JP2002077880A - Remote monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote-monitoring system for monitoring in a desired direction rapidly and accurately by reducing an operator's load. SOLUTION: A control section 201 displays reduced images SN1-SN3 that are images within a range that can be picked up by monitoring cameras 701-703 at a reduced image display region SA on a monitor 111 selectively, and specifies a position whose image is to be picked up to an operator via the display region SA. Then, an image-processing section 401 detects data in the direction of pickup corresponding to a position that is specified on the reduced image based on image pickup direction information (either of P01-P03) read from an image storage section 301. After that, a camera control section 501 generates a control command for controlling the image pick up direction of the camera based on the detected image pickup direction data, transmits the command to a corresponding drive section (one of sections 601-603), and controls the image pickup direction of the monitoring camera.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote monitoring system for monitoring a road or the like from a remote place using a monitoring camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, when a conventional remote monitoring system controls an imaging direction of a monitoring camera provided at a remote place, an up / down / left / right direction key provided on a control console is provided at a monitoring station. In response to the operation of the operator, the driving mechanism for changing the imaging direction of the monitoring camera has been controlled.

In addition, recently, in addition to the above, a preset key corresponding to a predetermined imaging direction is provided on the control console in advance, and in response to an operation of the preset key by an operator,
Control is performed such that the imaging direction of the monitoring camera is directed to the direction associated with the preset key. This makes it possible to easily specify an imaging direction that is frequently monitored.

However, in the conventional remote monitoring system, if the number of directions with a high monitoring frequency is large, a large number of the preset keys are provided, so that the operator stores in advance the imaging directions corresponding to the large number of preset keys. In such a case that not only is the burden on the operator but also urgent, the operator may be confused and there is a problem in operability.

[0005]

In the conventional remote monitoring system, when the number of directions with a high monitoring frequency becomes large, a large number of the preset keys are provided. The direction needs to be stored in advance, which not only imposes a burden on the operator but also in cases where urgency is required, the operator may be confused, and there is also a problem in operability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide a remote monitoring system capable of reducing the burden on an operator and enabling quick and accurate monitoring in a desired direction. And

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote monitoring system for monitoring from a remote location using a monitoring camera capable of changing a shooting direction. Display means for collectively displaying images in the entire range that can be photographed by the camera; photographing position specifying means for specifying a photographing position through the display means; and a photographing position specified by the photographing position specifying means Is provided with camera control means for controlling the shooting direction so that the monitoring camera shoots.

[0008] In the remote monitoring system having the above configuration, the entire range of images that can be captured by the monitoring camera is displayed together.
Through this display, a desired shooting position is received, and the shooting direction is controlled so that the monitoring camera shoots this position.

Therefore, according to the remote monitoring system having the above configuration, when the operator designates a desired position to be photographed on the image displayed on the display means, the photographing direction of the surveillance camera is changed so as to photograph the position. Is controlled, it is possible to quickly and accurately monitor a desired direction without burdening the operator.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote monitoring system for monitoring from a remote location using a monitoring camera capable of changing a shooting direction. Display means for displaying map information in a possible range, and through this display means,
A camera position control means for controlling a shooting direction so that a monitoring camera shoots the shooting position specified by the shooting position specifying means; To be configured.

In the remote monitoring system having the above configuration, map information of a range that can be photographed by the surveillance camera is displayed, a desired position to be photographed is received through the display, and the photographing direction is set so that the surveillance camera photographs this position. I try to control.

Therefore, according to the remote monitoring system having the above configuration, when the operator designates a desired position to be photographed on the map information displayed on the display means, the photographing of the surveillance camera is performed such that the position is photographed. Because the direction is controlled,
The desired direction can be monitored quickly and accurately without burdening the operator.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a configuration of a remote monitoring system according to the embodiment.

The remote monitoring system includes a user interface 101, a control unit 201, an image storage unit 301,
Image processing unit 401, camera control unit 501, driving unit 6
01 to 603 and surveillance cameras 701 to 703.

The user interface 101 includes a monitor 111 and an input unit 121. The monitor 111 displays various information including a video image captured by the monitoring cameras 701 to 703 described later. The input unit 121 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

A control unit 201 controls each unit of the remote monitoring system in an integrated manner.
1 is controlled to display as shown in FIG. The camera selection area CS is a software key for selecting a camera to be used for monitoring, and receives designation of a monitoring camera (any of 701 to 703) when clicked with a mouse pointer.

The real image display area RA is the camera selection area C
This is an area for displaying a surveillance video based on a video signal transmitted from the surveillance camera (any of 701 to 703) specified in S.

The reduced image display area SA is an area for displaying reduced image data of the monitoring camera (any of 701 to 703) specified in the camera selection area CS. This reduced image data is stored in the image storage unit 301.

In addition, the control unit 201 receives an input from the input unit 121, inputs and outputs reduced image data stored in the image storage unit 301, and processes the camera designation information and the photographing coordinate information received from the input unit 121 for image processing. A function for notifying the unit 401 is provided.

The image storage unit 301 includes the monitoring cameras 701 to 701.
A reduced image SN1 to SN3 in which an image that can be photographed in 703, for example, 360 ° around the camera is formed into one image.
To be stored. Also, for each of the reduced images SN1 to SN3,
Shooting direction information PO1 associated with each pixel
ＰＯPO3 is also stored.

Upon receiving the camera designation information from the control unit 201, the image processing unit 401 reads out shooting direction information (one of PO1 to PO3) corresponding to the monitoring camera indicated by the information. After that, when receiving the photographing coordinate information from the control unit 201, the photographing direction data of the pixel corresponding to this information is obtained from the photographing direction information, and the obtained photographing direction data and the camera designation information are combined to perform camera control. Output to the unit 501.

The camera control unit 501 is a monitoring camera (any of 701 to 703) specified by the camera specification information.
A control command for controlling the imaging direction is generated based on the imaging direction data notified from the image processing unit 401, and transmitted to the corresponding monitoring camera driving unit (any one of 601 to 603).

Each of the driving units 601 to 603 is a driving mechanism using a motor, and changes the imaging direction of the corresponding monitoring camera based on a control command notified from the camera control unit 501.

The monitoring cameras 701 to 703 are, for example, CC
D (Charge-Coupled Device), which is a video camera, and uses the captured image as a video signal as the control unit 2
01.

Next, the operation of the remote monitoring system having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the processing. Hereinafter, description will be made based on this flowchart.

First, in step 3a, the control unit 201
Reads a reduced image SN1 of a preset monitoring camera, for example, 701 from the image storage unit 301. Then, this image is displayed on the reduced video display area SA on the monitor 111.

At the same time, in step 3a, the image processing unit 401 reads and stores the shooting direction information PO1 corresponding to the monitoring camera 701 from the image storage unit 301, and proceeds to step 3b.

In step 3b, the control unit 201 monitors whether a request to switch the monitoring camera has been issued. This request is made when the operator operates the mouse of the input unit 121 and clicks a mouse pointer on any software key in the camera selection area CS. Here, when a request to switch the monitoring camera occurs, the process proceeds to step 3c. On the other hand, when the request does not occur, the process proceeds to step 3d.

In step 3c, the control unit 201 performs monitoring by the monitoring camera (any of 701 to 703) corresponding to the software key clicked in step 3b, so that the reduced image (SN) corresponding to this monitoring camera is displayed.
1 to SN3) from the image storage unit 301. Then, this image is displayed on the reduced video display area SA on the monitor 111.

At the same time, in step 3c, the image processing unit 401 causes the monitoring camera (701 to 701) corresponding to the software key clicked in step 3b.
03) (PO1 to P0)
O3) is read from the image storage unit 301 and stored, and the process proceeds to step 3d.

In the following description, it is assumed that the surveillance camera 702 has been designated by the operator at the time when the process proceeds to step 3d. For this reason, the control unit 201
In order to perform monitoring by the monitoring camera 702, a reduced image SN2 corresponding to the monitoring camera 702 is read from the image storage unit 301, and this image is displayed on the reduced image display area SA on the monitor 111. Further, the image processing unit 401 reads out the photographing direction information PO2 corresponding to the monitoring camera 702 from the image storage unit 301 and holds it.

In step 3d, the control unit 201 monitors whether or not designation of the imaging direction of the surveillance camera has occurred. This request is made when the operator operates the mouse of the input unit 121 and clicks the mouse pointer on the position to be monitored on the reduced image display area SA.

Here, when the imaging direction of the surveillance camera is specified, the control unit 201 sets the reduced video display area SA
The on-screen coordinates (x,
y), the coordinate information is notified to the image processing unit 401, and the process proceeds to step 3e. If the above designation does not occur, the process enters a standby state in step 3d.

In step 3e, the image processing unit 401
The shooting direction data corresponding to the coordinates (x, y) on the screen notified from the control unit 201 is detected from the shooting direction information PO2, and the camera designation information is notified to the camera control unit 501, and the process proceeds to step 3f. I do.

In step 3f, the camera controller 501
Changes the direction indicated by the shooting direction data to the monitoring camera 702.
To generate a control command for shooting. Then, the control command is transmitted to the driving unit 602, and the process proceeds to step 3g.
Move to

The driving unit 60 that has received the control command
2 is a monitoring camera 702 based on the control command.
Perform the pan and tilt direction control such that the camera shoots the direction indicated by the shooting direction data. As a result, the monitoring camera 702 shoots the direction indicated by the shooting direction data, that is, the position specified by the operator on the reduced image SN2.

In step 3g, the control unit 201 monitors whether or not a request for ending the processing has occurred. This request is made by the operator through the input unit 121. Here, if a termination request is issued, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the request is not issued, step 3 is executed.
Move to b.

As described above, in the remote monitoring system having the above-described configuration, the control unit 201 controls the monitoring cameras 701 to 703 to combine reduced images SN in a single range.
1 to SN3 are selectively displayed in the reduced image display area SA on the monitor 111, and the operator is caused to specify a shooting position through the display area SA.

The image processing unit 401 detects shooting direction data corresponding to a position specified on the reduced image based on shooting direction information (one of PO1 to PO3) read from the image storage unit 301. I do.

Thereafter, based on the detected photographing direction data, the camera control unit 501 generates a control command for controlling the photographing direction of the camera, and the corresponding drive unit (6
01 to 603) to control the shooting direction of the surveillance camera.

Therefore, according to the remote monitoring system having the above structure, if the operator specifies a desired position to be photographed on the reduced image displayed in the reduced image display area SA,
Since the photographing direction of the surveillance camera is controlled so as to photograph the position, the desired direction can be quickly and accurately monitored without imposing a burden on the operator.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a remote monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The remote monitoring system includes a user interface 102, a control unit 202, a map storage unit 302, an image processing unit 402,
Camera control unit 502, drive unit 602, surveillance camera 7
02 and an imaging position coordinate storage unit 802.

The user interface 102 includes a monitor 112 and an input unit 122. The monitor 112 displays various information including a video image captured by the monitoring camera 702 described later. Input unit 122
Is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse.

The control section 202 controls and controls each section of the remote monitoring system.
2 is displayed, and a display as shown in FIG. 5 is performed. The video display area VA is an area for displaying a monitoring video based on a video signal transmitted from the monitoring camera 702.

The manual operation area CA includes the surveillance camera 7
A software key for manually operating the focus, zoom, and direction of the camera 02 is arranged, and a focus, zoom, and direction adjustment request of the monitoring camera 702 is received by clicking with a mouse pointer. The map display area MA is an area for displaying map data for designating a position to be photographed by the monitoring camera 702 (hereinafter, referred to as a photographed position) on a map.

In addition, the control unit 202 receives an input from the input unit 122, inputs / outputs positional information captured by the monitoring camera 702 to / from the captured position coordinate storage unit 802, and stores a map stored in the map storage unit 302. The image processing unit 402 has a function of notifying the image processing unit 402 of data input / output, position information of a shooting position received from the input unit 122, and position information stored in the shooting position coordinate storage unit 802.

The map storage unit 302 stores map data in a range that can be photographed by the monitoring camera 702. The image capturing position coordinate storage unit 802 stores position information (image capturing position information) captured by the monitoring camera 702.

The image processing unit 402 is notified from the control unit 202 of the position information of the photographed position received from the input unit 122 and the photographed position information stored in the photographed position coordinate storage unit 802. Based on this, the direction control information θ, the zoom control information, and the focus control information required for capturing the captured position received from the input unit 122 by the monitoring camera 702 are obtained.

The camera control unit 502 includes an image processing unit 402
A control command for controlling the surveillance camera 702 is generated based on the information obtained in step (1), and transmitted to the drive unit 602.

The driving unit 602 is a driving mechanism using a motor, and based on a control command notified from the camera control unit 502, the imaging direction of the monitoring camera, the zoom mechanism,
The focus mechanism is adjusted.

The monitoring camera 702 is, for example, a CCD (Char
ge-Coupled Device)
The captured video is transmitted to the control unit 202 as a video signal.

Next, the operation of the remote monitoring system having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing. Hereinafter, description will be made based on this flowchart.

First, in step 6a, the control unit 202
Reads the map data from the map storage unit 302 and displays it in the map display area MA. Further, based on the image capturing position information stored in the image capturing position coordinate storage unit 802, the current image capturing position of the monitoring camera 702 is obtained, and this position (A
Point) is shown on the map display area MA.

At the same time, in step 6a, the control section 202 starts control for displaying an image based on the video signal sent from the monitoring camera 702 in the image display area VA, and proceeds to step 6b.

In step 6b, the control unit 202 monitors whether a manual operation instruction has been issued through the manual operation area CA. The operator operates the mouse to move the mouse pointer to the manual operation area CA.
This is done by clicking one of the software keys. Here, if a manual operation instruction has been issued, the process proceeds to step 6c. If no such instruction has been issued, the process proceeds to step 6d.

In step 6c, the control unit 202 sends a control instruction corresponding to the software key clicked in step 6b through the image processing unit 402 to the camera control unit 5.
Give to 02. On the other hand, the camera control unit 502
A control command corresponding to the above control instruction is generated, and the process proceeds to step 6g.

In step 6d, the control unit 202 monitors whether or not an instruction for a new shooting position has been issued through the map display area MA. This instruction is performed by the operator operating the mouse and clicking the mouse pointer at an arbitrary position in the map display area MA. Here, when a new position to be photographed is specified through the map display area MA, the process proceeds to step 6e. On the other hand, when the above instruction is not generated, the process proceeds to step 6b.

In step 6e, the control unit 202 detects the coordinates of the position clicked in step 6d, and indicates this position (point B) on the map display area MA. Then, the control unit 202 notifies the image processing unit 402 of the detected coordinates of the point B and the coordinates of the point A.

On the other hand, the image processing unit 402
As shown in FIG.
The angle θ between the point and the point B is detected, and the angle θ is notified to the camera control unit 502 as direction control information. On the contrary,
The camera control unit 502 generates a control command for changing the shooting direction of the monitoring camera 702 by the above θ, and proceeds to step 6f.

In step 6f, the image processing unit 402
As shown in FIG. 8, the distance R to the point A and the distance r to the point B are obtained, and the angle of view adjustment for making the angle of view w at the point B equal to the angle of view W at the point A. And notifies the camera control unit 502 as zoom control information, obtains a focus adjustment amount for focusing on the point B, and obtains the camera control unit 502 as focus control information.
Notify.

On the other hand, the camera control unit 502 generates a control command for the zoom mechanism of the monitoring camera 702 based on the zoom control information, and generates a focus control command for the monitoring camera 702 based on the focus control information. Generate and move to step 6g.

In step 6g, the camera control unit 502
Transmits the control command generated in step 6e and step 6f to the driving unit 602. On the contrary,
The drive unit 602 adjusts the shooting direction, focus, and zoom of the monitoring camera 702 based on the control command received from the camera control unit 502, and proceeds to step 6h.

In step 6h, the control unit 202 records the coordinate information of the point B, which is the newly designated photographing position, in the photographing position coordinate storage unit 802, and proceeds to step 6i. In step 6i, the control unit 202 monitors whether or not a request to end the process has occurred. This request is made by the operator through the input unit 122. Here, if an end request has been made, the process is ended. On the other hand, if the request has not been made, the process proceeds to step 6b.

As described above, in the remote monitoring system having the above configuration, the control unit 202 displays a map of a range that can be captured by the monitoring camera 702 on the map display area MA on the monitor 112, and through the display area MA. , The operator specifies the position to be photographed.

Then, the image processing unit 402 stores the information of the newly designated shooting position and the shooting position coordinate storage unit 80.
2, the surveillance camera 702 necessary for photographing the newly designated position from the information on the previous photographed position stored in
Direction, zoom and focus control data.

Thereafter, based on the obtained control data, the camera control unit 502 generates a control command for controlling the photographing direction of the camera and transmits it to the corresponding drive unit 602 to change the photographing direction of the monitoring camera. I try to control.

Therefore, according to the remote monitoring system having the above configuration, when the operator designates a desired position to be photographed on the map displayed in the map display area MA, the surveillance camera 702 photographs the position. Since the photographing direction, zoom, and focus are controlled respectively, a desired direction can be monitored quickly and accurately without burdening the operator.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the imaging position is designated by mouse input. However, the same effect can be obtained by applying a touch panel input device to the monitors 111 and 112 and designating the imaging position therethrough. Can be obtained.

The surveillance cameras 701 to 703 are provided with a function of detecting their own status (shooting direction, zoom, focus), and generate a control command for shooting the shooting position based on this information. Is also good. By generating the control command in this way, it is possible to more accurately photograph the position specified by the operator. Others
It goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, the whole range of images that can be photographed by the surveillance camera is displayed together, a desired position to be photographed is received through this display, and the position is photographed by the surveillance camera. Thus, the photographing direction is controlled.

Therefore, according to the present invention, if the operator designates a desired position to be photographed on the video displayed on the display means, the photographing direction of the monitoring camera is controlled so as to photograph the position. Therefore, it is possible to provide a remote monitoring system capable of quickly and accurately monitoring a desired direction without imposing a burden on an operator.

Further, according to the present invention, map information in a range that can be photographed by the surveillance camera is displayed, a desired position to be photographed is received through this display, and the photographing direction is controlled so that the surveillance camera photographs this position. Like that.

Therefore, according to the present invention, if the operator designates a desired position to be photographed on the map information displayed on the display means, the photographing direction of the monitoring camera is controlled so as to photograph the position. Therefore, it is possible to provide a remote monitoring system capable of quickly and accurately monitoring a desired direction without burdening an operator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing a display example of a monitor of the remote monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation for specifying a position to be imaged by a monitoring camera of the remote monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the remote monitoring system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a display example of a monitor of the remote monitoring system shown in FIG. 4;

6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of designating a position to be imaged by a monitoring camera of the remote monitoring system shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining processing for obtaining a photographing direction and a focal length in the processing shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining processing for obtaining a focal length and a shooting angle of view in the processing shown in FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 101, 102: User interfaces 111, 112: Monitors 121, 122: Input units 201, 202: Control unit 301: Image storage unit 302: Map storage units 401, 402: Image processing units 501, 502: Camera control units 601, 602 , 603... Drive units 701, 702, 703... Surveillance camera 802.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor All Sato 3-1-1 Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo F-term in the Toshiba Hino Plant (reference) 5C022 AA01 AB21 AB61 AB62 AB65 AB66 5C054 AA02 CF05 CG05 EH00 FE17 GB01 GB11 HA19 5K048 AA04 BA03 BA10 BA21 DC04 EB02 EB15 FB02 FB03 FB10 HA04 HA06

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A remote monitoring system for monitoring from a remote place using a monitoring camera capable of changing a shooting direction, a display means for collectively displaying an entire range of images that can be shot by the monitoring camera, and the display means. Through, a photographed position designating means for designating a photographed position, and a photographed position designated by the photographed position designating means,
A remote monitoring system, comprising: camera control means for controlling a shooting direction so that the monitoring camera shoots. 2. A remote monitoring system for monitoring from a remote location using a monitoring camera capable of changing a shooting direction, comprising: display means for displaying at least map information of a range that can be shot by the monitoring camera; A photographed position designating means for designating a photographed position, and a photographed position designated by the photographed position designating means,
A remote monitoring system, comprising: camera control means for controlling a shooting direction so that the monitoring camera shoots. 3. The camera control unit obtains an appropriate focus adjustment amount based on a relationship between an imaging position designated by the imaging position designation unit and a position where the monitoring camera is installed. 3. The remote monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein focus adjustment is performed based on this. 4. The camera control means according to claim 1, wherein said camera position is determined based on a relationship between a photographed position designated by said photographed position designation means and a position where said monitoring camera is installed. 3. The remote monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein an angle-of-view adjustment amount for obtaining the same angle of view is obtained, and the angle-of-view adjustment is performed based on the obtained amount.