JP5809830B2 - Imaging device, management device, and video monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device that records video data in its own device, and transmits the video data to another imaging device via a network, a management device that manages the imaging data, and a video monitoring system.

  In recent years, in railway vehicles, the operation of a video monitoring system that includes an imaging device, a network switch, and a video display device, monitors video in the vehicle, and records video data on a recording medium mounted inside the imaging device has been studied. ing.

JP 2010-028754 A

  In conventional imaging devices, when recording video data on an internal recording medium, the recording capacity of the recording medium that can be mounted is small, so excess video data cannot be recorded, or video data can be recorded by overwriting. There is a problem that the storage time is shortened.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus capable of efficiently recording video data between a plurality of imaging apparatuses or between an imaging apparatus and a recording apparatus, a management apparatus that manages the imaging data, and a video monitoring system. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging device that images a subject and outputs a video signal, a video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data, and a video A recording unit that records data, a communication unit that communicates with a plurality of other imaging devices, and a control unit that controls each unit, and the control unit determines that there is no room in the free capacity of the recording unit The remaining capacity of the recording units of the plurality of other imaging devices is confirmed, and the average recording amount up to the present time of the recording units of the other imaging devices, and the current free capacity and the remaining capacity In order to record the video data of the own device so that the capacity of the recording units of the plurality of other imaging devices is filled at the same timing based on the average recording amount of the recording unit determined to be lost Calculate the capacity of the reserved recording area for Among the free capacity of the recording portion of the other image pickup devices, set the capacity of the calculated the recording reserved area as the recording reserved area, it transmits video data to the imaging apparatus sets the recording reservation area It is characterized by.

In order to solve the above problems, the imaging apparatus may further include the control unit sets a priority to the other of the plurality of imaging devices in the order capacity calculated the recording reserved area is large, the other Of the free space in the recording unit of the imaging device with the highest priority among the plurality of imaging devices, the calculated capacity of the recording reserved area is set as the recording reserved area, and the imaging device with the highest priority is set. When the recording reservation area is filled, the recording reservation area is set for the other imaging apparatus with the next highest priority, and video data is transmitted to the other imaging apparatus with the next highest priority. It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the imaging apparatus further determines whether or not there is a free space in the recording unit when the control unit receives event information via the video processing unit or the communication unit. When it is confirmed that it is determined that there is a sufficient free space in the recording unit, the video data is recorded in the recording unit .

In order to solve the above-described problem, in the imaging apparatus, the control unit further sets, as the recording reservation area, the calculated capacity of the recording reservation area in the free space of the recording section of the other imaging apparatus. Thereafter, the date and time when the recording units of all the other imaging devices are filled is calculated, and the date and time information is transmitted to the external device via the communication unit .

In order to solve the above-described problem, the management apparatus of the present invention monitors the recording states of the recording units of a plurality of imaging devices including a recording unit via a network, and the imaging device has no free space in the recording unit. If there is, the free capacity of the recording unit of the other plurality of imaging devices is confirmed, the average recording amount of the recording unit of the other imaging devices up to the present, the current free capacity, and the recording unit Based on the average recording amount of the recording unit of the imaging device that has no free space up to now, the free space of the recording unit so that the recording units of the other imaging devices are filled at the same time The recording reservation area for recording the video data of the imaging device that has no margin is calculated, and the calculated recording reservation area of the recording unit of the other imaging apparatus is used as the recording reservation area. Set and free space in the recording part I can not afford the imaging device and controls so as to transmit the imaging apparatus sets the recording reservation area video data.

In order to solve the above problem, the management device further sets priorities for the plurality of other imaging devices in descending order of the calculated capacity of the recording reservation area, and sets the priority of the other imaging devices. Among the free capacities of the recording units of the imaging device having the highest priority, the calculated recording reserved area is set as the recording reserved region, and the recording reserved area of the imaging device having the highest priority is set. Once filled, the recording reservation area is set for the other imaging device having the next highest priority, and the imaging device having no free space in the recording unit becomes the other imaging device having the next highest priority. On the other hand, it is controlled to transmit video data .

In order to solve the above-described problem, the management apparatus further divides a plurality of the imaging apparatuses based on a predetermined criterion, and is the same when there is no more free space in the recording unit of the imaging apparatus. The recording reservation area is set for another imaging device in the group .

In order to solve the above-described problem, the management device further performs grouping so that the average recording amounts of the plurality of imaging devices up to the present are equal .

In order to solve the above-described problem, an image monitoring system of the present invention includes an image sensor that captures an image of a subject and outputs a video signal, a video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data, A plurality of imaging devices each including a recording unit that records video data, a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and a control unit that controls each unit; and the free capacity of each recording unit of the plurality of imaging devices is monitored. And a management device to be controlled are connected via a network, and the management device monitors the recording state of the recording units of the plurality of imaging devices, and there is the imaging device in which there is no room for free space in the recording units. Check the free space of the recording units of the other plurality of imaging devices, and determine the average recording amount of the recording units of the other imaging devices up to the present, the current free space, and the free space of the recording unit. Of the recording part of the imaging device Based on the average recording amount so far, the video data of the imaging device having a sufficient free space in the recording unit is recorded so that the recording units of the other imaging devices are filled at the same timing. A recording reserved area for the recording unit is calculated, and among the free capacities of the recording units of the other imaging devices, the calculated recording reserved area is set as the recording reserved area, and there is a margin in the free capacity of the recording unit. It is characterized in that control is performed so that no imaging device transmits video data to the imaging device in which the recording reservation area is set .

In order to solve the above problems, in the video monitoring system of the present invention, the management device sets priorities for the plurality of other imaging devices in descending order of the calculated capacity of the recording reservation area, and the other Among the plurality of imaging devices, among the free capacities of the recording units of the imaging device with the highest priority, the calculated amount of the recording reserved area is set as the recording reserved region, and the imaging device with the highest priority is set. When the recording reservation area is filled, the recording reservation area is set for the other imaging apparatus having the next highest priority, and the imaging apparatus having the free space in the recording unit has the next highest priority. Control is performed so that video data is transmitted to the other imaging device .
Further, the management device divides the plurality of imaging devices into groups based on a predetermined standard, and when there is no more free space in the recording unit of the imaging device, other management devices in the same group And setting the recording reservation area.
Furthermore, the management device is characterized in that the grouping is performed so that the average recording amounts of the plurality of imaging devices up to the present are equal.
Further, the imaging device is provided in each vehicle of the train, the management device is provided in any vehicle of the train, and the management device groups the plurality of imaging devices for each vehicle, To do.

  The video data can be efficiently recorded by recording the video data while sharing the recording area with other imaging devices or recording devices based on the recording status of the plurality of imaging devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing which shows the structure in the rail vehicle by which the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention is arrange | positioned, and the address table of each apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an imaging apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing explaining an example of arrangement | positioning and a visual field of the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows each recording video capacity | capacitance of each imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing which shows the structure in the rail vehicle by which the imaging device and recording device which are one Embodiment of this invention are arrange | positioned. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of the video recording in the vehicle unit in the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of video recording in units of apparatuses in the imaging apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which shows a mode with the recording reservation of the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention, and its relational expression. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transition process of the recording process in the recording area sharing of the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the transition process of the recording process in the recording area sharing of each imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a signal diagram illustrating an example of a recording area sharing recording operation of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a signal diagram illustrating an example of a recording area sharing recording operation and a transmission destination imaging apparatus switching process of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the grouping process of the imaging device of the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention is a video monitoring system that includes an imaging device, a network switch, a video display device, a management device, and the like installed in a railway vehicle or the like. The image data is recorded on a recording medium mounted inside the imaging apparatus, and video data is recorded by efficiently using a small recording medium capacity mounted inside each imaging apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in a railway vehicle in which a plurality of imaging devices according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged and an address table of each device. An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a plurality of imaging apparatuses, for example, in a railway vehicle, and is connected to a network such as a LAN or WAN by wireless communication or wired communication to configure a video monitoring system, thereby efficiently The video surveillance system is operated.

That is, in FIG. 1A, with respect to the railway vehicles that are the connected first vehicle T1 to fourth vehicle T4, in the first vehicle T1, the imaging devices 1-1 to 1-4 are displayed. The apparatus H1, the management apparatus K, the vehicle apparatus 9 connected to the management apparatus K, and the switch part W1 are provided, and the imaging apparatus 1-1 to the imaging apparatus 1-4, the management apparatus K, and the display apparatus H1 are each It is connected to the switch part W1.

  The imaging device 1-1 to the imaging device 1-4, the display device H1, and the management device K of the first vehicle T1 are uniquely assigned IP addresses in a network group of 192.168.1.0/24, for example. ing.

  Similarly, the second vehicle T2 includes an imaging device 2-1 to an imaging device 2-4 and a switch unit W2, and the imaging devices 2-1 to 2-4 are connected to the switch unit W2, respectively. . Similarly, for the imaging devices 2-1 to 2-4 of the second vehicle T2, IP addresses are assigned uniquely in a network group of 192.168.1.0/24, for example.

  Similarly, the third vehicle T3 includes an imaging device 3-1 to an imaging device 3-4 and a switch unit W3, and each of the imaging device 3-1 to 3-4 is connected to the switch unit W3. . Similarly, the imaging devices 3-1 to 3-4 of the third vehicle T3 are uniquely assigned IP addresses, for example, in a network group of 192.168.1.0/24.

Similarly, the fourth vehicle T4 includes an imaging device 4-1 to an imaging device 4-4, a display device H2, and a switch unit W4. The imaging device 4-1 to the imaging device 4-4 and the display device H2 include each that is connected to the switch portion W4. Similarly, the image pickup device 4-1 to the image pickup device 4-4 and the display device H2 of the fourth vehicle T4 are assigned IP addresses uniquely in, for example, a network group of 192.168.1.0/24. Yes.

  In addition, between each vehicle, it connects with the adjacent vehicle by each switch part. In addition, the management device K acquires or updates the IP addresses of all the devices of the one component (the first vehicle T1, the second vehicle T2, the third vehicle T3, and the fourth vehicle T4) in advance or each time, so that FIG. It is managed as a database as shown in the lower half. Moreover, the management apparatus K shall monitor a state and give various instructions with respect to each apparatus in a vehicle. Further, it is assumed that the management device K issues an instruction to each device in the vehicle based on a signal from the display device H1 or H2 by the operation of the crew.

  The vehicle device 9 communicates various information related to the vehicle and operation with a communication unit or a management center provided outside the railway vehicle, for example, at a station, wirelessly or by wire. Here, the various information includes, for example, vehicle organization information, information on timetables, information on which side door opens at each station, and the like.

  When the crew member checks the live image of the imaging device of an arbitrary vehicle using the display device, the “vehicle number” or “imaging device number / name” is designated and selected. Then, the display devices H1 and H2 query the IP address of the target imaging device using the database managed by the management device from the specified information, connect to the target imaging device with the IP address, and acquire live video Thus, an image is displayed on the display unit of the own device.

  When the crew member uses the display devices H1 and H2 to check the recorded video of the imaging device of an arbitrary vehicle, “recording device number / name” and “vehicle number”, “imaging device number / name” and “recording video date and time” Select "Event" and so on. The display devices H1 and H2 query the IP address of the target imaging device using the database managed by the management device K from the specified information, connect to the target imaging device with the IP address, and are mounted inside the imaging device The video data recorded on the recording medium to be acquired is acquired, and the recorded video is displayed on the display unit of the own device. In addition, the storage medium mounted in the imaging device is in the form of a removable SD card or the like, and after being removed from the imaging device, it is also possible to connect to a personal computer or the like and check the recorded video.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device includes a control unit 11 that controls the operation of the entire imaging device, an imaging device 12 such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) that captures light of a subject and outputs a video signal, and imaging. A video processing unit 13 that performs video processing and various conversions on a video signal output from the element 12, a recording unit 14 that holds a removable recording medium such as an SD card, and a communication unit 15 by wired communication or wireless communication. It has.

  The imaging device 12 photoelectrically converts incident light from the imaging region to generate a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the video processing unit 13. The video processing unit 13 performs video processing and various conversion processes on the video signal according to instructions from the control unit 11, and outputs video data to the recording unit 14 and the communication unit 15. The recording unit 14 records the video data, and in some cases, outputs the video data to the communication unit 15 according to an instruction from the control unit 11. The communication unit 15 communicates with the outside of the imaging apparatus, converts the video data into a format suitable for the type of transmission path, and transmits it, or receives an external signal.

  A general recording process of the image pickup apparatus having the above-described configuration and a monitoring system provided in a railway vehicle including the image pickup apparatus will be described below. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement and field of view of each imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating each recorded video capacity of each imaging device, and FIG. 5 is an imaging device. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of video recording in one vehicle unit in the imaging device, and FIG. 7 is a video in device unit in the imaging device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of recording.

  In the first vehicle T1 shown in FIG. 3, the case where the imaging devices 1-1 to -3 monitor the situation inside the vehicle and record the video data on a recording medium mounted inside the imaging device is considered. The imaging device 1-1 is operated so as to record an image when the door is opened / closed by being notified of information that the door 22 is opened / closed. Similarly, the imaging device 1-2 records an image when the door 21 and the imaging device 1-3 are notified of information that the door 23 is opened and closed. Here, the doors may be opened and closed by providing a sensor in each door and notifying each imaging device from the sensor, or the management device K may notify each imaging device of door opening and closing information. The opening / closing of the door may be detected from the acquired video. Since the imaging device 1-3 records a video based on the door opening / closing situation in the train due to passengers getting on and off and movement of people between vehicles, the frequency with which the door 23 is opened and closed and the video recording frequency are the highest. To do. Next, when the passenger arrives at the station, the door 22 and the door 23 are opened and closed for passengers getting on and off. However, the door 22 is opened and closed more frequently and the video recording frequency is higher, and the door 21 is opened and closed. The recording frequency is the lowest.

  When the monitoring system is operated under such a situation, as shown in FIG. 4, the video recording capacity recorded on the storage medium mounted inside the imaging device is as follows in the imaging devices 1-1 to 1-3. The imaging device 1-3 in (c) reaches the maximum recording capacity of the recording medium earliest. In such a situation, the recording video data is usually downloaded from the imaging device by removing the recording medium from the imaging device and inserting a new recording medium, or by remote control from a management center or the like. Therefore, it is necessary to empty the recording data amount of the recording medium.

  In response to this, as shown in FIG. 5, a recording device is provided in each of the first vehicle T1 to the fourth vehicle T4, for example, a recording device is provided in the leading vehicle, so that it is mounted inside the imaging device. The problem of a short recording time due to a small recording medium capacity can be solved. However, in a limited space in the train, it may not be possible to easily install a recording device separately, and there is a problem that the system introduction cost becomes expensive.

  A recording medium mounted inside the image pickup apparatus is a recording medium such as an SD card, and a capacity of several MB to 32 GB is generally common. For this reason, it is possible to always record at 2 to 3 frames / second per recording medium and to store recorded images for 3 to 4 days. In this case, it takes time and effort to change the recording medium and extract data at a high frequency of once every 3 to 4 days.

  Also, if the video is recorded at a reduced frame rate of 1 to 2 frames / second, the recorded video can be stored inside the imaging device for about 4 to 5 days. Even if you want to check the recorded video, you may not be able to record the essential video because of the low frame rate.

As a recording method therefor, there is an event (alarm) recording method. For example, the imaging equipment, the normal advance by imaging at a low frame rate, by the door is notified of the information that has been opened and closed, to the video recording at a high frame rate only at that time. Using this method, of events such as when there is out of such as a person, to record only the video of the time for which the event, nothing if the change is not as it does not record the video, was limited Can record using the recording capacity efficiently

  However, even in this event (alarm) recording method, as shown in FIG. 4, the recording amount of the video data recorded in the event (alarm) varies from one imaging device to another, so that the interval still varies from one imaging device to another. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm the video data by exchanging the recording medium or extracting the data. In the following description, the interval for confirming the video data by exchanging the recording medium or extracting the data is referred to as a “confirmation interval”.

In one embodiment of the present invention, how to optimize this “confirmation interval” is a point.
First, the case where the confirmation interval is “unit of vehicle” can be considered. As shown in FIG. 6, video data is confirmed by exchanging recording media or extracting data of all the imaging devices in accordance with the confirmation interval of the imaging device having the largest recording amount (in this case, the imaging device 1-3). .

  In this “vehicle unit” or “knitting unit” confirmation interval, one of the plurality of imaging devices described above monitors the recording amount of the recording unit of its own imaging device and the recording amount of another imaging device of the same vehicle. Management or the management device K monitors and manages the recording amount of the imaging devices of all vehicles, and the interval of the imaging device with the largest recording amount is “vehicle unit confirmation interval” or “knitting unit confirmation interval”. For example, it is realized by notifying the management center of the exchange timing of the recording medium or the download of the video data from the vehicle device 9 via the network or the like under the control of the management device K.

  In this method, it is easy to set a “confirmation interval”, and the recording medium can be exchanged or the video data can be downloaded at a time. However, on the other hand, for example, it is difficult to say that the recording medium of the imaging device 1-2 that is not frequently used is used efficiently.

  Next, the case where the confirmation interval is “unit of imaging device” is considered. As shown in FIG. 7, the video data is confirmed by exchanging the recording medium of the imaging device and extracting the data at individual confirmation intervals of the imaging device.

  In this “imaging device unit” confirmation interval, each control unit 11 of the plurality of imaging devices monitors and manages the recording amount of the recording unit 14 of the own device, and for example, the vehicle device 9 via the management device K. This is realized by notifying the management center or the like of the timing of the exchange of the recording medium or the download of the video data via a network or the like.

  In this operation method for each imaging apparatus, the recording capacity can be used more efficiently than the above-described “vehicle unit confirmation interval” and “knitting unit confirmation interval”. However, on the other hand, depending on the situation, it may be necessary to remove the recording medium from one of the imaging devices every day or download the recorded video data from the imaging device to check the video data. Absent.

  Next, when the recording capacity is shared between the imaging apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention, the recording area usage method (hereinafter, recording schedule) of each imaging apparatus is obtained so as to be an “optimum confirmation interval”. Can be considered. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, a plurality of imaging devices can be obtained by utilizing the recording area of the imaging device having a sufficient capacity among the plurality of imaging devices as the recording area of the imaging device having no capacity. The recording capacity can be effectively utilized when viewing the total. This will be described in detail below with reference to these drawings. In order to obtain an “optimum confirmation interval”, in this embodiment, based on each average recording amount or current recording amount of each imaging device so far, which imaging device records the acquired video of which imaging device. A recording schedule is calculated as to how much transmission capacity is transmitted to the medium so that the recording capacity can be used most efficiently in total, and whether the interval of replacement of the recording medium or downloading of the video data can be made long and at the same timing.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the imaging device 1-3 detects an event such as opening / closing information of the door 23 in the train or receives event information (step S11), the imaging device 1 -3, whether or not there is a margin in the recording capacity of the recording unit 14 If there is a margin, the recording is continued as it is, and if there is no margin, each imaging device is communicated from the communication unit 15 to the other imaging devices 1-1 and 1-2 that can communicate on the network. A command for confirming the recording status (recording amount and / or free space) of the internal recording medium is transmitted (step S12).

  The imaging devices 1-1 and 1-2 that have received this command send back information such as the usage amount, free capacity, and recording start date and time of the recording medium of the own device to the imaging device 1-3 (steps S13 and S14). ). The imaging device 1-3 analyzes the state of each imaging device based on the received information, calculates a recording schedule, obtains a recording reservation area for each imaging device, and transmits the order of the imaging devices to be transmitted and recorded ( (Priority order) is determined, and a command for securing a recording reservation area is transmitted to the target imaging devices 1-1 and 1-2 (step S15). Details of the analysis and the calculation method of the recording schedule will be described later. Here, the recording reservation area is set in a recording medium of another imaging device in order to send the excess video acquired by the imaging device having insufficient recording capacity to the other imaging device for recording. It is a recording area.

  The imaging devices 1-1 and 1-2 that have received the command respectively enter a part of the recording area (A and B in FIG. 8) of the recording medium used to record the excess video of the imaging device 1-3. On the other hand, a recording reservation area is set, and information indicating the setting is transmitted to the imaging device 1-3 (steps S16 and S17).

Next, when the imaging device 1-3 detects the event of opening / closing the door 23 in the train again or receives event information (step S18), based on the priority order, the imaging device 1-2 has the highest priority. Then, the acquired video data and a command for recording the video data in the recording reservation area B are transmitted (step S19). When the imaging device 1-2 receives the video data and the command from the imaging device 1-3, the imaging device 1-2 records the video data from the imaging device 1-3 in the recording reservation area B set in the recording medium of the own device. The free space is confirmed, and the fact that the recording of the video data has been normally completed is returned to the imaging device 1-3 (step S20). At this time, the imaging device 1-2 records the video data acquired by the own device on the recording medium of the own device based on event information such as opening and closing of the door 21.
Note that the video data transmission process at this time or the video data transmission process described below may be transmitted from the imaging device element 12 via the video processing unit 13 as it is via the communication unit 15 or imaging. The video data from the device element 12 may be once recorded in the recording unit 14, and then read and transmitted.

In the process of transmitting the video data acquired by the imaging device 1-3 from step S18 to step S20 to the other imaging device 1-2 and recording it instead, the recording reservation area of the imaging device 1-2 is full. Continue until As shown in FIG. 12, the event notification S21 and, after the same image data transmission processing S 22, the imaging device 1-2 that has received the image data and commands, the video data received in the recording reservation area of its own Recording and checking the free space in the reserved recording area, and determining that there is no or little free space, notifies the image pickup apparatus 1-3 that the free space is free or small and that the recording of video data has been normally completed (step S23). ). The state at this time is shown in FIG. Based on this notification, the imaging device 1-3 changes the imaging device that is the video data transmission destination to the imaging device 1-1 having the next highest priority according to the priority order determined in the previous step 15 (step S24). .

Again receives the detection or event information door 23 opening and closing events in the train (step S25), and based on the priority, for the second priority high imaging device 1 1, acquired video data and video A command for recording data in the recording reservation area A is transmitted (step S26). Upon receiving the video data and the command from the imaging device 1-3, the imaging device 1-1 records the video data from the imaging device 1-3 in the recording reservation area A set in the recording medium of the own device, and after recording The free capacity is confirmed, and the fact that the recording of the video data has been normally completed is returned to the imaging device 1-3 (step S27). At this time, the imaging device 1-1 records the video data acquired by the own device on the recording medium of the own device based on event information such as opening / closing of the door 22.

The process of transmitting the video data acquired by the imaging device 1-3 from step S25 to step S27 to the other imaging device 1-1 and recording it instead is the same as in the case of the imaging device 1-2 described above. Until the recording reservation area of the image capturing apparatus 1-1 is full. Among these operations are repeated, the imaging apparatus 1 1 checks the free capacity of the recording reservation area, when it is determined that no or fewer, recording of the video data that free space without or less was successful At the same time, the imaging apparatus 1-3 is notified. The state at this time is shown in FIG. Based on this notification, the imaging device 1-3 changes the imaging device as the video data transmission destination to the imaging device with the next highest priority according to the priority order determined in the previous step 15.

  Further, these processes are repeated, and when the recording capacity of the recording media of all the imaging devices is full, the management center or the like is notified that replacement or downloading of video data is necessary. Preferably, before the recording capacity of the recording medium of all the imaging devices is full, information on when the recording medium is full is also added, and it is necessary to exchange or download video data to the management center or the like. Will be notified.

Here, the method of analyzing the state of each imaging apparatus and calculating the recording schedule in step S15 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
First, the average recording amount of the target imaging device is calculated from the recording start date and time and the recording amount recorded on the recording medium, and the priority order is set in order from the imaging device with the larger free space on the recording medium and the smaller average recording amount. I will do it. Then, to calculate the scheduled recording from the average recording amount of free capacity you and the imaging devices of the storage medium of the imaging devices.

  Note that this may be obtained from the contents (recording start date and amount used) recorded on the recording medium at that time, or may be obtained statistically from the contents recorded so far. Preferably, the average recording amount may be updated based on the recorded contents every day or every confirmation interval when a certain sample is available from the date of system introduction or from the introduction.

In other words, the recording schedule for the “optimum confirmation interval” is as shown in the lower part of FIG.
(Available recording capacity of the imaging device 1-1−Reserved recording capacity of the imaging device 1-3) / Average recording amount of the imaging device 1-1,
(Recording free capacity of the imaging device 1-2−recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3) / average recording amount of the imaging device 1-2,
(Recording reservation capacity of the imaging device 1-3 secured in the imaging device 1-1 + recording reservation capacity of the imaging device 1-3 secured in the imaging device 1-2) / average recording amount of the imaging device 1-3 A recording schedule in which these three values are almost equal is obtained by algebraic calculation.

Here, “recording free capacity of the imaging device 1-1−recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3” is C, and “recording free capacity of the imaging device 1-2−recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3” is D. , If “recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3 secured in the imaging device 1-1” is A and “recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3 secured in the imaging device 1-2” is B, ceremony,
C / (average recording amount of imaging device 1-1) ≈
D / (average recording amount of the imaging device 1-2) ≈
A + B / (average recording amount of the imaging device 1-3)
Can be expressed in a simplified manner.

As described above, in the first embodiment, a monitoring schedule is obtained most efficiently by obtaining a recording schedule for setting the “optimum confirmation interval” based on the above-described formula and executing transmission processing based on the recording schedule. The system can be operated.
In this embodiment, the imaging device 1-3 that has the shortest recording capacity is determined by obtaining a recording schedule, but in addition, a parent imaging device is set in advance for each group, It is also possible for the imaging device to monitor the recording state of another imaging device or obtain a recording schedule.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, when video data is first transmitted to another imaging device in the first embodiment, the range of the imaging device to be transmitted is set, in other words, what type of imaging device is collected. The purpose is to share the recording area (set a recording reservation area). That is, all imaging devices of all vehicles are targeted for transmission, only imaging devices existing in the same vehicle, imaging devices for a plurality of vehicles, or any condition ( For example, it is determined whether or not a group of imaging devices based on the imaging devices installed at the same position of each vehicle is a target. For each group (group) of imaging devices set here, a recording schedule is obtained and used.

  Here, a case where a group of imaging devices is set in units of vehicles will be described as an example. Hereinafter, the process of setting a group of the imaging device is referred to as “grouping”.

  This grouping may be set by operating the main body of the imaging device, or may be set on the operation screen of a notebook computer by connecting a laptop computer to the imaging device, using a management device and a display device Or may be set via a vehicle apparatus from a management center or the like.

Here, when the crew member operates the management device K via the display device H1, for example, the operation screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed to perform grouping.
As shown in FIG. 13A, a list of imaging devices installed in the trained vehicle with the IP address is displayed on the screen of the display device H1, and according to the operation, the imaging devices 1-1 to 4- 4 is set so that the imaging devices are allocated to a desired group. When grouped into a plurality of groups, a list of imaging devices with IP addresses is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, the imaging devices are grouped for each vehicle. This setting is stored as management information by the management apparatus K, and group information is transmitted to each imaging apparatus. Based on this, each imaging apparatus calculates and executes the recording schedule described in the first embodiment.

In addition, by setting a grouping rule (for example, imaging devices existing in the same vehicle as a group) in the imaging device in advance, the operation by the operator is unnecessary and labor can be saved.
Further, the management device K may automatically perform ideal grouping (a combination of imaging devices that can use the recording capacity most efficiently). In this case, based on the ratio of the average recording amount of each imaging device collected so far, set the group of imaging devices so that the ratio of the average recording amount becomes equal, and set the recording reservation area in advance. deep. As a result, the operator's trouble can be saved, and the recording capacity can be used more efficiently.

(Third embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, the imaging apparatus mainly obtains the recording schedule and the priority order based on the grouping. However, in this embodiment, the management apparatus K obtains the recording schedule and manages the whole. That is, in the first embodiment, the management apparatus K executes a process in which the imaging apparatus confirms a free capacity with respect to other imaging apparatuses, sets a recording reservation area, and determines a priority order. Although described in detail below with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and is omitted. When the management apparatus K communicates with each apparatus, signals are exchanged via the switch unit W. However, it is explained that each time the switch is passed through the switch once, and after that, the explanation is based on the premise that the switch is passed through the switch. Omitted. Further, here, the imaging device 1-1 of the first vehicle, the imaging device 2-2 of the second vehicle, the imaging device 3-3 of the third vehicle, the imaging device 4-4 of the fourth vehicle (the first group, In the present embodiment, this group will be described as an example), and it is assumed that grouping is performed by a group of imaging devices installed one by one from each vehicle. The recording amount shall often in the order of the image capture device 1-1, the imaging device 2-2, an imaging device 3 -3, an imaging device 4-4.

  Each imaging device performs an imaging / recording operation according to door opening / closing information, and the management device K monitors the recording status of each imaging device. More specifically, in the case of the first group, the management device K sends a command for confirming the recording amount and returning the command to the imaging device 1-1 via the switch W1, and the imaging device 2 via the switches W1 and W2. -2, transmits to the imaging device 3-3 via the switches W1, W2 and W3, and to the imaging device 4-4 via the switches W1, W2, W3 and W4. Receiving this command, each imaging device confirms the current recording amount of its own device and transmits recording state information to the management device K. The management device updates the received recording status of each imaging device.

  For example, when the available capacity of the image capturing apparatus with the largest amount of recording becomes half or 1/3, for example, the management apparatus K has decreased to some extent. A recording schedule is obtained based on the average usage amount of each of the imaging devices, a priority order is determined, and a recording reservation area is set for the target imaging device. Then, at the timing when there is no room in the free space of the imaging device with the largest recording amount, video data is transmitted to another imaging device according to the priority order. Here, the reason why the recording schedule is not calculated at the timing when the recording capacity has run out as in the first embodiment is that the management apparatus K manages all the groups, and the calculation timing of the recording schedule overlaps and the load is increased. This is to avoid concentration. However, there is no problem even if the recording schedule is calculated at the timing when the recording capacity is not sufficient as in the first embodiment.

Specifically, the management device K monitors the recording state of each imaging device, and if the free space of the imaging device 1-1 decreases, the management device K is based on the recording status and average usage of other imaging devices. Find the record schedule and determine the priority. At this time, priority, recording a small amount of the imaging device 4-4, the imaging device 3-3, the order of the imaging device 2-2. Further, the management apparatus K includes an imaging device 4-4, the imaging device 3-3, to the imaging apparatus 2 -2, sends a command so as to set a recording reservation area, the imaging device 4-4, an imaging device 3 -3, an imaging apparatus 2 -2 sets the recording reservation area in the recording area of its own in accordance with the command. When there is no more free space in the imaging device 1-1, the management device K issues a command to the imaging device 1-1 so as to transmit the video data to the imaging device 4-4 having the highest priority. Send. The imaging device 1-1 transmits video data to the imaging device 4-4 according to the command, and the imaging device 4-4 records the received video data of the imaging device 1-1 in the recording reservation area of the own device.

  Here, it is conceivable that the second and third imaging devices that have no free space in the group appear. At that time, as much as possible, the recording reservation area is reset for the imaging device other than the imaging device that has already been recorded by the imaging device that has already run out of free space, and the alternative recording is performed.

Specifically, when the free space of the imaging device 2-2 further decreases, a recording schedule is obtained based on the recording status and average usage of another imaging device. In addition, the management apparatus K deletes or reduces the recording reservation area for the imaging apparatus 1-1 based on the average usage amount or the like with respect to the imaging apparatus 3-3, and sets the recording reservation area for the imaging apparatus 2-2. The command is transmitted so as to set, and the imaging device 3-3 resets the recording reservation area in its own recording area in accordance with the command. Then, when no more available to the free space of the image pickup device 2-2, the management device K is the imaging device 2 - to two, the video data capturing apparatus 3 - sends a command so as to send to 3. The imaging device 2 - 2, the image pickup apparatus 3 according to the command - to send the video data to 3, the imaging device 3 - 3 imaging apparatus 2 receives the recording reservation area of its own - recording the video data 2. At this time, since the imaging device 4-4 records the video data of the imaging device 1-1 as a substitute, the imaging device 4-4 does not record the video data of the imaging device 2-2 as a substitute. In the case where there are a large number of imaging devices and there are other imaging devices that can be recorded instead, a recording reservation area is set and the priority order is determined again .

  When the video data recording of the own device and the video data alternative recording of the other device are continued and the recording reservation area of the imaging device 1-1 set in the imaging device 4-4 is full, the management device K acquires the imaging device 3- In order to record in the recording reservation area for the imaging device 1-1 that has been reduced to 3 and reset, a command is transmitted to the imaging device 1-1 so as to transmit video data to the imaging device 3-3. To do. The imaging device 3-3 records the video data transmitted from the imaging device 2-2 in the recording reservation area for the imaging device 2-2, and the video data transmitted from the imaging device 1-1 according to the command. Recording is performed in a recording reservation area for the imaging apparatus 1-1.

  Then, when the recording capacity of the recording media of all the imaging devices is full, the management center or the like is notified that replacement or downloading of video data is necessary. Preferably, before the recording capacity of the recording medium of all the imaging devices is full, information on when the recording medium is full is also added, and it is necessary to exchange or download video data to the management center or the like. Is notified and the recording medium is exchanged or the video data is extracted at night when the train does not operate.

  As a result, the management device manages and controls the recording status and recording schedule of all the imaging devices in a lump, thereby facilitating the management and operation of the monitoring system and enabling efficient operation of the entire system. .

  However, in the unlikely event that the recording medium cannot be exchanged or the video data cannot be extracted during a train operation or the like, it is conceivable that the recording capacity of the imaging device in the group or all the imaging devices becomes full. In such a case, if the former is used, the free capacity of the other group is checked, and if it is free, the image pickup apparatus is provided, and if the latter is provided, the excess amount is provided in the management apparatus K HDD (Hard Disk Drive ) Or SSD (Solid State Drive) or a recording device provided separately.

  When the recording capacity of the imaging devices in the group becomes full, specifically, since the management device K monitors and manages the recording status of all groups and imaging devices, there is free space in other groups. If there is an imaging device whose recording reservation area is not filled so much, if there is, the recording reservation area is reset in that imaging device, and the excess video data is transmitted to the imaging device. Control. When there is no imaging device in which another group has free space and the recording reservation area is not filled so much and the recording capacity of all the imaging devices is full, the recording medium of the recording device or management device K provided separately In addition, a recording reservation area for excess video data is set, and a command is transmitted to each camera so that the video data is transmitted to the recording medium of the recording device or the management device K. Each camera transmits video data to the recording device or management device K according to the command, and the recording device or management device K records each video data in its own recording reservation area.

  As a result, even if recording media cannot be replaced or video data cannot be extracted during train operation, video data recording will continue even if the recording capacity of the entire group or all imaging devices is full. Monitoring operation can be maintained.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of times of exchanging recording media, extracting video data, and confirming work, and reducing the trouble of monitoring system operation.

  The imaging device can also reduce the compression rate of video data when recording an event, and can increase the compression rate of video data if no event is detected, thereby reducing the amount of video data. And by extension, the confirmation interval can be extended.

  Also, the event is not limited to the door opening / closing described above, but may be, for example, face detection of a subject, fire detection, pressing of an emergency call button, or the like in addition to door opening / closing.

  A plurality of the various embodiments described above can be implemented at the same time. With these descriptions, those skilled in the art can realize the present invention, but various modifications of these embodiments can be conceived. It is easy for a person skilled in the art and can be applied to various embodiments without inventive ability. Therefore, the present invention covers a wide range consistent with the disclosed principle and novel features, and is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1-1-4-4 ... Imaging device, H1, H2 ... Display device, K ... Management device, W1-W4 ... Switch part, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Imaging element, 13 ... Image processing part, 14 ... Recording part 15 Communication unit.

Claims (13)

An image sensor that images a subject and outputs a video signal;
A video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data;
A recording unit for recording video data;
A communication unit that communicates with other imaging devices;
A control unit for controlling each unit,
Wherein, when it is determined that the spare space of the recording unit is eliminated, and check the free space of the recording portion of the other plurality of imaging devices, the current recording portion of the other plurality of imaging devices The recording capacity of the recording units of the plurality of other imaging devices based on the average recording amount up to the present , the current free space, and the average recording amount up to the present of the recording unit determined that there is no more free space There calculating the capacity of the recording reserved area for recording the video data of its own device to be filled at the same time, among the available capacity of the recording portion of the front SL other imaging device, calculated the recording reserved area of An imaging apparatus, wherein a capacity is set as the recording reservation area, and video data is transmitted to the imaging apparatus in which the recording reservation area is set . The control unit sets priorities for the plurality of other imaging devices in descending order of the calculated capacity of the recording reservation area, and sets the priority of the imaging device with the highest priority among the other imaging devices. Of the available capacity of the recording unit, the calculated capacity of the recording reservation area is set as the recording reservation area, and when the recording reservation area of the imaging device with the highest priority is filled, the next highest priority The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording reservation area is set for another imaging apparatus, and video data is transmitted to the other imaging apparatus having the next highest priority. When the event information is received via the video processing unit or the communication unit, the control unit checks whether there is a free space in the recording unit and determines that there is a free space in the recording unit. If you, the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that recording the video data in the recording unit. The control unit sets the calculated recording reservation area for the capacity of the recording unit of the other imaging device as the recording reservation region, and then sets the recording unit capacity of all the other imaging devices. calculating the fill time, the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 the time information and transmits to the external apparatus through the communication unit. The recording status of the recording units of a plurality of imaging devices including the recording unit is monitored via a network, and if there is the imaging device in which the free capacity of the recording unit is not sufficient, the recording units of the other imaging devices are available. Confirm the capacity, the average recording amount of the recording units of the plurality of other imaging devices up to the present , and the current free capacity and the recording unit of the imaging device up to the present of the free capacity of the recording unit Recording for recording video data of an imaging device having a sufficient free space in the recording unit so that the recording units of the other imaging devices are filled at the same timing based on the average recording amount calculating a reserved area of the free space of the recording portion of the front Symbol another imaging device to set the capacity of the calculated the recording reserved area as the recording reserved area, imaging can not afford the free space of the recording unit the recording reservation of the video data device Management apparatus and controls so as to transmit to the imaging apparatus is set to pass. Priorities are set for the other plurality of imaging devices in descending order of the capacity of the calculated recording reservation area, and the free space of the recording unit of the imaging device having the highest priority among the other imaging devices of, setting the capacity of the calculated the recording reserved area as the recording reserved area, when the recording reservation area of the highest priority imaging apparatus is filled, then the other imaging apparatus high priority On the other hand, the recording reservation area is set, and an imaging apparatus having no free space in the recording unit is controlled to transmit video data to the other imaging apparatus having the next highest priority. The management device according to claim 5. When a plurality of the imaging devices are grouped based on a predetermined standard and there is no room in the free space of the recording unit of the imaging device, the recording reservation area is set for other imaging devices in the same group. setting management apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that.   8. The management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein grouping is performed so that an average recording amount of the plurality of imaging apparatuses up to the present is equal. An image sensor that images a subject and outputs a video signal, a video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data, a recording unit that records video data, and a communication that communicates with an external device A plurality of imaging devices, and a control unit that controls each unit;
A management device that monitors and controls the free capacity of each recording unit of the plurality of imaging devices is connected via a network,
The management device monitors the recording status of the recording portion of the plurality of imaging devices, when the free space of the recording unit can afford no the imaging device, check the free space of the recording portion of the other of the plurality of imaging devices And the average recording amount of the recording units of the plurality of other imaging devices up to the present , and the current recording capacity of the recording unit of the imaging device in which the free space and the free capacity of the recording unit have no margin based on the bets, the recording reserved area for recording the video data of the other of the plurality of can not afford the imaging device with the free space of the recording unit as the capacity of the recording portion is full at the same timing of the imaging apparatus calculated, of the free space of the recording portion of the front Symbol another imaging device to set the capacity of the calculated the recording reserved area as the recording reserved area, the recording unit the imaging device can not afford to free space of the video Taking the data set the recording reservation area Video monitoring system and controls so as to transmit to the device. The management device sets priorities for the plurality of other imaging devices in descending order of the calculated capacity of the reserved recording area , and the management device having the highest priority among the plurality of other imaging devices. Of the available capacity of the recording unit, the calculated capacity of the recording reservation area is set as the recording reservation area, and when the recording reservation area of the imaging device with the highest priority is filled, the next highest priority The recording reservation area is set for another imaging device, and the imaging device having a sufficient free space in the recording unit is controlled to transmit video data to the other imaging device with the next highest priority. The video surveillance system according to claim 9, wherein: The management device divides the plurality of imaging devices into groups based on a predetermined criterion, and when there is no more free space in the recording unit of the imaging device, other management devices in the same group The video surveillance system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the recording reservation area is set.   The video monitoring system according to claim 11, wherein the management device performs grouping so that average recording amounts of the plurality of imaging devices to date are equal. The imaging device is provided in each train vehicle,
The management device is provided in any vehicle of a train,
The video monitoring system according to claim 11, wherein the management device groups the plurality of imaging devices for each vehicle.

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