JP4726190B2 - Network camera, DDNS server, and video distribution system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a network camera, a DDNS server, and a video distribution system.

  In recent years, the Internet using broadband has become popular, and Internet usage methods have been actively used to view images captured by a network camera installed at home or the like from a remote location. The network camera is connected to the Internet and has a function of browsing the image being captured by specifying its IP address on a Web browser such as another computer device. In addition, there are various uses such as a monitoring camera-like usage method for confirming whether or not an abnormal situation has occurred at home by viewing home images taken with a network camera at a travel destination.

  In communication over the Internet, a system called DNS (Domain Name System) is generally used. The most basic purpose of the DNS is to provide a function of mutual conversion between a domain name and an IP address. With DNS, an IP address, which is an enumeration of a large number of 32-bit numbers, is converted into a domain name that is easy to understand and remembered by humans, so that the user can easily obtain the target IP without being aware of the IP address. You can access the address.

  By using such a DNS, it is possible to view images captured by a network camera from a remote location.

  By the way, when receiving an image captured by a network camera at home while staying at a remote place, it is necessary to make a transmission request for the image from the receiving destination to the network camera at home.

  When a network camera is connected to the Internet by an individual, the global IP address of the network camera is generally not fixed, and a dynamic IP address assigned from a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server each time it connects to the Internet Will be used. If the global IP address to be used is frequently changed, it becomes difficult to match the global IP address with the domain name when using the network camera.

  At this time, if you obtain a domain name with a fixed IP address, you can always access the network camera with the same domain name, but this requires costs for registration, maintenance, etc. It is rarely used personally.

  Therefore, in order to access the network camera, there is a problem that it is necessary to input a global IP address that is frequently changed and to make a connection request.

  In order to solve such problems, recently, there is a method of using a simple DDNS (dynamic domain name server) service provided by a company server connected on a network as a name resolution service. DDNS solves the problem by associating dynamically changed global IP addresses with subdomain names on the Internet.

  For example, when there is a DDNS server with a domain name “XXX.co.jp”, a subdomain name “xxx.XXX.co.jp” is assigned to a personal network camera. . In this case, when accessing the network camera from outside, if the address “xxx.xxx.co.jp” is entered in the address input field, the DDNS server having the domain name “xxx.co.jp” However, by converting to a global IP address registered in association with the subdomain name “xxx.xxx.co.jp”, it becomes possible to access the network camera of the global IP address. The network camera can use the domain name instead of the global IP address by dynamically re-registering the global IP address with the DDNS server every time the global IP address assigned to the network camera is changed. .

  Also, at home, a single global IP address is often used by a plurality of network devices such as network cameras and computer devices by using a router. In such a case, in order to use a network camera assigned a private IP address at home with a global IP address via the Internet, the port forward function of the router is used. The port forward function is a function for transferring access to a specific port number from the Internet side to a network device having a specific private IP address in the home. If this is used, the network camera can be used as a Web server via the Internet. However, in order to use the port forward function, there is a problem in that it takes time and effort to set a router. there were.

  In order to solve this, there is a method in which the network camera performs the setting of the port forward function of the router. In this case, it is necessary to specify the target port number for the router. Conventionally, there are many examples in which a connection request to the port number 80 is set to be transferred to a private IP address assigned to a network camera, and the network camera is operated as a Web server. However, in recent years, an individual often installs a Web server at home, and in such a case, the port number 80 is already assigned to another computer device operating as the Web server. At this time, if the setting of the port forward function of the router is overwritten so that the network camera assigns port number 80 to itself, there is a problem that access from the outside to the computer device previously used as the Web server becomes impossible. there were.

  In order to solve this, there is a method in which the network camera searches for another available port number and sets the port forward function of the router so as to assign it to itself. However, in this case, for example, when assigned to a port number that is not used in communication by http or ftp, such as 5000, it is necessary to specify the port number to access the network camera. Therefore, even if the port forwarding function of the router is automatically set, after the setting, it is necessary to check the information related to the set port number using a computer device connected to the router. There is a problem that it takes time as well as setting the forward function.

  Also, when the network camera automatically sends a global IP address and requests the DDNS server to assign a domain name, the network camera stores the subdomain name acquired by connecting to the DDNS server in advance. In many cases, the network camera requests the DDNS server to change the global IP address corresponding to the stored subdomain name to the transmitted global IP address. However, this requires an operation in which the user connects to the DDNS server in advance to acquire the subdomain name and set it in the network camera. In order to solve this, for example, a method in which the network camera transmits unique identification information such as its serial number to the DDNS server and assigns a subdomain name based on the serial number received by the DDNS server is considered. It is done.

  However, since the serial number is assigned to the same product with related contents such as a serial number, a third party can easily guess the subdomain name generated accordingly. For this reason, there is a security problem that a video or audio is viewed by a third party connected to the network camera using an address including the estimated subdomain name.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide access to a network camera by the domain name simply by connecting the network camera to the Internet without having to perform any special work while having security related to the domain name. Is to provide a technology. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technology that allows a network camera to be accessed by a domain name simply by connecting the network camera to the router even in a network environment using a router.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is a video distribution system that distributes captured video via a network in response to a distribution request. When connected to the network, the self-identification information and global A network camera that transmits an IP address to a DDNS server, and a DDNS server that initially sets and manages a subdomain name using the identification information for the global IP address transmitted from the network camera, The network camera is characterized in that, when the sub domain name notified from the D D NS server matches a predetermined condition, a notification prompting the user to change the sub domain name is made recognizable .

The invention of claim 2 is a video distribution system for distributing captured images via a network in response to a distribution request, and when connected to the network, the self-identification information and the global IP address are assigned to the DDNS server. And a DDNS server that initializes and manages a subdomain name using the identification information for the global IP address transmitted from the network camera, the DDNS server comprising: When the subdomain name matches a predetermined condition, a notification that prompts the user to change the subdomain name is made recognizable by the user.

  The invention of claim 3 is the video distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined condition is that the subdomain name and the identification information match. It is characterized by.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network camera that transmits a captured image via a network in response to a distribution request. When connected to the network, the identification information of the self and a global assigned to the network camera are transmitted. An IP address is transmitted to the DDNS server to request assignment of a subdomain name, and when the subdomain name assigned by the DDNS server matches a predetermined condition, a notification for prompting the change of the subdomain name is used. It is characterized by being performed so that a person can recognize it.

  The invention of claim 5 is the network camera according to claim 4 of the invention, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the subdomain name and the identification information match. .

  The invention according to claim 6 is the network camera according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the connection is authenticated, and the user ID and / or password used for the authentication when the connection is made for the first time. It is characterized by requesting a change.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the network camera according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the identification information is sent to the DDNS server in response to an external change request for the subdomain name. And sending a new subdomain name to request a change of the subdomain name.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the network camera according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the port forward function of the connected router is set.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the network camera according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein when connected to the router, the setting of the port forward function of the router, and the DDNS The sub-domain name assignment request to the server is started.

The invention according to claim 10 is the network camera according to any one of claims 4 to 9, and recognizes that registration of the global IP address for the subdomain name by the DDNS server is completed. Then, the notification of the completion of setting is performed so that the user can recognize it.

The invention of claim 11 is a DDNS server that assigns and manages a sub-domain to a global IP address, receives the identification information and the global IP address, and assigns the sub-domain name using the identification information to the global IP address. An initial setting for assigning to an address is performed, and when the assigned subdomain name matches a predetermined condition, a notification prompting the user to change the subdomain name is made recognizable .

  The invention according to claim 12 is the DDNS server according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the subdomain name and the identification information match. .

The invention according to claim 13 is the DDNS server according to claim 11 or 12, wherein when the registration of the global IP address for the subdomain name is completed, a notification of the completion of setting is sent to the global IP address. It is performed on the transmission source of

Further, the invention of claim 14 is a video distribution system that distributes a captured image via a network in response to a distribution request, wherein when connected to the network, the router is connected to the router. A network camera that performs setting of a port forward function relating to a predetermined port number of the router, transmission of its own identification information and a global IP address assigned to the router, and the global IP address transmitted from the network camera A DDNS server that initially sets and manages a subdomain name using the identification information is provided.

The invention of claim 15 is the video distribution system according to claim 14, wherein the network camera prompts the change of the subdomain name when the subdomain name matches a predetermined condition. The notification is performed so that the user can recognize it.

Further, the invention of claim 16 is the video distribution system according to the invention of claim 14, wherein the DDNS server prompts the change of the subdomain name when the subdomain name matches a predetermined condition. The notification is performed so that the user can recognize it.

  The invention of claim 17 is the video distribution system according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the predetermined condition is that the subdomain name and the identification information match. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 18 is a network camera that transmits a captured image via a network in response to a distribution request, and when connected to a router connected to the network, a predetermined port of the router A port forwarding function relating to a number is set, and self-identification information and a global IP address assigned to the router are transmitted to the DDNS server to request assignment of a subdomain name.

Further, the invention of claim 19 is the network camera according to the invention of claim 18, wherein when the subdomain name assigned by the DDNS server matches a predetermined condition, the change of the subdomain name is prompted. The notification is performed so that the user can recognize it.

  The invention according to claim 20 is the network camera according to claim 19, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the subdomain name and the identification information match. .

  The invention of claim 21 is the network camera according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the connection is authenticated, and a user ID and / or a user ID used for the authentication when connected for the first time Or it is required to change the password.

  The invention of claim 22 is the network camera according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the identification information is sent to the DDNS server in response to a request to change the subdomain name from the outside. And sending a new subdomain name to request a change of the subdomain name.

The invention of claim 23 is the network camera according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the DDNS server recognizes that the registration of the global IP address for the subdomain name has been completed. Then, the notification of the completion of setting is performed so that the user can recognize it.

  According to the invention of any one of claims 1 to 5, 11, and 12, it is possible to connect to a network camera using a domain name instead of a global IP address by simply connecting the network camera to the network. Access to the network camera is improved because it is prompted to change the subdomain name if the subdomain name matches the predetermined condition that is the same as the serial number. can do.

  According to the invention described in claim 6 or claim 21, higher security can be realized by changing not only the subdomain name but also the user ID and / or password.

  According to the invention described in claim 7 or claim 22, it is possible to easily change the subdomain name without requiring access to the DDNS server or setting operation only by requesting the network camera to change the subdomain name. Is possible.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, even when the network camera is connected to the router and used, the router's port forwarding function is automatically set, so troublesome settings such as port number and address conversion are performed. There is no need.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the setting of the subdomain name by the DDNS server and the setting of the port forward function of the router are all automatically performed only by connecting the network camera to the network or the router. The person can use the network camera without any special work.

  According to the invention described in any one of claims 10, 13, and 23, it is possible to recognize that the use of the domain name by the DDNS server is enabled by the notification.

  According to the invention described in claim 14 or claim 18, since the port forward function relating to the fixed port number is automatically set, only the network camera is connected to the router, not the global IP address. Access to network cameras using domain names is possible.

  According to the invention of any one of claims 15 to 17, claim 19, and claim 20, if the subdomain name matches a predetermined condition that is the same as the serial number, the subdomain Since the user is prompted to change the name, security related to access to the network camera can be improved.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a video distribution system showing an embodiment according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the video distribution system has a basic configuration as shown in FIG. And a DDNS server 7 similarly connected via a modem (not shown). A mobile phone 8 in the figure is shown as an example of a terminal for browsing video captured by the network camera 1 using the video distribution system. However, in the home 5, in addition to the network camera 7, other network devices that perform communication using the network such as the computer device 2 are often used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, a router 3 is connected to the modem 4, and all the network devices 1 and 2 communicate via the Internet 6 via the router 3. The video distribution system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 operates in the same manner except for the portion related to the router 3. Hereinafter, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 including the router 3 will be described.

  The network camera 1 has a function of distributing captured video and audio as a Web server. Accordingly, a terminal such as the mobile phone 8 can connect to the network camera 1 and view the video and audio captured and distributed by the network camera 1 using a Web browser or the like. In addition to this, the network camera 1 has a function for requesting the DDNS server 7 to assign a domain name, a function for performing various operations for maintaining security related to the domain name, and the like. Furthermore, the network camera 1 has a UPnP (Universal Plug & Play) function, and can automatically execute each of the above functions only by connecting to the network. Details of these functions and operations will be described later.

  The computer device 2 is an example of a network device connected to the Internet 6 as with the network camera 1, but the network camera 1 can be accessed using a private IP address via the router 3. Therefore, it can be used for various settings of the network camera 1 in addition to viewing video and audio captured by the network camera 1.

  The router 3 is a device necessary for performing routing for using one global IP address assigned on the Internet 6 by a plurality of network devices 1 and 2 in the home 5. A DHCP function for assigning private IP addresses to a plurality of network devices 1 and 2 in the home 5 and an IP address related to data to be transmitted and received when these network devices 1 and 2 communicate using the Internet 6. The home 5 has a function of mutual conversion into a private IP address and on the Internet 6 into a global IP address.

  Also, when there is a connection request from the network device on the Internet 6 for the purpose of viewing captured video and audio to the network camera 1 that operates as a Web server, the router 3 and the network camera 1 It has a port forward function for realizing transmission and reception of data with the camera 1. Specifically, a specific port is released from the router 3 to the Internet 6 side, and data is transmitted / received via the port. For example, by assigning the port number 80 to the private IP address of the network camera 1 In response to a connection request from the Internet 6 side specifying a global IP address, the network camera 1 assigned a private IP address in the home 5 can operate as a Web server. With this function, the network camera 1 functions as a Web server, and a terminal such as a mobile phone 8 connected to the network camera 1 from the outside via the Internet 6 can capture images captured by the network camera 1 using a Web browser or the like. Audio can be viewed.

  Here, the global IP address used by the network camera 1 is assigned when the modem 4 connects to the Internet 6, but a new global IP address is assigned when the connection is once terminated and reconnected. Alternatively, the global IP address assigned every predetermined time may change. That is, the assigned global IP address is not fixed but dynamically changes.

  The modem 4 is a device necessary for a network device such as the network camera 1 or the computer device 2 to perform data communication via the Internet 6 using an assigned global IP address. Various devices such as ADSL and FTTH are used. It has a function to perform data communication by the method.

  The DDNS server 7 has a function of assigning a domain name to a global IP address used by the network camera 1. Thereby, in order to access the network camera 1 from the outside, it is possible to use a domain name instead of an IP address which is a list of numerical values.

  The mobile phone 8 is connected to the network camera 1 via the Internet 6 and is used for viewing captured video and audio. However, a mobile phone is an example, and a terminal used for viewing video and audio may be a computer device, a PDA, or the like.

  Next, the operation of the video distribution system shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  The router 3 and the modem 4 are connected to the Internet 6 and the router 3 is assigned a global IP address. The network camera 1 is set to perform the operation described below in the manufacturing stage.

  First, when the network camera 1 is connected to the router 3, a private IP address is assigned to the network camera 1 by the DHCP function of the router 3.

  Next, the network camera 1 automatically starts setting the port forward function of the router 3 at a predetermined timing using the UPnP function. Specifically, the access to a predetermined port number of the router 3 using the global IP address is set to be transferred to the private IP address assigned to the network camera 1. As a result, the network camera 1 can operate on the Internet 6 as a Web server by using the global IP address assigned to the router 3.

  At this time, the port number set by the network camera 1 uses a predetermined number other than the well-known ports such as 80, 20, and 21, which are generally used. The port number used here is a fixed number and is not changed.

  Thereby, for example, even if the port number 80 is already assigned to the computer apparatus 2 in the setting of the port forward function of the router 3, the setting can be overwritten by the network camera 1 so that the computer apparatus 2 can use the port number 80. The problem of disappearing can be avoided. In addition, since the port number is fixed, it is not necessary to confirm the setting contents using the computer device 2 or the like after the port forward function is set, and the printed matter in which the port number is described in the manufacturing stage of the network camera 1 Can be notified to the user, or the port number can be used by the DDNS server 7.

  However, in this state, in order to connect to the network camera 1 from the mobile phone 8 or the like and view the captured video and audio, it is necessary to designate a global IP address that is a list of numbers. Therefore, the network camera 1 starts connection to the DDNS server 7 via the Internet 6 so that a domain name can be assigned to this global IP address.

  When the network camera 1 completes the setting of the port forward function of the router 3 and recognizes that the global IP address can be used, the network camera then uses this global IP address and its own identification information as a network camera. The serial number assigned to each one is notified to the DDNS server 7 via the Internet 6, and the assignment of the domain name is requested. However, the identification information used here may be information other than the serial number, such as a MAC address, as long as the information is unique to each network camera 1.

  In the network camera 1, information for connecting to the DDNS server 7 is set in advance at the manufacturing stage. Specifically, the information includes the address of the DDNS server 7, information necessary for connection authentication, and the like, and the network camera 1 uses the information to connect to the DDNS server 7 with authentication, Data transmission / reception and subdomain name assignment requests can be made.

  The setting related to port forwarding of the router 3 described above is executed only when it is recognized that the network camera 1 is connected to the router 3. Therefore, in a state where the router 3 is not used, the network camera 1 only notifies the server 7 of the global IP address and serial number assigned to itself.

  When the DDNS server 7 receives the serial number and the global IP address from the network camera 1, it assigns a domain name to the global IP address. Specifically, for example, when the DDNS server 7 has a domain name “XXX.co.jp”, if the serial number of the network camera 1 that has requested the setting of the domain name is mcs0001 Then, the subdomain name mcs0001 is assigned, and the address “mcs0001.xxx.co.jp” is associated with the global IP address of the network camera 1 and managed. At this time, the DDNS server 7 manages the serial number, the global IP address, and the subdomain name of the network camera 7 in association with each other so that it can be easily handled when a subdomain name change request or the like is made later. When the domain name setting is completed on the DDNS server 7, the DDNS server 7 notifies the network camera 1 of the set subdomain name. The network camera 1 manages its own serial number, private IP address, global IP address, and subdomain name.

  When the above settings are completed, the web browser of the mobile phone 8 is used and the address “http://mcs0001.XXX.co.jp” is used instead of the global IP address that is a list of numerical values. The network camera 1 can be connected by designating an easy-to-understand address using a column or the like. At this time, since the domain name is fixed in advance, the user can connect to the network camera 1 by inputting the serial number of the network camera 1 as the subdomain name.

  The user of the network camera 1 connects to a predetermined DDNS server 7 by using the mobile phone 8 used for viewing video and audio captured by the network camera 1. At this time, the DDNS server 7 is connected to the user. On the other hand, it may be an aspect in which authentication is performed by requesting a user ID, a password, or the like. In this case, information relating to a user ID, password, and the like necessary for connection authentication may be notified to the user by packaging a printed matter on which the information is printed at the manufacturing stage of the network camera 1, for example.

  Similarly, regarding the port number assigned to the network camera 1 by the port forward function of the router 3 described above, at the manufacturing stage of the network camera 1, a printed matter on which the information is printed is bundled and notified to the user. Good. Thus, the user can connect to the network camera 1 using the port number by including information on the corresponding port number in the address including the subdomain name.

  As a result, the user connects the network camera 1 to the router 3 and connects to the network camera 1 simply by inputting an address to the mobile phone 8 or entering a user ID, password, etc. as described in the printed matter. Can do. That is, the user does not need to perform a special operation for the settings performed in the router 3 and the DDNS server 7 described above.

  As for the port number when connecting to the network camera 1, the port number is specified in the DDNS server 7 in addition to the mode specified by the user operating the mobile phone 8 according to the contents described in the printed matter as described above. It may be an aspect. Specifically, since the port number used in the network camera 1 is fixed to a predetermined number, the user uses the mobile phone 8 to specify the sub domain name as described above without specifying the port number. When a connection request is made to the DDNS server 7 by designating only the included address, the DDNS server 7 may transmit information to the network camera 1 including information specifying the port number in the connection request.

  In this way, all the operations from the setting relating to the port forward function of the router 3 to the acquisition of the domain name in the DDNS server 7 are automatically performed only by connecting the network camera 1 to the router 3. The user can connect to the network camera 1 via the Internet 6 simply by connecting the network camera 1 and specifying an address including the serial number of the network camera 1 in the subdomain name.

  When the mobile phone 8 is connected to the network camera 1, the server function of the network camera 1 displays on the Web browser of the mobile phone 8 a screen that can confirm that the network camera 1 has been connected normally.

  When connecting to the network camera 1 for the first time, a screen prompting the change of the subdomain name or the change of the user ID and password is displayed on the screen of the Web browser. Here, the user can perform the following initial settings.

  First, it is possible to set video and audio to be captured by the network camera 1. Specifically, it is possible to set the resolution, image quality, frame rate, and the like of the video imaged by the network camera 1, and the setting of the presence / absence of sound and the sound quality. For example, if the mobile phone 8 is used, a low frame rate video setting with a resolution adapted to the mobile phone screen is set. It is possible to view the video using it.

  A dedicated software program can be downloaded. A dedicated software program is, for example, a mobile phone created according to the specifications for each carrier. For connection to the network camera 1, various settings, and viewing of video and audio, a general Web It was created so that it can be done more easily than when using a browser. A user who has downloaded a dedicated software program can then connect to the network camera 1 using the software program, which is easier to operate than a Web browser, and perform various setting operations and view video and audio. It becomes.

  Also, user ID, password, e-mail address, etc. can be set. Specifically, the user ID and password when connecting to the network camera 1 can be set and changed. As a result, it is possible to avoid a third party from connecting to the network camera 1 and watching video and audio without permission. In addition to setting an e-mail address used when notifying the user from the network camera 1, if the network camera 1 has a sensor related to motion detection, the sensitivity of the motion detection is set. Various initial settings necessary for the first time can also be performed.

  In addition, the subdomain name assigned by the DDNS server 7 can be changed. In the initial state, as described above, a serial number is used for the subdomain name. In this state, for example, when a third party inputs an address in which an appropriate serial number is added as a subdomain name to a domain name, the third party is connected to the network camera 1 and can view video and audio without permission. there is a possibility. Therefore, in addition to the user ID and password, the purpose is to further improve the security for the network camera 1 by changing the subdomain name to one that is not easily guessed.

  The above initial setting operation is not necessarily performed and can be used in a preset default state. However, as described above, in order to solve the security problem of viewing video and audio by a third party. At the time of the first connection, a screen that prompts the user to change the settings for the subdomain name, user ID, and password is displayed.

  In order to ensure security, the change of the subdomain name, user ID, and password is not limited to a mode in which only the notification for prompting the change is performed as described above, but a mode in which these are forcibly changed. It does not matter. At this time, it is not necessary to target all of the subdomain name, the user ID, and the password, and any one or two may be changed.

  Specifically, for example, when the user first connects to the network camera 1 using the mobile phone 8 as described above, a notification requesting a password change is made and the user changes the password. It is only necessary to enable subsequent settings and connection operations. Changes such as passwords made by the user are reflected in information managed in the network camera 1.

  When the user designates a new subdomain name after the change by the above setting operation, the change is managed in the network camera 1 and reflected in the contents of the subdomain name corresponding to the identification information, the global IP address, and the like. The

  When the sub domain name is changed, the network camera 1 automatically transmits the changed new sub domain name together with the serial number and the global IP address to the DDNS server 7 to change the sub domain name. Request. Upon receiving this, the DDNS server 7 changes the subdomain name corresponding to the previously managed serial number to the received new subdomain name.

  As described above, serial numbers, private IP addresses, global IP addresses, and domain names are managed in the network camera 1. The network camera 1 has a function of determining whether or not the subdomain name assigned by the DDNS server 7 matches a predetermined condition. When it is determined that the subdomain name matches the predetermined condition Then, a screen prompting the change of the subdomain name is displayed as described above. Specifically, for example, when the subdomain name matches the serial number, the change of the subdomain name is prompted. However, the conditions for the determination are not limited to this. For example, in addition to the device model name, etc., input of the user's name, date of birth, etc. is requested on the above-mentioned initial setting request screen. It may be a mode that prompts the change of the subdomain name when it matches a condition that can be easily guessed by a third party, such as when they match. This subdomain name determination and change request is made each time the subdomain name is changed. Therefore, the notification prompting the change of the subdomain name is not only in the case where the serial number matches with the initial setting as described above, but the subdomain name matches the predetermined condition by the setting change by the user thereafter. It is also done when it becomes. Thereby, the security concerning a subdomain name can be improved.

  When the change of the subdomain name in the DDNS server 7 is completed, the DDNS server 7 notifies the network camera 1 of this. When the network camera 1 recognizes that the change of the subdomain name is completed by the DDNS server 7, the network camera 1 transmits an e-mail to notify the e-mail address registered by the user at the time of initial setting. By receiving this e-mail, the user recognizes that the change of the subdomain name has been completed, and thereafter connects to the network camera 1 using the changed new subdomain name.

  It should be noted that the determination of whether or not the subdomain name matches a predetermined condition and the change request and the notification to the user by e-mail are performed by the DDNS server 7 in addition to the mode performed by the network camera 1 as described above. It may be an aspect made.

  The notification of the completion of the setting of the subdomain name is not limited to the method using e-mail. For example, when a connection request is made to the network camera 1 after changing the setting, a Web browser or a dedicated software program that has attempted connection In addition, a message for notifying whether or not the change has been completed may be displayed.

  In this way, by urging the subdomain name that can be easily guessed by a third party to avoid the security problem that the third party views the video and audio captured by the network camera 1. be able to.

  In addition, the user simply designates the change of the subdomain name on the mobile phone 8, and the network camera 1 that has received the notification automatically notifies the DDNS server 7 of the new subdomain name, and the DDNS server. 7 is used to change and set the subdomain name. Therefore, the user does not need to perform operations such as connection to the DDNS server 7 and setting.

  Further, even if the setting operation is automatically performed, it takes time to connect to the DDNS server 7 and change the setting of the subdomain name, so that the user cannot predict when the setting is completed. By performing the setting completion notification by e-mail as described above, the user can recognize that the setting has been completed and the changed new subdomain name can be used.

  The global IP address assigned to the router 3 via the modem 4 may be dynamically changed as described above. The network camera 1 sends information such as a global IP address to the DDNS server 7 every predetermined time. When the network camera 1 recognizes that the global IP address assigned to the router 3 has been changed, it manages it internally. The contents of the existing global IP address are changed, and the serial number and the changed global IP address are transmitted to the DDNS server 7. As a result, the global IP address corresponding to the managed serial number is also changed in the DDNS server 7. At this time, the network camera 1 also sets the port forward function of the router 3 as described above if necessary. At this time, the network camera 1 transmits the subdomain name and the changed global IP address to the DDNS server 7, and the DDNS server 7 requests the change of the global IP address corresponding to the subdomain name. I do not care.

  Thus, even when the global IP address is changed, the change is automatically reflected in the setting of the DDNS server 7 without any operation by the user. Therefore, even in an environment where the global IP address is dynamically changed, the user can easily connect to the network camera 1 by using an address made up of a domain name.

  Further, when the private IP address assigned to itself is changed by the router 3 or the like, the network camera 1 that has recognized this changes the setting of the port forward function of the router 3 and a connection request from the Internet 6 is made. The network camera 1 is correctly processed.

  Thus, even when the private IP address is changed, the change is automatically reflected in the setting of the router 3 without any operation by the user. Therefore, the user can easily connect to the network camera 1 using an address made up of a domain name.

  As described above, the setting of the port forward function of the router 3 and the setting of the subdomain of the DDNS server 7 are not only automatically performed by connecting the network camera 1 to the router 3, but also the private IP address and global Even when the IP address is changed, the change is automatically reflected in the setting. Therefore, the user can continuously change the domain name without changing the setting every time the IP address is changed. It is possible to use an address consisting of

  In addition, when the subdomain name is content that can be easily guessed by a third party, a notification that prompts a change is made, so that a video or audio captured by the network camera 1 can be viewed by a third party. This can be avoided, and security related to the network camera 1 can be enhanced.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the video delivery system which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Network camera 1
3 Router 4 Modem 6 Internet 7 DDNS Server 8 Mobile Phone

Claims (23)

A video distribution system that distributes captured images via a network in response to a distribution request,
A network camera that transmits its identification information and global IP address to the DDNS server when connected to the network;
A DDNS server that initially sets and manages a subdomain name using the identification information for the global IP address transmitted from the network camera;
With
The network camera is configured to allow a user to recognize the change of the subdomain name when the subdomain name notified from the D D NS server matches a predetermined condition. Video distribution system. A video distribution system that distributes captured images via a network in response to a distribution request,
A network camera that transmits its identification information and global IP address to the DDNS server when connected to the network;
A DDNS server that initially sets and manages a subdomain name using the identification information for the global IP address transmitted from the network camera;
With
The DDNS server, when said sub-domain name matches the predetermined condition, a video distribution system, wherein the user notification prompting change of the sub-domain name makes recognizable. The video distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The video distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the subdomain name and the identification information match. A network camera that transmits a captured image via a network in response to a distribution request,
When connected to the network, it sends its identification information and the global IP address assigned to itself to the DDNS server to request assignment of a subdomain name, and the subdomain name assigned by the DDNS server is predetermined. A network camera characterized in that when the above condition is satisfied, a notification that prompts the user to change the subdomain name is made recognizable . The network camera according to claim 4,
The network camera according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the subdomain name matches the identification information. The network camera according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
A network camera that performs authentication for connection and requests a change of a user ID and / or password used for the authentication when the connection is made for the first time. The network camera according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
A network camera characterized by requesting a change of a subdomain name by transmitting the identification information and a new subdomain name to the DDNS server in response to an external change request of the subdomain name. A network camera according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
A network camera characterized by setting the port forward function of the connected router. A network camera according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
When connected to the router, the network camera starts setting the port forward function of the router and requesting the subdomain name assignment to the DDNS server. The network camera according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
A network camera characterized in that, upon recognizing that the registration of the global IP address for the subdomain name by the DDNS server is completed, a notification of completion of setting is made recognizable by the user. A DNS server that assigns and manages subdomains to global IP addresses,
When receiving the identification information and the global IP address and performing an initial setting to assign a subdomain name using the identification information to the global IP address, and when the assigned subdomain name matches a predetermined condition, A DDNS server, characterized in that a user can be notified to change a subdomain name. The DDNS server according to claim 11,
The DDNS server characterized in that the predetermined condition is a case where the subdomain name matches the identification information. The DDNS server according to claim 11 or 12, wherein
When registration of the global IP address for the sub-domain name is completed, a notification of completion of setting is sent to the source of the global IP address. A video distribution system that distributes captured images via a network in response to a distribution request,
A router connected to the network;
When connected to the router, a network camera that performs setting of a port forward function related to a predetermined port number of the router, transmission of its own identification information and a global IP address assigned to the router,
A DDNS server that initially sets and manages a subdomain name using the identification information for the global IP address transmitted from the network camera;
A video distribution system comprising: 15. The video distribution system according to claim 14, wherein
The network camera, when said sub-domain name matches the predetermined condition, a video distribution system, wherein the user notification prompting change of the sub-domain name makes recognizable. 15. The video distribution system according to claim 14, wherein
The DDNS server, when said sub-domain name matches the predetermined condition, a video distribution system, wherein the user notification prompting change of the sub-domain name makes recognizable. The video distribution system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein
The video distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the subdomain name and the identification information match. A network camera that transmits a captured image via a network in response to a distribution request,
When connected to a router connected to the network, the port forwarding function relating to a predetermined port number of the router is set, and its own identification information and the global IP address assigned to the router are transmitted to the DDNS server. A network camera characterized by requesting assignment of a subdomain name. The network camera according to claim 18, wherein
The network camera according to claim 1, wherein when a subdomain name assigned by the DDNS server matches a predetermined condition, a notification prompting a change of the subdomain name is made recognizable by a user. The network camera according to claim 19, wherein
The network camera according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where the subdomain name matches the identification information. The network camera according to any one of claims 18 to 20,
A network camera that performs authentication for connection and requests a change of a user ID and / or password used for the authentication when the connection is made for the first time. The network camera according to any one of claims 18 to 20,
A network camera characterized by requesting a change of a subdomain name by transmitting the identification information and a new subdomain name to the DDNS server in response to an external change request of the subdomain name. A network camera according to any one of claims 18 to 22,
A network camera characterized in that, upon recognizing that the registration of the global IP address for the subdomain name by the DDNS server is completed, a notification of completion of setting is made recognizable by the user.

Images