JP2007104061A - Relay apparatus, communication system, relay program, and computer-readable recording medium for recording relay program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a relay apparatus or the like whereby a photographed image can efficiently be browsed. <P>SOLUTION: A doorphone adaptor 104 includes a television doorphone interface A130, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface 144, a LAN control section 142, an image processing section 140, a setting section 146, and a storage section 148. The television doorphone interface A130 makes communication with a doorphone slave unit. The LAN interface 144 communicates with a videophone or the like. The LAN control section 142 controls the LAN interface 144 to transmit a video signal received by the television doorphone interface A130 to the videophone or the like. The image processing section 140 creates a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) file from the video signal. The setting section 146 creates the name of the file on the basis of whether or not the image is photographed during absence or the like. The storage section 148 stores the JPEG file and the file name in cross reference with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a relay device, a communication system, a relay program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the relay program is recorded. In particular, the relay device, the communication system, the relay program, and the relay program for recording a television signal are recorded. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a function for transmitting and receiving image data captured by a camera slave unit and a master unit having a display device for displaying an image captured by the camera slave unit. The interface unit connected to the Internet network and the image data captured by the camera slave unit connected to the Internet network are processed and stored in the image data storage unit, and the stored image data is downloaded to the master unit. Disclosed is an interphone system comprising a mobile phone having a WWW (World Wide Web) browsing function and a server that can be browsed from a personal computer, which can be displayed on a display device and stored.

According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, a recording function can be provided from a single server to a plurality of master units.
JP 2003-224671 A

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to efficiently browse images captured by the intercom system.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is a relay device, a communication system, a relay program, and a computer readable recording of the relay program capable of efficiently browsing captured images. Is to provide a simple recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, the relay device includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a first control unit, a first creation unit, and a second generation unit. Generating means and storage means. The first communication means communicates with the first communication device. The second communication means communicates with the second communication device. The first control means controls the second communication means so that the video signal received by the first communication means is transmitted to the second communication device. The first creating means creates information representing a still image from the video signal. The second creation means creates information for identifying a still image based on a matter for classifying signals received by either the first communication means or the second communication means. The storage means stores information representing a still image and information for identifying the still image in association with each other.

  The second creating means includes means for creating information for identifying a still image based on whether the first communication means or the second communication means has received a signal. Is desirable.

  Alternatively, the means for creating the information for identifying the still picture includes means for creating information for identifying the still picture based on whether or not an audio signal is received from the second communication means. It is desirable to include.

  Alternatively, the means for creating information for identifying a still image is a means for creating information for identifying a still image based on which of the plurality of first communication means has received the video signal. It is desirable to include.

  In addition, it is preferable that the second creation unit described above includes a unit for creating information for identifying a still image based on a group to which the still image belongs.

  In addition, it is preferable that the above-described relay device further includes a measurement unit for measuring either the date or time when the signal is received from the first communication unit. In addition, it is desirable that the second creation means includes means for creating information for identifying a still image based on either the date or the time.

  In addition, it is preferable that the above-described relay device further includes a search unit, a third creation unit, and a second control unit. When the second communication unit receives the information indicating the search condition, the search unit searches for information that matches the search condition from the information for identifying the still image stored by the storage unit. The third creating means creates information representing a set of still images using information representing still images so as to correspond to the information retrieved by the retrieving means. The second control means controls the second communication means so as to transmit information representing a set of still images to the second communication device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the communication system includes a photographing device, a relay device, and a display device. The photographing apparatus includes photographing means and transmitting means. The photographing means photographs a video. The transmission means transmits a video signal representing a video to the relay device. The relay device includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a first control unit, a first generation unit, a second generation unit, a storage unit, a search unit, a third unit Creating means and second control means. The first communication means communicates with the photographing apparatus. The second communication means communicates with the display device. The first control unit controls the second communication unit so as to transmit the video signal received by the first communication unit to the display device. The first creating means creates information representing a still image from the video signal. The second creating means creates information for identifying a still image based on a matter for classifying received signals. The storage means stores information representing a still image and information for identifying the still image in association with each other. When the second communication unit receives the information indicating the search condition, the search unit searches for information that matches the search condition from the information for identifying the still image stored by the storage unit. The third creating means creates information representing a set of still images using information representing still images so as to correspond to the information retrieved by the retrieving means. The second control means controls the second communication means so as to transmit information representing a set of still images to the display device. The display device includes communication means and display means. The communication means communicates with the relay device. The display means displays either the video or the image using either the video signal received by the communication means or information representing a set of still images.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the above-described photographing apparatus further includes a receiving unit for receiving an audio signal from the relay apparatus. In addition, it is desirable that the relay device further includes means for controlling the first communication means so as to transmit the audio signal received by the second communication means to the photographing apparatus. In addition, the display device preferably further includes conversion means and control means. The converting means converts the sound into an audio signal. The control means controls the communication means so as to transmit the audio signal to the relay device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the relay program includes a first communication step, a second communication step, a first control step, a first creation step, a second creation step, and a storage step. Each step including the above is executed by a computer. In the first communication step, communication is performed with the first communication device. In the second communication step, communication is performed with the second communication device. The first control step controls the second communication step so that the video signal received in the first communication step is transmitted to the second communication device. In the first creation step, information representing a still image is created from the video signal. In the second creation step, information for identifying a still image is created based on a matter for classifying received signals. The storing step stores information representing a still image and information for identifying the still image in association with each other.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium that records a relay program. The relay program executes each step including a first communication step, a second communication step, a first control step, a first creation step, a second creation step, and a storage step in a computer. Let In the first communication step, communication is performed with the first communication device. In the second communication step, communication is performed with the second communication device. The first control step controls the second communication step so that the video signal received in the first communication step is transmitted to the second communication device. In the first creation step, information representing a still image is created from the video signal. In the second creation step, information for identifying a still image is created based on a matter for classifying received signals. The storing step stores information representing a still image and information for identifying the still image in association with each other.

  The relay device, the communication system, the relay program, and the computer-readable recording medium that records the relay program according to the present invention can efficiently browse captured images.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the communication system according to the present embodiment includes door phone slave device 100, door phone slave device 102, door phone adapter 104, video phone 106, and personal computer 108. The doorphone slave device 100 and the doorphone slave device 102 are photographing devices that photograph a visitor. Door phone adapter 104 is a relay device that relays signals and the like between door phone slave device 100 and door phone slave device 102, video phone 106 and personal computer 108. The video phone 106 and the personal computer 108 are display devices that display moving images and still images.

  Referring to FIG. 2, door phone slave device 100 includes a camera unit 120, a speaker unit 122, a microphone unit 124, a call switch unit 126, and a terminal 128. The camera unit 120 includes, for example, a solid-state image sensor. The camera unit 120 is a device that captures images of visitors. The communication circuit built in the camera unit 120 transmits a signal representing an image obtained by photographing to the door phone adapter 104 via the terminal 128 as a video signal. The speaker unit 122 is a device that reproduces and outputs an audio signal. The communication circuit built in the speaker unit 122 is a circuit that receives an audio signal from the door phone adapter 104 via the terminal 128. The microphone unit 124 is a device that receives information representing the voice by converting the voice of the visitor into an electrical signal. The communication circuit built in the microphone unit 124 transmits the converted audio signal to the door phone adapter 104 via the terminal 128. The call switch unit 126 is a device that generates a call signal in response to pressing of a call button (not shown) arranged on the door phone slave unit 100. The communication circuit built in the call switch unit 126 transmits a call signal to the door phone adapter 104 via the terminal 128.

  The hardware configuration of the door phone slave unit 102 is the same as that of the door phone slave unit 100 described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the control block of the door phone adapter 104 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the door phone adapter 104 includes a TV door phone interface A 130, a TV door phone interface B 132, a switching unit 134, a separation unit 136, a data processing unit 138, an image processing unit 140, a LAN (Local Area). Network) control unit 142, LAN interface 144, setting unit 146, storage unit 148, Web server processing unit 150, system control unit 152, and CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) drive 154 . The TV door phone interface A 130 is a device that communicates with the door phone slave device 100. The TV door phone interface B 132 is a device that communicates with the door phone slave unit 102. The switching unit 134 is a device that switches an interface for receiving a signal among the TV door phone interface A130 and the TV door phone interface B132. The separation unit 136 is a device that separates a video signal and an audio signal from an analog signal that is input from the doorphone slave unit 100 or the doorphone slave unit 102 and in which the video signal and the audio signal are mixed. The data processing unit 138 is a device that digitizes the video signal and the audio signal separated by the separation unit 136. The data processing unit 138 is also a device that converts a digital signal received by the LAN interface 144 into an analog signal. The image processing unit 140 is a device that creates information representing a still image from the digital signal converted by the data processing unit 138. The LAN control unit 142 is a device that controls the LAN interface 144. The LAN interface 144 is a device that communicates with the video phone 106 and the personal computer 108. The setting unit 146 is a device that performs various settings for the image processing unit 140 to create a still image file. The storage unit 148 is a device that stores various types of information. The information stored in the storage unit 148 includes a still image file and a file name that is information associated with the still image file. The Web server processing unit 150 is a device that creates Web page information including a still image in accordance with a request from the video phone 106 or the personal computer 108. The system control unit 152 is a device that performs overall control of the door phone adapter 104. The CD-ROM drive 154 is a device that reads information such as a program from the CD-ROM 206.

  The system control unit 152 includes a clock 158. The clock 158 is a device that measures date and time.

  The structure of the file name according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of the file name according to the present embodiment. In the case of the present embodiment, each character constituting the file name represents a matter for classifying signals received by any of the TV door phone interface A 130, the TV door phone interface B 132, and the LAN interface 144. In the following description, the Nth character of the file name is represented as [N]. In the file name, [1] represents the door phone number. In the present embodiment, the number of the TV door phone interface A130 is “1”. The number of the TV door phone interface B132 is “2”. [2] represents whether or not the user was at home when the video was shot. In the present embodiment, if the user is at home, [2] is “1”. If the user is away, [2] is “2”. [3] to [6] represent the year to which the photographed day belongs in the Western calendar. [7] and [8] represent the month to which the photographed day belongs. [9] and [10] represent the day of shooting. [11] and [12] indicate the time to which the time of shooting belongs. [13] and [14] represent the minutes to which the time of shooting belongs. [15] and [16] represent the seconds to which the time of shooting belongs. [17] to [19] represent series numbers (serial numbers). [20] represents a period. [21] to [23] represent extensions. In FIG. 5, the date and time when the image was taken was 12:30:45 on August 6, 2005, and the doorphone number was “1” while the user was away (in this embodiment, the doorphone slave unit 100 3) represents the file name of the still image file whose series number is “001”.

  The door phone adapter 104 according to the present embodiment according to the present embodiment is realized by computer hardware and software executed by the system control unit 152. Generally, such software is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as the CD-ROM 206, read from the recording medium by the CD-ROM drive 154, etc., read to the storage unit 148, and executed by the system control unit 152 described above. Is done. The computer hardware itself described above is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on a recording medium such as the CD-ROM 206.

  A control block of the video phone 106 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the video phone 106 includes a communication unit 162 for communicating between the control unit 160 that controls the entire video phone 106 and the door phone adapter 104, the personal computer 108, or another telephone device. And a storage unit 164 that stores a program executed in the control unit 160, intermediate data of the program, and information received via the communication unit 162, and an input / output unit 166. The control unit 160 is also a device that controls the communication unit 162 so as to transmit an audio signal to the door phone adapter 104.

  Input / output unit 166 includes an operation unit 170, a display unit 172, a microphone 174, and a speaker 176. Using the numeric keypad or the like, the operation unit 170 allows the user of the video phone 106 to input a telephone number of another telephone device or input a request for displaying an e-mail received using the communication unit 162. The display unit 172 displays the other party's telephone number input from the operation unit 170, the e-mail received by the communication unit 162, the personal information of others received by the communication unit 162, or the like. The display unit 172 is also a device that displays video using the video signal received by the communication unit 162. The microphone 174 is a device that converts the voice input by the user of the video phone 106 into a voice signal. The speaker 176 is a device that outputs sound.

  A control block of the personal computer 108 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the personal computer 108 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 180, a display 182, a main storage device 184, an external storage device 186, a keyboard 188, a speaker 190, a communication device 192, A microphone 194 and a bus 196 are included. The CPU 180, the display 182, the main storage device 184, the external storage device 186, the keyboard 188, the speaker 190, and the communication device 192 are mutually connected by a bus 196.

  CPU 180 executes a program. The CPU 180 obtains a program executed by itself from the main storage device 184 or the external storage device 186. The CPU 180 exchanges data with the display 182, the main storage device 184, the external storage device 186, the communication device 192, the keyboard 188, and the speaker 190 through the bus 196. The CPU 180 is also a device that controls the communication device 192 so as to transmit an audio signal to the door phone adapter 104.

  The display 182 is a display medium combined with a graphic card or the like. A VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) is provided on the graphic card. The data on the VRAM is converted into a display signal and then supplied to the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel is a device that displays video using a video signal received by the communication device 192.

  The main storage device 184 is usually composed of a memory device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a flash memory. The main storage device 184 is a device that stores various data.

  The external storage device 186 is also a device that stores various data. In the present embodiment, the external storage device 186 includes a hard disk drive 200 and a PC (Personal Computer) card slot 202.

  The keyboard 188 is a device for a user to input information. The keyboard 188 includes a plurality of buttons (keys) and generates a signal corresponding to the pressed key. Information input from the keyboard 188 is input to the CPU 180 via the bus 196.

  The speaker 190 is a device that interprets audio data sent via the bus 196 or the like as an audio signal and outputs it as audio.

  The communication device 192 is realized by a network interface card or the like. The communication device 192 is a device that communicates with the door phone adapter 104 and the video phone 106 connected via the LAN 110.

  The microphone 194 is a device that converts the voice input by the user of the personal computer 108 into a voice signal.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the program executed by door phone adapter 104 performs the following control regarding shooting.

  In step 210 (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as “S”), the switching unit 134 receives the signal from either the TV door phone interface A 130 or the TV door phone interface B 132, and the door phone slave device 100 and the door phone slave device 102. It is determined whether there is a call from any of the above. If it is determined that there is a call (YES in S210), the process proceeds to S212. If not (NO in S210), the process returns to S210.

  In S <b> 212, switching unit 134 outputs a signal to the system control unit 152 that there is a call from either doorphone slave device 100 or doorphone slave device 102. When the signal is output, the system control unit 152 causes the clock 158 to start measuring time. When the time measurement is started, the system control unit 152 determines whether it is time to start shooting. If it is determined that the time has arrived (YES in S212), the process proceeds to S214. If not (NO in S212), the process returns to S212.

  In S214, setting unit 146 acquires a series number. This process corresponds to the processes of S240 to S244 described later.

  At S216, either TV door phone interface A 130 or TV door phone interface B 132 receives a reception signal from either door phone slave device 100 or door phone slave device 102. The received signals include a video signal that is a signal representing video, an audio signal that is a signal representing audio, and a control signal that is a signal used for control by the door phone adapter 104, the video phone 106, or the personal computer 108. When the reception signal is received, the separation unit 136 receives the reception signal via the switching unit 134. When the reception signal is received, the separation unit 136 separates the video signal, the audio signal, and the control signal from the reception signal. When the video signal, the audio signal, and the control signal are separated, the separation unit 136 outputs the video signal to the image processing unit 140 via the system control unit 152. The image processing unit 140 creates a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) file, which is information representing a still image, from the video signal. The LAN control unit 142 receives a video signal, an audio signal, and a control signal via the system control unit 152. The LAN control unit 142 controls the LAN interface 144 so as to transmit the video signal, the audio signal, and the control signal to the video phone 106 or the personal computer 108.

  In S218, setting unit 146 creates a file name. This process corresponds to the processes of S250 to S258 described later. As a result, the setting unit 146 creates a file name that is information for identifying a still image. The file name is created on the basis of matters for classifying signals received by any of the TV door phone interface A130, the TV door phone interface B132, and the LAN interface 144. In the case of the present embodiment, “items for classifying received signals” include the doorphone slave unit that transmitted the received signal, the date and time of video shooting, and whether or not the video was shot while the user was at home. And photographed visitors. As will be described later, in the case of the present embodiment, the setting unit 146 temporarily creates a file name that the user regards as absence.

  In S220, setting unit 146 changes the file name of the JPEG file created by image processing unit 140 to the file name created by itself. When the file name is changed, the system control unit 152 stores the JPEG file in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148. Since the file name is saved together with the JPEG file, the storage unit 148 stores information indicating a still image and information for identifying the still image in association with each other.

  In S222, the system control unit 152 sets a preset number (this number is set by the user. If a thief such as a vacant nest or a robbery appears, if only one image is created, the appearance is specified. This is because the possibility that an image that can be obtained is extremely low is determined. The storage unit 148 stores the number of files to be created. If it is determined that a previously stored number of files have been created (YES in S222), the process proceeds to S230. If not (NO in S222), the process proceeds to S224.

  In S224, the system control unit 152 refers to the time measured by the clock 158. When the time is referred to, the system control unit 152 determines whether a preset interval (this interval is set by the user and stored in the storage unit 148) has elapsed. If it is determined that the interval has elapsed (YES in S224), the process proceeds to S216. Otherwise (NO at S224), the process proceeds to S226.

  In S 226, LAN control unit 142 determines whether or not LAN interface 144 has received a signal indicating that there has been a response from video phone 106 or personal computer 108. If it is determined that there is a response (YES in S226), the process proceeds to S228. If not (NO in S226), the process proceeds to S224.

  In S228, LAN control unit 142 controls LAN interface 144 to start receiving an audio signal from video phone 106 or personal computer 108. The system control unit 152 controls the TV door phone interface A 130 or the TV door phone interface B 132 so that the audio signal received by the LAN interface 144 is transmitted to the door phone slave device 100 or the door phone slave device 102. The setting unit 146 changes the file name [2] to “1” for all the files stored in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148. As a result, the setting unit 146 creates a file name based on whether an audio signal is received from the LAN interface 144.

  In S230, system control unit 152 moves the JPEG file stored in the temporary storage area of storage unit 148 to the normal storage area.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the program executed by door phone adapter 104 performs the following control with respect to acquisition of the series number.

  In S240, setting unit 146 determines whether or not the value of the series number is less than “999” by referring to its own counter. If it is determined that the value of the series number is less than “999” (YES in S240), the process proceeds to S242. If not (NO in S240), the process proceeds to S244.

  In S242, setting unit 146 reads the value of the counter into its own register. When the counter value is read, the setting unit 146 adds “1” to the counter value. In S244, setting unit 146 reads the value of the counter into its own register. When the value is read into the register, the setting unit 146 sets the counter value to “0”.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the program executed by door phone adapter 104 executes the following control with respect to creation of a file name.

  In S250, setting unit 146 acquires the door phone number from system control unit 152. The system control unit 152 stores the door phone number in the storage unit 148 based on which received the video signal when the TV door phone interface A130 or the TV doorphone interface B132 receives the video signal. When the door phone number is acquired, the setting unit 146 stores the acquired door phone number in an area for storing [1] in its own buffer. As a result, the setting unit 146 creates a file name based on which of the TV door phone interface A130 and the TV door phone interface B132 has received the video signal.

  In S252, setting unit 146 stores “2” in the area storing [2] in its own buffer. By storing “2” in the area storing [2], the setting unit 146 temporarily determines that the user is away.

  In S254, setting unit 146 obtains the date and time when the video was shot from system control unit 152. When the television doorphone interface A130 or the television doorphone interface B132 starts to receive the video signal, the system control unit 152 refers to the clock 158 to detect a value representing the shooting date and time. The storage unit 148 stores a value representing the shooting date and time. Thus, the clock 158 becomes a device that measures either the date or the time when the signal is received from the TV door phone interface A130 or the TV door phone interface B132. When the setting unit 146 acquires a value representing the shooting date and time, the setting unit 146 stores a value representing the shooting date and time in an area storing [3] to [16] of its own register. Thereby, the setting unit 146 creates a file name based on either the date or the time.

  In S258, setting unit 146 stores the series number calculated in S242 or S244 in the area storing [17] to [19] of its own register.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the program executed by door phone adapter 104 performs the following control regarding file extraction.

  In S260, LAN control unit 142 receives a command signal indicating that the search should be started from video phone 106 or personal computer 108 via LAN interface 144. In the case of the present embodiment, the command signal includes information representing search conditions.

  In S262, the system control unit 152 extracts information representing the search condition from information received by the LAN interface 144 as a command signal. When the information is extracted, the system control unit 152 determines whether the search condition requires a list of all still images. If it is determined that a list of all still images is requested (YES in S262), the process proceeds to S264. If not (NO in S262), the process proceeds to S266. In S264, system control unit 152 sequentially saves the file names of all JPEG files stored in storage unit 148 in the temporary storage area.

  In S266, system control unit 152 determines whether or not the search condition requests a list of still images by door phone. If it is determined that a list of still images by door phone is requested (YES in S266), the process proceeds to S268. If not (NO in S266), the process proceeds to S270. In S268, system control unit 152 searches the file name of the JPEG file stored in storage unit 148 for the same file name as the value included in the information indicating the search condition [1]. When the file name is searched, the system control unit 152 stores the searched file name in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148.

  In S270, system control unit 152 determines whether the search condition is a request for a still image for each visitor. If it is determined that a still image for each visitor is requested (YES in S270), the process proceeds to S272. If not (NO in S270), the process proceeds to S274. In step S272, the system control unit 152 selects the date and time ([3] to [[ 16]) retrieves the file name of the oldest file, when the file name is retrieved, the system control unit 152 stores the retrieved file name in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148.

  In step S274, the system control unit 152 determines whether the search condition is a request for a still image file of a video shot when the user is absent. If it is determined that the request is for a still image file of a video shot when the user is absent (YES in S274), the process proceeds to S276. If not (NO in S274), the process proceeds to S278. In step S276, the system control unit 152 searches the file name of the JPEG file stored in the storage unit 148 for a file name whose value [2] is “2”. When the file name is searched, the system control unit 152 stores the searched file name in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148.

  In S278, system control unit 152 determines whether or not the search condition requires a JPEG file of a video shot when the user is at home. If it is determined that the user requests a JPEG file of a video shot at home (YES in S278), the process proceeds to S280. If not (NO in S278), the process ends. In step S280, the system control unit 152 searches the file name of the JPEG file stored in the storage unit 148 for a file name whose value [2] is “1”. When the file name is searched, the system control unit 152 stores the searched file name in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148.

  In S282, Web server processing unit 150 creates Web page data using the extracted file (JPEG file whose file name is stored in the temporary storage area of storage unit 148). Web page data is information representing a set of still images. “A set of still images” represented by the Web page data is a set of still images corresponding to the file names searched by the system control unit 152.

  In step S284, the LAN interface 144 transmits the Web page data created by the Web server processing unit 150 to the device (the video phone 106 or the personal computer 108) that has transmitted the command signal under the control of the LAN control unit 142. .

  The operation of the communication system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

[When a request is made to display an image of "List"]
The switching unit 134 determines whether there is a call from either the door phone slave device 100 or the door phone slave device 102 (S210). If there is a call from any of them (YES in S210), system control unit 152 determines whether or not it is time to start shooting (S212). Initially, the time has not arrived (NO in S212), but when that time comes later (YES in S212), setting unit 146 determines whether or not the value of its counter is less than “999” ( S240). In this case, if the value of the series number is less than “999” (YES in S240), setting unit 146 reads the value of the counter. When the counter value is read, the setting unit 146 adds “1” to the counter value (S242).

  When the counter value is read, the image processing unit 140 creates a JPEG file from the video signal (S216). When the JPEG file is created, the setting unit 146 acquires the door phone number from the system control unit 152. When the door phone number is acquired, the setting unit 146 sets the door phone number acquired as [1] of the file name (S250). When the door phone number is set, the setting unit 146 sets “2” as [2] of the file name (S252). When “2” is set, the setting unit 146 acquires the shooting date and time from the system control unit 152. When the shooting date / time is acquired, the setting unit 146 sets the shooting date / time in the file names [3] to [16] (S254). When the shooting date and time is set, the setting unit 146 sets the previously acquired series number in the file names [17] to [19] (S258).

  When the series number is set, the system control unit 152 stores the file with the file name set in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148 (S220). When the files are saved, the system control unit 152 determines whether the set number of files has been created (S222). If the set number of files has not yet been created (NO in S222), system control unit 152 determines whether or not the interval has passed (S224). If the interval has elapsed, the processing of S216 to S224 is repeated. Finally, when the set number of files are created (YES in S222), system control unit 152 moves the JPEG file from the temporary storage area of storage unit 148 to the normal storage area (S230).

  When the file is moved, the LAN interface 144 receives a command signal from the video phone 106 or the personal computer 108 (S260). When the command signal is received, the system control unit 152 determines whether or not the search condition included in the command signal requires a list of all still images (S262). In this case, since a list of all still images is requested (YES in S262), system control unit 152 extracts the file names of all files stored in the storage area of storage unit 148 (S264). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the file names of all the files moved to the storage area of storage unit 148. When the file name is extracted, the web server processing unit 150 creates web page data (S282). When the web page data is created, the LAN interface 144 transmits the created web page data (S284). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image displayed by video phone 106 that has received Web page data.

[When there is a request to display images by door phone]
It is assumed that a command signal requesting a still image for each door phone of the door phone slave device 100 is transmitted from the personal computer 108. Through the processes of S260 to S262, the system control unit 152 determines whether or not the search condition included in the command signal requires display of an image for each doorphone (S266). In this case, since the display condition is that display of images for each doorphone is requested (YES in S266), the system control unit 152 selects the file name of the file whose file name [1] is “1”. Extract (S268). As a result, when the LAN interface 144 receives the information indicating the search condition, the system control unit 152 searches the file name stored in the storage unit 148 for information that matches the search condition. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating file names stored in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148. When the file name is extracted, the personal computer 108 displays the Web page through the processing of S282 to S284. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an image of a Web page displayed by personal computer 108.

  At this time, it is assumed that the video phone 106 transmits a command signal requesting a still image for each door phone of the door phone slave unit 102. Through the processes of S260 to S262, the system control unit 152 determines whether or not the search condition included in the command signal requires an image for each doorphone (S266). In this case, since the search condition is that display of images for each doorphone is requested (YES in S266), system control unit 152 extracts a file file name whose file name [1] value is “2”. (S268). FIG. 16 is a diagram showing file names stored in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148. When the file name is extracted, the video phone 106 displays a Web page through the processing of S282 to S284. FIG. 17 is a view showing an image of a Web page displayed on videophone 106 at this time.

[When a request is made to display a visitor-specific image]
It is assumed that a command signal requesting a still image for each visitor is transmitted from the video phone 106. Through the processes of S260 to S266, the system control unit 152 determines whether or not the search condition is for requesting an image for each visitor (S270). In this case, since the search condition is to request a visitor-specific image (YES in S270), the system control unit 152 extracts the file name of the file with the oldest shooting time from the files with the same series number ( S272). As a result, the system control unit 152 creates a file name based on the group to which the still image represented by the JPEG file belongs. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating file names stored in the temporary storage area of storage unit 148. When the file name is extracted, the video phone 106 displays a Web page through the processing of S282 to S284. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an image of a Web page displayed on videophone 106 at this time. As a result, the display unit 172 of the video phone 106 displays an image using information representing a set of still images received by the communication unit 162.

[When there is a request to display the image when you are away]
Assume that a command signal is transmitted from the video phone 106. Through the processes of S260 to S270, the system control unit 152 determines whether or not the search condition is a request for a still image file of a video shot when the user is absent (S274). In this case, since the search condition is to request a still image file of a video shot when the user is absent (YES in S274), the system control unit 152 includes the file name of the JPEG file stored in the storage unit 148. From the file name, the file name whose value [2] is “2” is extracted (S276). FIG. 20 is a diagram showing file names stored in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148. When the file name is extracted, the video phone 106 displays a Web page through the processing of S282 to S284. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an image of a Web page displayed on videophone 106 at this time. As a result, the display unit 172 of the video phone 106 displays an image using information representing a set of still images received by the communication unit 162.

[When a request is made to display an image at home]
After the processes of S210 to S224, the LAN control unit 142 determines whether there is a response from the video phone 106 or the personal computer 108 (S226). In this case, if there is a response from video phone 106 (YES in S226), setting unit 146 sets the value of [2] of the file name in all files stored in the temporary storage area of storage unit 148 to “ 1 "(S228). Up to this point, the setting unit 146 has created a file name based on whether the video doorphone interface A130 or the television doorphone interface B132 has received the video signal. At this point, the setting unit 146 creates a file name based on whether an audio signal is received from the LAN interface 144. As a result, the setting unit 146 creates a file name based on whether the TV door phone interface A130 or the TV door phone interface B132 or the LAN interface 144 receives the signal. When the file name is changed, the system control unit 152 moves the JPEG file from the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148 to the normal storage area (S230).

  Then, it is assumed that a command signal requesting an image at home is transmitted from the video phone 106. Through the processes of S260 to S274, the system control unit 152 determines whether or not the search condition requires an image at home (S278). In this case, since the search condition is to request an image at home (YES in S278), the system control unit 152 sets the value of [2] from the file names of the JPEG files stored in the storage unit 148. The file name “1” is extracted (S280). FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating file names stored in the temporary storage area of the storage unit 148. When the file name is extracted, the video phone 106 displays a Web page through the processing of S282 to S284. FIG. 23 shows an image of a Web page displayed on videophone 106 at this time.

  As described above, the communication system according to the present embodiment searches for the file name of the JPEG file stored in advance according to the search condition included in the command signal. When the file name is searched, the door phone adapter according to the present embodiment creates a Web page of an image that matches the search condition using the file whose file name has been searched. When a Web page is created, a communication device (video phone or personal computer) that constitutes the communication system according to the present embodiment displays the Web page. As a result, an image of a condition desired by the user is displayed. The screen of a video phone is often not very large. By displaying the image of the condition desired by the user, the image can be browsed efficiently even on a screen that is not so large. As a result, it is possible to provide a relay device, a communication system, a relay program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the relay program can be efficiently viewed.

  Further, since the communication system according to the present embodiment searches for a file name set according to whether or not there is a response, the user can efficiently browse the image of the visitor who is away. As a result, work for identifying thieves including empty nests, mud, robbery robbery, and night theft is made more efficient. As a result, it is possible to provide a relay device, a communication system, a relay program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the relay program is easily recorded.

  As a modification, when the search condition specifies a period, the system control unit 152 may extract the file name of the JPEG file of the video shot during the period specified in the search condition. .

  As a modification, when the search condition specifies a date, the system control unit 152 may extract the file name of the JPEG file of the video shot on the date specified in the search condition. .

  As a modification, the communication system may include a Web camera and a sensor instead of the doorphone slave device 100 and the doorphone slave device 102. In this case, the communication system implements except that no audio signal is transmitted from the doorphone adapter 104 and that the sensor determines whether there is a visitor instead of determining whether there is a call from the doorphone slave unit in S210. The processing is the same as described above.

  As a modification, the communication system may record audio together with video. In this case, an audio file may be created in the same manner as the JPEG file creation in S216. When creating an audio file, the file name of the audio file can be determined according to the same rules as the JPEG file except for the extension. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a relay device, a communication system, a relay program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the relay program can be recorded so that the recorded voice can be viewed efficiently.

  As a modification, software that implements the doorphone adapter 104 according to the present embodiment may be recorded on a recording medium other than the CD-ROM 206. The “recording medium other than the CD-ROM 206” includes at least a PC card, an FD (Flexible Disk), a flash memory, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). In this case, the computer hardware that implements the door phone adapter 104 includes a device that reads the software from the recording medium on which the software is recorded.

  Moreover, as a modification, the number of doorphone slave units constituting the communication system according to the present embodiment is not limited to two. When there are 10 or more intercom slave units, the number of door phone slave units in the file name shown in FIG. 4 is two or more characters.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the door phone slave unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the door phone adapter concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the file name of the JPEG file concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of the file name of the JPEG file concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram of the video telephone concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a control block diagram of the personal computer concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control of the imaging | photography process concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the acquisition process of the series number concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the production | generation process of the file name concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the file extraction process concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure showing the file name of the JPEG file memorize | stored in the memory | storage part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure showing the screen of the web page displayed on the video telephone concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure showing the file name of the JPEG file memorize | stored in the memory | storage part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure showing the screen of the web page displayed on the personal computer concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd figure showing the file name of the JPEG file memorize | stored in the memory | storage part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the screen of the web page displayed on the video telephone concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 4th figure showing the file name of the JPEG file memorize | stored in the memory | storage part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd figure showing the screen of the web page displayed on the video telephone concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 5th figure showing the file name of the JPEG file memorize | stored in the memory | storage part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 4th figure showing the screen of the web page displayed on the video telephone concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 6th figure showing the file name of the JPEG file memorize | stored in the memory | storage part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a 5th figure showing the screen of the web page displayed on the video telephone concerning embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  100, 102 Door phone slave unit, 104 Door phone adapter, 106 Video phone, 108 Personal computer, 120 Camera unit, 122 Speaker unit, 124 Microphone unit, 126 Call switch unit, 128 terminals, 130 TV door phone interface A, 132 TV door phone interface B , 134 switching unit, 136 separation unit, 138 data processing unit, 140 image processing unit, 142 LAN control unit, 144 LAN interface, 146 setting unit, 148, 164 storage unit, 150 Web server processing unit, 152 system control unit, 154 CD-ROM drive, 158 clock, 160 control unit, 162 communication unit, 166 input / output unit, 170 operation unit, 172 display unit, 174, 194 microphone, 176, 190 speaker, 1 0 CPU, 182 display, 184 main storage, 186 external storage device, 188 keyboard, 192 communication device, 196 bus, 200 a hard disk drive, 202 PC card slot, 204 PC Card, 206 CD-ROM.

Claims (11)

First communication means for communicating with the first communication device;
Second communication means for communicating with the second communication device;
First control means for controlling the second communication means so as to transmit the video signal received by the first communication means to the second communication device;
First creating means for creating information representing a still image from the video signal;
Second creation means for creating information for identifying the still image based on a matter for classifying signals received by either of the first communication means and the second communication means;
A relay apparatus comprising: storage means for storing information representing the still image and information for identifying the still image in association with each other.   The second creation means includes means for creating information for identifying the still image based on whether a signal is received from the first communication means or the second communication means. Item 4. The relay device according to Item 1.   The means for creating information for identifying the still image includes means for creating information for identifying the still image based on whether an audio signal is received from the second communication means. The relay device according to claim 2.   The means for creating information for identifying the still picture is means for creating information for identifying the still picture based on which of the plurality of first communication means has received the video signal. The relay device according to claim 2, comprising:   The relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second creating unit includes a unit for creating information for identifying the still image based on a group to which the still image belongs. The relay device further includes a measurement unit for measuring either the date or the time when the signal is received from the first communication unit,
The relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second creating unit includes a unit for creating information for identifying the still image based on any of the date and time. The relay device is
When the second communication means receives information indicating a search condition, search means for searching for information that matches the search condition from among the information for identifying the still image stored in the storage means;
A third creating means for creating information representing a set of still images so as to correspond to the information retrieved by the retrieving means using the information representing the still image;
2. The relay apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second control means for controlling the second communication means so as to transmit information representing the set of still images to the second communication device. . A communication system including an imaging device, a relay device, and a display device,
The imaging device
Photographing means for photographing images;
Transmitting means for transmitting a video signal representing the video to the relay device;
The relay device is
First communication means for communicating with the imaging device;
Second communication means for communicating with the display device;
First control means for controlling the second communication means so as to transmit the video signal received by the first communication means to the display device;
First creating means for creating information representing a still image from the video signal;
A second creating means for creating information for identifying the still image based on a matter for classifying received signals;
Storage means for storing information representing the still image and information for identifying the still image in association with each other;
When the second communication means receives information indicating a search condition, search means for searching for information that matches the search condition from among the information for identifying the still image stored in the storage means;
A third creating means for creating information representing a set of still images so as to correspond to the information retrieved by the retrieving means using the information representing the still image;
Second control means for controlling the second communication means so as to transmit information representing the set of still images to the display device;
The display device
A communication means for communicating with the relay device;
And a display means for displaying either a video or an image using either the video signal received by the communication means or information representing the set of still images. The imaging device further includes a receiving means for receiving an audio signal from the relay device,
The relay device further includes means for controlling the first communication means so as to transmit an audio signal received by the second communication means to the photographing apparatus,
The display device
Conversion means for converting the sound into an audio signal;
9. The communication system according to claim 8, further comprising control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit the voice signal to the relay device. A first communication step of communicating with the first communicator;
A second communication step of communicating with the second communication device;
A first control step for controlling the second communication step so as to transmit the video signal received in the first communication step to the second communication device;
A first creation step of creating information representing a still image from the video signal;
A second creation step of creating information for identifying the still image based on a matter for classifying the received signals;
A relay program for causing a computer to execute each step including the step of storing the information representing the still image and the information for identifying the still image in association with each other. A first communication step of communicating with the first communicator;
A second communication step of communicating with the second communication device;
A first control step for controlling the second communication step so as to transmit the video signal received in the first communication step to the second communication device;
A first creation step of creating information representing a still image from the video signal;
A second creation step of creating information for identifying the still image based on a matter for classifying the received signals;
A computer-readable recording medium on which a relay program for causing a computer to execute each step including the step of storing the information representing the still image and the information for identifying the still image in association with each other is stored.

Images