JP2004140595A - Network camera and net camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low power consumption net camera which can operate more efficiently for a long time even if the power capacity is limited. <P>SOLUTION: The network camera is provided with a camera unit 10 for imaging a subject and outputting an image signal as a digital dynamic image, an engine 13 for compressing the image signal from the camera unit 10, a radio communication unit 14 for outputting the compressed image signal, as required, to a network, and detects a moving body based on the image signal from the camera unit 10 wherein a low power consumption mode of low imaging rate performing no compression or radio communication is set when a moving body is not detected. When a moving body is detected, the fact is transmitted along with a detected image to an external terminal through the radio communication unit 14. The camera is also provided with a CPU 17 which makes a switch from the low power consumption mode to a normal mode when it is designated from that terminal. A power supply unit 20 for supplying power from a batter to each circuit is also provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a net camera and a net camera system that image a subject and output the digital moving image to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventionally proposed net camera that images a subject and outputs it as a digital moving image to a network generally uses a cable as a means for transmitting a moving image signal to the network. It is common to use a cable as a means for supplying power to a camera.
[0003]
Therefore, when installing a net camera at a surveillance place, etc., it is necessary to ask a specialized contractor to perform cable wiring work, or to limit the installation place to a range where the cable does not become long, The wiring of the cave was troublesome.
[0004]
On the other hand, in recent years, wireless communication technologies such as BlueTooth (trademark) and wireless Lan have become widespread, and it has become possible to wirelessly transmit moving images without using a cable for image signals. I have.
[0005]
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-344411 discloses a digital moving picture system in which a wireless device and a repeater are installed on each power pole using a network and a power pole owned by a power company, and the Internet and a wireless LAN are combined. It is described that an image is to be distributed.
[0006]
As for the power, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-186387 discloses that a storage battery charged by a solar cell is used as a power supply source, ambient illuminance is detected, and when the detected illuminance is smaller than a predetermined threshold, an imaging rate is determined. Describes a surveillance camera terminal that shifts to an imaging mode with low power consumption.
[0007]
Not only the means using the solar cell but also a power source that enables cable-less operation includes a means for driving a battery using a primary battery or a secondary battery, a means for supplying power via radio, and the like. .
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-344411 A
[0009]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-186387 A
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, wireless moving image transmission / reception technology is becoming widespread, but it cannot be said that power supply has been solved at a satisfactory level. That is, in the technology using a solar cell as a power supply as described in JP-A-2001-186387, the installation place is limited to a place with high illuminance such as a place exposed to direct sunlight, Since the illuminance of the image may change depending on the time zone, the time zone during which the image can be captured may be limited, or there may be a power shortage when operating only with the power charged in the storage battery during the time zone when power generation is possible. is assumed.
[0011]
On the other hand, wireless power supply technology is currently being researched, but it has not yet reached a sufficient practical stage, and in terms of power supply, it is common practice to use the above-mentioned wired power supply. is there.
[0012]
Therefore, in order to drive without using a wire, a means of driving a battery using a primary battery, a secondary battery, or the like is used. However, such a battery can supply a sufficient amount of power without increasing the size and weight so much. Since it is difficult to secure power, power must be cut off in a short time and driving for a long time becomes impossible unless some measures are taken.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a low power consumption net camera and a net camera system that can be operated more efficiently for a long time even when the power capacity is limited. The purpose is.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a net camera according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal as a digital moving image, and the image signal based on the image signal output from the imaging unit. And at least one operation mode is selected from a plurality of operation modes having different power consumptions of the net camera according to a detection signal from the moving object detection means. Control means for controlling the net camera in accordance with the operation mode set and set by the control means, and the image signal can be output to the network when necessary according to the operation mode set by the control means. Network connection means for connecting to a network.
[0015]
Further, a net camera according to a second invention is the net camera according to the first invention, wherein the network connection means is a wireless communication means for connecting to the network by performing wireless communication.
[0016]
Further, in the net camera according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the net camera according to the second aspect, the plurality of operation modes are such that a moving image is captured by the imaging unit at a first imaging rate, and the moving body detection unit A mode in which the mobile unit is detected and the wireless communication unit is not operated, and a signal indicating that the mobile unit is present when the mobile unit is detected by the mobile unit detection unit is output to the network by the wireless communication unit. A mode in which a moving image is picked up by the image pickup means at a second image pickup rate having a larger number of image pickup frames per unit time than the first image pickup rate based on an external signal, and And a mode for transmission by the communication means.
[0017]
A net camera system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes at least one net camera that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal as a digital moving image, and a signal that is output to a network based on the image signal output from the net camera. A network processing apparatus for generating the network processing apparatus, wherein each of the net cameras captures a subject and outputs an image signal as a digital moving image, and the network processing apparatus performs wireless communication. A first wireless communication means connected to the first wireless communication means, and a conversion means for converting an image signal output from the imaging means into a signal suitable for transmission by the first wireless communication means. A second wireless communication unit that connects to the first wireless communication unit by performing wireless communication; A moving object detecting means for detecting a moving object in an image related to the image signal based on the image signal received via the wireless communication means, and an image signal having the moving object detected by the moving object detecting means, And communication means for outputting to the
[0018]
A net camera system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the net camera system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the network processing device reduces the data amount of the image signal received via the second wireless communication unit. Compression means for compression is further provided, and the communication means outputs the image signal compressed by the compression means to a network.
[0019]
A net camera system according to a sixth aspect is the net camera system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the network processing device has a plurality of power consumptions different from each other depending on a detection signal from the moving object detection means. The apparatus further comprises control means for selecting and setting at least one operation mode from the operation modes and controlling the net camera according to the set operation mode.
[0020]
A net camera system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the net camera system according to the fourth aspect, wherein when the communication means detects a moving object by the moving object detecting means, it indicates that a moving object is present. A signal is further output to the network.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a net camera system.
[0022]
This net camera system captures a moving image and transmits the captured moving image to a wireless adapter 2 to be described later by wireless communication, and detects whether or not the moving object is included in the moving image to detect the moving object. If detected, a moving object detection signal is also transmitted to the wireless adapter 2 by wireless communication to the net camera 1, and a moving image and a moving object detection signal wirelessly transmitted from the net camera 1 are received and converted to an electric signal. A wireless adapter 2 for conversion; a modem 4 for converting an image signal of a moving image and a moving object detection signal transmitted from the wireless adapter 2 into analog signals and transmitting the analog signals via a telephone network 5; A gateway 6 for converting a signal transmitted through the Internet 5 into a digital signal and connecting to the Internet 7 for transmission, and receiving image data transmitted through the Internet 7 It is configured to include a first terminal 8 which can observable displayed as a moving image, a.
[0023]
Note that the second terminal 3 directly connected to the wireless adapter 2 may be installed in the same building where the net camera 1 and the wireless adapter 2 are installed. In this case, the net camera 1 and the second terminal 3 can be connected without using the Internet 7.
[0024]
This net camera system can further operate the net camera 1 from the first terminal 8 (or the second terminal 3), and specifically, controls the pan, tilt, zoom, and the like. And the change of the operation mode.
[0025]
The operation mode of the net camera 1 operated from the first terminal 8 (or the second terminal 3) includes a plurality of operation modes having different power consumptions, specifically, a low power consumption mode and a normal mode. And these are alternatively selected.
[0026]
On the other hand, when a low power consumption mode is instructed from the terminal, the CPU 17 (described later) inside the net camera 1 sets a first mode and a second mode as described below, When a mode is instructed, an operation is performed to set a third mode as described below.
[0027]
In the first mode, a camera unit 10 (see FIG. 2) described later captures a moving image at a first imaging rate and detects a moving object from the image signal, but transmits the image signal to the wireless adapter 2. There is no mode.
[0028]
In the second mode, when a moving object is detected and detected, a signal indicating that the moving object is present (or a frame image in which the moving object is detected) is transmitted to the wireless adapter 2. Mode.
[0029]
The third mode is based on an external signal from the first terminal 8 (or the second terminal 3). At the second imaging rate, the number of imaging frames per unit time is larger than the first imaging rate. In this mode, a moving image is captured by the camera unit 10 and the moving image is transmitted to the wireless adapter 2.
[0030]
For example, when an operation is performed by the first terminal 8, the operation information is transmitted to the net camera 1 via the Internet 7, the gateway 6, the telephone line network 5, the modem 4, and the wireless adapter 2, and the operation information is transmitted to the network camera 1. Is changed according to the operation of.
[0031]
In FIG. 1, the case where the telephone line network 5 is used has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an ISDN, an optical fiber, a CATV line, or the like can be used. The modem 4 that performs signal conversion for transmission to a telephone line is a DSU (Digital Service Unit) when using ISDN, an optical termination device when using an optical fiber, and a cable modem when using CATV. , Respectively, and the gateway 6 is also replaced by a corresponding device.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the net camera 1.
[0033]
The net camera 1 has a CCD 11 that captures a subject image and outputs an analog camera moving image, and an A / D converter 12 that converts an analog output from the CCD 11 into digital moving image data. A camera unit 10 serving as an image pickup unit, a compression engine 13 serving as a compression unit for compressing digital moving image data output from the camera unit 10 by a predetermined algorithm, a digital moving image data output from the camera unit 10 A RAM 16 for storing the image data compressed by the engine 13 and the compressed digital moving image data stored in the RAM 16 are transmitted to the wireless adapter 2 in frame units using a network protocol stored in advance. Wireless communication as network connection means and wireless communication means A unit 14, a ROM 15 for storing various data, programs to be processed by a CPU 17, which will be described later, a mechanical control unit 19 for performing pan, tilt, zoom, etc., and a primary battery or a secondary battery as a power supply. A power supply unit 20 for supplying power to each circuit in the net camera 1; and control means for integrally controlling the net camera 1 including the circuits and the like based on a program stored in the ROM 15; It comprises a CPU 17 also serving as a detecting means, and a bus 18 for connecting the camera unit 10, the compression engine 13, the wireless communication unit 14, the CPU 17, the mechanical control unit 19, and the power supply unit 20 to each other.
[0034]
Next, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the low power consumption mode of the net camera 1. FIG. 3 is a process mainly performed by the CPU 17.
[0035]
When the power is turned on, or when a transition notification from the normal mode to the low power consumption mode described below is input, the CPU 17 selects the low power consumption mode from the plurality of operation modes and switches the net camera 1 to the low power consumption mode. Set (step S1). In the low power consumption mode, for example, the imaging rate is set to a first imaging rate of a relatively low frame rate, the functions of the compression engine 13 and the mechanical control unit 19 are stopped, and further, no data communication is performed. Sometimes, when a wireless communication unit 14 that can be set to a mode for reducing power consumption is incorporated, the wireless communication unit 14 is set to a mode for reducing power consumption, or these processes are appropriately combined. By making a selection, a transition is made to a state in which power consumption is reduced.
[0036]
Next, digital image data is taken in frame units from the camera unit 10 (step S2), and a moving object is detected by performing processing such as taking a difference from the immediately preceding frame and making a determination (step S3).
[0037]
Next, it is determined whether or not a moving object has been detected (step S4). If no moving object has been detected, the process returns to step S2, and the processing from step S2 to step S4 as described above is repeated.
[0038]
When a moving object is detected in step S4, the image signal of the frame in which the moving object is detected is compressed by the compression engine 13 (step S5).
[0039]
Next, the compressed image signal is converted into a data format of a prescribed protocol (step S6). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data format when image data is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 14 of the net camera 1. This data format includes a protocol header, a camera ID of the net camera 1 that has performed the moving object detection, notification information of the moving object detection, a tag indicating the image data, and image data compressed as described above. It is comprised including.
[0040]
Then, the format data including the image data and the notification information created in step S6 is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 14. The transmitted format data is transmitted to the first terminal 8 via the wireless adapter 2, the modem 4, the telephone network 5, the gateway 6, and the Internet 7 according to a prescribed protocol (step S7). ).
[0041]
In response to this notification, the operator of the first terminal 8 observes the image to determine whether or not it is necessary to look more closely through the net camera 1. Is set to a normal mode in which, via the first terminal 8, the net camera 1 is operated by setting a second imaging rate of a frame rate faster than the first imaging rate to operate and wirelessly communicate a moving image. The user is notified to shift, and if it is determined that it is not necessary, it is left as it is. The CPU 17 determines whether or not a notification of transition to the normal mode has been received via the wireless communication unit 14 (step S8). If no notification has been received within a predetermined time, the process returns to step S2 and returns to the above-described step S2. Repeat the operation.
[0042]
Also, in step S8, if there is a notice of a request to shift to the normal mode within a predetermined time, the mode shifts to the normal mode described later.
[0043]
Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the normal mode of the net camera. FIG. 5 is a process mainly performed by the CPU 17.
[0044]
Upon receiving the transition notification to the normal mode, the CPU 17 selects the normal mode from the plurality of operation modes and sets the net camera 1 to the normal mode (step S11). Here, the imaging rate is set to the second imaging rate, the function of the mechanical control unit 19 is activated when it is stopped, and the wireless communication unit 14 is set to the low power consumption mode. If so, release it.
[0045]
Next, frame data is fetched from the camera unit 10 (step S12), and the fetched frame data is compressed by the compression engine 13 (step S13).
[0046]
Then, the compressed image data is converted into a prescribed protocol format (step S14), and the converted image data is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 14 (step S15).
[0047]
Next, it is determined whether or not there is a request for panning, tilting, zooming or the like from the first terminal 8 (step S16), and if so, an operation corresponding to the request is performed (step S17).
[0048]
When the processing in step S17 is completed, or when there is no request in step S16, it is determined whether or not an operation of ending the monitoring of the moving image from the first terminal 8 has been performed. It is determined whether or not there is a transfer notification (step S18). If not, the process returns to step S12 to repeat the above-described processing.
[0049]
On the other hand, if there is a transition notification to the low power consumption mode, the process proceeds to the process of step S1 shown in FIG. 3 and the process in the low power consumption mode is performed as described above.
[0050]
In the above description, signals are transmitted and received from the net camera 1 to the wireless adapter 2 via wireless communication. However, even when the connection is established via a wired connection, switching between operation modes with different power consumption enables low power consumption. Is effective.
[0051]
According to such a first embodiment, a mobile unit is detected based on image data captured at a low imaging rate in the low power consumption mode, and when a mobile unit is detected, a notification to that effect is sent to the terminal together with the image data. However, only when there is an instruction from the terminal, the mode is shifted to the normal mode to capture an image at a high imaging rate and transmit the image to the terminal, so that the power consumption of the net camera can be suppressed low. Thus, it is possible to operate the net camera more efficiently for a long time even if a power supply having a limited power capacity such as a primary battery or a secondary battery is used.
[0052]
FIGS. 6 to 12 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a part of the configuration on the net camera side in the net camera system. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different points will be mainly described.
[0053]
The second embodiment relates to a net camera system including one or more net cameras and a network processing device.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 6, in this net camera system, one or more net cameras 30a, 30b,..., 30n (where n is 30a, 30b,. ., 30n, and the network processing device 31 to which these net cameras 30a, 30b,..., 30n are connected via wireless. And a modem 32 connected thereto. The configuration after the modem 32 is connected to the telephone network via the modem 32 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment. is there.
[0055]
Also, the case where a telephone line network is used is described here as an example, but it is also possible to use an ISDN, an optical fiber, a CATV line, or the like, as in the first embodiment.
[0056]
Next, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the net camera.
[0057]
Each of the net cameras 30i (i = a, b,..., N) has the compression engine 13 omitted from the configuration of the net camera 1 shown in FIG. The wireless communication unit 14A, which is a first wireless communication unit, performs only processing necessary for communication between the network camera 30i and the network processing device 31 without detecting a moving object (unlike the CPU 17), and performs network processing thereafter. The output to the network camera is not performed (there is no communication means for outputting to a network thereafter), and the other points are the same as those of the net camera 1. Accordingly, the RAM 16 stores digital moving image data output from the camera unit 10 as it is (not compressed), and the wireless communication unit 14A operates regardless of whether a moving object is detected (the CPU 17A operates This is because the body is not detected.) The digital moving image data stored in the RAM 16 is transmitted to the network processing device 31 in frame units using a wireless communication protocol stored in advance.
[0058]
The compression function, the moving body detection function, and the communication means for outputting the data to the network are provided in the network processing device 31 as described later.
[0059]
Here, the communication means for outputting to the network is means for communicating moving image data to the first terminal 8 via the telephone line network 5, the gateway 6, and the Internet 7, as shown in FIG. The function of this communication means is transferred from the network cameras 30a, 30b, ..., 30n to the network processing device 31. Thereby, since the load of the protocol processing handled by the wireless communication unit 14A is reduced, the power consumed by the net cameras 30a, 30b,..., 30n can be reduced.
[0060]
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce power consumption required for the compression engine 13, communication means for outputting to the network of the wireless communication unit 14 </ b> A, and the moving object detection function of the CPU 17.
[0061]
Next, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the network processing device 31.
[0062]
The network processing device 31 includes a wireless communication unit 41 serving as a second wireless communication unit that receives moving image data from the wireless communication unit 14A serving as a first wireless communication unit of the net cameras 30a, 30b,. A compression engine 42 for compressing digital moving image data input from the wireless communication unit 41 by a predetermined algorithm; and a digital moving image data input from the wireless communication unit 41 and compression by the compression engine 42. A RAM 45 for storing the obtained digital moving image data, and transmitting the compressed digital moving image data stored in the RAM 45 to the modem 32 in frame units using a network protocol stored in advance. Communication to send to the network via The network control unit 43 serving as a tier, a ROM 44 for storing various data and programs to be processed by a CPU 46 to be described later, and each circuit in the network processing apparatus 31 receiving normal power supply from outside via a wire. A power supply unit 48 for supplying power, a CPU 46 for integrally controlling the network processing device 31 including the circuits and the like based on a program stored in the ROM 44, the wireless communication unit 41, the compression engine 42, And a bus 47 for connecting the control unit 43, the CPU 46, and the power supply unit 48 to each other.
[0063]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the low power consumption mode of the net camera. FIG. 9 is a process mainly performed by the CPU 17A.
[0064]
This processing is almost the same as the processing shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment described above except that the moving object detection and compression in steps S3 to S5 are omitted. The points are different.
[0065]
First, in the low power consumption mode set in step S1A, since the compression engine 13 does not exist in the configuration of FIG. 7, the function of the compression engine 13 is not stopped.
[0066]
The format of the prescribed protocol converted in step S6A is a protocol format sufficient for communication between the net cameras 30a, 30b,..., 30n and the network device 31 as described above.
[0067]
Then, in step S7A, only the uncompressed frame data without the moving object detection signal is wirelessly transmitted to the network device 31 by the wireless communication unit 14A.
[0068]
The other parts are the same as the processing in FIG.
[0069]
Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the normal mode of the net camera. FIG. 10 is a process mainly performed by the CPU 17A.
[0070]
This process is the same as the process shown in FIG. 5 of the above-described first embodiment except that the compression process in step S13 and the conversion process into a format that matches the receiving terminal in step S14 are omitted. .
[0071]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network processing device 31 in the low power consumption mode. FIG. 11 shows processing mainly performed by the CPU 46.
[0072]
The CPU 46 starts individual tasks corresponding to each of the net cameras 30a, 30b,..., 30n and executes them independently and in parallel, and performs the processing shown in FIG. 11 (and the processing shown in FIG. 11). (Process shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later, which is performed after the process shown in FIG. 12) indicates the process content of the task corresponding to one net camera 30i.
[0073]
When the power is turned on or the mode is shifted from a normal mode to a low power consumption mode to be described later, the frame image data received via the wireless communication unit 41 is fetched (step S21), and the frame image data with the immediately preceding frame is read. Moving object detection is performed by performing processing such as taking a difference and making a determination (step S22). Then, it is determined whether or not the moving object is detected (step S23). If not detected, the process returns to step S21 to repeat the processing from step S21 to step S23 as described above.
[0074]
On the other hand, when the moving object is detected, the image data of the frame where the moving object is detected is compressed by the compression engine 42 (step S24), and the compressed image data is converted into a data format of a prescribed protocol (step S24). Step S25).
[0075]
Then, the network control unit 43 sends out the format data including the image data and the notification information created in step S25. The transmitted format data is transmitted to the first terminal 8 via the modem 32, the telephone network 5, the gateway 6, and the Internet 7 according to a prescribed protocol (step S26).
[0076]
In response to the notification, the operator of the first terminal 8 observes the image, so that it is necessary to look more closely through the net camera 30i (i = a, b,..., N). If it is determined that it is necessary, a notice is sent to the net camera i that needs to be watched to shift to the normal mode, and if it is determined that it is not necessary, it is left as it is. The CPU 46 determines whether or not a notification of transition to the normal mode has been received via the network control unit 43 (step S27). If no notification has been received within a predetermined time, the process returns to step S21 and returns to the above-described step S21. Repeat the operation.
[0077]
In step S27, if there is a request to shift to the normal mode within a predetermined time, the designated net camera i is notified via the wireless communication unit 41 to shift to the normal mode. At the same time (step S28), the network processing device 31 itself shifts to a normal mode described later.
[0078]
Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network processing device 31 in the normal mode. FIG. 12 shows processing mainly performed by the CPU 46.
[0079]
When the mode is shifted to the normal mode, the frame image data received from the net cameras 30a, 30b,..., 30n via the wireless communication unit 41 is fetched (step S31), and the fetched frame image data is compressed by the compression engine. (Step S32).
[0080]
Then, the compressed data is converted into a prescribed protocol format for distribution to the network (step S33), and the converted image data is transmitted from the network control unit 43 to the first terminal 8 (step S34). .
[0081]
Next, it is determined whether or not there is a notification from the first terminal 8 to shift to the low power consumption mode (step S35). If there is no notification, a request for pan, tilt, zoom, and the like is sent from the first terminal 8 It is determined whether or not there is (step S36), and if so, an operation corresponding to the request is performed on the requested net camera 30i (i = a, b,..., N) (step S37). If not, return to step S31 and repeat the above processing.
[0082]
On the other hand, if there is a transfer notification in step S35, the net camera 30i (i = a, b,..., N) instructed to transfer is notified to shift to the low power consumption mode. (Step S38), the network processing device 31 itself shifts to the low power consumption mode as shown in FIG.
[0083]
According to the second embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment are obtained, and a function of compressing image data, a function of detecting a moving object in an image, and a function of outputting to a network are provided. Is provided in the network processing device instead of in the net camera itself, so that the power consumption of the net camera can be further reduced. Such a configuration is suitable when a plurality of net cameras are installed at the installation location.
[0084]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the net camera and the net camera system of the present invention, low power consumption is achieved, and it is possible to operate more efficiently for a long time even if the power capacity is limited.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a net camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a net camera according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the low power consumption mode of the net camera according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data format when image data is transmitted from a wireless communication unit of a net camera in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the normal mode of the net camera according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a part of a configuration on a net camera side in a net camera system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a net camera according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network processing device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the low power consumption mode of the net camera according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the normal mode of the net camera according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network processing device in the low power consumption mode according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the network processing device in the normal mode in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Net camera
2. Wireless adapter
3. Second terminal
4,32 ... modem
5. Telephone network
6 ... Gateway
7 ... Internet
8 First terminal
10. Camera unit (imaging means)
11 ... CCD
12 A / D converter
13, 42 ... compression engine (compression means)
14. Wireless communication unit (network connection means, wireless communication means)
14A: wireless communication unit (first wireless communication means)
15, 44… ROM
16, 45 ... RAM
17, 46... CPU (moving object detection means, control means)
17A CPU (control means, conversion means)
18, 47… Bus
19… Mechanical control unit
20, 48 ... power supply unit
30i (i = a, b, ..., n) ... net camera
31 ... Network processing device
41: wireless communication unit (second wireless communication means)
43 Network control unit (communication means)

Claims (7)

Imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting an image signal as a digital moving image,
Moving body detecting means for detecting a moving body in an image related to the image signal based on the image signal output from the imaging means;
According to a detection signal from the moving object detecting means, at least one operation mode is selected and set from a plurality of operation modes having different power consumptions of the net camera, and the net camera is selected according to the set operation mode. Control means for controlling
Network connection means for connecting to the network so that the image signal can be output to the network when necessary according to the operation mode set by the control means;
A net camera comprising: 2. The network camera according to claim 1, wherein the network connection unit is a wireless communication unit for connecting to the network by performing wireless communication. The above plurality of operation modes are:
A mode in which a moving image is captured by the imaging unit at a first imaging rate and a mobile unit is detected by the mobile unit detection unit, and the wireless communication unit is not operated;
A mode in which, when a moving object is detected by the moving object detecting means, a signal indicating that a moving object is present is output to the network by the wireless communication means;
Based on an external signal, a moving image is picked up by the image pickup means at a second image pickup rate having a larger number of image pickup frames per unit time than the first image pickup rate. Mode to send by
3. The net camera according to claim 2, comprising: A network including at least one net camera that captures a subject and outputs an image signal as a digital moving image, and a network processing device that generates a signal to be output to a network based on the image signal output from the net camera A camera system,
Each of the above net cameras,
Imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting an image signal as a digital moving image,
First wireless communication means for connecting to the network processing device by performing wireless communication;
Conversion means for converting an image signal output from the imaging means into a signal suitable for transmission by the first wireless communication means;
Having
The network processing device,
A second wireless communication unit that connects to the first wireless communication unit by performing wireless communication;
Moving body detecting means for detecting a moving body in an image related to the image signal based on the image signal received via the second wireless communication means;
Communication means for outputting an image signal of a moving object detected by the moving object detecting means to a network,
A net camera system comprising: The network processing device further includes compression means for compressing the image signal received via the second wireless communication means so as to reduce the data amount, wherein the communication means performs compression by the compression means. 5. The network camera system according to claim 4, wherein the network camera system outputs the obtained image signal to a network. The network processing device selects and sets at least one operation mode from a plurality of operation modes having different power consumptions of the net camera according to a detection signal from the moving object detection unit, and sets the set operation mode. 5. The net camera system according to claim 4, further comprising control means for controlling said net camera in accordance with (1). 5. The communication unit according to claim 4, wherein when the mobile unit is detected by the mobile unit detection unit, the communication unit further outputs a signal indicating that the mobile unit is present to the network. Net camera system.

Images