JP4658454B2 - Network camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
The present invention relates to a network camera used in a network camera system in which a plurality of network cameras, a monitor device, and an image recording device are distributed on a network. In particular, priority control can be performed to provide images of multiple types of image quality. Related to network cameras.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Prior art documents related to a network camera system in which a plurality of network cameras, a monitor device, and an image recording device are distributed on a conventional network include the following.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-164553 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-164554 [Patent Document 3]
JP 11-196379 A [Patent Document 4]
JP 2001-045098 A [Patent Document 5]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-158995
FIG. 8 shows a network camera system in which a plurality of network cameras, monitor devices and image recording devices are distributed on a conventional network. In FIG. 8, reference numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4 denote network cameras having a function of taking images and distributing digitized image data on the network, 5 is an image recording device, 6, 7 and 8 are monitor devices, and 100. Is a general-purpose network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet.
[0005]
The network cameras 1, 2, 3, and 4 are each connected to the network 100, and the image recording device 5 is also connected to the network 100. Monitor devices 6, 7 and 8 are also connected to the network 100. The network cameras 1 to 4, the image recording device 5, and the monitor devices 6 to 8 are distributed on the network 100.
[0006]
Here, the operation of the conventional example shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image request from the image recording device 5 and the monitor devices 6 to 8, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transmission state of image data from the network camera 4 that has received the image request.
[0007]
Each of the network cameras 1, 2, 3 and 4 takes an image of an object to be photographed and digitally uses an algorithm such as JPEG (JPEG: Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group). The converted image data is distributed on the network 100.
[0008]
The image recording device 5 and the monitor devices 6 to 8 request the image data to the network cameras 1 to 4 that distribute the image data via the network 100 to acquire the necessary image data, and appropriately record the acquired image data. Or displayed on the display means of the monitor device.
[0009]
For example, as shown in “RQ01”, “RQ02”, “RQ03”, and “RQ04” in FIG. 9, there are image requests from the monitor devices 6, 7, 8 and the image recording device 5 to the network camera 4 via the network. In this case, the image data is distributed to the monitor devices 6, 7, 8 and the image recording device 5 as indicated by "GD11", "GD12", "GD13" and "GD14" in FIG.
[0010]
As a result, necessary image data is obtained from the network cameras 1 to 4 distributed on the network 100 by the image recording device 5 and the monitor devices 6 to 8 that are also distributed on the network 100, and recorded, displayed, and the like. By doing this, it becomes possible to construct a network camera system.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 8, since the processing capability of the image data distribution function of the network camera is limited, the number of monitor devices requesting the image and the amount of information of the requested image data are When the processing capability of the distribution function is exceeded, there is a problem that the network camera becomes unresponsive.
[0012]
In order to avoid such problems, it is necessary to limit the number of monitor devices that can be connected in advance so that the amount of information does not exceed the processing capability of the distribution function. Features of the network camera system This means that anyone can get the image data from anywhere.
[0013]
In general, the required contents such as image quality for image data in individual apparatuses such as a monitor apparatus and an image recording apparatus are different.
[0014]
For example, an image recording device requires a high-resolution and clear image, a monitor device requires a frame rate that is faster than the image quality, and if both requests are made simultaneously when requesting image data, competing in digitization processing Has occurred, and there is a problem that the processing capability of the entire network camera may be significantly reduced.
[0015]
That is, there is a problem that it is impossible to efficiently cope with different required qualities such as image quality and resolution for image data in individual devices such as a monitor device and an image recording device.
[0016]
In addition, since priority is not distinguished for individual devices such as a monitor device and an image recording device, even a highly important device such as an image recording device cannot guarantee acquisition of necessary image data. There was a problem that said.
Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a network camera that can efficiently cope with a plurality of required qualities and can guarantee acquisition of image data.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such a problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is:
In a network camera having a function of taking an image and distributing digitized image data on the network,
A camera for taking images,
It has multiple channels that digitize the images taken by this camera with preset required quality, and these multiple channels are operated in a time-sharing manner to generate multiple required quality image data and the request of the image requester Digitizing processing means for outputting image data suitable for quality; and communication means for receiving an image request from an image request source and transmitting image data with the network;
Image data transmission processing means for preferentially transmitting the image data output from the digitization processing means to an image request source having a high priority ,
The image data transmission processing means is
A distribution unit that acquires the image data output from the digitization processing unit and distributes the image data to each class queue based on the priority of the image request source;
A plurality of transmission management means for acquiring image data from each class queue and adding it to the end of a queue of transmission data while changing the frequency according to the priority of each class queue; Image data acquisition can be guaranteed.
[0019]
The invention according to claim 2
In the network camera of the invention according to claim 1 ,
The digitization processing means comprises:
Synchronizing with the period of the video signal of the camera, performing digitization processing with the required quality preset in each channel in time division, and storing the digitized image data in the buffer of the channel, It is possible to efficiently cope with a plurality of required qualities and to ensure acquisition of image data.
[0020]
The invention described in claim 3
In the network camera of the invention according to claim 2 ,
The digitization processing means comprises:
When an image request is received from the image request source, the image data is read from the buffer of the channel specified by the received image request and output to the image data transmission processing means, thereby efficiently obtaining a plurality of required qualities. And acquisition of image data can be guaranteed.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 4
In the network camera which is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The transmission management means is
By making the acquisition frequency of image data from the high-priority class queue higher than the acquisition frequency of image data from the low-priority class queue, it is possible to efficiently handle multiple required qualities and acquire image data Guarantees are possible.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 5
In the network camera which is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
By assigning the priority to the IP address of the image request source, it is possible to efficiently cope with a plurality of required qualities and to ensure acquisition of image data.
[0024]
The invention described in claim 6
In the network camera which is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
By adding information indicating the priority in the communication data of the image request, the priority can be dynamically changed for each image request (information indicating the priority in the communication data).
[0025]
The invention described in claim 7
In the network camera which is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
By adding the information indicating the required quality in the communication data of the image request, it is possible to dynamically change the required quality for each image request (information indicating the required quality in the communication data).
[0026]
The invention described in claim 8
In the network camera which is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
By applying to a network camera system in which a plurality of network cameras, monitor devices and image recording devices are distributed on the network, it is possible to efficiently cope with a plurality of required qualities and to ensure acquisition of image data.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a network camera used in the network camera system according to the present invention.
[0028]
In FIG. 1, 9 is a camera that captures an image, 10 is a digital processing means that has a plurality of processing channels and digitizes the captured image using an algorithm such as JPEG, 11 is an image data transmission processing means, and 12 is a network interface. A certain communication means 101 is a general-purpose network such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet. 9, 10, 11 and 12 constitute a network camera 50.
[0029]
The output of the camera 9 is connected to the digitization processing means 10, the input / output of the digitization processing means 10 is connected to the image data transmission processing means 11, and the output of the image data transmission processing means 11 is connected to the communication means 12.
[0030]
The input / output of the communication unit 12 is connected to the network 101 and the output of the communication unit 12 is directly connected to the digitization processing unit 10.
[0031]
Here, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. FIG.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digitization processing means 10 that operates in a time-sharing manner with two channels, FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the digitizing processing means 10 that performs a time-sharing operation with two channels, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the details of the image data transmission processing means 11, FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the distribution means, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transmission management means.
[0033]
Individual required qualities such as image quality and resolution are set in advance through the communication unit 12 in the two channels of the digitization processing unit 10, “channel 1” and “channel 2”.
[0034]
For example, it is assumed that the required quality of high image quality and high resolution is preset for “channel 1”, and the required quality of low image quality and low resolution is preset for “channel 2”.
[0035]
In “S001” in FIG. 2, the digitization processing means 10 determines whether or not it is the cycle of the video signal of the camera 9, and if it is synchronized with the cycle of the video signal, it is digitalized in “S002” in FIG. The processing unit 10 determines whether or not it is the processing timing of “channel 1”.
[0036]
If it is determined in “S002” in FIG. 2 that the processing timing of “channel 1” is reached, the digitization processing means 10 is preset to “channel 1” in “S003” in FIG. Digitization processing is performed with the required quality, and the image data that has been digitized in “S004” in FIG. 2 is stored in the buffer of “channel 1”.
[0037]
For example, as shown in “DP21”, “DP23” and “DP25” in FIG. 3, digitization processing is performed with the required quality of high image quality and high resolution preset in “Channel 1” in time division. The processed image data is stored in the “channel 1” buffer.
[0038]
If it is determined in “S002” in FIG. 2 that it is not the timing of the processing of “channel 1”, the digitization processing means 10 is preset to “channel 2” in “S005” in FIG. Digitization processing is performed with the required quality, and the image data that has been digitized in “S006” in FIG. 2 is stored in the buffer of “channel 2”.
[0039]
For example, as shown in “DP22”, “DP24” and “DP26” in FIG. 3, digitization is performed with the required quality of low image quality and low resolution preset in “Channel 2” in time division. The processed image data is stored in the “channel 2” buffer.
[0040]
An operation when the digitization processing unit 10 receives an image request of the image request source from the communication unit 12 in such a state will be described.
[0041]
In “S101” in FIG. 4, the digitization processing means 10 stands by until an image request is received from the image request source. If an image request is received, the digitization processing means 10 in “S102” in FIG. Based on the required quality of the image request source, in other words, the image data is read from the buffer of the channel specified by the received image request and output to the image data transmission processing means 11.
[0042]
For example, if the requested quality of the image request source acquired via the communication means 12 is high image quality and high resolution, in other words, if the channel specified in the received image request is “channel 1”, digitization is performed. The processing means 10 outputs the image data from the “channel 1” buffer.
[0043]
Also, for example, if the requested quality of the image request source is low image quality and low resolution, in other words, if the channel specified in the received image request is “channel 2”, the digitization processing means 10 is “channel” Image data is output from the 2 ″ buffer.
[0044]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the image data transmission processing unit 11 acquires the image data output from the digitization processing unit 10 and distributes the image data to each class queue based on the priority, and the image data from each class queue. It comprises transmission management means 14 for acquiring data and adding it to the end of the queue of transmission data.
[0045]
In “S201” in FIG. 6, the distribution unit 13 determines whether image data is output from the digitization processing unit 10.
[0046]
If image data is output from the digitization processing means 10 in “S201” in FIG. 6, the distribution means 13 in “S202” in FIG. 6 displays images in a plurality of class queues based on the priority of the image request source. Sort data.
[0047]
Here, priorities are set in advance for each class queue in accordance with the importance of the image request source. For example, the class queue indicated by “CQ31” in FIG. 5 has the highest priority. The priority decreases sequentially from the class queue indicated by “CQ32” in FIG. 5 toward the class queue indicated by “CQ33” in FIG. 5 (the class queue indicated by “CQ33” in FIG. 5 has the lowest priority). To do.
[0048]
More specifically, by assigning a priority to the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the image request source acquired by the communication unit 12, the distribution unit 13 indicates "DD31" in FIG. Image data is distributed to the class queue based on the IP address.
[0049]
On the other hand, in “S301” in FIG. 7, the transmission management means 14 determines whether or not it is the monitoring time of the high priority class queue, and if it is determined that it is the monitoring time of the high priority class queue. In “S302” in FIG. 7, the transmission management unit 14 acquires image data from the high priority class queue, and adds the acquired image data in “S303” in FIG. 7 to the end of the transmission data queue.
[0050]
If it is determined that it is not the high-priority class queue monitoring time, the transmission management means 14 determines whether or not it is the low-priority class queue monitoring time in “S304” in FIG. .
[0051]
If "S304" in FIG. 7 determines that the transmission management means 14 is not in the low priority class queue monitoring time, the process returns to the step shown in "S301" in FIG.
[0052]
If “S304” in FIG. 7 determines that the transmission management means 14 is the monitoring time of the low priority class queue, the transmission management means 14 starts from the low priority class queue in “S305” in FIG. Image data is acquired, and the image data acquired in “S303” in FIG. 7 is added to the end of the transmission data queue.
[0053]
That is, as shown by “DS31” in FIG. 5, the transmission management means 14 obtains image data from each class queue while changing the frequency according to the priority of each class queue, and shows it by “SD31” in FIG. Append to the end of the queue of transmitted data.
[0054]
However, the monitoring time of the high priority class queue is shorter than the monitoring time of the low priority class queue. In other words, the frequency of monitoring the high priority class queue is monitored for the low priority class queue. Higher than the frequency.
[0055]
Further, the communication unit 12 acquires the head data of the transmission data queue and sequentially transmits the data to the image request source via the network 101.
[0056]
For this reason, the transmission data held in the high priority class queue is preferentially transmitted compared to the other, and as a result, the next image request from the high priority image request source is also made. It will arrive faster than others.
[0057]
Conversely, the next image from the low priority image request source is delayed, and the load distribution of the entire system is optimally adjusted.
[0058]
Also, by setting the highest priority for a highly important device such as an image recording device, image data is always transmitted preferentially, and acquisition of necessary image data is guaranteed. Become.
[0059]
As a result, the digitization processing unit 10 operates a plurality of channels in a time-sharing manner to generate a plurality of preset required quality image data, and preferentially transmits the image data to a high-priority image request source. As a result, it is possible to efficiently cope with a plurality of required qualities and to ensure acquisition of image data.
[0060]
In the description of FIGS. 2 and 3, for simplification of explanation, two channels are provided in the digitization processing means 10 to be operated in a time-sharing manner. A channel may be provided to operate in a time division manner. In this case, it becomes possible to efficiently cope with a plurality of required qualities.
[0061]
Also, priority may be given to the channel itself provided in the digitization processing means 10. Furthermore, a channel to which priority is given and a channel to which priority is not given may be mixed.
[0062]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the digitization processing means 10 is constituted by a single processing means, but a plurality of processing means may be provided for parallel processing. In this case, the digitization processing speed can be further increased.
[0063]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the communication unit 12 receives an image request and transmits image data to and from the network 101. However, a plurality of communication units are provided to separate reception and transmission. It doesn't matter.
[0064]
In the description of FIGS. 4 to 6, the priority is given to the IP address of the image request source acquired by the communication unit 12, but the priority is indicated in the communication data of the image request. Information may be added.
[0065]
In this case, the priority for the IP address of the image request source is not fixed, and the priority can be dynamically changed for each image request (information indicating the priority in the communication data).
[0066]
In the description of FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of required qualities are set in advance for the channel provided in the digitization processing means 10, but information indicating the required qualities is included in the communication data of the image request. You may add.
[0067]
In this case, the required quality is dynamically changed for each image request (information indicating the required quality in the communication data) without fixing the required quality for each channel provided in the digitization processing means 10. Is possible.
[0068]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the camera 9 is illustrated as an integral unit with the network camera 50. Of course, the camera 9 and the digitization processing means 10, the image data transmission processing means 11, and the communication means 12 are separated. It doesn't matter.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.
According to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and eighth aspects of the present invention, the digitization processing unit operates a plurality of channels in a time-division manner to generate image data having a plurality of preset required qualities. By preferentially transmitting image data to a high image request source, a plurality of required qualities can be efficiently handled and acquisition of image data can be guaranteed.
[0070]
According to the invention of claim 6 , by adding information indicating the priority in the communication data of the image request, the priority for the IP address of the image request source is not fixed, and the image request (communication data It is possible to change the priority dynamically for each information).
[0071]
According to the invention of claim 7 , by adding information indicating the required quality in the communication data of the image request, the required quality is not fixed for each channel provided in the digitization processing means. It is possible to dynamically change the required quality for each request (information indicating the required quality in the communication data).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network camera used in a network camera system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of digitization processing means that performs time-division operation on two channels.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of digitization processing means that performs time-division operation on two channels.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of digitization processing means when an image request is received.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating details of an image data transmission processing unit.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sorting means.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the transmission management means.
FIG. 8 is a network camera system in which a plurality of network cameras, a monitor device, and an image recording device are distributed on a conventional network.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image request from an image recording device or a monitor device.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a transmission state of image data from a network camera that has received an image request.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 2, 3, 4 Network camera 5 Image recording device 6, 7, 8 Monitor device 9 Camera 10 Digitization processing means 11 Image data transmission processing means 12 Communication means 13 Distribution means 14 Transmission management means 50 Network cameras 100, 101 Network

Claims (8)

In a network camera having a function of taking an image and distributing digitized image data on the network,
A camera for taking images,
It has multiple channels that digitize the images taken by this camera with preset required quality, and these multiple channels are operated in a time-sharing manner to generate multiple required quality image data and the request of the image requester Digitizing processing means for outputting image data suitable for quality; and communication means for receiving an image request from an image request source and transmitting image data with the network;
Image data transmission processing means for preferentially transmitting the image data output from the digitization processing means to an image request source having a high priority ,
The image data transmission processing means is
A distribution unit that acquires the image data output from the digitization processing unit and distributes the image data to each class queue based on the priority of the image request source;
And a transmission management unit configured to acquire image data from each class queue and add it to the end of a queue of transmission data while changing the frequency according to the priority of each class queue. camera. The digitization processing means comprises:
In synchronization with the video signal cycle of the camera, digitization processing is performed in a required quality preset for each channel in a time division manner, and digitized image data is stored in a buffer of the channel. The network camera according to claim 1. The digitization processing means comprises:
The image data is read out from the buffer of the channel specified by the received image request and output to the image data transmission processing means when an image request is received from the image request source. Network cameras. The transmission management means is
The acquisition frequency of image data from the class queue having a high priority is set higher than the acquisition frequency of image data from the class queue having a low priority.
The network camera according to claim 1. The priority is assigned to the IP address of the image request source
The network camera according to claim 1. Characterized by adding information indicating the priority in the communication data prior Symbol image request
The network camera according to claim 1. Information indicating the required quality is added to the communication data for the image request.
The network camera according to claim 1. The present invention is applied to a network camera system in which a plurality of network cameras, monitor devices, and image recording devices are distributed on a network.
The network camera according to claim 1.

Images