JP7319069B2 - Image generation device, image generation program and image generation method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image generation device, an image generation program, and an image generation method.

When installing a surveillance camera, the arrangement conditions (installation position, attitude, angle of view) of the surveillance camera for achieving a desired surveillance purpose are planned in advance. For example, if it is necessary to photograph the monitored space without blind spots in order to achieve the purpose of monitoring, the conditions for arranging the surveillance cameras are determined so that there are no blind spots. Since there are generally a wide variety of layout conditions, manual planning requires a great deal of labor and depends on the subjectivity and experience of the person who carries out the planning.

Therefore, the applicant of the present invention obtains the spatial range in which the camera can shoot based on the arrangement conditions, obtains an evaluation value that increases as the blind spot in the surveillance space decreases, and changes the arrangement conditions to obtain the highest evaluation value. (Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2018-128961 A

However, under the arrangement conditions determined by the invention of Patent Document 1, it was actually difficult to install in terms of cost. In particular, when the upper limit of the installation cost of the camera (cost upper limit) is predetermined, it was not possible to easily determine where the installation position of the camera does not exceed the upper cost limit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it easier to grasp candidate installation areas in which a camera can be installed without exceeding a predetermined upper limit of cost.

An image generating apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores monitoring target information including the positions of one or more monitoring targets and structure information representing the positions and shapes of structures around the monitoring targets; an installation candidate area calculation unit that calculates one or more installation candidate areas for each monitored object, based on the object information and the structure information, for installing a camera on the structure so as to be able to photograph the monitored object; A cost acquisition unit that acquires the cost of installing a camera, and a combination of installation candidate areas capable of photographing all monitoring targets, wherein the total cost of the installation candidate areas included in the combination does not exceed a predetermined upper limit of cost. An area detection unit that detects installation candidate areas forming a combination as effective candidate areas, and an image generation unit that generates an installation candidate image that identifiably represents the effective candidate areas.

The image generation device may include a selection reception unit that receives a selection input of an installation position for installing the camera in the effective candidate area for each of the plurality of monitoring targets. The area detection unit determines, as effective candidate areas, a combination of installation candidate areas capable of photographing all of the unprocessed monitoring targets whose installation positions are unselected, and the costs of the installation candidate areas included in the combination. Even if an installation candidate area that constitutes a combination whose total does not exceed the difference obtained by subtracting the total cost of the installation candidate area where the camera is installed for the processed monitoring target whose installation position has been selected from the upper limit of cost is detected good.

The image generation unit may generate, as the installation candidate image, an image in which the processed areas other than the installation candidate area calculated for the unprocessed monitoring object among the installation candidate areas calculated for the processed monitoring object are identifiably displayed. good.
The image generation unit generates an installation candidate image that further distinguishably represents installation candidate areas other than the effective candidate areas, such as an installation impossible area requiring a cost exceeding the upper limit of cost, and an insufficient candidate area other than the installation impossible area. may be generated.
The image generator may generate an installation candidate image that further identifiably represents an overlapping area of the installation candidate areas calculated for the plurality of monitoring targets.

An image generation program according to another aspect of the present invention provides a computer with monitoring target information including the positions of one or more monitoring targets and structure information representing the positions and shapes of structures around the monitoring targets from a storage device. and an installation candidate area calculation step of calculating one or more installation candidate areas for installing a camera on a structure so as to be able to photograph the surveillance object based on the surveillance object information and the structure information. and a cost acquisition step of acquiring the cost of installing a camera for each installation candidate area, and a combination of installation candidate areas capable of capturing images of all monitoring targets, where the total cost of the installation candidate areas included in the combination is An area detection step of detecting an installation candidate area forming a combination that does not exceed a predetermined cost upper limit as an effective candidate area, and an image generation step of generating an installation candidate image identifiably representing the effective candidate area are executed.

An image generating method according to still another aspect of the present invention stores monitoring target information including the positions of one or more monitoring targets and structure information representing the positions and shapes of structures around the monitoring targets in a computer. An installation candidate area for calculating one or more installation candidate areas for installing a camera on a structure so as to be able to photograph an object to be monitored based on an information reading step read out from the device and the information on the object to be monitored and the information on the structure for each object to be monitored. A calculation step, a cost acquisition step of acquiring a cost for installing a camera for each installation candidate area, and a combination of installation candidate areas in which all monitoring targets can be captured, and the costs of the installation candidate areas included in the combination. An area detection step of detecting, as effective candidate areas, installation candidate areas that form a combination whose total does not exceed a predetermined cost upper limit, and an image generation step of generating an installation candidate image that identifiably represents the effective candidate areas are executed. Let

According to the present invention, it becomes easy to grasp the installation candidate area where the camera can be installed without exceeding the predetermined upper cost limit.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of an image generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a monitored space and structures; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an installation candidate image generated by an image generation device; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of structure information; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of cost distribution when a camera is installed on a structure; (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of an example of a method for calculating an installation candidate area for installing a camera on a structure. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a method of generating installation candidate areas by cost; 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of an example of a method for generating installation candidate areas by cost; FIG. (a) is a diagram showing an example of an initial state of an installation candidate image, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of an installation candidate image regenerated by the image generation device when the installation position of the camera is selected. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first example of operation of a combination selection unit; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first example of operation of a combination selection unit; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first example of operation of a combination selection unit; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first example of operation of a combination selection unit; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a first example of operation of a combination selection unit; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second example of the operation of the combination selector; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second example of the operation of the combination selector; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second example of the operation of the combination selector; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second example of the operation of the combination selector; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation example when there is an overlapping area of installation candidate areas corresponding to a plurality of monitoring targets; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display mode of overlapping areas of installation candidate areas corresponding to a plurality of monitoring targets; 4 is a flowchart of an example of overall processing of an image generation method according to an embodiment of the present invention; 8 is a flowchart of an example of camera placement processing; 9 is a flowchart of an example of effective candidate area determination processing;

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention shown below are examples of apparatuses and methods for embodying the technical idea of the present invention. are not specific to the following: Various modifications can be made to the technical idea of the present invention within the technical scope defined by the claims.

Please refer to FIG. The image generation device 10 of the embodiment is configured by, for example, a computer, and includes a storage section 11 and a control section 12 .
The storage unit 11 may include any one of a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, and an optical storage device. The storage unit 11 may include memories such as a register, a cache memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory) used as a main storage device, and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The control unit 12 is configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and its peripheral circuits.
The functions of the control unit 12 described below are realized, for example, by the processor included in the control unit 12 executing an image generation program 20 that is a computer program stored in the storage unit 11 .

Note that the input device 13 is a mouse operated by a person who carries out camera planning, a person engaged in monitoring, an administrator, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a “planning person, etc.”) in order to control the operation of the image generating device 10 . and keyboard. The input device 13 is connected to the image generation device 10 , and various information is input to the image generation device 10 from the input device 13 .

The image generating apparatus 10 is used for camera planning to plan the installation positions of cameras for capturing images of a monitoring target within a predetermined monitoring space, and is used for installation candidate areas for installing cameras on structures surrounding the monitoring target. Generate candidate images.
The output device 14 is a display, projector, printer, or the like that outputs the installation candidate image generated by the image generation device 10 .

Please refer to FIG. Now, let us assume planning for installing surveillance cameras in the indoor surveillance space 30 . The monitored space may be outdoors.
The monitoring space 30 is surrounded by a relatively low ceiling portion 31a, a relatively high ceiling portion 31b, a floor 32, walls 33, 34 and 35, and a wall 36 (not shown). The low ceiling section 31a, the high ceiling section 31b, the floor 32, and the walls 33 to 36 are examples of structures existing in the monitored space 30. FIG.

Furthermore, in the monitored space 30, there are pillars 37 and 38 around the monitored objects 40a to 40c, and concentrators 39a, 39b and 39c to which video transmission lines and power lines of the cameras can be connected. The concentrators 39a, 39b, and 39c may be, for example, controllers (control devices), recorders (recording devices), power supply devices, and the like. These pillars 37 and 38 and concentrators 39 a - 39 c are examples of structures within the monitored space 30 .
Also, in the monitored space 30, there are monitored targets 40a to 40c. The number of monitoring targets is not limited to plural, and may be one.

The image generation device 10 generates monitoring target information 22 representing the positions of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c, and structures representing the positions and shapes of the structures 31a, 31b, 32 to 38, and 39a to 39c around the monitoring targets 40a to 40c. The object information 21 is read out from the storage unit 11 .
The image generating device 10 installs cameras capable of photographing the monitored objects 40a to 40c on any of the structures 31a, 31b, 32 to 38, and 39a to 39c based on the monitored object information 22 and the structure information 21. One or more candidate regions are calculated for each monitoring target.

In the following description, an installation candidate area in which a camera capable of photographing a monitoring target is installed may be expressed as "installation candidate area corresponding to the monitoring target".
The image generation device 10 generates installation candidate images representing these installation candidate areas and outputs them from the output device 14 .

FIG. 3 shows an example of the installation candidate image 100. As shown in FIG. An installation candidate image 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 represents an installation candidate area when cameras are installed on the surfaces of the low ceiling portion 31a and the high ceiling portion 31b facing the monitoring space 30 side.
An example of the installation candidate image 100 when the cameras are installed in the low ceiling section 31a and the high ceiling section 31b will be described below. An installation candidate image representing an installation candidate area for installing the camera on the surface or the surfaces of the pillars 37 and 38 may be generated.

Areas 41a and 41i hatched with light oblique lines and areas 41b and 41j hatched with grainy lines are four installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring target 40a.
Areas 41c and 41i hatched with light oblique lines and areas 41d and 41j hatched with grainy lines are four installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring target 40b.

A region 41e hatched with light oblique lines, a region 41f hatched with grainy lines, a region 41g hatched with thick vertical lines, and a region 41h hatched with thin vertical lines are four installations corresponding to the monitoring target 40c. It is a candidate area.
The area corresponding to the low ceiling section 31a and the area corresponding to the high ceiling section 31b may be color-coded so that they can be distinguished from each other. In the example of the installation candidate image 100 in FIG. 3, the area corresponding to the high ceiling section 31b is hatched.

The installation costs of the cameras in areas 41b, 41d and 41f are lower than those in areas 41a, 41c and 41e. This is because the regions 41b, 41d and 41f are closer to the concentrators 39a and 39b than the regions 41a, 41c and 41e, and the wiring costs are lower.
The installation cost in region 41h is lower than the installation cost in region 41g. This is because the area 41h is closer to the line concentrator 39c than the area 41g, and the wiring cost is lower.

The installation cost in region 41g is higher than the installation cost in region 41e, and the installation cost in region 41h is higher than the installation cost in region 41f. This is because the construction cost for installing the camera in the high ceiling portion 31b is higher than the construction cost for installing the camera in the low ceiling portion 31a. As described above, the cost in this embodiment is the installation cost obtained from the wiring cost and construction cost when installing the camera, and the cost distribution is the distribution of the cost calculated on the surface of the structure existing in the monitoring space 30. is.
Also, in overlapping areas 41i and 41j between the installation candidate area for the monitoring target 40a and the installation candidate area for the monitoring target 40b, cameras can be installed so as to photograph a plurality of monitoring targets 40a and 40b at the same time. In this case, the installation cost per camera may be split between the plurality of monitoring targets 40a and 40b to obtain the installation cost per monitoring target, which may be used as the installation cost for the overlapping areas 41i and 41j.

For example, the installation cost of the overlapping area 41i may be half the installation cost of the areas 41a and 41c, and the installation cost of the overlapping area 41j may be half the installation cost of the areas 41b and 41d.
In this manner, the installation candidate image 100 displays the installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a to 40c by dividing them into areas by cost. The installation candidate image 100 may display the installation candidate areas by cost in different colors. For example, in the example of the installation candidate image 100 in FIG. 3, each cost is hatched.

By looking at the installation candidate image 100, it is possible to select a combination of installation candidate areas covering all the monitoring targets 40a to 40c, that is, a combination of installation candidate areas in which cameras are installed so as to photograph all the monitoring targets 40a to 40c. .
For example, if cameras are installed in the areas 41b, 41c, and 41f, respectively, all the monitored objects 40a to 40c can be covered. Further, even if cameras are installed in the areas 41i and 41e, respectively, all the monitored objects 40a to 40c can be covered.

However, if a combination of installation candidate areas with high installation costs is selected, the total installation cost of the cameras capable of photographing all the monitoring targets 40a to 40c, that is, the total cost of camera planning, exceeds the predetermined upper cost limit. Sometimes.
Therefore, the installation candidate image 100 indicates an installation candidate area in which cameras can be installed so that the total installation cost required to photograph all monitoring targets does not exceed a predetermined upper cost limit.

In other words, a combination of installation candidate areas capable of photographing all of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c, and the total installation cost when cameras are installed in each of the installation candidate areas included in the combination is the predetermined cost upper limit. indicates installation candidate areas that form a combination that does not exceed . In this way, an installation candidate area in which cameras can be installed so that the total installation cost required to photograph all monitoring targets does not exceed a predetermined cost upper limit is sometimes referred to as an "effective candidate area."

For example, the cost of the regions 41a, 41c, 41e is "2", the cost of the regions 41b, 41d and 41f is "1", the cost of the region 41h is "4", and the cost of the region 41g is "5". , the cost of the area 41i is "1", and the cost of the area 41j is "0.5".

Here, when the cost upper limit is "4", the installation cost "5" of the area 41g is greater than the cost upper limit "4". Therefore, if a camera is installed in the area 41g, the cost upper limit "4" is immediately exceeded.
Therefore, the installation candidate image 100 displays the area 41g to be identifiable as an "uninstallable area" in which the camera cannot be installed. For example, the installation candidate image 100 may indicate that it is an installation-impossible area by using a display color, pattern, symbol, or the like of the area. In the example of the installation candidate image 100 in FIG. 3, the dark vertical line hatching indicates the installation impossible area. In this way, the installation-impossible area is an installation candidate area that requires a cost that immediately exceeds the upper limit of the cost when the camera is installed by selecting the installation-impossible area.

In addition, since the installation cost "4" of the area 41h is equal to the cost upper limit, if the area 41h is selected as the installation position of the camera, before completing the selection of the installation positions of the cameras for the remaining monitoring targets 40a and 40b, The total installation cost exceeds the cost limit.
Therefore, the installation candidate image 100 displays the region 41h to be identifiable as a shortage candidate region that causes such a cost overrun. For example, the installation candidate image 100 may represent the "missing candidate area" by the display color, pattern, symbol, or the like of the area. In the example of the installation candidate image 100 in FIG. 3 , thin vertical line hatching indicates the insufficient candidate area. In this way, when the shortage candidate area is selected, the total installation cost exceeds the upper limit before the selection of the camera installation positions (installation candidate areas) for the remaining monitoring targets is completed. It means an installation candidate area to be installed.

For the other installation candidate areas 41a to 41f, 41i and 41j, regardless of which one is selected as the installation position of the camera, depending on the selection of the installation candidate area after that, cameras are installed that can photograph all the monitoring targets 40a to 40c. Locations can be selected without exceeding the cost limit.
For example, even if the area 41a with a cost of "2" is selected as the installation position of the camera for photographing the monitored object 40a, the area 41d with a cost of "1" and the 41f should be selected respectively.

That is, the installation candidate image 100 identifiably displays the installation impossible area 41g and the insufficient candidate area 41h so that each of the other installation candidate areas 41a to 41f, 41i and 41j can be displayed without exceeding the upper limit of cost. All of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c are represented as valid candidate areas that form a combination of installation candidate areas in which cameras can be installed.
This makes it easier for the planning person or the like to grasp the installation candidate area where the camera can be installed without exceeding the predetermined upper limit of cost.

Details of the image generating apparatus 10 will be described below. Please refer to FIG. The storage unit 11 stores structure information 21 and monitoring target information 22 in addition to the image generation program 20 described above.
The structure information 21 is three-dimensional geometric shape data (that is, a three-dimensional model) representing the positions and shapes of real-world structures surrounding the monitored space 30 or existing within the monitored space 30 .
A structure is, for example, a building, a ground, or an object such as an obstacle (furniture, tree, etc.). In the example of the monitored space 30 in FIG. 2, the structure information 21 includes the low ceiling portion 31a and the high ceiling portion 31b, the floor 32, the walls 33 to 36 (however, the front wall 36 is not shown), the pillars 37 and 38. , as well as the position and shape of the concentrators 39a-39c.

The structure information 21 may include data representing the structure of such structures. The structure of the structure may include, for example, the type, material, thickness, and strength of the structure. Therefore, the structure information 21 may include attribute data representing the type, material, thickness, strength, etc. of the structure.
The attribute data may include type data representing types such as "ceiling", "wall", "door", and "pillar". The attribute data may also include information on whether or not the structure functions as a "line concentrator" and information on the position of the port that connects the wiring, that is, information on the wiring installed in the structure.

The attribute data may also include material data representing materials such as "gypsum board" and "steel frame". The structure information 21 may include attribute data indicating whether or not a camera can be attached.
Such structure information 21 is set and registered in advance from the input device 13 by a planning implementer or the like and stored in the storage unit 11 .
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing structure information 21 of the structures in the monitored space 30 of FIG. is.

The monitoring target information 22 includes monitoring target condition data relating to monitoring targets 40a to 40c, which are objects to be monitored placed in the monitoring space 30, and attribute data such as materials of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c.
The monitoring target condition data includes, for example, the positions at which the monitoring targets 40a to 40c are arranged in the monitoring space 30, the three-dimensional shapes of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c, the orientations of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c, the monitoring directions of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c, Data of the necessary resolution of the image required for monitoring the monitoring targets 40a to 40c may be included.

Note that the monitoring target information 22 may be coordinate information of a monitoring point, which is a position to be monitored.
The monitoring target information 22 is stored in the storage unit 11 when the monitoring target condition data and attribute data of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c are set by the control unit 12. FIG.

The control unit 12 reads the structure information 21 and the monitoring object information 22 stored in the storage unit 11 . Further, the control unit 12 reads out and executes the image generation program 20 stored in the storage unit 11, and includes a cost distribution calculation unit 23 (cost acquisition unit), a monitoring target setting unit 24, an installation candidate area calculation unit 25, and an image generation program. It functions as a unit 26 , a combination selection unit 27 (area detection unit), and a selection reception unit 28 .
Based on the structure information 21, the cost distribution calculator 23 identifies surfaces on which cameras can be installed, among the surfaces of structures existing in the monitored space 30. FIG.

For example, the cost distribution calculation unit 23 may identify a surface on which a camera can be installed based on attribute data indicating whether or not a camera can be attached, which is included in the structure information 21 .
Alternatively, the type of structure on which a camera can be installed may be set in advance for each type of camera, and the surface on which the camera can be installed may be specified based on the structure type data included in the structure information 21 .

Next, the cost distribution calculator 23 divides the surface on which the camera can be installed into unit areas of a predetermined size.
Then, the cost distribution calculator 23 calculates the camera installation cost for each unit area based on the structure information 21 . For example, the cost distribution calculator 23 may calculate construction costs for installing cameras in unit areas as installation costs.

For example, the cost distribution calculation unit 23 may calculate construction costs based on attribute data of material, thickness, shape, and strength included in the structure information 21 . For example, construction methods, tools, and fittings suitable for attributes such as material, thickness, shape, and strength are stored in advance in the storage unit 11 as parameters in association with attribute data. In addition, the storage unit 11 stores in advance the costs for using each of the construction method, tools, and fittings.
The cost distribution calculation unit 23 may calculate the construction cost according to a conversion rule for accumulating the usage costs of the construction method, tools, and fittings associated with the attribute data.

This construction cost may include the cost of using the equipment required to install the camera in each unit area. An example of the necessary equipment is an aerial work platform for installing cameras in high places. The cost distribution calculator 23 may determine the height from the floor surface to each unit area based on the structure information 21 and calculate the usage cost of the required equipment.
For example, the required height of the aerial work platform and the cost of using it may be stored in advance in the storage unit 11 as parameters. The cost distribution calculation unit 23 may calculate the construction cost according to a conversion rule for determining whether or not to add the usage cost of the aerial work platform according to the height of the unit area from the floor (ground).

That is, the installation cost does not necessarily have to be calculated based on the structure of the structure. For example, it may be calculated based on information on the lighting and light sources in the monitored space 30 .
The cost distribution calculator 23 may also calculate the wiring cost of the video transmission line and the power line of the camera installed in the unit area as the installation cost. The cost distribution calculator 23 may calculate the total of the construction cost and the wiring cost as the installation cost.
For example, the wiring cost per unit length may be stored in advance in the storage unit 11 as a parameter.

The cost distribution calculator 23 identifies the positions of the concentrators 39a to 39c based on the structure information 21, and determines wiring routes from each unit area to the concentrators 39a to 39c using a given route determination method. do. The cost distribution calculator 23 may calculate the wiring cost according to a conversion rule that multiplies the wiring route length by the wiring cost per unit length.
FIG. 5 shows an example of cost distribution when cameras are installed on the surfaces of the low ceiling section 31a and the high ceiling section 31b facing the monitored space 30 side.

A region 45 hatched with grains and a region 46 hatched with light oblique lines indicate the installation cost when the camera is installed in the low ceiling section 31a. A region 47 hatched with dark oblique lines and a region 48 hatched with lattice pattern indicate the installation cost when the camera is installed in the high ceiling section 31b.
The cost in area 45 is lower than the cost in area 46 . The cost in area 47 is lower than the cost in area 48 . Also, the cost in region 46 is lower than the cost in region 47 . The reason is the same as the installation candidate image 100 in FIG.

The monitoring target setting unit 24 sets monitoring targets 40a to 40c. Specifically, monitoring object condition data for arranging the monitoring objects 40a to 40c in the monitoring space 30 and attribute data such as the material of the monitoring object are set.
For example, the monitoring target setting unit 24 sets monitoring target condition data and attribute data of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c based on data input by a planning executor or the like using the input device 13, and stores them as the monitoring target information 22. Store in section 11 . The monitoring target setting unit 24 may set a single monitoring target.

When the monitoring targets 40a to 40c are set, the cost distribution calculator 23 may correct the installation cost in each unit area according to the monitoring target condition data of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c.
For example, the installation cost may be corrected according to the performance of the cameras required to photograph the monitored objects 40a to 40c from the position of each unit area. For example, unless the camera has a long distance from the position of the unit area to the monitored objects 40a to 40c and a large number of shooting pixels, the installation cost will be high if the required resolution specified in the monitored object condition data cannot be satisfied. . Therefore, the cost distribution calculator 23 may correct the installation cost by the increased camera cost. That is, the cost distribution calculator 23 may correct the installation cost according to the distance between each unit area and the monitored objects 40a to 40c. In other words, the cost distribution calculator 23 may correct the installation cost based on the positional relationship with the monitored objects 40a to 40c. In the present embodiment, the cost distribution calculator 23 calculates the installation cost of each unit area, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may read and acquire the installation cost calculated suitably.

Next, based on the monitoring object information 22 and the structure information 21, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 calculates installation candidate areas for installing cameras capable of photographing the monitoring objects 40a to 40c in the structures for each of the monitoring objects 40a to 40c. Calculate That is, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 calculates installation candidate areas corresponding to the respective monitoring targets 40a to 40c.
For example, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 determines whether light rays reach the monitoring targets 40a to 40c without being blocked by other structures, assuming that light sources are arranged in each unit area.
The installation candidate area calculation unit 25 calculates, as an installation candidate area, a set of unit areas in which light sources emitting light rays reaching the monitoring targets 40a to 40c are arranged.

At that time, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 may determine the allowable maximum distance from the monitoring targets 40a to 40c to the cameras according to the required resolution specified by the monitoring target condition data of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c. . The installation candidate area calculator 25 may exclude an area that is more than the maximum allowable distance from the installation candidate area.
The installation candidate area calculation unit 25 may also calculate the installation candidate area according to the monitoring direction of the monitoring targets 40 a to 40 c specified by the monitoring target condition data of the monitoring target information 22 .

Refer to FIG. 6(a). The columns 37 and 38, the concentrators 39a to 39c, and the monitored objects 40b and 40c are omitted for clarity of illustration.
For example, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 is formed by a trajectory of a half straight line forming an allowable angle θ (0°≦θ<90°) with the reference straight line 51a extending in the monitoring direction with one end at a monitoring point on the surface of the monitoring target 40a. A conical space 53a is calculated. The monitoring direction is the direction toward the outside of the monitored object, and the conical space 53a is a space including the reference straight line. The permissible angle θ indicates the permissible range of the direction in which the object to be monitored is photographed.

Then, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 calculates a partial space of the cone-shaped space 53a that does not overlap with the space occupied by the structure as the photographable space of the monitoring target 40a. However, the conical space 53a is regarded as a space generated by a spotlight light source, and the space shaded by the structure is excluded from the photographable space. In other words, the space that is the blind spot of the structure when viewed from the monitoring point is excluded from the photographable space.
The installation candidate area calculation unit 25 calculates an area of the surface of the structure that is in contact with the photographable space as an installation candidate area. In the example of FIG. 6A, a region 54a of the low ceiling portion 31a that is in contact with the photographable space is calculated as the installation candidate region.

Furthermore, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 may determine the allowable maximum distance from the monitoring target 40a to the camera according to the required resolution specified in the monitoring target condition data of the monitoring target 40a.
Please refer to FIG. 6(b). The installation candidate area calculation unit 25 calculates an area 56a excluding an area 55a that is farther than the maximum allowable distance as an installation candidate area.

Please refer to FIG. The installation candidate area calculation unit 25 leaves the unit areas overlapping the installation candidate area among the unit areas for which the installation cost is calculated, and excludes the other unit areas. That is, the installation candidate area calculator 25 excludes unit areas that do not overlap with the installation candidate area.
Please refer to FIG. Reference numerals 56a, 56b and 56c indicate installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a, 40b and 40c, respectively.
As shown, only the costs of unit areas that overlap with the installation candidate areas 56a, 56b, and 56c are displayed, and unit areas that do not overlap with the installation candidate areas 56a, 56b, and 56c are excluded.

The installation candidate area calculation unit 25 combines the unit areas for each of the installation candidate areas 56a to 56c corresponding to the monitoring objects 40a to 40c, respectively, and forms installation candidate areas by cost for each of the monitoring objects 40a to 40c. Specifically, unit areas included in each of the installation candidate areas 56a to 56c are listed with the same cost, and the areas are combined.

However, if a camera is installed in an area where the installation candidate areas 56a and 56b overlap so that a plurality of monitoring targets 40a and 40b can be photographed at the same time, the installation cost per camera is can be split in half.
For this reason, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 combines unit areas included in the overlapping installation candidate areas with unit areas not included in the overlapping installation candidate areas.

Please refer to FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 8(b). For example, the cost of the area hatched with grain is "1", the cost of the area with light hatching is "2", and the cost of the area with thick hatching is "3". Assume that the grid-hatched area has a cost of "4".
The installation candidate area calculator 25 forms an installation candidate area 41b by combining unit areas with a cost of "1" among the unit areas included in the installation candidate area 56a corresponding to the monitoring target 40a. The unit areas with a cost of "2" are combined to form the installation candidate area 41a.
The installation candidate area calculator 25 forms an installation candidate area 41d by combining unit areas with a cost of "1" among the unit areas included in the installation candidate area 56b corresponding to the monitoring target 40b. The unit areas with a cost of "2" are combined to form the installation candidate area 41c.

The installation candidate area calculator 25 forms an installation candidate area 41j by combining unit areas with a cost of "1" included in the overlapping area of the installation candidate areas 56a and 56b. The unit areas of cost "2" included in the overlapping area of the installation candidate areas 56a and 56b are combined to form the installation candidate area 41i. In these installation candidate areas 41i and 41j, the installation cost per camera can be split between the monitored targets 40a and 40b, so the costs per monitored target are halved, ie, 0.5 and 1, respectively.
The installation candidate area calculator 25 forms an installation candidate area 41f by combining unit areas with a cost of "1" among the unit areas included in the installation candidate area 56c corresponding to the monitoring target 40c. Unit areas with a cost of "2" are combined to form an installation candidate area 41e. The unit areas with a cost of "4" are combined to form an installation candidate area 41h. The unit areas with a cost of "5" are combined to form the installation candidate area 41g.

Please refer to FIG. The image generation unit 26 generates an installation candidate image 100 representing the installation candidate areas 41a to 41j and outputs it from the output device 14. FIG. An example of the installation candidate image 100 is shown in FIG. 9(a).
At this point, the upper cost limit has not yet been reflected in the installation candidate image 100 . Therefore, the installation candidate image 100 does not have the "installation impossible area" hatched with thick vertical lines or the "missing candidate area" hatched with thin vertical lines as shown in FIG.

Therefore, all the installation candidate areas 41a to 41j are displayed in a form corresponding to each installation cost. For example, the installation candidate image 100 may represent the installation cost by display colors, patterns, symbols, etc. of the installation candidate areas 41a to 41j. In the example of the installation candidate image 100 shown in FIG. 9A, hatching is divided for each cost.
In areas 41i and 41j in which the installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a and 40b overlap, the image generating unit 26 divides the installation cost per camera between the multiple monitoring targets 40a and 40b to be "1". ' and '0.5', instead of '2' and '1' per camera installation cost.

Please refer to FIG. The combination selection unit 27 sets the upper limit of cost. For example, the combination selection unit 27 may set the upper limit of the cost according to the input of the planning person using the input device 13 .
The combination selection unit 27 designates the area 41g as the installation impossible area and the area 41h as the insufficient candidate area, like the installation candidate image 100 in FIG. 3, according to the upper limit of the cost.

In this manner, the combination selection unit 27 installs the cameras so that the installation candidate areas 41a to 41f, 41i, and 41j other than the installation impossible area 41g and the shortage candidate area 41h can be photographed, and all the monitoring targets 40a to 40c can be photographed. Effective candidate areas are detected as a combination of installation candidate areas in which the total installation cost does not exceed a predetermined cost upper limit.

The image generator 26 generates an installation candidate image 100 in which the installation impossible area 41g and the insufficient candidate area 41h are displayed in a identifiable manner, and outputs the image from the output device 14. FIG.
In the installation candidate image 100, the areas 41a to 41f, 41i and 41j other than the installation impossible area 41g and the insufficient candidate area 41h are the installation cost when the cameras are installed so that all the monitoring targets 40a to 40c can be photographed. They are identifiably represented as valid candidate areas that make up the combination of installation candidate areas whose sum does not exceed a predetermined upper cost limit.

In the above description, the installation costs in the installation candidate areas 41a to 41f, 41i and 41j are represented by display colors, patterns, hatching, and symbols. Alternatively, a number representing the cost may be displayed in each area. Also, in addition to the number representing the cost, the amount exceeding the upper limit of the cost (for example, minus 50,000 yen) may be displayed in the installation impossible area 41g and the shortage candidate area 41h.

Please refer to FIG. The selection accepting unit 28 accepts selection input of the installation position of the camera for photographing each of the plurality of monitoring targets 40a to 40c. The planning executor or the like uses the input device 13 to select the installation position of the camera.
Please refer to FIG. Specifically, in each area of the installation candidate areas 41a to 41f, 41i and 41j other than the installation impossible area 41g and the shortage candidate area 41h, any one of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c can be photographed. Set the installation position and orientation of the camera.

For example, the planning executor or the like may specify both the installation position and orientation of the camera.
Further, for example, the planning executor or the like may designate only the installation position of the camera. In this case, for example, the combination selection unit 27 may automatically calculate the direction of the camera so that it faces the monitoring target corresponding to the installation candidate area in which the camera is positioned.

Further, for example, the planning person may specify only the installation candidate area where the camera is to be installed. In this case, for example, the combination selection unit 27 may automatically calculate the installation position and orientation of the camera within the designated installation candidate area. For example, the combination selection unit 27 may designate the center or the center of gravity of the installation candidate area as the installation position of the camera.
Also, the combination selection unit 27 may automatically calculate the installation position and orientation of the camera using, for example, an optimum calculation method. In this case, the selection reception unit 28 may be omitted.

Refer to FIG. 9(b). Now, it is assumed that the installation position of the camera 62a for photographing the monitoring target 40a is selected within the installation candidate area 41a.
Selecting the installation position of the camera changes the remaining cost that can be consumed. Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 re-identifies the installation impossible area and the insufficient candidate area according to the cost "2" of the selected installation candidate area 41a.
Hereinafter, a monitoring target for which the installation position of the camera that shoots the monitoring target has been selected is referred to as "processed monitoring target", and a monitoring target for which the installation position of the camera that shoots the monitoring target has not been selected is referred to as "unprocessed monitoring target". is sometimes written as Also, a camera whose installation position has already been selected may be referred to as a "selected camera".

In this example, if a camera is installed in the region 41h with a cost of "3", the total installation cost becomes "5" and immediately exceeds the cost upper limit of "4". Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 designates the area 41h as an installation impossible area.
Also, if a camera for photographing the monitored object 40b is installed in the area 41c with a cost of "2", the total installation cost becomes "4", and before the camera for photographing the monitored object 40c is installed, the total installation cost reaches the cost upper limit of "4". exceed. The same applies when a camera for photographing the monitored object 40b is separately installed in the area 41i in addition to the camera 62a for photographing the monitored object 40a.

The total installation cost is "4" even when the camera for photographing the monitored object 40c is installed in the area 41e with the cost of "2", and the total installation cost reaches the upper limit of "4" before installing the camera for photographing the monitored object 40b. ”.
That is, if any of the regions 41c, 41i, 41e is selected as the camera installation location, the total installation cost will exceed the cost limit before all the camera installation location selections for the remaining unprocessed surveillance targets are completed. do.
Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 designates the regions 41c, 41i, and 41e as missing candidate regions.

Further, among the installation candidate areas 56a (that is, the sum of the areas 41a, 41b, 41i and 41j) corresponding to the processed monitoring object 40a, the installation candidate area 56b (that is, the areas 41c and 41d) corresponding to the unprocessed monitoring object 40b , 41i and 41j) are designated as "processed areas".

Accordingly, the combination selection unit 27 selects a combination of the areas 41d and 41f and a combination of the areas 41j and 41f other than the installation impossible areas 41g and 41h, the missing candidate areas 41c, 41e and 41i, and the processed areas 41a and 41b. , are combinations of installation candidate areas for cameras that photograph unprocessed monitoring targets 40b and 40c, respectively, and effective candidate areas 41d, 41f, and 41j that constitute these combinations are detected.
The total cost when the camera for capturing the unprocessed monitoring target 40b is installed in either of the installation candidate areas 41d and 41j and the camera for capturing the unprocessed monitoring target 40c is installed in the installation candidate area 41f is "2". is. Therefore, adding the cost of the selected camera 62 does not exceed the upper cost limit of "4".

In this way, the combination selection unit 27 selects, as effective candidate areas, a combination of installation candidate areas capable of photographing all of the unprocessed monitoring targets 40b and 40c, and the total cost of the installation candidate areas included in the combination is Installation candidate areas 41d, 41f, and 41j that form a combination that does not exceed the difference obtained by subtracting the total cost of the installation candidate areas in which the cameras are installed for the processed monitoring target 40a from the upper limit of cost are detected.

The image generation unit 26 regenerates the installation candidate image 100 in which the installation impossible areas 41g and 41h, the missing candidate areas 41c, 41e and 41i, and the processed areas 41a and 41b are displayed in a identifiable manner. Output.
In this way, the planning person or the like can easily grasp installation candidate areas where cameras can be installed so as to cover all the monitoring targets 40a to 40c without exceeding a predetermined upper limit of cost.

Next, an example of the operation of the combination selection unit 27 when sequentially designating the installation positions of the cameras for photographing the monitoring targets 40a to 40c will be described in more detail.
First, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14, the case where there is no overlapping area in the installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a to 40c will be described.
Installation candidate areas 41a and 41b are installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring target 40a.

Numerical values "2" and "1" in parentheses attached to the reference numerals 41a and 41b represent the installation costs of the cameras in the installation candidate areas 41a and 41b, respectively.
Similarly, an area 41c with a cost of "2" and an area 41d with a cost of "1" are installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring target 40b.
A cost "2" area 41e, a cost "1" area 41f, a cost "3" area 41h, and a cost "4" area 41g are installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring target 40c.

Please refer to FIG. First, the combination selection unit 27 acquires the monitoring targets 40 a to 40 c set by the monitoring target setting unit 24 and the installation candidate areas 41 a to 41 h calculated by the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 .
The combination selection unit 27 inputs the acquired monitoring targets 40a to 40c into the "unprocessed monitoring target" column of the unprocessed target table 60 as unprocessed monitoring targets. The unprocessed target table 60 may be stored in the storage unit 11, for example.

Further, the combination selection unit 27 inputs the installation candidate areas 41a and 41b corresponding to the monitoring target 40a into the "unselected installation candidate area" column of the row in which the monitoring target 40a is input. The installation candidate areas 41c and 41d corresponding to the monitoring object 40b are entered in the "unselected installation candidate area" column of the row in which the monitoring object 40b is entered. The installation candidate areas 41e to 41h corresponding to the monitoring object 40c are entered in the "unselected installation candidate area" column of the row in which the monitoring object 40c is entered.

In addition, the combination selection unit 27 inputs the minimum cost of the camera for photographing the monitoring target 40a in the "minimum cost" column of the row in which the monitoring target 40a is input. The minimum cost is determined by the minimum installation cost "1" in the installation candidate areas 41a and 41b corresponding to the monitored object 40a.
Similarly, the combination selection unit 27 inputs the minimum cost "1" in the "minimum cost" column of the row in which the monitoring target 40b is input. A minimum cost of "1" is entered in the "minimum cost" column of the row in which the monitored object 40c is entered.

The combination selection unit 27 also initializes the processed target table 61 that records the processed monitoring target and the installation cost of the camera that captures the processed monitoring target. The processed target table 61 may be stored in the storage unit 11, for example.
Further, the combination selection unit 27 calculates selected costs and essential costs. The selected cost is the total installation cost of the selected cameras. In the state of FIG. 10, the selected cost is "0" because there is no selected camera yet.

The required cost is the sum of the minimum costs of the cameras filming the raw surveillance object. In the state of FIG. 10, the unprocessed monitoring targets are the monitoring targets 40a to 40c, and since the minimum cost of each camera for photographing these monitoring targets is "1", the essential cost is "3".
The sum of the selected cost and the required cost is the sum of the installation costs of the cameras that capture all of the monitoring targets 40a to 40c (camera planning indicates the minimum value that the total cost) can take.

Please refer to FIG. Assume that the cost upper limit "4" is set. The combination selection unit 27 calculates a cost margin of "1", which is the difference obtained by subtracting the sum of the selected cost of "0" and the essential cost of "3" from the upper limit of the cost.
The combination selection unit 27 detects effective candidate areas constituting a combination of installation candidate areas in which cameras can be installed so as to photograph all of the unprocessed monitoring targets 40a to 40c without exceeding the upper limit of cost.

Specifically, the combination selection unit 27 determines installation impossible areas and insufficient candidate areas. If the installation cost of an installation candidate area exceeds the difference obtained by subtracting the selected cost from the upper limit of cost, the combination selection unit 27 determines that the installation candidate area is an installation impossible area and excludes it from the valid candidate areas. do.
That is, the installation impossible area is an installation candidate area having a cost larger than the difference obtained by subtracting the total installation cost of the selected cameras from the upper limit of cost.
In the state of FIG. 11, there is no non-installable region with a cost exceeding the difference "4" obtained by subtracting the selected cost from the upper limit of cost.

Further, if the installation candidate area corresponding to a certain monitoring target is not an installation impossible area and the installation cost exceeds the sum of the minimum cost and the cost margin of the camera that captures the monitoring target, the combination selection unit 27 The installation candidate area is determined to be an insufficient candidate area, and is excluded from the effective candidate areas.
For example, the costs of the installation candidate areas 41g and 41h corresponding to the monitoring target 40c are "4" and "3", respectively, and exceed the sum of the minimum cost "1" and the cost margin "1", which is "2". Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 determines the installation candidate areas 41g and 41h to be insufficient candidate areas.
Insufficient candidate areas in the unprocessed object table 60 are indicated by encircling lines.

Please refer to FIG. Assume now that the installation position of the camera 62a that captures the monitored object 40a is selected within the installation candidate area 41b with a cost of "1".
The combination selection unit 27 designates the installation candidate areas 41a and 41b corresponding to the monitoring target 40a as processed areas and excludes them from the valid candidate areas. Installation candidate areas excluded in the unprocessed object table 60 are indicated by double strikethroughs.
Also, the processed monitoring target 40a is entered in the "processed monitoring target" column of the processed target table 61, and the installation cost "1" of the installation candidate area 41b is entered in the "installation cost" column of the same row.

This makes the selected cost "1" and the required cost "2". As a result, the cost "4" of the installation candidate area 41g exceeds the difference "3" obtained by subtracting the selected cost "1" from the cost upper limit "4". Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 determines that the installation candidate area 41g is the installation impossible area.
In the unprocessed object table 60, the non-installable area is indicated by a single strikethrough.

Please refer to FIG. Assume now that the installation position of the camera 62b that captures the monitored object 40b is selected within the installation candidate area 41c with a cost of "2".
The combination selection unit 27 designates the installation candidate areas 41c and 41d corresponding to the monitoring target 40b as processed areas and excludes them from the valid candidate areas.
Also, the processed monitoring target 40b is entered in the "processed monitoring target" column of the processed target table 61, and the installation cost "2" of the installation candidate area 41c is entered in the "installation cost" column of the same row.

This results in a selected cost of "3", a required cost of "1", and a cost margin of "0". As a result, the cost "2" of the installation candidate area 41e and the cost "3" of the installation candidate area 41h exceed the difference "1" obtained by subtracting the selected cost "3" from the cost upper limit "4". Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 determines that the installation candidate areas 41e and 41h are installation impossible areas.

Please refer to FIG. Assume now that the installation position of the camera 62c that captures the monitored object 40c is selected within the installation candidate area 41f with a cost of "1".
The combination selection unit 27 designates the installation candidate area 41f as a processed area and excludes it from the valid candidate areas. Also, the processed monitoring target 40c is entered in the "processed monitoring target" column of the processed target table 61, and the installation cost "1" of the installation candidate area 41f is entered in the "installation cost" column of the same row.
As a result, there are no more unprocessed monitoring targets, and the determination of the installation positions of the cameras 62a-6c for photographing all the monitoring targets 40a-40c is completed.

It is assumed that the cost upper limit "2" is set in FIG. In this case, the cost margin, which is the difference obtained by subtracting the total of the selected cost "0" and the required cost "3" from the cost upper limit "2", is "-1", and all the monitoring targets 40a to 40c can be photographed. This indicates that the cost required to install the camera is insufficient. Therefore, when the cost margin is a negative value, all installation candidate areas 41a to 41h are determined to be installation impossible areas or shortage candidate areas. For example, the costs of the installation candidate areas 41g and 41h exceed the difference "2" obtained by subtracting the selected cost "0" from the cost upper limit "2", so the installation candidate areas 41g and 41h are determined to be installation impossible areas. be. In addition, since the costs of the installation candidate areas 41a to 41f exceed the sum of the minimum cost "1" and the cost margin "-1" of the corresponding monitoring targets 40a to 40c, respectively, the installation candidate areas 41a to 41f are insufficient. determined to be a candidate region.

Next, a case where overlapping areas 41i and 41j exist in the installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitored objects 40a to 40c will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18. FIG.
The area 41a with a cost of "2" and the area 41b with a cost of "1" are installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring target 40a.
An area 41c with a cost of "2" and an area 41d with a cost of "1" are calculated installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring target 40b.

A cost "2" area 41e, a cost "1" area 41f, a cost "4" area 41g, and a cost "3" area 41h are installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring target 40c.
If cameras are installed in areas 41i and 41j in which the installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a and 40b overlap so that the monitoring targets 40a and 40b can be photographed at the same time, the installation cost per camera is reduced to the monitoring targets 40a and 40b. can be split in half.
Therefore, the cost of the area 41i is set to "1" which is half the installation cost per camera of "2", and the cost of the area 41j is set to "0.5" which is half of the installation cost per camera of "1". ”.

The combination selection unit 27 inputs the unprocessed monitoring targets 40a to 40c, the installation candidate areas 41a to 41j corresponding to the unprocessed monitoring targets 40a to 40c, and the minimum cost into the unprocessed target table 60. FIG. The combination selection unit 27 also initializes the processed target table 61 .
The combination selection unit 27 calculates the selected cost "0" and the essential cost "2"=(0.5+0.5+1).

Please refer to FIG. Assume that the cost upper limit "3" is set. The combination selection unit 27 calculates a cost margin of "1", which is the difference obtained by subtracting the sum of the selected cost of "0" and the required cost of "2" from the upper limit of the cost.
The combination selection unit 27 determines the installation impossible area. The difference obtained by subtracting the selected cost "0" from the cost upper limit "3" is "3", which is smaller than the cost "4" of the installation candidate area 41g. Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 determines that the installation candidate area 41g is the installation impossible area.

The combination selection unit 27 determines the missing candidate area. The cost of the installation candidate areas 41a and 41c corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a and 40b is "2", which exceeds the total "1.5" of the minimum cost "0.5" and the cost margin "1". Also, the cost of the installation candidate area 41h corresponding to the monitoring target 40c is "3", which exceeds the total "2" of the minimum cost "1" and the cost margin "1".

Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 determines that the installation candidate areas 41a, 41c, and 41h are insufficient candidate areas.
The combination selection unit 27 determines the installable candidate areas 41b, 41d to 41f, 41i and 41j other than the installable area 41g and the missing candidate areas 41a, 41c and 41h as effective candidate areas.

See FIG. Assume now that the installation position of the camera 62a that simultaneously captures images of the monitoring targets 40a and 40b is selected within the installation candidate area 41i of the cost "1".
The combination selection unit 27 designates installation candidate areas 41b, 41d, 41i and 41j corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a and 40b as processed areas and excludes them from the effective candidate areas.
Also, the processed monitoring targets 40a and 40b are entered in the "processed monitoring target" column of the processed target table 61, and the installation cost "1" of the installation candidate area 41i is entered in the "installation cost" column of the same row. .

This results in a selected cost of "2", a required cost of "1", and a cost margin of "0". As a result, the cost "2" of the installation candidate area 41e and the cost "3" of the installation candidate area 41h exceed the difference "1" obtained by subtracting the selected cost "2" from the cost upper limit "3". Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 determines that the installation candidate areas 41e and 41h are installation impossible areas.

See FIG. Assume now that the installation position of the camera 62b that captures the monitored object 40c is selected within the installation candidate area 41f with a cost of "1".
The combination selection unit 27 designates the installation candidate area 41f as a processed area and excludes it from the valid candidate areas. Also, the processed monitoring target 40c is entered in the "processed monitoring target" column of the processed target table 61, and the installation cost "1" of the installation candidate area 41f is entered in the "installation cost" column of the same row.
As a result, there are no more unprocessed monitoring targets, and the determination of the installation positions of the cameras 62a-6c for photographing all the monitoring targets 40a-40c is completed.

In the above description, the camera 62a is installed in the area 41i where the installation candidate areas corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a and 40b overlap so that the monitoring targets 40a and 40b can be photographed simultaneously. Alternatively, the camera 62a may be installed so as to photograph only one of the monitored objects 40a or 40b.
The selection reception unit 28 selects from the planning executor or the like whether to photograph both the monitoring targets 40a and 40b or to photograph only one of the monitoring targets 40a and 40b when receiving the selection input of the installation position of the camera. You may let

See FIG. Assume that a camera 62a that captures only the monitored object 40a is installed in the installation candidate area 41i.
The combination selection unit 27 designates the installation candidate area 41b corresponding to the monitoring target 40a as the processed area, and excludes it from the effective candidate areas. However, the combination selection unit 27 does not designate the installation candidate areas 41i and 41j corresponding to the monitoring target 40a as processed areas. This is because the installation candidate areas 41i and 41j are also unprocessed monitoring targets corresponding to the unprocessed monitoring target 40b.
Also, the processed monitoring target 40a is entered in the "processed monitoring target" column of the processed target table 61, and the cost of installing the camera in the installation candidate area 41i is entered in the "installation cost" column of the same row.

At this time, since the installation cost of the camera 62a cannot be split between the monitored object 40a and the monitored object 40b, the cost for one camera 62a for photographing the monitored object 40a is input. This results in a selected cost of "2", a required cost of "1.5", and a cost margin of "-0.5".
As a result, the cost "2" of the installation candidate areas 41c, 41e and 41i and the cost "3" of the installation candidate area 41h exceed the difference "1" obtained by subtracting the selected cost "2" from the cost upper limit "3". become. Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 determines that the installation candidate areas 41c, 41e, 41h, and 41i are installation impossible areas.

Also, the costs of the installation candidate areas 41d, 41f, and 41j all exceed the sum of the minimum cost "1" and the cost margin "-0.5", which is "0.5".
Therefore, the combination selection unit 27 determines that the installation candidate areas 41d, 41f, and 41j are insufficient candidate areas.

Note that the image generator 26 may generate the installation candidate image 100 such that the overlapping installation candidate areas corresponding to the plurality of monitoring targets are identifiable. For example, the image generation unit 26 can identify both the cost of installing a camera so as to photograph a plurality of surveillance targets simultaneously and the cost of installing a camera so as to shoot only one of the surveillance targets. Thus, the installation candidate image 100 may be generated.

See FIG. For example, the image generating unit 26 may set a region 41i in which the installation candidate regions corresponding to the monitoring targets 40a and 40b are overlapped, and the camera may be installed so as to capture both the monitoring targets 40a and 40b at the same time. It is represented by stripes in a color representing a cost "1" per monitor and a color stripe representing a cost "2" per monitoring target when the cameras are installed so that only one of them can be captured. Alternatively, one color may be used as the background color and the pattern may be displayed in the other color.

(motion)
An example of the image generation method of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step S<b>1 , prior to designing the camera installation position, the structure information 21 of the structure existing in the monitored space 30 is obtained or generated, and set and registered in the storage unit 11 of the image generation device 10 . The control unit 12 reads out the structure information 21 stored in the storage unit 11 .

In step S<b>2 , the cost distribution calculation unit 23 identifies surfaces on which cameras can be installed, among the surfaces of the structure facing the monitored space 30 side, based on the structure information 21 . The cost distribution calculator 23 divides the surface on which the camera can be installed into unit areas of a predetermined size.
In step S<b>3 , the cost distribution calculator 23 calculates the camera installation cost for each unit area based on the structure information 21 .

In step S4, the monitoring target setting unit 24 sets the monitoring target information 22 including monitoring target condition data and attribute data such as material of the monitoring target.
In step S5, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 calculates an installation candidate area for installing a camera capable of photographing the monitoring objects 40a to 40c on the structure based on the monitoring object information 22 and the structure information 21. FIG.
In step S6, the cost distribution calculator 23 corrects the installation cost in each unit area according to the monitoring target condition data of the monitoring target.

In step S7, the installation candidate area calculator 25 combines the unit areas included in the installation candidate areas corresponding to the respective monitoring targets to form installation candidate areas by cost for each monitoring target.
In step S<b>8 , the image generator 26 generates the installation candidate image 100 in the initial state before the cost upper limit is set (see FIG. 9A ), and outputs it to the output device 14 .
In step S9, the combination selection unit 27 sets the upper limit of cost.

In step S10, camera placement processing is executed to select the installation position of the camera within the installation candidate area according to the upper cost limit set in step S9. FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of an example of camera placement processing.
In step S<b>20 , the combination selection unit 27 acquires the monitoring target set by the monitoring target setting unit 24 and the installation candidate area calculated by the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 .

In step S21, the combination selection unit 27 executes effective candidate area determination processing for determining effective candidate areas based on the upper limit of cost and the processed monitoring target. FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of an example of effective candidate area determination processing.
In step S30, the combination selection unit 27 designates the installation candidate area corresponding to the processed monitoring target as the processed area and excludes it from the valid candidate areas.

In step S31, the combination selection unit 27 calculates the total cost of the selected cameras as the selected cost.
In step S32, the combination selection unit 27 calculates the sum of the minimum costs of the cameras that photograph the unprocessed monitoring target as the required cost.
In step S33, the combination selection unit 27 calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the sum of the selected cost and the required cost from the upper limit of cost as the cost margin.

In step S34, the combination selection unit 27 identifies an installation candidate area having a cost exceeding the difference obtained by subtracting the selected cost from the upper limit of cost as an installation impossible area.
Further, when the installation cost of an installation candidate area corresponding to a certain monitoring target exceeds the sum of the minimum cost and the cost margin of the camera for photographing this monitoring target, the combination selection unit 27 selects the installation candidate area as an insufficient candidate area. Identify as
In step S35, the combination selection unit 27 determines the final effective candidate area by excluding the installation impossible area and the insufficient candidate area from the effective candidate area.
Through the processing of steps S30 to S35, the combination selection unit 27 determines the effective candidate area, and the effective candidate area determination process ends.

See FIG. In step S22, the image generation unit 26 generates the installation candidate image 100 based on the effective candidate area, the processed area, the installation impossible area, and the insufficient candidate area determined by the combination selection unit 27 (see FIG. 3), Output to the output device 14 .
In step S23, the combination selection unit 27 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed monitoring target. If there is an unprocessed monitoring target (step S23: Y), the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the combination selection unit 27 determines whether or not there is an effective candidate area. If the effective candidate area exists (step S24: Y), the process proceeds to step S25.
In step S25, the selection reception unit 28 receives selection input of the installation position of the camera. After that, the process returns to step S21.
On the other hand, if there is no unprocessed monitoring target in step S23 (step S23: N) and if there is no effective candidate area in step S24 (step S24: N), the camera placement process ends.

(Effect of Embodiment)
(1) The storage unit 11 stores monitoring target information 22 including the positions of one or more monitoring targets, and structure information 21 representing the positions and shapes of structures around the monitoring targets. Based on the monitoring target information 22 and the structure information 21, the installation candidate area calculation unit 25 calculates one or more installation candidate areas for each monitoring target, in which a camera is installed in the structure so that the monitoring target can be photographed. The cost distribution calculator 23 acquires the cost of installing a camera for each installation candidate area. The combination selection unit 27 selects installation candidate areas that constitute a combination of installation candidate areas in which all monitoring targets can be photographed, and the total cost of the installation candidate areas included in the combination does not exceed a predetermined upper limit of cost. is detected as a valid candidate region. The image generator 26 generates an installation candidate image 100 that identifiably represents the effective candidate area.
This makes it easier for a planning person or the like to grasp an installation candidate area where the camera can be installed without exceeding the upper limit of cost.

(2) The selection receiving unit 28 receives a selection input of an installation position for installing a camera in the effective candidate area for each of a plurality of monitoring targets. The combination selection unit 27 selects, as effective candidate areas, a combination of installation candidate areas capable of photographing all of the unprocessed monitoring targets whose installation positions have not been selected, and the costs of the installation candidate areas included in the combination. , does not exceed the difference obtained by subtracting the total cost of the installation candidate area where the camera is installed for the processed monitoring object whose installation position has been selected from the upper limit of cost.
As a result, the planner or the like can sequentially select the installation positions of the cameras for photographing each of the plurality of monitoring targets, and select the installation positions of the cameras so as not to exceed the upper limit of the cost.

(3) The image generation unit 26 generates an installation candidate image 100 in which the processed areas other than the installation candidate area calculated for the unprocessed monitoring object among the installation candidate areas calculated for the processed monitoring object are identifiably displayed. Generate as
As a result, the planning person or the like can easily identify the installation candidate area corresponding to the monitoring target for which the installation position of the camera has not been selected.

(4) The image generation unit 26 displays the installation candidate areas other than the valid candidate areas in such a way that the installation impossible areas requiring an installation cost exceeding the upper limit of the cost and the shortage candidate areas other than the installation impossible areas can be identified. An image is generated as the installation candidate image 100 .
As a result, the planning implementer, etc., can determine the installation impossible area where the cost upper limit is exceeded as soon as the camera is installed, and the cost upper limit before selecting the installation position of the camera for all the monitoring targets that does not immediately exceed the upper cost limit. Shortage candidate areas that lead to excess can be easily identified.

(5) The image generation unit 26 generates an image, as the installation candidate image 100, that identifiably represents areas where the installation candidate areas calculated for each of the plurality of monitoring targets overlap.
This allows a person who carries out planning or the like to identify installation candidate areas in which a single camera can photograph a plurality of monitoring targets at the same time.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Image generation apparatus 11... Storage part 12... Control part 13... Input device 14... Output device 20... Image generation program 21... Structure information 22... Monitoring object information 23... Cost distribution calculation part , 24 monitoring target setting unit 25 installation candidate area calculation unit 26 image generation unit 27 selection unit 28 selection reception unit 30 monitoring space 31a low ceiling unit 31b high ceiling unit 32 Floor, 33 to 36 Wall, 37, 38 Pillar, 39a to 39c Concentrator, 100 Installation candidate image

Claims (7)

a storage unit that stores monitoring target information including the positions of one or more monitoring targets and structure information representing the positions and shapes of structures around the monitoring targets;
an installation candidate area calculation unit that calculates one or more installation candidate areas for installing a camera on the structure so as to be able to photograph the object to be monitored, based on the information on the object to be monitored and the information on the structure, for each object to be monitored; ,
a cost acquisition unit that acquires a cost for installing the camera for each installation candidate area;
The installation candidate area is a combination of the installation candidate areas capable of photographing all the monitoring targets, and the total cost of the installation candidate areas included in the combination does not exceed a predetermined upper limit of cost. , an area detection unit for detecting as an effective candidate area;
an image generation unit that generates an installation candidate image that identifiably represents the effective candidate area;
An image generating device comprising: a selection reception unit that receives a selection input of an installation position for installing the camera in the effective candidate area for each of the plurality of monitoring targets;
The area detection unit, as the effective candidate areas, is a combination of the installation candidate areas capable of photographing all of the unprocessed monitoring targets that are the monitoring targets whose installation positions have not been selected, and the The total cost of the installation candidate area does not exceed the difference obtained by subtracting the total cost of the installation candidate area where the camera is installed for the processed monitoring target whose installation position has been selected from the upper limit of cost. detecting the installation candidate areas that make up the combination;
2. The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image generation unit generates an image in which a processed area other than the installation candidate area calculated for the unprocessed monitoring object, among the installation candidate areas calculated for the processed monitoring object, is identifiably displayed as the installation candidate. 3. The image generation device according to claim 2, which generates an image. The image generation unit identifiably represents the installation candidate areas other than the effective candidate areas into the installation impossible area requiring the cost exceeding the upper limit of cost and the lacking candidate area other than the installation impossible area. 4. The image generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which generates an installation candidate image. 5. The image generation unit generates the installation candidate image that further identifiably represents an overlapping area of the installation candidate areas calculated for each of the plurality of monitoring targets. 3. An image generation device according to claim 1. to the computer,
an information reading step of reading from a storage device monitoring target information including positions of one or more monitoring targets and structure information representing the positions and shapes of structures around the monitoring targets;
an installation candidate area calculation step of calculating one or more installation candidate areas for installing a camera on the structure so as to be able to photograph the object to be monitored, based on the information on the object to be monitored and the information on the structure, for each object to be monitored; ,
a cost acquisition step of acquiring a cost for installing the camera for each installation candidate area;
The installation candidate area is a combination of the installation candidate areas capable of photographing all the monitoring targets, and the total cost of the installation candidate areas included in the combination does not exceed a predetermined upper limit of cost. , an area detection step of detecting as an effective candidate area;
an image generation step of generating an installation candidate image that identifiably represents the effective candidate area;
An image generation program characterized by executing to the computer,
an information reading step of reading from a storage device monitoring target information including positions of one or more monitoring targets and structure information representing the positions and shapes of structures around the monitoring targets;
an installation candidate area calculation step of calculating one or more installation candidate areas for installing a camera on the structure so as to be able to photograph the object to be monitored, based on the information on the object to be monitored and the information on the structure, for each object to be monitored; ,
a cost acquisition step of acquiring a cost for installing the camera for each installation candidate area;
The installation candidate area is a combination of the installation candidate areas capable of photographing all the monitoring targets, and the total cost of the installation candidate areas included in the combination does not exceed a predetermined upper limit of cost. , an area detection step of detecting as an effective candidate area;
an image generation step of generating an installation candidate image that identifiably represents the effective candidate area;
An image generation method characterized by executing

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