JPH09149404A - Monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save battery power and power consumption of a recording medium in a monitoring system. SOLUTION: The system adds a video camera 300 generating a video output signal Vo to be connected to a video recorder 300A having a remote control function. A movement detector 100 generates a signal 11 indicating detected movement and a controller 300 generates a first control signal 21 for the video recorder 300A by responding to the signal 11 indicating detected movement. The first control signal 21 starts the recording mode of the video recorder and the recording mode is completed when detected movement is stopped. In the monitoring system, power is supplied only to the movement detector during a pause period in order to prolong an operation time with a battery as a power source. Recording medium usage 300B is saved by recording only the period of detected movement and, moreover, saved by recording only a prescribed frame.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of surveillance, and more particularly to motion detection and video recording.

[0002]

Various methods of motion detection are known, for example the detectors are active or passive. Active detectors detect motion by illuminating an area and consequently monitoring obstructions that block the illumination. Such systems use radio frequency (RF) radiation, infrared illumination or ultrasonic acoustic fields. Motion is detected by the effect of reflections or by Doppler frequency shifts. Obviously, active detectors require a power-driven light source, which, in the absence of AC power, limits battery run time when the detector power is depleted. Passive detection uses a power-driven detector, but without a range of illumination, depending on radiation from the object itself, interference with the surrounding environment (interference) or reflection of general illumination, A presence signal is generated that indicates the presence of a detectable object. Such systems detect infrared radiation from objects, acoustic pressure disturbances, or reflections of ambient incident light. Passive sensing is more suitable for battery powered operation.

A video camera is considered a passive sensor and forms an image of an object from reflected ambient light. However, video cameras are a significant power drain. Also, the video camera only picks up the field of view and displays it as an image, and it needs to be further processed in order to confirm the motion occurring in the generated image. The video camera's sensor also provides the opportunity for the imaged portion to be recorded for later viewing. However, in the case of a battery type, the power consumption of the video camera is
Along with image motion processing and recording, severely limit operating time.

[0004]

What is needed is a consumer surveillance system, for example, a consumer video camera or camcorder (camera integrated video recorder / player), and motion detector and control. Use the device. The system is preferably battery operated and monitors at least the length of the recording medium duration.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The surveillance system of the present invention includes a video camera which produces a video output signal which is coupled to a video recorder having the capability of remote control. The motion detector produces a signal indicative of the detected motion, and in response to the signal indicative of the detected motion, the controller produces a first control signal for the video recorder. This first control signal initiates the recording mode in the video recorder, which is terminated when the detected motion is stopped.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1A shows a motion detector 100,
1 illustrates an embodiment of a surveillance system of the present invention comprising a control unit 200 and a video camera and recording device 300. A field of view (FOV), represented as a scene 50, is detected by the camera and motion detector. The sensor / motion detector 100 is coupled to the control unit 200 via the connection means 10. The connecting means 10 is configured by using a cable, an optical fiber, or a wireless link of either RF or IR (infrared), for example. The control unit 200 is
A signal indicating the detected motion (motion detection signal) is received from the detector 100, an appropriate control signal is generated accordingly, and the signal is coupled to the video camera 300 and the recording device 300A via the connection means 20. A connecting means 20 having the same structure as that described for the connecting means 10 is provided. The power source of each component is not shown for the sake of clarity. However, power can be drawn from an AC power source, if available, or from a battery.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of the monitoring system of the present invention. In this embodiment, the motion detector 100 and the control unit 200 are combined in one detector / controller 250, which
Reference numeral 50 denotes a recording video camera 33 via the connection means 310.
3 is directly connected to the body. The connection is formed by means of a sliding connection, similar to a "hot shoe" (strobe mounting part of the camera body), for example for spotlights or flash devices. However, IR coupling uses a simple connection method in which the "hot shoe" supplies only DC power. FIG.
The B-embodiment is advantageous for monitoring small areas.

FIG. 1C shows another embodiment of the surveillance system of the present invention. In this surveillance system,
The motion detector 100 and the control unit 200 are incorporated in one unit 250. By integrating the motion detector and the control unit, the recording camera 300
It makes it easy to monitor a field of view that is separated from. The camcorder 300 is positioned to observe the same area as is nominally monitored by the detector / controller 250, although the viewing angles may differ from each other. Detector/
The controller 250 includes the video camera 30 shown in FIG.
0 and the recording device 300A. However, in another advantageous embodiment, the detector / controller 250 of FIG. 1C provides remote control data encoding, which is coupled to the infrared transmitter 206 to, for example, a consumer camcorder. Remote control of 333 is easily performed.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1D. In FIG. 1D, the field-of-view detector / controller 250 of FIG. 1C has been replaced by a detector / transmitter 275. However, in a further advantageous embodiment, the detector / transmitter 275 is a reflection and focus device 2.
60 is used. The reflector and focus device 260 is shaped to accept and / or emit (reflect) infrared radiation from multiple directions in a nominal annular volume. The motion detector 110 is arranged at a position on the focal plane so that the infrared radiation MIR moving in the annular space can be detected. The multi-directional detector / transmitter 275 also performs remote control data encoding within the unit 205 and infrared transmits an infrared control signal CIR for remote control. However, as the multi-directional detector / transmitter 275, a plurality of infrared transmitting devices configured to generate transmission patterns in multiple directions may be used. Multi-directional detector / transmitter 2
75 is battery-powered in the form shown as battery 201. Multiple infrared transmitters may be sequentially activated to generate an infrared control beam CIR that steps multiple sectors to save power consumption. However, the rate at which the transmitters are sequentially energized must be slow compared to the time required to transmit the remote control signal. Further, a recording camera often uses a latch control system that sets a desired mode with a first command and releases (ends) the mode with a second command. Therefore, the remote recording camera is doubly triggered by arranging the control logic in the remote recording camera to ignore the power-on command and the recording command generated within a predetermined period, for example, 1 to 2 seconds. Can be avoided.

FIG. 1E shows the multidirectional detector / of FIG. 1D.
The transmitter 275 has, for example, control codes CIR1 and CIR.
2, with each separate infrared transmitted signal having CIR3, CIR4 and CIR5. This separately addressed or coded infrared transmission signal is generated in response to the detected motion and may be generated, for example, by video camera 301, video recording device 400, remote controlled device 450 or receiver 475. Individual control is performed. The remote controlled device 450 comprises, for example, a illuminator controller for illuminating or emitting to the field of view, an audible announcement, an automatic telephone dialing device and a remote indication of the detected movement. Separately addressed or coded infrared transmission signals may be used to report detector / transmitter operational status. For example, the battery status is transmitted at the user's request or according to the battery status,
The occurrence of a viewfinder warning display is triggered in the view camera 300 or 301. Similarly, detector /
The transmitter generates a trigger signal of the status display message toward a specific television receiver 475. For example, television receivers are pre-programmed with stored warning or status messages associated with the detector / transmitter. These messages are generated and transmitted by the detector / transmitter triggered by the appropriately coded infrared signal CIR4. As aforementioned,
Modulation with infrared remote control data for RF transmission allows a large separation between the detector / transmitter and the receiver.

The use of detector / transmitter multi-directionality has the advantage that the user can easily remotely control the detector / transmitter by operating a handheld infrared remote control means. The user may use the infrared remote control receiver 115 to turn on / off the detector / transmitter, determine battery status, and override motion detection. Cameras and recording devices can be tested and configured. In order to avoid the spurious operation of the receiver 115, the control signals CIR1 to CIR1
The receiver output data is gated or suppressed during the CIR5 transmission period. Also, a device-specific password sent by the user to the detector / transmitter and transmitted via the remote control to prevent unauthorized or unauthorized operation or inactivity of the detector / transmitter. May be used.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the multidirectional reflector and focus device 260 shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E is replaced with an advantageous horn reflector and focus dish. FIG. 2A is a side view of a multi-directional detector / transmitter 280 in accordance with the present invention that successfully utilizes four parabolic reflectors that are connected together at each edge to form a vase-like structure, for example. Obviously, a large number of reflective surfaces can be chosen. Although the horn shape is in the shape of a parabolic cone, the shape of the surface actually selected is appropriately selected in consideration of manufacturing simplicity and aesthetic appearance. The horn reflector can be formed by molding a plastic material, for example. Similarly, a suitable metal may be molded or rotationally molded (spun) to the desired parabolic cone shape. The outer surface of the horn is finished with a surface capable of reflecting infrared radiation. For example, a plastic horn may be metallized to form the reflective surface. The bottom or lower end of the horn may be closed and filled with, for example, water and optionally flowers.

FIG. 2B is another form of the multi-directional detector / transmitter 280 according to the present invention which has the advantage of being used as a ceiling mounted dummy fan or a direct illuminator. . Since an incandescent light bulb outputs about 80% of its input power as heat or infrared (IR),
The dummy direct lighting device may be limited to a lighting device (lamp) having a low infrared ray output, for example, a fluorescent lamp. The direct illuminator may be activated by a manual switch or detected movement. In addition, the illuminated lighting device has a crime prevention effect, and also serves as an illumination source for imaging the field of view.

FIG. 2C is an enlarged top view seen from the direction indicated by arrow D in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C illustrates a four-sided horn-type reflector 261, each of which has a surface 261.
Each of A, 261B, 261C, and 261D can be considered as a part of one parabolic surface having one focus. The parabolic surfaces are shown as connected to each other at their edges, as indicated by the dashed line B. The focus dish is shown by the dashed circle 262 located essentially coaxially with the central axis of the horn 261. The infrared motion detector sensor 110 is located on the outer surface of the base of the horn. Instead of disposing one detector sensor 110 in the center as described above, the detector may have a configuration in which a plurality of sensors 112 as shown in the drawing are disposed. Each sensor 112 has an incident infrared radiation that occurs at a particular angular sector reflected by an adjacent reflective surface,
It is arranged to detect MIR1, MIR2, MIR3, and MIR4. In this way, the sensor 112 determines the general direction of infrared radiation, which direction is generally identified within the quadrant of each horn face, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. You can Each sensor 11
2 produces a signal that is individually identified and indicative of the detected motion, which signal is encoded and transmitted to a device at a remote location. The remotely located device has a remote panning unit 600 responsive to a control signal LR and a tilting unit 650 responsive to a control signal UD, as shown for example in FIGS. It has a video camera mounting means. The camera mounting means 600/650 for this pan and tilt includes a receiver (rec) that receives and determines the direction in which the camera is aimed.
e)) 625 is included. Also, the receiver 62
5 produces a control signal UD which is coupled to control the tilt mechanism 600 and a signal LR which is coupled to control the pan mechanism 650. Thus, due to the specific detected movement in the sector and the mounting for remotely controlled pan and tilt, the video camera 301 is steered to target the detected direction of movement. Further, for example, the remote device may remotely display the direction of detected movement. An infrared transmitter (radiator) 210, for example, an LED is the detector 110.
Are arranged around.

FIG. 2D is a vertical cross-sectional view from top to bottom of the detector / transmitter 280 taken along line AA of FIG. 2C,
Horn-shaped reflector 261, focus dish 26
2. Motion sensor 110 as motion detector, infrared remote control receiver 115, control unit 200 including control logic 207, control code generator 205, IR
A transmitter 206 or an RF carrier generator 206A and a battery power source 201 are arranged.

The focus dish 262 is a moving infrared radiation MI reflected by the horn reflector 261.
It has a parabolic shape that collects R. The focus dish 262 collects moving infrared radiation at the on-focus motion sensor 110. Since each side of the horn-shaped reflector 261 accepts horizontal infrared radiation MIR in the nominal 90 degree range, the four reflectors provide substantially multi-directional or 360 degree horizontal coverage as sensed by one sensor 110. Cover. The horn reflector 261 is a horn 261.
Receives infrared radiation MIR emitted from a toroidal annular space around the.

Infrared transmitter 210 is located at the base of horn 261 proximate motion sensor 110. By arranging in this way, the infrared transmitter 2
10 emits infrared radiation in a nominal 360 degree pattern around the detector / transmitter 275. Accordingly, the horn 261 receives radiation from a moving object from multiple directions, and further transmits encoded infrared control data in multiple directions to be received at one or more device locations. The multi-directional motion detection characteristics of horn 261 and detector 100 are coupled to the RF transmission system and control data is coupled to the remotely located device. The RF transmission system operates in the frequency region of 928-960 MHz, in which one or more transmission carriers are advantageously modulated by a coded control data stream for infrared transmission. Thus, the use of infrared control codes simplifies the RF system by allowing easy use of IR encoding and decoding integrated circuits (ICs). The transmit antenna has a coil structure, for example, with a wire wound several times around the base of the detector / transmitter 280. Similarly, the outer surface of the horn 261 can be metal-coated and used as a transmitting antenna. The radio frequency (RF) control data is received by a receiver directly coupled to the camera recording device, or is combined by the receiver via infrared control input of the camcorder if infrared control data modulation is used. Control data communication using RF transmission facilitates greater separation between the detector / transmitter and the camcorder than if infrared transmission was used. In addition, RF controlled data links are advantageous when infrared transmission is impeded by obstacles in the line of sight of free-space communications.

The detector / transmitter 280 is well packaged for camouflage applications. For example, a horn-shaped reflector 261 can be used to create a volumetric space that can accommodate water and flowers, that is, to look like a vase. The detector / transmitter 280 can be camouflaged to look like a can of drinking water, an empty container of liquid, a globe (sphere) or a beach ball, for example. The horn structure and the basic electronic device may be arranged in a cylindrical or spherical sleeve indicated by a dashed outline CAMO in FIG. 2A. The detector / transmitter 280 may be turned upside down to represent a table lamp, a pendant lamp, a ceiling-mounted fan or a lighting device (lamp), as shown in FIG. 2B. When it is disguised as a pendant type or a ceiling-mounted type illumination device, the detection position becomes higher, the obstacles to infrared radiation are reduced, and the detection range can be expanded. The detector / transmitter 280 can be packaged to look like most any harmless form. However, for infrared transmission by both long and short wavelength infrared rays, the function should not be compromised by the package for the camouflage.

FIG. 2D is a horn-shaped reflector 261 and a focus dish 2 seen from the section AA of FIG. 2C.
62, infrared remote control receiver 115 and motion
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of detector / transmitter 280 through sensor 110. In this figure, the moving infrared radiation MIR is reflected by the surface of the horn reflector 261. The infrared radiation MIR is directed to a reflective dish 262 that focuses its signal on the infrared sensor 110. The reflecting surface of dish 262 is discontinuous, as shown by the pattern in FIG. 2E. The discontinuity of the reflecting surface causes a moving infrared image or radiation MIR to be intermittently reflected from the horn reflector 261 to the sensor 110, thus simplifying motion detection.
The discontinuity of the reflective surface is caused by an array of painted patches, holes or surface distortions. Radiation to the sensor 110 is also intermittent due to the presence of infrared non-reflective strips or patterns on the reflective surface of the horn, or due to patterns obscuring the infrared formed on the camouflage package. . Following motion detection, control instructions are generated by infrared transmitter 210 and coupled to effect the transmission. The reflection dish 262 is covered with an infrared transmission cover 265, and prevents the entry of dust that deteriorates the reflection performance of the dish 262.
The reflected infrared signal MIR is transmitted through the infrared transparent cover to reach the dish 262, and the infrared control transmission signal CIR is reflected by the horn 261 to control the remotely arranged device.

FIG. 3A illustrates a video frame generated by camera 300 and displayed on video display screen 500. Alphanumeric data is invisibly added to the video image signal to display the date, time, camera identifier or viewing scene name. The alphanumeric data is separated from the video image signal, decoded and converted into an observable display signal. The decoded alphanumeric data is used to generate a video signal 510 that can be added to the video image signal. However, the display position of the display data within the observation scene must be changeable so as to avoid obscuring the details of the scene.

FIG. 3B illustrates a video frame produced by camera 300 and displayed on video display screen 500. The separated alphanumeric data is used to generate and insert an observable display image 510 at the position of the vertical blanking interval 530 of the video image signal. Therefore, the alphanumeric data is fixedly associated with the corresponding frame of the video image signal and is ready for viewing on a video display having a vertical deflection delay function. The vertical blanking period of the video image signal can be used to display alphanumeric data without obscuring the captured video scene.

The operation of the surveillance system according to the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1A is as follows. Motion detection sensor 10
The 0 is arranged to observe the area or position to be monitored. The motion detection sensor 100 is of the active or passive type, with some selectivity depending on the monitored position, the detection range and the availability of power (or power). For example, a store or indoor sales environment, shown as scene 50 in FIG. 1A, is suitable for a passive infrared motion detector that detects infrared radiation of objects within the detector's field of view. This passive detector frequently responds to movement of the object being scanned or movement of the object which intermittently stimulates the infrared detector. The detector produces an output signal in response to the detected motion. The output signal is contact
Represents a closure (cantact closure, visual approach) or voltage level. External surveillance locations, such as access roads (dri
veway) or parking lot requires greater isolation between the detector 100 and the control unit 200 than in indoor applications. With respect to the moving speed of the object in such external monitoring conditions, there is a need to increase the separation between the detector and the camera recording device to ensure time to start video imaging and recording. For example, 48k / h
An object moving at a speed of 30 m is 12.
44.5 cm (1.46 ft) in one frame of 4 m (44 ft) or 30 Hz television
Just move. For accurate object recognition, not only the separation between the sensor and the video camera must be considered, but also the effective exposure time or accumulation period of the camera to avoid blurring the video image. I have to.

The motion detector 100 is connected to the control unit 200 via coupling means 10 comprising cables, fiber optics or wireless means such as modulated or continuous wave RF or IR radiation. The method of choice of coupling means can be: monitoring position, separation between detector and control unit,
Depends on ease of cable installation and available power. The control unit 200 receives the motion indication signal from the motion detector and, in response thereto, generates the signals 21, 22 and combines the signals via the connecting means 20 to record the video recording device 300A or the video recording camera. Control 333.

To maximize operational flexibility, the monitoring system is battery powered, allowing the device to be placed in an optimal location without regard to AC power. Furthermore, it is necessary to maximize the system operating time of battery-powered power and carefully control the power consumption. Video recording devices, such as camcorders, are advantageously controlled to minimize both battery power consumption and recording medium usage. For example, FIG.
C, D and E are battery powered detector / controller 2
50, or detector / transmitter 275, is shown so that only sensor 110 and detector 100 are kept powered at all times to minimize battery power consumption. The control circuit 200, infrared control code generator 205 and infrared transmitter remain unpowered until motion is detected. When the movement is detected, the battery power is supplied and the control sequence illustrated in FIG. 4 is executed. As mentioned above, the control sequence generates an appropriate operating mode command, which is translated into a remote control code for conducting or transparent means,
For example by cable, fiber, IR or RF transmission methods, for example transmitted to a camcorder.

As mentioned above, the detector / transmitter is remotely controlled by infrared remote control means. An infrared remote control receiver, such as 115 in FIG. 1E, facilitates receiving infrared command data IRRC and providing the user with various options. For example, the detector / transmitter can be turned on or off and, more precisely, the infrared sensor and motion detector can be turned off remotely. Even in such a condition, only the infrared receiver can be powered to receive another remote command. When the detector / transmitter is on, or more accurately the infrared sensor and motion detector are on, the infrared receiver is unpowered, reducing battery consumption. Motion response control signals, eg CIR1-CI
Infrared remote control commands are received by the detector / transmitter during the period of motion detected immediately after the transmission of R4.
Until the presence of the user is detected and recorded, the user's infrared remote control data is not received by the detector / transmitter and no control is performed. To minimize battery consumption, a low power timer or clock may be used at the detector / transmitter that activates the detector / transmitter at user selectable times, such as lunch breaks, nights or weekends. .

In order to minimize both power consumption and recording medium 300B usage, until motion is detected,
The power supply to the video recording device, for example, the camcorder 333 is stopped. When motion is detected, power is applied and recording begins. Therefore, the recording medium 300B is used only when motion is detected. As described above, by the recording operation controlled according to the movement, it is possible to prevent the recording medium from being wasted for the stationary and immovable recording shot that occurs in the recording operation when such control is not performed. Furthermore, in order to save the consumption of the recording medium, the recorder is controlled to record only a predetermined video frame. Therefore, the use (time) of the recording medium can be greatly expanded by reducing the number of recording frames per second.
For example, by recording 3 frames per second, the recordable duration of any recording medium is increased by about 10 times. However, when using a tape-based recording medium system,
The selected video frames are continuously recorded and can be reproduced thereafter. Therefore, the recording device and recording medium transport need to be stopped, flipped, or possibly erased unwanted frames to facilitate overwriting unwanted video frames. In tape media recording systems, the range of predetermined choices for a recording frame is limited by the mechanical characteristics of the recording media transport. In recording systems other than tape, a large range of choices with respect to the recording frame rate is used to record discontinuous events. However, whether or not the interval between recording frames can be selected largely depends on the speed (rate) of movement within the field of view. For example, a human movement can be sufficiently captured 3 times per second, but even if a moving tennis ball is imaged at a frame rate of 30 times per second, it is not possible to determine the actual landing point, that is, inside or outside the court.

The flow chart shown in FIG. 4 illustrates a control sequence according to the present invention performed by control unit 200 in response to a signal indicative of detected motion from detector 100. The control sequence begins at step 100. In step 200, a test is performed to determine if motion has been detected.
If the result of step 200 is negative (NO), a loop waiting for the detected movement is entered. Step 20
If it is determined to be affirmative (YES) at 0, the process proceeds to step 225 to start power supply and control the logic circuit, the control code and the transmission circuit. Power supply is step 1250.
In, it is maintained until it is turned off by a power off command. After starting to supply the control power, step 250
At, a delay, for example, 100 msec is given to stabilize the control circuit. After the delay step 250,
The sequence is split into two branches. In step 260 of the first branch, the detected motion is retested. In step 260, a test for negative (NO) is performed to form a loop. If affirmative (YES) is determined in step 260, a timer or counter is set in step 275, and the timer or counter effectively times out or monostables. The timer / counter remains set at step 260 for the duration of the affirmative (YES) and cannot begin counting or timing until the positive (YES) disappears at step 200. Therefore, if the detected motion stops at step 200, step 200 is negative (NO) and step 260 causes the timer / counter 275 to start a predetermined counting or timeout period, eg, 10 seconds. At the end of the time-out period, the timer / counter is stopped and waits for the next movement. The timeout period causes hysteresis to prevent the multiplex system from being triggered when motion of the object is detected intermittently. The second control branch from step 250 leads to step 30
Go to 0 and power on the video recording camera.
The control step 400 provides a delay and enables circuitry within the video recording camera to ensure operational stability. The delay may be between 1/2 and 3 seconds in length, depending on the type of video recording camera, and represents the actual state of the device, i.e. the tape running off or stopped low power consumption.

After the delay in step 400, the test is performed in step 500 and the recording device is denied (N
It is determined whether the continuous recording mode represented by O) is started or the user selects the intermittent recording option represented by affirmative (YES) to reduce the recording medium consumption amount. If the intermittent recording in step 600 is selected,
For example, a plurality of frames of an image video are skipped, and frames 1, 11, and 21, for example, are recorded every 1 second, and are continuously recorded on a recording medium without interruption. In this example, the recorded value N is 1 frame and the standby value M is 9 frames. The recording pattern of this example is generated at an image rate of 3 frames per second, which is sufficient for indoor sales office monitoring, but is unsuitable, for example, when the movement rate (speed) of the object is high. When this continuous recording is played back at normal speed, the image recording rate of 3 frames per second is displayed at an effective rate that is 10 times the actual speed. The activity or movement of the object within each recording frame is determined by the playback of the recording device, possibly using a still mode or a slow motion playback mode. Obviously, it is possible to use other intermittent recording patterns, but the range of frame rate selection is
It is limited by the operating mechanism of the recording device and the requirement that individual frames must be continuously recorded on the recording medium.

In step 700, step 500
The recording mode is initiated either by a negative (NO) to start continuous recording from step or from the intermittent recording command from step 600. Following the start of recording, step 80
At 0, a test is made whether the timer is set. If a positive test is made at step 800, a loop is formed to maintain the recording mode. After the detected motion is interrupted and again after the timer period, eg 10 seconds, ends, step 800
At, a negative (NO) is tested. Therefore, when the timer times out, after the movement ends, the recording mode is stopped in step 900, and the recording operation is turned off.

Following the end of the recording mode, step 10
At 00, there is a delay of sufficient duration to give order to the end of the recording. For example, the recording device
In order to perform continuous recording the next time it is started, the transfer direction of the recording medium is reversed by several recording frames. In step 1100, the recording video camera is turned off. At step 1200, the timer is reset. Depending on the timer reset condition for ending the recording mode in step 800, the delay 100
The possibility of motion reoccurring during the zero period is eliminated, and in step 1200 the timer is forced into a reset state. Following the timer reset, step 125
At 0, the control sequence turns off the control power supply and waits at step 200 for the next detected motion.

The sequence of steps illustrated in FIG. 4 can be implemented using a software algorithm executed by, for example, a microprocessor system. Alternatively, the sequence shown in Figure 4 can be implemented using electronic circuitry or "hardware". FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a digital circuit, which block diagram illustrates an arrangement for generating a portion of the control sequence shown in FIG.

The control sequence illustrated in FIG. 4 is as shown in FIG.
6 and is implemented by a control circuit shown in FIG. 6 in the form of an electronic circuit. The control circuit of FIG. 6 generates the various pulse waveform signals shown in A to I of FIG. 7 and operates as follows. The motion detector 100 detects infrared radiation MIR emitted by a moving object that is warm or warmer than ambient temperature within the field of view 50 of the sensor. Motion detector 100 produces the pulse waveform shown in FIG. 7A that triggers integrated circuit timer U1 (eg, model TLC555). Timer U1
Generates a pulse waveform with a period of about 10 seconds, as shown in FIG. 7B. The output waveform of the timer U1 is inverted by the transistor Q4. Also, this transistor Q
4 is coupled to trigger a second integrated circuit timer U2 having a nominal period of about 1.5 seconds, as shown in Figure 7C. The output of the integrated circuit U2 is the resistor R34.
Is coupled to the base electrode of the relay drive transistor Q6 via a delay circuit formed by a capacitor C18 and a delay of about 200 milliseconds. Transistor Q6 energizes relay K1 to close a set of contacts for the duration of the pulse of IC U2, nominally about 1.5 seconds. Relay K1
Selects the power-on mode of the recording camera CCR according to the pulse waveform shown in G of FIG. In the power-on mode, the state of being selected or latched in the camcorder is maintained until the contact of the relay K1 is closed again to unlatch (unlatch) the power-on mode in the camcorder to stop the power supply to the camcorder. To maintain.

The output of integrated circuit U2 is also coupled to a third integrated circuit timer U3, which has a nominal period of about 1.5 seconds, as shown in FIG. The output of integrated circuit U3 is passed through a delay circuit formed by resistor R28 and capacitor C15 which provides a delay of approximately 200 milliseconds,
It is coupled to the base electrode of relay drive transistor Q5. Transistor Q5 energizes relay K2 during the pulse duration of timer U3, as shown at H in FIG. 7, to select the camcorder recording mode. Camcorder C
The CR remains in the recording mode state until the relay K2 is biased a second time. It is not desirable to select the power-on mode and the recording mode at the same time. Such simultaneous selection can occur on the trailing edge of the output of IC U2 and the rising edge (leading edge) of the pulse output of IC U3. The possibility of overlapping control commands can be prevented by including the delay formed by resistor R28 and capacitor C15, as shown at step 400 in FIG. The effect of the delay capacitor delays the pulse rise time in the activation of relay K2, resulting in a delay of about 200 ms.

When the detected motion disappears, the output of the sensor 100 changes the state and the transistor Q
2 discharges the timing capacitor C4. When timing capacitor C4 discharges, timer U1 is triggered again. This timer U1 operates for the next timing period, for example 10 seconds. The hysteresis in this retrigger prevents the camcorder from being triggered many times at high speed during periods of intermittent or ambiguous motion within the field of view of the detector. Furthermore, timer U1 forms a minimum recording period of, for example, about 10 seconds for any detected event. The output of timer IC U1 is also coupled to a fourth timer IC U4 which produces a recording stop pulse, as shown at E in FIG. The output of IC U4 is coupled via a delay circuit to energize relay drive transistor Q5 and delay K2. Relay K2
Terminates the recording mode of the camcorder and selects the recording pause mode, as shown at H in FIG.
Energized for seconds. The output of timer IC U4 is
It is coupled to a fifth timer IC U5 having a period of about 1.5 seconds. As shown in G of FIG. 7, the timer IC
The output of U5 is coupled to the relay drive transistor Q6 via a delay circuit. Relay K1 is pulsed or energized for approximately 1.5 seconds to unlatch the power-on mode and de-energize the camcorder.

The output of the timer IC U5 is also coupled to the transistor Q7 which is turned on by the output pulse, as shown at I in FIG.
Reset U1. When the power-on / reset circuit including the transistor Q3 is coupled to all timer ICs,
Low level is supplied to each reset pin,
C is reset.

The control function produced by the circuit illustrated in FIG. 6 can be configured with minor modifications to control the production of IR encoded control data for infrared or UHF transmission. However, the use of IR encoded control data with the inherent multiplex device control function suggests that the control unit is software controlled based on a microprocessor.

[0037]

The battery power and recording medium consumption in the monitoring system can be saved. The usage of the recording medium can be saved by recording only during the period when motion is detected, and further by recording only a predetermined number of frames.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates various embodiments of an advantageous surveillance system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates various advantageous embodiments with substantially multi-directional monitoring and control functionality.

FIG. 3 shows a surveillance image advantageously marked for visual identification.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control sequence according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a controller for generating a control sequence according to the present invention.

7 illustrates various advantageous pulse waveforms produced by the control circuit of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 110 Infrared motion detector 201 Battery 210 Infrared transmitter 260 Multi-directional reflection and focus device 300 Video camera 300A Recording device 301 Video camera 333 Camcorder MIR Incident infrared signal CIR Infrared control signal

Front Page Continuation (72) Inventor Frederick William Tenor Greenfield East 400 North North, Indiana, United States 2708

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A video camera for producing a video output signal, a video recorder coupled to the video output signal and having a remote control function, a motion detector for producing a signal indicative of the detected motion, And a controller for generating a first control signal for the video recorder in response to the signal indicative of movement, the first control signal initiating a recording mode of the video recorder. The monitoring system terminating the recording mode when the detected movement is stopped. 2. A video camera having a remote control function for generating a video output signal, a video recorder having a remote control function, coupled to the video output signal, and motion detection for generating a signal indicating the detected motion. A monitoring system responsive to the signal indicative of the detected motion and generating a plurality of control signals for remote control, the monitoring system responsive to the signal indicative of the detected motion. The control device generates a first control signal for activating the video camera and a second control signal for starting a recording mode of the video recorder, and after stopping the detected motion, the control device: The surveillance system is configured to generate the second control signal for terminating the recording mode and the first control signal to turn off the video camera.