JPH11187383A - Video monitor system and video monitor method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a smooth image without a video frame omission and an image disturbance even when the capability of a transmission line is low by converting a present video information data rate or a past video information data rate in accordance with the parameter for designating various data rates of video information. SOLUTION: A video string part 13 of a video monitor system continuously stores digitized video information by a camera input part 12. A rate conversion processing part 14 converts a data rate of digitized present video information where at least one parameter for designating various data rates of video information is set or a data rate of past video information which is stored by the video storing part 13 in accordance with the parameter. A transmission line interface 15 distributes video information converted by a rate conversion processing part 14 to a video display processing part 20 through a transmission line 17 in when requested by the video display processing part 20, etc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a video surveillance system for digitally transmitting a video taken by a camera and monitoring the video on a monitoring terminal side.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a conventional video surveillance system. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a camera for capturing video, and 2 acquires video information from the camera 1 and digitizes the video information. The camera input unit 3 is a video storage unit that stores the video information digitized by the camera input unit 2 endlessly, and the digital input unit 4 is digitized by the camera input unit 2 in response to a request from the video display processing unit 9 or the like. The current video information or the past video information stored by the video storage unit 3 is transferred to the video display processing unit 9 via the transmission line 6.
A transmission line interface unit 5 for distributing the image data is a video distribution processing unit composed of a camera input unit 2, a video storage unit 3, and a transmission line interface unit 4.

[0006] Reference numeral 6 denotes a transmission path, and 7 denotes a video distribution processing unit 5.
The transmission line interface unit 8 that receives the video information distributed from the PC performs a display process according to the video information received by the transmission line interface unit 7 and causes the video display device 10 to display the video captured by the camera 1. A display device interface unit 9 is a video display processing unit including a transmission path interface unit 7 and a display device interface unit 8, and 10 is a video display device that displays video captured by the camera 1.

Next, the operation will be described. First, when image information is transmitted from the camera 1 that shoots an image, the camera input unit 2 acquires the image information, digitizes the image information, and stores it in the image storage unit 3. For example, upon receiving a video information distribution request from the video display processing unit 9, the transmission path interface unit 4 responds to the distribution request with the current video information digitized by the camera input unit 2 or the video storage unit. 3 is delivered to the video display processing unit 9 via the transmission line 6.

When the current video information or the past video information is distributed from the transmission line interface unit 4 of the video distribution processing unit 5, the transmission line interface unit 7 of the video display processing unit 9 receives the video information. . Then, when the transmission path interface unit 7 receives the video information, the display device interface unit 8 executes a display process according to the video information, and causes the video display device 10 to display the video.

[0006]

Since the conventional video monitoring system is configured as described above, the video display device 1
0 can display the image captured by the camera 1, but since there is no means for changing the data rate of the image information digitized by the camera input unit 2, the data rate is relatively smaller than the data amount of the image information. If the transmission capacity of the transmission line 6 is low, video information cannot be distributed in real time, resulting in dropped frames or disturbance of the video. In addition, when the transmission delay is large, the system stops. There was a problem that caused. Note that Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-96890
JP-A-7-203421 and JP-A-7-203421 disclose a technique for changing a current transmission rate of video information (a technique for changing a transmission rate of past video information is not disclosed). If the rate alone is changed alone, the frame rate of the video information may decrease drastically with the change, and as a result, the motion of the video may become jerky, or a video showing a dangerous situation may be displayed. There was a problem that the problem disappeared.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can display a smooth image without dropping frames of the image or disturbance of the image even when the transmission capacity of the transmission line is low. It is another object of the present invention to provide a video monitoring system and a video monitoring method capable of displaying a high-quality video as required.

[0008]

A video surveillance system according to the present invention converts a data rate of current video information or a data rate of past video information according to a parameter designating various data rates of video information. It was made.

[0009] The video surveillance system according to the present invention is provided with setting means for setting parameters for designating various data rates of the video information, and sets the data rate of the current video information or the data rate of the past video information in accordance with the parameters. A conversion means for conversion is provided.

The video surveillance system according to the present invention has a setting means provided on the display means side, and a transmission means for transmitting the parameters set by the setting means to the conversion means via a transmission path.

[0011] A video surveillance system according to the present invention converts at least one of a frame rate, an image size, a transmission rate, and a coding method of video information.

[0012] In the video surveillance system according to the present invention, when search information for specifying the specification of a video is input, the data rate of the video information corresponding to the search information is converted.

[0013] A video surveillance system according to the present invention is provided with a specifying means for specifying search information for specifying video specifications.

[0014] The video surveillance system according to the present invention has a designating means provided on the display means side, and a transmission means for transmitting search information designated by the designating means to the conversion means via a transmission path. .

In the video monitoring system according to the present invention, a simplified video storage means for storing video information distributed by the distribution means is provided on the display means side.

In the video surveillance system according to the present invention, a simple video storage means for storing the video information converted by the conversion means is provided on the conversion means side, and the video information converted in the past according to the same parameters is already simple. When the video information is stored in the video storage unit, the conversion unit does not execute the conversion process, and distributes the video information.

A video monitoring system according to the present invention generates high quality video information from video information stored by a differential video storage unit and video information stored by a simple video storage unit.

The video surveillance system according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of conversion means and display means, and when the parameters given to the plurality of conversion means are the same, any one of them is used.
Only the number of conversion units execute the conversion process, and the video information as the processing result is distributed to a plurality of display units.

The video surveillance system according to the present invention includes a plurality of conversion means, a display means capable of displaying a plurality of videos simultaneously, and distributes the video information converted by the plurality of conversion means to the display means. It is like that.

A video surveillance method according to the present invention converts a data rate of digitized current video information or a data rate of accumulated past video information according to a parameter designating various data rates of video information. It is like that.

In the video surveillance method according to the present invention, a parameter for designating various data rates of video information is set, and the data rate of digitized current video information or the data rate of accumulated past video information is set as a parameter. Is converted in accordance with.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Is a camera that captures video, 12 is a camera input unit (input means) that acquires video information from the camera 11 and digitizes the video information, and 13 is a camera input unit 12
A video storage unit (original video storage means) for storing video information digitized by the camera endlessly includes a parameter (for example, the type of video information (the type of live video or stored video, etc.) that specifies various data rates of video information. ), Shooting time, frame rate, image size (resolution), transmission rate, encoding method, etc.)
A rate conversion processing unit (conversion means) for converting the digitized data rate of current video information or the data rate of past video information stored by the video storage unit 13 according to parameters; A transmission line interface unit (distribution means) for distributing the video information converted by the rate conversion processing unit 14 to the video display processing unit 20 via the transmission line 17 in response to a request from the camera input unit 12; This is a video distribution processing unit including a storage unit 13, a rate conversion processing unit 14, and a transmission line interface unit 15.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a transmission line, 18 denotes a transmission line interface unit (display means) for receiving video information distributed from the video distribution processing unit 16, and 19 denotes a transmission line interface according to the video information received by the transmission line interface unit 18. A display device interface unit (display means) for executing a display process and displaying an image captured by the camera 11 on the video display device 21, and a video display process unit 20 including a transmission path interface unit 18 and a display device interface unit 19 Department,
Reference numeral 21 denotes an image display device (display means) for displaying an image captured by the camera 11. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a video monitoring method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Next, the operation will be described. First, when image information is transmitted from the camera 11 that shoots an image, the camera input unit 12 acquires the image information, digitizes the image information, and stores it in the image storage unit 13. Then, when the video information is acquired by the camera input unit 12, the rate conversion processing unit 14 refers to a preset parameter of the video information (step ST1). Here, the parameters of the video information include, for example, the type of the video information (the type of the live video or the stored video), the shooting time, the frame rate, the image size (resolution), the transmission rate, the encoding method, and the like.

Then, referring to the parameter of the video information, the rate conversion processing unit 14 calculates the reading interval of the video information to be read from the camera input unit 12 or the video storage unit 13 based on the frame rate specified by the parameter ( Step ST2). Specifically, the frame rate is
Since the information indicates the number of screens (number of frames) to be read in one second, for example, if the frame rate is １ ／, the calculation result of reading one frame of video information once every two seconds is can get.

When the processing for calculating the read interval of the video information is completed, the rate conversion processing section 14 transmits the video information from the camera input section 12 or the video storage section 13 in response to a distribution request from the video display processing section 20, for example. The process of reading the video information is executed according to the calculation result (step ST
3). When the reading of the video information is completed, the rate conversion processing unit 14 sets the image size (resolution) of the video information.
To match the image size specified by the parameter,
The number of pixels is converted by executing processing such as pixel thinning (step ST4).

When the conversion of the image size is completed, the rate conversion processing unit 14 refers to the transmission rate specified by the parameter and, based on the data size of the previously converted video information and the like, converts the video information to be converted. Calculate the data size (for example, when the transmission rate is 64 Kbps, the data size of the previously converted video information is 80K
In the case of bps, since the transmission amount of the video information exceeds 16 Kbps, the data size of the video information to be converted this time is smaller than 64 Kbps so that the transmission amount of the video information becomes 64 Kbps on average. Is calculated), and the data size of the video information is converted so as to match the data size (step ST5).

Here, the conversion processing of the rate conversion processing section 14 will be described more specifically. The video information obtained from the camera 11 by the camera input section 12 is, for example, JPEG-compressed and stored in the video storage section 13. When the rate conversion processing unit 14 reads video information from the video storage unit 13, the rate conversion processing unit 14 decompresses the JPEG-compressed video information and returns it to non-compressed video information. By performing the conversion, the image size (resolution) designated by the parameter is converted, and the converted video information is again transmitted to JP.
EG compression is performed to execute a coding rate conversion process. As for the transmission rate control, the effect of the quantization parameter, in which the data size increases when the quantization parameter is made finer and the data size decreases when the quantization parameter is made coarser, in the quantization parameter at the time of JPEG compression. Then, the quantization parameter is appropriately changed and converted to a specified data size.

In the data size conversion process,
The uncompressed video information obtained by expanding the JPEG-compressed video information and changing the image size as described above is converted to ITU-
Recommendation T. H. When compressed by the H.263 coding method (a moving image coding method recommended for use in videoconferencing), video information can be converted into highly efficient compressed video information. In this case, regarding the control of the transmission rate of the video information, in addition to changing the quantization parameter, when performing inter-frame prediction, an intra macro block (a part to be coded in a frame) and an inter macro block (motion compensation) are used. If the ratio of the intra macroblocks increases in the ratio between the portions to be encoded using the macroblock and the invalidated macroblocks (portions where no encoding is performed at all), the transmission rate increases and the ratio of the invalidated blocks increases. For example, it is possible to change the ratio to a specified data size by appropriately changing the ratio by using the characteristic that the transmission rate decreases.

As described above, when the data rate of the video information is converted by the rate conversion processing unit 14, the transmission line interface unit 15 performs the rate conversion processing in response to, for example, a distribution request from the video display processing unit 20. The video information whose data rate has been converted by the unit 14 is delivered to the video display processing unit 20 via the transmission path 17 (step ST6).

When the current video information or the past video information is distributed from the transmission line interface unit 15 of the video distribution processing unit 16, the transmission line interface unit 18 of the video display processing unit 20 receives the video information. . Then, when the transmission path interface unit 18 receives the video information, the display device interface unit 19 executes a display process according to the video information, and causes the video display device 21 to display a simple video or a high-quality video. Needless to say, whether the image is a simple image or a high-quality image is determined by the data rate of the image information.

As is clear from the above, the first embodiment
According to the configuration described above, the data rate of the current video information or the data rate of the past video information is converted according to the parameters specifying various data rates of the video information. However, it is possible to display a smooth video without dropping frames of the video or disturbance of the video, and it is possible to display a high-quality video on demand.

In the first embodiment, the case where the rate conversion processing section 14 converts all of the frame rate, the image size, the transmission rate, and the encoding method of the video information has been described. Not,
What is necessary is just to convert suitably according to the transmission capacity of the transmission path 17, etc.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts, and a description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 22 denotes a parameter setting unit (setting means) for setting parameters for specifying various data rates of video information.

Next, the operation will be described. In the first embodiment, the parameters in which various parameters of the video information are specified in advance in the rate conversion processing unit 14 have been described. However, as shown in FIG. It may be provided. As a result, the parameter can be freely changed in accordance with a request from the user or the like, and even when the parameter setting needs to be changed periodically, the setting can be easily changed.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts, and a description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 23 denotes a parameter setting unit (setting means) for setting parameters for designating various data rates of the video information, and 24 receives the video information distributed from the video distribution processing unit 16 and sets the parameters set by the parameter setting unit 23. Transmission line interface unit (display means, transmission means) for transmitting the video signal to the video distribution processing unit 16 via the transmission line 17, and 25 is converted by the rate conversion processing unit 14 in response to a request from the video display processing unit 20 or the like. The current video information or the past video information stored by the video storage unit 13 is distributed to the video display processing unit 20 via the transmission path 17 and the parameter transmitted from the video display processing unit 20 is received. A transmission line interface unit (a distribution unit,
Transmission means).

Next, the operation will be described. In the second embodiment, the parameter setting unit 22 is replaced by the video distribution processing unit 16.
Although the parameter setting unit 22 is provided on the side, the parameter setting unit 22 may be provided on the video display processing unit 20 side, and the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained. Also,
There is also an effect that the user or the like can change the parameters while watching the video displayed on the video display device 21.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts, and a description thereof will be omitted. 26 is a video search interface (designating means) for specifying search information for specifying video specifications;
Reference numeral 27 denotes a transmission line interface unit (display) that receives the video information distributed from the video distribution processing unit 16 and transmits the search information specified by the video search interface unit 26 to the video distribution processing unit 16 via the transmission line 17. means,
Transmission means), 28 is a terminal-side video storage unit (simple video storage unit) for storing video information received by the transmission path interface unit 27, and 29 is a rate conversion process in response to a request from the video display processing unit 20 or the like. The video information converted by the unit 30 is distributed to the video display processing unit 20 via the transmission path 17, the search information transmitted from the video display processing unit 20 is received, and the search information is transmitted to the rate conversion processing unit 30. When the search information is transmitted from the transmission path interface unit 29, the transmission path interface unit (distribution means, transmission means) 30 for transmission searches for video information corresponding to the search information and determines the data rate of the video information. This is a rate conversion processing unit (conversion unit) that performs conversion processing in the same manner as the rate conversion processing unit 14.

Next, the operation will be described. In the first embodiment, the data rate of the video information is converted according to the parameter, and the video is simply displayed in accordance with the converted video information. However, the video search interface unit 26 for specifying the search information is used. It may be installed on the video display processing unit 26 side, convert the data rate of the video information corresponding to the search information, and display the video according to the converted video information.

That is, the user or the like specifies the type of video information (the type of live video or stored video, etc.), the image size (resolution), the frame rate, the transmission rate, the encoding method, and the like using the video search interface unit 26. When the search information specifying the specification of the video to be displayed on the video display device 21 is generated (see FIG. 6), the transmission path interface unit 27 transmits the search information to the video distribution processing unit 16 via the transmission path 17. Transmit.

When the search information is transmitted from the video display processing unit 20, the transmission line interface unit 29 receives the search information. When the search information is transmitted from the transmission line interface unit 29, the rate conversion processing unit 30
The video information corresponding to the search information is searched (the current video information output from the camera input unit 12 or the video storage unit 1).
3), and the data rate of the video information is converted according to parameters derived from the search information (see Embodiment 1 and the like).

When the data rate of the video information is converted by the rate conversion processing unit 30, the video information is distributed to the video display processing unit 20 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a process of not only displaying a video on the video display device 21 according to the video information but also displaying a search screen as shown in FIG. 7 while storing the video information in the terminal-side video storage unit 28 is performed. Execute.

As is apparent from the above, the fourth embodiment
According to the method, the video search interface unit 26 for designating search information is installed on the video display processing unit 20 side, and the data rate of the video information corresponding to the search information is converted. There is an effect that a required video can be easily searched while looking at the screen 21. In addition, the terminal-side video storage unit 28 is connected to the video display processing unit 2.
0, so that the video information and the like of the rate-converted simplified video can be stored in the video distribution processing unit 16, so that there is an effect that the video information can be efficiently searched using the simplified video. . That is, by first requesting distribution of video information having a low frame rate or video information having a low resolution, it is possible to quickly obtain video information and search for a required video. When a required video is found, high-quality video information and unread frames between frames can be obtained.

Embodiment 5 FIG. In the first to fourth embodiments, the video information whose data rate is converted by the rate conversion processing units 14 and 30 is not stored in the video distribution processing unit 16 but is distributed to the video display processing unit 20. As shown in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG.
4 (or 30), a simple video storage unit (simple video storage means) 31 for storing the conversion history information together with the converted video information is installed on the video distribution processing unit 16 side. If the video information converted according to the parameters has already been stored in the simple video storage unit 31, the rate conversion processing unit 14 or the like does not execute the conversion process, and reads the video information from the simple video storage unit 31. You may make it distribute to the video display processing part 20. This eliminates the need for the conversion process using the same parameters, and has the effect of quickly distributing video information.

Embodiment 6 FIG. In the fifth embodiment, H.264 is used as an encoding method using parameters. 261 and H.E. 2
When an encoding method using inter-frame prediction is selected as in 63, an arbitrary frame of video information in a simple video cannot be read and distributed to the video display processing unit 20, but as shown in FIG. The difference between the video information stored in the video storage unit 13 and the video information whose data rate has been converted is determined, and the video information of the difference is stored in the difference video storage unit 3.
3, an intra frame (key frame) is generated from the video information stored in the video storage unit 13 and the video information of the difference, and the video display processing unit 20 performs the reproduction display process from the intra frame (key frame). By doing so, it becomes possible to read and reproduce from an arbitrary frame.

That is, with respect to the generation part of the intra frame (key frame) in the video distribution processing part 16 and the reproduction display processing part in the video display processing part 20, for example,
Each frame of the video information input from the camera 11 is JPEG-compressed by the camera input unit 12 and stored in the video storage unit 13, and the rate conversion processing unit 32 decompresses the JPEG-compressed video information, and If the H.263 encoding is performed, the video distribution processing unit 16 converts the converted H.263. The encoded data of H.263 and its conversion history information are stored in the simple video storage unit 31, and as shown in FIG. The difference of the reference video 109 used in the motion compensation of the H.263 coding is stored in the differential video storage unit 33 as differential video information 111.

When the simple video (H.263 coded data) is read from the simple video storage unit 31, the difference video information 111 corresponding to the first frame and the image size of the stored video information of the video information are set. Changed thinning image 1
02 to H.P. The reference video information 109 used in the motion compensation of the H.263 coding is generated, and the reference video information 109 is transmitted. The H.263 encoded data is read from the simple video storage unit 31 and transmitted.

The video display processing section 20 reproduces and displays the video information of the intra frame (key frame) transmitted from the video distribution processing section 16 and then transmits the video information following the video information. A process for decoding the H.263 encoded data is performed.

Embodiment 7 FIG. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a table diagram showing an example of search information. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Reference numeral 32 has the same function as that of the rate conversion processing unit 30, and after matching the image size of the video information after the data rate conversion with the image size of the video information before the data rate conversion, finds the difference between the video information. A rate conversion processing section (difference calculation means) having a function; 33, a difference video storage section (difference video storage means) for storing the video information of the difference obtained by the rate conversion processing section 32; A display device interface unit (display means) having a function of generating high-quality video information from the video information stored by the differential video storage unit 33 and the video information stored by the terminal-side video storage unit 28; , Generating means).

Next, the operation will be described. The video information acquired by the camera input unit 12 from the camera 11 is
When the video data is read from the video storage unit 13 when the rate conversion processing unit 32 reads the video information from the video storage unit 13 in the case where the video data is stored in the video storage unit 13 after being PEG-compressed, the JPEG-compressed video information is expanded and the uncompressed video data is read. After returning to the information, the image is converted to an image size (resolution) designated by a parameter by applying means such as pixel thinning (this embodiment 7).
In this case, it is assumed that the video information is converted into video information of a simple video.) Then, the converted video information is JPEG-compressed again and the encoding rate is converted.

Then, the transmission line interface unit 29
The video information (simple video image information) whose data rate has been converted by the rate conversion processing unit 32 is displayed in the video display processing unit 20.
And the transmission line interface unit 27 of the video display processing unit 20 stores the video information in the terminal-side video storage unit 28.

In the state where the video information of the simple video is stored in the video storage unit 28 on the terminal side in this way, the user or the like may make a request for displaying the high-quality video information. When converting the data rate of the video information in advance, the conversion processing unit 32 converts the video information after the data rate conversion (the video information of the simple video before the JPEG compression is performed again) into an image using an inter-pixel interpolation unit. After matching the image size of the non-compressed video information before the size conversion (the video information stored in the video storage unit 13 is the video information of the original video in which the JPEG is expanded), the difference between the respective video information is obtained. The difference video information is stored in the difference video storage unit 33.

When a user or the like actually makes a request to display high-quality video information, the transmission path interface unit 29 transmits the difference video information accumulated in the difference video accumulation unit 33 via the transmission path 17. To the video display processing unit 20. Then, when the difference video information is distributed from the video distribution processing unit 16, the display interface unit 34 converts the video information of the simplified video stored in the terminal-side video storage unit 28 into JP.
After performing EG expansion and performing a process of matching the image size of the video information with the image size of the video information of the difference using the inter-pixel interpolation means, the video information having undergone the process is compared with the video information of the difference. By obtaining the sum, high-quality image information is generated, and the image is displayed on the image display device 21 in accordance with the high-quality image information.

As is clear from the above, the seventh embodiment
According to the present invention, high-quality video information is generated from the video information of the difference stored by the differential video storage unit 33 and the video information of the simple video stored by the terminal-side video storage unit 28. Even when a video is displayed according to video information, if the video information of the difference is distributed, a high-quality video can be displayed, and as a result, the transmission amount of the video information can be significantly reduced. It works.

Embodiment 8 FIG. In the first to seventh embodiments, the video distribution processing unit 16 is provided with one rate conversion processing unit 14 and the like, and one video display processing unit 20 and the video display device 21 are provided. However, FIG.
As shown in (1), a plurality of rate conversion processing units 14 are provided in the video distribution processing unit 16 (assuming that each rate conversion processing unit 14 can execute processing at the same time).
0 and the video display device 21 may be provided.

At this time, a plurality of rate conversion processing units 1
4 are the same, only one of the rate conversion processing units 14 executes the conversion processing, and distributes the video information as the processing result to the plurality of video display processing units 20. You may do so. Thus, the same video can be displayed on a plurality of video display devices 21 without increasing the load on the video distribution processing unit 16.

When the video display device 21 has a function of displaying a plurality of videos simultaneously, video information whose data rate has been converted by different parameters can be distributed to one video display processing unit 20. As a result, there is an effect that a plurality of videos can be displayed simultaneously without increasing the number of video display processing units 20.

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention, the data rate of the current video information or the data rate of the past video information is converted according to the parameter designating various data rates of the video information. Therefore, even when the transmission capacity of the transmission path is low, it is possible to display a smooth video without dropping frames of the video and disturbance of the video, and to display a high-quality video on demand. is there.

According to the present invention, there is provided setting means for setting parameters for designating various data rates of video information, and a conversion for converting the data rate of the current video information or the data rate of the past video information according to the parameters. Means so that even if the transmission capacity of the transmission path is low, it is possible to display smooth images without dropped frames or disturbance of the images, and to display high-quality images on demand. There is an effect that can be.

According to the present invention, the setting means is provided on the display means side, and the transmission means for transmitting the parameters set by the setting means to the conversion means via the transmission path is provided. The parameter can be freely changed in response to the request, and the setting can be easily changed even when the parameter setting needs to be changed periodically. In addition, there is an effect that a user or the like can change parameters while watching an image displayed on the display means.

According to the present invention, among the frame rate, image size, transmission rate, and encoding method of video information,
Since at least one or more conversions are performed, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent dropping of frames of the video and disturbance of the video due to the conversion of the data rate.

According to the present invention, when the search information for specifying the specification of the video is input, the data rate of the video information corresponding to the search information is converted. There is an effect that can be searched.

According to the present invention, since the designating means for designating the search information for specifying the specification of the video is provided, it is possible to easily search for the video required by the user or the like.

According to the present invention, the designating means is provided on the display means side, and the transmission means for transmitting the search information designated by the designating means to the conversion means via the transmission path is provided. And the like can efficiently search for a required video while looking at the screen of the display means.

According to the present invention, since the simple video storage means for storing the video information distributed by the distribution means is provided on the display means side, the video information can be efficiently searched using the simple video. There is an effect that can be. That is, by first requesting distribution of video information having a low frame rate or video information having a low resolution, the video information can be quickly obtained and the required video can be searched. In addition, when a necessary video is found, there is an effect that high-quality video information and unread frames between frames can be obtained.

According to the present invention, the simple video storage means for storing the video information converted by the conversion means is provided on the conversion means side, and the video information previously converted according to the same parameter is already stored in the simple video storage means. In the case where the video data is stored in the storage device, the conversion means does not execute the conversion process and distributes the video information. Therefore, the conversion process using the same parameter becomes unnecessary, and the video information can be promptly distributed. There is an effect that can be. By storing video information that is different from the video information stored in the original video storage unit, even when the data rate is converted to an encoding method using inter-frame prediction, video information of a simple video can be converted from an arbitrary frame. There is also an effect that can be distributed.

According to the present invention, high-quality video information is generated from the video information stored by the differential video storage means and the video information stored by the simple video storage means. Even if the video is displayed according to the above, if the video information of the difference is distributed, it becomes possible to display the high-quality video, and as a result, the transmission amount of the video information can be greatly reduced. is there.

According to the present invention, a plurality of conversion means and display means are provided, and when the parameters given to the plurality of conversion means are the same, only one of the conversion means executes the conversion processing. However, since the image information as the processing result is configured to be distributed to the plurality of display units, the same image can be displayed on the plurality of display units without increasing the load on the conversion unit and the like. is there.

According to the present invention, a plurality of conversion means are provided, a display means capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of images is provided, and the video information converted by the plurality of conversion means is distributed to the display means. As a result, video information whose data rate has been converted by different parameters can be distributed to one display unit, and as a result, without increasing the number of display units,
There is an effect that a plurality of images can be displayed simultaneously.

According to the present invention, the data rate of the digitized present video information or the data rate of the stored past video information is converted in accordance with the parameter designating various data rates of the video information. Therefore, even when the transmission capacity of the transmission path is low, it is possible to display a smooth video without dropping frames of the video and disturbance of the video, and to display a high-quality video on demand. is there.

According to the present invention, parameters for specifying various data rates of video information are set, and the data rate of digitized current video information or the data rate of accumulated past video information is converted according to the parameters. It is possible to display smooth images without dropped frames or disturbed images even when the transmission capacity of the transmission path is low, and to display high-quality images as required. There is an effect that can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a video monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a video monitoring method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a video monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of search information.

FIG. 7 is a screen diagram showing an example of a search screen of the video surveillance system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a video monitoring system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a difference video generation part of a video monitoring system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram illustrating a video monitoring system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of search information.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional video monitoring system.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 camera, 12 camera input unit (input means), 13
Video storage unit (original video storage unit), 14, 30 Rate conversion processing unit (conversion unit), 15 transmission line interface unit (distribution unit), 17 transmission line, 18 transmission line interface unit (display unit), 19 display device interface Unit (display means), 21 video display device (display means), 2
2, 23 Parameter setting section (setting means), 24, 27
Transmission path interface unit (display means, transmission means), 2
5, 29 transmission line interface unit (distribution unit, transmission unit), 26 video search interface unit (designation unit),
28 terminal-side video storage unit (simple video storage means), 31
A simple video storage unit (simplified video storage unit), a 32 rate conversion processing unit (difference calculation unit), a 33 differential video storage unit (differential video storage unit), and a 34 display device interface unit (display unit, generation unit).

Claims (14)

[Claims] An input means for acquiring video information from a camera and digitizing the video information, an original video storage means for storing video information digitized by the input means, and various data rates of the video information Conversion means for converting the data rate of the current video information digitized by the input means or the data rate of past video information stored by the original video storage means in accordance with the parameter. A video surveillance system comprising: a distribution unit that distributes video information converted by the conversion unit; and a display unit that displays a video according to the video information distributed by the distribution unit. 2. An input means for acquiring video information from a camera and digitizing the video information, an original video storage means for storing video information digitized by the input means, and various data rates of the video information. Setting means for setting a parameter for designating the data rate of the current video information digitized by the input means or the data rate of past video information stored by the original video storage means. A video surveillance system comprising: conversion means for converting the video information converted according to the parameters; distribution means for distributing the video information converted by the conversion means; and display means for displaying a video in accordance with the video information distributed by the distribution means. . 3. The image according to claim 2, wherein the setting means is provided on the display means side, and transmission means is provided for transmitting the parameters set by the setting means to the conversion means via a transmission path. Monitoring system. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit converts at least one of a frame rate, an image size, a transmission rate, and a coding method of the video information. 2. The video surveillance system according to claim 1. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion unit converts a data rate of the video information corresponding to the search information when the search information specifying the specification of the video is input. The video monitoring system according to claim 1. 6. The video surveillance system according to claim 5, further comprising designating means for designating search information for specifying video specifications. 7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of: setting the designation means on the display means side, and providing transmission means for transmitting the search information designated by the designation means to the conversion means via a transmission path. Video surveillance system. 8. The video monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a simple video storage means for storing video information distributed by the distribution means is provided on the display means side. system. 9. A simple video storage means for storing the video information converted by the conversion means is provided on the conversion means side, and the video information previously converted according to the same parameters is already stored in the simple video storage means. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the conversion is performed, the conversion unit does not execute the conversion processing and distributes the video information.
The video surveillance system according to the item. 10. The image size of video information whose data rate has been converted by the conversion means is made to match the image size of video information whose data rate has not been converted by the conversion means, and then a difference between the video information is obtained. Difference calculation means, difference video storage means for storing the video information of the difference obtained by the difference calculation means, and video information stored by the difference video storage means and video information stored by the simple video storage means. 9. The video surveillance system according to claim 8, further comprising a generation unit that generates video information of image quality. 11. A plurality of conversion means and display means are provided,
If the parameters given to the plurality of conversion means are the same, only one of the conversion means executes the conversion processing, and distributes the video information as the processing result to the plurality of display means. The video surveillance system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: 12. A display device comprising: a plurality of conversion means; a display means capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of video images; and the video information converted by the plurality of conversion means is distributed to the display means. The video surveillance system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 13. After digitizing video information obtained from a camera, the video information is stored, and the data rate of the digitized current video information or the data rate of the current video information is stored in accordance with a parameter designating various data rates of the video information. A video monitoring method for converting a data rate of accumulated past video information, distributing the converted video information, and displaying a video according to the video information. 14. After digitizing video information obtained from a camera, the video information is stored, and a parameter for designating various data rates of the video information is set.
The data rate of the digitized current video information or the data rate of the stored past video information is converted according to the parameter, the converted video information is distributed, and the video is displayed according to the video information. Video surveillance method.