KR102671093B1 - Surveillance camera system and the control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera that monitors a first surveillance area; a plurality of second cameras monitoring different second surveillance areas; It includes a communication network that interconnects the first camera and the second camera, and the first camera sends an “event handover reception possible” message through the communication network indicating that the first camera can handover an event to occur in the first surveillance area. Broadcast.

Description

Surveillance camera system and the control method thereof}

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a surveillance camera system, and more specifically, to a surveillance camera system that can more conveniently perform handover settings between a plurality of cameras and a control method thereof.

Recently, the number of cases where surveillance camera systems are installed inside, outside, or on the streets of buildings for various purposes such as crime prevention, security, and store management is increasing.

Most surveillance camera systems use multiple cameras to continuously monitor moving subjects. The camera that detects the first event (e.g., a traffic accident event) measures the location of the subject (e.g., the vehicle where the event occurred) and then detects the subject. A method of sharing location information with other nearby cameras or cameras throughout the system so that when a subject leaves the surveillance area of the camera being monitored, nearby cameras can conduct continuous surveillance based on the measured location information of the subject. has been adopted

However, the camera that detected the event must know in advance the information of the camera that will later receive the event, and this has the disadvantage of requiring the administrator to repeatedly perform settings for each camera.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when a first camera that wants to receive an event broadcasts a receivable message, the second camera that is to transmit the event responds with predetermined information, and the first camera sets a preset in response. , Provides a surveillance camera system and its control method that can more conveniently perform handover settings between multiple cameras.

In order to achieve the above object, a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first camera that monitors a first surveillance area; a plurality of second cameras monitoring different second surveillance areas; It includes a communication network that interconnects the first camera and the second camera, and the first camera sends an “event handover reception possible” message through the communication network indicating that the first camera can handover an event to occur in the first surveillance area. Broadcast.

Each of the second cameras that has received the broadcasted “event handover reception possible” message may transmit unique camera information and thumbnail image information for the corresponding surveillance area to the first camera through the communication network.

The first camera may set a preset corresponding to an event to occur in the first surveillance area, which is its surveillance area, based on information transmitted from each of the second cameras.

A method of controlling a surveillance camera system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of a first camera broadcasting on a network a message indicating that an event to occur in a first surveillance area can be handed over to the event; Upon receiving the broadcasted “event handover reception possible” message, a plurality of second cameras monitoring different second surveillance areas transmit their respective camera-specific information and thumbnail image information for the corresponding surveillance area to the first camera. Transmitting: storing and maintaining information transmitted from the plurality of second cameras in the first camera and displaying them in the form of a predetermined user interface; setting a preset of a first camera corresponding to an event to occur in the first surveillance area based on information transmitted from the plurality of second cameras; and controlling the operation of the first camera according to the set preset when an event occurs in the second surveillance area.

In the step of setting the preset, a preset may be set to enable handover of event information occurring in one of the different second surveillance areas.

The step of storing unique information of the first camera as a destination for the plurality of second cameras to forward an event when an event occurs in their surveillance area may be further included.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, when a first camera that wants to receive an event broadcasts a receivable message, the second camera that is to transmit the event returns predetermined information, and the first camera responds in response. By setting presets, handover settings between multiple cameras can be performed more conveniently.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the first and second cameras in FIG. 1.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a control method of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The content described in the background technology column of the above invention is only intended to help understand the background technology of the technical idea of the present invention, and therefore, it can be understood as content corresponding to prior art known to those skilled in the art of the present invention. does not exist.

In the description below, for purposes of explanation and to facilitate understanding of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is clear that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or in one or more equivalent ways. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagrams to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

Each block in the attached block diagram may be executed by computer program instructions (execution engine), and these computer program instructions may be mounted on a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the computer or The instructions executed through the processor of other programmable data processing equipment create a means of performing the functions described in each block of the block diagram.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement a function in a particular manner, so that the computer-usable or computer-readable memory The instructions stored in can also produce manufactured items containing instruction means that perform the functions described in each block of the block diagram.

In addition, computer program instructions can also be mounted on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, so a series of operation steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a process that is executed by the computer and runs on the computer or other program. Instructions that perform possible data processing equipment may also provide functions for executing functions described in each block of the block diagram.

Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing specified logical functions, and in some alternative embodiments, the functions mentioned in the blocks or steps may be sequenced. It is also possible to occur outside of .

In other words, it is possible for the two blocks shown to be performed substantially at the same time, and it is also possible for the blocks to be performed in the reverse order of the corresponding functions as needed.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to “include” a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary. Unless otherwise defined, the terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention pertains.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the first and second cameras in FIG. 1 .

First, referring to FIG. 1, a surveillance camera control system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of surveillance cameras. The plurality of surveillance cameras may include a first camera 10 and a second camera 20. Additionally, it may include a communication network 40 that interconnects the first camera 10 and the second camera 20. Additionally, it may include a server 30 that can be connected to the first camera 10 or the second camera 20 through the communication network 40. The second camera 20 may be a plurality of second cameras 20a, 20b, and 20c.

The surveillance camera control system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first camera 10 and a plurality of second cameras 20a, 20b, and 20c capable of transmitting and receiving data with the first camera 10. there is. 1 shows three second cameras 20a, 20b, and 20c, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the surveillance camera control system may include one or any number of second cameras 20. You can.

The first camera 10 or the second camera 20 may be a surveillance camera of the surveillance camera control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first camera 10 or the second camera 20 may be a surveillance camera that is placed at a fixed location in a specific location and monitors a specific area in the specific location. Additionally, the first camera 10 or the second camera 20 may be a PTZ camera with pan, tilt, and zoom functions. The first camera 10 or the second camera 20 may have a function of recording or taking pictures of the area monitored by each surveillance camera. The first camera 10 or the second camera 20 may have the function of recording sounds generated in the area monitored by each surveillance camera.

Hereinafter, the area monitored by the surveillance camera may be referred to as a surveillance area. Specifically, the area monitored by the first camera 10 may be referred to as a first surveillance area, and the areas monitored by each of the second cameras 20a, 20b, and 20c are respectively a 2a surveillance area and a 2nd surveillance area. It may be referred to as a 2b surveillance area, and a 2c surveillance area.

The server 30 may be a server for storing data (eg, surveillance data) collected through the first camera 10 or the second camera 20. Although one server is shown in Figure 1, multiple servers may exist depending on the amount of data.

In Figure 1, the first camera 10 is shown as being connected to transmit and receive surveillance data directly with the second camera 20 through the communication network 40, but the first camera 10 and the second camera 20 Transmission and reception of monitoring data between devices may be performed through the server 30. That is, for example, data transmitted as an electronic signal from the first camera 10 is transmitted to the server 30 through the communication network 40, and then from the server 30 to the second camera through the communication network 40. The data can also be transmitted to (20). Data collected through the first camera 10 or the second camera 20 may be stored in a memory built into the surveillance camera that captured the data.

The communication network 40 serves to connect the first camera 10 and the second camera 20. Additionally, the communication network 40 may serve to connect the first camera 10 and the second camera 20 with the server 30. In other words, the communication network 40 refers to a communication network that provides a connection path to transmit and receive data between the first camera 10 and the second camera 20.

The communication network 40 is, for example, a wired network such as LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), and ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), wireless LANs, CDMA, Bluetooth, satellite communication, etc. may cover wireless networks, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 2, the surveillance camera includes an image acquisition unit 50, a control unit 60, and a communication unit 70. The surveillance camera may be the first camera 10 and/or the second camera 20 shown in FIG. 1.

The image acquisition unit 50 acquires real-time image signals from an imaging device such as one or more fixed cameras. The image acquisition unit 50 may be composed of an image sensor, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and a lens that transmits light to the image sensor.

The control unit 60 controls the overall operation of the surveillance camera and may include an image processing unit 62, a memory 64, and a PTZ control unit 66.

The image processing unit 62 processes video signals input in real time and generates surveillance images. The surveillance video is an image that captures a surveillance area of a corresponding camera, and may include predetermined thumbnail image information corresponding to the surveillance area and image information of an event captured in the surveillance area.

The memory 64 may store and manage image information generated by the image processing unit 62, camera-specific information (eg, camera ID), and camera location information.

The PTZ control unit 66 can change the PTZ coordinates of the camera according to set preset information. The preset information can be set by an administrator through the server 30, for example. The administrator can control the camera's position, direction, zoom degree, etc. by changing PTZ coordinates using the camera's preset information.

The control unit 60 may be implemented as a processor, and the processor may be configured to process commands of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input/output operations. The command may be provided to the processor, that is, the control unit 60, by the memory 64. As an example, the control unit 60 may be configured to execute received commands according to program codes stored in a recording device such as memory 64.

Here, the control unit 60 may be implemented to execute instructions according to the operating system code and at least one program code included in the memory 64. At this time, the components within the control unit 60, that is, the image processing unit 62 and the PTZ control unit 66, perform functions performed by the control unit 60 according to control commands provided by the program code stored in the memory 64. It can also be understood as expressing different functions separately.

The communication unit 70 is composed of a communication module and an antenna, and is connected to the control unit 60 to transmit information such as images from the image processing unit 62 to the server 30 or other cameras.

For example, when the camera is the first camera 10 shown in FIG. 1, the first camera 10 sends an “event handover reception possible” message to other cameras through the communication unit 70. That is, it can be broadcast to the second camera 20.

In addition, the second camera 20, which has received the broadcasted “event handover reception possible” message of the first camera 10, receives its own information (e.g. camera ID, camera location information) stored in the memory 64. etc.) and thumbnail image information for the corresponding surveillance area can be transmitted to the first camera 10 through the communication unit 70.

Additionally, the server 30 may set preset information for the first camera based on information broadcast from the first camera 10 and/or information transmitted from the second camera 20, and the first camera 10 When event information is transmitted from the second camera, the operation of the camera may be controlled by a preset.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control method of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The control operation of the surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 as follows.

First, referring to FIG. 3, the first camera 10 can monitor the first surveillance area 100, the 2a camera 20a can monitor the 2a surveillance area 200a, and the 2b camera (20b) can monitor the 2b surveillance area 200b, and the 2c camera 20c can monitor the 2c surveillance area 200c.

The first camera 10 sends a message indicating that it can handover an event that will occur in the first surveillance area 100, which is its own surveillance area, that is, an “event handover reception possible” message to the network (communication network in FIG. 1). , 40) can be broadcast on. In other words, although no special events are currently occurring, other cameras, that is, the 2a to 2c cameras 20a, 20b, and 20c, are ready to receive handover for events that will occur in other surveillance areas. It can be broadcast (ST 400) through a network (communication network 40 in FIG. 1).

Afterwards, the second cameras that receive the “event handover reception possible” message broadcast from the first camera 10 receive their own information (e.g. camera ID, camera location information, etc.) stored in the memory 64 and the corresponding Thumbnail image information about the surveillance area can be transmitted to the first camera 10 through the communication unit 70 (ST 410).

That is, if the 2a to 2c cameras (20a, 20b, 20c) each receive a broadcast message from the first camera 10, each of the 2a to 2c cameras (20a, 20b, 20c) As camera-specific information, IP information, host name, preset number, etc., and thumbnail image information corresponding to the second to second surveillance areas 200a, 200b, and 200c may be transmitted to the first camera 10.

In addition, each of the 2a to 2c cameras (20a, 20b, 20c) sets the first camera as a destination to deliver the event when an event occurs in the 2a to 2c surveillance areas (200a, 200b, 200c), which are its surveillance areas. 1 Unique information (e.g. camera ID, location information, etc.) of the camera 10 can be stored in its memory 64.

Next, the first camera 10 stores information (camera-specific information and thumbnail image information) transmitted from each of the 2a to 2c cameras 20a, 20b, and 20c in its memory 64. and can be maintained (ST 420).

At this time, the first camera 10 may display the information transmitted from the plurality of second cameras to the manager in the form of a predetermined user interface (UI) under the control of the control unit 60. The manager can check the displayed information through the server 30 or directly through the screen of the first camera 10.

Thereafter, the first camera 10 monitors the first camera 10, which is its own surveillance area, based on the information (camera unique information and thumbnail image information) transmitted from each of the 2a to 2c cameras 20a, 20b, and 20c. 1 A preset corresponding to an event that will occur in the surveillance area 100 can be set (ST 430).

Preset settings for the first camera 10 can be directly performed by an administrator using the displayed user interface, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the server 30 or the first camera 10 has a function of directly specifying a preset by analyzing information (thumbnail image information) automatically transmitted by the system without the administrator having to directly view and control the user interface. can be performed. As an example, a preset can be automatically specified by installing an algorithm that can determine which screen angle of the image transmitted as thumbnail image information is most similar to the screen angle of the first camera 10 that receives the event. There is.

Thereafter, when an event occurs in at least one of the 2a to 2c surveillance areas (200a, 200b, 200c) and the information is transmitted to the first camera 10, the first camera 10 is activated according to a preset. It is controlled and a monitoring operation is performed (ST 440).

Taking the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the 2a camera 20a transmits the event A detected in the 2a surveillance area 200a, that is, the event A in which the running person 30a is detected, to the first camera 10. ) can be transmitted to.

Likewise, the 2b camera 20b may transmit the event B detected in the 2b surveillance area 200b, that is, the event B in which the wandering person 30b is detected, to the first camera 10, and the 2c camera 20c ) may transmit the event C detected in the second monitoring area 200c, that is, the traffic accident 30c, to the first camera 10.

Accordingly, the first camera 10 may be operated to monitor a specific event among the transmitted events according to a preset preset.

For example, in the step of setting the preset, if the preset is set to monitor an event to be detected in the second c surveillance area 200c, the first camera is set according to the set preset in response to the event C information being transmitted. The position, direction, zoom level, etc. of (10) are controlled to monitor the event C.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the 2a to 2c cameras 20a, 20b, and 20c only need to properly transmit a response to the “event handover reception possible” message broadcast by the first camera 10. Therefore, there is no need for the manager to separately control each of the second cameras during handover.

In addition, the administrator can select the most appropriate preset among the presets provided by the first camera 10 through the thumbnail image information transmitted by the second camera 20, or set a new appropriate preset, thereby enabling more convenient and accurate handover monitoring. You can build a system.

As described above, the present invention has been described with specific details such as specific components and limited embodiments and drawings, but this is only provided to facilitate a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. , those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from this description.

Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and the scope of the patent claims described later as well as all things that are equivalent or equivalent to the scope of this patent claim shall fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. .

Claims (6)

a first camera monitoring a first surveillance area;
a plurality of second cameras monitoring different second surveillance areas;
It includes a communication network interconnecting the first camera and the second camera,
The first camera broadcasts an “event handover reception possible” message through the communication network indicating that the first camera can handover an event to occur in the first surveillance area before the event occurs in the first surveillance area,
When an event occurs in one of the different second surveillance areas, the first camera adjusts the shooting direction and zoom to an area where the occurred event can be monitored among the first surveillance areas according to a preset. surveillance camera system. According to claim 1,
A surveillance camera system in which each second camera that has received the broadcasted “event handover reception possible” message transmits each camera’s unique information and thumbnail image information for the corresponding surveillance area to the first camera through the communication network. . According to claim 1,
A surveillance camera system in which the first camera sets a preset corresponding to an event to occur in the first surveillance area, which is its surveillance area, based on information transmitted from each of the second cameras. A first camera broadcasting a message on the network indicating that an event to occur in the first surveillance area can be handed over before the event occurs in the first surveillance area;
Upon receiving the broadcasted “event handover reception possible” message, a plurality of second cameras monitoring different second surveillance areas transmit their respective camera-specific information and thumbnail image information for the corresponding surveillance area to the first camera. Steps to transfer:
storing and maintaining information transmitted from the plurality of second cameras in the first camera and displaying them in the form of a predetermined user interface;
setting a preset of a first camera corresponding to an event to occur in the first surveillance area based on information transmitted from the plurality of second cameras; and
A step of controlling the operation of the first camera according to the set preset when an event occurs in one of the different second surveillance areas,
The step of controlling the operation of the first camera includes adjusting the shooting direction and zoom of the first camera to an area in the first surveillance area where the occurred event can be monitored according to the set preset. How to control the camera. According to clause 4,
In the step of setting the preset, a surveillance camera control method in which a preset is set to enable handover of event information occurring in one of the different second surveillance areas. According to clause 4,
The surveillance camera control method further includes the step of storing unique information of the first camera as a destination for the plurality of second cameras to forward the event when an event occurs in its surveillance area.

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