WO2012137368A1

WO2012137368A1 - Imaging device, management device, and video monitoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2012137368A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/069924
Authority: WO
Inventors: 聡丸田
Original assignee: 株式会社日立国際電気
Priority date: 2011-04-01
Filing date: 2011-09-01
Publication date: 2012-10-11
Also published as: GB201316192D0; GB2502922A; WO2012137367A1; GB2502922B; JP2012216102A

Abstract

[Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can efficiently record video data between a plurality of imaging devices or between an imaging device and a recording device. [Solution] A video monitoring system provided with an imaging device (1-1 to 4-4) disposed in a railroad car or the like, a network switch (W1 to w4), a video display device (H1, H2), a management device (K), and other components, wherein the conditions inside a vehicle are monitored by video, the video data is recorded in a recording medium mounted installed in the imaging device, and a recording medium of another imaging device is shared in order to optimize the interval for replacing the recording medium or removing the video data.

Description

Imaging device, management device, and video monitoring system

The present invention relates to an imaging device that records video data in its own device, and transmits the video data to another imaging device via a network, a management device that manages the imaging data, and a video monitoring system.

In recent years, in railway vehicles, the operation of a video monitoring system that includes an imaging device, a network switch, and a video display device, monitors video in the vehicle, and records video data on a recording medium mounted inside the imaging device has been studied. ing.

JP 2010-028754 A

In conventional imaging devices, when recording video data on an internal recording medium, the recording capacity of the recording medium that can be mounted is small, so excess video data cannot be recorded, or video data can be recorded by overwriting. There is a problem that the storage time is shortened.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an imaging device capable of efficiently recording video data between a plurality of imaging devices or between an imaging device and a recording device, a management device that manages the video data, and a video monitoring system. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging device that images a subject and outputs a video signal, a video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data, and a video A recording unit that records data; a communication unit that communicates with an external device; and a control unit that controls each unit, and the control unit is provided with the external device when there is no more free space in the recording unit. On the other hand, when the video data is transmitted and the video data is received from the external device, the video data is recorded in the recording unit.

In order to solve the above problem, in the imaging apparatus, the control unit further confirms a free capacity of a recording unit of another imaging apparatus, and based on a confirmation result, a free capacity of the recording unit of the other imaging apparatus. A recording reservation area for recording the video data of the own device is set in a part of the recording area.

In order to solve the above-described problem, in the imaging apparatus, the control unit further sets the recording reservation area based on an average recording amount of the recording unit of the other imaging apparatus up to now and a current free capacity. The priority order of the other imaging device as the transmission destination is set.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the imaging apparatus further includes the control unit setting the other imaging apparatus that is a transmission destination of the video data that can be transmitted.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the management apparatus of the present invention monitors the recording state of the recording units of a plurality of imaging devices including a recording unit via a network, and acquires an image acquired by the imaging device having no free space. Control is performed so that data is transmitted to another imaging apparatus having a sufficient free space.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the management device further includes, based on the recording state of the recording units of the plurality of imaging devices, a part of the free capacity of the recording unit of the imaging device having a margin in the free capacity,
A recording reservation area for recording video data acquired by the imaging apparatus having no room in the free area is set.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the management device further sets the recording reservation area based on an average recording amount up to now of the recording unit of the imaging device having a margin in the free space and a current free space, A priority order for transmitting video data is set in order from the imaging device having the largest recording reservation area among the imaging devices having a sufficient free space as the transmission destination.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the management device further sets a group of imaging devices capable of transmitting video data.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an image monitoring system of the present invention includes an image sensor that captures an image of a subject and outputs a video signal, a video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data, A plurality of imaging devices each including a recording unit that records video data, a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and a control unit that controls each unit; and the free capacity of each recording unit of the plurality of imaging devices is monitored. And a management device to be controlled are connected via a network, and the management device transmits image data acquired by an imaging device having no free space to another imaging device having a free space. It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an image monitoring system of the present invention includes an image sensor that captures an image of a subject and outputs a video signal, a video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data, A plurality of imaging devices each including a recording unit that records video data, a communication unit that communicates with an external device, and a control unit that controls each unit; and the free capacity of each recording unit of the plurality of imaging devices is monitored. And a management device to be controlled are connected via a network, and the control unit transmits video data to the external device when there is no more free space in the recording unit, and from the other imaging device When the video data is received, the video data is recorded in the recording unit.

The video data can be efficiently recorded by recording the video data while sharing the recording area with other imaging devices or recording devices based on the recording status of the plurality of imaging devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing which shows the structure in the rail vehicle by which the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention is arrange | positioned, and the address table of each apparatus. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an imaging apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing explaining an example of arrangement | positioning and a visual field of the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows each recording video capacity | capacitance of each imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing which shows the structure in the rail vehicle by which the imaging device and recording device which are one Embodiment of this invention are arrange | positioned. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of the video recording in the vehicle unit in the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of video recording in units of apparatuses in the imaging apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which shows a mode with the recording reservation of the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention, and its relational expression. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transition process of the recording process in the recording area sharing of the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the transition process of the recording process in the recording area sharing of each imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a signal diagram illustrating an example of a recording area sharing recording operation of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a signal diagram illustrating an example of a recording area sharing recording operation and a transmission destination imaging apparatus switching process of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the grouping process of the imaging device of the imaging device which is one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging device, a network switch,
A video monitoring system including a video display device, a management device, etc., which monitors video in a vehicle and records video data on a recording medium mounted in the imaging device, and is mounted in each imaging device. Video data is recorded by efficiently using the recording medium capacity.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in a railway vehicle in which a plurality of imaging devices according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged and an address table of each device. An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a plurality of imaging apparatuses, for example, in a railway vehicle, and is connected to a network such as a LAN or WAN by wireless communication or wired communication to configure a video monitoring system, thereby efficiently The video surveillance system is operated.

That is, in FIG. 1 (a), with respect to the railway vehicles that are the connected first vehicle T1 to fourth vehicle T4, in the first vehicle T1, the imaging device 1-1 to imaging device 1-4 are displayed. A device H1, a management device K, a vehicle device 9 connected to the management device K, a display device H1, and a switch unit W1, and includes an imaging device 1-1 to an imaging device 1-4, a management device K, and Display device H1
Are respectively connected to the switch unit W1.

The imaging device 1-1 to the imaging device 1-4, the display device H1, and the management device K of the first vehicle T1
For example, an IP address is uniquely assigned in a network group of 192.168.1.0/24.

Similarly, in the second vehicle T2, the imaging devices 2-1 to 2-4 and the switch unit W2
The imaging devices 2-1 to 2-4 are each connected to the switch unit W2. Similarly, the imaging devices 2-1 to 2-4 of the second vehicle T2 are, for example, 192.
An IP address is assigned uniquely in a network group of 168.1.0 / 24.

Similarly, in the third vehicle T3, the imaging devices 3-1 to 3-4 and the switch unit W3
The imaging devices 3-1 to 3-4 are each connected to the switch unit W3. Similarly, the imaging devices 3-1 to 3-4 of the third vehicle T3 are, for example, 192.
An IP address is uniquely assigned in a network group of 168.1.0 / 24.

Similarly, the fourth vehicle T4 includes an imaging device 4-1 to an imaging device 4-4, a display device H2, and a switch unit W4. The imaging device 4-1 to the imaging device 4-4 and the display device H2 include A display device H2 connected to the switch unit W4. Imaging device 4 of these fourth vehicles T4
-1 to imaging device 4-4 and display device H2 are similarly configured, for example, in 192.168.1.0/24.
An IP address is uniquely assigned in each network group.

In addition, between each vehicle, it connects with the adjacent vehicle by each switch part. In addition, the management device K acquires or updates the IP addresses of all the devices of the one component (the first vehicle T1, the second vehicle T2, the third vehicle T3, and the fourth vehicle T4) in advance or each time, so that FIG. It is managed as a database as shown in the lower half. Moreover, the management apparatus K shall monitor a state and give various instructions with respect to each apparatus in a vehicle. Further, it is assumed that the management device K issues an instruction to each device in the vehicle based on a signal from the display device H1 or H2 by the operation of the crew.

The vehicle device 9 communicates various information related to the vehicle and operation with a communication unit or a management center provided outside the railway vehicle, for example, at a station, wirelessly or by wire. Here, the various information includes, for example, vehicle organization information, information on timetables, information on which side door opens at each station, and the like.

When the crew member checks the live image of the imaging device of an arbitrary vehicle using the display device, the “vehicle number” or “imaging device number / name” is designated and selected. Then, the display devices H1, H2
Is the I of the target imaging device using the database managed by the management device from the specified information.
The P address is inquired, connected to the target imaging apparatus with the IP address, a live image is acquired, and the image is displayed on the display unit of the own device.

When the crew member uses the display devices H1 and H2 to check the recorded video of the imaging device of an arbitrary vehicle, “recording device number / name” and “vehicle number”, “imaging device number / name” and “recording video date and time” Select "Event" and so on. The display devices H1 and H2 query the IP address of the target imaging device using the database managed by the management device K from the specified information, connect to the target imaging device with the IP address, and are mounted inside the imaging device The video data recorded on the recording medium to be acquired is acquired, and the recorded video is displayed on the display unit of the own device. In addition, the storage medium mounted in the imaging device is in the form of a removable SD card or the like, and after being removed from the imaging device, it is also possible to connect to a personal computer or the like and check the recorded video.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The imaging apparatus includes a control unit 11 that controls the operation of the entire imaging apparatus, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that captures the light of the subject and outputs a video signal, and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide S).
an image sensor 12 such as an emiconductor), a video processor 13 that performs video processing and various conversions on a video signal output from the image sensor 12, a recording unit 14 that holds a removable recording medium such as an SD card, A communication unit 15 by wired communication or wireless communication is provided.

The imaging element 12 photoelectrically converts incident light from the imaging region to generate a video signal, and the video processing unit 1
3 is output. The video processing unit 13 performs video processing and various conversion processes on the video signal according to instructions from the control unit 11, and outputs video data to the recording unit 14 and the communication unit 15. In the recording unit 14,
The video data is recorded, and in some cases, the video data is transmitted according to an instruction from the control unit 11.
Output to. The communication unit 15 communicates with the outside of the imaging apparatus, converts the video data into a format suitable for the type of transmission path, and transmits it, or receives an external signal.

A general recording process of the image pickup apparatus having the above-described configuration and a monitoring system provided in a railway vehicle including the image pickup apparatus will be described below. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement and field of view of each imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating each recorded video capacity of each imaging device, and FIG. 5 is an imaging device. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in a railway vehicle in which the recording device is arranged.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of video recording for each vehicle in the imaging device, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of video recording for each device in the imaging device.

In the first vehicle T1 shown in FIG. 3, the case where the imaging devices 1-1 to -3 monitor the situation in the vehicle and record the video data on a recording medium mounted inside the imaging device is considered. The imaging device 1-1 is operated so as to record an image when the door is opened / closed by being notified of information that the door 22 is opened / closed. Similarly, it is assumed that the imaging device 1-2 records an image when the door 21 and the imaging device 1-3 are notified of information that the door 23 is opened and closed. Here, the doors may be opened and closed by providing a sensor in each door and notifying each imaging device from the sensor, or the management device K may notify each imaging device of door opening and closing information. The opening / closing of the door may be detected from the acquired video. Since the imaging device 1-3 records an image based on the door opening / closing situation in the train due to passengers getting on and off and movement of people between vehicles, the door 23 is opened and closed and the image recording frequency is the highest. To do. Next, when you arrive at the station, the door 22
The door 23 is opened and closed, and the door 22 is opened and closed more frequently and the video recording frequency is higher, and the door 21 is opened and closed and the video recording frequency is the lowest.

When the monitoring system is operated under such a situation, as shown in FIG. 4, the video recording capacity recorded in the storage medium mounted in the imaging device is as follows. The imaging device 1-3 in (c) reaches the maximum recording capacity of the recording medium earliest. When this happens, usually remove the recording medium from the imaging device and insert a new recording medium,
Alternatively, it is necessary to download the recording video data from the imaging device and to make the recording data amount of the recording medium empty by remote control from a management center or the like.

In response to this, as shown in FIG. 5, a recording device is provided in each of the first vehicle T1 to the fourth vehicle T4, for example, a recording device is provided in the leading vehicle, so that it is mounted inside the imaging device. The problem of a short recording time due to a small recording medium capacity can be solved. However, in a limited space in the train, it may not be possible to easily install a recording device separately, and there is a problem that the system introduction cost becomes expensive.

A recording medium mounted inside the image pickup apparatus is a recording medium such as an SD card, and a capacity of several MB to 32 GB is generally common. Therefore, recording is always possible at 2 to 3 frames / second per recording medium, and the recorded video for 3 to 4 days can be stored. In this case, it takes time and effort to change the recording medium and extract data at a high frequency of once every 3 to 4 days.

Also, if you record video with a reduced frame rate of 1-2 frames / second,
Recorded video can be stored inside the imaging device for about 4 to 5 days, but even if you want to check the recorded video when something abnormal occurs in the vehicle, it is essential because of the low frame rate. May not be recorded.

As a recording method therefor, there is an event (alarm) recording method. For example, the imaging device 30 normally captures images at a low frame rate, and is notified of information that the door 34 has been opened and closed, and records video at a high frame rate only at that time. If this method is used, the video is recorded only when there is an event, such as an event when a person enters or leaves, and the video is not recorded when there is no change. The recording capacity can be used efficiently.

However, even in this event (alarm) recording method, as shown in FIG. 4, the recording amount of the video data recorded in the event (alarm) varies depending on the imaging device.
It is still necessary to check video data by exchanging recording media and extracting data at different intervals for each imaging device. In the following description, the interval for confirming the video data by exchanging the recording medium or extracting the data is referred to as a “confirmation interval”.

In one embodiment of the present invention, how to optimize this “confirmation interval” is a point.
First, the case where the confirmation interval is “unit of vehicle” can be considered. As shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with the confirmation interval of the imaging device with the largest recording amount (in this case, the imaging device 1-3)
Video data is confirmed by exchanging recording media and extracting data from all imaging devices.

In this “vehicle unit” or “knitting unit” confirmation interval, one of the plurality of imaging devices described above monitors the recording amount of the recording unit of its own imaging device and the recording amount of another imaging device of the same vehicle. Management or the management device K monitors and manages the recording amount of the imaging device of all vehicles, and the interval of the imaging device with the largest recording amount is “vehicle unit confirmation interval”.
Or it is determined as “confirmation interval of composition unit”, for example, under the control of the management device K,
This is realized by notifying the management center or the like of the exchange timing of the recording medium or the download of the video data from the vehicle device 9 via the network or the like.

In this method, it is easy to set a “confirmation interval”, and the recording medium can be exchanged or the video data can be downloaded at a time. However,
On the other hand, for example, it is difficult to say that the recording medium of the imaging device 1-2 that is used infrequently is used efficiently.

Next, the case where the confirmation interval is “unit of imaging device” is considered. As shown in FIG. 7, the video data is confirmed by exchanging the recording medium of the imaging device and extracting the data at individual confirmation intervals of the imaging device.

In this “imaging device unit” confirmation interval, each control unit 11 of the plurality of imaging devices monitors and manages the recording amount of the recording unit 14 of the own device, and for example, the vehicle device 9 via the management device K. This is realized by notifying the management center or the like of the timing of the exchange of the recording medium or the download of the video data from the network.

In the operation method of this imaging device unit, the above-mentioned “vehicle unit confirmation interval” and “
The recording capacity can be used more efficiently than the “confirmation interval of composition unit”. However, on the other hand, depending on the situation, it may be necessary to remove the recording medium from one of the imaging devices every day or download the recorded video data from the imaging device to check the video data. Absent.

Next, when the recording capacity is shared between the imaging apparatuses according to the embodiment of the present invention, the recording area usage method (hereinafter, recording schedule) of each imaging apparatus is obtained so as to be an “optimum confirmation interval”. Can be considered. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, by utilizing the recording area of the imaging apparatus having a sufficient capacity among the plurality of imaging apparatuses as the recording area of the imaging apparatus having no capacity,
The recording capacity can be effectively utilized when viewing a plurality of imaging devices in total. This will be described in detail below with reference to these drawings. In order to obtain an “optimum confirmation interval”, in the present embodiment, an image acquired by which imaging device is recorded based on each average recording amount or current recording amount of each imaging device so far. A recording schedule is calculated as to how much transmission capacity is transmitted to the medium so that the recording capacity can be used most efficiently in total, and whether the interval of replacement of the recording medium or downloading of the video data can be made long and at the same timing.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the imaging device 1-3 detects an event such as opening / closing information of the door 23 in the train or receives event information (step S1).
1) Check whether there is a margin in the recording capacity of the recording unit 14 of the imaging apparatus 1-3. If there is a margin, the recording is continued as it is, and if there is no margin, each imaging device is communicated from the communication unit 15 to other imaging devices 1-1, 1-2 that can be communicated on the network. Send a command to check the recording status (recording volume and / or free space) of the internal recording medium (
Step S12).

Receiving this command, the imaging devices 1-1 and 1-2 return information such as the usage amount, free capacity, and recording start date and time of the recording medium of the imaging device 1-3 to the imaging device 1-3 (steps S13 and S14). )
. The imaging device 1-3 analyzes the state of each imaging device based on the received information, calculates a recording schedule, obtains a recording reservation area for each imaging device, and transmits the order of imaging devices to be recorded ( (Priority order) is determined, and a command for securing a recording reservation area is transmitted to the target imaging devices 1-1 and 1-2 (step S15). Details of the analysis and the calculation method of the recording schedule will be described later. Here, the recording reservation area is set in a recording medium of another imaging device in order to send the excess video acquired by the imaging device having insufficient recording capacity to the other imaging device for recording. It is a recording area.

Receiving the command, the imaging devices 1-1 and 1-2 each have a part of the recording area (A and B in FIG. 8) of the recording medium used to record the excess video of the imaging device 1-3. On the other hand, a recording reservation area is set, and information indicating the setting is transmitted to the imaging apparatus 1-3 (steps S16 and S17).

Next, when the imaging device 1-3 detects the event of opening / closing the door 23 in the train again or receives event information (step S18), the imaging device 1-3 determines the imaging device 1-2 with the highest priority based on the priority order. Then, the acquired video data and a command for recording the video data in the recording reservation area B are transmitted (step S19). When the imaging device 1-2 receives the video data and the command from the imaging device 1-3, the imaging device 1-2 records the video data from the imaging device 1-3 in the recording reservation area B set in the recording medium of the own device. The free space is confirmed, and the fact that the recording of the video data has been normally completed is returned to the imaging device 1-3 (step S20). At this time, the imaging device 1-2 records the video data acquired by the own device on the recording medium of the own device based on event information such as opening / closing of the door 21.
In addition, the transmission processing of video data at this time or the transmission processing of video data described below is
The image data may be transmitted from the image pickup device element 12 via the video processing unit 13 via the communication unit 15, or the video data from the image pickup device element 12 is once recorded in the recording unit 14, and then read out and transmitted. May be.

In the process of transmitting the video data acquired by the imaging device 1-3 from step S18 to step S20 to the other imaging device 1-2 and recording it instead, the recording reservation area of the imaging device 1-2 is full. Continue until As shown in FIG. 12, the event notification S21 and
After the video data transmission processing similar to S19, the imaging device 1-2 that has received the video data and the command records the received video data in its own recording reservation area, confirms the free space in the recording reservation area, If it is determined that there is no or little, the imaging device 1-3 is notified that the recording of the video data has been normally completed and that there is no or little free space (step S23). The state at this time is shown in FIG. Based on this notification, the imaging device 1-3 changes the imaging device as the video data transmission destination to the imaging device 1-1 having the next highest priority according to the priority order determined in the previous step 15 (step S24). .

When an event of opening / closing the door 23 in the train is detected again or event information is received (step S25), the acquired video data and video are acquired with respect to the imaging device 1-2 having the second highest priority based on the priority. A command for recording data in the recording reservation area A is transmitted (step S26). Upon receiving the video data and the command from the imaging device 1-3, the imaging device 1-1 records the video data from the imaging device 1-3 in the recording reservation area A set in the recording medium of the own device, and after the recording The image pickup apparatus 1 confirms that the free space is confirmed and the recording of the video data is normally completed.
-3 is returned (step S27). At this time, the imaging apparatus 1-1 records the video data acquired by the own device on the recording medium of the own device based on event information such as opening / closing of the door 22.

The process of transmitting the video data acquired by the imaging device 1-3 from step S25 to step S27 to the other imaging device 1-1 and having it recorded instead is described above.
As in the case of, the recording is continued until the recording reservation area of the imaging apparatus 1-1 is full. As these operations are repeated, the imaging device 1-2 checks the free space in the recording reservation area, and if it is determined that the free space is absent or small, the video data recording has been normally completed indicating that there is no free space or no free space. At the same time, the imaging apparatus 1-3 is notified. The state at this time is shown in FIG.
Based on this notification, the imaging device 1-3 changes the imaging device that is the video data transmission destination to the imaging device with the next highest priority according to the priority order determined in the previous step 15.

Further, these processes are repeated, and when the recording capacity of the recording media of all the imaging devices is full, the management center or the like is notified that replacement or downloading of video data is necessary. Preferably, before the recording capacity of the recording medium of all the imaging devices is full, information on when the recording medium is full is also added, and it is necessary to exchange or download video data to the management center or the like. Will be notified.

Here, the method of analyzing the state of each imaging apparatus and calculating the recording schedule in step S15 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
First, the average recording amount of the target imaging device is calculated from the recording start date and time and the recording amount recorded on the recording medium, and the wire ranks are set in order from the imaging device with more free space on the recording medium and smaller average recording amount. I will do it. Then, the recording schedule is calculated from the total free capacity of the storage medium of each imaging device and the average recording amount of each imaging device.

Note that this may be obtained from the contents (recording start date and amount used) recorded on the recording medium at that time, or may be obtained statistically from the contents recorded so far. Preferably, the average recording amount may be updated based on the recorded contents every day or every confirmation interval when a certain sample is available from the date of system introduction or from the introduction.

In other words, the recording schedule for the “optimum confirmation interval” is as shown in the lower part of FIG.
(Available recording capacity of the imaging device 1-1−Reserved recording capacity of the imaging device 1-3) / Average recording amount of the imaging device 1-1,
(Recording free capacity of the imaging device 1-2−recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3) / average recording amount of the imaging device 1-2,
(Recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3 secured in the imaging device 1-1 + recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3 secured in the imaging device 1-2) / average recording amount of the imaging device 1-3 A recording schedule in which these three values are almost equal is obtained by algebraic calculation.

Here, “recording free capacity of the imaging apparatus 1-1−recording reserved capacity of the imaging apparatus 1-3” is set to C, “
“Recording available capacity of the imaging device 1-2−recording reserved capacity of the imaging device 1-3” is D, “imaging device 1−
Assuming that “recording reservation capacity of the imaging device 1-3 secured in 1” is A and “recording reservation capacity of the imaging device 1-3 secured in the imaging device 1-2” is B, this equation is
C / (average recording amount of imaging device 1-1) ≈
D / (average recording amount of imaging device 1-2) ≈
A + B / (average recording amount of the imaging device 1-3)
Can be expressed in a simplified manner.

As described above, in the first embodiment, a monitoring schedule is obtained most efficiently by obtaining a recording schedule for setting the “optimum confirmation interval” based on the above-described formula and executing transmission processing based on the recording schedule. The system can be operated.
Note that in this embodiment, the imaging device 1-3 whose recording capacity has become the earliest is determined by obtaining a recording schedule, but in addition, a parent imaging device is set in advance for each group, It is also possible for the imaging device to monitor the recording state of another imaging device or obtain a recording schedule.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, when video data is first transmitted to another imaging device in the first embodiment, the range of the imaging device to be transmitted is set, in other words, what type of imaging device is collected. The purpose is to share the recording area (set a recording reservation area). That is, all imaging devices of all vehicles are targeted for transmission, only imaging devices existing in the same vehicle, imaging devices for a plurality of vehicles, or any condition ( For example, it is determined whether or not a group of imaging devices based on the imaging devices installed at the same position of each vehicle is a target. For each group (group) of imaging devices set here, a recording schedule is obtained and used.

Here, a case where a group of imaging devices is set in units of vehicles will be described as an example. Hereinafter, the process of setting a group of the imaging device is referred to as “grouping”.

This grouping may be set by operating the main body of the imaging device, or may be set on the operation screen of a notebook computer by connecting a laptop computer to the imaging device, using a management device and a display device Or may be set via a vehicle apparatus from a management center or the like.

Here, when the crew member operates the management device K via the display device H1, for example, the operation screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed to perform grouping.
As shown in FIG. 13A, a list of imaging devices installed in the trained vehicle with the IP address is displayed on the screen of the display device H1, and according to the operation, the imaging devices 1-1 to 4- 4 is set so that the imaging devices are allocated to a desired group. When grouped into a plurality of groups, a list of imaging devices with IP addresses is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, the imaging devices are grouped for each vehicle. This setting is stored as management information by the management apparatus K, and group information is transmitted to each imaging apparatus. Based on this, each imaging apparatus calculates and executes the recording schedule described in the first embodiment.

In addition, by setting a grouping rule (for example, imaging devices existing in the same vehicle as a group) in the imaging device in advance, the operation by the operator is unnecessary and labor can be saved.
Further, the management device K may automatically perform ideal grouping (a combination of imaging devices that can use the recording capacity most efficiently). In this case, based on the ratio of the average recording amount of each imaging device collected so far, set the group of imaging devices so that the ratio of the average recording amount becomes equal, and set the recording reservation area in advance. deep. As a result, the operator's trouble can be saved, and the recording capacity can be used more efficiently.

(Third embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, the imaging apparatus mainly obtains the recording schedule and the priority order based on the grouping. However, in this embodiment, the management apparatus K obtains the recording schedule and manages the whole.
That is, in the first embodiment, the management apparatus K executes a process in which the imaging apparatus confirms a free capacity with respect to other imaging apparatuses, sets a recording reservation area, and determines a priority order. Although described in detail below with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and is omitted. When the management apparatus K communicates with each apparatus, signals are exchanged via the switch unit W.
It will be described that the switch is passed only once, and the description is omitted on the assumption that the switch is passed thereafter. Further, here, the imaging device 1-1 of the first vehicle, the imaging device 2- of the second vehicle,
2. An imaging device 3-3 for the third vehicle, an imaging device 4-4 for the fourth vehicle (the first group, and this group will be described as an example in this embodiment), one by one from each vehicle. It is assumed that grouping is performed by a group of imaging devices installed at different positions. The recording amount is assumed to be larger in the order of the imaging device 1-1, the imaging device 1-2, the imaging device 1-3, and the imaging device 1-4.

Each imaging device performs an imaging / recording operation according to door opening / closing information, and the management device K monitors the recording status of each imaging device. Specifically, in the case of the first group, the management device K sends a command for confirming the recording amount and returning the command to the imaging device 1-1 via the switch W1, and the imaging device 2 via the switches W1 and W2. -2, imaging device 3-3 via switches W1, W2 and W3, imaging device 4 via switches W1, W2, W3 and W4
-4. Receiving this command, each imaging device confirms the current recording amount of its own device and transmits recording state information to the management device K. The management device updates the received recording status of each imaging device.

For example, when the available capacity of the image capturing apparatus with the largest amount of recording becomes half or 1/3, for example, the management apparatus K has decreased to some extent. A recording schedule is obtained based on the average usage amount of each of the imaging devices, a priority order is determined, and a recording reservation area is set for the target imaging device. Then, at the timing when there is no room in the free space of the imaging device with the largest recording amount, video data is transmitted to another imaging device according to the priority order. Here, the reason why the recording schedule is not calculated at the timing when the recording capacity has run out as in the first embodiment is that the management apparatus K manages all the groups, and the calculation timing of the recording schedule overlaps and the load is increased. This is to avoid concentration. However, there is no problem even if the recording schedule is calculated at the timing when the recording capacity is not sufficient as in the first embodiment.

Specifically, the management device K monitors the recording status of each imaging device, and when the free space of the imaging device 1-1 decreases, the management device K is based on the recording status and average usage of other imaging devices. Find the record schedule and determine the priority. At this time, the priority order is an imaging device 4-4 with a small recording amount.
The imaging device 3-3 and the imaging device 4-2 are arranged in this order. In addition, the management device K includes an imaging device 4-4,
A command is transmitted to the image capturing apparatus 3-3 and the image capturing apparatus 4-2 so as to set a recording reservation area. A recording reservation area is set in the recording area. When there is no more free space in the imaging device 1-1, the management device K gives the image data 4-highest priority to the imaging device 1-1 to the imaging device 1-1.
Send a command to send to 4. The imaging device 1-1 receives the imaging device 4 according to the command.
4 is transmitted to the image pickup apparatus 4-4, and the image pickup apparatus 4-4 receives the image pickup apparatus 1 received in its own recording reservation area.
-1 video data is recorded.

Here, it is conceivable that the second and third imaging devices that have no free space in the group appear. At that time, as much as possible, the recording reservation area is reset for the imaging device other than the imaging device that has already been recorded by the imaging device that has already run out of free space, and the alternative recording is performed.

Specifically, when the free space of the imaging device 2-2 further decreases, a recording schedule is obtained based on the recording status and average usage of other imaging devices. In addition, the management apparatus K deletes or reduces the recording reservation area for the imaging apparatus 1-1 based on the average usage amount or the like with respect to the imaging apparatus 3-3, thereby generating a recording reservation area for the imaging apparatus 2-2. The command is transmitted so as to set, and the imaging device 3-3 resets the recording reservation area in the recording area of the own apparatus according to the command. When there is no more free space in the imaging device 2-2, the management device K transmits a command to the imaging device 1-1 so that video data is transmitted to the imaging device 4-4. The imaging device 1-1 transmits the video data to the imaging device 4-4 according to the command, and the imaging device 4-4 records the received video data of the imaging device 1-1 in its own recording reservation area. At this time, since the image capturing device 4-4 records the video data of the image capturing device 1-1 as a substitute, the image data of the image capturing device 2-2 is not a target to be recorded as a substitute. When there are a large number of imaging devices and there are other imaging devices that can be recorded instead, a recording reservation area is set and a priority order is determined.

When the video data recording of the own device and the video data alternative recording of the other device are continued, and the recording reservation area of the imaging device 1-1 set in the imaging device 4-4 becomes full, the management device K acquires the imaging device 3- In order to record in the recording reservation area for the image pickup apparatus 1-1 reduced to 3 and reset, a command is transmitted to the image pickup apparatus 1-1 so as to transmit video data to the image pickup apparatus 3-3. To do. The imaging device 3-3 records the video data transmitted from the imaging device 2-2 in the recording reservation area for the imaging device 2-2, and the video data transmitted from the imaging device 1-1 according to the command. Recording is performed in a recording reservation area for the imaging apparatus 1-1.

Then, when the recording capacity of the recording media of all the imaging devices is full, the management center or the like is notified that replacement or downloading of video data is necessary. Preferably, before the recording capacity of the recording medium of all the imaging devices is full, information on when the recording medium is full is also added, and it is necessary to exchange or download video data to the management center or the like. Is notified and the recording medium is exchanged or the video data is extracted at night when the train does not operate.

As a result, the management device manages and controls the recording status and recording schedule of all the imaging devices in a lump, thereby facilitating the management and operation of the monitoring system and enabling efficient operation of the entire system. .

However, in the unlikely event that the recording medium cannot be exchanged or the video data cannot be extracted during a train operation or the like, it is conceivable that the recording capacity of the imaging device in the group or all the imaging devices becomes full. In such a case, if the former is used, the free capacity of the other group is checked, and if it is free, the image pickup apparatus is used, and if the latter is used, the excess amount is provided in the management apparatus K (Hard D).
isk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) or a recording device provided separately.

When the recording capacity of the imaging devices in the group becomes full, specifically, since the management device K monitors and manages the recording status of all groups and imaging devices, there is free space in other groups. If there is an imaging device that does not fill the recording reservation area so much,
The recording reservation area is reset in the imaging apparatus, and control is performed so that excess video data is transmitted to the imaging apparatus. When there is no imaging device in which another group has free space and the recording reservation area is not filled so much and the recording capacity of all the imaging devices is full, the recording medium of the recording device or management device K provided separately In addition, a recording reservation area for excess video data is set, and a command is transmitted to each camera so that the video data is transmitted to the recording medium of the recording device or the management device K. Each camera transmits video data to the recording device or management device K according to the command, and the recording device or management device K records each video data in its own recording reservation area.

As a result, even if recording media cannot be replaced or video data cannot be extracted during train operation, video data recording will continue even if the recording capacity of the entire group or all imaging devices is full. Monitoring operation can be maintained.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of times of exchanging recording media, extracting video data, and confirming work, and reducing the trouble of monitoring system operation.

In addition, when the imaging device detects an event, it lowers the compression rate of the video data during recording.
If no event is detected, it is possible to increase the compression rate of the video data, thereby reducing the amount of video data and thus extending the confirmation interval.

Also, the event is not limited to the door opening / closing described above, but may be, for example, face detection of a subject, fire detection, pressing of an emergency call button, or the like in addition to door opening / closing.

A plurality of the various embodiments described above can be implemented at the same time. With these descriptions, those skilled in the art can realize the present invention, but various modifications of these embodiments can be conceived. It is easy for a person skilled in the art and can be applied to various embodiments without inventive ability. Therefore, the present invention covers a wide range consistent with the disclosed principle and novel features, and is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

In a video monitoring system including an imaging device having a recording medium, a network switch, and a video display device, video data is recorded by sharing a recording area with other imaging devices or recording devices based on the recording status of the plurality of imaging devices. Thus, video data can be efficiently recorded.

1-1 to 4-4: Imaging device, H1, H2 ... Display device, K ... Management device, W1 to W4 ... Switch unit, 11 ... Control unit, 12 ... Imaging device, 13 ... Video processing unit, 14 ... Recording unit 15 Communication unit.

Claims

An image sensor that images a subject and outputs a video signal;
A video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data;
A recording unit for recording video data;
A communication unit that communicates with an external device;
A control unit for controlling each unit,
The control unit transmits video data to the external device when there is no more free space in the recording unit, and records the video data in the recording unit when receiving video data from the external device. An imaging apparatus characterized by the above.
The control unit confirms the free space of the recording unit of the other imaging device, and records for recording the video data of the own device in a part of the free space of the recording unit of the other imaging device based on the confirmation result The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reserved area is set.
The control unit sets the recording reservation area based on the average recording amount of the recording unit of the other imaging device up to the present and the current free space, and sets the priority order of the other imaging device that is a transmission destination The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the other imaging apparatus that is a transmission destination of the video data that can be transmitted.
Monitor the recording status of the recording units of a plurality of imaging devices equipped with a recording unit via a network, and use the image data acquired by an imaging device with no available free space for other imaging devices with available free space. The management device is characterized in that it is controlled so as to transmit.
Based on the recording states of the recording units of the plurality of imaging devices, the video data acquired by the imaging device having no room in the free area is part of the free space in the recording unit of the imaging device having the free space. 6. The management apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a recording reservation area for recording is set.
The recording reservation area is set based on the current recording capacity and the current recording capacity of the recording unit of the imaging device having a sufficient free space, and the image recording device having a sufficient free space as a transmission destination 7. The management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a priority order for transmitting video data is set in order from an imaging apparatus having a large recording reservation area.
8. The management apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a group of imaging apparatuses capable of transmitting video data is set.
An image sensor that images a subject and outputs a video signal, a video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data, a recording unit that records video data, and a communication that communicates with an external device A plurality of imaging devices, and a control unit that controls each unit;
A management device that monitors and controls the free capacity of each recording unit of the plurality of imaging devices is connected via a network,
The video management system, wherein the management device transmits video data acquired by an imaging device having no free space to another imaging device having a free space.
An image sensor that images a subject and outputs a video signal, a video processing unit that performs predetermined video processing on the video signal and outputs video data, a recording unit that records video data, and a communication that communicates with an external device A plurality of imaging devices, and a control unit that controls each unit;
A management device that monitors and controls the free capacity of each recording unit of the plurality of imaging devices is connected via a network,
The control unit transmits video data to the external device when there is no more free space in the recording unit, and records the video data in the recording unit when receiving video data from the other imaging device. A video surveillance system characterized by that.