focus of the surveillance camera, or based on the change in the brightness of the subject obtained by the function of adjusting the dimming of the surveillance camera. An abnormality may be detected.
[0013]
In addition, an abnormality is detected based on a change in the color of a subject from an image captured by a surveillance camera, or an abnormality is detected based on a motion vector from an image due to infrared light captured by the surveillance camera. You may.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a surveillance camera according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an abnormality is detected based on a change in subject distance measured by a focus adjustment function built in a monitoring camera having a PAN / TILT function, and an abnormality detection unit detects an important monitoring point and other points. This is to set the setting standard to a different level. As a result, the detection probability of abnormality detection of the important monitoring point is improved, and erroneous detection of other points is prevented.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is an installation diagram of the surveillance camera according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. The surveillance camera 101 of the present embodiment is installed at one corner of a room 102 to be monitored. The surveillance camera 101 captures an image in the range of the surveillance horizontal angle of view 103 using the PAN function. In the present embodiment, the monitoring horizontal angle of view 103 is divided into four areas, which are set as a first area 104, a second area 105, a third area 106, and a fourth area 107, respectively. In the present embodiment, four divisions are performed almost equally. However, the division is not uniform and the number of divisions may be arbitrarily set.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is an installation diagram of the monitoring camera according to the present embodiment as viewed from a side. The surveillance camera 101 of the present embodiment is installed in a corner of an upper part of a room 102 to be monitored. The surveillance camera 101 captures an image in the range of the monitored vertical angle of view 201 by the TILT function. In the present embodiment, the monitoring vertical angle of view 201 is divided into two areas, which are set to a first area 202 and a second area 203, respectively. In the present embodiment, the two divisions are performed almost equally. However, the division is not equal, and the number of divisions may be arbitrarily set.
[0017]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the surveillance camera according to the present embodiment. An optical block 301 composed of a CCD and a lens is adjusted to an appropriate angle of view by a ZOOM, the amount of light is adjusted by an aperture, the focused light is imaged on the CCD, and the obtained image signal is converted to a CDS & AGC block. Send to 302. In the present embodiment, the image sensor is a CCD, but may be an image sensor such as a CMOS sensor.
[0018]
The CDS & AGC block 302 suppresses the noise of the input signal, amplifies the signal to an appropriate level according to the level of the input signal, and sends the output signal to the camera signal processing block 303. In the present embodiment, the CCD & AGC block 302 is a block separate from the image sensor and the camera signal processing, but may be the same chip as the image sensor or the same chip as the camera signal processing.
[0019]
The camera signal processing block 303 includes an A / D converter block 312, an R / PROCESS block 313, a G / PROCESS block 314, a B / PROCESS block 315, a VIDEO / PROCESS block 319, and an interface block 323.
[0020]
The analog signal input to the camera signal processing block 303 is sampled by the A / D converter 312 for each of RGB colors and converted into a digital signal. The RGB digital signals are subjected to necessary processing such as gamma processing and black level processing in a R-PROCESS block 313, a G-PROCESS block 314, and a B-PROCESS block 315, respectively, and then a VIDEO-PROCESS block. 319 and the interface block 323.
[0021]
The VIDEO / PROCESS block 319 converts the input signal into an output signal format, and outputs a Y signal output 328 and a chroma signal output 329. The output signal is input to an image monitor or a recording device. In the present embodiment, the output is a television signal. However, the output may be a VGA output or a signal of a format such as MPEG.
[0022]
The interface block 323 performs a process such as a filter process on the input RGB signals, sets a signal obtained by performing a process necessary for the focusing process as an AF evaluation value 324, and a signal obtained by performing a process necessary for the brightness process. As an AE evaluation value 325, a signal subjected to processing necessary for color temperature correction as an AWB evaluation value 326, and other control signals 327 to the central processing block 304, and the central processing block 304 calculates It receives and processes the processed AWB processing signal 326 and other control signals 327.
[0023]
The central processing block 304 performs arithmetic processing on each of the input signals, and transmits control signals necessary for each control. The result of the brightness calculation is sent as a control signal 308 to the optical block 301, an electronic shutter speed control signal to the CCD, an aperture control signal to the lens, and an AGC (automatic gain adjustment) control to the CDS & AGC block 302. Transmit the signal and control the output signal to the proper signal level.
[0024]
The result of the calculation necessary for focusing is sent to the optical block 301 as a control signal 310, and the lens focus is adjusted appropriately. A control signal for adjusting the angle of view is sent to the optical block 301 as a control signal 309, and the lens is adjusted to a desired angle of view. The control signal of the PAN / TILT is sent to the pan head block 305 as 307, and the posture of the monitoring camera is adjusted to a desired angle.
[0025]
The warning signal 330 according to the present embodiment, after being subjected to arithmetic processing described later, transmits a warning signal when an abnormality is detected, notifies the system administrator of the abnormality, starts recording of the recording device, Or, change the recording mode.
[0026]
FIG. 4 is a focus processing block diagram for explaining particularly the focus processing block among the blocks included in the signal processing block (FIG. 3) of the monitoring camera in the present embodiment.
[0027]
As described in the description of FIG. PROCESS / S block 313, G / PROCESS block 314, and B / PROCESS block 315 perform necessary processing such as gamma processing and black level processing, and then are sent to interface block 323.
[0028]
AF. GAMMA block 401, AF. The BPF block 402 and the AF evaluation block 403 are configured to be included in the interface block 323. AF. A GAMMA block 401 performs GAMMA processing optimal for focusing processing on an input signal, and outputs an AF. Output to the BPF block 402. AF. The BPF block 402 limits the band of the input signal that is optimal for the focus processing, and outputs the signal to the AF evaluation block 403.
[0029]
An AF evaluation value required for focusing processing is generated from the signal input to the AF evaluation block 403, and output to the central processing block 304. The central processing block 304 performs calculations based on the input evaluation values and imaging conditions, determines the driving direction, the driving distance, and the driving speed of the AF control motor in the CCD & LENS block, and obtains an optimally focused image to be captured. Control.
[0030]
When the distance to the subject changes, focus processing is continuously performed, and control is performed so that a captured image always has an optimum focus.
[0031]
FIG. 5 is a PAN / TILT order diagram showing the order in which the PAN / TILT of the surveillance camera according to the present embodiment turns around the monitoring area in FIGS. 1 and 2 and performs imaging.
[0032]
The surveillance operation by the turning of the surveillance camera in the present embodiment starts from the area 104 in the PAN direction and the area 202 in the TILT direction, and changes (the area in the PAN direction, the area in the TILT direction) from (104, 202) to (105, 202) → (106, 202) → (107, 202) → (107, 203) → (106, 203) → (105, 203) → After returning to (104, 203), return to (104, 202) again. Monitor the area repeatedly in the following order.
[0033]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the AF evaluation value and the abnormality detection criterion of the monitoring camera in the present embodiment. The surveillance camera according to the present embodiment has an AF function for automatically adjusting the focus as described with reference to FIG. 4, and normally controls the lens so that the AF evaluation value is maximized. The AF evaluation value decreases when the lens or the subject changes from the in-focus distance to the NEAR side and the FAR side.
[0034]
In the surveillance camera according to the present embodiment, the distance to the subject is constant in a normal state without any abnormality in the subject in the monitoring area, and the AF evaluation value at the focusing distance can be obtained. For example, for each of the areas described with reference to FIG. 5, the average value of the past 10 AF evaluation values of the turning operation in a normal state without any abnormality in the subject in the monitoring area is stored and stored. When the difference between the AF evaluation value and the current AF evaluation value becomes a predetermined level abnormality, it is determined that the level is abnormal, a warning signal is generated, and the abnormality is reported to the administrator.
[0035]
Next, the main part of the present invention in this embodiment will be described. As described with reference to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the monitoring area is divided into eight areas, and each monitoring area has a different probability of occurrence of an abnormality depending on the purpose of monitoring.
[0036]
For example, the abnormality detection criterion of the AF evaluation value in FIG. 6 is set to the abnormality detection criterion 1 in the important monitoring area, and the abnormality detection criterion of the AF evaluation value in FIG. In the monitoring area, even a small change in the AF evaluation value is determined to be abnormal, and in other areas, when the change in the AF evaluation value is large, it is determined to be abnormal.
[0037]
Further, by setting the abnormality detection criterion of the AF evaluation value differently for each season or within one day, more effective abnormality detection can be set.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, the monitoring area is divided into eight, and the abnormality detection criterion of the AF evaluation value is set in two stages. It is not necessary to divide the area equally, and the abnormality detection criterion of the AF evaluation value may be set to three or more levels.
[0039]
Further, in the present embodiment, the abnormality is detected by a configuration using a change in the AF evaluation value in the function of adjusting the focus built in the surveillance camera as the abnormality detection means. It may be constituted by means for detecting a change in the distance of the subject by distance measurement in the function of adjusting the focus inside or in the system.
[0040]
Here, as the abnormality detecting means, the brightness of the subject is measured by a brightness measurement function in the function of adjusting the brightness built in the surveillance camera, or constituted by a motion vector detecting means extracted from an image taken by the surveillance camera. Or a means for detecting a change in Further, as the abnormality detecting means, it is constituted by means for detecting a change in the color of a subject imaged by the surveillance camera, or by motion vector detecting means extracted from an image photographed by the surveillance camera with infrared light. Or you can.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first and eighth aspects of the present invention, an optimum detection criterion is set for each of a plurality of divided areas in a monitoring area, thereby detecting an abnormality at an important point in the monitoring area. Is improved, and erroneous detection is reduced at other points, so that an efficient surveillance camera and this control device can be configured.
[0042]
In addition, the setting by the detection criterion setting means is set differently according to the long-term or short-term period, and the optimum detection criterion is set according to each season or time zone, so that efficient monitoring can be performed according to time. A camera and this control device can be configured.
[0043]
Further, by configuring the abnormality detecting means with the motion vector detecting means extracted from the image captured by the monitoring camera, an efficient monitoring camera system can be configured according to the characteristics of the movement of the subject.
[0044]
As anomaly detection means, if an abnormality is detected according to the change in the distance of the subject by distance measurement in the function of adjusting the focus inside the surveillance camera or in the system, without adding a special detection means Inexpensive and efficient surveillance cameras and this control device can be constructed.
[0045]
If an abnormality is detected based on a change in the brightness of the subject by measuring the brightness in the brightness adjustment function built into the surveillance camera as the abnormality detection means, a special detection means may be newly added. In addition, an inexpensive and efficient surveillance camera and this control device can be configured.
[0046]
If the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality based on a change in the color of a subject imaged by the surveillance camera, an inexpensive and efficient surveillance camera and its control can be performed without newly adding a special detection means. The device can be configured.
[0047]
As the abnormality detection means, if an abnormality is detected based on a motion vector extracted from an image captured with infrared light by a surveillance camera, efficiency is improved even in an environment where it cannot be determined with the naked eye A monitoring camera and this control device can be configured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an installation diagram of a surveillance camera according to an embodiment viewed from above.
FIG. 2 is an installation diagram viewed from a side of the surveillance camera according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a surveillance camera according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a focus processing block diagram for explaining particularly a focus processing block among blocks included in a signal processing block of the monitoring camera in the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a PAN / TILT order diagram showing the order in which the PAN / TILT of the surveillance camera according to the present embodiment turns around the monitoring area in FIGS. 1 and 2 and performs imaging.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an AF evaluation value of a monitoring camera and an abnormality detection criterion in the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Surveillance camera 102 of this embodiment 102 Room to be monitored 103 Surveillance horizontal angle of view 104 First area 105 of surveillance horizontal angle of view 105 Second area 106 of surveillance horizontal angle of view 106 Third area 107 of surveillance horizontal angle of view Fourth 201 of horizontal angle of view Surveillance vertical angle of view 202 First area of surveillance horizontal angle of view 203 Second area of surveillance horizontal angle of view 301 Optical block 302 composed of CCD and lens CDS & AGC block 303 Output signal to camera signal Processing block 312 A / D converter block 313 R / PROCESS block 314 G / PROCESS block 315 B / PROCESS block 319 VIDEO / PROCESS block 323 Interface block 328 Y signal output 329 Chroma signal output 324 AF evaluation value 325 AE evaluation value 32 AWB evaluation value and QWB processing signal 304 Central processing block 327 Other control signals 308 Control result of brightness control signal 310 Control signal 309 of calculation result required for focusing Control signal 307 for control signal of view angle adjustment PAN / TILT control signal 305 Pan head block 330 Warning signal 401 AF. GAMMA block 402 AF. BPF block 403 AF evaluation block

Claims (14)

An abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the monitoring area, and a detection reference setting means for setting a detection reference of the abnormality detection means, a surveillance camera capable of changing the monitoring direction,
A surveillance camera, wherein the detection criterion set by the detection criterion setting means is set for each of a plurality of divided areas in the monitoring area. The surveillance camera according to claim 1, wherein the setting by the detection criterion setting unit is set differently according to a long term and a short term. The surveillance camera according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a motion vector from an image captured by a camera body. The surveillance camera according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a change in a subject distance obtained by a function of adjusting a focus of the camera body. The surveillance camera according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a change in brightness of a subject obtained by a function of adjusting light control of a camera body. The surveillance camera according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a change in color of a subject from an image captured by a camera body. The surveillance camera according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a motion vector from an image of infrared light captured by a camera body. An abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality in the monitoring area, and a detection reference setting unit that sets a detection reference of the abnormality detection unit, a control device for a monitoring camera capable of changing a monitoring direction,
A control device, wherein a detection criterion set by the detection criterion setting means is set for each of a plurality of divided areas in the monitoring area. 9. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the setting by the detection criterion setting unit is set differently according to a long term and a short term. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a motion vector from an image captured by the monitoring camera. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a change in a subject distance obtained by a function of adjusting a focus of the monitoring camera. 10. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a change in brightness of a subject obtained by a function of adjusting dimming of the monitoring camera. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a change in color of a subject from an image captured by the monitoring camera. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality based on a motion vector from an image of infrared light captured by the monitoring camera.

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