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EP1643471B1 - Surveillance system and camera thereto - Google Patents

Surveillance system and camera thereto Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1643471B1
EP1643471B1 EP04023209A EP04023209A EP1643471B1 EP 1643471 B1 EP1643471 B1 EP 1643471B1 EP 04023209 A EP04023209 A EP 04023209A EP 04023209 A EP04023209 A EP 04023209A EP 1643471 B1 EP1643471 B1 EP 1643471B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
camera
main station
surveillance system
images
alarm
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04023209A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1643471A1 (en
Inventor
Thomas Grellner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP04023209A priority Critical patent/EP1643471B1/en
Priority to DE502004007156T priority patent/DE502004007156D1/en
Priority to AT04023209T priority patent/ATE395677T1/en
Publication of EP1643471A1 publication Critical patent/EP1643471A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1643471B1 publication Critical patent/EP1643471B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
    • G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
    • G08B13/19665—Details related to the storage of video surveillance data
    • G08B13/19671—Addition of non-video data, i.e. metadata, to video stream
    • G08B13/19673—Addition of time stamp, i.e. time metadata, to video stream
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
    • G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
    • G08B13/19654—Details concerning communication with a camera
    • G08B13/19656—Network used to communicate with a camera, e.g. WAN, LAN, Internet
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
    • G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
    • G08B13/19665—Details related to the storage of video surveillance data
    • G08B13/19669—Event triggers storage or change of storage policy
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/194—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems
    • G08B13/196—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
    • G08B13/19697—Arrangements wherein non-video detectors generate an alarm themselves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring a predetermined area. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a camera which is designed to realize such a monitoring system.
  • Surveillance systems intended to monitor certain areas or facilities are usually based on the use of one or more sensors which, when interconnected, form an alarm system, which in turn is connected to a central facility, such as the control center of a security service.
  • the sensors which are e.g. can act motion or glass breakage sensors, thereby detecting the presence of an alarm situation, such as the unauthorized presence of a person in the area to be monitored or the destruction of a window, and then generate an alarm signal, which is transmitted to the central facility.
  • an alarm situation such as the unauthorized presence of a person in the area to be monitored or the destruction of a window
  • an alarm signal which is transmitted to the central facility.
  • a member of the security service will personally visit the area to be monitored to determine if there is an actual alert situation and, if so, whether to take certain action.
  • video surveillance systems are often used.
  • a plurality of video cameras are provided which create images of their assigned areas and continuously forward to a monitoring center.
  • this monitoring center which is usually located at a specific location within the building or area to be monitored, these images are then monitored and analyzed by suitably trained personnel, taking appropriate action in detecting an unusual situation in the images transmitted by the cameras be initiated. For example, in such cases, security personnel are informed that a particular area should be investigated more closely.
  • control center in which the images of the various surveillance cameras are evaluated, is usually arranged directly in the area or building itself to be monitored. Furthermore, the control of the cameras takes place from the control center, that is, the switching on and off as well as the retrieval of images by control commands that are transmitted from the control center to the cameras.
  • the present invention has for its object to provide a novel way to monitor predetermined areas.
  • the monitoring system should be as insensitive to external interference as possible, on the other hand, it should be possible for a user of the monitoring system to react flexibly to the occurrence of an alarm situation. The prerequisite for this is that the user of the monitoring system is already informed as extensively as possible about the current situation in the monitored area when the alarm state is notified.
  • the object is achieved by a monitoring system according to the independent claim 1 or by a method for monitoring a predetermined range according to claim 15.
  • the monitoring system has at least one camera directed towards a region to be monitored, a sensor for detecting an alarm situation in the area to be monitored and a central station connected to the camera, the camera being designed to detect an alarm situation transmit the sensor of at least one image of the area to be monitored to the center, and further wherein the control center has a communication unit which transmits an alarm message to a receiver upon receipt of the image from the camera.
  • the term "connected” is to be understood as meaning that a data exchange, possibly also in a wireless manner, between the camera and the control center is possible.
  • the central idea of the present invention is therefore that a video camera is provided, in the field of view of the monitored area, and that the camera if necessary on its own, so independently and without the appropriate request by an external control signal at least one image of the monitoring area to the central office.
  • the function of the camera is such that no image is transmitted from the area to be monitored to the control center during a normal monitoring phase.
  • the camera is thus in a standby state, in which, according to a preferred embodiment, it regularly records images of the area to be monitored, but does not forward them to the central office.
  • the camera is immediately active and creates at least one image of the area to be monitored or accesses the most recent of the recorded images, which then serves as a corresponding alarm signal the control center is transmitted.
  • the image of the area to be monitored transmitted by the camera thus replaces the conventional alarm signal of classic alarm systems, which are based solely on the use of sensors.
  • the system according to the present invention differs in that the camera and the sensor in combination form a separate unit, which is able to independently detect an alarm situation and in this case then a corresponding image information containing signal to the control center to convey. A permanent evaluation of the permanently transmitted from different cameras video images is not required.
  • the use of the communication unit in the control center gives a user of the monitoring system the possibility of flexibly determining to what extent the reaction to an alarm situation should be made.
  • a user of the system can determine for himself, in which way then an alarm message and to which recipient should be transmitted.
  • the camera is connected to the center via a communication network, in particular via the Internet.
  • the camera which can also be part of a local network, for example, has corresponding connection and data transmission means for connection to the local network or to a DSL or cable router.
  • a special feature of the monitoring system according to the invention is that the monitoring of the camera without a communication from the Internet into the local network is carried out.
  • a possibly existing firewall which allows access to Internet web pages accordingly does not constitute an obstacle insofar as the communication between the camera and a server arranged in the central office takes place in the same way as the classic retrieval of web pages. It is essential here that communication between the camera and the control panel basically takes place from the camera.
  • the communication between the camera and the control center thus takes place directly between the two components, without effecting the influence of the local network.
  • This avoids the possibility of tampering with the local network, which may affect the functionality of the monitoring system.
  • the configuration of the monitoring system for example, the change of information, in which way from the communication unit of the center in case of need alarm messages to be transmitted, is made in this case exclusively via the center itself. Changes to the functional parameters of the camera or the implementation of updates and the like are made exclusively via the control center, whereby the entire system is very insensitive to external interference or tampering.
  • the camera may have, for example, additional receiving means with the aid of external activation information can be received. It is preferably provided to enable the switching on and off of the camera, that is to say the arming or disarming of the monitoring system in the form of radio signals.
  • Another aspect of the present invention relates to the behavior of the camera after an alarm condition has been detected by the sensor, which is preferably an integral part of the camera.
  • the camera records a sequence of several images which are transmitted successively to the central office. So that at least a first image can be forwarded as immediately as possible to the center, it is provided that the first image is highly compressed for fast transmission and sent directly to the central office. The time required for this is less than 3 seconds, so that even in the case of a burglary with destruction sequence of the camera at least one image to the control panel can be transmitted.
  • the further images transmitted to the panel in the sequence will then preferably have a lower compression to allow for the ability to see more detail in the images.
  • the image sequence is recorded by the camera only in the case of detection of an alarm condition, in the already mentioned above preferred alternative variant, however, provided that the camera continuously records images and stores them in a ring memory. In the event of detection of an alarm condition, the images stored in the memory can then be accessed directly.
  • the recorded images are preferably provided with a date and time stamp.
  • the overall system is also designed with a functionality monitoring, which is provided that the camera transmits a control signal to the control center at regular intervals. If, on the other hand, there is no transmission of a scheduled control signal, this is interpreted by the control center as having a fault condition in the monitoring system. Also in this case, the generation of an alarm message can be provided.
  • the alarm messages issued by the control center upon receipt of the images from the camera can be transmitted in various ways. So u. a. the ability to send SMS or MMS messages. It would also be conceivable to transmit e-mail or voice messages as well as to inform a call center or the headquarters of a monitoring control center, where the user of the system can freely choose to whom and in which way corresponding information is transmitted.
  • a central element of the monitoring system is the camera, which has a sensor for detecting an alarm situation in the area to be monitored or connectable to such a sensor, wherein the camera further comprises means for transmitting at least one image of the area to be monitored to a center after detection has an alarm situation by the sensor.
  • a further independent claim accordingly also relates to such a camera configured according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows first schematically the structure of the generally provided with the reference numeral 1 monitoring system, which is for monitoring a region 100 - which is, for example, an office or business space - is provided.
  • Essential components of the monitoring system 1 are on the one hand a camera 10 for on-demand recording of image information about the area to be monitored 100 and on the other a central office 30, which receives information transmitted by the camera 10 and if necessary alarm messages to a user of the system or to a transmitted by the user selected person or device, for example, to the control center 40 of a security service.
  • the monitoring method according to the invention is based on the use of one or more video cameras 10, which are part of a local network and can be connected via a communication network to a service or server 31 located in the control center.
  • the connection of the camera 10 to the server 31 via the Internet 50, to which the camera 10 - as will be explained later - has appropriate means for data communication.
  • the method according to the invention is scalable for several hundred thousand such local networks.
  • a key point of the method according to the invention is to initiate the monitoring of both the camera 10 and the area 100 monitored by the camera 10 without communication from the Internet 50 into the local network. Accordingly, a possibly existing firewall which allows access to Internet websites does not constitute an obstacle insofar as the communication between camera 10 and server 31 is initiated by the camera 10 and takes place in the same way as the invocation of normal web pages ,
  • FIG. 2 The essential element of this camera 10 is first an optical unit 11 for optical monitoring of the area 100.
  • the optical unit 11 may be provided, for example, by CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semi-conductor ) Technology to create individual images or a video stream that is passed to a processing unit 15.
  • CMOS complementary metal oxide semi-conductor
  • a processing unit 15 Within this processing unit 15, a corresponding electronics 16 is provided for processing the image information received by the optical unit 11, which stores an adjustable number of individual images or a temporally limited video data stream in a ring buffer 19a.
  • Another essential element of the camera 10 is also a monitoring sensor 12, with the aid of which an alarm state is detected in the space 100 to be monitored.
  • this sensor 12 may be a PIR (pyroelectric infrared) motion sensor which detects the movement of heat radiation emitting sources within the area 100 to be monitored.
  • Corresponding signals from the sensor 12 are also forwarded to an electronic unit 17 within the processing unit 15, which starts the alarm scenario, which will be described in more detail later, when the sensor 12 detects an alarm situation.
  • an RF (radio-frequency) radio receiver 13 is also provided on the camera, which is also connected to a control unit 18 within the processing unit 15 and which allows the monitoring activity of the camera 10 to be switched on and off via a radio transmitter. Signals from the sensor 12 or the receiver 13 are monitored by the corresponding units 17 and 18 within the processing unit 15 and evaluated to control the behavior of the camera 10.
  • a further memory 19b can additionally be provided, which can be used to store configuration data relating to the behavior of the camera 10.
  • the camera 10 can also have digital inputs and outputs for connecting additional accessories, eg additional sensors. The arrangement of LEDs on the outside of the camera 10, which signal the state of the monitoring system can be provided.
  • the senor 12 is an integral part of the camera 10. Alternatively, however, it could be provided that the sensor 12 forms a separate component and is connected to the camera 10 via lines or wirelessly. It would also be conceivable to connect a plurality of sensors to the camera 10, which need not be exclusively motion detectors. For example, The use of glass-breakage sensors or similar detectors conceivable.
  • the processing unit 15 forming the central unit of the camera 10 is capable of exchanging data with the center, more precisely with the server located in the center. This is preferably done by means of IP (Internet Protocol) from a LAN or WLAN via an interface according to the IEEE Standard 802.3, 802.11 (a / b / g / i).
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • the interface unit 20 provided for this purpose is designed in such a way that the data connection is encrypted by means of HTTPS.
  • the interface is equipped with a 10/100 Mbit / s Ethernet port.
  • an appropriately configured router is provided for the transition between the local network and the preferably used broadband connection to the Internet.
  • a broadband connection in particular DSL and cable modem connections can be used, which allow at least a data transfer rate of 128 Kbit per second from the local network to the Internet and are permanently connected to the Internet.
  • the router also periodically provides Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to dynamically assign an IP address and other configuration parameters.
  • DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
  • the structure of the server 31, whose primary task is the forwarding of received alarm signals from the camera, is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 shown.
  • the server 31 is operated in a highly available data center, which has several independently operating Internet connections for security reasons. This ensures that the monitoring system is always available to the user.
  • the server 31 itself represents a connection system, which is distributed over several computers 33 to 35. By appropriate separations of these computers 33 to 35 means multiple firewalls 36 and 37 can be ensured that the billing-relevant parts of the system, which include, for example, customer data, are separated from the other components of the system, in particular the Internet platform, which is accessible to the customers.
  • the applications of the server 31 are accordingly divided into three different areas, which are processed by the three different computers 33 to 35. These are the areas of terminal access, customer access and sales access.
  • the terminal access receives the signals and video data from the cameras and processes them according to the configurations chosen by the customer.
  • Customer access allows configuration adjustments, modifications to the contract between the customer and the monitoring system operator, and access and download of a video and alarm archive accessible to the customer via a web browser.
  • the customer receives an account on the server 31. All inputs are then made via web pages provided by the server 31, wherein the access is secured on the basis of SSL.
  • the configuration of service parameters for example the indication of telephone numbers of a recipient who is to be notified in the event of an alarm, is carried out exclusively via the server 31.
  • a direct configuration of the camera in the local network is preferably not supported, as this manipulation is excluded. To allow for an exact billing of the services used by the customer, all changes are recorded in a timely manner.
  • a further characteristic of the server 31 is that the customer access enables the activation or deactivation of the monitoring function of the camera 10. This process, which will be described later, is also referred to as arming or disarming the system. Activating or. However, disabling the camera can not only be done via the web browser via the interposition of the server 31, but also - as already in connection with FIG. 2 was explained - with the help of a remote control. Furthermore, it would also be possible to make the focus and disarming via a mobile phone via SMS or the like. In this case, the activation / deactivation signal is preferably confirmed by means of a PIN code.
  • a special feature of the monitoring system according to the invention also exists in the manner of the transmission of data between the camera 10 and the Server 31. It is intended that any data transfer using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http) via SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or https takes place. Influencing the communication or changing the data during its transmission through the Internet 50 is thereby almost impossible. The communication between both elements (camera 10 and server 31) is tunnelled, so to speak.
  • a special feature of the data transmission is further that a data transmission, in particular the transmission of the alarm information - always initiated by the camera 10 from.
  • a data transmission in particular the transmission of the alarm information - always initiated by the camera 10 from.
  • the camera 10 each a request to the server 31 and transmits information to this, and this answers exactly to this one data transmission.
  • a connection setup by a network participant to the camera 10 out is not required in this case and is not supported for security reasons.
  • the user of the monitoring system desires a live transmission of the images created by the camera 10, he must first specify a separate Internet address to which the camera transmits the images regardless of the presence of an alarm condition.
  • the measures described above can be used to prevent the functionality of the monitoring system from being impaired by external influence. A reconfiguration of the camera 10 or a manipulation by the direct action of a third party is thereby avoided. Only the server 31 is capable of this, but only after a connection has been established by the camera 10. The method according to the invention therefore does not require any opening of the local network in which the camera 10 is installed, so that there is a very high level of security with regard to the functionality of the monitoring system.
  • FIG. 5 again a simplified version of the system 1 is shown, which consists of the camera 10, the server 31 and the Internet 50 connecting both elements. Also shown are the routers 10a and 31a required for the communication and a firewall for monitoring the data transfer.
  • the initialization scenario is run through immediately during the first startup of the camera 10.
  • the camera 10 contacts the server 31 using secure data transmission (SSL or https) and is automatically recognized by the latter. If a contract exists for the operation of the camera 10 at the server 31, the camera 10 receives a so-called token (ie a bit sequence representing an electronic OK) to complete this scenario. This also allows the execution of the other three scenarios in the respective application.
  • the initialization scenario on the other hand, will be run through again only after a reset of the camera 10 or a power-off.
  • the lifebeat transmission scenario serves to monitor the functionality of the camera 10 by the server 31.
  • the server 31 monitors the camera 10 passively, i. it is provided in a normal state that the camera 10 transmits a control signal to the server 31 at regular time intervals. If the server 31 now receives no control signal, the so-called life-sign telegram, in a time interval agreed with the camera 10, the server 31 assumes that the transmission of alarms by the camera 10 is no longer properly ensured and accordingly alerts or Notify the user of the camera 10 or a person designated by the user.
  • the life sign transmission described above takes place permanently, ie at intervals of preferably less than one minute.
  • This scenario also serves a further purpose, which takes into account that the communication is bidirectional, but can only be initiated by the camera 10. Since it is not possible, starting from the server 31 to make a configuration of the camera 10, it is provided that the camera 10 basically receives a corresponding response signal as confirmation of the sign of life signal from the server 31. Is now a configuration of the camera 10 required, this configuration data, which include, for example, control commands or software updates, together with the response signal to the camera 10 are transmitted. In this way, despite the high security standards, the possibility opened, the camera 10 to reconfigure if necessary.
  • the third scenario switching on or off serves to transmit to the server 31 the state of the camera 10 with regard to the monitoring activity.
  • this is also referred to as arming or disarming.
  • the camera will not send an alarm or alarm images to the server, even if the sensor detects an alarm condition or the sensor itself is inactive. Only in the event that the camera is focused, or activated, the sensor can be triggered by the alarm scenario described below.
  • the arming or disarming takes place - as already mentioned - by the user of the monitoring system itself, by transmitting a corresponding command from the server 31 to the camera 10 in the context of the above-described question-answer communication or by directly activated by means of an RF signal or via an SMS message.
  • the SMS message it would of course also be possible to arm or disarm the camera by means of other transmission standards used by mobile telephones (for example by means of WAP or the like).
  • the alarm scenario is initiated in the event that when the camera 10 is in the armed state, the sensor recognizes an alarm situation within the area to be monitored.
  • the camera 10 records a plurality of images or an image sequence and transmits these images to the server 31.
  • the camera 10 in this case relies on the cyclically created image data already stored in the ring buffer.
  • an adjustable number of alarm images is sent to the server 31, which then stores the images and according to the current configuration of the system simultaneously with the first alarm image, the forwarding of an alarm message to the user of the camera 10 or to a person determined by the user, eg also to a manned control center 40 (shown in FIG FIG. 1 ) of a security service for further processing.
  • the images transmitted by the camera can be further evaluated to determine, for example, whether it is a false alarm or not.
  • the cause of the alarm be determined and determined, which measures are to be taken and who is to be notified.
  • a monitoring system which opens up the possibility of the user of the system in a very short time and in particular to transmit information about alarm conditions in an area to be monitored in knowledge.
  • the system according to the invention is characterized on the one hand by its high safety and on the other hand by its high flexibility. In particular, it is possible for a user of the system to freely choose the manner in which detected alarm situations are to be processed.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Library & Information Science (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The monitoring system (1) comprises a monitoring area (100) about which a camera (10) orientates and which has a sensor (12) to capture situations in the monitored area. The camera is linked to a central office (30) where the transmitted images from the camera are ascertained. The central office has a communication unit (32) which can trigger an emergency message as a result of the transmitted images. The camera is connected to the central office via a communications network (50) which is managed via an IP network. The camera has a rotary store (19a) for cyclic showing of intermediate images of the monitored area.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Überwachungssystem zum Überwachen eines vorgegebenen Bereichs. Ferner betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung eine Kamera, welche zur Realisierung eines derartigen Überwachungssystems ausgestaltet ist.The present invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring a predetermined area. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a camera which is designed to realize such a monitoring system.

Überwachungssysteme, mit denen bestimmte Bereiche oder Einrichtungen überwacht werden sollen, beruhen in der Regel auf dem Einsatz eines oder mehrerer Sensoren, welche zusammengeschaltet eine Alarmanlage bilden, die wiederum mit einer zentralen Einrichtung, beispielsweise der Leitstelle eines Sicherheitsdiensts verbunden ist. Die Sensoren, bei denen es sich z.B. um Bewegungsmelder oder Glasbruchsensoren handeln kann, erfassen dabei das Vorliegen einer Alarmsituation, beispielsweise die unerlaubte Anwesenheit einer Person in dem zu überwachenden Bereich oder das Zerstören eines Fensters, und erzeugen daraufhin ein Alarmsignal, welches an die zentrale Einrichtung übermittelt wird. In der Regel wird auf den Erhalt dieser Alarmnachricht hin ein Mitglied des Sicherheitsdiensts den zu überwachenden Bereich persönlich aufsuchen, um festzustellen, ob tatsächlich eine Alarmsituation vorliegt und ob gegebenenfalls bestimmte Maßnahmen einzuleiten sind.Surveillance systems intended to monitor certain areas or facilities are usually based on the use of one or more sensors which, when interconnected, form an alarm system, which in turn is connected to a central facility, such as the control center of a security service. The sensors, which are e.g. can act motion or glass breakage sensors, thereby detecting the presence of an alarm situation, such as the unauthorized presence of a person in the area to be monitored or the destruction of a window, and then generate an alarm signal, which is transmitted to the central facility. Typically, upon receiving this alert, a member of the security service will personally visit the area to be monitored to determine if there is an actual alert situation and, if so, whether to take certain action.

Neben diesen klassischen Überwachungssystemen, die auf Alarmanlagen mit Sensoren basieren, kommen oftmals auch Videoüberwachungssysteme zum Einsatz. Bei derartigen Systemen sind eine Vielzahl von Videokameras vorgesehen, welche Bilder der ihnen zugeordneten Bereiche erstellen und fortwährend an eine Überwachungszentrale weiterleiten. In dieser Überwachungszentrale, die in der Regel an einer bestimmten Stelle innerhalb des zu überwachenden Gebäudes oder Bereichs angeordnet ist, werden dann diese Bilder von einem entsprechend ausgebildeten Personal überwacht und analysiert, wobei bei Erkennen einer ungewöhnlichen Situation in den von den Kameras übermittelten Bildern geeignete Maßnahmen eingeleitet werden. Beispielsweise wird in solchen Fällen das Wachpersonal darüber informiert, dass ein bestimmter Bereich näher untersucht werden sollte.In addition to these classic surveillance systems, which are based on alarm systems with sensors, video surveillance systems are often used. In such systems, a plurality of video cameras are provided which create images of their assigned areas and continuously forward to a monitoring center. In this monitoring center, which is usually located at a specific location within the building or area to be monitored, these images are then monitored and analyzed by suitably trained personnel, taking appropriate action in detecting an unusual situation in the images transmitted by the cameras be initiated. For example, in such cases, security personnel are informed that a particular area should be investigated more closely.

Charakteristisch für diese klassischen Videoüberwachungssysteme ist, dass die Zentrale, in der die Bilder der verschiedenen Überwachungskameras ausgewertet werden, in der Regel unmittelbar in dem zu überwachenden Bereich bzw. Gebäude selbst angeordnet ist. Ferner erfolgt die Ansteuerung der Kameras von der Zentrale aus, d.h., das Ein- und Ausschalten sowie das Abrufen von Bildern erfolgt durch Steuerbefehle, die von der Zentrale aus zu den Kameras übermittelt werden.Characteristic of these classic video surveillance systems is that the control center, in which the images of the various surveillance cameras are evaluated, is usually arranged directly in the area or building itself to be monitored. Furthermore, the control of the cameras takes place from the control center, that is, the switching on and off as well as the retrieval of images by control commands that are transmitted from the control center to the cameras.

Schließlich ist es auch bekannt, selbstständig arbeitende Videokameras zur Überwachung von bestimmten Bereichen einzusetzen. Diese Kameras können zwar nicht unmittelbar dazu genutzt werden, einen aktuell vorliegenden Alarmzustand zu erkennen, allerdings zeichnen sie das Bild des zu überwachenden Bereichs für einen längeren Zeitraum auf. Wurde nun festgestellt, dass in dem Bereich eine Alarmsituation vorlag, dass also beispielsweise eingebrochen wurde, so kann nachträglich der von der Kamera aufgezeichnete Film ausgewertet werden, um eventuelle Ursachen für den Alarmzustand festzustellen.Finally, it is also known to use independent video cameras to monitor certain areas. Although these cameras can not be used directly to detect a current alarm condition, they record the image of the monitored area for a longer period of time. If it has now been determined that an alarm situation existed in the area, that is, for example, a collapse, the film recorded by the camera can subsequently be evaluated in order to determine possible causes of the alarm condition.

Dokument GB 2 389 978 offenbart ein Überwachungssystem nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.document GB 2 389 978 discloses a monitoring system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine neuartige Möglichkeit anzugeben, vorgegebene Bereiche zu überwachen. Dabei soll zum einen das Überwachungssystem möglichst unempfindlich gegenüber äußeren Störeinflüssen sein, zum anderen soll für einen Benutzer des Überwachungssystems die Möglichkeit bestehen, flexibel auf das Auftreten einer Alarmsituation hin reagieren zu können. Voraussetzung hierfür ist, dass der Benutzer des Überwachungssystems bereits bei der Benachrichtigung über den Alarmzustand möglichst umfangreich über die aktuelle Situation in dem überwachten Bereich informiert wird.The present invention has for its object to provide a novel way to monitor predetermined areas. On the one hand, the monitoring system should be as insensitive to external interference as possible, on the other hand, it should be possible for a user of the monitoring system to react flexibly to the occurrence of an alarm situation. The prerequisite for this is that the user of the monitoring system is already informed as extensively as possible about the current situation in the monitored area when the alarm state is notified.

Die Aufgabe wird durch ein Überwachungssystem gemäß dem unabhängigen Anspruch 1 bzw. durch ein Verfahren zum Überwachen eines vorgegebenen Bereichs gemäß Anspruch 15 gelöst.The object is achieved by a monitoring system according to the independent claim 1 or by a method for monitoring a predetermined range according to claim 15.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung basiert auf einer sog. ereignisorientierten Videoüberwachung. Das Überwachungssystem gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung weist hierzu zumindest eine auf einen zu überwachenden Bereich gerichtete Kamera, einen Sensor zum Erfassen einer Alarmsituation in dem zu überwachenden Bereich sowie eine mit der Kamera verbundene Zentrale auf, wobei die Kamera dazu ausgebildet ist, nach Feststellen einer Alarmsituation durch den Sensor von sich aus zumindest ein Bild des zu überwachenden Bereichs an die Zentrale zu übermitteln, und wobei ferner die Zentrale eine Kommunikationseinheit aufweist, welche auf den Empfang des Bildes von der Kamera hin eine Alarmnachricht an einen Empfänger übermittelt. Dabei ist der Begriff "verbunden" dahingehend zu verstehen, dass ein Datenaustausch, evtl. auch auf drahtlose Weise, zwischen Kamera und Zentrale möglich ist.The solution according to the invention is based on a so-called event-oriented video surveillance. For this purpose, the monitoring system according to the present invention has at least one camera directed towards a region to be monitored, a sensor for detecting an alarm situation in the area to be monitored and a central station connected to the camera, the camera being designed to detect an alarm situation transmit the sensor of at least one image of the area to be monitored to the center, and further wherein the control center has a communication unit which transmits an alarm message to a receiver upon receipt of the image from the camera. The term "connected" is to be understood as meaning that a data exchange, possibly also in a wireless manner, between the camera and the control center is possible.

Zentraler Gedanke der vorliegenden Erfindung ist also, dass eine Videokamera vorgesehen ist, in deren Blickfeld der zu überwachende Bereich liegt, und dass die Kamera im Bedarfsfall von sich aus, also selbständig und ohne die entsprechende Aufforderung durch ein externes Steuersignal zumindest ein Bild des zu überwachenden Bereichs an die Zentrale übermittelt. Die Funktion der Kamera ist dabei derart, dass während einer normalen Überwachungsphase kein Bild von dem zu überwachenden Bereich an die Zentrale übermittelt wird. Die Kamera befindet sich somit in einem Standby-Zustand, in dem sie zwar gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel regelmäßig Bilder von dem zu überwachenden Bereich aufzeichnet, jedoch nicht an die Zentrale weiterleitet. Wird nun allerdings mit Hilfe des Sensors festgestellt, dass eine Alarmsituation in dem zu überwachenden Bereich vorliegt, wird die Kamera augenblicklich aktiv und erstellt zumindest ein Bild des zu überwachenden Bereichs bzw. greift auf das aktuellste der aufgezeichneten Bilder zurück, welches dann als entsprechendes Alarmsignal an die Zentrale übermittelt wird. Das von der Kamera übermittelte Bild des zu überwachenden Bereichs ersetzt somit das herkömmliche Alarmsignal klassischer Alarmanlagen, die ausschließlich auf dem Einsatz von Sensoren beruhen.The central idea of the present invention is therefore that a video camera is provided, in the field of view of the monitored area, and that the camera if necessary on its own, so independently and without the appropriate request by an external control signal at least one image of the monitoring area to the central office. The function of the camera is such that no image is transmitted from the area to be monitored to the control center during a normal monitoring phase. The camera is thus in a standby state, in which, according to a preferred embodiment, it regularly records images of the area to be monitored, but does not forward them to the central office. If, however, it is now determined with the aid of the sensor that an alarm situation exists in the area to be monitored, the camera is immediately active and creates at least one image of the area to be monitored or accesses the most recent of the recorded images, which then serves as a corresponding alarm signal the control center is transmitted. The image of the area to be monitored transmitted by the camera thus replaces the conventional alarm signal of classic alarm systems, which are based solely on the use of sensors.

Gegenüber klassischen Videoüberwachungssystemen unterscheidet sich das System gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung darin, dass die Kamera und der Sensor in Kombination eine selbstständige Einheit bilden, welche in der Lage ist, selbständig eine Alarmsituation zu erkennen und in diesem Fall dann ein entsprechendes Bildinformationen enthaltendes Signal an die Zentrale zu übermitteln. Eine permanente Auswertung der von verschiedenen Kameras dauerhaft übermittelten Videobildern ist somit nicht erforderlich.Compared to conventional video surveillance systems, the system according to the present invention differs in that the camera and the sensor in combination form a separate unit, which is able to independently detect an alarm situation and in this case then a corresponding image information containing signal to the control center to convey. A permanent evaluation of the permanently transmitted from different cameras video images is not required.

Der Einsatz der Kommunikationseinheit in der Zentrale schließlich eröffnet einem Nutzer des Überwachungssystems die Möglichkeit, flexibel festzulegen, inwiefern auf das Auftreten einer Alarmsituation hin reagiert werden soll. Insbesondere kann ein Nutzer des Systems selbst bestimmen, in welcher Weise dann anschließend eine Alarmnachricht und an welchen Empfänger übermittelt werden soll.Finally, the use of the communication unit in the control center gives a user of the monitoring system the possibility of flexibly determining to what extent the reaction to an alarm situation should be made. In particular, a user of the system can determine for himself, in which way then an alarm message and to which recipient should be transmitted.

Weiterbildungen der vorliegenden Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche. Diese betreffen insbesondere die Ausgestaltung und Funktionsweise der Kamera sowie die Datenübermittlung zwischen der Kamera und der Zentrale.Further developments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims. These relate in particular to the design and operation of the camera and the data transmission between the camera and the control center.

So ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass die Kamera mit der Zentrale über ein Kommunikationsnetzwerk, insbesondere über das Internet verbunden ist. Die Kamera, die beispielsweise auch Bestandteil eines lokalen Netzwerks sein kann, weist hierzu entsprechende Anschluss- und Datenübertragungsmittel zur Anbindung an das lokale Netzwerk bzw. an einen DSL- oder Kabel-Router auf. Eine besondere Eigenschaft des erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystems besteht dabei darin, dass die Überwachung der Kamera ohne eine Kommunikation vom Internet in das lokale Netzwerk durchgeführt wird. Eine gegebenenfalls vorhandene Firewall, die den Zugriff auf Internet-Webseiten gestattet, stellt dementsprechend insofern kein Hindernis dar, als die Kommunikation zwischen der Kamera und einem in der Zentrale angeordneten Server auf dem gleichen Wege erfolgt, wie das klassische Abrufen von Webseiten. Wesentlich hierbei ist, dass ein Kommunikationsaufbau zwischen Kamera und Zentrale grundsätzlichen von der Kamera aus erfolgt.Thus, it is preferably provided that the camera is connected to the center via a communication network, in particular via the Internet. The camera, which can also be part of a local network, for example, has corresponding connection and data transmission means for connection to the local network or to a DSL or cable router. A special feature of the monitoring system according to the invention is that the monitoring of the camera without a communication from the Internet into the local network is carried out. A possibly existing firewall which allows access to Internet web pages accordingly does not constitute an obstacle insofar as the communication between the camera and a server arranged in the central office takes place in the same way as the classic retrieval of web pages. It is essential here that communication between the camera and the control panel basically takes place from the camera.

Die Kommunikation zwischen der Kamera und der Zentrale findet damit unmittelbar zwischen beiden Komponenten statt, ohne eine Einwirkung durch das lokale Netzwerk zu erwirken. Hierdurch wird vermieden, dass im lokalen Netz Manipulationen vorgenommen werden könnten, welche möglicherweise die Funktionalität des Überwachungssystems beeinträchtigen. Die Konfiguration des Überwachungssystems, beispielsweise die Änderung von Informationen, auf welche Weise von der Kommunikationseinheit der Zentrale im Bedarfsfall Alarmnachrichten übermittelt werden sollen, wird in diesem Fall ausschließlich über die Zentrale selbst vorgenommen. Auch Änderungen der Funktionsparameter der Kamera bzw. die Durchführung von Updates und dergleichen erfolgen ausschließlich über die Zentrale, wodurch das gesamte System sehr unempfindlich gegenüber äußeren Störungen oder Manipulationen ist.The communication between the camera and the control center thus takes place directly between the two components, without effecting the influence of the local network. This avoids the possibility of tampering with the local network, which may affect the functionality of the monitoring system. The configuration of the monitoring system, for example, the change of information, in which way from the communication unit of the center in case of need alarm messages to be transmitted, is made in this case exclusively via the center itself. Changes to the functional parameters of the camera or the implementation of updates and the like are made exclusively via the control center, whereby the entire system is very insensitive to external interference or tampering.

Unabhängig von der Möglichkeit, die Konfiguration der Kamera über die Zentrale zu beeinflussen, kann allerdings auch vorgesehen sein, dass eine Aktivierung bzw. Deaktivierung der Kamera lokal vorgenommen wird. Hierzu kann die Kamera beispielsweise zusätzliche Empfangsmittel aufweisen, mit deren Hilfe externe Aktivierungsinformationen empfangen werden können. Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, das Ein- und Ausschalten der Kamera, also das Scharf- bzw. Unscharfstellen des Überwachungssystems in Form von Funksignalen zu ermöglichen.Regardless of the possibility of influencing the configuration of the camera via the control center, however, provision can also be made for activating or deactivating the camera locally. For this purpose, the camera may have, for example, additional receiving means with the aid of external activation information can be received. It is preferably provided to enable the switching on and off of the camera, that is to say the arming or disarming of the monitoring system in the form of radio signals.

Ein anderer Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung betrifft das Verhalten dar Kamera, nachdem von dem Sensor, der vorzugsweise integraler Bestandteil der Kamera ist, ein Alarmzustand erkannt wurde. Um die Zentrale möglichst umfassend über die Situation in dem zu überwachenden Bereich informieren zu können, ist gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung vorgesehen, dass die Kamera eine Sequenz mehrerer Bilder aufzeichnet, die nacheinander an die Zentrale übermittelt werden. Damit zumindest ein erstes Bild möglichst sofort an die Zentrale weitergeleitet werden kann, ist vorgesehen, dass das erste Bild für eine schnelle Übertragung hoch komprimiert und unmittelbar an die Zentrale gesendet wird. Der Zeitaufwand hierfür liegt unterhalb von 3 Sekunden, so dass selbst im Falle eines Einbruchs mit Zerstörungsfolge der Kamera zumindest ein Bild an die Zentrale übermittelt werden kann. Die weiteren in der Sequenz übertragenen Bilder an die Zentrale weisen dann allerdings vorzugsweise eine niedrigere Komprimierung auf, um die Möglichkeit zu eröffnen, nähere Details in den Bildern zu erkennen. Gemäß einer ersten Variante kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Bildersequenz von der Kamera erst im Falle der Detektion eines Alarmzustands aufgezeichnet wird, bei der bereits oben erwähnten bevorzugten Alternativ-Variante ist allerdings vorgesehen, dass die Kamera kontinuierlich Bilder aufzeichnet und diese in einem Ringspeicher ablegt. Für den Fall der Erkennung eines Alarmzustands kann dann unmittelbar auf die in dem Speicher abgelegten Bilder zurückgegriffen werden. In beiden Varianten werden die aufgezeichneten Bilder vorzugsweise mit einem Datums- und Zeitstempel versehen.Another aspect of the present invention relates to the behavior of the camera after an alarm condition has been detected by the sensor, which is preferably an integral part of the camera. In order to be able to inform the control center as comprehensively as possible about the situation in the area to be monitored, it is provided according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the camera records a sequence of several images which are transmitted successively to the central office. So that at least a first image can be forwarded as immediately as possible to the center, it is provided that the first image is highly compressed for fast transmission and sent directly to the central office. The time required for this is less than 3 seconds, so that even in the case of a burglary with destruction sequence of the camera at least one image to the control panel can be transmitted. However, the further images transmitted to the panel in the sequence will then preferably have a lower compression to allow for the ability to see more detail in the images. According to a first variant it can be provided that the image sequence is recorded by the camera only in the case of detection of an alarm condition, in the already mentioned above preferred alternative variant, however, provided that the camera continuously records images and stores them in a ring memory. In the event of detection of an alarm condition, the images stored in the memory can then be accessed directly. In both variants, the recorded images are preferably provided with a date and time stamp.

Das Gesamtsystem wird ferner noch mit einer Funktionalitätsüberwachung ausgestaltet, wozu vorgesehen ist, dass die Kamera in regelmäßigen Zeitabständen ein Kontrollsignal an die Zentrale übermittelt. Sollte die Übermittlung eines vorgesehenen Kontrollsignals hingegen ausbleiben, wird dies von der Zentrale dahingehend interpretiert, dass ein Fehlzustand in dem Überwachungssystem vorliegt. Auch für diesen Fall kann die Generierung einer Alarmnachricht vorgesehen sein.The overall system is also designed with a functionality monitoring, which is provided that the camera transmits a control signal to the control center at regular intervals. If, on the other hand, there is no transmission of a scheduled control signal, this is interpreted by the control center as having a fault condition in the monitoring system. Also in this case, the generation of an alarm message can be provided.

Die von der Zentrale auf den Empfang der Bilder von der Kamera hin ausgegebenen Alarmnachrichten können auf verschiedene Weise übermittelt werden. So besteht u. a. die Möglichkeit, SMS- oder MMS-Nachrichten zu übermitteln. Auch die Übermittlung von Email- oder Sprachnachrichten sowie das Informieren eines CallCenters oder der Zentrale einer Überwachungsleitstelle wäre denkbar, wobei hier der Nutzer des Systems frei wählen kann, an wen und in welcher Weise entsprechende Informationen übermittelt werden.The alarm messages issued by the control center upon receipt of the images from the camera can be transmitted in various ways. So u. a. the ability to send SMS or MMS messages. It would also be conceivable to transmit e-mail or voice messages as well as to inform a call center or the headquarters of a monitoring control center, where the user of the system can freely choose to whom and in which way corresponding information is transmitted.

Das erfindungsgemäße System zeichnet sich somit durch seine hohe Zuverlässigkeit und gleichzeitige Flexibilität aus. Ein zentrales Element des Überwachungssystems ist dabei die Kamera, die einen Sensor zum Erfassen einer Alarmsituation in dem zu überwachenden Bereich aufweist oder mit einem derartigen Sensor verbindbar ist, wobei die Kamera ferner Mittel zum Übermitteln zumindest eines Bilds des zu überwachenden Bereichs an eine Zentrale nach Feststellung einer Alarmsituation durch den Sensor aufweist. Ein weiterer unabhängiger Anspruch bezieht sich dementsprechend auch eine derartige erfindungsgemäß ausgestaltete Kamera.The system according to the invention is thus distinguished by its high reliability and simultaneous flexibility. A central element of the monitoring system is the camera, which has a sensor for detecting an alarm situation in the area to be monitored or connectable to such a sensor, wherein the camera further comprises means for transmitting at least one image of the area to be monitored to a center after detection has an alarm situation by the sensor. A further independent claim accordingly also relates to such a camera configured according to the invention.

Im Folgenden soll die Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnung näher erläutert werden. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
schematisch den Aufbau eines erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungsystems;
Figur 2
die wesentlichen Komponenten einer erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Überwachungskamera;
Figur 3
die Struktur eines in der Zentrale vorgesehenen Servers;
Figur 4
ein Schema zur Verdeutlichung des Informations-Austauschs zwischen Kamera und Server und
Figur 5
eine vereinfachte Darstellung zur Funktionsweise des erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystems.
In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:
FIG. 1
schematically the structure of a monitoring system according to the invention;
FIG. 2
the essential components of a surveillance camera designed according to the invention;
FIG. 3
the structure of a server provided at the center;
FIG. 4
a scheme to clarify the exchange of information between camera and server and
FIG. 5
a simplified representation of the operation of the monitoring system according to the invention.

Figur 1 zeigt zunächst schematisch den Aufbau des allgemein mit dem Bezugszeichen 1 versehenen Überwachungssystems, welches zur Überwachung eines Bereichs 100 - bei dem es sich beispielsweise um einen Büro- oder Geschäftsraum handelt - vorgesehen ist. Wesentliche Komponenten des Überwachungssystems 1 sind zum einem eine Kamera 10 zur bedarfsweisen Aufzeichnung von Bildinformationen über den zu überwachenden Bereich 100 sowie zum anderen eine Zentrale 30, welche von der Kamera 10 übermittelte Informationen empfängt und im Bedarfsfall Alarmnachrichten an einen Benutzer des Systems bzw. an eine von dem Benutzer ausgewählte Person oder Einrichtung, beispielsweise auch an die Leitstelle 40 eines Sicherheitsdienstes übermittelt. FIG. 1 shows first schematically the structure of the generally provided with the reference numeral 1 monitoring system, which is for monitoring a region 100 - which is, for example, an office or business space - is provided. Essential components of the monitoring system 1 are on the one hand a camera 10 for on-demand recording of image information about the area to be monitored 100 and on the other a central office 30, which receives information transmitted by the camera 10 and if necessary alarm messages to a user of the system or to a transmitted by the user selected person or device, for example, to the control center 40 of a security service.

Das erfindungsgemäße Überwachungsverfahren geht von der Nutzung einer oder mehrerer Videokameras 10 aus, die Bestandteil eines lokalen Netzwerks sind und über ein Kommunikationsnetzwerk an einen in der Zentrale befindlichen Dienst bzw. Server 31 angebunden sein können. Insbesondere erfolgt die Anbindung der Kamera 10 an den Server 31 über das Internet 50, wozu die Kamera 10 - wie später noch erläutert wird - entsprechende Mittel zur Datenkommunikation aufweist. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ist für mehrere Hunderttausend derartiger lokaler Netzwerke skalierbar. Ein Kernpunkt des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist dabei die Überwachung sowohl der Kamera 10 als auch des von der Kamera 10 überwachten Bereichs 100 ohne eine Kommunikation vom Internet 50 in das lokale Netzwerk zu initiieren. Eine gegebenenfalls vorhandene Firewall, die den Zugriff auf Intemet-Webseiten gestattet, stellt dementsprechend insofern kein Hindernis dar, als die Kommunikation zwischen Kamera 10 und Server 31 von der Kamera 10 aus initiiert wird und auf dem gleichen Wege erfolgt, wie der Aufruf von normalen Webseiten.The monitoring method according to the invention is based on the use of one or more video cameras 10, which are part of a local network and can be connected via a communication network to a service or server 31 located in the control center. In particular, the connection of the camera 10 to the server 31 via the Internet 50, to which the camera 10 - as will be explained later - has appropriate means for data communication. The method according to the invention is scalable for several hundred thousand such local networks. A key point of the method according to the invention is to initiate the monitoring of both the camera 10 and the area 100 monitored by the camera 10 without communication from the Internet 50 into the local network. Accordingly, a possibly existing firewall which allows access to Internet websites does not constitute an obstacle insofar as the communication between camera 10 and server 31 is initiated by the camera 10 and takes place in the same way as the invocation of normal web pages ,

Bevor die Vorgehensweise zur Überwachung des Raums 100 näher erläutert wird, sollen zunächst die einzelnen Komponenten des erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystems 1 näher beschrieben werden.Before the procedure for monitoring the room 100 is explained in more detail, the individual components of the monitoring system 1 according to the invention will first be described in more detail.

Figur 2 zeigt hierbei schematisch den Aufbau der Kamera 10. Wesentliches Element dieser Kamera 10 ist zunächst eine optische Einheit 11 zur optischen Überwachung des Bereichs 100. Die optische Einheit 11 kann beispielsweise mittels CCD- (chargecoupled device) oder CMOS- (complementary metal oxide semi-conductor) Technologie einzelne Bilder oder einen Videodatenstrom erstellen, der an eine Verarbeitungseinheit 15 weitergereicht wird. Innerhalb dieser Verarbeitungseinheit 15 ist eine entsprechende Elektronik 16 zur Bearbeitung der von der optischen Einheit 11 empfangenen Bildinformationen vorgesehen, welche eine einstellbare Anzahl von Einzelbildern oder einen zeitlich begrenzten Videodatenstrom in einem Ringspeicher 19a ablegt. FIG. 2 The essential element of this camera 10 is first an optical unit 11 for optical monitoring of the area 100. The optical unit 11 may be provided, for example, by CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semi-conductor ) Technology to create individual images or a video stream that is passed to a processing unit 15. Within this processing unit 15, a corresponding electronics 16 is provided for processing the image information received by the optical unit 11, which stores an adjustable number of individual images or a temporally limited video data stream in a ring buffer 19a.

Ein weiteres wesentliches Element der Kamera 10 ist ferner ein Überwachungssensor 12, mit dessen Hilfe ein Alarmzustand in dem zu überwachenden Raum 100 festgestellt wird. Insbesondere kann es sich bei diesem Sensor 12 um einen PIR (pyroelectric infrared) -Bewegungssensor handeln, der die Bewegung wärmestrahlungemittierenderr Quellen innerhalb des zu überwachenden Bereichs 100 erkennt. Entsprechende Signale des Sensors 12 werden ebenfalls an eine Elektronik 17 innerhalb der Verarbeitungseinheit 15 weitergeleitet, welche bei Feststellen einer Alaramsituation durch den Sensor 12 das später noch näher beschriebene Alarmszenario startet.Another essential element of the camera 10 is also a monitoring sensor 12, with the aid of which an alarm state is detected in the space 100 to be monitored. In particular, this sensor 12 may be a PIR (pyroelectric infrared) motion sensor which detects the movement of heat radiation emitting sources within the area 100 to be monitored. Corresponding signals from the sensor 12 are also forwarded to an electronic unit 17 within the processing unit 15, which starts the alarm scenario, which will be described in more detail later, when the sensor 12 detects an alarm situation.

Schließlich ist an der Kamera noch ein RF-(radio-frequency) Funkempfänger 13 vorgesehen, der ebenfalls mit einer Steuereinheit 18 innerhalb der Verarbeitungseinheit 15 verbunden ist und der das Ein- bzw. Ausschalten der Überwachungsaktivität der Kamera 10 über einen Funksender erlaubt. Signale des Sensors 12 oder des Empfängers 13 werden von den entsprechenden Einheiten 17 und 18 innerhalb der Verarbeitungseinheit 15 überwacht und zur Steuerung des Verhaltens der Kamera 10 ausgewertet. Neben dem Speicher 19a zur Ringspeicherung der Bildinformationen kann darüber hinaus noch ein weiterer Speicher 19b vorgesehen sein, der zum Ablegen von Konfigurationsdaten, welche das Verhalten der Kamera 10 betreffen, genutzt werden kann. Ferner kann die Kamera 10 auch digitale Ein- und Ausgänge zum Anschließen weiterer Zusatzgeräte, z.B. zusätzlicher Sensoren aufweisen. Auch die Anordnung von LEDs an der Außenseite der Kamera 10, welche den Zustand des Überwachungssystem signalisieren, kann vorgesehen sein.Finally, an RF (radio-frequency) radio receiver 13 is also provided on the camera, which is also connected to a control unit 18 within the processing unit 15 and which allows the monitoring activity of the camera 10 to be switched on and off via a radio transmitter. Signals from the sensor 12 or the receiver 13 are monitored by the corresponding units 17 and 18 within the processing unit 15 and evaluated to control the behavior of the camera 10. In addition to the memory 19a for ring storage of the image information, a further memory 19b can additionally be provided, which can be used to store configuration data relating to the behavior of the camera 10. Furthermore, the camera 10 can also have digital inputs and outputs for connecting additional accessories, eg additional sensors. The arrangement of LEDs on the outside of the camera 10, which signal the state of the monitoring system can be provided.

Anzumerken ist, dass gemäß dem dargestellten bevorzugten Ausgangsbeispiel der Sensor 12 integraler Bestandteil der Kamera 10 ist. Alternativ dazu könnte allerdings vorgesehen sein, dass der Sensor 12 ein separates Bauteil bildet und - über Leitungen oder drahtlos - mit der Kamera 10 verbunden ist. Auch wäre denkbar, mehrere Sensoren an die Kamera 10 anzuschließen, wobei es sich nicht ausschließlich um Bewegungsdetektoren handeln muß. So wäre z.B. auch der Einsatz von Glasbruchsensoren oder ähnlichen Detektoren denkbar.It should be noted that according to the illustrated preferred exemplary embodiment, the sensor 12 is an integral part of the camera 10. Alternatively, however, it could be provided that the sensor 12 forms a separate component and is connected to the camera 10 via lines or wirelessly. It would also be conceivable to connect a plurality of sensors to the camera 10, which need not be exclusively motion detectors. For example, The use of glass-breakage sensors or similar detectors conceivable.

Die die zentrale Einheit der Kamera 10 bildende Verarbeitungseinheit 15 ist in der Lage, Daten mit der Zentrale, genauer genommen mit dem in der Zentrale angeordneten Server, auszutauschen. Dies erfolgt vorzugsweise mittels IP (Internet Protocol) aus einem LAN oder WLAN über eine Schnittstelle gemäß dem IEEE Standard 802.3, 802.11 (a/b/g/i). Die hierzu vorgesehene Schnittstelleneinheit 20 ist dabei derart ausgestaltet, dass die Datenverbindung mittels HTTPS verschlüsselt erfolgt. Vorzugsweise ist die Schnittstelle mit einem 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet Port ausgestattet.The processing unit 15 forming the central unit of the camera 10 is capable of exchanging data with the center, more precisely with the server located in the center. This is preferably done by means of IP (Internet Protocol) from a LAN or WLAN via an interface according to the IEEE Standard 802.3, 802.11 (a / b / g / i). The interface unit 20 provided for this purpose is designed in such a way that the data connection is encrypted by means of HTTPS. Preferably, the interface is equipped with a 10/100 Mbit / s Ethernet port.

Ist die Kamera 10 Bestandteil eines lokalen Netzwerks, so ist für den Übergang zwischen dem lokalen Netzwerk und dem vorzugsweise verwendeten Breitbandanschluss an das Internet ein entsprechend konfigurierter Router vorgesehen. Als Breitbandanschluss können dabei insbesondere DSL- und Kabelmodem-Anschlüsse eingesetzt werden, welche mindestens eine Datentransferrate von 128 Kbit pro Sekunde vom lokalen Netzwerk zum Internet ermöglichen und permanent mit dem Internet verbunden sind. Der Router stellt in diesem Fall regelmäßig auch ein DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) zur dynamischen Zuweisung einer IP-Adresse und weiterer Konfigurierungsparameter bereit. Alternativ dazu könnte allerdings auch vorgesehen sein, die Kamera 10 manuell mit einer IP-Adresse und den übrigen Konfigurationsparametern zu versehen.If the camera 10 is part of a local network, an appropriately configured router is provided for the transition between the local network and the preferably used broadband connection to the Internet. As a broadband connection in particular DSL and cable modem connections can be used, which allow at least a data transfer rate of 128 Kbit per second from the local network to the Internet and are permanently connected to the Internet. In this case, the router also periodically provides Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to dynamically assign an IP address and other configuration parameters. Alternatively, however, it could also be provided to manually provide the camera 10 with an IP address and the other configuration parameters.

Der Aufbau des Servers 31, dessen Primäraufgabe die Weiterleitung empfangener Alarmsignale von der Kamera ist, ist schematisch in Figur 3 dargestellt. Vorzugsweise wird der Server 31 in einem hoch verfügbaren Rechenzentrum betrieben, welches aus Sicherheitsgründen über mehrere unabhängig voneinander arbeitende Internetverbindungen verfügt. Hierdurch ist gewährleistet, dass das Überwachungssystem dem Nutzer jederzeit zur Verfügung steht.The structure of the server 31, whose primary task is the forwarding of received alarm signals from the camera, is schematically illustrated in FIG FIG. 3 shown. Preferably, the server 31 is operated in a highly available data center, which has several independently operating Internet connections for security reasons. This ensures that the monitoring system is always available to the user.

Der Server 31 selbst stellt ein Anbindungssystem dar, welches auf mehrere Rechner 33 bis 35 verteilt ist. Durch entsprechende Trennungen dieser Rechner 33 bis 35 mittels mehrerer Firewalls 36 und 37 kann sichergestellt werden, dass die abrechnungsrelevanten Teile des Systems, welche beispielsweise Kundendaten beinhalten, von den anderen Komponenten des Systems, insbesondere von der Internetplattform, welche für die Kunden zugänglich ist, getrennt werden.The server 31 itself represents a connection system, which is distributed over several computers 33 to 35. By appropriate separations of these computers 33 to 35 means multiple firewalls 36 and 37 can be ensured that the billing-relevant parts of the system, which include, for example, customer data, are separated from the other components of the system, in particular the Internet platform, which is accessible to the customers.

Die Anwendungen des Servers 31 gliedern sich dementsprechend in drei verschiedene Bereiche auf, welche von den drei verschiedenen Rechnern 33 bis 35 verarbeitet werden. Es handelt sich hierbei um die Bereiche Endgerätezugang, Kundenzugang und Vertriebszugang. Der Endgerätezugang nimmt dabei die Signale und Videodaten der Kameras entgegen und verarbeitet diese gemäß der von den Kunden gewählten Konfigurationen. Der Kundenzugang hingegen ermöglicht über einen Webbrowser Anpassungen der Konfigurationen, Modifikationen des Vertrags zwischen dem Kunden und dem Betreiber des Überwachungssystems sowie Einsicht und Download eines für den Kunden zugänglichen Video- und Alarmarchivs.The applications of the server 31 are accordingly divided into three different areas, which are processed by the three different computers 33 to 35. These are the areas of terminal access, customer access and sales access. The terminal access receives the signals and video data from the cameras and processes them according to the configurations chosen by the customer. Customer access, on the other hand, allows configuration adjustments, modifications to the contract between the customer and the monitoring system operator, and access and download of a video and alarm archive accessible to the customer via a web browser.

Mit Abschluss eines Vertrags und dem damit verbundenen Erwerb zumindest einer Kamera erhält der Kunde ein Konto auf dem Server 31. Alle Eingaben werden dann über von dem Server 31 zur Verfügung gestellte Webseiten vorgenommen, wobei der Zugang gesichert auf der Basis von SSL erfolgt. Die Konfiguration von Dienstparametern, beispielsweise die Angabe von Rufnummern eines Empfängers, der im Alarmfall zu benachrichtigen ist, wird ausschließlich über den Server 31 vorgenommen. Eine direkte Konfiguration der Kamera hingegen im lokalen Netzwerk wird vorzugsweise nicht unterstützt, da hierdurch Manipulationen ausgeschlossen werden. Zur Ermöglichung einer exakten Verrechnung der von dem Kunden genutzten Dienste werden sämtliche Veränderungen zeitgenau erfasst.With the conclusion of a contract and the associated acquisition of at least one camera, the customer receives an account on the server 31. All inputs are then made via web pages provided by the server 31, wherein the access is secured on the basis of SSL. The configuration of service parameters, for example the indication of telephone numbers of a recipient who is to be notified in the event of an alarm, is carried out exclusively via the server 31. However, a direct configuration of the camera in the local network is preferably not supported, as this manipulation is excluded. To allow for an exact billing of the services used by the customer, all changes are recorded in a timely manner.

Eine weitere Eigenschaft des Servers 31 ist ferner, dass der Kundenzugang das Aktivieren bzw. Deaktivieren der Überwachungsfunktion der Kamera 10 ermöglicht. Dieser Vorgang, der später noch näher beschrieben wird, wird auch als Scharf- oder Unscharfschalten des Systems bezeichnet. Das Aktivieren oder. Deaktivieren der Kamera kann allerdings nicht nur mittels des Webbrowsers über die Zwischenschaltung des Servers 31 erfolgen, sondern auch - wie bereits im Zusammenhang mit Figur 2 erläutert wurde - mit Hilfe einer Fernbedienung. Ferner wäre es auch denkbar, das Scharf- und Unscharfstellen über ein Mobiltelefon per SMS oder dgl. vorzunehmen. In diesem Fall wird vorzugsweise das Aktivierungs-/Deaktivierungssignal mittels eines PIN-Codes bestätigt.A further characteristic of the server 31 is that the customer access enables the activation or deactivation of the monitoring function of the camera 10. This process, which will be described later, is also referred to as arming or disarming the system. Activating or. However, disabling the camera can not only be done via the web browser via the interposition of the server 31, but also - as already in connection with FIG. 2 was explained - with the help of a remote control. Furthermore, it would also be possible to make the focus and disarming via a mobile phone via SMS or the like. In this case, the activation / deactivation signal is preferably confirmed by means of a PIN code.

Eine Besonderheit des erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystems besteht ferner auch in der Art und Weise der Übertragung von Daten zwischen der Kamera 10 und dem Server 31. Hierbei ist vorgesehen, dass jeglicher Datentransfer unter Verwendung des Hypertext-Transfer-Protocols (http) über SSL (Secure Socket Layer) bzw. https erfolgt. Eine Beeinflussung der Kommunikation oder eine Veränderung der Daten während ihrer Weiterleitung durch das Internet 50 ist hierdurch nahezu unmöglich. Die Kommunikation zwischen beiden Elementen (Kamera 10 und Server 31) wird sozusagen getunnelt.A special feature of the monitoring system according to the invention also exists in the manner of the transmission of data between the camera 10 and the Server 31. It is intended that any data transfer using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http) via SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or https takes place. Influencing the communication or changing the data during its transmission through the Internet 50 is thereby almost impossible. The communication between both elements (camera 10 and server 31) is tunnelled, so to speak.

Ein besonderes Merkmal der Datenübermittlung ist ferner, dass eine Datenübertragung, insbesondere auch die Übermittlung der Alarminformationen - stets von der Kamera 10 aus initiiert wird. Wie in Figur 4 dargestellt ist, stellt grundsätzlich gesehen zunächst die Kamera 10 jeweils eine Anfrage an den Server 31 bzw. übermittelt Informationen an diesen, und dieser antwortet genau auf diese eine Datenübertragung. Ein Verbindungsaufbau durch einen Netzwerkteilnehmer zur Kamera 10 hin ist in diesem Fall nicht erforderlich und wird aus Sicherheitsgründen auch nicht unterstützt. Sofern der Nutzer des Überwachungssystems allerdings eine Live-Übermittlung der von der Kamera 10 erstellten Bilder wünscht, muß er zunächst eine separate Internet-Adresse angeben, an welche die Kamera die Bilder unabhängig von dem Vorliegen eines Alarmzustands übermittelt.A special feature of the data transmission is further that a data transmission, in particular the transmission of the alarm information - always initiated by the camera 10 from. As in FIG. 4 is shown, in principle, first, the camera 10 each a request to the server 31 and transmits information to this, and this answers exactly to this one data transmission. A connection setup by a network participant to the camera 10 out is not required in this case and is not supported for security reasons. However, if the user of the monitoring system desires a live transmission of the images created by the camera 10, he must first specify a separate Internet address to which the camera transmits the images regardless of the presence of an alarm condition.

Durch die oben beschriebenen Maßnahmen kann vermieden werden, dass durch externe Einflussnahme die Funktionalität des Überwachungssystems beeinträchtigt wird. Auch eine Rekonfiguration der Kamera 10 oder eine Manipulation durch die direkte Einwirkung eines Dritten wird hierdurch vermieden. Einzig der Server 31 ist hierzu in der Lage, allerdings erst, nachdem ein Verbindungsaufbau durch die Kamera 10 erfolgt ist. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren bedingt daher auch keine Öffnung des lokalen Netzwerks, in welchem die Kamera 10 installiert ist, so dass eine sehr hohe Sicherheit hinsichtlich der Funktionalität des Überwachungssystems besteht.The measures described above can be used to prevent the functionality of the monitoring system from being impaired by external influence. A reconfiguration of the camera 10 or a manipulation by the direct action of a third party is thereby avoided. Only the server 31 is capable of this, but only after a connection has been established by the camera 10. The method according to the invention therefore does not require any opening of the local network in which the camera 10 is installed, so that there is a very high level of security with regard to the functionality of the monitoring system.

Abschließend sollten nunmehr die Funktionsweise des erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungssystems erläutert werden, wobei in Figur 5 nochmals eine vereinfachte Version des Systems 1 dargestellt ist, welches aus der Kamera 10, dem Server 31 sowie dem beide Elemente verbindenden Internet 50 besteht. Dargestellt sind ferner auch die für die Kommunikation erforderlichen Router 10a und 31a sowie eine Firewall zur Überwachung des Datentransfers.Finally, the operation of the monitoring system according to the invention should now be explained, wherein in FIG. 5 again a simplified version of the system 1 is shown, which consists of the camera 10, the server 31 and the Internet 50 connecting both elements. Also shown are the routers 10a and 31a required for the communication and a firewall for monitoring the data transfer.

Wie bereits im Zusammenhang mit Figur 4 erläutert wurde, ist einzig aktiver Initiator einer jeden Kommunikation zwischen dem Server 31 und der Kamera 10 die Kamera 10 selbst. Diese kennt nun vier verschiedene Szenarien der Kommunikation, nämlich Initialisierung, Lebenszeichenübermittlung, Ein- bzw. Ausschalten des Überwachungsmodus (bzw. Scharf-/Unscharfschalten) und Alarm. As already related to FIG. 4 has been explained, is the only active initiator of any communication between the server 31 and the camera 10, the camera 10 itself. This now knows four different scenarios of communication, namely Initialisation, life-sign transmission, switching the monitoring mode (or arming / disarming) and alarm on or off .

Das Initialisierungsszenario wird unmittelbar während der ersten Inbetriebnahme der Kamera 10 durchlaufen. Hierbei kontaktiert die Kamera 10 den Server 31 unter Verwendung einer gesicherten Datenübertragung (SSL bzw. https) und wird von diesem automatisch erkannt. Sofern ein Vertrag für den Betrieb der Kamera 10 an dem Server 31 vorliegt, erhält die Kamera 10 einen sogenannten Token (also eine Bitsequenz, die ein elektronisches OK darstellt), um dieses Szenario abzuschließen. Hierdurch wird gleichzeitig auch die Durchführung der weiteren drei Szenarien in dem jeweiligen Anwendungsfall zugelassen. Das Initialisierungszenario hingegen wird ein weiteres Mal ausschließlich nach einem Reset der Kamera 10 oder einem Stromlossetzen durchlaufen.The initialization scenario is run through immediately during the first startup of the camera 10. In this case, the camera 10 contacts the server 31 using secure data transmission (SSL or https) and is automatically recognized by the latter. If a contract exists for the operation of the camera 10 at the server 31, the camera 10 receives a so-called token (ie a bit sequence representing an electronic OK) to complete this scenario. This also allows the execution of the other three scenarios in the respective application. The initialization scenario, on the other hand, will be run through again only after a reset of the camera 10 or a power-off.

Zu bemerken ist, dass zur Initialisierung des Überwachungssystems von Seiten des Nutzers also lediglich die Herstellung der Verbindung zwischen Kamera und Internet sowie der Anschluß an die Stromversorgung erforderlich ist. Alle anderen Maßnahmen werden in einer automatischen Installationsprozedur durch die Kamera bzw. den Server durchgeführt, so dass das System auch besonders anwenderfreundlich ist.It should be noted that the initialization of the monitoring system by the user so only the establishment of the connection between the camera and the Internet and the connection to the power supply is required. All other actions are performed in an automatic installation procedure by the camera or the server, so that the system is also very user-friendly.

Das Szenario Lebenszeichenübermittlung dient der Überwachung der Funktionalität der Kamera 10 durch den Server 31. Hierzu überwacht der Server 31 die Kamera 10 passiv, d.h. es ist in einem Normalzustand vorgesehen, dass die Kamera 10 in regelmäßigen Zeitabständen ein Kontrollsignal an den Server 31 übermittelt. Sollte der Server 31 nunmehr in einem mit der Kamera 10 vereinbarten Zeitinterval kein Kontrollsignal, das sog. Lebenszeichentelegramm erhalten, so geht der Server 31 davon aus, dass die Übermittlung von Alarmen durch die Kamera 10 nicht mehr ordnungsgemäß gewährleistet ist und führt dementsprechend eine Alarmierung oder Benachrichtigung des Nutzers der Kamera 10 oder einer von dem Nutzer bestimmten Person durch.The lifebeat transmission scenario serves to monitor the functionality of the camera 10 by the server 31. For this purpose, the server 31 monitors the camera 10 passively, i. it is provided in a normal state that the camera 10 transmits a control signal to the server 31 at regular time intervals. If the server 31 now receives no control signal, the so-called life-sign telegram, in a time interval agreed with the camera 10, the server 31 assumes that the transmission of alarms by the camera 10 is no longer properly ensured and accordingly alerts or Notify the user of the camera 10 or a person designated by the user.

Die zuvor beschriebene Lebenszeichenübermittlung findet permanent statt, d.h. in Zeitabständen von vorzugsweise weniger als einer Minute. Dieses Szenario dient darüber hinaus noch einem weiteren Zweck, der berücksichtigt, dass die Kommunikation bidirektional erfolgt, allerdings nur von der Kamera 10 aus initiiert werden kann. Da es nicht möglich ist, ausgehend von dem Server 31 eine Konfigurierung der Kamera 10 vorzunehmen, ist vorgesehen, dass die Kamera 10 grundsätzlich als Bestätigung des Lebenszeichensignals vom Server 31 ein entsprechendes Antwortsignal erhält. Ist nun eine Konfigurierung der Kamera 10 erforderlich, so können diese Konfigurierungsdaten, welche beispielsweise Steuerbefehle oder auch Software-Updates beinhalten, gemeinsam mit dem Antwortsignal an die Kamera 10 übermittelt werden. Auf diese Weise wird trotz des hohen Sicherheitsstandards die Möglichkeit eröffnet, die Kamera 10 bei Bedarf neu zu konfigurieren.The life sign transmission described above takes place permanently, ie at intervals of preferably less than one minute. This scenario also serves a further purpose, which takes into account that the communication is bidirectional, but can only be initiated by the camera 10. Since it is not possible, starting from the server 31 to make a configuration of the camera 10, it is provided that the camera 10 basically receives a corresponding response signal as confirmation of the sign of life signal from the server 31. Is now a configuration of the camera 10 required, this configuration data, which include, for example, control commands or software updates, together with the response signal to the camera 10 are transmitted. In this way, despite the high security standards, the possibility opened, the camera 10 to reconfigure if necessary.

Dass dritte Szenario Ein- bzw. Ausschalten dient dazu, an den Server 31 den Zustand der Kamera 10 hinsichtlich der Überwachungstätigkeit zu übermitteln. Bei herkömmlichen Alarmanlagen wird dies auch als Scharf- bzw. Unscharfstellen bezeichnet. Solange sich die Kamera im Zustand "Unscharf" befindet, sendet sie keinen Alarm bzw. keine Alarmbilder an den Server, selbst wenn durch den Sensor ein Alarmzustand erkannte wurde bzw. der Sensor ist selbst inaktiv. Erst für den Fall, dass die Kamera scharfgestellt, bzw. aktiviert wurde, kann durch den Sensor das nachfolgend beschriebene Alarmszenario ausgelöst werden. Das Scharf- bzw. Unscharfschalten erfolgt - wie bereits erwähnt wurde - durch den Benutzer des Überwachungssystems selbst, indem er im Rahmen der oben beschriebenen Frage-Antwort-Kommunikation einen entsprechenden Befehl von dem Server 31 aus an die Kamera 10 übermittelt oder indem er diese unmittelbar mittels eines RF-Signals oder über eine SMS-Nachricht aktiviert. Alternativ zu der SMS-Nachricht wäre selbstverständlich auch ein Scharf- bzw. Unscharfschalten der Kamera mittels anderer von Mobiltelefonen genutzten Übertragungsstandards (z.B. mittels WAP oder dgl.) möglich.The third scenario switching on or off serves to transmit to the server 31 the state of the camera 10 with regard to the monitoring activity. In conventional alarm systems, this is also referred to as arming or disarming. As long as the camera is in a disarmed state, it will not send an alarm or alarm images to the server, even if the sensor detects an alarm condition or the sensor itself is inactive. Only in the event that the camera is focused, or activated, the sensor can be triggered by the alarm scenario described below. The arming or disarming takes place - as already mentioned - by the user of the monitoring system itself, by transmitting a corresponding command from the server 31 to the camera 10 in the context of the above-described question-answer communication or by directly activated by means of an RF signal or via an SMS message. As an alternative to the SMS message, it would of course also be possible to arm or disarm the camera by means of other transmission standards used by mobile telephones (for example by means of WAP or the like).

Das Alarmszenario schließlich wird für den Fall initiiert, dass im scharfgestellten Zustand der Kamera 10 der Sensor eine Alarmsituation innerhalb des zu überwachenden Raums erkennt. In diesem Fall zeichnet die Kamera 10 mehrere Bilder bzw. eine Bildsequenz auf und übermittelt diese Bilder an den Server 31. Alternativ dazu kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Kamera 10 in diesem Fall auf die bereits in dem Ringspeicher abgelegten zyklisch erstellten Bilddaten zurückgreift.Finally, the alarm scenario is initiated in the event that when the camera 10 is in the armed state, the sensor recognizes an alarm situation within the area to be monitored. In this case, the camera 10 records a plurality of images or an image sequence and transmits these images to the server 31. Alternatively, it can be provided that the camera 10 in this case relies on the cyclically created image data already stored in the ring buffer.

Grundsätzlich wird eine einstellbare Anzahl von Alarmbildern an den Server 31 gesendet, welcher dann die Bilder speichert und gemäß der aktuellen Konfiguration des Systems gleichzeitig mit dem ersten Alarmbild die Weiterleitung einer Alarmnachricht an den Nutzer der Kamera 10 oder an eine von dem Nutzer bestimmte Person, z.B. auch an eine bemannte Leitstelle 40 (dargestellt in Figur 1) eines Sicherheitsdiensts zur weiteren Bearbeitung signalisiert. In dieser Leitstelle 40 können die von der Kamera übermittelten Bilder näher ausgewertet werden, um beispielsweise festzustellen, ob es sich um einen Fehlalarm handelt oder nicht. Ferner kann die Ursache für den Alarm ermittelt und festgelegt werden, welche Maßnahmen zu treffen sind und wer zu benachrichtigen ist.Basically, an adjustable number of alarm images is sent to the server 31, which then stores the images and according to the current configuration of the system simultaneously with the first alarm image, the forwarding of an alarm message to the user of the camera 10 or to a person determined by the user, eg also to a manned control center 40 (shown in FIG FIG. 1 ) of a security service for further processing. In this control center 40, the images transmitted by the camera can be further evaluated to determine, for example, whether it is a false alarm or not. Furthermore, the cause of the alarm be determined and determined, which measures are to be taken and who is to be notified.

Wesentlich hierbei ist, dass der Benutzer durch die Konfigurierungsmöglichkeiten frei einstellen kann, auf welche Weise und an welchen Empfänger eine entsprechende Alarmnachricht übermittelt werden soll. Möglichkeiten bestehen insbesondere in der Übermittlung von SMS-, MMS- oder 3G-Nachrichten, die beispielsweise auf einer UMTS-Übermittlung beruhen. Auch die Übermittlung von Emails oder Sprachnachrichten an eine von dem Nutzer vorgegebene Adresse bzw. Telefonnummer kann vorgesehen sein. Schließlich kann auch - wie bereits angesprochen - ein CallCenter oder die Leitstelle eines Sicherheitsdiensts benachrichtigt werden.It is essential here that the user can set freely through the configuration options, in which way and to which recipient a corresponding alarm message should be transmitted. Possibilities exist in particular in the transmission of SMS, MMS or 3G messages, which are based for example on a UMTS transmission. The transmission of emails or voice messages to an address or telephone number specified by the user can also be provided. Finally, as already mentioned, a call center or the control center of a security service can be notified.

Insgesamt bleibt damit festzuhalten, dass durch die vorliegende Erfindung ein Überwachungssystem geschaffen wird, welches die Möglichkeit eröffnet, den Nutzer des Systems in kürzester Zeit und insbesondere unter Übermittlung von Bildinformationen über Alarmzustände in einem zu überwachenden Bereich in Kenntnis zu versetzen. Das erfindungsgemäße System zeichnet sich dabei zum einem durch seine hohe Sicherheit und andererseits durch seine hohe Flexibilität aus. Insbesondere besteht für einen Nutzer des Systems die Möglichkeit, frei zu wählen, in welcher Weise erkannte Alarmsituationen verarbeitet werden sollen.Overall, it should be noted that a monitoring system is provided by the present invention, which opens up the possibility of the user of the system in a very short time and in particular to transmit information about alarm conditions in an area to be monitored in knowledge. The system according to the invention is characterized on the one hand by its high safety and on the other hand by its high flexibility. In particular, it is possible for a user of the system to freely choose the manner in which detected alarm situations are to be processed.

Claims (18)

  1. Surveillance system (1) having
    - a camera (10) directed at a region (100) to be surveilled,
    - a sensor (12) for detecting an alarm situation in the region (100) to be surveilled, and
    - a main station (30) connected with the camera (10),
    wherein the camera (10) is constituted, after determination of an alarm situation by the sensor (12), to automatically transmit at least one image of the region (100) to be surveilled to the main station (30), and
    wherein the main station (30) has a communications unit (32) which upon reception of the image from the camera (10) transmits an alarm message to a receiver,
    characterised in that,
    the camera (10) is constituted to transmit, at predetermined intervals, a check signal to the main station (30) and in that after reception of the check signal the main station (30) transmits a response signal to the camera (10), wherein in case of need the response signal contains configuration information for the camera (10) .
  2. Surveillance system according to claim 1,
    characterised in that,
    the camera (10) is connected with the main station (30) via a communications network (50) .
  3. Surveillance system according to claim 2,
    characterised in that,
    the communications network is an IP network, in particular is the Internet (50).
  4. Surveillance system according to any preceding claim,
    characterised in that,
    the sensor is a movement detector (12).
  5. Surveillance system according to any preceding claim,
    characterised in that,
    the sensor (12) is integrated in the camera (10).
  6. Surveillance system according to any preceding claim,
    characterised in that,
    the camera (10) records images of the region to be surveilled (100) at regular intervals, wherein upon determination of an alarm situation the image recorded last is transmitted to the main station (30).
  7. Surveillance system according to claim 6,
    characterised in that,
    the camera (10) has a ring memory (19a) for cyclical intermediate storage of the images of the region (100) to be surveilled.
  8. Surveillance system according to any preceding claim,
    characterised in that,
    the camera (10) is constituted to transmit, after determination of an alarm situation by the sensor (12), a plurality of images to the main station (30).
  9. Surveillance system according to claim 8,
    characterised in that,
    the images transmitted by the camera (10) are different with regard to their compression.
  10. Surveillance system according to claim 9,
    characterised in that,
    the first image transmitted by the camera (10) is compressed more strongly than the images transmitted subsequently.
  11. Surveillance system according to any preceding claim,
    characterised in that,
    the main station (30) transmits an alarm message automatically if no check signal is received from the camera (10).
  12. Surveillance system according to any preceding claim,
    characterised in that,
    the alarm message transmitted from the main station (30) also contains the image(s) received from the camera (10).
  13. Surveillance system according to any preceding claim,
    characterised in that,
    the camera (10) has reception means (13) for receiving external control and/or activation information.
  14. Surveillance system according to claim 13,
    characterised in that,
    the reception means (13) are constituted for wireless reception of the control and/or activation information.
  15. Method of surveillance of a predetermined region (100) having the following steps:
    a) surveilling the region (100) and determining whether an alarm situation is present, and transmitting at predetermined intervals a check signal from a camera (10) to a main station (30) and transmitting a response signal from the main station (30) to the camera (10) after reception of the check signal, wherein in case of need the response signal contains configuration information for the camera (10),
    b) upon recognition an alarm situation, production of an image of the region (100) to be surveilled,
    c) transmission of the image to a main station (30) separated from the region (100) to be surveilled and
    d) transmission of an alarm message by the main station (30) to a receiver, wherein establishment of communication to the main station (30) for transmitting the image is effected from the region (100) to be surveilled.
  16. Method according to claim 15,
    characterised in that,
    after determination of an alarm situation a plurality of images are transmitted to the main station (30).
  17. Method according to claim 16,
    characterised in that,
    the transmitted images are different with regard to their compression.
  18. Method according to claim 17,
    characterised in that,
    the first transmitted image is compressed more strongly than the images transmitted subsequently.
EP04023209A 2004-09-29 2004-09-29 Surveillance system and camera thereto Expired - Lifetime EP1643471B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04023209A EP1643471B1 (en) 2004-09-29 2004-09-29 Surveillance system and camera thereto
DE502004007156T DE502004007156D1 (en) 2004-09-29 2004-09-29 Surveillance system and camera for this
AT04023209T ATE395677T1 (en) 2004-09-29 2004-09-29 SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM AND CAMERA FOR THIS

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04023209A EP1643471B1 (en) 2004-09-29 2004-09-29 Surveillance system and camera thereto

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1643471A1 EP1643471A1 (en) 2006-04-05
EP1643471B1 true EP1643471B1 (en) 2008-05-14

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AT (1) ATE395677T1 (en)
DE (1) DE502004007156D1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009022043B4 (en) * 2009-05-18 2013-05-02 Inventory Systems Gmbh Wireless communication method between mobile radio unit and a plurality of radio modules

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19749182A1 (en) * 1997-11-07 1999-05-12 Tas Tech Anlagen Service Gmbh Video surveillance system
DE19829888A1 (en) * 1998-07-05 2000-01-13 Helmut Hochstatter System for space monitoring using CCD technique
FR2793334B1 (en) * 1999-05-06 2001-08-24 Bernard Dias SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING HOUSING AGAINST INTRUSION
US6330025B1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2001-12-11 Nice Systems Ltd. Digital video logging system
US7015806B2 (en) * 1999-07-20 2006-03-21 @Security Broadband Corporation Distributed monitoring for a video security system
GB2389978A (en) * 2002-06-17 2003-12-24 Raymond Joseph Lambert Event-triggered security monitoring apparatus

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DE502004007156D1 (en) 2008-06-26
EP1643471A1 (en) 2006-04-05
ATE395677T1 (en) 2008-05-15

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