JPH08126002A - Video signal synthesizer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To display a video image required substantially by the user by utilizing an existing television receiver to the utmost. CONSTITUTION: A synthesis video signal output circuit 44 is operated in the 'synthesis mode 0' in the usual state, and the user enjoys a reproduced video image and a usual public broadcast of a video recorder 60 by a television receiver 70. When a call ring 66 is operated or a human body sensor 68 senses a human body, power supply to a remote commander transmitter 80 and burglar- proof television cameras 62, 64 is started and a power ON signal and a channel selection signal for displaying a video image from a video image signal output terminal 40 are outputted to the television receiver 70. Then a synthesis video signal output terminal 44 is operated by the 'synthesis mode 1' and the 'synthesis mode 2' to display a video signal from the burglar-proof television camera 64 at an entrance and the burglar-proof television camera 62 at a rear side on an upper left corner and a lower right corner in a small size.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for displaying a video signal from a surveillance camera on a television receiver, and more particularly to a device for displaying a required image on the television receiver without user intervention. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a video signal output device such as a video recorder, a home video camera, a video game, or a crime prevention TV camera has been provided as a device for projecting an image using a television receiver (hereinafter referred to as a television). ing.

Further, since a large number of the above-mentioned video signal output devices have spread to general households, televisions equipped with a plurality of video signal input terminals are provided. By selecting the input terminal, the video output from the desired video signal output device can be displayed on the television.

Furthermore, in order to increase the added value of television, two video signals are combined and the video of each video signal is displayed at the same time, so-called picture.
Models with an in-picture function have also been provided. As a result, users can enjoy various uses of television, such as enjoying television games while watching television broadcasting.

[0005]

However, even if the video tape recorder is connected to the television, the image cannot be displayed unless the user controls the device. Moreover,
Only by connecting it, you can only display the playback image of the video tape, the game image, etc. on the television.
Also, high value-added televisions are capable of various uses by reproducing two or more types of video signals at the same time.
This is also similar to the above, in which a plurality of video signals are combined in accordance with user's device control. Moreover, even these features are not available on existing regular television.

[0006] Further, a system for displaying an image of a surveillance camera on a television is also known, but it is an integrated system and requires a television different from the existing television. In recent years, the size of screens of televisions has been increasing, and it is not efficient to install a plurality of large televisions in terms of occupied volume.

The video signal synthesizing apparatus of the present invention solves these problems and maximizes the use of a television having a large information transmission capability to display the video originally required by the user. It was made for the purpose and adopted the following composition.

[0008]

A video signal synthesizing apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object comprises a video signal input means for inputting a video signal of a television or video and a video signal from a surveillance camera. Detecting means for detecting a predetermined factor for activating the surveillance camera; and, when the predetermined factor is detected by the detecting means, the video signals input from the video signal input means are combined and output to a television receiver. The synthetic video signal output means is provided separately from the television receiver.

Further, the television power supply means for supplying power to the television receiver and the television power supply means are driven to detect the power to the television receiver when a predetermined environmental change is detected by the detection means. It is also possible to adopt a configuration including a television power-on means for starting supply.

[0010]

In the video signal synthesizing apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, when the detection means detects a predetermined factor, the composite video signal output means outputs the video signal input to the video signal input means. Combine and output this to the TV receiver. The video signal input means, the detection means, and the composite video signal output means for performing such an operation are provided separately from the television receiver, and the existing television receiver is used to synthesize the two video signals and monitor them. The image from the TV camera can be recognized together with the image of a normal TV or video.

Here, if the television power supply means for driving the television power supply means to automatically start the power supply to the television when the predetermined factor is detected by the detection means is provided, the surveillance camera is activated. When a predetermined factor is detected, the power of the television receiver is always turned on, and the combined video signal can be displayed on the television receiver.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In order to further clarify the structure and operation of the present invention described above, a preferred embodiment of the video signal synthesizing apparatus of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram when a peripheral device is connected to the video signal synthesizing apparatus 20 according to the embodiment.

The video signal synthesizing apparatus 20 of the present embodiment employs a structure having extremely high utility value as crime prevention equipment for general households. That is, as shown in the figure, the video signal synthesizer 20 has three video signal input terminals 22, 24, 26,
Two sensor signal input terminals 30 and 32, three commercial power outlets 34, 36 and 38, and at least one video signal output terminal 40 are provided, and general household electrical equipment is connected to each of these terminals. It is configured as a separate device that operates with. Therefore, this video signal synthesizer 20
Can use a home-use television, especially an existing television, and can be housed in a compact housing provided as a stationary type or a wall-hanging type in the living room or entrance of the home. . Of course,
It is also easy to mount the television on the television.

The household electric equipment connected to the video signal synthesizer 20 is a video recorder 60 with a tuner connected to the video signal input terminal 22 and the terminals 24 and 26.
Crime prevention TV cameras 62 and 64 connected to, a doorbell 66 connected to the sensor signal input terminal 30, a human body detection sensor 68 connected to the terminal 32, and a video signal output terminal 40.
Of the television 70 and the remote control transmitter 80. Here, the doorbell 66 is an ordinary one equipped with an intercom function installed at the entrance of a home,
The security television camera 64 is arranged so as to capture an image of the area where the doorbell 66 is installed. The human body detection sensor 68 is installed at a doorway such as a back door of a home, and detects an infrared ray of a specific wavelength emitted from a human body and outputs an output signal. Another crime prevention TV camera 62 is arranged so as to capture an image of the area where the human body detection sensor 68 is installed.

The television 70 is an ordinary television (a so-called television broadcasting receiver) installed in a living room of a general household, and has a VHF, UHF, BS (not shown).
Alternatively, it has a normal function of being able to receive a desired public broadcast by connecting with a CS antenna and turning on / off the power and selecting a channel with an attached remote controller. The television 70 is provided with at least one video signal input terminal, and the video signal input terminal and the video signal output terminal 40 of the video signal synthesizer 20 are connected to each other.
The remote control transmitter 80 is a commercially available multi-function remote control that learns a transmission signal of a remote control attached to the television 70 regardless of the manufacturer and the model thereof and realizes a desired operation for the television 70. In this embodiment, at least the power-on signal of the television 70 and the channel selection signal for displaying the image from the image signal input terminal on the screen are stored in the remote control transmitter 80.

Of the above-mentioned household electric appliances, the appliances that do not need to be constantly operated, that is, the security TV cameras 62 and 64 and the power plug of the remote control transmitter 80 are:
It is connected to the commercial power outlets 34, 36, 38 so that power can be supplied to these devices via the video signal synthesizer 20. Of course, if the power supply for the security TV cameras 62, 64 and the like can be kept on all the time, it is not necessary to take these power supplies from the power outlets of the video signal synthesizing device 20. Good.

The video signal synthesizer 20 to which the peripheral devices are connected as described above has the following circuits built therein. The composite video signal output circuit 44 has a video signal input terminal 2
A circuit having a picture-in-picture function for synthesizing the three types of video signals input from 2 to 26 in accordance with an instruction from the one-chip microcomputer 42, and the synthesized video signal from the video signal output terminal 40. Output. The input interface circuit 46 is a circuit that converts the output signals from the doorbell 66 and the human body detection sensor 68 input through the sensor signal input terminals 30 and 32 into a TTL level signal that can be processed by the one-chip microcomputer 42. is there. The relay circuit 48 is a circuit that drives a three-contact relay 50 that independently connects each of the commercial power outlets 34 to 38 to the commercial power source in response to an output signal from the one-chip microcomputer 42. The crime prevention TV cameras 62 and 64 used in this embodiment
Has a function of generating vertical and horizontal synchronizing signals of video based on a synchronizing signal input from the outside, and in the embodiment, is output from a synthetic video signal output circuit 44 incorporated in the video signal synthesizer 20. Outputs a video signal synchronized with the external synchronization signal. Therefore, the composite video signal output circuit 44
It is extremely easy to combine images with.

The video signal synthesizing apparatus 20 of the present embodiment configured and connected as described above operates as follows according to the control program stored in the built-in ROM of the one-chip microcomputer 42. Hereinafter, the operation of the video signal synthesizer 20 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of the control programs shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

When the video signal synthesizing apparatus 20 is in the operating state, the one-chip microcomputer 42 first starts the processing of the initial program shown in FIG. 2, and issues a command to the synthetic video signal output circuit 44 to instruct "synthesis mode 0". Output (step 100) and terminate the initial program. Here, the “composite mode 0” is a mode in which the video signal from the video recorder 60 connected to the video signal input terminal 22 is directly output from the video signal output terminal 40. Therefore, the video signal synthesizing device 20 operating in the "synthesis mode 0" can enjoy the reproduced image of the video recorder 60 on the television 70 as if the video signal synthesizing device 20 does not exist. Of course, video recorder 60
Has a built-in tuner, you can enjoy other public broadcasting by selecting any channel.

The one-chip microcomputer 42 that has completed this initial program executes the monitoring program whose flow chart is shown in FIG. 3 every 100 msec. When the processing of this monitoring program is started, the one-chip microcomputer 42 first reads the input value of the input port to which the input interface circuit 46 is connected (step 120), and outputs a signal from the doorbell 66 via the sensor signal input terminal 30. It is determined whether there is an input (step 200), and whether there is a signal input from the human body detection sensor 68 via the sensor signal input terminal 32 (step 300). Then, when it is determined by these determination processes that there is no signal input, the monitoring program is ended.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 200 that there is a signal input from the doorbell 66, the one-chip microcomputer 42 immediately detects the commercial power outlet 3
AC 100 [V] is conducted to 4, 36, and power supply to the remote control transmitter 80 and the security TV camera 64 at the entrance is started (step 220). At this time, the power of the security camera 62 at the back door is also turned on. By supplying power to the remote control transmitter 80, a power-on signal and a channel selection signal for displaying an image from the image signal output terminal 40 are output to the television 70. Therefore,
Even if the television 70 is in the power-off state or is in the state of watching another channel, the television 70 is forcibly powered on and the channel selection for displaying an external video signal is selected. Done. Since power is also supplied to the crime prevention TV camera at the entrance, imaging of the peripheral area of the doorbell 66 is started, and this video signal is input to the video signal synthesis device 20 via the video signal input terminal 22.

And one-chip microcomputer 4
2 outputs a command to the composite video signal output circuit 44 to operate in "composite mode 1" (step 24).
0). The "compositing mode 1" is a mode in which the video signal from the security television camera 64 at the entrance is combined in the upper left corner of the video signal from the video recorder 60, as shown in FIG. The image around the entrance after the operation can be confirmed on the television 70.

When it is determined in step 300 that there is a signal input from the human body detection sensor 68, the one-chip microcomputer 42 immediately turns on AC 100 [V] to the commercial power outlets 34 and 38, and the remote control transmitter 80 and Power supply to the security TV camera 62 at the back door (and security camera 64 at the entrance) is started (step 320). Therefore, the television 70 is turned on and the channel is selected in the same manner as described above, and the video signal from the outside is displayed. Further, in this case, the security TV camera 62 for the back door starts to operate and outputs the image pickup result around the back door to the video signal synthesizing device 20 as a video signal.

The one-chip microcomputer 42 is
A command is output to the composite video signal output circuit 44 to operate in the "composite mode 2" (step 340).
The “combining mode 2” is a mode in which the video signal from the security TV camera 62 having a small back door is combined in the lower right corner of the video signal from the video recorder 60 as shown in FIG. It is possible to confirm on the television 70 the image around the back door after is operated.

In the above embodiment, the operation when the doorbell 66 or the human body detection sensor 68 operates is described separately. However, when both operate simultaneously, FIGS. The images from the cameras 62 and 64 may be combined (for example, combining mode 3).
Of course, it is also possible to preferentially display only the screen on the side that is activated earlier, and switch to the other image after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this embodiment, since the operation time of the security cameras 62 and 64 is not so long,
Both of them are configured to be turned on together, but the three-contact relay 50 may be replaced with two two-contact relays that operate independently so that only one required security camera operates. . Furthermore, the contact of the relay can be manually turned on and off.

As described above, according to the video signal synthesizer 20 of this embodiment, the synthetic video signal output circuit 44 operates in the "synthesis mode 0" in the normal state, and the video signal synthesizer 20 operates. The reproduced image of the video recorder 60 and normal public broadcasting can be enjoyed on the television 70 as if it does not exist. When any factor such as the operation of the doorbell 66 or the human body detection sensor 68 detecting a person occurs, the television 7 is automatically operated regardless of the operation of the user of the television 70.
0 is turned on and channel selection is performed, and as shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the security TV camera 64 at the entrance or the security TV camera 62 at the back door is small at the upper left corner or the lower right corner of the video signal from the video recorder 60. The video signal from is displayed.

That is, when the television 70 is simply used as a video signal reproducing device, the user's operation is all that is required to display a video image from the video recorder 60 or the like. However, according to the video signal synthesizing apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, in addition to the video requested by the user, the doorbell 66 and the human body detection sensor 68 are provided.
It is possible to judge the occurrence of a factor such as the input of a signal from, and reliably display the image that must be transmitted to the user of the television 70 on the television 70. This makes it possible to maximize the use of the television 70, which is an excellent information medium for transmitting enormous amounts of information, and to transmit the information that the user really needs. Moreover, there is an advantage that the existing television 70 need not be modified and the existing equipment can be effectively used.

Furthermore, the video signal synthesizing apparatus 20 of this embodiment
Compulsorily, when the information that the user really needs should be displayed on the television 70, when the television 70 is not powered on, or when other public broadcasting is being enjoyed. Since the image of the television 70 can be displayed by turning on the power of the television 70, the crime prevention image is never overlooked.

Further, the video signal synthesizer 20 of the embodiment is
Since it also has a function of supplying power only to the crime prevention TV cameras 62 and 64 when imaging is required, it is possible to constantly operate with a small amount of power consumption.
Best suited as a home security device. Further, in the present embodiment, since the video signals output from the video recorder 60 are combined with the video signals from the security cameras 62 and 64, when the video recorder 60 is receiving / recording a television broadcast or the like. Also, there is an advantage that even if images are combined and displayed, they are not affected at all. On the contrary, it is easy to incorporate the device of the present invention into a video deck to record a composite image. In this case, the television image may be prioritized in some cases, so it is also desirable that the user can select which of the television image, the composite image, and the image from the security camera to be recorded. In the embodiment, two security cameras are connected, but one or all of them are connected to another tuner such as a tuner for receiving video from satellite broadcasting, or a video signal output device such as a game machine. This is also suitable for taking advantage of the high display capability of the TV.

Although the size of the image from the camera to be combined is fixed in the embodiment, the screen size and its arrangement can be changed freely or selectively from a plurality of types of screen sizes. It is also easy to do. It may be sized according to the needs of the user.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
The present invention is in no way limited to such embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in this embodiment, the configuration as a home crime prevention device that monitors only two places, the entrance and the back door, has been described, but it is embodied as a business monitoring device such as a store or an amusement hall to monitor more places. May be. Further, in the present embodiment, the images of the front door and the back door are distinguished by the display position of the screen of the television 70. However, when there are many monitoring points, the "front door" and Characters or symbols that can be used to understand the monitoring location such as "back door" may be displayed. Further, by operating the remote controller 80, it is possible to immediately send an alarm to a security company via a telephone line or the like, or to send images of the security cameras 62 and 64 to the security company via a telephone line.

In the embodiment, the crime prevention TV cameras 62 and 6 are used.
Although a type that outputs a video signal in synchronization with an external synchronization signal was used as 4, a camera without a function of operating in synchronization with an external synchronization signal can be used if the following configuration is adopted. When the two video signals input to the composite video signal output circuit 44 are not synchronized, the video from the crime prevention TV camera is properly displayed on the screen of the television 70 as shown in FIG. 4 or 5. I can't enter. For example, when the horizontal synchronizing signal included in the video signals from the television cameras 62 and 64 is largely deviated from the horizontal synchronizing signal included in the video signal from the video recorder 60, the image of the television camera starts near the right end of the screen, The second half of the image appears at the left edge of the screen. Also, if the frequencies of both sync signals do not match, the image will gradually move. This problem is either due to the use of externally synchronizable TV cameras, or TV cameras 62, as described in the embodiments.
This can be solved by a method of temporarily storing the video signal from 64 in the memory and reading the image stored in the memory in synchronization with the video signal from the video recorder 60.

As a configuration that can be solved at a lower cost, a configuration in which the deviation of both video signals is suppressed within a predetermined period, as shown in FIG. 6, is conceivable. Vertical sync signal, horizontal sync signal and video recorder of video signal from security TV camera 6
Detection circuit 8 for vertical and horizontal synchronizing signals of video signals from 0
2, 84, 86, 88, and this is detected by the comparison circuit 9
0 and 92, respectively, and when they are separated by ½ or more of the cycle of each synchronization signal, switching circuits 96 and 97
And the video signal from the TV camera is passed through the delay circuits 94 and 95, and the deviation between the two is reduced to 1 / the
Within 2 In this case, it is not possible to solve the problem that the video of the TV camera slowly moves on the screen due to the frequency shift of both video signals, but the video from the TV camera is cut off at the edge of the screen of the television 70. There is no such thing. Since the images from the crime prevention television cameras 62 and 64 are not viewed for a long period of time, there is no practical problem even with such a configuration. Circuits and parts required for accurately synchronizing both video signals are not required, which not only contributes to downsizing and weight reduction of the device, but also enables cost reduction.

[0034]

As described above, in the video signal synthesizing apparatus of the present invention, the video signal output means, the detection means and the synthetic video signal output means are provided separately from the television receiver, and the surveillance camera is provided. When a predetermined activation factor is detected, the video signals input to the video signal input means are combined and output to the television receiver. Therefore, it is excellent that the existing equipment can be effectively used, the image for monitoring is displayed together with the image of the television or the video, and the information necessary for crime prevention can be promptly provided to the user of the television receiver. Produce the effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a video signal synthesizing apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram which connected the peripheral device to.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an initial program processed by the video signal synthesizer 20.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a monitoring program processed by the video signal synthesizer 20.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an image displayed on the television 70 in a “combining mode 1”.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an image displayed on the television 70 in a “combining mode 2”.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of a video signal synthesizing device 20 according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 ... Video signal synthesizer 22, 24, 26 ... Video signal input terminal 22 ... Video signal input terminal 30, 32 ... Sensor signal input terminal 34, 36, 38 ... Commercial power outlet 40 ... Video signal output terminal 42 ... One-chip micro Computer 44 ... Synthetic video signal output circuit 46 ... Input interface circuit 48 ... Relay circuit 60 ... Video recorder 62, 64 ... Security TV camera 66 ... Doorbell 68 ... Human body detection sensor 70 ... Television 80 ... Remote control transmitter 82, 84, 86, 88 ... Detection circuit 90, 92 ... Comparison circuit 94, 95 ... Delay circuit 96, 97 ... Switching circuit

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A video signal input means for inputting a video signal of television or video and a video signal from a surveillance camera, a detection means for detecting a predetermined factor for activating the surveillance camera, and the detection means. When a predetermined factor is detected by, the composite video signal output means for combining the video signals input from the video signal input means and outputting to the TV receiver is provided separately from the TV receiver. Video signal synthesizer. 2. A television power supply means for supplying power to a television receiver, and a predetermined environmental change detected by the detection means,
The video signal synthesizing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a television power-on means that drives the television power supply means to start power supply to the television receiver.