KR101082527B1 - Apparatus and method for network media conversion - Google Patents

Abstract

A device capable of real-time video and / or audio monitoring in a mobile wireless communication terminal is provided by converting an input signal of a monitor and an output signal of a TV. The apparatus may include: a signal divider for distributing input video and audio signals, outputting one to an external video device and using one as an internal input signal, and determining whether the internal input signal is analog or digital; A voice digital converter for converting the input voice signal into a digital signal; A video decoder for converting the video signal into a digital signal when the input video signal is analog according to the determination of the signal splitter; MPEG, which synchronizes and converts the video signal digitally converted through the video decoder when the input video signal is a digital signal, or when the input video signal is an analog signal, according to the decision of the signal splitter Codec unit; A signal compression unit for compressing a signal converted into an MPEG series signal by the MPEG codec unit; And an Ethernet interface unit for transmitting the compressed signal to the wired / wireless network so that the mobile communication terminal can receive the compressed signal, but having a unique IP address.

Video signal change, real time monitoring, MPEG codec, signal compression

Description

Apparatus and method for network media conversion}

The present invention converts analog and digital input and output signals, such as video and audio signals transmitted from a computer to a monitor, video and audio signals of a TV, and an apparatus and method for real-time monitoring in a mobile communication terminal through a wired or wireless network. It is about.

In general, a remote monitoring system uses a method in which a plurality of cameras are installed in a closed circuit and a number of cameras are installed in a certain place to monitor the location, or a computer camera is used to display images of a computer camera. It has been used to monitor the transmission through the network.

However, the target of remote monitoring is usually the computer screen that the children are watching while their parents are absent, the TV screen, or the terminal screen of the store where the employee is hired. It is inconvenient to install several cameras separately in places such as homes. In addition, it is not easy to install and purchase, and in the case of a computer camera, accessibility to a computer screen or a TV screen itself to be monitored is poor.

Mobile communication terminals, commonly called mobile phones or mobile phones, have long been indispensable in modern life. Recently, the use of the wireless Internet service, voice, data communication services using these mobile communication terminals are actively made.

As the utilization of mobile communication terminals has been gradually expanded, basic communication, SMS, as well as TV viewing and shopping coupon sales are being activated.

As mobile communication terminals become a necessity in daily life, there are many proposals to be used as tools for remote monitoring. For example, a method of transmitting an image captured by a PC camera to a mobile communication terminal has been proposed, and a method of remotely controlling a mobile communication terminal through home automation has also been proposed.

In contrast, the present invention generally relates to a computer monitor or TV screen that children are watching from a remote site. In other words, it is directly related to monitoring a computer monitor or a TV screen in real time, and it is possible to remotely monitor a monitor image or a TV image through a simple device without requiring an imaging device such as a CCTV or computer camera. If you hire employees to manage your store yourself, monitoring a store's deposit and withdrawal terminals may be a good application.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple device for real-time monitoring of a monitor, a TV screen, or other fixed terminal image through a mobile communication terminal without using a separate camera.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for real-time monitoring of a monitor, a TV screen, or other fixed terminal image through a mobile communication terminal without a separate camera.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, a network media conversion apparatus for transmitting video and audio signals to a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention distributes the input video and audio signals and outputs one to an external video device and one to an internal input signal. A signal divider for determining whether the internal input signal is analog or digital; A voice digital converter for converting the input voice signal into a digital signal; A video decoder for converting the video signal into a digital signal when the input video signal is analog according to the determination of the signal splitter; MPEG, which synchronizes and converts the video signal digitally converted through the video decoder when the input video signal is a digital signal, or when the input video signal is an analog signal, according to the decision of the signal splitter Codec section; A signal compression unit for compressing a signal converted into an MPEG series signal by the MPEG codec unit; And an Ethernet interface unit for transmitting the compressed signal to the wired / wireless network so that the mobile communication terminal can receive the compressed signal, but having a unique IP address.

In order to achieve the another technical problem, a network media signal conversion method for transmitting video and audio signals to a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, one outputs the input video and audio signals to an external video device and one is internal Determining whether the input video signal is analog or digital, using as an input signal; Converting the input voice signal into a digital signal; Generating a digital video signal by converting the video signal into a digital signal when the input video signal is analog according to the determination; Synchronizing the digital video signal with an audio signal converted into the digital signal and converting the digital video signal into an MPEG series signal; Compressing a signal converted into the MPEG series signal; And transmitting the compressed signal to a wired / wireless network through an Ethernet interface having a unique IP address so that the mobile communication terminal can receive the compressed signal.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, there is provided a network media converter which transmits video and audio signals to a computer terminal. The device bypasses the input video and audio signals to an external video device as needed and the other. One is a signal splitter for determining whether the input video signal is analog or digital; A voice digital converter for converting the input voice signal into a digital signal; A video decoder for converting the video signal into a digital signal when the input video signal is analog according to the determination of the signal splitter; When the input video signal is a digital signal, the video signal may be synchronized with the audio signal converted into the digital signal. An MPEG codec unit for matching and converting the signal into an MPEG series signal; A signal compression unit for compressing a signal converted into an MPEG series signal by the MPEG codec unit; And a network interface unit for transmitting the compressed signal to a wired / wireless network so that the computer terminal can receive the compressed signal, but having a unique IP address.

Through a network media converter and method for transmitting video and audio signals to a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, a remote media monitor / monitor directly monitors or monitors a TV screen in real time through a simple media converter without a separate camera device or imaging device. It is possible.

Hereinafter, a network media conversion apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear. In addition, terms to be described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to a client's or operator's intention or custom. Therefore, the definition should be based on the contents throughout this specification.

Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

1 is a diagram 100 illustrating a remote monitoring system using a general imaging device.

Several imaging apparatuses 110 for photographing the area to be monitored are required according to the needs of the monitor, and the captured images are transmitted to the desired monitoring apparatuses 120 and 130 through the communication network 10.

According to this method, several imaging apparatuses 110 are required for remote monitoring. There are many types of imaging devices, but it is true that CCTV devices that are commonly used are not suitable for purchase by ordinary households in terms of price or installation. In the case of PC cameras, it is true that accessibility is high in terms of purchasing power that can be purchased by ordinary households, but there are limitations in installing multiple units, for example, remote monitoring is not possible when the monitored children turn off the PC camera. Do.

In general, what is being monitored in the home is not the behavior of the children in the house when the children grow up to a certain extent, but the screen itself. In other words, whether you are playing a game on a computer screen or a TV screen, are you watching pornography, or are you having a strange chat?

It would be easier to control children if the computer screen itself or the TV screen itself could be monitored directly on the screen through a mobile communication terminal possessed by a remote guardian. Furthermore, for this purpose, it would be desirable to be able to receive the screen in real time through a simple connection without a computer monitor or a camera that captures a TV screen.

2 is a diagram illustrating a remote monitoring system of a computer screen using a network media conversion apparatus according to the present invention.

The network media conversion device 210 (also referred to as "NMC") according to the present invention receives an RGB image signal from a computer. The NMC divides the RGB signal input by the internal divider, and bypasses one by-pass to the monitor 220, which is an external video device, and converts the other by the NMC 210 to transmit to the mobile communication terminal. Perform the process.

The NMC 210 converts the RGB signal into a form that the mobile communication terminal can receive. The converted signal is connected to a network communication network 20 such as the Internet or an intranet through the sharer 240 and transmitted to a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA through the wired computer user 250 or the mobile communication network 25.

Although the NMC 210 is illustrated as a separate device from a server device such as the computer 230 in FIG. 2, the NMC 210 may be designed to be integrated into the computer. In addition, it may include a variety of functions, for example, by performing the function of the sharer 240, it may be possible to do not need to be provided with the sharer 240 separately.

Suppose you are a remote parent who is wondering what content or application software your children are using at home. The home computer 230 is connected to the NMC 210, and video signals are bypassed from the NMC 210 to the monitor 220. The children now watch an image of the computer running through the monitor 220. The NMC 210 decodes and compresses a video and audio signal input to a computer, and transmits the decoded and compressed signals to a mobile communication terminal or a computer of a parent designated through a Ethernet interface.

Since this Ethernet interface has a certain IP, it connects to a mobile communication terminal owned by parents and receives video and audio signals. If necessary, only video signals may be received. Parents can check their children's screens in real time to see if they haven't played games for too long, or watch violent or sensational games or videos.

NMC systems may be used for a variety of purposes, not just for remote monitoring. For example, a large amount of video stored in a home computer can be viewed remotely from a mobile communication terminal. You can watch educational broadcasts aired on the Internet conveniently from a remote location. Of course, children in the reading room can not only sit in front of the computer monitor, but also can watch the educational content on their mobile terminal using earphones in their seats in the reading room. This use is quite useful in that it is possible to use a home computer with a smooth internet reception in a mobile communication terminal which does not have a smooth internet reception.

3 is a diagram illustrating a remote monitoring system of a TV screen using a network media converter (NMC) according to the present invention.

The NMC according to the present invention can monitor a TV screen in real time.

The TV output signal outputted according to the PAL or NTSC method, which is a TV output method, is received from the NMC 210, converted and compressed, and connected to a network communication network 20 such as the Internet or an intranet through a sharer 240, and is connected to a wired computer user. Through the 250 or the mobile communication network 25 is transmitted to a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA.

As in the previous example, parents can see in real time whether the children have been watching TV for too long or violent or sensational games or movies.

In addition, various broadcasts that are broadcast on TV can be conveniently viewed from a remote location using a mobile phone. If a TV broadcast is needed for a remote child, it is possible to call home and ask the TV to catch the broadcast and watch the broadcast on his mobile terminal.

4 is a diagram illustrating a remote monitoring system of a POS terminal using a network media converter (NMC) according to the present invention.

The NMC according to the present invention can also be used for a point of sales terminal. The owner of the store, but hired clerks to manage the store, and the owner of a remote site will always be anxious to manage revenue. If a cashier's POS terminal is constantly monitored by its owner, it will be extremely difficult for cashiers to miss sales.

The output cable of the POS terminal 410 of FIG. 4 is connected to the NMC 210. The NMC device converts the image of the POS terminal 410 and transmits the image to the router 240 through a LAN cable and accesses a communication network 20 such as an internet or an intranet and transmits the image to the mobile communication terminal 260 or a remote site. To the computer user 250.

If it is difficult to remotely monitor the image of the POS terminal 410, a signal transmitted from the POS terminal 410 may be buffered and stored in the recording storage unit. Thus, if necessary, the video can be reproduced to check for missing sales at the store.

5 is a block diagram of a network media device (NMC) in accordance with the present invention.

The NMC 210 receives a voice (audio) signal and an image (video) signal from the signal splitter 510. The video signal may be NTSC, PAL, or RGB of a general computer.

In the signal splitter 510, the input audio signal and the video signal may be bypassed and output to the outside. The audio signal and the video signal which are bypassed and output may be passed through the schedule setting unit 565. The schedule setting unit 565 limits the external video output such as a monitor or a TV by presetting. In more detail, the audio signal and the video signal output can be limited by setting during a predetermined time when the parent is not at home. In this case, no matter how many children at home try to turn on the computer or TV to watch the computer or TV according to the time zone set by the schedule setting unit 565.

The signal splitter 510 now determines whether the input signal is analog or digital. Since the voice signal is mostly an analog signal, the voice signal is directly converted into a digital signal through the voice AD converter 520. The digitized audio signal is sent to the MPEG codec unit 540 to synchronize with the digitized video signal.

If the video signal from the signal splitter 510 is analog, it is sent to the video decoder 530 to be converted into a digital signal, and if it is digital, it is sent directly to the MPEG codec unit 540. The video decoder 530 outputs the digital video signal, for example, Y / Cr / Cb, through the A / D conversion to process the input analog video signal in the MPEG codec unit 540 so that the MPEG codec unit ( It is used as an input of 540).

The digital video signal sent to the MPEG codec unit 540 is converted into an MPEG series signal that can be viewed by a mobile communication terminal. It is then synchronized with the digitized voice signal. The MPEG series signal may be an ISO Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG) series for storing digital signals and an ITU-T H.26x series for a video signal transmission service. These signals may be signals that can be monitored in a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone.

The signal converted into an MPEG series signal is compressed to be easily transmitted by the signal compression unit 550. The compressed video signal is processed by the CPU 560. The CPU also performs full control of the NMC device.

Software necessary to perform control of the NMC device may be stored in a memory device such as flash ROM 580. Flash ROM 580 is used by calling from the CPU to the required software or firmware. If needed for buffering, an additional SDRAM 570 can be used.

The processed video and audio signals are now connected to an external communication network via the Ethernet interface 590. Ethernet interface 590 may have a unique IP address. Through this, a real-time monitoring device such as a mobile communication terminal in a remote place can receive video and audio signals sent from a predetermined place.

In addition, the Ethernet interface 590 may include a web server, an FTP server, and / or an FTP client to perform a transmission role for remote monitoring in real time.

The NMC 210 device may include a recording storage unit 574 for storing the input video and audio as needed. The recording storage unit 574 may use a flash ROM. The recording storage unit may digitize and store both the video signal and the audio signal input by the signal splitter 510 as necessary. The contents stored in the recording storage unit 574 may be checked later by a mobile communication terminal or another monitoring device.

The NMC 210 device can be equipped with an optional additional interface, for example the USB 561 interface, which is used universally these days, and RS-485 563 or RS-232 (not shown) for serial communication. May be provided).

Since the NMC 210 device can be installed in a home, it may also perform a function of a home automation device that can handle when various events occur in the home.

For example, a fire detection sensor 567 may be added to detect fire in a home or an office. When a fire is detected by the fire sensor 567, the CPU can notify the remote device of the fire detection.

Likewise, by adding the motion detection sensor 569, the intrusion of the thief may be detected by the motion detection sensor 569 when everyone in the home or the office is out. Like the fire detection sensor 567, the motion detection sensor 569 may notify the remote device such as a mobile communication terminal of the motion detection fact by the CPU when a motion is detected.

The NMC 210 includes a direct voice output unit 591 to directly transmit voice from a mobile communication terminal.

For example, if a child has been playing a game for too long at home, the parent who has confirmed this in the mobile communication terminal can directly transmit the voice to the child via the NMC 210 device through the mobile communication terminal. "Son, you're playing the game too long. I'd better stop." You will be able to deliver voices.

Despite the above warning, if there is a child who continues to play the game, the parent can remotely reboot the computer directly through the reboot control unit 593. Indeed, the parent is a mobile communication terminal that allows the computer to control in both directions.

The NMC device according to the present invention can be remotely monitored in real time through mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones, PDAs, and notebook computers through simple signal conversion without the need for display size, resolution, processing power, and conversion of different applications. This is possible. In addition, since it is possible to simultaneously watch and monitor the screen of a monitor device or a TV device in real time without a separate imaging device, there is an advantage of providing an excellent purchase accessibility and efficient remote monitoring and remote viewing function at home.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a network media signal conversion method for transmitting video and audio signals to a mobile communication terminal.

The network media signal converter receives a video and / or audio signal from a video / audio output device such as a computer, a TV, or a POS terminal (610). In this case, one input image and audio signal is output to an external image device and one is used as an internal input signal, and it is determined whether the input image signal is analog or digital (620).

Since the input audio signal is mostly analog, it is converted into a digital signal, and if the input video signal is analog, a digital video signal is generated by converting the video signal into a digital signal (630). If the input video signal is a digital signal, the digital video signal is bypassed without a separate conversion procedure.

Now we need to synchronize the two digitized signals. The digital video signal is synchronized with an audio signal converted into a digital signal and then converted into an MPEG signal (650). The signal converted into the MPEG series signal needs to be reduced in order to transmit the data, so it must be compressed (660). The compressed signal is transmitted to the wired / wireless network through an Ethernet interface having a unique IP address so that the mobile communication terminal can receive the received signal (670).

As described above, the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiments, but these embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention, not to limit the present invention, so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can practice the above without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Various changes, modifications or adjustments to the example will be possible. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention will be limited only by the appended claims, and should be construed as including all changes, modifications or adjustments.

1 is a schematic diagram of a remote monitoring system using a general imaging device.

2 is a schematic diagram showing a remote monitoring system of a computer screen using a network media conversion apparatus according to the present invention.

3 is a diagram illustrating a remote monitoring system of a TV screen using a network media converter (NMC) according to the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating a remote monitoring system of a POS terminal using a network media converter (NMC) according to the present invention.

5 is a block diagram of a network media device (NMC) in accordance with the present invention.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a network media signal conversion method for transmitting video and audio signals to a mobile communication terminal.

Claims (17)

A network media converter for transmitting video and audio signals to a mobile communication terminal, A signal divider for distributing the input image and audio signals, bypassing one of the input image and audio signals, and determining whether the input image signal is analog or digital; A voice digital converter for converting the input voice signal into a digital signal; A video decoder for converting the video signal into a digital signal when the input video signal is analog according to the determination of the signal splitter; When the input video signal is a digital signal, the video signal may be synchronized with the audio signal converted into the digital signal. An MPEG codec unit for matching and converting the signal into an MPEG series signal; A signal compression unit for compressing a signal converted into an MPEG series signal by the MPEG codec unit; And Including an Ethernet interface for transmitting the compressed signal to the wired or wireless network so that the mobile communication terminal can receive, characterized in that it has a unique IP address, The signal distributor receives a video and audio signal from any one of a computer, a TV and a cashier, and transmits the received video and audio signal to the mobile communication terminal through the Ethernet interface unit. And a rebooting control unit for rebooting any one of the computer, the TV, and the cash dispenser terminal in response to the rebooting signal transmitted from the mobile communication terminal. Media Inverter. The network media converter for transmitting video and audio signals to a mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the video and audio signals output by the signal distributor can be output to a computer monitor or a TV. The network media of claim 1, wherein the video decoder outputs the video signal in the form of Y / Cr / Cb, which is a digital signal so that the MPEG codec can process the video signal. Inverter. The network media converter of claim 1, wherein the video signal input to the network media converter is one of NTSC, PAL, and RGB. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal output through the Ethernet interface unit is transmitted to a wired / wireless network through a LAN cable. The network media conversion apparatus of claim 5, wherein the Ethernet interface unit comprises a web server, an FTP server, or an FTP client function. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network media converter further comprises a recording storage unit for recording the input video signal in real time. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network media conversion apparatus further comprises a schedule setting unit configured to set a time at which an external image apparatus cannot reproduce an image by blocking output of the input image signal by setting a schedule. Network media converter for transmitting video and audio signals to a communication terminal. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the network media converter further comprises a motion sensor or a fire sensor, and transmits an event output by a signal of the motion sensor or fire sensor to a mobile communication terminal. Network media converter for transmitting video and audio signals to a communication terminal. The network for transmitting video and audio signals to a mobile communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the network media converter further comprises a voice output unit capable of outputting a voice signal transmitted through the mobile communication terminal. Media Inverter. delete A network media signal conversion method for transmitting video and audio signals to a terminal, Outputting an input video and audio signal to an external video device and using one as an internal input signal to determine whether the input video signal is analog or digital; Converting the input voice signal into a digital signal; Generating a digital video signal by converting the video signal into a digital signal when the input video signal is analog according to the determination; Synchronizing the digital video signal with an audio signal converted into the digital signal and converting the digital video signal into an MPEG series signal; Compressing a signal converted into the MPEG series signal; And And transmitting the compressed signal to a wired or wireless network through an Ethernet interface having a unique IP address so that the mobile communication terminal can receive the compressed signal. Receiving video and audio signals from any one of a computer, a TV, and a cashier and transmitting the received video and audio signals to the mobile communication terminal; And And rebooting any one of the computer, the TV, and the cash dispenser terminal in response to the reboot signal transmitted from the mobile communication terminal. Media signal conversion method. The network media signal conversion method of claim 12, wherein the video signal is output in a Y / Cr / Cb form as a digital signal in the step of converting the video signal into a digital signal. The method of claim 12, wherein the input video signal is one of NTSC, PAL, and RGB. The method of claim 12, wherein the signal output through the Ethernet interface is transmitted to a wired or wireless network through a LAN cable. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the Ethernet interface includes a web server, an FTP server, or an FTP client function. A network media converter for transmitting video and audio signals to a computer terminal, A signal divider for bypassing the input video and audio signals to an external video device and determining whether the input video signal is analog or digital; A voice digital converter for converting the input voice signal into a digital signal; A video decoder for converting the video signal into a digital signal when the input video signal is analog according to the determination of the signal splitter; When the input video signal is a digital signal, the video signal may be synchronized with the audio signal converted into the digital signal. An MPEG codec unit for matching and converting the signal into an MPEG series signal; A signal compression unit for compressing a signal converted into an MPEG series signal by the MPEG codec unit; And It includes a network interface for transmitting the compressed signal to the wired and wireless network so that the computer terminal can receive, characterized in that it has a unique IP address, The signal distributor receives a video and audio signal from any one of a computer, a TV and a cashier, and transmits the received video and audio signal to the computer terminal through the network interface unit. And a rebooting control unit for rebooting any one of the computer, the TV, and the cash dispenser terminal in response to the rebooting signal transmitted from the computer terminal. Device.

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