WO2007069658A1

WO2007069658A1 - Data acquisition apparatus, data recording system, and data recording method

Info

Publication number: WO2007069658A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/324871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yasuji Nakamura; Tsuyoshi Ogata; Hirotaka Fujimura
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-12-13
Filing date: 2006-12-13
Publication date: 2007-06-21
Also published as: JP2007166181A

Abstract

There is provided a data acquisition apparatus capable of preventing a partial data missing and simplifying the configuration of an entire system. A data recording system (100) has a plurality of network cameras (10) and an administration server (30). The network cameras (10) notify the administration server (30) of the remaining memory capacity information of the network cameras (10). If there are any problems with data recordings, the network cameras request the administration server (30) to designate their substitute recording apparatus and send internal data to the substitute recording apparatus according to the information about the designated substitute recording apparatus. According to the substitute designation requests and the remaining memory capacity information, the administration server (30) designates the network cameras (10) having free spaces as the substitute recording apparatus and sends substitute recording apparatus information to the network cameras (10).

Description

Data acquisition device, data recording system, and data recording method

The present invention relates to a data acquisition device, a data recording system, and a data recording method that can be used in a monitoring system or the like.

Background art

[0002] For example, an imaging device such as a TV camera is used to monitor various places such as in a financial institution or near a place where an ATM (automated teller machine) is installed. There are many cases. In addition, it is desirable to store and save video taken with a TV camera, etc. as time-series data in order to be useful in the event of a crime or other problem. In practice, it is often necessary to monitor at a plurality of points at the same time. Therefore, in an actual monitoring system, it is assumed that the system is configured to connect a plurality of imaging devices to a server for storing data via a communication network.

As a conventional network camera that can be used in such a monitoring system, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In Patent Document 1, a network camera and a recording device (Sano are connected via a network, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client Z server system is configured, and the network capability is obtained by photographing. It is assumed that the received image data is transferred to a recording device via a network and the image data is stored in the recording device, and in Patent Document 1, a network failure occurs and the image data is stored in the recording device. When it is not possible to record, control the network power to save the image data in the internal memory of the camera.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-026866

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology as described above, it is indispensable to connect a recording device (sano for recording) having a relatively complicated configuration to the network, so that the system configuration is complicated. It is inevitable to hesitate and it is difficult to reduce the overall system cost. I got it. In addition, failures may occur on the communication network and traffic may increase. In such cases, data that should be temporarily stored is lost.

[0005] If the technique of Patent Document 1 is adopted, it is possible to suppress data loss when a failure occurs on the network, but avoid further complicating the system configuration and control contents. There is a situation that cannot be done. In addition, when many network cameras are connected, it is inevitable that traffic on the network will increase.

[0006] It should be noted that there are similar circumstances not only in a monitoring system using a network camera, but also in a system that performs measurement and monitoring using various measuring devices and various sensors and collects data.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a data acquisition device, a data recording system, and a data recording method capable of suppressing partial data loss and simplifying the configuration of the entire system.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a data acquisition device according to the present invention is a data acquisition device connected to a communication line to which an external device for generating and recording data is connected. A data generation unit for generating, and a data reception unit for receiving external data generated by the external device and remaining memory capacity information including a free area that can be recorded in the external device from the external device via the communication line And a data recording unit that records at least one of the internal data generated by the data generation unit and the external data, and when the internal data is recorded by the data recording unit, Proxy recording that designates at least one external device having a free area for recording the internal data as a proxy recording device based on memory capacity information And 置指 tough, has a configuration and a data transmission unit that transmits the internal data to the specified proxy recording apparatus by the proxy recording apparatus specifying section.

[0009] In the data acquisition device of the present invention, it is assumed that a system is configured in which a plurality of data acquisition devices are connected to each other via a communication network. Assuming that you save yourself. As a specific data acquisition device, for example, a network camera is assumed. [0010] For example, assuming that the first data acquisition device and the second data acquisition device are connected to a communication network, data is transmitted between the first data acquisition device and the second data acquisition device. Communication can be performed. Further, the remaining memory capacity in each data acquisition device can be grasped by referring to the information transmitted from each data acquisition device to the communication network.

[0011] Since each data acquisition device has a limited amount of data (memory capacity) that can be recorded by itself, the data acquisition device that has generated a large amount of data! Then, further recording may not be possible. However, other data acquisition devices connected to the same communication network may still have a sufficient remaining memory capacity. This remaining memory capacity can be grasped based on information sent from each data acquisition device to the communication network.

[0012] Therefore, when there is a problem in data writing to the data recording unit of the local station, the data acquisition device is at least one external device (other data acquisition device) having a sufficient remaining memory capacity as a substitute recording device Is searched on the communication network, and based on the search result, the data generated by the data generation unit of the local station is transmitted to the proxy recording device. Further, the data acquisition device receives the data generated inside the external device via the external device power and the communication network, and stores it in a free area on the data recording unit of its own station.

[0013] For example, when the first data acquisition device and the second data acquisition device are connected to a communication network, the remaining memory capacity decreases on the first data acquisition device, and the second data acquisition device When the remaining memory capacity is sufficient, the second data acquisition device is used as the proxy recording device, and the data generated on the first data acquisition device is transferred to the second data via the communication network. Transfer to acquisition device and save to memory on second data acquisition device. Data recorded on behalf of the second data acquisition device can be acquired via a communication network as needed, so all data generated on the first data acquisition device can be saved without loss. can do. In addition, since the image data is recorded in the data acquisition device itself, the amount of data transmitted on the communication network is reduced, and communication traffic on the network can be reduced. [0014] For example, when configuring a monitoring system that uses a plurality of network cameras to monitor a plurality of monitoring points, only a specific network camera that detects the occurrence of an abnormality (eg, detects movement) is temporarily stored. There is a possibility that the amount of data to be generated increases. In such a case, the remaining memory capacity of a specific network camera is insufficient, and the remaining network cameras have a sufficient remaining memory capacity. Therefore, the data generated by a specific network camera can be temporarily recorded by the remaining network cameras to prevent data loss. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the system configuration without the need to connect a special recording server for recording large-capacity data or long-term data to the network.

In addition, the data acquisition device of the present invention is connected to an external device that generates and records data, and a management server that has remaining memory capacity information including a free area that can be recorded in the external device. A data acquisition device connected to a communication line, a data generation unit that generates internal data, a data reception unit that receives external data generated by the external device via the communication line, and the data generation unit A data recording unit that records at least one of the internal data generated by and the external data, and the recording of the internal data to the management server when there is a problem in recording the internal data by the data recording unit A proxy designation request unit for sending a proxy designation request for requesting designation of a proxy recording device acting as a proxy, and based on the remaining memory capacity information! Based on the proxy recording device information receiving unit that receives the proxy recording device information including the address information of the proxy recording device specified by the management server from the management server, and the proxy recording device information received by the proxy recording device receiving unit And a data transmission unit for transmitting internal data to the proxy recording device.

[0016] In the data acquisition device of the present invention, when there is a problem in data recording, such as the remaining memory of the local station is not sufficient for data recording, an external device (other data) is sent to the management server. (Acquisition device) requests to specify a proxy recording device that performs data recording, and the proxy recording device specified by the management server in response to this request substitutes powerful data that cannot be recorded by the local station. Data can be recorded and data loss can be prevented. [0017] Further, the data acquisition device of the present invention is configured such that the data generation unit includes an imaging unit that captures an image and generates image data.

[0018] In the data acquisition device of the present invention, a data acquisition device having a function similar to that of a network camera can be configured. Therefore, the data acquisition device can be used when configuring various monitoring systems.

[0019] The recording system of the present invention is a data recording system including a plurality of data acquisition devices that acquire data and a management server that manages the plurality of data acquisition devices, and the data acquisition device includes: A data generation unit that generates internal data, a data reception unit that receives other data generated by another data acquisition device, and at least one of the internal data generated by the data generation unit and the other data. When there is a problem in recording the internal data by the data recording unit to record, the remaining memory capacity notifying unit for notifying the management server of the remaining memory capacity information regarding the free space of the data recording unit, and the data recording unit A proxy specification request for requesting the management server to specify a proxy recording device that proxy the recording of the internal data. A request recording unit, a proxy recording device information receiving unit that receives address information of the proxy recording device specified by the management server from the management server, and a proxy received by the proxy recording device receiving unit. A data transmission unit that transmits internal data to the proxy recording device based on the recording device information, and the management server records the remaining memory capacity information notified by the remaining memory capacity notification unit. Based on the capacity information recording unit, the proxy designation request requested by the proxy designation requesting unit, and the remaining memory capacity information recorded by the capacity information recording unit, a free area for recording the internal data is provided. A proxy recording device designating unit for designating the data acquisition device as the proxy recording device, and a proxy recording for transmitting the proxy recording device information to the data acquiring device This is a configuration having a recording device information transmission unit.

[0020] In the data recording system of the present invention, it is assumed that a system in which a plurality of data acquisition devices are connected to each other via a communication network is configured, and the generated data is basically stored in each data acquisition device. Assuming that you save yourself. As a specific data acquisition device, for example, a network camera is assumed. Also, each data acquisition device Management servers are connected to the same communication network in order to manage the status of the devices.

The management server can grasp the remaining memory capacity in each data acquisition device by referring to the information sent from the remaining memory capacity notification means of each data acquisition device to the communication network.

[0022] Since each data acquisition device has a limited amount of data (memory capacity) that can be recorded by itself, the data acquisition device that generated a large amount of data has insufficient remaining memory capacity. Then, further recording may not be possible. However, other data acquisition devices connected to the same communication network may still have a sufficient remaining memory capacity. This remaining memory capacity is managed by the management server. Therefore, a data acquisition device that has insufficient remaining memory capacity uses another data acquisition device that has sufficient remaining memory capacity using the management information of the management server. Can be grasped.

[0023] Therefore, when there is a problem in data writing to the data recording unit of the local station, the data acquisition device is at least one external device (other data acquisition device) having a sufficient remaining memory capacity as a substitute recording device And the data generated by the data generator of the local station is transmitted to the proxy recording device based on the search result. In addition, the data acquisition device receives data generated inside the external device from the external device via the communication network, and stores it in an empty area on the data recording unit of the local station.

[0024] For example, when the first data acquisition device and the second data acquisition device are connected to a communication network, the remaining memory capacity decreases on the first data acquisition device, and the second data acquisition device When the remaining memory capacity is sufficient, the second data acquisition device is used as the proxy recording device, and the data generated on the first data acquisition device is transferred to the second data via the communication network. Transfer to acquisition device and save to memory on second data acquisition device. Data recorded on behalf of the second data acquisition device can be acquired via a communication network as needed, so all data generated on the first data acquisition device can be saved without loss. can do.

[0025] The data recording system of the present invention is a data recording system having a plurality of data acquisition devices for acquiring data, the data acquisition device including a data generation unit for generating internal data, To receive other data generated by other data acquisition devices A receiving unit; a data recording unit that records at least one of the internal data generated by the data generating unit and the other data; and remaining memory capacity information relating to a free area of the data recording unit. A remaining memory capacity notifying unit that notifies the other data acquiring device, and other station remaining memory capacity information relating to the remaining memory capacity of the data recording unit in the other data acquiring device notified from the other data acquiring device and the other data acquiring device The other station information recording unit that records the other station device information including the address information of the device, and the other station recorded by the other station information recording unit when there is a problem in the recording of internal data by the data recording unit Designate a substitute recording device that designates a data acquisition device having a free area for recording the internal data as a substitute recording device based on the remaining memory capacity information If, for the previous SL proxy recorder proxy recording device specified by the specifying unit, Ru configured to have a data transmission unit that transmits the internal data.

In the data recording system of the present invention, it is assumed that a system in which a plurality of data acquisition devices are connected to each other via a communication network is assumed, and basically, the generated data is stored in each data acquisition device. Assuming that you save yourself. As a specific data acquisition device, for example, a network camera is assumed. Each data acquisition device manages the status of other data acquisition devices connected to the same communication network.

[0027] Since each data acquisition device has a limited amount of data (memory capacity) that can be recorded by itself, the data acquisition device that has generated a large amount of data has insufficient remaining memory capacity. Then, further recording may not be possible. However, other data acquisition devices connected to the same communication network may still have a sufficient remaining memory capacity.

[0028] Since the remaining memory capacity in other data acquisition apparatuses can be grasped by managing the information notified by the remaining memory capacity notification means of the corresponding data acquisition apparatus, the data acquisition apparatus in which the remaining memory capacity is insufficient Can identify other data acquisition devices with sufficient remaining memory capacity.

[0029] Therefore, the data recording destination changing means on the data acquisition device is provided as at least one external device having a sufficient remaining memory capacity as a substitute recording device when there is a problem in data writing to the data recording unit of the local station. Search for (other data acquisition devices) and search results Based on the above, the data generated by the data generator of the local station is transmitted to the proxy recording device. Further, the proxy recording means on the data acquisition device receives data generated inside the external device from the external device via the communication network, and stores it in a free area on the data recording unit of the local station. .

[0030] For example, when the first data acquisition device and the second data acquisition device are connected to a communication network, the remaining memory capacity decreases on the first data acquisition device, and the second data acquisition device When the remaining memory capacity is sufficient, the second data acquisition device is used as the proxy recording device, and the data generated on the first data acquisition device is transferred to the second data via the communication network. Transfer to acquisition device and save to memory on second data acquisition device. Data recorded on behalf of the second data acquisition device can be acquired via a communication network as needed, so all data generated on the first data acquisition device can be saved without loss. can do.

[0031] In the data recording system of the present invention, the data generation unit of the data acquisition device includes an imaging unit that captures an image and generates image data.

[0032] In the data recording system of the present invention, a data acquisition device having a function like a network camera can be configured, which can be used when various monitoring systems are configured.

[0033] A data recording method of the present invention is a data recording method for controlling a data recording system having a plurality of data acquisition devices for acquiring data and a management server for managing the plurality of data acquisition devices, The data acquisition device includes a data generation step in which internal data is generated in the data acquisition device, a step in which other data generated in the other data acquisition device is received, and a step in which the data generation step is performed. ! The data recording step in which at least one of the generated internal data and the other data is recorded, and the remaining memory capacity information regarding the free area of the data recording unit in which the data recording step is performed are the management A remaining memory capacity notifying step to be notified to the server, and a request for requesting the management server to designate a proxy recording device that performs the recording of the internal data when there is an obstacle to the recording of the internal data by the data recording step. A proxy specification request step in which a row specification request is transmitted, and a proxy specified by the management server; The proxy recording device information including address information of the proxy recording device is received from the management server, and the proxy recording device based on the proxy recording device information received by the proxy recording device reception step. A step of transmitting internal data to the apparatus, wherein the management server records a remaining memory capacity information notified in the remaining memory capacity notifying step 1; Data acquisition having a free area for recording the internal data based on the proxy specification request requested in the proxy specification request step and the remaining memory capacity information recorded in the capacity information recording step A proxy recording device designation step in which a device is designated as the proxy recording device, and the proxy recording device information is transmitted to the data acquisition device. As a method having a step that Re, Ru.

[0034] By performing the data recording method of the present invention, the same operation as that of the first data recording system of the present invention can be realized.

[0035] The data recording method of the present invention is a data recording method for controlling a data recording system having a plurality of data acquisition devices for acquiring data, and the data acquisition device is defined in advance. A data generation step in which data is generated when the above conditions are satisfied, a step in which other data generated by one of the other data acquisition devices is received, and an internal data generated in the data generation step The data recording step in which at least one of the other data is recorded, and the remaining memory capacity information regarding the free area of the data recording unit in which the data recording step is performed are transmitted to other data acquisition devices. The remaining memory capacity notifying step to be notified and the remaining data capacity of the data recording unit in the other data acquiring apparatus to be notified Other station information recording step in which the other station remaining memory capacity information and the address information of the other data acquisition device are recorded, and when the internal data recording in the data recording step is hindered, In the other station information recording step, on the basis of the remaining station remaining memory capacity information recorded in the other station information recording step, a data recording device having a free area for recording the internal data is designated as a proxy recording device. The method includes a device specifying step and a step of transmitting the internal data to the proxy recording device specified by the proxy recording device specifying step. By implementing the data recording method of the present invention, the same operation as that of the second data recording system of the present invention can be realized.

The invention's effect

[0037] According to the present invention, when a system is configured by connecting a plurality of data acquisition devices to a network, a special data recording server for recording large-capacity data or long-time data is provided. Since data loss without connecting to the network can be prevented, the system configuration can be simplified. In other words, if there is a shortage of remaining memory capacity on a specific data acquisition device, the remaining data acquisition device with sufficient remaining memory capacity will record data on behalf of the device, allowing distributed data recording. Data loss can be prevented without connecting a data recording server. In addition, traffic on the communication network can be reduced, and even when traffic on the communication network increases due to communication performed by external devices, data can be recorded efficiently without being significantly affected.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a data recording system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the network camera and management server shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the data recording system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of a network camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the data recording system in the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0039] 100 data recording system

10, 10B network camera 13 Memory free space judgment part

14 Image transmitter

15 Image receiver

16 Communications department

17 Other data free space data source

18 Alternative records management database

20 For viewing ^ S end

30 Management server

31 Camera free space database

32 Alternative records management database

40 Communication network

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0040] (First embodiment)

One specific embodiment of the data acquisition apparatus, data recording system, and data recording method of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the data recording system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the network camera 10 and the management server 30 illustrated in FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the data recording system 100 shown in FIG.

[0042] The data recording system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is configured to capture various subjects at an arbitrary point and to store the obtained image data. For example, in a financial institution, the data recording system 100 is used. It is assumed to be used as a monitoring system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the data recording system 100 includes a plurality (n) of network cameras 10 (l) to 10 (n), a browsing terminal 20, a management server 30, and a communication network 40. It consists of and. Each network camera 10 is connected to the communication network 40 via a predetermined communication cable (for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable). Similarly, the browsing terminal 20 and the management server 30 are also connected to the communication network 40, respectively. In the data recording system 100 shown in FIG. 1, there is no special recording server for storing acquired data. Therefore, image data obtained by each network camera 10 is controlled so as to be held by the network camera 10 itself. The management server 30 performs communication control and information management for the entire system.

[0045] The browsing terminal 20 is connected to the communication network 40 in preparation for browsing images captured by each network camera 10 and stored in the data recording system 100 as necessary. As the browsing terminal 20, for example, it is conceivable to use a personal computer having a communication function. The browsing terminal 20 is normally operated by a predetermined administrator.

Incidentally, since the capacity of the memory mounted on each network camera 10 is relatively small, when a large amount of image data is generated, the remaining available memory capacity is insufficient. In order to prevent the loss of data to be stored in such a case, each network camera 10 and data recording system 100 shown in FIG. 1 performs special control as described later. That is, control is performed so that a plurality of network cameras 10 share a memory with each other in the data recording system 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, each network camera 10 includes an imaging unit 11, a recording unit 12, a memory free space determination unit 13, an image transmission unit 14, an image reception unit 15, and a communication unit. Part 16 is provided.

[0048] The imaging unit 11 incorporates an imaging device such as a two-dimensional CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The imaging unit 11 captures a subject when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and outputs image data. . The conditions for photographing and outputting data are assumed to be when abnormalities are detected or when specific timings occur periodically. As a method for detecting the occurrence of an abnormality, for example, various sensors such as an infrared sensor or an acoustic sensor may be used, or a change in an image captured by the imaging unit 11 itself may be detected. In addition, when shooting regularly, it is assumed that the shooting interval is changed depending on whether or not an abnormality has occurred.

The recording unit 12 is a memory device for storing image data. Actually, the recording unit 12 can be written and read like a semiconductor memory or a small hard disk. It is assumed that a recording unit is installed. The recording unit 12 stores image data output from the imaging unit 11 and image data input from the outside. In addition, the recording unit 12 always keeps track of the capacity of an unused storage area, that is, the memory free capacity, on which data is still written on its own recording unit.

[0050] When a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when a shooting operation of the imaging unit 11 is performed, the memory free space determination unit 13 acquires information on the memory free space from the recording unit 12, and the memory free space Check for deficiencies. Further, the memory free space determination unit 13 notifies the management server 30 of the information on the memory free space acquired from the recording unit 12 via the communication network 40. In addition, the free memory capacity determination unit 13 exchanges data with the communication unit 16 in order to communicate with the management server 30 when the local station (network camera 10) detects a shortage of free memory. Do.

[0051] The image transmission unit 14 outputs an output from the imaging unit 11 in accordance with an instruction from the memory free space determination unit 13 when the memory free space determination unit 13 detects an insufficient memory free space on its own station. The image data to be transmitted is sent to the communication network 40 addressed to the designated other station (other network camera 10).

[0052] The image receiving unit 15 receives image data transmitted from another station (other network camera 10) addressed to the own station via the communication network 40, and stores the image data in an empty area of the recording unit 12. Control to write.

The communication unit 16 is an interface for performing data communication between the own station and the communication network 40. For example, FTP is used as a protocol for data communication using the communication network 40.

On the other hand, on the management server 30 connected to the communication network 40, as shown in FIG. 2, a powerful memory free space database 31 and an alternative record management database 32 are provided.

[0055] The camera free space database 31 on the management server 30 receives the information on the free space of the memory notified by the memory free space determination unit 13 in each network camera 10 connected to the communication network 40, and receives the network camera. Manage every 10th. Each network camera 10 (1) to 10 (n) can be distinguished by, for example, a difference in IP (Internet Protocol) address of the data transmission source. [0056] For example, if the recording unit 12 in the network camera 10 (1) has insufficient memory capacity, image data generated by the imaging unit 11 after that cannot be stored in the own station. . In such a case, if the memory capacity of the recording unit 12 in the network camera 10 (2) is sufficient, the image data generated in the network camera 10 (1) can be transferred via the communication network 40. It can also be transferred to the network camera 10 (2) and stored on the network camera 10 (2). That is, instead of the network camera 10 (1) that has insufficient memory capacity, the network camera 10 (2) performs alternative recording (substitute recording) of the image data. By performing such control, loss of image data can be prevented.

[0057] The alternative recording management database 32 on the management server 30 stores management information regarding alternative recording when each network camera 10 performs alternative recording of image data. Specifically, the substitute recording management database 32 records the transmission source (network camera 10) IP address, transmission destination (network camera 10) IP address, sequence number, and the like related to the image data to be recorded as replacement.

Here, the network camera 10 is an example of a data acquisition device. The imaging unit 11 is an example of a data generation unit and an imaging unit. The recording unit 12 is an example of a data recording unit. The memory free capacity determination unit 13 is an example of a remaining memory capacity notification unit. The image transmission unit 14 is an example of a data transmission unit. The image receiving unit 15 is an example of a data receiving unit. The management server 30 is an example of a management server. The camera free capacity database 31 is an example of a capacity information recording unit. The communication network 40 is an example of a communication line.

Next, a specific example of the operation sequence of the data recording system 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that three network cameras 10 (1), 10 (2), and 10 (3) are connected to the communication network 40.

[0060] For example, as a process periodically executed, the network camera 10 (1) internal memory free space determination unit 13 communicates information on the current memory free space (memory remaining capacity) in the network camera 10 (1). Send to network 40. This information is input to the management server 30 (step Sl).

[0061] As in step SI, information on the memory free space in network camera 10 (2) is passed. The information is input to the management server 30 via the communication network 40 (step S2), and the information on the free memory capacity in the network camera 10 (3) is input to the management server 30 via the communication network 40 (step S3).

Therefore, the management server 30 can always grasp the latest available memory capacity for each of the network cameras 10 (1), 10 (2), and 10 (3). Information on the free memory capacity is held in the free camera capacity database 31 together with the IP address of the network camera 10 as the transmission source.

[0063] Normally, the image data generated by each network camera 10 is stored in the recording unit 12 inside the local station (network camera 10). However, if a large amount of image data is recorded, the memory free space on the recording unit 12 is reduced, and further image data cannot be recorded.

[0064] In Fig. 3, it is assumed that the network camera 10 (1) detects a lack of free memory space in its own station (step S4). Therefore, next, an inquiry is made regarding another network camera 10 capable of alternative recording (step S5). That is, the management server 30 is inquired about the network camera 10 of another station that still has sufficient memory capacity.

[0065] In response to this inquiry, the management server 30 determines that each of the network cameras 10 in the other stations has a memory free capacity of a predetermined value or more based on information stored in the camera free capacity database 31. Alternatively, the IP address information related to the specific network camera 10 having the largest free memory space is notified to the inquiring network camera 10 (1) (step S6).

In the example shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the memory capacity of the network camera 10 (3) has the most margin. Accordingly, in step S6, the network camera 10 (1) is notified of the IP address that identifies the network camera 10 (3).

[0067] Therefore, the network camera 10 (1) is image data generated by the local station, but the network camera 10 that performs alternative recording of new image data that cannot be recorded by the local station due to insufficient memory. Send to the IP address of (3) (step S7). At the same time as the image data, the IP address of the transmission source network camera 10 (1) and information related to the generation date and time of the image data are notified as the image file name. Network camera 10 (1) The network camera 10 (3) that has received the transferred information writes the image data received under the control of the image receiving unit 15 and information associated therewith to the recording unit 12 of the local station. .

[0069] The network camera 10 (1) notifies the management server 30 of information necessary for managing the substitute recorded image data (step S8). Specifically, the IP address that represents the network camera 10 (1) that is the transmission source of the image data that has been recorded as a substitute, information about the date and time of image data generation, and the IP that represents the network camera 10 (3) that is the transmission destination of the image data Notify address etc.

The management server 30 stores the information notified from the network camera 10 (1) on the alternative record management database 32, and manages information related to the alternative record.

[0071] On the other hand, when the administrator or the like wants to view the contents of the image data recorded in the data recording system 100, the processing from step S11 is performed. It is assumed that a browsing request for image data captured by the network camera 10 (1) is generated by an input operation by an administrator or the like to the browsing terminal 20. This request is sent from the browsing terminal 20 and input to the management server 30 (step S11).

[0072] The management server 30 is a group of images requested by the browsing terminal 20, that is, among the image data photographed by the network camera 10 (1), images for which management information does not exist in the alternative record management database 32. The data camera 10 (1) is requested to transmit data (step S12).

[0073] In response to this request, on the network camera 10 (1), the corresponding image data is read from the recording unit 12 of the local station and sent to the communication network 40 addressed to the management server 30 (step S13). .

The management server 30 sends the image data received from the network camera 10 (1) to the browsing terminal 20 (step S14).

[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the network camera 10 (1) has a memory shortage.

Because part of the image data captured by the network camera 10 (1) does not exist on the network camera 10 (1), part of the image data that the management server 30 transfers to the browsing terminal 20 is missing. Yes. [0076] Therefore, the management server 30 refers to the management information existing in the alternative record management database 32, so that the image captured by the network camera 10 (1) in the alternative recorded image data. Data management information is searched, and network camera 10 (3), which is the transmission destination (alternative recording destination) of the corresponding image data, is requested to send image data based on this management information (step S15). .

[0077] In response to this request, the network camera 10 (3) searches the image data stored in the recording unit 12 of the local station for the image data of the network camera 10 (1) recorded as a substitute. Read and send to the communication network 40 to the management server 30 (step S16

) o

The management server 30 sends the image data for the alternative recording that also received the network camera 10 (3) power to the browsing terminal 20 (step S17).

Therefore, the administrator who operates the browsing terminal 20 can acquire and browse all the image data captured by the network camera 10 (1).

[0080] According to the data recording system 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the network camera 10 that acquires data and the management server 30 that manages the network camera 10 are provided. In the data recording system 100, the network camera 10 includes an imaging unit 10 that generates data when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and an image receiving unit 15 that receives other data generated by the other network camera 10. A recording unit 12 that records at least one of the internal data and other data generated by the imaging unit 10, and a memory free space determination that notifies the management server 30 of the remaining memory capacity information regarding the free area of the recording unit 12. Acting as a proxy for recording internal data to the management server 30 when there is a problem in recording internal data by the recording unit 12 and recording unit 12. A proxy specification request unit for transmitting a proxy specification request for requesting device specification, and a proxy recording device information receiving unit for receiving proxy recording device information including the address information of the proxy recording device specified in the management server 30 from the management server And an image transmission unit 14 that transmits internal data to the substitution recording device based on the substitution recording device information received by the substitution recording device reception unit. The management server 30 includes a memory free space determination unit. Requested by the camera free space database 31 that records the remaining memory capacity information notified by 13 and the proxy specification requesting unit. On the basis of the proxy designation request to be made and the remaining memory capacity information recorded by the camera free capacity database 31. A special recording server for recording large-capacity data and long-term data is provided on the network by having a designation unit and a proxy recording device information transmission unit that transmits proxy recording device information to the network camera 10. The system configuration can be simplified without the need for connection.

(Second embodiment)

Another embodiment of the data acquisition device, data recording system, and data recording method of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the network camera 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example of the data recording system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, elements corresponding to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, a system is configured by connecting n network cameras 10 (1) to 10 (n) to each other via a communication network 40, similarly to the data recording system 100 shown in FIG. ing. However, the data recording system of this embodiment is the management server shown in FIG.

Do not have 30. Instead, the function equivalent to the management server 30 as described above is installed in each network camera ₁₀ .

In the data recording system of the present embodiment, a network camera 10B having a configuration as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the network camera 10B includes an imaging unit 11, a recording unit 12, a memory free space determination unit 13, an image transmission unit 14, an image reception unit 15, a communication unit 16, and other power. It has a free memory capacity database 17 and an alternative record management database 18.

That is, the network camera 10 in FIG. 2 is greatly different from the network camera 10 in FIG. In addition, the contents of control inside the network camera 10B are also slightly changed. The other-purpose Mera free space database 17 and the alternative record management database 18 are respectively stored in the management server 30 shown in FIG. This corresponds to the functions of the free space database 31 and the alternative record management database 32.

Here, the other power mela free space database 17 and the alternative record management database 18 are examples of other station information recording units.

Next, a specific example of the operation sequence in the data recording system of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, it is assumed that three network cameras 10B (1), 10B (2), and 10B (3) are connected to the communication network 40.

[0088] For example, as a periodically executed process, the network camera 10B (1) internal memory free space determination unit 13 communicates information on the current memory free space (memory remaining capacity) in the network camera 10B (1). Send to network 40. This information is input to each of the other network camera 10B (2) and the network camera 10B (3) (step S21, step S22).

[0089] As in steps S21 and S22, information on the free memory capacity in the network camera 10 (2) is input to the other network camera 10B (1) and the network camera 10B (3) via the communication network 40, respectively. (Step S23, Step S24), information on the free memory capacity of the network camera 10B (3) is input to the other network camera 10B (1) and the network camera 10B (2) via the communication network 40 ( Step S2 5, Step S 26).

Accordingly, each network camera 10B can always grasp the latest available memory capacity for each of the other network cameras 10B connected to the same communication network 40. Information on the available memory capacity is held in the other camera available capacity database 17 together with the IP address of the transmission source network camera 10B.

[0091] Normally, the image data generated by each network camera 10B is stored in the recording unit 12 inside the local station (network camera 10B). However, if a large amount of image data is recorded, the memory free space on the recording unit 12 is reduced, and further image data cannot be recorded.

[0092] In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the network camera 10B (1) detects a lack of free memory capacity in its own station (step S27). Therefore, first, the information stored in the other power camera free space database 17 in the other station's other network camera 10B capable of alternative recording is stored. Look up the information and check. That is, the network camera 1 OB of another station that still has a sufficient memory capacity is searched for on the other power memory capacity database 17.

[0093] In actuality, the network camera 10B (1) is stored in the other camera memory capacity database 17 of its own station! / Obtain IP address information for each camera 10B or a specific network camera 10B with the most free memory.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the memory capacity of the network camera 10B (3) has the most margin. Therefore, the IP address that identifies the network camera 10B (3) is acquired from the other camera free space database 17.

[0095] The network camera 10B (1) is image data generated by the local station. However, the network camera 10B (1) performs alternative recording of new image data that cannot be recorded by the local station due to insufficient memory. Send to the IP address of 3) (step S28). At the same time as the image data, the IP address of the transmission source network camera 10B (1) and information on the generation date and time of the image data are notified as the image file name.

[0096] Network Camera 10B (1) Force The network camera 10B (3) that has received the transferred information writes the image data received under the control of the image receiving unit 15 and information associated therewith to the recording unit 12 of its own station. .

[0097] When the alternative recording is executed, the network camera 10B (1) records information necessary for managing the alternative recorded image data as management information in the alternative recording management database 18 in the local station. Specifically, it represents the IP address representing the network camera 10B (1) that is the transmission source of the image data that has been recorded as a substitute, information about the date and time of image data generation, and the network camera 10B (3) that is the transmission destination of the image data Record the IP address in the alternative record management database 18 (step S28).

[0098] On the other hand, when the administrator or the like wants to view the contents of the image data recorded in the data recording system, the processing after step S31 is performed. It is assumed that a browsing request for image data captured by the network camera 10B (1) is generated by an input operation by an administrator or the like to the browsing terminal 20. This request is sent from the browsing terminal 20 and input to the network camera 10B (1) via the communication network 40 (step S31). [0099] The network camera 10B (1) that has received the request from the browsing terminal 20 reads the image data taken by the network camera 10B (1) itself from the recording unit 12 of its own station, and the requesting browsing terminal Transmit to 20 (step S32).

[0100] However, in the example shown in Fig. 5, due to the lack of memory in the network camera 10B (1), part of the image data captured by the network camera 10B (1) is part of the network camera 10B (1 ), The image data transferred from the network camera 10B (1) to the browsing terminal 20 is partially missing.

[0101] Therefore, next, the network camera 10B (1) refers to the management information stored in the alternative record management database 18 in its own station, and in the image data photographed by the network camera 10B (1). Confirm the location of the image data that was recorded as a substitute by another network camera 10B. Then, the image data is requested to the network camera 10B (3) which is the transmission destination (alternative recording destination) of the corresponding image data (step S33).

[0102] In response to this request, the network camera 10B (3) searches the image data stored in the recording unit 12 of the local station for the image data of the network camera 10B (1) recorded as a substitute. Scan and send to network camera 10B (1) to communication network 40 (step S34).

The network camera 10B (1) receives the substitute recorded image data from the network camera 10B (3), and then sends the image data to the browsing terminal 20 (step S35).

Therefore, the administrator who operates the browsing terminal 20 can acquire and browse all the image data captured by the network camera 10B (1).

[0105] According to such a second data recording system of the present invention, the data recording system has a plurality of network cameras 10B for acquiring data, and the network cameras 10B satisfy a predetermined condition. An image capturing unit 11 that generates data, an image receiving unit 15 that receives other data generated by another network camera 10, and at least one of internal data and other data generated by the image capturing unit 11 are recorded. Section 12 and the remaining memory capacity information regarding the free space of the recording section 12 The remaining memory capacity information of the other station regarding the remaining memory capacity of the recording unit 12 in the other network camera 10B that is also notified of the power of the other network camera 10B and the remaining network capacity information of the other network camera 10B Other power Mera free capacity database 17 and alternative record management database 18 for recording other station device information including address information and other power Mera free capacity database in case of trouble in recording internal data by recording unit 12 Based on the remaining station remaining memory capacity information recorded by 17, the proxy recording device specifying unit for specifying the network camera 10B having a free area for recording internal data as the proxy recording device, and the proxy recording device specifying unit By having an image transmission unit 14 that transmits internal data to the designated proxy recording device, the network The need to connect a special server for recording for recording a management server and a mass data and long term data to manage camera 10B to the network can be simplified structure of a system Nag.

[0106] As described above, by implementing the present invention, a practical data recording system or the like that is unlikely to cause data loss without providing a special recording server for storing data is configured. Can do. Therefore, an inexpensive monitoring system can be configured. In addition, since the image data is recorded on the camera itself, the amount of data transmitted over the network is reduced, and communication traffic on the network can be reduced. Conversely, even when communication traffic on the network increases due to communication with an external device, it is possible to record image data or the like in a stable state without being affected by the traffic. In addition, since each camera's power S memory is shared, the degree of freedom in designing the allocation of memory capacity installed in each camera is increased, and system design is facilitated.

Although the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-359228 filed on December 13, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Industrial applicability

The data acquisition apparatus, data recording system, and data recording method of the present invention are The present invention can be applied not only to a monitoring system using a network camera but also to a recording system that records data detected by various measuring devices or various sensors on a network.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A data acquisition device connected to a communication line to which an external device for generating and recording data is connected,

A data generator for generating internal data;

A data receiving unit that receives external data generated by the external device and remaining memory capacity information including free space that can be recorded in the external device from the external device via the communication line;

A data recording unit for recording at least one of the internal data and the external data generated by the data generation unit;

When there is a problem in recording the internal data by the data recording unit, at least one external device having a free area for recording the internal data is designated as a proxy recording device based on the remaining memory capacity information An alternate recording device designating unit;

A data transmission unit for transmitting the internal data to the substitution recording device designated by the substitution recording device designation unit;

A data acquisition device.

[2] An external device that generates and records data, and a data acquisition device connected to a communication line to which a management server having remaining memory capacity information including a free area that can be recorded in the external device is connected. ,

A data generator for generating internal data;

A data receiving unit for receiving external data generated by the external device via the communication line;

A proxy specification requesting unit for transmitting a proxy specification request for requesting the management server to specify a proxy recording device for proxying the recording of the internal data when there is a problem in recording the internal data by the data recording unit; ,

Proxy recording device receives proxy recording device information including address information of the proxy recording device designated by the management server based on the remaining memory capacity information from the management server Recording device information receiver,

A data transmission unit configured to transmit internal data to the substitution recording apparatus based on the substitution recording apparatus information received by the substitution recording apparatus reception unit;

A data acquisition device.

[3] The data acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2,

The data generator is

A data acquisition apparatus including an imaging unit that captures an image and generates image data.

[4] A data recording system having a plurality of data acquisition devices for acquiring data and a management server for managing the plurality of data acquisition devices,

The data acquisition device includes:

A data generator for generating internal data;

A data receiving unit that receives other data generated by another data acquisition device, a data recording unit that records at least one of the internal data generated by the data generating unit and the other data;

A remaining memory capacity notifying unit for notifying the management server of remaining memory capacity information relating to an empty area of the data recording unit;

A proxy recording device information receiving unit for receiving, from the management server, proxy recording device information including address information of the proxy recording device designated by the management server;

Have

The management server is

Capacity information for recording remaining memory capacity information notified by the remaining memory capacity notifying unit

And Based on the proxy specification request requested by the proxy specification requesting unit and the remaining memory capacity information recorded by the capacity information recording unit, the internal data recording is performed. An alternate recording device designating unit designated as a device;

A proxy recording device information transmission unit for transmitting the proxy recording device information to the data acquisition device;

A data recording system.

[5] A data recording system having a plurality of data acquisition devices for acquiring data, the data acquisition device comprising:

A data generator for generating internal data;

A remaining memory capacity notifying unit for notifying other data acquisition devices of remaining memory capacity information regarding the free space of the data recording unit;

Other station apparatus information including the other station remaining memory capacity information regarding the remaining memory capacity of the data recording unit in the other data acquisition apparatus notified from the other data acquisition apparatus and the address information of the other data acquisition apparatus is recorded. The other station information recording unit,

Data acquisition having a free area for recording the internal data based on the remaining station remaining memory capacity information recorded by the other station information recording unit when there is a problem in recording the internal data by the data recording unit An alternate recording device designating unit for designating the device as an alternate recording device;

A data recording system.

[6] In the data recording system according to claim 4 or 5,

The data generation unit of the data acquisition device includes:

A data recording system including an imaging unit that captures an image and generates image data.

[7] A data recording method for controlling a data recording system having a plurality of data acquisition devices for acquiring data and a management server for managing the plurality of data acquisition devices,

The data acquisition device includes:

A data generation step in which internal data is generated in the data acquisition device; a step in which other data generated in another data acquisition device is received; and the internal data generated in the data generation step and the other data A data recording step in which at least one of them is recorded;

A remaining memory capacity notifying step for notifying the management server of remaining memory capacity information relating to an empty area of the data recording unit in which the data recording step is performed;

A proxy specification request step for transmitting a proxy specification request for requesting the management server to specify a proxy recording device for proxying the recording of the internal data when there is a problem in recording the internal data by the data recording step; ,

A proxy recording device information receiving step in which proxy recording device information including address information of the proxy recording device designated by the management server is received from the management server;

A step of transmitting internal data to the proxy recording device based on the proxy recording device information received by the proxy recording device receiving step;

Have

The management server is

Capacity information recording step in which the remaining memory capacity information notified in the remaining memory capacity notifying step is recorded;

A data acquisition device having a free area for recording the internal data based on the proxy specification request requested in the proxy specification request step and the remaining memory capacity information recorded in the capacity information recording step A proxy recording device designation step in which is designated as the proxy recording device;

Transmitting the proxy recording device information to the data acquisition device.

[8] controlling a data recording system having a plurality of data acquisition devices for acquiring data A data recording method,

The data acquisition device includes:

A data generation step in which internal data is generated;

A step of receiving other data generated in another data acquisition device; a data recording step in which at least one of the internal data generated in the data generation step and the other data is recorded;

The remaining memory capacity information step for notifying other data acquisition devices of the remaining memory capacity information relating to the free space of the data recording unit in which the data recording step is performed, and the notification notified from the other data acquisition device Another station information recording step in which other station remaining memory capacity information relating to the remaining memory capacity of the data recording unit in another data obtaining apparatus and other station apparatus information including address information of the other data obtaining apparatus are recorded; When there is a problem in recording internal data in the recording step, the internal data is recorded based on the other station remaining memory capacity information recorded in the other station information recording step. A proxy recording device designation step in which a data acquisition device having an area is designated as a proxy recording device;

A step of transmitting the internal data to the proxy recording device designated by the proxy recording device designating step;

A data recording method comprising: