JP2006279927A - Supervisory and control apparatus, monitoring system, monitoring method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a supervisory and control apparatus which can perform radio communication with a wireless LAN by using different communication systems such as specific small power. <P>SOLUTION: A main controller 25 of the present invention is used for a security system comprising a sensor or a camera, performs radio communication with the sensor or the camera so as to control the sensor or the camera. The main controller is provided with a plurality of first communication section 81 and second communication section 82 that perform radio communication by using communication systems having different communication speeds. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a monitoring control device, a monitoring system, and a monitoring method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a monitoring control device, a monitoring system, and a monitoring method capable of performing communication using communication methods with different communication speeds.

  Conventionally, various methods for managing security in a place where a person stays for a certain period of time and lives and works (hereinafter simply referred to as “house”) such as a house, a workplace, a school, and the like have been proposed. For example, a security system in which various sensors are installed in a house or around a house and a state outside the house is monitored has already been put into practical use.

  The security system generally includes a controller that controls a plurality of sensors installed inside and outside a house, and the controller and each sensor are communicably connected. The controller performs predetermined security management based on the detection result of the sensor.

  In such a security system, the controller and the sensor usually perform wired communication, or wireless communication using a specific low power wireless (specific low power) communication method.

In other security systems, there may be a camera for photographing the state inside and outside the house. The communication between the camera and the controller can be wired or wireless, but the image data taken by the camera has a large capacity. Therefore, when the communication between the camera and the controller is performed wirelessly, it conforms to the IEEE802.11b standard. Wireless communication (wireless LAN) or the like is employed. However, communication between the sensor other than the camera and the controller is wired communication (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP-A 2004-128821 (published on April 22, 2004) JP 2004-194111 (published July 8, 2004)

  However, when communication between the controller and the sensor or camera is performed in a wired manner, it is necessary to lay a communication line up to the position where the sensor or camera is installed, which limits the installation location of the sensor or camera. . For this reason, it is preferable to perform communication between the controller and the sensor or camera by wireless communication.

  However, if a specific low-power wireless communication method is used for wireless communication between the controller, the sensor, and the camera, wireless communication between the controller and the sensor is possible, but image data captured by the camera can be transmitted and received. I can't do it. That is, the controller and camera cannot communicate.

  On the other hand, when a wireless LAN is used for wireless communication between the controller, the sensor, and the camera, large-capacity data such as image data captured by the camera can be transmitted and received, and communication with other sensors can be performed. It is also possible to do this.

  However, when communicating via a wireless LAN, the controller, the sensor, and the camera are constantly communicating. For this reason, the power consumption in each terminal becomes very large. In particular, when a battery is used as a power source for driving a sensor or a camera, the power consumption is large, so the life of the battery is remarkably shortened and cannot be put into practical use.

  In other words, there has been no monitoring and control device that can perform wireless communication of different communication methods such as specific low power and wireless LAN and uses them properly depending on the communication partner.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring control device, a monitoring system, and a monitoring method that enable wireless communication using different communication methods such as a wireless LAN and specific low power. Is to realize.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the monitoring control apparatus according to the present invention is used in a monitoring system including at least one acquisition apparatus that acquires information on the environmental state of the surrounding area of the own apparatus, and communicates with the acquisition apparatus. A monitoring control device that controls the acquisition of information in the acquisition device, and communicates with the first communication unit that performs wireless communication using the first communication method, as compared with the first communication method. A request for transmission of specific data of a predetermined type to the acquisition device via the second communication unit that performs wireless communication using the second communication method having a high speed and the first communication unit. A transmission request transmission means for transmitting the transmission data and a specific data reception means for receiving the specific data requested by the transmission request transmission means from the acquisition device via the second communication unit. Yes.

  According to said structure, the monitoring control apparatus is used for the monitoring system provided with the acquisition apparatus, and is controlling the acquisition apparatus by performing radio | wireless communication with an acquisition apparatus. This control is, for example, control of acquisition of information in the acquisition device, control of transmission / reception of acquired information, and the like.

  The own device peripheral region is a peripheral region other than the own device in the region where the acquisition device itself is installed. Further, the information related to the environmental state of this area can include, for example, information related to a change in state / environmental change occurring in the area, information such as an image related to the scenery / landscape of the area, and the like. That is, the own device peripheral area indicates an area (range) in which the acquisition unit can acquire the information.

The monitoring control device includes a first communication unit that performs wireless communication using the first communication method,
And a second communication unit that performs wireless communication using a second communication method having a higher communication speed than the first communication method. Then, the transmission request transmitting unit transmits a predetermined type of specific data transmission request to the acquisition device via the first communication unit, and the specific data receiving unit is configured to transmit the second communication unit. The specific data requested by the transmission request transmission means is received from the acquisition device via the.

  For this reason, in the first communication method, it is possible to shorten the transmission time of the specific data by predetermining the data that has a long transmission time as the specific data in the first communication method.

  Moreover, there is a possibility that the acquisition device is arranged at a location desired by the user. At this time, there may be no AC power source near the acquisition device, and the acquisition device may have to be battery driven. On the other hand, the required power when using the second communication method is generally less than the required power when using the first communication method having a communication speed slower than that of the second communication method. For this reason, the acquisition device may use the second communication method only when receiving the transmission request transmitted by the transmission request transmission means of the monitoring control device, and minimizes the power used for the second communication method. Can be.

  By performing such communication, it is possible to use communication methods having different communication speeds, and it is possible to minimize power consumption in the acquisition apparatus.

  In the monitoring and control apparatus according to the present invention, the second communication method always stands by in a state where transmission and reception are possible, and when the transmission request transmission unit transmits the transmission request, the second communication unit It is preferable to include a second communication unit driving means for driving.

  According to the above configuration, since the second communication method always stands by in a state where transmission / reception is possible, the driving power of the second communication unit is a predetermined amount even if data transmission / reception is not actually performed. Only needed. However, the second communication unit driving unit drives the second communication unit when the transmission request transmission unit transmits the transmission request. In other words, the second communication unit is driven only when it is time to receive specific data. As a result, the power required for the second communication unit can be minimized.

  In the monitoring and control apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the first communication method is a specific low-power radio and the second communication method is a wireless LAN. The wireless LAN means wireless communication based on, for example, the IEEE 802.11b standard. That is, the wireless LAN has an advantage that the communication speed is higher than that of the specific low power wireless. Therefore, by using communication methods with different communication speeds, efficient information transmission / reception can be performed, and power consumption can be minimized.

  In the monitoring control apparatus according to the present invention, the specific data is preferably data whose data capacity is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, it is preferable that the specific data is data that takes a predetermined time or longer when the transmission is performed by the first communication method. Thereby, specific data with a large data capacity can be efficiently received in a short time using the second communication method having a high communication speed.

  In the monitoring control device according to the present invention, the acquisition device is a photographing device including a photographing unit that photographs the state of the environment in the surrounding area of the own device, and the specific data is image data photographed by the photographing unit. It is preferable.

  According to said structure, the information regarding the environmental change of a surrounding area of an own apparatus can always be acquired because a detection apparatus is provided with the detection means. Further, the monitoring control device can acquire the information from the acquisition device using wireless communication. That is, the acquisition device has a sensor function. On the other hand, since the photographing apparatus is provided with photographing means, it becomes possible to always photograph the state of the environment around the own apparatus. That is, the acquisition device has a camera function. And it becomes possible to transmit / receive the image data image | photographed with the imaging device using the communication system (2nd communication system) with a faster communication speed. That is, when a large amount of data such as image data is transmitted / received, a communication method with a high communication speed is used, so that efficient information transmission / reception can be performed, and power consumption can be minimized.

  In the monitoring and control apparatus according to the present invention, an external communication unit that is communicably connected to a mobile terminal via an external network, and specific data received from the acquisition device are transmitted to the mobile terminal using the external communication unit. It is preferable to include specific data transfer means for transmission. According to the above configuration, since the monitoring control device is communicably connected to the external network, for example, the information acquired by the acquisition device can be transmitted to the outside, or the monitoring control device can be accessed from the outside. It becomes possible. And even if it is a place away from the monitoring control device, the monitoring control device can be accessed by the portable terminal.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the monitoring system according to the present invention includes an acquisition device that acquires information related to an environmental state of the surrounding area of the device, and the monitoring control device, and the monitoring control device includes the acquisition device. The above-mentioned area is monitored using the acquired result. According to the above configuration, efficient and reliable communication can be realized and power consumption can be minimized by selecting an optimal communication method according to the type (for example, capacity) of data to be communicated. Can be suppressed.

  In order to solve the above problems, a monitoring method according to the present invention is used in a monitoring system including at least one acquisition device that acquires information on the environmental state of the surrounding area of the device, and performs wireless communication with the acquisition device. A monitoring method in a monitoring control device that controls acquisition of information in the acquisition device by performing the first communication unit that performs wireless communication using the first communication method, and the monitoring control device A second communication unit that performs wireless communication using a second communication method having a communication speed higher than that of the first communication method, and the acquisition device is configured in advance through the first communication unit. A transmission request transmission step for transmitting a transmission request for specific types of specific data, and specific data for receiving the specific data requested in the transmission request transmission step from the acquisition device via the second communication unit. It is characterized in that it comprises a signal step.

  According to said structure, according to the kind of data to receive, by selecting the optimal communication system, efficient and reliable communication can be implement | achieved and power consumption can be suppressed to the minimum. .

  The monitoring control apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, the monitoring control apparatus program for causing the monitoring control apparatus to be realized by the computer by causing the computer to operate as the respective means, and A recorded computer-readable recording medium also falls within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the monitoring control device according to the present invention is used in a monitoring system including at least one acquisition device that acquires information regarding the environmental state of the surrounding area of the device, and performs wireless communication with the acquisition device. Thus, the monitoring control device that controls the acquisition of information in the acquisition device, and the first communication unit that performs wireless communication using the first communication method, the communication speed is faster than the first communication method A transmission request for specific data of a predetermined type is transmitted to the acquisition device via the second communication unit that performs wireless communication using the second communication method and the first communication unit. Since the transmission request transmission means and the specific data reception means for receiving the specific data requested by the transmission request transmission means from the acquisition device via the second communication unit, communications with different communication speeds are provided. Use method It together is enabled, an effect that it is possible to minimize power consumption.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18 as follows. The security system in the present embodiment will specifically describe so-called home security as monitoring the security of a house, but is not limited to this.

[A: Security system configuration]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the security system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the security system 1 includes a monitoring system 11 and a mobile phone (mobile terminal) 12. The monitoring system 11 and the mobile phone 12 can communicate with each other via an external network 13. It is connected.

  The monitoring system 11 monitors various states in an area (security area) for security inside and outside the house. The mobile phone 12 is a mobile phone registered in advance by a user of the monitoring system 11. That is, when the monitoring system 11 determines that some abnormality has occurred in the security area, the security system 1 notifies the mobile phone 12 registered in advance by the user via the external network 13. is there. As a result, the user can know that an abnormality has occurred in the security area. This will be specifically described below.

[A-1: Monitoring system]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the monitoring system 11 in the security system 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the monitoring system 11 includes a sensor 21, a camera (acquisition device, imaging device) 22, an actuator 23, and a main controller (monitoring control device) 25.

(Sensor)
The sensor 21 is a device that detects an abnormal state such as an intrusion and issues an alarm. Specifically, the sensor 21 monitors the state of the security area and detects a change in the state. Further, the sensor 21 detects a change in state, determines whether or not it is in an abnormal state, and if it is in an abnormal state, notifies the main controller 25 to that effect. The abnormality is a general term for abnormal states detected by sensors such as disasters and intrusions.

  As the sensor 21, for example, a Doppler sensor, a vibration sensor, a MIR (Micro Impulse Radar) sensor, or the like can be used. However, the sensor that can be used is not limited to the above-described sensors as long as it can identify a change in the state of the security area. In addition, for example, a pyroelectric sensor, a lead SW, or the like can be used. Further, the number and types of sensors to be used and combinations thereof may be appropriately changed depending on the specifications of the security system 1 and the like.

  The vibration sensor detects vibration and sound. The vibration sensor can be installed on a door, for example, to detect door vibration and to detect sound and vibration when a key such as picking is touched. Further, by installing a pyroelectric sensor or a Doppler sensor, it is possible to detect the presence or movement of an object. Moreover, by installing the lead SW or MIR sensor on the door or window, it is possible to detect the opening or closing of the door or window, or to detect that the window glass has been broken. The MIR sensor detects an object by seeing reflection.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the sensor 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 21 includes a detection unit (detection unit) 51, a sensor control unit 52, a sensor communication unit 53, a sensor power supply unit 54, and a sensor power supply monitoring unit 55. In addition, each sensor illustrated above differs only in the object to detect, and the same description is applicable about each sensor about a structure.

  The detection unit 51 detects information about change (change information). This change information is information related to the degree of change in the state detected by the detection unit 51 (level of change in state). The change information detected by the detection unit 51 is transmitted to the sensor control unit 52.

  The sensor control unit 52 controls the entire sensor 21. For example, the sensor control unit 52 performs abnormality determination, abnormality notification, battery remaining amount monitoring when a battery is used as the sensor power supply unit 54, and the like. Specifically, when the sensor control unit 52 receives the change information detected by the detection unit 51, the sensor control unit 52 determines whether or not the level of the state change detected by the detection unit 51 is an abnormal level (abnormal state). Do.

  The sensor control unit 52 stores in advance a threshold value for determining whether or not the change information detected by the detection unit 51 indicates abnormality. For this reason, the sensor control part 52 compares the change information transmitted from the detection part 51 with a threshold value, and determines that it is abnormal when the threshold value is exceeded. If the sensor control unit 52 determines that there is an abnormality, the sensor control unit 52 transmits an abnormality notification indicating that fact to the main controller 25. The abnormality notification from the sensor control unit 52 is performed through the sensor communication unit 53.

  The sensor communication unit 53 is an interface for the sensor 21 to communicate with the main controller 25. The sensor 21 performs wireless communication with the main controller 25. In the present embodiment, the sensor 21 and the main controller 25 perform wireless communication using specific low-power radio. For this reason, the sensor communication part 53 has the structure provided with RFIC (radio tag) for specific low power radio | wireless. The abnormality notification from the sensor control unit 52 is transmitted from the sensor communication unit 53 to the main controller 25.

  The communication between the sensor 21 and the main controller 25 in the present embodiment is a unidirectional communication from the sensor 21 to the main controller 25, but the communication between them may be a bidirectional communication. . However, in the case of bidirectional communication, it is necessary to always be in a standby state so that a signal from the partner device can be received. For this reason, power consumption becomes large. On the other hand, when unidirectional communication is performed as in the present embodiment, it is only necessary to notify the main controller 25 when an abnormality is detected by the detection unit 51. Can be small.

  The sensor power supply unit 54 is a power supply for driving each member of the sensor 21. The sensor power supply unit 54 can be an AC power supply or a battery. However, since the installation location of the sensor 21 is often a door, a window, or the like, it is preferable to use a battery. In this case, both the communication line and the power supply line are unnecessary for the sensor 21, and so-called full wireless can be achieved. In addition, as a battery, a primary battery, a secondary battery, a solar cell, etc. can be used.

  When a battery is used for the sensor power supply unit 54, it is necessary to monitor the remaining battery level so that the battery is completely consumed and the driving of the sensor 21 is not stopped. For this reason, the sensor 21 includes a sensor power supply monitoring unit 55 that monitors the remaining battery level. The sensor power supply monitoring unit 55 periodically monitors the remaining battery level and transmits the monitoring result to the sensor control unit 52. The sensor control unit 52 determines whether the remaining battery level is equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the monitoring result. When the sensor control unit 52 determines that the remaining battery level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the sensor communication unit 53 transmits a battery remaining amount lowering notification indicating that to the main controller.

(camera)
The camera 23 captures the state of the security area. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the camera 23. As shown in FIG. 6, the camera 23 includes a camera first communication unit 61, a camera second communication unit 62, a camera control unit 63, a camera module (imaging means) 64, a camera power supply unit 65, a camera power supply monitoring unit 66, and an LED 67. It has.

  The camera first communication unit 71 and the camera second communication unit 62 are interfaces for the camera 23 to communicate with the main controller 24. In the present embodiment, wireless communication is used for communication between the camera 23 and the main controller 25. Also, different communication methods are employed for the communication performed via the camera first communication unit 61 and the communication performed via the camera second communication unit 62.

  Specifically, specific low power radio is used for radio communication performed via the first camera communication unit 61. In addition, wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “wireless LAN”) compliant with the IEEE802.11b standard is used for wireless communication performed via the camera second communication unit 62. The specific low-power wireless communication method consumes less power, and the wireless LAN communication method consumes more power. Depending on the type of data to be communicated, minimizing wireless LAN communication is a different communication method. Aim to do.

  However, the communication method to be used is not limited to the above, and any combination that provides communication methods with different communication speeds may be used. When specific low power radio is used for wireless communication performed via the camera first communication unit 61, wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.11 standard (for example, wireless communication performed via the camera second communication unit 62) is used. , 802.11a, 802.11g, etc.) and IEEE802.15 standards (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), ZigBee (registered trademark), etc.) can also be used.

  The camera control unit 63 controls the entire camera 23, and performs, for example, a shooting instruction for the camera module 64, reception control of captured image data, lighting control of an LED 67, which will be described later, battery remaining amount monitoring, and the like. .

  As shown in FIG. 6, the camera control unit 63 includes a command processing unit 69, a communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60, and a camera communication control unit 68.

  The command processing unit 69 performs processing according to a control command received from the main controller 25 via the camera first communication unit 61 or the camera second communication unit 62 or a control command received from the camera power supply monitoring unit 66. It is.

  Specifically, the command processing unit 69 receives an image transmission request command, a wireless LAN setting command, and the like from the main controller 25 via the camera first communication unit 61. In addition, the command processing unit 69 receives a shooting control command and the like from the main controller 25 via the camera second communication unit 62. Further, the command processing unit 69 receives from the camera power supply monitoring unit 66 a battery remaining amount determination command that includes a battery voltage value and requests to determine whether or not the battery remaining amount is a predetermined threshold value.

  When the image transmission request command is received, the command processing unit 69 activates the camera module 64, the LED, and the camera second communication unit 62 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Then, the command processing unit 69 generates response data for notifying that the image transmission request command has been received as transmission data, and outputs the generated response data to the camera communication control unit 68. Subsequently, the command processing unit 69 generates image data captured by the camera module 64 as transmission data, and outputs the transmission data to the camera communication control unit 68.

  Further, the command processing unit 69 can accept the shooting control command while the camera module 64 is shooting. When a shooting control command is received, the command processing unit 69 controls the camera module 64 according to the shooting control command. For example, in the case of a shooting control command indicating an enlargement / reduction instruction, the command processing unit 69 changes the shooting range of the camera module 64.

  When the wireless LAN setting command is received, the command processing unit 69 performs communication condition setting processing of the camera second communication unit 62.

  When receiving the remaining battery level determination command, the command processing unit 69 determines whether or not the battery voltage included in the remaining battery level determination command is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. If it is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, the command processing unit 69 generates battery remaining amount decrease notification data indicating that the remaining battery amount has decreased as transmission data, and outputs it to the camera communication control unit 68.

  The command processing unit 69 includes data identification information indicating the content (type) of the transmission data in the generated transmission data. That is, the command processing unit 69 includes data identification information “image” indicating that the image data is an image. Similarly, the command processing unit 69 includes data identification information “response” indicating that the response data for the image transmission request command is a response to the reception of the image transmission request command. In addition, the command processing unit 69 includes data identification information “notification” with respect to the remaining battery power reduction notification data.

  As described above, the transmission data generated by the command processing unit 69 is one of the data identification information “image”, “response”, and “notification”. Here, the image data including the data identification information “image” has a relatively large data capacity (for example, 10 kbytes), and other transmission data has a small data capacity (for example, 10 bytes).

  In the present embodiment, the command processing unit 69 performs processing in a single task. Thereby, the configuration of the command processing unit 69 is simplified.

  The communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60 stores data identification information (second communication data identification information) indicating the content (type) of transmission data transmitted by the camera second communication unit 62. In the present embodiment, the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60 stores only “image” as the second communication data identification information.

  Note that the second communication data identification information stored in the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60 is predetermined.

  In the present embodiment, the camera module is driven for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) to take an image. Therefore, the data capacity of the image data photographed by the camera module is almost constant (about 10 kbytes). As the second communication data identification information, data identification information corresponding to image data which is transmission data whose data capacity is larger than a predetermined threshold (for example, 1 kbyte) (assumed to be assumed) is set in advance. . In other words, as the second communication data identification information, transmission data in which a normal time required for transmission at a specific low-power wireless communication speed is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) is assumed. Data identification information corresponding to certain image data is preset.

  The camera communication control unit 68 reads the data identification information from the transmission data received from the command processing unit 69, and determines whether or not the read data identification information is stored in the communication means-transmission data correspondence storage unit 60. to decide. When the data identification information extracted from the transmission data is stored in the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60, the camera communication control unit 68 uses the camera second communication unit 62 to transmit the transmission data. On the other hand, when the data identification information extracted from the transmission data is not stored in the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60, the camera communication control unit 68 causes the camera first communication unit 61 to transmit the transmission data. .

  As described above, the camera communication control unit 68 controls switching of the communication method from the camera 23 to the main controller 25. That is, the camera communication control unit 68 has a function of switching (selecting) communication using the specific low power radio and communication using the wireless LAN according to the type of data to be communicated. The camera communication control unit 68 controls to communicate via the camera first communication unit 61 when performing communication using the specific low-power radio, and when performing communication using the wireless LAN, Control is performed so that communication is performed via the second camera communication unit 62.

  In the present embodiment, communication is normally performed via the camera first communication unit 61, and when the image data is transferred in a series of procedures for capturing an image, the camera is switched to the second camera communication unit 62. Are communicating. That is, the camera communication control unit 68 selects the camera second communication unit 62 instead of the camera first communication unit 61 when it is in the stage of transferring image data in a series of procedures for capturing an image.

  The camera module 64 captures a predetermined image based on an instruction from the camera control unit 63. The camera module 64 includes an imaging device such as a CCD. For example, when an abnormality occurs, the camera module 64 takes an image of the abnormal state or takes an image according to a user instruction. The camera module 64 preferably has a pan / tilt function. In this case, not a fixed point image but a space including a certain range can be photographed.

  Further, the image captured by the camera module 64 may be a still image or a moving image. Image data photographed by the camera module 64 is sent to the camera control unit 63. The image data is transmitted to the main controller 25 through the camera second communication unit 62 under the control of the camera control unit 63.

  The camera power supply unit 65 is a power supply for driving each member of the camera 23. As the camera power supply unit 65, a battery or an AC power supply can be used. When a battery is used as the camera power supply unit 65, both the communication line and the power supply line are not necessary for the camera 23, so that the mounting position of the camera 23 is not limited. The battery used may be a primary battery or a secondary battery.

  The camera power supply monitoring unit 66 monitors the remaining battery level used as a power supply. The camera power supply monitoring unit 66 periodically generates a battery remaining amount determination command that includes a monitoring result (for example, a battery voltage value) and requests to determine whether or not the remaining battery level is low. Output to. Then, the camera control unit 63 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and when it is determined that the battery is equal to or less than the predetermined value (for example, when the voltage is equal to or lower than a certain voltage), A low battery level notification is sent to the main controller.

  The camera power supply unit 65 is not limited to using a battery, and an AC power supply can also be used. In this case, the camera power supply monitoring unit 66 for monitoring the remaining battery level is not necessary. In addition, when an AC power source is used, it is possible to easily shoot a moving image with high power consumption and transmit moving image data.

  The LED 67 is an illumination light. The LED 67 is lit when the camera is not sufficiently bright at the time of shooting. The LED 67 can be turned on manually or automatically. When the LED 67 is manually turned on, the LED 67 can be turned on by accessing the main controller 25 from the mobile phone 12. Further, when the LED 67 is automatically turned on, for example, the camera control unit 63 detects the brightness of the camera installation location to determine whether or not the brightness is a value that can be photographed. When it is determined that the LED 67 is turned on.

  As described above, communication between the camera 23 and the main controller 25 is performed by wireless communication via the camera first communication unit 61 and the camera second communication unit 62. The communication between the camera first communication unit 61 and the main controller 25 uses a specific low-power radio, and the communication between the camera second communication unit 62 and the main controller 25 uses a wireless LAN. Details regarding communication between the camera 23 and the main controller 25 will be described later.

(Actuator)
When an abnormality occurs, the actuator 22 informs the outside of the abnormality or threatens a suspicious person or the like. The actuator 22 is connected so as to be communicable with the main controller 25, and reports an abnormality or threats based on an instruction from the main controller 25. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the actuator 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the actuator 22 includes an actuator communication unit 71, an actuator control unit 72, a notification threatening unit 73, an actuator power supply unit 74, and an actuator power supply monitoring unit 75.

  The actuator communication unit 71 is an interface for the actuator 22 to communicate with the main controller 25. Communication between the actuator 22 and the main controller 25 may be wireless or wired. However, it is preferable to use wireless communication because there is no restriction on the installation location of the actuator 22. In the present embodiment, a specific low power radio is used as a radio communication system.

  When an abnormality occurs, the actuator communication unit 71 receives a signal (abnormal signal) regarding the occurrence of the abnormality transmitted from the main controller 25. The abnormal signal received by the actuator communication unit 71 is sent to the actuator control unit 72.

  The actuator controller 72 controls the entire actuator 22. That is, the actuator control unit 72 controls the actuator communication unit 71 to perform communication with the main controller 25. In addition, when receiving an abnormal signal from the main controller 25, the actuator control unit 72 drives the notification threatening unit 73 according to the signal.

  The notification threatening unit 73 informs the outside that there is an abnormality by using “sound”, “light” or the like, and threatens an intruder or the like. Specifically, for example, a bell, a buzzer, a siren, lighting, or the like can be used as the notification threatening unit 73.

  The actuator 22 only needs to be capable of receiving at least an abnormal signal from the main controller 25, and the communication between the actuator 22 and the main controller 25 may be unidirectional communication or bidirectional communication. However, when a battery is used as a power source for driving the actuator 22, it is necessary to transmit data on the remaining battery level from the actuator 22 to the main controller 25.

  The actuator power source 74 that drives the actuator 22 can be an AC power source or a battery, but it is preferable to use a battery. In this case, the actuator 22 becomes unnecessary for both the communication line and the power supply line, and so-called full wireless can be achieved. In addition, as a battery, a primary battery, a secondary battery, a solar cell, etc. can be used.

  In addition, when a battery is used as the actuator power supply unit 74, it is preferable to include an actuator power supply monitoring unit 75 that monitors the remaining battery level. The actuator power supply monitoring unit 75 periodically monitors the remaining amount of the battery, and transmits the monitoring result to the actuator control unit 72. The actuator control unit 72 determines whether or not the remaining battery level is equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the monitoring result. When the actuator control unit 72 determines that the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the actuator 22 transmits that fact to the main controller 25 via the actuator communication unit 71.

(Main controller)
The main controller 25 controls the entire monitoring system 11 by controlling the sensor 21, the camera 23, and the actuator 22. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the main controller 25.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main controller 25 includes a first communication unit (first communication unit) 81, a second communication unit (second communication unit) 82, an external communication unit 83, a control unit 84, and a power supply monitoring unit. 85, a storage device 86, and a clock unit 87.

  The first communication unit 81 and the second communication unit 82 are interfaces for the main controller 25 to communicate with the sensor 21, the camera 23, and the actuator 22. That is, the main controller 25 communicates with the sensor 21, the camera 23, and the actuator 22 via the first communication unit 81 and the second communication unit 82.

  Further, different communication methods are employed for communication performed via the first communication unit 81 and communication performed via the second communication unit 82. Specifically, specific low-power radio is used for communication performed via the first communication unit 81, and wireless LAN is used for communication performed via the second communication unit 82.

  The external communication unit 83 is an interface for the main controller 25 to communicate with the external network 13. The main controller 25 is connected to Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like via the external communication unit 83. That is, the monitoring system 11 is connected to the external network 13 via Ethernet (registered trademark).

  As described above, the main controller 25 is communicably connected to the sensor 21, the camera 23, and the actuator 22, and is communicably connected to the external network 13.

  The control unit 84 controls the main controller 25 as a whole, and includes a communication control unit (transmission request transmission unit, specific data reception unit, specific data transfer unit) 88 and a security management control unit (transmission request transmission unit, second communication). Part drive means) 89 and a storage means 80 with communication means-control command correspondence.

  The security management control unit 89 is used to perform various settings including the setting of the alert state of the security system 1 and to notify the user that there is an abnormality based on the data transmitted from the sensor 21 or the camera 23. Control is performed.

  The security management control unit 89 generates a control command for controlling the sensor 21, the camera 23, and the actuator 22. The control command generation unit outputs the generated control command to the communication control unit 88.

  Specifically, the security management control unit 89 generates a control command in response to an instruction received from the external communication unit. The control commands generated by the control command generator include an image transmission request command for the camera 23, a shooting control command for the camera 23, a wireless LAN setting command for the camera 23, a function on / off switching command for the sensor 21, and an actuator Includes threat start instructions.

  The security management control unit 89 includes command identification information indicating the type of the control command in the generated control command.

  The communication means-control command association storage unit 80 stores command identification information (second communication command identification information) for identifying the type of the control command transmitted using the second communication unit 82. In the present embodiment, the communication means-control command association storage unit 80 stores only “imaging control” as the second communication command identification information.

  The communication control unit 88 controls the first communication unit 81, the second communication unit 82, and the external communication unit 83. That is, the communication control unit 88 controls communication with the sensor 21, the camera 23, the actuator 22, and the external network.

  The communication control unit 88 controls switching of the communication method from the main controller 25 to the camera 23 or the sensor 21. That is, the communication control unit 88 has a function of switching (selecting) communication using the specific low power radio and communication using the wireless LAN according to the type of data to be communicated. The communication control unit 88 performs control so as to perform communication via the first communication unit 81 when performing communication using the specific low-power radio, and performs second control when performing communication using the wireless LAN. Control is performed so that communication is performed via the communication unit 82.

  Specifically, when receiving a control command from the security management control unit 89, the communication control unit 88 extracts command identification information from the control command, and the extracted command identification information corresponds to the communication means-control command. It is determined whether or not the additional storage unit 80 stores the second communication command identification information. When the command identification information extracted from the control command is stored in the communication means-control command association storage unit 80, the communication control unit 88 uses the second communication unit 82 to transmit the control command. On the other hand, when the data identification information extracted from the control command is not stored in the communication means-control command association storage unit 80, the communication control unit 88 uses the first communication unit 81 to transmit the control command.

  In addition, the communication control unit 88 uses the external communication unit to register the data for the terminal received from the camera 23 or the sensor 21 via the first communication unit 81 or the second communication unit 82 in advance. Send to. For example, the communication control unit 88 transmits the image data received from the camera 23 and the abnormality notification received from the sensor 21 to the mobile phone 12.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, communication is normally performed via the first communication unit 81, and communication is performed by switching to the second communication unit 82 when the image data is received.

  The power monitor 85 monitors the power for driving the main controller 25. As a power source for driving the main controller 25, any of a primary battery, a secondary battery, a solar battery, and an AC power source may be used. The main controller 25 includes a power supply monitoring unit 85 when the power supply of the main controller 25 is a primary battery or a secondary battery. That is, the power supply monitoring unit 85 may monitor the remaining amount of the battery when the power supply of the main controller 25 is not a replacement-free (permanent) power supply such as an AC power supply or a solar battery.

  In this case, the monitoring result by the power supply monitoring unit 85 is sent to the control unit 84, and the control unit 84 determines whether or not the remaining battery level is equal to or less than a predetermined value. As a result of the determination, when the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the main controller 25 transmits an email to that effect to the user's mobile phone 12 via the external communication unit 83.

  Further, the power supply monitoring unit 85 may have a function of detecting power supply interruption regardless of whether the power supply used is a battery or an AC power supply. In this case, the power monitoring unit 85 can detect when the power is shut off for some reason. Then, the main controller 25 may transmit an email notifying the user to the mobile phone 12. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible to notify the user of a warning interruption due to an unexpected situation such as intentional power interruption or power failure by an intruder.

  The main controller 25 may store in the storage device 86 the fact that the power supply has been cut off when the power supply is cut off. Further, the main controller 25 may also store the blocked time based on the time information of the clock unit 87. The clock unit 87 has a clock function, and the time setting can be performed manually or automatically. The case where time is automatically set includes, for example, the case where time information is acquired from a dedicated clock server on the network, or the case where clock information attached to the data is acquired when some data is received. It is done. When manually setting the time, the mobile phone 12 may access the main controller 25 to change the clock function setting.

  The storage device 86 may store an abnormality history that has occurred, image data captured by the camera 23, and the like in addition to information related to power shutdown. Further, a setting for driving the actuator 22 may be stored. In this case, the main controller 25 drives the actuator 22 based on this setting.

  Further, the main controller 25 may be provided with a plurality of LEDs of different colors, and the LED to be turned on may be changed according to a plurality of warning states of the security system 1. Thereby, it is possible to easily determine which alert state the security system 1 is currently in. For example, when the security system 1 is in the outing mode, the red LED is turned on, in the home mode, the green LED is turned on, and in the non-warning mode, the LED is turned off.

(Communication between camera and main controller)
As described above, specific low power wireless and wireless LAN are used for communication between the camera 23 and the main controller 25. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 81 and the camera first communication unit 61 communicate with each other by specific low-power radio, and the second communication unit 82 and the camera second communication unit 62 communicate by wireless LAN. is doing. The communication between the first communication unit 81 and the camera first communication unit 61 and the communication between the second communication unit 82 and the camera second communication unit 62 are bidirectional communication.

  Here, the data transmitted from the first communication unit 81 to the camera first communication unit 61 is data related to the setting of the wireless LAN, a start instruction for the camera 23, a photographing instruction for the camera 23, and the like. On the other hand, the data transmitted from the camera first communication unit 61 to the first communication unit 81 is a registration command or the like for registering the camera 23 in the main controller 25.

  The data related to the wireless LAN setting is registered in order to establish the wireless LAN communication between the main controller 25 and the camera 23 (the wireless LAN communication between the second communication unit 82 and the camera second communication unit 62). This is data for setting. Examples of such data include data for address setting.

  On the other hand, image data captured by the camera 23 is transmitted from the camera second communication unit 62 to the second communication unit 82. Further, in communication between the second communication unit 62 and the camera second communication unit 82, communication (PING) for confirming whether or not the wireless LAN setting has been normally performed is performed.

  In the normal state, only the camera first communication unit 61 and the camera control unit 63 are driven. The other members are not driven and are in a so-called sleep state. In this state, the camera first communication unit 61 (that is, a member that performs communication using the specific low-power radio) is in a standby state in which it waits for an activation instruction (shooting instruction) transmitted from the main controller 25.

  When the camera first communication unit 61 receives an activation instruction (imaging instruction) from the main controller 25, the camera control unit 63 activates each member. If there is a shooting instruction, an image is shot, and the camera control unit 63 transmits the image data to the main controller 25 via the camera second communication unit 62 (using a wireless LAN).

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing related to communication between the camera 23 and the main controller 25 will be described separately for processing on the camera 23 side and processing on the main controller 25 side.

<Processing flow in the camera>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the camera 23. In the camera 23, the camera control unit 63, the first camera communication unit 61, and the camera power supply monitoring unit 66 are driven, and other members are not driven. In this state, the camera control unit 63 controls the control command (here, the image transmission request command or the wireless LAN setting command) from the camera first communication unit 61 or the control command (here, the camera power supply monitoring unit 66). The battery remaining amount determination command) is awaited (S1).

  Next, the command processing unit 69 of the camera control unit 63 receives a control command (here, an image transmission request command or a wireless LAN setting command) from the camera first communication unit 61, and a camera power supply monitoring unit. It is determined whether or not a control command (in this case, a battery remaining amount determination command) is received from 66 (S2). If no control command has been received (No in S2), the process of S2 is repeated again.

  On the other hand, when the control command is received (Yes in S2), the command processing unit 69 analyzes the received control command and determines whether it is an image transmission request command (S3).

  When the image transmission request command is received (Yes in S3), the command processing unit 69 drives the camera module 64, the LED, and the camera second communication unit 62 (S4). Thereby, the camera module 64 starts imaging, and the camera second communication unit 62 establishes wireless LAN communication with the main controller 25.

  Thereafter, the command processing unit 69 generates response data indicating that the image transmission request command has been received, and outputs the response data to the camera communication control unit 68. At this time, the command processing unit 69 includes data identification information indicating the type of data (in this case, information “response” indicating that it is a response to the image transmission request command) in the response data. Then, the camera communication control unit 68 extracts the data identification information from the response data received from the command processing unit 69, and whether the extracted data identification information “response” is stored in the communication unit-transmission data correspondence storage unit 60. Judge whether or not. In this embodiment, since the data identification information “response” is not stored in the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60, the camera communication control unit 68 transmits the response data using the camera first communication unit 61. (S5).

  Next, the command processing unit 69 outputs the image data captured by the camera module 64 driven in S4 to the camera communication control unit 68. At this time, the command processing unit 69 includes data identification information indicating the type of data (in this case, information “image” indicating an image) in the image data. Then, the camera communication control unit 68 extracts the data identification information from the image data received from the command processing unit 69, and the data identification information “image” is stored in the communication unit-transmission data correspondence storage unit 60. Recognize Therefore, the camera communication control unit 68 transmits the image data using the camera second communication unit 62 (S6). In this way, the camera communication control unit 68 continues to transmit the image data captured by the camera module 64 using the camera second communication unit 62.

  Thereafter, the command processing unit 69 determines whether or not the camera second communication unit 62 has received a shooting control command (S7). When the shooting control command is received (Yes in S7), the command processing unit 69 performs processing according to the shooting control command (S8). For example, the command processing unit 69 controls the focal length of the camera module 64 to enlarge / reduce the shooting range. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S9. On the other hand, when the photographing control command is not received, the process proceeds to S9.

  Next, the command processing unit 69 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the camera module 64, the LED, and the camera second communication unit 62 were driven (S9). The command processing unit 69 includes a timer (not shown), and measures elapsed time using the timer. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the activation (No in S9), the process returns to S6, and the image data transmission process is continued. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S9), the command processing unit 69 stops driving the camera module 64, the LED, and the camera second communication unit 62. Thereafter, the process returns to S1.

  If the received control command is not an image transmission request command in S3, the command processing unit 69 performs processing according to the received control command (S10). At this time, the command processing unit 69 performs communication using the camera first communication unit 61 as necessary.

  Specifically, when the received control command is a wireless LAN setting command, the command processing unit 69 updates the setting information for the camera second communication unit 62.

  When the received control command is a battery remaining amount determination command, the command processing unit 69 generates battery remaining amount decrease notification data indicating that the remaining battery amount has decreased as transmission data, and sends it to the camera communication control unit 68. Output. At this time, the command processing unit 69 includes data identification information “notification” in the data. In this embodiment, since the data identification information “notification” is not stored in the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60, the camera communication control unit 68 transmits the battery remaining amount notification data to the camera first communication. It transmits using the part 61.

<Processing flow in the main controller>
Next, the flow of processing related to communication with the camera 23 in the main controller 25 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the security management control unit 89 determines whether or not the external communication unit has received a current image transmission request instruction from the mobile phone 12 (S11). Camera identification information for identifying the camera 23 is added to the current image transmission request instruction. The user mainly inputs an image transmission request instruction of the camera 23 to the mobile phone 12 and transmits it to the main controller 25 when the mobile phone 12 receives the abnormality notification detected by the sensor 21. However, the user can input an image transmission request instruction of the camera 23 to the mobile phone 12 and transmit it to the main controller 25 when he / she wants to confirm the image of the camera 23.

  When the external communication unit receives the current image transmission request instruction, the security management control unit 89 generates an image transmission request command for the camera 23 identified by the camera identification information added to the received transmission request instruction. To the communication control unit 88. At this time, the security management control unit 89 includes command identification information “transmission request” indicating the type of the command in the image transmission request command.

  The communication control unit 88 extracts command type information from the image transmission request command received from the security management control unit 89, and whether the command type information “transmission request” is stored in the communication unit-control command correspondence storage unit 80. to decide. In this embodiment, since the command type information “transmission request” is not stored in the communication means-control command association storage unit 80, the communication control unit 88 transmits the image transmission request command using the first communication unit 81. (S12).

  Next, the security management control unit 89 confirms that the first communication unit 81 has received response data for the image transmission request command (S13). Thereafter, the second communication unit 82 receives the image data (S14).

  Then, the communication control unit 88 transmits the image data received by the second communication unit 82 to the mobile phone 12 that is the transmission source of the transmission request instruction received in S11 using the external communication unit (S15). . Then, the process returns to S11.

  As described above, in the camera 23, the camera communication control unit 68 switches between the specific low power wireless by the camera first communication unit 61 and the wireless LAN by the camera second communication unit 62 according to the type of transmission data. Specifically, the camera communication control unit 68 transmits the transmission data including the second communication data identification information stored in the communication unit-transmission data correspondence storage unit 60 via the wireless LAN, and other transmission data. Is transmitted by specific low-power radio. In the main controller 25, the communication control unit 88 transmits an image transmission request command by a specific low-power radio, and receives image data requested by the command via a wireless LAN.

  Here, in the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60, transmission data whose data capacity is assumed in advance to be equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (in other words, required for transmission at a specific low power wireless communication speed). Data identification information corresponding to transmission data whose time is assumed to be longer than a predetermined time is stored. In the present embodiment, the data identification information “image” corresponding to the image data.

  Thereby, the camera communication control unit 68 can transmit transmission data (here, image data) having a large data capacity via a wireless LAN having a communication speed higher than that of the specific low-power radio. The camera communication control unit 68 drives the camera second communication unit 62 only when receiving an image transmission request command. Therefore, it is always in a standby state, and the driving time of a wireless LAN with high power consumption can be minimized. As a result, it is possible to efficiently transmit image data having a large data capacity in a short time and to minimize an increase in power consumption.

  Note that wireless communication using specific low-power wireless is widely used as a wireless communication method between various general sensors. For this reason, the device has a simple configuration and can be easily installed and set. In addition, the wireless communication using the specific low power wireless has advantages that the establishment of communication between the terminals is faster and the communication distance is longer than the wireless communication using the wireless LAN. Furthermore, wireless communication by specific low-power radio allows both unidirectional communication and bidirectional communication, and can establish communication only when data is transmitted and received, so that power consumption can be reduced. Also have.

  On the other hand, wireless communication by wireless LAN is widely used as a wireless communication method between general personal computers. Therefore, the configuration is simple and the cost is low. In addition, wireless communication using a wireless LAN has an advantage that the communication speed is faster than wireless communication using a specific low power wireless. For this reason, it can be suitably used when transmitting / receiving large capacity data. However, according to the standard, power consumption is large because unidirectional communication is not possible and it is necessary to always stand by in a state where transmission and reception are possible.

  In this way, by using different communication methods for wireless communication by specific low-power wireless and wireless communication by wireless LAN, a communication method that takes advantage of the specific low-power wireless and wireless LAN according to the data to be transmitted. Can be used properly. In the above description, the transmission data in which the data capacity is assumed to be equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold in the camera 23 (in other words, the time required for transmission at the communication speed of the specific low-power radio is longer than the predetermined time. It is assumed that the transmission data) is transmitted by the wireless LAN, and other data is transmitted by the specific low power wireless. As a result, the life of the battery used for the camera power supply unit 65 can be extended. That is, for example, wireless communication by wireless LAN is used only for transmission / reception of image data, and by using specific low power wireless for transmission / reception of data indicating a setting function of wireless LAN and data such as a camera activation signal, power consumption is reduced. It is possible to minimize the use of a large wireless LAN. As a result, a battery can be used for the camera power supply unit 65, and the camera 23 can be made wireless.

[A-2: External network]
The monitoring system 11 is communicably connected to the mobile phone 12 via the external network 13. This external network 13 is the so-called Internet. However, in the present invention, the monitoring system 11 and the mobile phone 12 communicate with each other via the protocol conversion unit via the Internet.

  The protocol conversion unit is for realizing bidirectional communication between the monitoring system 11 and the mobile phone 12. Here, the mobile phone 12 performs data communication using HTTP, but since the monitoring system 11 is connected to the Internet via a router, the mobile phone 12 and the monitoring system 11 communicate directly. I can't. For this reason, conversion into a predetermined protocol is performed via the protocol conversion unit.

  The protocol conversion unit includes a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and a proxy server. VPN is a network technology that enables secure communication by connecting bases to each other like a dedicated line in spite of going through the Internet, and is also called a virtual private network or a virtual network. The proxy server is a device that performs so-called address conversion (protocol conversion).

  In other words, the protocol conversion unit only needs to be capable of bidirectional communication between the monitoring system 11 and the mobile phone 12 over a barrier (for example, a router) in the local network such as the monitoring system 11.

  By performing communication via a VPN having a proxy server, it is possible to directly connect to a monitoring system under the NAT by using a tunneling connection and a VPN dedicated IP, and so-called “NAT traversal” is possible. As a result, mail can be transmitted and received between the monitoring system 11 and the mobile phone 12.

  In communication using VPN, communication in which a communication packet is encrypted is performed. For example, communication between the monitoring system and the mobile phone is encrypted by SSL. Thereby, safe communication can be established. It is also possible to immediately shut down an access that is unfavorable in terms of management.

  Furthermore, for example, by assigning a global IP to a terminal as a VPN IP, it is possible to connect directly from a terminal on the general Internet that is not connected to a VPN network.

[A-3: Mobile phone]
The mobile phone 12 communicates with a base station connected to the external network 13 by a cable or the like by transmitting and receiving radio waves. That is, the mobile phone 12 is connected to the external network 13 via the base station, and is thereby connected to the monitoring system 11 in a communicable manner. The mobile phone 12 used in the security system 1 of the present invention may be any mobile phone 12 that can be connected to the Internet and has a mail transmission / reception function.

[B: Security system setting / registration]
Next, setting / registration of the security system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13 are block diagrams showing a flow (data transmission / reception) when various settings / registrations of the security system 1 are performed.

  Initial setting of the main controller 25 is performed at the start of use of the security system 1. As shown in FIG. 7, this initial setting is performed using the mobile phone 12. First, an address described in a manual attached at the time of purchasing the security system 1 is accessed (setting (1)). Then, a screen for inputting the ID and password described in the manual is displayed on the mobile phone 12. Then, log in by entering the ID and password described in the manual (setting (2)). As a result, a screen for registering a new password and mail address is displayed on the mobile phone 12.

  When a new password and e-mail address are entered on this screen and the setting button is pressed, data relating to the password and e-mail address is transmitted to the main controller 25, and these password and e-mail address are registered (setting (3)). Thereby, the initial setting of the main controller 25 is completed. When the initial setting of the main controller 25 is completed, the main controller 25 notifies the mobile phone 12 that the initial setting has been completed (notification (4)). If there is an error in the input of the ID or password, an error may be displayed and a menu for selecting a screen for re-input may be displayed.

  Next, registration for causing the main controller 25 to recognize each sensor 21 and camera 23 is performed. Each sensor 21, camera 23, and main controller 25 are provided with a registration button, and registration is performed using the registration button.

  Specifically, when the registration button of the main controller 25 whose initial setting has been completed is pressed, the main controller 25 enters a registration mode state for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). On the other hand, when a registration button provided on the camera 23 or sensor 21 is pressed, a registration command is transmitted from the camera 23 or sensor 21 that has pressed the registration button.

  Here, registration of the sensor 21 will be described with reference to FIG. First, after initial setting of the main controller 25, the main controller 25 is put into a registration mode state (setting (5)). Then, the registration button of the sensor 21 is pressed while the main controller 25 is in the registration mode state. Then, a registration command related to the sensor 21 whose registration button has been pressed is transmitted to the main controller 25 (registration (6)). When the main controller 25 receives a registration command during the registration mode state, the main controller 25 registers the corresponding sensor 21. When the main controller 25 registers the sensor 21, the main controller 25 transmits data indicating the fact to the mobile phone 12. The mobile phone 12 notifies the user by displaying that the registration of the sensor 21 is completed (notification (7)).

  Next, registration of the camera 23 will be described with reference to FIG. First, after initial setting of the main controller 25, the main controller 25 is put into a registration mode state (setting (8)). Then, the registration button of the camera 23 is pushed while the main controller 25 is in the registration mode state. Then, a registration command is transmitted from the camera 23 to the main controller 25 by specific low-power radio (registration (9)). When the main controller 25 receives the registration command of the camera 23 during the registration mode state, the main controller 25 transmits data necessary for setting the wireless LAN to the camera 23 by the specific low power wireless (setting (10)).

  When the camera 23 receives data necessary for setting the wireless LAN, the camera 23 sets the wireless LAN of its own device. When the wireless LAN setting is completed, the camera 23 transmits a notification that the wireless LAN setting is completed to the main controller 25 by the specific low-power wireless (notification (11)). When the main controller 25 receives the notification of setting completion from the camera 23, the main controller 25 performs communication (PING) for confirming whether or not communication is normally performed by the wireless LAN (confirmation (12)). When the main controller 25 confirms that communication with the camera 23 is normally performed, the main controller 25 registers the camera 23. Then, the main controller 25 transmits data indicating that the registration of the camera 23 is completed to the mobile phone 12. The mobile phone 12 notifies the user by displaying that the registration of the camera 23 is completed (notification (13)).

  In the present embodiment, the registration button provided on the main controller 25 is pressed to put the main controller 25 in the registration mode state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the mobile phone 12 transmits a command for shifting to the registration mode state to the main controller 25, and the main controller 25 receives this command, it shifts to the registration mode state. Good.

  Even when the main controller 25 is in the normal mode state (not in the registration mode state) and the registration button of the camera 23 or the sensor 21 is pressed, the registration command is transmitted to the main controller 25. However, in this case, the main controller 25 does not register the camera 23 and the sensor 21, but wireless communication from the camera 23 and the sensor 21 to the main controller 25 is normally performed based on the received registration command. It is supposed to check whether or not. That is, the main controller 25 has a wireless reception confirmation function. When the main controller 25 confirms that wireless communication is normally performed, the main controller 25 transmits a notification mail to that effect to the registered mail address.

  Next, various settings of the security system 1 are performed. The various settings are performed by accessing a predetermined address using the registered mobile phone 12 and displaying a menu related to the security system 1. The menu includes, for example, security settings and registration information settings.

[B-1: Security settings]
The security setting relates to a specific setting of home security. For example, the security setting relates to the setting of a warning state and the setting of an actuator or a camera.

(Alert setting)
The alert setting is a menu for setting an alert state of the security system 1. In this embodiment, there are a warning mode and a non-warning mode as modes indicating the warning state, and the warning mode includes an outing mode and a home mode.

  The non-warning mode is a mode in which the security system 1 is brought into a non-warning state. The non-warning state refers to a state in which the security system 1 cancels the warning, and refers to a state in which no warning is output even if the sensor 21 detects a change in state.

  Further, the alert mode is a mode in which the security system 1 is placed in an alert state. The alert state refers to a state in which the security system 1 has entered alert, and refers to a state in which an alarm can be output when the sensor 21 detects a change (abnormality) in the state.

  The outing mode is a mode in which all the sensors 21 are placed in a warning state. The home mode is a mode used when there is a person in the house but it is desired to detect that a suspicious person or the like enters the house. That is, the home mode is an intermediate security state between the non-warning mode and the outing mode. That is, when the home mode or the outing mode is selected, the security system 1 is in a warning state.

  Next, a method for performing the alert setting of the security system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main controller 25 is accessed using the registered mobile phone 12 (setting (14)). Then, a login screen for inputting the ID and the password registered in the initial setting is displayed. When there is a notification such as a system maintenance message, a notification to that effect may be displayed on the login screen.

  Then, when the user logs in by entering the ID and password (setting (15)), the main menu screen is displayed. In consideration of the case where the registered password is forgotten, a menu for notifying the password may be provided. In this case, when a menu for notifying a password is selected, a screen for entering an ID is displayed. When a correct ID is entered, the registered password may be notified to the registered mail address. Then, a login screen may be displayed thereafter.

  In the main menu, a menu for accessing home security and a menu (registered information setting) for accessing a registered setting change / addition menu are displayed. In addition, when there is information that must be notified to the user of the security system 1 (for example, a low battery warning), it is preferably displayed on the main menu.

  When a menu for accessing home security is selected on the main menu, a setting menu screen related to home security is displayed. The current alert state is displayed on the setting menu screen. To change the alert mode, select another alert mode (any of the alert modes that are not currently set among “outing mode”, “at-home mode”, and “alarm release”) from the main menu (setting ( 16)). As a result, a display indicating that the changed alert state has been selected is displayed, and a new setting is displayed on the setting menu screen as the current alert state (notification (17)). In this way, the alert state can be changed / set.

  In addition, when the alert state is changed, the alert state after the change is displayed on the mobile phone 12, but an email indicating that the alert state has been changed is transmitted from the main controller 25 to the mobile phone 12. May be.

  When the menu for accessing the setting screen of the actuator 22 is selected in the main menu, the actuator setting screen is displayed. When a menu for accessing the setting screen of the camera 23 is selected in the main menu, a setting screen for the camera and a screen for displaying an image taken by the camera are displayed.

(Actuator setting)
The actuator setting is a menu for performing settings related to the actuator 22, for example, a setting for forcibly driving the actuator 22 regardless of whether there is an abnormality. In this case, the driving time can also be set. When the menu for accessing the setting screen of the actuator 22 is selected in the main menu, the actuator setting screen is displayed.

  In the case where the alert mode is selected, settings relating to the actuator 22 to be driven when an abnormality occurs may be performed. For example, it is possible to set which actuator 22 is driven when any sensor detects an abnormality, setting the driving time, setting sound or light intensity, and the like.

(Camera settings)
The camera setting is a menu for performing settings related to the camera 23, and is a menu for viewing images taken by the camera 23. Settings relating to the camera 23 include, for example, shooting settings, image update settings, image history settings, and the like.

  When a menu for accessing the setting screen of the camera 23 is selected in the main menu, a screen for selecting the registered camera 23 is displayed. Here, when the registered camera 23 is selected (if there are a plurality of registered cameras, one of them is selected), an image captured by the selected camera 23 can be accessed and viewed. Further, on the setting screen of the camera 23, it is possible to make settings such as the resolution for photographing and the ON / OFF of illumination.

  The shooting settings are settings related to shooting with the camera 23. The shooting setting items include, for example, the number of shots (in the case of still images), the shooting time (in the case of moving images), and the shooting angle (pan / tilt). Etc.).

  In addition, when predetermined processing is performed on image data captured when an abnormality occurs, a setting to that effect can be made. For example, when an abnormality due to the intrusion of a suspicious person or the like occurs, it may be set to perform processing such as detecting the suspicious person's face and enlarging it. Even when the abnormality does not occur, if it is desired to take an image of the security area with the camera 23, the image can be taken by instructing to take an image in the shooting setting.

  The image update setting is a setting related to updating of an image captured by the camera 23. For example, when the camera 23 is set to shoot at a constant interval, the interval may be set. This setting can be made manually.

  Images captured by the camera 23 can be stored in a storage device of the main controller 25. In the image history setting, it is possible to set the type, period, and the like of an image to be stored among images taken in the past.

  It is also possible to access the camera 23 from the main menu and take a picture, and send the taken picture to the mobile phone 12 for display. This method will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main menu is displayed by entering the ID and password on the login screen (setting (18) (19)). Next, in the main menu, a menu for taking an image by the camera 23 is selected (setting (20)). From this menu, the camera 23 is activated to give an instruction to take an image. Thereby, an activation signal is transmitted from the main controller 25 to the camera 23, and an instruction signal for capturing an image is transmitted (activation (21)). The activation signal and the instruction signal are transmitted using a specific low power radio.

  Upon receiving the activation signal and the instruction signal, the camera 23 activates its own device and takes a predetermined image. Then, the photographed image data is transmitted to the main controller 25 (transfer (22)). This image data is transmitted using a wireless LAN. The main controller 25 that has received the image data transmits the image data to the mobile phone 12 via the network (transfer (23)). As a result, the user can view an image instructed to be photographed with the mobile phone 12.

[B-2: Registration information setting]
The registration information setting relates to a setting change of registration information of the security system 1. The setting change will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main menu is displayed by entering the ID and password on the login screen (setting (24) (25)). Then, by selecting a menu for displaying registration information settings on the main menu, a registration information setting menu is displayed (setting (26)). The contents that can be set from the registration information setting menu include, for example, sensor operation history, time adjustment, mail address setting, software update, unit management, password change, actuator setting, and the like. In addition, when the various settings and setting changes are completed, the main controller 25 notifies the mobile phone 12 of the completion of the setting (change) (notification (27)).

  When the menu related to the operation history of the sensor 21 is selected in the registration information setting menu, the operation history of the sensor 21 is displayed. As described above, the security system 1 according to the present embodiment may store information (abnormality history information) on the past operation history (abnormality history) of the sensor 21 in the storage device of the main controller 25. The operation history of the sensor 21 to be displayed includes, for example, the date and time when the sensor 21 was operated, the sensor that was operated, and the detected content. The number of operation histories of the sensor 21 to be displayed can be set as appropriate. Further, the latest operation history may be displayed, or the old operation history may be displayed. In addition, when image capturing is performed by the camera 23 together with the operation of the sensor 21, the corresponding image data may be confirmed.

  When a menu related to time adjustment is selected in the registration information setting menu, a time setting screen is displayed. Also, on this screen, information regarding the current automatic update can be displayed, and ON / OFF of automatic update can be changed. In addition, when a menu for automatically setting the time is selected on this time setting screen, the time is automatically set with reference to a clock added to a network clock server or other data. Yes. Further, when a menu for manually setting the time is selected on the time setting screen, a time setting screen is displayed, and the time can be set manually.

  When a menu related to mail address setting is selected in the registration information setting menu, a menu capable of changing various mail address settings is displayed. In this e-mail address setting menu, an e-mail address can be added / deleted / changed. The mail address to be added can be registered by selecting “Add” in the mail address setting menu. When “Change” is selected in the mail address setting menu, the registered mail address is displayed. The mail address can be changed by selecting the mail address to be changed. When “Delete” is selected in the mail address setting menu, the registered mail address is displayed. A mail address to be deleted can be selected and deleted from the registered mail addresses.

  When a menu related to software update is selected in the registration information setting menu, a screen for updating software is displayed. When the menu for “update” is selected on this screen, the software is updated by connecting to the Internet. When the software update is completed, a screen for notifying that the software update is completed is displayed. If there is no need to update the software, even if the “update” menu is selected, it is displayed that there is no software to be updated, and no update is performed.

  When a menu related to unit management is selected in the registration information setting menu, a menu for managing the unit is displayed. In the menu for managing this unit, for example, a list of registered units (sensor 21, camera 23, actuator 22, etc.) is displayed. It is also possible to display a list of units and select a unit to be registered as the security system 1 as appropriate. It is also possible to select an arbitrary unit from the unit list and change the name of this unit. Also, an arbitrary unit can be selected from the unit list and deleted from the unit.

  When a menu related to password change is selected in the registration information setting menu, a password change menu is displayed. The password can be changed by inputting the current password and the new password on the change menu screen. When the password is changed, a screen indicating that the password has been changed is displayed on the mobile phone 12 and can be confirmed.

  When a menu related to actuator setting is selected from the registration information setting menu, a screen for setting the drive setting (ON / OFF) and drive time of the registered actuator 22 is displayed and can be set as appropriate.

  If any error occurs during each operation, a screen showing the error is displayed on the mobile phone. Further, when the service use of the security system 1 is stopped, the password may be input on the service use stop screen.

[C: Security method]
The security system 1 can be used by performing the above various settings and registration. When the alert state is the non-alert mode, the main controller 25 does not notify that there is an abnormality even when data is transmitted from each sensor 21. When the alert state is the home mode, the main controller 25 does not notify the data transmitted from the sensor 21 installed in the house.

  On the other hand, even in the home mode, when data indicating an abnormality is transmitted from the sensor 21 installed outside the house, the main controller 25 transmits an abnormality notification by e-mail. Thereby, even if the user is in the house, intrusion from outside the suspicious person can be detected. When the alert state is the outing mode, the main controller 25 transmits an abnormality notification by e-mail when data indicating an abnormality is transmitted from each sensor 21.

  Here, a method of performing security using the security system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, as an example, a security method and a monitoring method in a state where the security system 1 is set to the outing mode will be described.

  First, as described above, the user accesses the main controller 25 from the mobile phone 12 and selects the outing mode from the items in the main menu. Thereby, the security system 1 is set to the outing mode. The main controller 25 is able to receive an abnormality notification (detection result) from all the sensors 21 and is in a state where it can recognize that there is an abnormality.

  When it is detected that any one of the sensors 21 is abnormal, the main controller 25 is notified that an abnormality has been detected (an abnormal command is transmitted) (notification (28)). When receiving the abnormal command, the main controller 25 transmits a drive signal to the registered / set actuator 22 (activation (29)). The actuator 22 performs a predetermined operation (such as intimidation) according to the drive signal. Further, when receiving the abnormality command, the main controller 25 transmits an abnormality notification mail to the mobile phone 12 (notification (30)). In the abnormality notification mail, it is notified that there is an abnormality, the type of abnormality, the type of sensor that detected the abnormality, the time when the abnormality occurred, and the like. The transmission of the abnormality notification mail is preferably performed simultaneously with the transmission of the drive signal to the actuator 22.

  The main controller 25 may link the camera 23 when the sensor 21 detects an abnormality. That is, in this case, when the main controller 25 receives an abnormal command transmitted from the sensor 21, it issues a shooting instruction to the camera 23 capable of shooting an image of the place where the abnormality has occurred. The camera 23 shoots based on the shooting instruction transmitted from the main controller 25 and transmits the image data to the main controller 25. When the sensor 21 and the camera 23 are interlocked, an address for accessing the image data captured by the camera 23 may be notified by an abnormality notification mail.

  The determination as to whether or not the state change is “abnormal” may be performed by each sensor 21 that has detected the state change or may be performed by the main controller 25. This is performed by each sensor 21. In this case, when the sensor 21 detects a change in the state, the sensor 21 compares the degree of change in the state with a threshold value for determining whether or not the state is abnormal, and if the degree of change in the state exceeds the threshold value, Judge as abnormal. This threshold value is stored in advance in the sensor control unit of each sensor 21.

  On the other hand, when the main controller 25 determines whether or not it is abnormal, when each sensor 21 detects a change in state, it notifies the main controller 25 that the change in state has been detected and the degree of the change. To do. The main controller 25 stores a threshold value associated with each sensor 21 for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in a storage device, and associates the change in state notified from the sensor 21 with this sensor 21. Compare with the threshold value. When the main controller 25 determines that the degree of state change exceeds the threshold, the main controller 25 determines that the state change detected by the sensor 21 is an abnormal state, and sends an abnormality notification mail to the mobile phone. Send.

  Here, the operation of the security system 1 when an abnormality occurs will be described. First, as described above, when any one of the sensors 21 detects an abnormality, the sensor 21 notifies the main controller 25 that the abnormality has been detected. When the main controller 25 receives the notification of abnormality, the main controller 25 transmits a drive command to the actuator 22 registered in the main controller 25. The actuator 22 operates (intimidates) by receiving a drive command from the main controller 25. The main controller 25 transmits an abnormality notification mail to the registered mail address simultaneously with the transmission of the drive command to the actuator 22.

  Thereby, the user can know that abnormality has occurred. Further, the user can access the main controller 25 as necessary to perform further threatening by instructing the camera 23 to take a picture, confirming an image taken by the camera 23, or driving the actuator 22 additionally. (Control (31)).

  Here, a method for the user to give a shooting instruction to the camera 23 from the mobile phone 12 and a method for accessing image data that has already been shot will be described.

  As described above, first, the main menu of the security system 1 is accessed by the mobile phone 12. An item for displaying a home security menu is selected from the main menu, and an item for transmitting a shooting instruction to the camera is selected from the home security menu. When a list of cameras 23 registered in the security system 1 is displayed, a camera to be accessed is selected.

  As a result, the main controller 25 transmits a shooting instruction to the selected camera 23. This shooting instruction is transmitted by a specific low power radio. In addition, when receiving a shooting instruction from the main controller 25, the camera 23 activates its own device to take an image, and transmits the taken image data to the main controller 25. Transmission of this image data is performed by a wireless LAN. Then, the main controller 25 transmits image data to the mobile phone 12. As a result, the user can see the image taken by the selected camera 23.

  Note that the user can access the history of image data captured by the camera 23 and view images captured in the past. In this case, an item for accessing an image taken by the camera may be selected from the main menu. Further, the user can forcibly drive the actuator by selecting a setting related to the actuator 22 from the main menu.

  Note that the security system 1 may have an emergency call function in addition to the functions of detecting and notifying abnormalities such as intruders and disasters described above. Specifically, for example, the function that the user calls an ambulance when his / her condition goes bad, the function of installing a motion sensor in the bathtub and notifying the family when the user falls down while taking a bath, gas leakage, etc. It is a function to monitor the whole life.

  The camera 23 is not limited to being used in the security system 1. For example, the camera 23 and a control device such as a main controller that controls the camera 23 can be used in combination.

(Modification)
(Camera Modification 1)
In the above description, the camera communication control unit 68 determines the type of data to be communicated, and the camera first communication unit 61 and the camera second communication unit 62 are switched (selected) accordingly. That is, in this case, the camera communication control unit 68 has a means for determining the type of data to be communicated, and each time data is transmitted, the means for determining determines the type of data to be transmitted.

  However, the type of data to be determined may be, for example, data capacity. In this case, the camera communication control unit 68 measures the data volume of the transmission data, and if the measured data volume is greater than or equal to a certain value, selects the wireless LAN, and if smaller than a certain value, The specific low power radio may be selected.

(Camera Modification 2)
In the above description, the camera 23 is for photographing the situation when an abnormality occurs, and does not have a function as a sensor for detecting the abnormality. However, it is also possible to use the camera 23 for detecting an abnormality like the above-described sensors.

  As an example of using the camera 23 as a sensor, a first example in which an abnormality is detected using photographed image data and a second example in which the built-in sensor 50a is attached inside the camera 23 can be considered.

  In the case of the first example, it is preferable that the camera 23 is set to automatically perform photographing at regular intervals.

  In this case, the presence / absence of abnormality is determined based on the captured image data. The presence / absence of an abnormality is determined by comparing image data taken at regular intervals and determining that an abnormality has occurred when it is determined that a change has occurred in the state. The determination of the presence or absence of abnormality may be performed by the camera 23 or the main controller 25.

  When the camera 23 determines whether there is an abnormality, a threshold value is stored in the camera control unit 63. Then, the camera control unit 63 compares the degree of change based on the image data with a threshold value, and determines that an abnormality has occurred if the degree of change exceeds the threshold value. On the other hand, when the main controller 25 determines whether or not there is an abnormality, the camera 23 transmits image data captured at regular intervals to the main controller 25 each time. Then, the main controller 25 determines the presence / absence of an abnormality based on the image data.

  In the case of the second example, as shown in FIG. 16, the camera 23 includes a built-in sensor 50a. The built-in sensor 50a is, for example, an infrared sensor capable of detecting a human body.

  In the case of the second example, the built-in sensor 50a outputs an abnormality notification command to the camera control unit 63 when an abnormality is detected (here, when a human body is detected).

  As described above, in the first example, the camera control unit 63 determines that an abnormality has occurred based on the degree of change based on the image data, and in the second example, based on the abnormality notification command from the built-in sensor 50a. Can be recognized.

  Hereinafter, a processing example when the camera control unit 63 recognizes the occurrence of an abnormality will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, the second example will be described, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to the first example.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the camera 23 includes a notification information switching unit 50b. The notification information switching unit 50b uses information to be notified to the main controller 25 when the built-in sensor 50a detects an abnormality, either notification data indicating that the abnormality is detected or image data taken immediately after the abnormality is detected. It is something to switch to. The notification information switching unit 50b switches information to be notified in accordance with a setting instruction from the user. The setting instruction is transmitted from the mobile phone 12 via the main controller 25.

  First, the command processing unit 69 of the camera control unit 63 determines whether there is an abnormality notification command from the built-in sensor 50a (S21). When receiving the abnormality notification command from the built-in sensor 50a, the command processing unit 69 confirms the notification information set by the notification information switching unit 50b, and determines whether the notification information includes image data (S22).

  When the notification information does not include image data (No in S22), that is, when the notification information is only the notification data, the command processing unit 69 generates abnormality notification data indicating that an abnormality has been detected, and performs camera communication control. The data is output to the unit 68. Note that the data identification information of the abnormality notification data is “notification”. Then, since the data identification information “notification” is not stored in the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60, the camera communication control unit 68 transmits the abnormality notification data using the camera first communication unit 61 ( S23). Then, the camera 23 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the notification information includes image data (Yes in S22), the command processing unit 69 drives the camera module 64, the LED, and the camera second communication unit 62 (S24). Then, the command processing unit 69 performs camera communication control on the image data captured by the camera module 64 for a predetermined time to which abnormality detection time information indicating the time when the abnormality notification command is received (that is, the abnormality detection time) is added. Send to part 68. The camera communication control unit 68 transmits the image data to which the abnormality detection time information is added using the camera second communication unit 62 (S25). Then, the camera 23 ends the process.

  In the main controller 25, the security management control unit 89 stores the image data to which the abnormality detection time information received by the second communication unit 82 is added in the storage device 86.

  Thereafter, when the communication control unit 88 of the main controller 25 receives a transmission request instruction for a past image from the mobile phone 12 via the external communication unit 83, the image corresponding to the abnormality detection time designated by the transmission request instruction. Data is read from the storage device 86. Then, the communication control unit 88 transmits the read image data to the mobile phone 12 that is the transmission source of the transmission request instruction using the external communication unit 83.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the image data captured when the built-in sensor 50a incorporated in the camera 23 detects an abnormality is managed by the storage device 86 of the main controller 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, when the command processing unit 69 of the camera control unit 63 receives an abnormality notification command from the built-in sensor 50a, the command processing unit 69 drives the camera module 64 and the LED, and the image data captured by the camera module 64 is stored in a built-in storage device (not shown). It may be stored. When the communication control unit 88 of the main controller 25 receives a previous image transmission request instruction from the mobile phone 12 via the external communication unit 83, the image corresponding to the abnormality detection time added to the transmission request instruction. A command for requesting data transmission (past image transmission request command) is transmitted to the camera 23 using the first communication unit 81. When receiving the past image transmission request command, the command processing unit 69 of the camera 23 drives the camera second communication unit 62. Then, the command processing unit 69 reads out the image data designated by the past image transmission request command from the built-in storage device and outputs it to the camera communication control unit 68. Also at this time, the command processing unit 69 includes the data identification information “image” in the image data. Then, the camera communication control unit 68 transmits the image data to the main controller 25, and the communication control unit 88 of the main controller 25 communicates the received image data with the mobile phone 12 that is the transmission source of the transmission request instruction. The transmission may be performed using the unit 83.

  Further, the image data captured when the built-in sensor 50a incorporated in the camera 23 detects an abnormality may be managed by a network server other than the main controller 25. The user may access the network server using the mobile phone 12 and download image data at a desired abnormality detection time.

(Camera Modification 3)
In the above description, the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60 stores data identification information (second communication data identification information) indicating the content (type) of transmission data transmitted by the camera second communication unit 62. It was. However, the communication unit-transmission data association storage unit 60 includes data identification information indicating the content (type) of transmission data and communication units (here, the camera first communication unit 61 and the camera first) used to transmit the transmission data. 2 and the communication unit 62) may be stored.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60 associates the data identification information “image” with the camera second communication unit 62 (described as wireless LAN in the figure). , A table in which the data identification information “notification” and “response” are associated with the first camera communication unit 61 (described as “specific low-power radio” in the figure) is stored.

  By referring to the table, the camera communication control unit 68 may select a communication unit corresponding to the data identification information extracted from the transmission data.

(Camera Modification 4)
The camera 23 may include a microphone and generate audio data synchronized with image data as transmission data. In this case, the command generation unit includes the data identification information “voice” for the voice data.

  The audio data is transmission data that is assumed to have a normal data capacity larger than a predetermined threshold (for example, 1 kbyte). In other words, the transmission data is assumed to have a normal time required for transmission at the communication speed of the specific low-power radio is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). Therefore, “voice” is stored as the second communication data identification information in the communication means-transmission data association storage unit 60. Thereby, the audio data is also transmitted by the wireless LAN.

(Modification 1 of main controller)
The security management control unit 89 may perform predetermined processing on the image data transmitted from the camera 23. For example, in the above description, it is assumed that the main controller 25 transmits the shooting control command to the camera 23 when the user desires to enlarge / reduce the shot image. However, the security management control unit 89 may cut out the part to be enlarged from the image when the setting is such that only a specific part of the image data photographed by the camera 23 is enlarged and displayed. This specific part is, for example, the face of an intruder when the abnormality is an intrusion of a suspicious person.

(Modification 2 of the main controller)
In the above description, the main controller 25 always drives the second communication unit 82. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main controller 25 may drive the second communication unit 82 only when necessary, like the camera 23. Thereby, power saving of the main controller 25 can be achieved.

  Specifically, at the time of activation, the main controller 25 drives only members other than the second communication unit 82, and puts the second communication unit 82 in a sleep state. When the image transmission request command is transmitted using the first communication unit 81 or when a response is received, the communication control unit 88 drives the second communication unit 82 to transmit the image transmission request command via the wireless LAN. Data (here, image data) is awaited. Then, when the reception of the image data ends, the communication control unit 88 stops driving the second communication unit 82.

(Modification 3 of the main controller)
In the above description, the main controller 25 transmits an image transmission request command to the camera 23 when receiving a current image transmission request from the mobile phone 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main controller 25 may transmit an image transmission request command to the camera 23 associated with the sensor 21 in advance when an abnormality notification is received from the sensor 21.

  Specifically, the security management control unit 89 determines whether or not the first communication unit 81 has received an abnormality notification from the sensor 21. When the first communication unit 81 receives the abnormality notification, the security management control unit 89 generates an image transmission request command for the camera 23 previously associated with the sensor 21 that has transmitted the abnormality notification, and performs communication control. To the unit 88. Then, the communication control unit 88 transmits an image transmission request command using the first communication unit 81.

  Next, the security management control unit 89 confirms that the first communication unit 81 has received response data for the image transmission request command. Thereafter, the second communication unit 82 receives the image data.

  The security management control unit 89 stores the image data received by the second communication unit 82 in the storage device 86 in association with the time when the sensor 21 detects the abnormality.

  Thereafter, the security management control unit 89 determines whether or not the external communication unit has received a previous image transmission request instruction from the mobile phone 12. An abnormality detection time is added to the past image transmission request instruction.

  When a transmission request instruction for a past image is received, the communication control unit 88 reads from the storage device 86 image data corresponding to the abnormality detection time added to the transmission request instruction. Then, the communication control unit 88 transmits the read image data to the mobile phone 12 that is the transmission source of the transmission request instruction using the external communication unit.

(Other)
In the above description, taking advantage of the fact that the wireless LAN has a higher communication speed than the specific low-power wireless, data having a large data capacity is transmitted using the wireless LAN. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in an apparatus that can use a plurality of communication methods, it is preferable to select the communication method according to the type of data to be transmitted / received, taking advantage of the advantages of each communication method.

  For example, a specific low-power radio requires a shorter time to establish communication than a wireless LAN. In consideration of the time required for establishing the communication, it may be determined in advance which communication method is selected for the transmission data. That is, the total communication time includes the time required for establishing communication in addition to the transmission time of the transmission data itself. A communication method that minimizes the total communication time may be set in advance. In the case of this embodiment, when the communication system that minimizes the total communication time for a certain type of transmission data is a wireless LAN, the data identification information indicating the type of the transmission data is associated with the communication means-transmission data. What is necessary is just to store in the memory | storage part 60. FIG.

  For example, large-capacity data such as images and sounds (data with a data capacity greater than a predetermined threshold) has a transmission time that is much longer than the time required to establish communication. A high-speed wireless LAN is set.

  On the other hand, since the data capacity of the notification of abnormality or the notification of low battery level is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the proportion of time required for establishing communication with respect to the total communication time increases. Therefore, a specific low-power radio with a short communication establishment time is set so that the total communication time is minimized.

  In this way, the determination of whether transmission data is transmitted by specific low-power radio or wireless LAN is made according to the data capacity of transmission data even when the time required for establishing communication is taken into consideration.

  In addition, the specific low-power radio has a longer communication distance than the wireless LAN, and therefore it is assumed in advance that the length of the communication distance required for data communicated between devices is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. It is preferable to communicate the data by specific low power radio.

  For example, a specific low-power radio is set for communication between a sensor 21 or a camera 22 installed outdoors (a sensor or camera installed in a car in a parking lot) and a main controller 25 installed indoors. A wireless LAN may be set for communication between the main controller 25 and the sensor 21 or camera 22 installed in the network.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of the camera, particularly the camera control unit, may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the camera has a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a read only memory (ROM) that stores the program, a random access memory (RAM) that expands the program, and the program And a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing various data. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a camera control program, which is software that realizes the functions described above, is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by reading the program code recorded on the recording medium and executing it by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  The camera may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

(Supplementary information)
The monitoring control device according to the present invention is used in a monitoring system including at least one acquisition device that acquires information about the environmental state of the surrounding area of the device itself, and performs wireless communication with the acquisition device to obtain the acquisition device. And a plurality of communication means for performing wireless communication using communication methods having different communication speeds.

  According to said structure, the monitoring control apparatus is used for the monitoring system provided with the acquisition apparatus, and is controlling the acquisition apparatus by performing radio | wireless communication with an acquisition apparatus. This control is, for example, control of acquisition of information in the acquisition device, control of transmission / reception of acquired information, and the like.

  The own device peripheral region is a peripheral region other than the own device in the region where the acquisition device itself is installed. Further, the information related to the environmental state of this area can include, for example, information related to a change in state / environmental change occurring in the area, information such as an image related to the scenery / landscape of the area, and the like. That is, the own device peripheral area indicates an area (range) in which the acquisition unit can acquire the information.

  In addition, the monitoring control apparatus includes a plurality of communication units that perform wireless communication using communication methods having different communication speeds. For this reason, wireless communication with different communication speeds can be realized by changing the communication means and performing wireless communication. The communication speed represents the capacity of information that can be transmitted / received per unit time. The higher the communication speed, the larger the capacity of information that can be transmitted / received.

  That is, efficient and reliable communication can be realized by selecting an optimal communication means according to the type and capacity of information to be communicated. That is, for example, when transmitting / receiving large-capacity information, communication is performed using communication means having a high communication speed, and when transmitting / receiving small-capacity information, communication is performed using communication means having a low communication speed. By doing so, the above-mentioned efficient and reliable communication can be realized. In general, since the driving power of the communication means having a high communication speed is larger than the driving power of the communication means having a low communication speed, it is possible to use communication methods having different communication speeds by performing such communication. In addition, power consumption can be minimized.

  In the monitoring and control apparatus according to the present invention, the plurality of communication means use at least a first communication means for performing communication using the specific low power radio and a communication method having a higher communication speed than the specific low power radio. And second communication means for performing communication.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to perform wireless communication using a specific low-power radio having advantages of fast establishment of communication, a long communication distance, and low power consumption, and a communication method having a high communication speed. Therefore, efficient information transmission / reception is possible, and power consumption can be minimized.

  In the monitoring and control apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the communication method used in the second communication means is a wireless LAN. The wireless LAN means wireless communication based on, for example, the IEEE 802.11b standard. That is, the wireless LAN has an advantage that the communication speed is higher than that of the specific low power wireless. Therefore, by using communication methods with different communication speeds, efficient information transmission / reception can be performed, and power consumption can be minimized.

  In the monitoring control device according to the present invention, the acquisition device includes at least a detection device including a detection unit that detects a change in the environment around the own device, and an imaging unit that photographs the state of the environment around the own device. It is preferable that the imaging device provided is included.

  According to said structure, the information regarding the environmental change of a surrounding area of an own apparatus can always be acquired because a detection apparatus is provided with the detection means. Further, the monitoring control device can acquire the information from the acquisition device using wireless communication. That is, the acquisition device has a sensor function. On the other hand, since the photographing apparatus is provided with photographing means, it becomes possible to always photograph the state of the environment around the own apparatus. That is, the acquisition device has a camera function.

  In the monitoring and control apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the second communication means performs wireless communication with the photographing apparatus. According to said structure, it becomes possible to transmit / receive the image data image | photographed with the imaging device using the communication system whose communication speed is faster than a specific low power radio | wireless. That is, when a large amount of data such as image data is transmitted / received, communication means with a high communication speed is used, so that efficient information transmission / reception is possible, and power consumption can be suppressed to a minimum.

  The monitoring control apparatus according to the present invention preferably further includes external communication means connected to be communicable with an external network. According to the above configuration, since the monitoring control device is communicably connected to the external network, for example, the information acquired by the acquisition device can be transmitted to the outside, or the monitoring control device can be accessed from the outside. It becomes possible.

  In the monitoring and control apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the external communication unit is communicably connected to the mobile terminal via an external network, and transmits information acquired by the acquisition apparatus to the mobile terminal. According to said structure, even if it is a place away from the monitoring control apparatus, a monitoring control apparatus can be accessed by a portable terminal.

  The monitoring system according to the present invention includes an acquisition device that acquires information related to an environmental state of a surrounding area of the device, and the monitoring control device, and the monitoring control device uses the acquisition result of the acquisition device to acquire the area. It is characterized by monitoring. According to the above configuration, efficient and reliable communication can be realized by selecting an optimal communication means according to the type and capacity of information to be communicated, and power consumption can be minimized. Can do.

  In the monitoring method according to the present invention, the acquisition device acquires information related to the state of the environment in the surrounding area, and the monitoring control device performs wireless communication with the acquisition device to control the acquisition of the information and to acquire the acquired information. A monitoring method for monitoring a peripheral region using the communication device, wherein the communication between the acquisition device and the monitoring control device is performed using a plurality of communication methods having different communication speeds.

  According to the above configuration, efficient and reliable communication can be realized by selecting an optimal communication means according to the type and capacity of information to be communicated, and power consumption can be minimized. Can do.

  In the monitoring method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of communication schemes include at least a specific low-power radio and a communication scheme having a higher communication speed than the specific low-power radio. According to the above configuration, it is possible to perform wireless communication using a specific low-power radio having advantages of fast establishment of communication, a long communication distance, and low power consumption, and a communication method having a high communication speed. Therefore, efficient information transmission / reception is possible, and power consumption can be minimized.

  In the monitoring method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the communication method having a higher communication speed than the specific low-power radio is a wireless LAN. According to the above configuration, the wireless LAN has an advantage that the communication speed is faster than that of the specific low-power radio. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently transmit and receive information by using communication methods having different communication speeds. , Power consumption can be minimized.

  In the monitoring method according to the present invention, when the acquisition apparatus is an imaging apparatus that captures the environmental state of the surrounding area of the apparatus, communication between the imaging apparatus and the control apparatus is performed using a wireless LAN. Is preferred. According to said structure, it becomes possible to transmit / receive the image data image | photographed with the imaging device using the communication system whose communication speed is faster than a specific low power radio | wireless. That is, when a large amount of data such as image data is transmitted / received, a communication means having a high communication speed is used, so that efficient information transmission / reception is possible, and power consumption can be suppressed to a minimum.

  According to the present invention, since the main controller and the camera perform wireless communication using wireless systems having different communication speeds, the camera can be driven by a battery and full wireless can be achieved. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for the field of home security that guarantees safety inside and outside the home of a camera used wirelessly.

1, showing an embodiment of the present invention, is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a main controller. FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of the present invention, is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a security system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention and is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a monitoring system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention and is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention and is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a flow (data transmission / reception) when performing various settings / registrations of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a flow (data transmission / reception) when performing various settings / registrations of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a flow (data transmission / reception) when performing various settings / registrations of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a flow (data transmission / reception) when performing various settings / registrations of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a flow (data transmission / reception) when performing various settings / registrations of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a flow (data transmission / reception) when performing various settings / registrations of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a flow (data transmission / reception) when performing various settings / registrations of a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the internal process of the camera regarding communication between main controllers. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the internal process of the main controller regarding the communication between cameras. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a modification example of a main configuration of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when a built-in sensor detects abnormality in the camera shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows one memory | storage example in a memory | storage part with a communication means-transmission data correspondence.

Explanation of symbols

1 Security System 11 Monitoring System 12 Mobile Phone (Mobile Terminal)
13 External network 21 Sensor (acquisition device, detection device)
22 Camera (acquisition device, photographing device)
25 Main controller (monitoring control device)
51 Detection part (detection means)
64 Camera module (photographing means)
81 1st communication part (1st communication part)
82 Second communication unit (second communication unit)
83 External communication unit 88 Communication control unit (transmission request transmission means, specific data reception means, specific data transfer means)
89 Security management control section (transmission request transmission means, second communication section drive means)

Claims (11)

Monitoring control that is used in a monitoring system that includes at least one acquisition device that acquires information about the state of the environment in the surrounding area of the device itself, and performs wireless communication with the acquisition device to control acquisition of information in the acquisition device A device,
A first communication unit that performs wireless communication using the first communication method;
A second communication unit that performs wireless communication using a second communication method having a communication speed higher than that of the first communication method;
Transmission request transmitting means for transmitting a transmission request for specific data of a predetermined type to the acquisition device via the first communication unit;
A monitoring control apparatus comprising: a specific data receiving unit that receives the specific data requested by the transmission request transmission unit from the acquisition device via the second communication unit. The second communication method always waits in a state where transmission and reception are possible.
The monitoring control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second communication unit driving unit that drives the second communication unit when the transmission request transmission unit transmits the transmission request.   The monitoring control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first communication method is a specific low-power radio, and the second communication method is a wireless LAN.   The monitoring control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific data is data having a data capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.   The monitoring control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific data is data whose time required for the transmission is a predetermined time or more when transmitted using the first communication method. The acquisition device is a photographing device including a photographing unit that photographs the state of the environment in the surrounding area of the device,
The monitoring control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific data is image data photographed by the photographing unit. An external communication unit that is communicably connected to the mobile terminal via an external network;
The monitoring control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising specific data transfer means for transmitting the specific data received from the acquisition apparatus to the mobile terminal using the external communication unit. An acquisition device for acquiring information about the state of the environment around the device itself;
A monitoring control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The monitoring system, wherein the monitoring control device monitors the area using an acquisition result of the acquisition device. Monitoring control that is used in a monitoring system that includes at least one acquisition device that acquires information about the state of the environment in the surrounding area of the device itself, and performs wireless communication with the acquisition device to control acquisition of information in the acquisition device A monitoring method in an apparatus,
The monitoring and control apparatus performs first wireless communication using a first communication unit that performs wireless communication using the first communication method and a second communication method that has a higher communication speed than the first communication method. Two communication units,
A transmission request transmission step of transmitting a transmission request for specific data of a predetermined type to the acquisition device via the first communication unit;
A monitoring method comprising: a specific data receiving step of receiving the specific data requested in the transmission request transmitting step from the acquisition device via the second communication unit.   A program for causing a computer to realize each means included in the monitoring control device according to claim 1.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of Claim 10.

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