JP3805324B2 - Surveillance / control method and video camera apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is a monitoring / control method suitable for application to a home automation system or the like that performs device monitoring, device ON / OFF control, etc., using picture / character display on a CRT or liquid crystal display device. And a video camera apparatus using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Due to the popularization of home automation systems that monitor the status of devices in the home and control ON / OFF and advances in electronic technology, monitoring and control devices for home automation systems with high functionality and good operability have recently become inexpensive. A variety of functions have been released by many manufacturers.
[0003]
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional home automation system. The monitoring / control device 30 includes a CRT 31, a microcomputer 32, a video mixer 33, and operation switches 34, 35, and 36. Further, the microcomputer 32 is connected to controlled devices (a bath 37, a shutter 38, a rice cooker 39, an air conditioner 40, an electric lock 41, an illumination 42, etc.) and constantly monitors the state of the controlled device. In the monitoring / control device 30, the status of the controlled device is displayed on the CRT 31, and when the control is necessary, the horizontal operation switches 34, 35 for displaying the status of the controlled device on the screen are displayed. Control by pressing 36. (Monitoring / control device with separate screen display and device instruction)
[0004]
As another monitoring / control device, there is a device that controls by directly pressing an instruction key displayed on the screen using a transmissive input device, and is commercialized for a home automation system (see Patent Document 1). ).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-60-96089 (page 1-4, FIG. 6)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the monitoring / control device for home automation system as described above, the size and display position of the screen display (for example, “air conditioner operation”, “lighting on”, etc.) indicating instructions and monitoring status are determined in advance. It was not always easy to use for the elderly with poor vision. In addition, there are many functions that are not normally used, and the operation is cumbersome and difficult to understand for the elderly. In addition, these monitoring and control devices for home automation systems are accompanied by notification sounds and operation sounds, but since the sound quality of these sounds is also predetermined, it is suitable for elderly people who are difficult to hear high sounds. I can't say that.
[0007]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention pays attention to the display problem on these screens, and further to the voice plane (notification sound / operation sound), and is easy to use for the elderly with impaired eyes and ears. It is an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring / control method for an automation system and a video camera apparatus using the same.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a monitoring / control method, receiving a process of displaying an instruction image for instructing control of a device, a process of outputting an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction image, and the instruction signal. A process for controlling a corresponding device, a process for outputting a change signal instructing a change in the size, position, color, and display number of the instruction image; and the size / position of the instruction image in response to the change signal. The process of changing the color / number of displays, the process of generating the notification sound, the process of instructing the change of the volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound, and the volume of the notification sound according to the instruction of the notification change The process of changing the sound quality / type and the size / position / color / number of display and notification sound of the instruction image corresponding to the setting image for instructing to set the device corresponding to the displayed instruction image to a predetermined state Corresponds to volume, sound quality and type of the above and the instruction image The combination corresponding to the setting image is selected from the stored combinations according to the process of storing the combination of the device control setting and the instruction signal corresponding to the setting image, and set to the selected state. And an image processing step for processing the output from the video camera in a predetermined manner. The image processing step includes a step of recording the face image of the operator imaged by the video camera, and a recorded image by the video camera. The process of displaying a list, and selecting one of the face images displayed in the list, the size / position / color / number of indication images corresponding to the face image, and the volume / sound quality / type of notification sound A step of storing a combination with the setting of device control and registering it as a setting image corresponding to the operator.
[0013]
In addition, the present invention relates to a video camera apparatus, which receives a display means for displaying an instruction image for instructing control of equipment on a video camera provided with a recording means, and an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction image. A device control means for controlling the equipment corresponding to the signal, a change instruction means for outputting a change signal for instructing a change in the size, position, color, and display number of the instruction image displayed on the display means, In response to the change signal, the image change means for changing the size, position, color, and number of display of the instruction image, the notification means for generating the notification sound, and the change of the volume, sound quality, and type of the notification sound are instructed. Notification changing means, sound changing means for changing the volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound in response to an instruction from the notification changing means, and an instruction to set the monitoring / control device displayed on the display means to a predetermined state Setting screen for Storage means for storing a combination of the size / position / color / display number of the instruction image corresponding to the sound volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound and the device control setting corresponding to the instruction image; and corresponding to the setting image In accordance with an instruction signal to be performed, a combination corresponding to the setting image is selected from combinations stored in the storage unit, and a setting unit configured to set the selected state, and an image for processing the output of the video camera in a predetermined manner A processing unit, and the image processing unit selects image control means for displaying a list of recorded face images of the operator on the display means, and one of the displayed face images. As a setting image corresponding to the operator, the combination of the size / position / color / display number of the instruction image corresponding to the image, the volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound, and the device control setting is stored in the storage means. Climb It is characterized in that it comprises a registration means for.
[0017]
Further, the image monitoring unit includes an image monitoring unit that monitors the output of the video camera, and a switching unit that switches the output of the video camera to the image processing unit and the image monitoring unit, and the image monitoring unit captures an image captured by the video camera. Preferably, image storage means for storing the image and image comparison means for comparing the images taken by the video camera after a predetermined time when the image is stored in the image storage means and outputting a monitoring signal are provided.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a monitoring / control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The display unit 1 corresponds to a display unit and is configured by a CRT or a liquid crystal display. A transmissive input device (hereinafter referred to as a touch panel) 2 is mounted on the surface of the display unit 1. The touch panel 2 outputs an instruction signal corresponding to the touched or pressed position by being touched or pressed by a finger or the input pen 20. The display change switch 3 corresponds to a change instruction means, and outputs a change signal for instructing to change display contents (display position, size, color, etc.) displayed on the display unit 1 by an operation of the operator. . The microcomputer 5 controls the operation control unit 6, the display control unit 7, and the device control unit 8. The microcomputer 5, the operation control unit 6, the display control unit 7, and the device control unit 8 constitute a control unit 4. The control unit 4 functions as a device changing unit, a screen changing unit, and a key changing unit. The device 9 is an external device connected to this home automation system. An instruction signal from the touch panel 2 is input to the operation control unit 6. A change signal from the display change switch 3 is also input to the operation control unit 6. A device ON / OFF monitoring signal from the device 9 is also input to the operation control unit 6. The operation control unit 6 functions to convert these input signals into signals that can be accepted by the microcomputer 5. The microcomputer 5 receives a signal from the operation control unit 6 and sends a display signal for display on the display unit 1 to the display control unit 7. The display control unit 7 processes this into a character / picture image and sends it to the display unit 1. When the control of the device is instructed by the instruction signal, the control signal from the microcomputer 5 is converted into a signal that can be input to the device by the device control unit 8 and input to the device 9 as an ON / OFF signal. As described above, the ON / OFF state of the device is input to the operation control unit 6 by the device ON / OFF monitoring signal, and the ON / OFF state is displayed on the display unit 1 via the microcomputer 5 and the display control unit 7. Is displayed.
[0019]
2 and 3 show an example in which the display content on the screen is changed. The instruction images 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e on the screen 1 indicate the names of devices to be controlled. By operating each instruction image, each device can be controlled ON / OFF. FIG. 2 shows the screen of the display unit 1 before the display is changed. A display change switch 3 (which may be arranged as an instruction image on the display unit 1) is provided below the display unit 1, and includes switch groups 21 to 26. Hereinafter, the changing method will be described. First, the change start key 21 is operated. Then, for example, the instruction image 2a is operated in order to change the position / size of the instruction image 2a. Then, it is moved, enlarged or reduced by the up / down / left / right movement key 22, the enlargement key 23, and the reduction key 24. If the reduction key 24 is operated a plurality of times, the corresponding instruction image becomes smaller and disappears at the end. That is, the reduction key 24 also has a function of eliminating the display. When the target position and size can be changed, the setting is completed by operating the change set key 26. FIG. 3 shows the screen of the display unit 1 after the instruction image is changed by these operations. The color can be changed by the color change key 25, and the change method is the same as described above.
[0020]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the instruction image changing operation.
When the instruction image change operation is started, the instruction images 2a to 2e are displayed at the set positions on the screen, and the instruction images 2a to 2e are valid as ON / OFF keys for the displayed contents (S1).
Until the change start key 21 is operated in S <b> 2, the display on the screen is in a state where the device can be turned ON / OFF, but the device ON / OFF function is disabled by operating the change start key 21. (S3).
[0021]
Here, the timer count is started (S4). When the operation is abandoned during the change operation, it automatically returns to the original initial state (a state in which the device can be turned ON / OFF) after a certain period of time. It is for returning to.
[0022]
When any one of the instruction images 2a to 2e is operated (S5), the display of the operated key of 2a to 2e becomes the target of change (S6). When no key operation is performed, the timer is canceled (S8) after a certain period of time has elapsed (S7).
[0023]
When any key of the operation keys 22 to 25 is operated (S9), the key display to be changed is moved up and down, left and right, enlarged or reduced, or color changed by operating any of the operation keys 22 to 25 (S10). ). When no key operation is performed, the timer is canceled (S8) after a certain period of time has elapsed (S11).
[0024]
By operating the change set key 26 (S12), the change is confirmed, and thereafter, this state is memorized, and the area of the touch panel corresponding to the changed instruction image becomes valid as the key input unit (S13). The timer is canceled by operating the change set key 26 (S8).
[0025]
By adopting the above-described configuration, the present invention can be a monitoring / control device having specifications that are not determined from the beginning but that have the will of the operator. Especially for elderly people, it is difficult to use (the operation is difficult to understand). Monitoring and control devices for home automation systems can be enlarged, simplified, changed in display position and color as needed, In conjunction with these changes, the size and position of the touch panel are changed to make it easier to use.
[0026]
FIG. 5 shows the use frequency ratio of each instruction image when the use frequency of the instruction image having the lowest use frequency (in this case, 2e) is set to 1 in another embodiment.
[0027]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a display content automatic change routine of the present embodiment.
The number of operation of the instruction image for the past three months is counted (S21), the frequency of use is ranked (S22), the instruction images are rearranged in order of use frequency, and the key input unit of the touch panel is moved along with the movement (S23). ). It is determined whether there is a ratio of the number of times with the least number of key operations of 5 times or more (S24), an instruction image with the ratio of 5 times or more is enlarged (S25), and an instruction image with a ratio of 2 times or less Is moved to the left end toward the screen (S26), and at the same time, the key input section of the touch panel is also moved (S27).
[0028]
FIG. 6 shows only the main routine, but it has movement rules for preventing the instruction images from overlapping each other and arranging them in a good-looking arrangement.
[0029]
FIG. 7 shows a device operation screen of the display unit 1 in the present embodiment. 8 shows a screen in which the size and position of the instruction image and the key input portion of the touch panel are automatically changed according to the frequency of the operation times of the instruction images 2a to 2e.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, the size (enlargement / reduction), position (including the order of arrangement), color, display number, etc. of the instruction image on the screen are automatically changed according to the use frequency of each instruction image operation. The effective key input unit is automatically changed in conjunction with this change. Thus, as the frequency of use increases, screen settings and display contents are automatically changed so as to be easy to use by learning control.
[0031]
FIG. 9 shows a notification sound change screen in still another embodiment. The instruction image 56 (operation sound switch) is an instruction image for changing a sound generated when the key input unit of the touch panel corresponding to each instruction image is operated. The instruction image 57 (notification sound switch) is an instruction image for changing the notification sound. When the instruction image 56 is operated to change the operation sound, the instruction image 58 (volume), the instruction image 59 (sound quality), the instruction image 60 (melody), and the instruction image 61 (voice) are included. It becomes the screen which shows. Here, for example, when the instruction image 59 is operated to change the sound quality, the screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. It can be selected from four types of instruction images 62 to 65 (in this case, the contents are fixed in advance) and can be changed by operating the instruction image 66 (set key). Thus, the user's favorite notification sound can be selected on the screen.
[0032]
As described above, since the volume, sound quality, and type of the notification sound (sound when the switch is operated or notification is necessary) can be changed, even an elderly person who is hard of hearing (the ear is far away, that is, the high sound is difficult to hear). It can be used without any problems.
[0033]
FIG. 12 shows a screen for composing an operator's favorite notification sound in still another embodiment. An operator's favorite sound is set on the musical staff display 121 by a composition operation switch group 122. First, after the set switch 123 is operated, any one of the composition operation switch groups 122 is operated, and a musical score is entered on the musical staff display 121. Each entry is pronounced and you can check the composition each time. The clear switch 124 performs erasure, and the set switch 123 performs setting. As described above, the present embodiment is characterized in that the sound quality, melody, and the like of the notification sound can be created and set according to the preference of the operator on the display screen in order to arbitrarily set the notification sound.
[0034]
FIG. 13 shows a screen display in still another embodiment. The setting images 71 to 78 show image characters of a family structure conscious of grandparents, parents, and children. The setting image corresponding to the operator is determined by superimposing the operator on the setting image. For example, if the setting image 73 is operated, the setting of the father is made. When the setting image corresponding to the operator is operated at the beginning of each operation, for example, the instruction image can be laid out according to the operator as shown in FIG. 2 → FIG. 3, or FIG. 9 → FIG. 10 → As shown in FIG. 11, the type of notification sound can be changed according to the operator. Such combinations of settings can be made for the number of operators. In order to narrow down to the number of family members in FIG. 13, unnecessary face screens can be deleted by the display change switch 3 in FIG. 2 in the same manner as described above. For this reason, a plurality of users in the house can make preference settings respectively.
[0035]
FIG. 14 shows a configuration of a monitoring / control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A video camera 11 is installed in the vicinity of the display unit 1, and an operator's face image captured by the video camera 11 is sent to the image memory unit 12 for recording. A plurality of face images are sequentially arranged and recorded in the image memory unit 12 in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 5. The image display control unit 13 takes out a face image recorded in the image memory unit 12 in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 5, edits it in the form of a list image and sends it to the display unit 1. One of the face images displayed as a list is set as a setting image corresponding to the operator. Therefore, the setting image corresponding to the operator can be the face of the operator, the operator is not mistaken, and the monitoring / control device for a home automation system having different specifications for each home Can do.
[0036]
FIG. 15 shows a configuration of a monitoring / control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The list face image information and the instruction image are superimposed by the video mixer 15 and displayed on the display unit 1 in a superimposed manner. Note that the face image list can be reduced and rearranged by the display change switch 3a so as not to interfere with the display of other screens during superimposition. FIG. 16 shows a device operation screen and a display change switch in the present embodiment. On the superimposed screen of the display unit 1, the face screen can be reduced or rearranged by the same operations as described above using the keys 21 to 26. First, after selecting and operating the face screen in the superimposed screen, setting corresponding to each face screen can be performed by operating the instruction images 2a to 2e.
[0037]
FIG. 17 shows a configuration of a monitoring / control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of face images are captured by the video camera 11 and recorded in the image memory unit 12. Then, the operator is imaged by the same video camera 11 and is compared with a plurality of face images stored in advance in the image memory unit 12 by the face image comparison unit 14. The matched face screen extraction information is sent to the microcomputer 5 to recognize that the person of the extracted face image is an operator, and the state of the subsequent monitoring / control device (setting image, notification sound, device control) To the setting corresponding to the specified operator.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, the operator's face imaged by the video camera 11 is recognized and discriminated, so that the person's face is automatically set, and the face image also serves as the current operator display. This eliminates the need for the operator to select a setting suitable for the operator from the face image list display displayed on the screen.
[0039]
FIG. 18 shows an example of a display content automatic change routine in another embodiment. According to the operation of one of the four operators A, B, C, and D, each of the individual routines 80A, 80B, 80C, and 80D is run according to the method of the display content automatic change routine of FIG. The usage frequency for each instruction image is counted for each time. Thus, the display is automatically changed to a display arrangement and size that are easy for each operator to use by using the monitoring / control device.
[0040]
FIG. 19 shows a configuration of a monitoring / control apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The image extraction unit 104 includes a face image cutout unit 101, a face image stabilization processing unit 102, and a face image linearization processing unit 103. The face image cutout unit 101 performs processing for leaving only the face image of the operator image captured by the video camera 11. In other words, it is a process that leaves only the inside of the contour feature of a substantially round face, and since it is known as an image processing method, the description thereof is omitted. Then, the face image stabilization processing unit 102 stabilizes the face image to a predetermined size. For this, an image enlargement / reduction process is performed, which is also a well-known technique, and a description thereof will be omitted. The face image unified to a certain size is linearized (leaving only the edge) by the linearization processing unit 103 of the face image. Since linearization processing is also a conventional means of image processing, description thereof is omitted. The image memory unit 108 includes an image memory a unit 105, an image memory b unit 106, and a changeover switch unit 107 between the image memory a unit 105 and the image memory b unit 106. That is, the natural face image from the face image stabilization processing unit 102 is recorded in the image memory a unit 105, and the linearized face image is recorded in the image memory b unit 106. The changeover switch 107 can select whether the face image displayed on the screen is a natural face image or a lined face image. It is also possible to change this selection for each operator. The face image displayed on the screen is a setting image as described above. If only the lined face image is displayed on the screen, the changeover switch unit 107 becomes unnecessary and the capacity of the image memory can be reduced.
[0041]
FIG. 20 shows a flowchart when four operators A, B, C, and D operate face images in another embodiment. In this case, a method is adopted in which the face image of the person is lit only during the operation, and the lighting is canceled after the operation is completed. Since it lights when left unfinished, there is an advantage of knowing who was trying to operate. Even at this time, when someone tries to operate later, it is possible to restore the lighting to indicate who previously set in the screen mode. In the present embodiment, not only the display of a face image as an instruction image but also a function of representing a history of the person being operated or operated during or after the operation. This has the advantage that when someone else looks at the screen later, it knows who has set that function now.
[0042]
FIG. 21 shows a configuration of a monitoring / control apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The camera switching unit 11a switches between connection to the image processing unit 10 and connection to the image monitoring unit 27. This switching may be a manual switch or a method of automatically switching to operator imaging when a person stands in front of the video camera. The image monitoring unit 27 includes, for example, an indoor image memory 28 and an indoor image comparison unit 29. The previous indoor image information is recorded in the indoor image memory 28, and the difference from the indoor current image information is compared by the indoor image comparison unit 29 and input to the microcomputer 5 as a monitoring signal. This information can be used as monitoring information on indoor abnormalities (fire, crime prevention, abnormal movements of infants, etc.) and monitoring information on the movement of people in the room.
[0043]
As described above, the video camera 11 is used not only for facial image registration and operator identification, but also for monitoring a room in which a monitoring / control device is installed. Accordingly, it is possible to detect whether the movement of the person is large or small and change the temperature setting of the air conditioner, or to detect the direction of the person and change the setting of the air direction of the air conditioner. In this way, one video camera can be used effectively, such as not only imaging by the operator but also the video camera can also be used for indoor monitoring. can do.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention makes it possible to change the specification of the monitoring / control device for the home automation system according to the operator, not the predetermined specification as in the prior art. It is easy to use for the elderly. It is also a familiar home automation system that seems to be a little hard for the general public.
[0045]
Specifically, according to the monitoring / control method of the present invention, the process of displaying an instruction image for instructing control of a device, the process of outputting an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction image, and the instruction signal, A process of controlling a device corresponding to the instruction signal; a process of outputting a change signal instructing a change in the size, position, color, and display number of the instruction image; and the size of the instruction image in response to the change signal. The process of changing the display, the position, the color, and the number of displays, so that various displays of the instruction image on the screen also serving as a switch can be changed according to the operator. The process of instructing the change of the volume, sound quality, and type of the sound, and the process of changing the volume, sound quality, and type of the notification sound in response to the notification change instruction, the notification sound is adjusted to the operator. The displayed instruction screen can be changed The size, position, color, number of display images corresponding to the setting image for instructing to set the device corresponding to the predetermined state, the volume, sound quality, type of the notification sound, and the instruction image The combination corresponding to the setting image is selected from the stored combinations in accordance with the process of storing the combination with the device control setting and the instruction signal corresponding to the setting image, and is set to the selected state. By providing the process, it is possible to set various displays of instruction images and notification sounds for a plurality of persons for each operator, and to provide a more detailed home automation system.
[0046]
And an image processing step for processing the output from the video camera in a predetermined manner. The image processing step includes a step of recording the face image of the operator captured by the video camera and a list of images recorded by the video camera. Select the process to be displayed and one of the face images displayed in the list, and the size / position / color / number of indication images corresponding to this face image, volume / sound quality / type of notification sound, and device control A process of storing a combination with the setting and registering it as a setting image corresponding to the operator, so that the operator's face image captured by the camera can be displayed on the screen as a switch display. It is possible to make settings for each person and improve the conventional uniform home automation system.
[0051]
In addition, according to the video camera device of the present invention, the video camera provided with the recording means receives the instruction signal corresponding to the instruction image and the display means for displaying the instruction image instructing the control of the device. A device control means for controlling the equipment corresponding to the signal, a change instruction means for outputting a change signal for instructing a change in the size, position, color, and display number of the instruction image displayed on the display means, By changing the size, position, color, and number of displays of the instruction image in response to the change signal, various display of the instruction image on the switch-use screen can be changed according to the operator. The notification means for generating the notification sound, the notification change means for instructing the change of the volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound, and the volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound according to the instruction of the notification change means Sound change hand to change The notification sound can be changed according to the operator, and the size of the instruction image corresponding to the setting image for instructing to set the monitoring / control device displayed on the display means to a predetermined state is provided. According to the instruction signal corresponding to the setting image, storage means for storing a combination of the position / color / number of display and the volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound and the device control setting corresponding to the instruction image, By selecting a combination corresponding to the setting image from the combinations stored in the storage means and setting means for setting to the selected state, various indications and notification sounds of instruction images for a plurality of persons are provided. It can be set for each operator and can provide a more detailed home automation system.
[0056]
And an image monitoring unit that monitors the output of the video camera; and a switching unit that switches the output of the video camera to an image processing unit and the image monitoring unit. The image monitoring unit captures an image captured by the video camera. Image storage means for storing the image, and image comparison means for outputting a monitoring signal by comparing an image captured by a video camera after a predetermined time when the image is stored in the image storage means. By making the video camera versatile, it can be multifunctional and the home automation system can be made compact.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a monitoring / controlling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit before a display change.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen of a display unit after an instruction image is changed.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an instruction image changing operation.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a use frequency ratio of each instruction image.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display content automatic change routine.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a device operation screen of a display unit.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen of a display unit in which an instruction image is automatically changed.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a notification sound change screen.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating each instruction image for changing an operation sound.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating each instruction image for setting an operation sound.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen for composing an operator's favorite notification sound.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen display of a setting image.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a monitoring / controlling apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a monitoring / controlling apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a device operation screen and a display change switch.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a monitoring / controlling apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display content automatic change routine.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration of a monitoring / controlling apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart when four operators A, B, C, and D operate face images.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a monitoring / controlling apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a monitoring / control device for a conventional home automation system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Display section
2 Touch panel
3 Display change switch
4 Control unit
5 Microcomputer
6 Operation control unit
7 Display controller
8 Equipment control unit
9 Equipment
10 Image processing section
11 Video camera

Claims (3)

A process of displaying an instruction image for instructing control of the device;
A step of outputting an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction image;
A step of receiving the instruction signal and controlling a device corresponding to the instruction signal;
A step of outputting a change signal instructing a change in the size, position, color, and display number of the instruction image;
In response to the change signal, a process of changing the size, position, color, and display number of the instruction image;
A process of generating a notification sound;
A process of instructing a change in volume, sound quality, and type of the notification sound;
A step of changing the volume, sound quality, and type of the notification sound in response to the notification change instruction;
The size / position / color / number of indication images and the volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound corresponding to the setting image for instructing to set the device corresponding to the displayed instruction image to a predetermined state, A step of storing a combination with the device control setting corresponding to the instruction image;
In accordance with an instruction signal corresponding to the setting image, selecting a combination corresponding to the setting image from among the stored combinations and setting the selected state;
An image processing step for processing the output from the video camera in a predetermined manner,
In the image processing step, a step of recording the operator's face image captured by the video camera, a step of displaying a list of images recorded by the video camera, and one of the list-displayed face images are selected. Stores the combination of the size, position, color, number of indications, and volume / sound quality / type of notification sound and device control settings corresponding to this face image, and registers it as a setting image corresponding to the operator A monitoring / control method characterized by comprising: In video camera equipped with recording means,
Display means for displaying an instruction image for instructing control of the device;
Device control means for receiving an instruction signal corresponding to the instruction image and controlling the device corresponding to the instruction signal;
Change instruction means for outputting a change signal for instructing a change in the size, position, color, and display number of the instruction image displayed on the display means;
In response to this change signal, image change means for changing the size, position, color, and number of displays of the instruction image;
A notification means for generating a notification sound;
Notification changing means for instructing a change in volume, sound quality, and type of the notification sound;
Sound changing means for changing the volume, sound quality, and type of the notification sound in response to an instruction from the notification changing means;
The size / position / color / number of indication images and the volume / sound quality / type of the notification sound corresponding to the setting image for instructing to set the monitoring / control device displayed on the display means to a predetermined state Storage means for storing a combination of device control settings corresponding to the instruction image;
A setting unit that selects a combination corresponding to the setting image from combinations stored in a storage unit according to an instruction signal corresponding to the setting image, and sets the selected state to a selected state;
An image processing unit for processing the output of the video camera in a predetermined manner,
The image processing unit selects image control means for displaying a list of recorded face images of the operator on the display means, and one of the face images displayed in the list, and an instruction image corresponding to the face image A registration means for registering as a setting image corresponding to the operator by storing in the storage means a combination of the size, position, color, number of displays, volume, sound quality, type of notification sound, and device control settings. A video camera device comprising: An image monitoring unit that monitors the output of the video camera, and a switching unit that switches the output of the video camera between the image processing unit and the image monitoring unit,
The image monitoring unit compares the image captured by the video camera after storing the image stored in the image storage unit with the image storage unit that stores the image captured by the video camera, and outputs a monitoring signal. The video camera apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising: an image comparison unit configured to perform image comparison.

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