JP2004260703A - Monitoring apparatus and security system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a monitoring apparatus in which image data can be confirmed at the location of visit by appropriately accessing even when notice information reporting a sensed moving object can not be received on a cellular phone or the like, and image data picked up originally during the absence are protected by making the new recorded image as the rewrite target when storage capacity is full. <P>SOLUTION: A simplified memory 60 erases latest image data to rewrite and stores new image data. Temporally former image data are image data actually during the absence so that its significance is high. Therefore, rewriting is performed inversely to the conventional FIFO principles. Besides, picked-up image data are saved in an image data mail distribution server 44 on a network, the saving is reported to the mail address of a cellular phone registered in advance, and a URL for downloading image data is attached, thereby confirming the image from anywhere of visit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a camera unit including a sensor and an image sensor for sensing an object to be sensed including at least a moving body, and instructs the camera unit to a plurality of modes in which imaging conditions are set and based on the instructed mode. The present invention relates to a monitoring device including a terminal unit that manages image data captured by an imaging device, and a security system using the monitoring device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a security system, a camera is installed at an appropriate location in a house (room, corridor, etc.), images are always taken with a camera, and monitoring is performed in the room where the monitor is placed. There is a type in which a sensor that detects an object to be sensed (a moving object or a stationary object) by detecting the movement of the object is sensed by an infrared sensor and the camera is operated.
[0003]
When the camera is operated by detecting an object to be sensed by the infrared sensor, it is usually suitable for going out, and unattended monitoring of absence is possible. If there is an intruder, the infrared sensor detects the intruder as an object and the camera operates (images).
[0004]
When the camera is activated, this is determined to be abnormal, for example, by transmitting information notifying that the abnormality has occurred to a mobile phone, a portable information terminal, or the like, which is being carried away, via a telephone line or the Internet. And prompt response such as reporting to the police (see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
However, in the communication via the telephone line or the Internet, there is no guarantee that the broadcast information is correctly transmitted to the receiving side even if the transmitting side device correctly transmits the broadcast information. In many cases, an error occurs and communication is not established.
[0006]
In order to solve such a problem, when it is possible for the transmitting side to recognize that the connection is not established, it is general to cope with the retry function. In this retry, transmission can be completed after a predetermined time, so that transmission can be completed on condition that connection conditions have been improved.
[0007]
However, in the case of using the Internet, the sender can check only after accessing the connection destination server (the server of the Internet service provider), authenticating the ID and password, and confirming the connection permission. When the connection is established and the broadcast information is transmitted, it cannot be confirmed whether or not the broadcast information has been correctly received.
[0008]
Therefore, there may be a situation where the transmission side confirms that the transmission was correctly performed but the reception side has not received the transmission. However, if a system is constructed in which the reception side confirms the reception and then sends a reply indicating the reception confirmation, it is possible to determine whether the reception is true or false after a certain period of time based on whether or not the reply has arrived. Since the reply also follows the same route, troubles may occur in the reply, and the reply may not be delivered to the sender or delayed.
[0009]
In addition, the security system has a function (image storage device) of storing image data captured by a camera by itself, and even if transmission of the notification information is not established, the security system can always confirm when returning home. is there.
[0010]
However, a conventional security system aims to store image data for a long period of time, and generally includes a large-capacity storage medium (hard disk device, server, or the like).
[0011]
Such a security system is effective for business use. However, when such a security system is introduced into ordinary households, a small-capacity storage medium is required to reduce the size of the device and the cost by reducing the number of parts. Will be suppressed. In such a small-capacity storage medium, only image data for several times of occurrence of an abnormality can be stored.
[0012]
Therefore, in order to effectively use such a small-capacity functional medium, it is necessary to rewrite image data. Conventionally, the principle of FIFO, that is, the first-in first-out principle, is adopted. , And a storage area for the newest image data is secured.
[0013]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-1-236397
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the storage capacity is rewritten according to the above FIFO principle, if the camera and the infrared sensor are pointed at the entrance when returning home from home, the owner of the house (and family) who returned from home may return. ) May be mistaken for an intruder, an image may be taken, and stored in a storage medium. Or, even if the camera and the infrared sensor are not pointed at the entrance, if you forget to cancel the out-of-home monitoring mode set in the security system after returning home, the latest images will be stored one after another and taken when you are actually absent The erased image data may be erased.
[0015]
In view of the above facts, the present invention can provide image information that can be confirmed from an outside location by appropriately accessing, even when notification information for notifying the sensing of an object can not be received by a mobile phone or the like while away from home. It is an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring device and a security system that can protect image data captured when it is absent by setting a new recording image as a rewriting target when the storage capacity is full.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a camera unit including a sensor and an imaging element for sensing an object to be sensed including at least a moving body, and a plurality of modes in which imaging conditions are set to the camera unit are instructed and the instruction is given. A terminal unit that manages image data picked up by the image pickup device based on the mode, a memory provided in the terminal unit and capable of storing the picked-up image data, A constant monitoring mode in which the image is taken every other time and is not stored in the memory; an out-of-home monitoring mode in which the image is taken when the object is detected by the sensor and stored in the memory; And a camera unit based on the mode selected by the mode selecting means. Monitoring mode control means for controlling and monitoring the data, and when the storage area of the memory becomes incapable of storing new image data, the image data having a short elapsed time since storage is rewritten. And rewriting control means for deleting and storing the new image data.
[0017]
According to the first aspect of the invention, the monitoring mode control means controls the camera unit based on the mode selected by the mode selection means.
[0018]
In the out-of-home monitoring mode in this mode, image data of an image captured when an object to be sensed is sensed is stored in a memory. However, when the storage capacity of the memory is small, new image data may not be stored in some cases.
[0019]
In this case, conventionally, new image data is stored by erasing the oldest image data. However, in the above-mentioned monitoring device, when returning from the outside, the above-mentioned outside monitoring mode is continued. It is possible that the person returned from is imaged. If the user forgets to switch the out-of-home monitoring mode to another mode (constant monitoring mode or home monitoring mode applied when at home), images after home are sequentially captured and stored, and image data captured when absent. May be erased.
[0020]
For this reason, the rewriting control means erases image data (for example, the newest image data) having a short elapsed time after storage as a rewriting target and stores new image data. As a result, image data captured at the time of absence can be held.
[0021]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is further provided an upload control means for uploading image data captured during monitoring control in the out-of-home monitoring mode to a specific server on a network. It is characterized by having.
[0022]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, by uploading captured image data to a specific server, it is possible to easily capture an image from a mobile phone, an information mobile terminal, a personal computer, or the like, which can be connected to a network. it can.
[0023]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the specific server is made accessible to the monitoring device via a network, and the specific server is uploaded by the upload control means. An image data / mail distribution server having both a function of storing image data and a function of adding a description for specifying the location of the stored image data to a contact registered in advance at the time of storing the image data and transmitting the mail. It is characterized by.
[0024]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the specific server not only stores the image but also notifies a pre-registered contact (for example, an e-mail address of a mobile phone) when storing the image. By adding a description (for example, a URL) specifying the location of the image data to the notification, it is possible to promptly respond to the sensing of an object from outside while sensing the object.
[0025]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the camera unit and the terminal unit transmit and receive information wirelessly.
[0026]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the wireless communication is performed between the camera unit and the terminal unit, the labor at the time of installation can be omitted, and the construction by a specialized contractor or the like is unnecessary, so that it is used in a so-called general home. Performance (degree of use) can be increased.
[0027]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera unit including a sensor for sensing an object to be sensed including at least a moving object and an imaging element, and a plurality of modes in which imaging conditions are set to the camera unit. And a terminal unit that manages image data captured by the image sensor based on the selected mode, and a security system that uses a monitoring device configured of: a terminal unit provided in the terminal unit and configured to capture an image based on a predetermined mode. When a memory for storing image data and a storage area of the memory become incapable of storing new image data, the image data having a short elapsed time after storage is erased as a rewriting target and the new area is erased. Rewriting control means for storing image data, and image data captured based on the predetermined mode to a network. Upload control means for uploading, a function of storing the image data uploaded by the upload control means, which is accessible via the monitoring device and the network, and a contact registered in advance when storing the image data And an image data / mail distribution server which also has a function of adding a description for specifying the location of the image data stored to the server and transmitting the mail.
[0028]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring mode control means controls the camera unit based on the mode selected by the mode selection means.
[0029]
In the out-of-home monitoring mode in this mode, image data of an image captured when an object is sensed is stored in the memory. However, when the storage capacity of the memory is small, new image data may not be stored in some cases.
[0030]
In this case, conventionally, new image data is stored by erasing the oldest image data. However, in the above-mentioned monitoring device, when returning from the outside, the above-mentioned outside monitoring mode is continued. It is possible that the person returned from is imaged. If the user forgets to switch the out-of-home monitoring mode to another mode (constant monitoring mode or home monitoring mode applied when at home), images after home are sequentially captured and stored, and image data captured when absent. May be erased.
[0031]
For this reason, the rewriting control means erases image data (for example, the newest image data) having a short elapsed time after storage as a rewriting target and stores new image data. As a result, image data captured at the time of absence can be held.
[0032]
In addition, by uploading the captured image data to the image data / mail distribution server, the image can be easily captured from a network connectable, for example, a mobile phone, an information portable terminal, or a personal computer.
[0033]
The image data / mail distribution server not only saves the image, but also notifies a pre-registered contact (eg, a mobile phone e-mail address) when saving the image and specifies the location of the image data in this notification. By adding a description (for example, a URL) to the object, a quick response can be taken from the outside when sensing the object.
[0034]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5, wherein the network is connected to a telephone network to which a terminal unit of the monitoring device is connected, and to the telephone network and the Internet service provider. And an Internet network to which the image data / mail distribution server is connected.
[0035]
According to the invention described in claim 6, customer information is registered in the terminal unit, and it is not preferable that such private information leaks to the outside. For this reason, by connecting the terminal server to the telephone line network and communicating private information through a connection using a 1: 1 modem without using the Internet network, the information can be transmitted in the same manner as a normal telephone or facsimile. There is no leakage to the outside.
[0036]
On the other hand, since the image data / mail distribution server is connected to the Internet connected to the telephone line network through the Internet service provider (connection to the Internet network is established after the communication of the private information is completed). It is preferable.) If the place can be connected to the Internet, the captured image can be downloaded and viewed.
[0037]
It should be noted that input of an ID and a password is naturally assumed also in image acquisition by connection to the Internet network.
[0038]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the camera unit and the terminal unit in the monitoring device transmit and receive information wirelessly.
[0039]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the camera unit and the terminal unit are wirelessly transmitted and received, the time and effort required for installation can be omitted, and the construction by a specialized contractor or the like is unnecessary, so that it is used in a so-called home. Performance (degree of use) can be increased.
[0040]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a security system to which a monitoring device 10 according to the present embodiment is applied.
[0041]
The monitoring device 10 includes a terminal unit 16 connected to a telephone network 14 and a camera unit 18 managed by the terminal unit 16.
[0042]
The terminal unit 16 is provided with two modular terminals (not shown), one of which is used for a telephone connector, and a telephone 20 for ordinary households is connected via a modular cable 22. The other one is for a line connector, and is connected to the telephone network 14 via a modular cable 24.
[0043]
Here, an analog line is applied to a general telephone line connected to the telephone line network 14, and a normal telephone call can be performed using the telephone 20 except for communication by the terminal unit 16.
[0044]
In order to realize an image request function (described later), which is one of the functions of the terminal unit 16, a number display contract with a telephone company is required. The following description is based on the assumption that the number display contract has been completed.
[0045]
In addition, the type of telephone line to be contracted is not limited to a normal analog line, but an ISDN or ADSL line compatible with a number display can also be applied. This is not preferred because some cannot be done.
[0046]
The terminal unit 16 is provided with an image output terminal (not shown), and a monitor (including a general television) 26 having an AV terminal is connected via an AV cord 28.
[0047]
On the monitor 26, images captured by up to four camera units 18 that can be managed by the terminal unit 16 are selectively displayed.
[0048]
The terminal unit 16 and the camera unit 18 transmit and receive information wirelessly. Externally, the housings 16A and 18A of the terminal unit 16 and the camera unit 18 respectively include an antenna 30 , 32 are attached.
[0049]
The specifications for wireless transmission / reception of this embodiment (common to terminal unit 16 and camera unit 18) are as follows: transmission / reception frequency range: 2.4 GHz band (2.412 GHz to 2.484 GHz); transmission output: 13 dBm or less; Is a half-duplex communication system, the modulation system is DBPSK, DQPSK, CCK, and the data transfer rate is 5.5 Mbps. The data transfer rate is 11 Mbps at maximum, but is set to 5.5 Mbps in order to ensure data reliability.
[0050]
The lens unit 34 and the sensing sensor unit 36 are exposed from the housing 18A of the camera unit 18.
[0051]
The sensing sensor unit 36 includes an infrared sensor 39 (see FIG. 4) and a hemispherical hood 36A that covers the infrared sensor 39.
[0052]
The camera unit 18 can capture a still image at a predetermined time interval, or can constantly capture a still image based on a setting signal transmitted from the terminal unit 16. In addition, the camera unit 18 captures an image when detecting the movement of the sensing object by the sensing sensor unit 36, changes the imaging interval, or changes the number of images captured when the sensor is detected, according to an instruction from the terminal unit 16. It is also possible to do.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 1, a registration server 38 managed by the provider of the monitoring device 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to the telephone network 14.
[0054]
In the registration server 38, customer management data for specifying a customer who provides (sells) the monitoring device 10 is stored in advance.
[0055]
The customer management data is stored by being registered by an operator based on an installation application or the like in which necessary items are filled in and returned from an installation (purchase) of the monitoring device 10 in advance.
[0056]
When there is a registration request via the telephone network 14 through the terminal unit 16 owned by the customer who has completed the above registration (storage in the registration server 38), necessary data is sent from the registration server 38 to the terminal unit 16, Registration is done automatically.
[0057]
That is, the registration of the terminal unit 16 does not bother the customer and uses the telephone network 14, so that the customer data is leaked to a third party, for example, as in a general telephone call or facsimile. There is no such configuration.
[0058]
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) 40 and a network 42 (hereinafter referred to as the Internet 42) are connected to the telephone network 14. An image data / mail distribution server 44 managed by the provider of the monitoring device 10 is connected to the Internet 42.
[0059]
The image data / mail distribution server 44 has one function as a function of receiving from the terminal unit 16 that manages image (still image) data captured by the camera unit 18 via the telephone network 14 and the Internet 42. Can be saved.
[0060]
As another function, the image data / mail distribution server 44 transmits a pre-registered (one of the registrations by the registration server 38) mobile phone 46 owned by the customer when the image data is stored. An email notifying that the image data has been received is delivered.
[0061]
Note that a URL specifying the storage location of the image data is attached to the delivered mail, and the customer receives the mail and receives the image data based on the URL attached to the mail. Can be downloaded.
[0062]
(External configuration of terminal unit 16)
As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal unit 16 has four camera selection buttons 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "48", "48", "48", "48"). ").) Is provided. By operating (pressing) one of the camera selection buttons 48, one of the camera units 18 that can be connected to one terminal unit 16 at a maximum of four can be selected. It should be noted that a plurality of camera units 18 may be selected and switched at predetermined time intervals. Further, a mode setting described later can be set for each camera unit 18.
[0063]
Further, the LEDs 50 are arranged adjacent to the respective camera selection buttons 48, and the LEDs 50 adjacent to the camera selection buttons 48 corresponding to the active (operating) camera units 18 are turned on.
[0064]
On the left side of FIG. 2 of the camera selection button 48, a power supply confirmation LED 52, a modem activation confirmation LED 54, and a sensor detection LED 56 are arranged side by side.
[0065]
The terminal unit 16 is provided with a function button 58 adjacent to the four camera selection buttons 48 on the right side in FIG.
[0066]
The function button 58 is used to instruct the terminal unit 16 to register the data registered in the registration server 38, to confirm the connection number of the camera unit 18 that has already been set up, to use the non-volatile memory 60 of the terminal unit 16 ( When the user checks (displays) the image data stored on the monitor 26 or deletes (resets) the image data stored in the image data, the operation is performed. Note that each function is recognized based on a difference in a preset operation mode.
[0067]
Further, an emergency notification LED 62 is provided adjacent to the function button 58 to check for any abnormality (when an image is captured by a sensor reaction and image data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 60 when “mode 2” described later is set). It lights or blinks when it is turned on.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 2, a mode selection key cylinder 64 is provided at the rightmost end of the front surface of the terminal unit 16. A key 66 can be inserted into the key groove 64A of the mode selection key cylinder 64.
[0069]
The mode selection key cylinder 64 in which the key 66 is inserted is rotatable left and right by about 30 ° around a so-called 12 o'clock direction, and is a mode (details will be described later) indicating a control function of the terminal unit 16. One of “mode 1”, “mode 2”, and “mode 3” can be selected.
[0070]
That is, "mode 1" is selected at the position rotated to the leftmost position, "mode 2" is selected at the 12 o'clock position, and "mode 3" is selected at the position rotated to the rightmost position.
[0071]
The attachment and detachment of the key 66 is performed at the position of “mode 2” (in the direction of 12:00), and it is not possible to perform the other operations.
[0072]
(Control system of monitoring device 10)
FIGS. 3 and 4 show control block diagrams for realizing various functions in the monitoring device 10 including the terminal unit 16 and the camera unit 18. The blocks shown in the control block diagram are functionally classified, some of which operate as software, and are limited to separate devices. Instead, a device in which a plurality of blocks are aggregated may be used.
[0073]
First, a control system of the terminal unit 16 will be described.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 3, the camera selection button 48 and the function button 58 are connected to a button operation recognition unit 68. The button operation recognizing unit 68 recognizes the type of the operated button and the state of the operation, and sends it to the operation function determining unit 70.
[0075]
In addition, switching signals of the electrical contacts provided at the three key operation positions of the mode selection key cylinder 64 are sent to the key operation recognizing unit 72 to recognize the operation position of the key 66 (see FIG. 2). I have. The position (that is, mode) of the recognized key 66 is sent to the operation function determining unit 70.
[0076]
The operation function determination unit 70 determines the operation states of the camera selection button 48, the function button 58, and the mode selection key cylinder 64 in a compound manner, and operates according to an operation instruction (a camera unit control unit 74, a user registration control). Unit 76, at least one of the monitoring mode setting unit 78 and the display control unit 79).
[0077]
The camera unit controller 74 is activated based on the operation state of the camera selection button 48 and the switching state of the mode selection key cylinder 64.
[0078]
That is, the selected camera unit 18 to be activated (performing the monitoring operation) is identified, the mode for monitoring is recognized, and the control signal in the camera unit control unit 74 is wirelessly transmitted to the camera unit via the wireless transmission unit 80. Transmit to unit 18.
[0079]
Thereby, the operation in the designated mode is performed in the camera unit 18. The control system of the camera unit 18 will be described later.
[0080]
The user registration control unit 76 is activated when “mode 1” is selected by the mode selection key cylinder 64 and the function button 58 is continuously operated (pressed) for 5 seconds or more.
[0081]
That is, the monitoring device 10 is started when the monitoring device 10 of the present embodiment is installed and is initialized, and the operation is continued for 5 seconds or more so as not to be started by a simple operation.
[0082]
When the user registration control unit 76 is activated, a dial-up connection is executed by the modem 82 connected to the user registration control unit 76, and necessary registration data can be downloaded by accessing the registration server 38. It has become. The user registration control unit 76 is also applicable to version upgrade after introduction, and is activated by notification from a provider or the like, so that the version upgrade program registered in the registration server 38 is downloaded and updated. The operation in the version of can be maintained.
[0083]
The monitoring mode setting unit 78 is connected to the monitoring mode control unit 84, and based on the switching state of the mode selection key cylinder 64, three types of modes (“mode 1”, “mode 2”, and “mode 3”). Is set, and the setting signal is transmitted to the monitoring mode control unit 84. The monitoring mode setting unit 78 is provided with an activation timer 86. In the present embodiment, the transmission of the setting signal to the monitoring mode control unit 84 is performed only when “mode 2” is selected. Delay (about 1 to 3 minutes).
[0084]
The display control unit 79 is activated when the mode selection key cylinder 64 is switched to “mode 3” and the function button 58 is continuously operated for 5 seconds or more.
[0085]
When the display control unit 79 is started, the image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 60 is read and displayed on the monitor 26. As for the display images, one image is sequentially displayed every two seconds in the order from the oldest stored in the nonvolatile memory 60.
[0086]
The display control unit 79 is also connected to the monitoring mode control unit 84, and has a role of displaying an image captured in real time when the monitoring mode is “mode 1” or “mode 3”. ing. In “Mode 1”, a captured image is always displayed at regular time intervals, and in “Mode 3”, several frames of an image to be captured when an object to be sensed is detected by the infrared sensor 39 (see FIG. 4) are displayed. I do.
[0087]
The monitoring mode control unit 84 also has three types of modes set by the monitoring mode setting unit 78 as programs. The monitoring mode control unit 84 is connected to the image data processing unit 88, extracts image data from transmission data transmitted from the camera unit 18 via the wireless reception unit 90 and the data demodulation unit 92, The data is transmitted to the monitoring mode control unit 84.
[0088]
"Mode 1" is a constant monitoring mode at home. For example, when there are two rooms and a care receiver such as a baby or an elderly person sleeping in one room is monitored in another room, That is, this is a mode used at home.
[0089]
Because it is a separate room, it may be overlooked even if careful attention is paid. In order to assist this, images are taken at regular intervals (preferably within 1 second) (for example, a still image is taken every 0.5 seconds). By taking the image) and displaying the taken image on the monitor 26, the state (safety) of the care receiver can be confirmed. In this case, the camera unit 18 operates by managing only the time without operating the function of the infrared sensor 39.
[0090]
"Mode 2" is an out-of-home monitoring mode that is set when going out and monitors the inside of a house where the user is away, and captures an image when the infrared sensor 39 detects an object to be sensed.
[0091]
In this imaging, several frames (five frames per second in the present embodiment) are imaged at regular intervals starting from the sensing of an object by the infrared sensor 39.
[0092]
The captured image data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 60 and sent to the upload control unit 94.
[0093]
The upload control unit 94 adds predetermined data (e.g., a mail address or a customer ID of the mobile phone 46 registered in advance) to the image data and dials up with the modem 82 to connect the telephone line network 14 and the Internet shown in FIG. The image data is uploaded to the image / mail distribution server 44 via the server 42.
[0094]
In the image data / mail distribution server 44, when the image data is transmitted, a URL is set for each image data, and it is determined that the image has been captured by the sensor detection at the mail address of the mobile phone 46 registered in advance. The message is delivered with the URL attached.
[0095]
The customer who is out can receive the e-mail and download the image data based on the URL distributed at the outside to check the image.
[0096]
On the other hand, the non-volatile memory 60 has a capacity capable of storing about three times of image data in one camera unit 18 when five images are captured by one sensing. This has a small memory capacity in consideration of the fact that image data can be managed for a long time by the image data / mail distribution server 44 and that the monitoring device 10 including the terminal unit 16 can be relatively easily installed economically. Has been applied.
[0097]
At this time, generally, FIFO (first-in first-out) is used in principle, but in the present embodiment, a new image is created for the latest image data group (for example, five frames for one sensing). I am trying to replace them.
[0098]
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, No. 2, No. In the nonvolatile memory 60 in which the image data group of No. 3 (every 5 frames) is stored, the latest 5 frames (No. 3) are activated when returning from the outside and entering the monitoring area of the camera unit 18. It is often an image, and such an image cannot be an image at the time of abnormality such as a so-called suspicious person's invasion, and is often an unnecessary image. Therefore, when five frames (No. 4 image data group) newly photographed are stored in the nonvolatile memory 60, the latest image data group No. 4 in the nonvolatile memory 60 is stored. The image data group No. 3 is deleted (erased) and replaced.
[0099]
In this case, No. 1 to No. Although the second image data group is always left without being erased, the number of image data groups to be replaced may be increased in descending order according to the time of going out. For example, the aforementioned No. When storing the image data group of No. 3, The image data group of No. 2 is deleted (the image data group of No. 3 is shifted to the image data group of No. 2), and five newly shot frames (the image data group of No. 4) are deleted. 3 may be left as image data.
[0100]
The “mode 3” is a home monitoring mode. For example, the “mode 3” has two rooms and monitors a cared person such as a baby or an elderly person sleeping in one room in another room. This mode is similar to “mode 1”, but is not always the same as “mode 1”, but performs imaging using the object sensing function applied in “mode 2”.
[0101]
For example, if a baby sleeps in another room, there is no need to monitor while sleeping. However, when I turn over or wake up, I want to respond immediately. In addition, in order to determine the temperature difference, it is preferable that the infrared sensor 39 stores, for example, a state when the user is asleep, and determines the movement of the baby based on a change in the stored data.
[0102]
Then, when the object to be sensed (here, the movement of the baby) is detected by the infrared sensor 39, the image pickup by the camera is started. In this case, the number of imaging frames at one time is 16 frames (8 seconds every 0.5 seconds).
[0103]
The monitoring mode control unit 84 mainly monitors in any one of the above-mentioned “mode 1”, “mode 2”, and “mode 3”. As another function, a real-time image is viewed from the mobile phone 46 while away from home. The camera has a camera image request function.
[0104]
To realize the above, a number display device 96 is connected to the modem 82. In the number display device 96, a number display service contracted in advance with a telephone company can be applied to recognize the telephone number of the other party received except for non-notification. In this embodiment, the modem 82 and the number display device 96 are shown as separate blocks. However, actually, a signal (Call ID) of “caller ID notification” used in the number display is identified. A modem 82 having a function is applicable.
[0105]
The recognized telephone number is sent to the image request control unit 98, and is compared with the telephone number of the mobile phone 46 registered when the monitoring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is installed.
[0106]
As a result of the comparison, the image request control unit 98 sends a camera image request signal to the monitoring mode control unit 84 and the camera unit control unit 74.
[0107]
The camera unit 18 activated by the camera image request signal captures three images every 10 seconds.
[0108]
The monitoring mode control unit 84 uploads the image data of the three captured frames to the image data / mail distribution server 44 via the upload control unit 94 and the modem 82.
[0109]
Thus, the image data / mail distribution server 44 distributes a mail notifying that new image data has been stored to the mobile phone 46.
[0110]
That is, as a procedure, a telephone call is made to the home from a place where the user is away from home, and after a suitable number of calls, the call is temporarily cut off and the mail is received. After receiving the mail, by downloading the image based on the attached URL in the same manner as described above, the captured image (three images every 10 seconds) can be confirmed on the mobile phone 46.
[0111]
Next, a control system of the camera unit 18 will be described.
[0112]
As shown in FIG. 4, the camera unit 18 includes a wireless receiving unit 100 and a wireless transmitting unit 102. The wireless receiving unit 100 receives an instruction signal from the camera unit control unit 74 of the terminal unit 16. To the camera function control unit 104.
[0113]
The camera function control unit 104 activates the imaging instruction unit 106 based on the mode instructed by the terminal unit 16.
[0114]
An infrared sensor 39 is connected to the imaging instruction unit 106, and instructs the imaging unit 108 to perform imaging using the detection of an object to be sensed by the infrared sensor 39 in “mode 2” and “mode 3” as a trigger.
[0115]
The image data picked up by the image pickup unit 108 is stored in the image data processing unit 110, subjected to a compression process and the like, and transmitted to the transmission data modulation unit 112. The transmission data modulation section 112 performs processing necessary for wireless transmission such as modulation, and transmits the modulated data to the wireless transmission section 102 to be transmitted from the wireless transmission section 102 to the wireless reception section 90 (see FIG. 3) of the terminal unit 16. You.
[0116]
The operation of the present embodiment will be described below.
[0117]
First, a setup procedure at the time of introduction until the monitoring device according to the present embodiment becomes usable will be described.
[0118]
At the time of introduction, the necessary items such as address, name, home phone number, mobile phone number to be carried when going out, number display contract, password, etc. are entered in advance in the application form.
[0119]
The completed introduction application form is mailed in a sealed letter or sent to the provider (seller) of the monitoring device 10 using a facsimile.
[0120]
The provider registers the customer in the registration server 38 and delivers the monitoring device 10 based on the received application form. The monitoring device 10 may be delivered to a customer in advance, but it is necessary to separately notify that the registration to the registration server 38 has been completed.
[0121]
After confirming the registration in the registration server 38, the customer performs installation for introduction.
[0122]
In this case, the terminal unit 16 may be installed in a place where it is easy to operate, and the camera unit 18 may be installed in a place requiring monitoring (entrance, hallway, room, etc.), or may be installed using an attached wall bracket or the like. I do.
[0123]
Here, since the terminal unit 16 and the camera unit 18 transmit and receive data wirelessly, wiring or the like between them is unnecessary, and even a customer with little knowledge can easily install the terminal unit 16 and the camera unit 18.
[0124]
After the installation of the terminal unit 16 and the camera unit 18 is completed, a monitor (may be a television) is connected, and the installation is completed.
[0125]
Next, the customer registers the terminal unit 16. First, the attached key 66 is inserted into the key groove 64A of the mode selection key cylinder 64, and the mode is switched to mode 1.
[0126]
In this state, the function button 58 is continuously operated (pressed) for 5 seconds or more.
[0127]
This state is recognized by the key operation recognizing unit 72 and the button operation recognizing unit 68, and then the operation function determining unit 70 determines that there is a dial-up registration instruction.
[0128]
As a result of this determination, the user registration control unit 76 is activated and starts accessing the registration server 38 via the modem 82. When there is access, the registration server 38 transmits a message indicating that the corresponding registration is not to be performed to the user registration control unit 76. Thereby, the registration of the terminal unit 16 is automatically completed.
[0129]
In this case, since the access to the registration server 38 via the modem 82 is performed using the telephone line network 14, information is not leaked to another person as in a general call or facsimile, and privacy is protected. Will be kept.
[0130]
With the above, the setup at the time of introduction is completed, and the customer selects a mode as necessary and executes the monitoring function.
[0131]
The mode can be selected by inserting the key 66 into the key groove 64A of the mode selection key cylinder 64 and rotating the key 66. Hereinafter, a mode setting routine interrupted by a key operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0132]
In step 200, the key operation position is recognized. That is, the rotation operation state of the key 66 is recognized by the key operation recognition unit 72, and then in step 202, the selected (switched) mode is determined by the operation function determination unit 70.
[0133]
The result determined by the operation function determination unit 70 is sent to the monitoring mode setting unit 78, and the monitoring mode control unit 84 is started by specifying each mode.
[0134]
At this time, the activation of the monitoring mode control unit 84 may be delayed depending on the selected (switched) mode.
[0135]
That is, when it is determined in step 202 that “mode 1” has been selected, the process proceeds to step 204, where the monitor mode control unit 84 is instructed to start up by monitoring control in “mode 1”, and In step 206, the camera unit control unit 74 wirelessly sends an instruction to the camera unit 18 to operate in "mode 1".
[0136]
If it is determined in step 202 that "mode 3" has been selected, the process proceeds to step 208, where the monitor mode control unit 84 is instructed to start up by monitoring control in "mode 3", and In step 210, the instruction progress is wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit control unit 74 to the camera unit 18 so as to operate in “mode 3”.
[0137]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step 202 that "mode 2" has been selected, the process proceeds to step 212, where the activation timer 86 is reset and started. In the next step 214, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative, the process shifts to step 216 to instruct the monitoring mode control unit 84 to start with the monitoring control in “mode 2”. At the same time, in the next step 218, the instruction progress is wirelessly transmitted from the camera unit control section 74 to the camera unit 18 so as to operate in “mode 2”.
[0138]
That is, “mode 1” and “mode 3” are monitoring modes when the user is at home, and immediately after being selected (switched) by the key 66, monitoring in the corresponding monitoring mode is executed. However, in the case of “mode 2”, it is a monitoring mode when going out. Immediately after selecting (switching) the “mode 2”, the person is still at home. There is a case where the person himself is sensed. Therefore, only in the case of “mode 2”, which is the outing monitoring mode, the activation of the monitoring mode control unit 84 is delayed for a predetermined time (about two to three minutes until the outing is completed), so that the operator as described above is used. Can be avoided.
[0139]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing operation control in the camera unit 18. In step 250, it is determined whether or not a request image has been instructed. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 252 to determine the current mode. .
[0140]
If "mode 1" is determined in step 252, it is determined that the in-home monitoring mode is set, and the process proceeds to step 254 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0141]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 254, the process proceeds to step 256 to execute imaging, and then proceeds to step 258 to execute a process of transmitting image data to the terminal unit 16, and returns to step 250.
[0142]
If it is determined in step 252 that the mode is "mode 2", the mode is determined to be the out-of-home monitoring mode, and the process proceeds to step 260 to determine whether the infrared sensor 39 detects an object. .
[0143]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 260, it is determined that there is an abnormality such as the presence of an intruder, and the flow proceeds to step 262 to execute five-frame imaging every second, and the flow proceeds to step 264 to transmit image data to the terminal unit 16. Is performed, and the process returns to step 250. When transmitting the image data in step 264, a tag indicating “mode 2” is added.
[0144]
Further, when the mode is determined to be "mode 3" in the step 252, it is determined that the mode is the home monitoring mode, and the process proceeds to the step 266 to determine whether or not the object to be sensed is detected by the infrared sensor 39. .
[0145]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 266, it is determined that the cared person or the like has moved, and the flow proceeds to step 268 to perform imaging for 8 seconds every 0.5 seconds. The process of transmitting the image data to the image data 16 is performed, and the process returns to step 250.
[0146]
If an affirmative determination is made in step 250, that is, if there is an instruction for an image request, the flow advances to step 272 to execute three-frame imaging every 10 seconds. The image data transmission process is performed, and the process returns to step 250. At the time of transmitting the image data in step 274, a tag indicating a request image is added.
[0147]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control routine for processing image data in the monitoring mode control unit 84 when image data transmitted from the camera unit 18 is received.
[0148]
In step 300, it is determined whether or not image data has been input to the monitoring mode control unit 84. If a negative determination is made, this routine ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step 300, the process proceeds to step 302.
[0149]
In step 302, it is determined whether or not an instruction for an image request is being issued. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 304.
[0150]
In step 304, the current mode is determined. If the mode is “mode 1”, the process proceeds to step 306 and the image data is sent to the display control unit 79. That is, in the “mode 1”, the captured image data does not need to be stored and only needs to be displayed on the monitor 26. Therefore, the image is directly transmitted to the display control unit 79. The display control unit 79 displays the image on the monitor 26 by receiving the image data. Thereby, it is possible to constantly monitor the state of the room where the camera unit 18 is installed in another room.
[0151]
Next, when it is determined in step 304 that the mode is “mode 2”, the process proceeds to step 308, and the tag is compared with the tag added to the image data. Although the collation of the tag is not always necessary, there is a possibility that the data may fluctuate between sending and receiving for some reason during the transfer of the image data. Therefore, it is determined that the image is taken in the “mode 2” state.
[0152]
In step 310, the result of the collation is determined, and if they match (if affirmative), the process proceeds to step 312, where the image data for the five frames is stored in the nonvolatile memory 60 as an image data group. , To step 314.
[0153]
The non-volatile memory 60 has a capacity capable of storing a maximum of three image data groups, and when storing the fourth image data group, the most recent image data group is deleted. And swap.
[0154]
The latest five frames (image data group) are often images that have been activated when returning from a destination and entering the surveillance area of the camera unit 18, and such images are used when an abnormal event such as a so-called suspicious person intrudes. , And it is relatively often unnecessary. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when five frames (No. 4 image data group) newly photographed are stored in the non-volatile memory 60, the latest image data group in the non-volatile memory 60 is No. . By deleting (erasing) the image data group of No. 3 and replacing it, No. 3 1 to No. The second image data group is always left without being erased, and image data having relatively high importance can be stored.
[0155]
In step 314, the image data is sent to the upload control unit 94. Thus, the upload control unit 94 accesses the image data / mail distribution server 44 via the telephone network 14, the ISP 40, and the Internet 42 by dial-up by the modem 82.
[0156]
The upload control unit 94 sends the image data group of five frames captured in “mode 2” to the image data / mail distribution server 44 so that the image data and the image data are transmitted to the image data / mail distribution server 44. Is added and stored.
[0157]
If it is determined in step 304 that the mode is the “mode 3”, the process proceeds to step 316 to send image data to the display control unit 79. That is, in “mode 3”, similarly to “mode 1”, the captured image data does not need to be stored and can be displayed on the monitor 26, so that the image is directly sent to the display control unit 79. The display control unit 79 displays the image on the monitor 26 by receiving the image data. Thus, in the room where the camera unit 18 is installed, the movement of the object can be monitored in another room only when the movement of the object is sensed (in this case, for example, when the baby rolls over).
[0158]
Next, in the case where an instruction for an image request is being issued (affirmative determination) in step 302, the process proceeds from step 302 to step 318.
[0159]
In step 318, the tag is collated with the tag added to the image data. Although the collation of the tag is not always necessary, there is a possibility that the data may fluctuate between sending and receiving for some reason during the transfer of the image data. For this reason, it is verified that the image is taken in a state where the image request is definitely given.
[0160]
In step 320, the result of the collation is determined, and if they match (if affirmative), the process proceeds to step 322 to send the image data to the upload control unit 94. Thus, the upload control unit 94 accesses the image data / mail distribution server 44 via the telephone network 14, the ISP 40, and the Internet 42 by dial-up by the modem 82.
[0161]
The upload control unit 94 sends the image data group of the captured five frames to the image data / mail distribution server 44 in accordance with the instruction of the image request, and the image data / mail distribution server 44 A URL for specifying data is added and stored.
[0162]
Here, in step 310 or step 320, if the current state (“mode 2” or an image request instruction is in progress) does not match the tag added to the image data, the process proceeds to step 324 to execute error processing. Execute.
[0163]
Here, when it is desired to check the image stored in the nonvolatile memory 60 in the past when the user is at home, the mode is set to “mode 3” by key operation, and the function button 58 is kept pressed for 5 seconds or more.
[0164]
As a result, the stored image confirmation signal is sent to the display control unit 79, and the display control unit 79 reads out the image data currently stored from the nonvolatile memory 60 in the oldest order and displays the image data. The display time is switched to the next image every two seconds, all images (up to 15 images) are displayed, and the process returns to the beginning.
[0165]
To erase (reset) the image data in the nonvolatile memory 60, the mode is set to "mode 2" by key operation, and the function button 58 is kept pressed for 5 seconds or more.
[0166]
As a result, the stored image reset signal is sent to the display control unit 79, and in response to this signal, the display control unit 79 can delete all the images stored in the nonvolatile memory 60.
[0167]
Next, an image request and image reading will be described.
[0168]
As shown in FIG. 9, in most cases, an image request is generally made to check the state of an out-of-home state from a place where the user is away from home. It is executed by multiplying.
[0169]
A call is made to the home by the mobile phone 46, and a call is made two or three times to hang up (call). In this case, irrespective of the number of calls, it is an instruction of the image request to make a call and hang up before going off-hook (handset of telephone 20 is lifted).
[0170]
If it is desired to contact another person at home, the call can be continued several times so that the ring tone of the telephone at home can be made to notify the home resident. Note that when a home call is taken, the image request is invalidated.
[0171]
As described above, when a home call is made with a mobile phone, the number display device 96 recognizes the telephone number of the other party (here, the mobile phone 46).
[0172]
When the number display device 96 recognizes that the call is from the registered mobile phone 46 and is disconnected one or two times (before the telephone 20 is picked up), the image request control unit 98 receives an image request request. And sends a signal indicating that
[0173]
As a result, the image request control section 98 sends an image request instruction signal to the monitoring mode control section 84 and the camera unit control section 74.
[0174]
In response to this signal, the camera unit control unit 74 instructs the camera unit 18 to perform imaging (imaging according to an image request instruction).
[0175]
The captured image data is uploaded to the image data / mail distribution server 44 under the control of the upload control unit 94.
[0176]
From this image data / mail delivery server 44, a mail is delivered to a mobile phone 46. A URL for specifying image data (image data group) is attached to the mail.
[0177]
When an e-mail is received by the mobile phone 46, the image data / mail distribution server 44 sends the corresponding image data to the mobile phone 46 by linking the possession of the mobile phone 46 to the attached URL. 46 can be displayed on the display screen.
[0178]
Next, a description will be given of the distribution of a mail when an abnormality (detection of an object) is detected in “mode 2”.
[0179]
This mail distribution is executed when new image data is transferred to the image data / mail distribution server 44. That is, in the case of the “mode 2”, the image data captured by sensing the sensing object is transferred.
[0180]
As shown in FIG. 10, image data is uploaded from the upload control unit 94 of the terminal unit 16 to the image data / mail distribution server 44.
[0181]
In the image data / mail distribution server, a URL is added to each of the uploaded image data (or each image data group), and the URL is added to the mobile phone to transmit the mail.
[0182]
When a mail is received by the mobile phone 46 and linked to the attached URL, the corresponding image data is downloaded from the image data / mail distribution server 44 to the mobile phone 46.
[0183]
In the above description, it is a major premise that the imaging by the camera unit 18 is reliably performed, but it is also important that the imaging date and time are accurate. For this reason, the terminal unit 16 incorporates a relatively accurate crystal oscillation type clock (quartz) and manages the time, but errors accumulate over time and the time at the time of imaging is largely shifted. It is possible.
[0184]
Further, when an auxiliary battery for protecting the contents of the memory or constantly operating the clock is provided when a power failure or the like occurs, the set time may be cleared due to battery exhaustion.
[0185]
Therefore, the image data / mail delivery server 44 periodically accesses a site that provides an accurate time, corrects the time as appropriate, and instructs the customer or accesses the image data / mail delivery server 44 after imaging. In addition, by appropriately correcting the time, the time error can be minimized. It should be noted that the terminal unit 16 may directly access a site that provides accurate time information.
[0186]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when an object to be sensed is detected by the infrared sensor 39 in the “outgoing monitoring mode” “mode 2”, the camera unit 18 causes the imaging unit 108 to capture five frames every second. An image is captured and transmitted to the terminal unit 16 by wireless communication.
[0187]
The terminal unit 16 stores the received image data in the non-volatile memory 60. The non-volatile memory 60 has a storage capacity of up to 15 frames. Therefore, new image data is stored by erasing the newest image data as a rewrite target. The most recent image data is often taken when returning from a destination, and is less important. On the other hand, image data that is older in time has high importance because it is image data when it is actually absent. Therefore, by performing rewriting contrary to the conventional first-in first-out principle, the image data at the time of absence can be stored. As a result, even without using a storage medium having a large storage capacity, it is possible to sufficiently save and manage the image data when the user is absent. The monitoring device 10 can be used, and a security system can be constructed at low cost.
[0188]
In addition, the captured image data is stored in the image data / mail distribution server 44 on the network, and the storage is notified to a mail address of a mobile phone registered in advance, and a URL for downloading the image data is provided. Attached, the image can be checked from anywhere (where the Internet can be connected).
[0189]
In the present embodiment, the infrared sensor 39 is applied as a sensor. However, a photoelectric sensor having a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, an ultrasonic sensor that emits ultrasonic waves and determines a difference in distance based on a reflection time or the like is used. Various sensors can be applied according to the object to be sensed. Further, sensors having different properties may be used in combination.
[0190]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even when the notification information indicating the detection of the object to be sensed cannot be received by a mobile phone or the like, the image data can be confirmed from the outside by accessing the storage appropriately and stored. When the capacity is full, by setting a new recorded image as a rewriting target, there is an excellent effect that image data captured when the image was originally absent can be protected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a security system to which a monitoring device 10 according to the present embodiment is applied.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a terminal unit.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram for realizing a function of a terminal unit.
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram for realizing the function of the camera unit 18.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a storage state of a memory.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a key operation state recognition control routine interrupted when a key is operated.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a camera unit operation control routine.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an image data processing routine in a monitoring mode control unit.
FIG. 9 is a time chart showing a communication protocol at the time of an image request.
FIG. 10 is a time chart showing a communication protocol when an abnormality occurs in “mode 2”.
[Description of Signs] 10 Monitoring device
14 Telephone network
16 Terminal unit
18 Camera unit
26 Monitor
30 antenna
36 Sensing sensor unit
39 Infrared sensor (sensor)
38 Registration Server
42 Internet
44 Image data / mail distribution server
46 mobile phone
60 Non-volatile memory (memory)
64 mode selection key cylinder (mode selection means)
68 Button operation recognition unit
70 Operation function determination unit (mode selection means)
72 Key operation recognition unit
74 Camera unit controller
76 User registration control unit
78 Monitoring mode setting unit (mode selection means)
79 Display control unit
80 Wireless transmitter
82 Modem (Upload control means)
84 monitoring mode control unit (monitoring mode control means, rewrite control means)
86 Start timer
88 Image Data Processing Unit
90 Radio receiver
92 Data demodulation unit
94 upload control unit (upload control means)
96 Number display device
98 Image request control unit
100 wireless receiver
102 Wireless transmitter
104 Camera Function Control Unit
106 imaging instruction unit
108 Imaging unit
110 Image Data Processing Unit
112 Receive data modulator

Claims (7)

A camera unit provided with a sensor and an image sensor for sensing an object to be sensed including at least a moving object, and instructing the camera unit to a plurality of modes in which imaging conditions are set, and imaging with the image sensor based on the instructed mode And a terminal unit for managing the image data obtained,
A memory provided in the terminal unit and capable of storing captured image data;
A constant monitoring mode in which images are taken at regular time intervals and not stored in the memory, an out-of-home monitoring mode in which images are taken when sensors sense an object and stored in the memory, and a home where images are taken when sensors sense an object and not stored in the memory Mode selection means for selecting any of the monitoring modes;
Monitoring mode control means for controlling the camera unit based on the mode selected by the mode selection means, and monitoring;
When the storage area of the memory becomes incapable of storing new image data, rewriting control for erasing image data having a short elapsed time after storage as a rewriting target and storing the new image data Means,
A monitoring device having: 2. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an upload control unit for uploading image data captured during monitoring control in the outside monitoring mode to a specific server on a network. The specific server is accessible via the network with the monitoring device, a function of storing the image data uploaded by the upload control unit, and a function of storing the image data in a pre-registered contact when storing the image data. 3. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring apparatus is an image data / mail distribution server having a function of adding a description for specifying the location of the image data and transmitting the mail. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the camera unit and the terminal unit transmit and receive information wirelessly. A camera unit provided with a sensor and an image sensor for sensing an object to be sensed including at least a moving object, and instructing the camera unit to a plurality of modes in which imaging conditions are set, and imaging with the image sensor based on the instructed mode A terminal unit for managing the image data, and a security system using a monitoring device configured by
A memory that is provided in the terminal unit and stores image data captured based on a predetermined mode;
When the storage area of the memory becomes incapable of storing new image data, rewriting control for erasing image data having a short elapsed time after storage as a rewriting target and storing the new image data Means,
Upload control means for uploading image data captured based on the predetermined mode to a network,
A function of storing the image data uploaded by the upload control means, which is made accessible via the network with the monitoring device, and specifying the location of the image data stored in a contact registered in advance when storing the image data And an image data / mail distribution server having a function of sending a mail with a description added thereto. The network is a telephone network to which a terminal unit of the monitoring device is connected; and an Internet network connected to the telephone network via an Internet service provider and to which the image data / mail distribution server is connected. 6. The security system according to claim 5, wherein the security system is configured by: 7. The security system according to claim 5, wherein the camera unit and the terminal unit in the monitoring device transmit and receive information wirelessly.

Images