JP2003348515A - Video system, video apparatus, install method for software, program for carrying out the same method, and recording medium with the same program stored thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide a video system, a video device, a software installation method, and a program for executing the method, which can reduce the burden of software installation work on each of a plurality of video devices connected to a network. And a recording medium for storing the program. A specific video device holds other specific reference information that associates the specific video device with the specific video device. Specific video equipment 112
When it is detected that the management information about the software installed on the other video device 111 is different from the management information about the software installed on the other specific video device 111, the management information on the specific video device 112 is changed to another specific video device. In order to match the management information of the device 111, the specific video device 1
12 is installed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video system (for example, a video monitoring system) configured by connecting a plurality of video devices to a network, and a video device (for example, a video recording / reproducing apparatus) constituting the system. In particular, the present invention relates to software installation (including new installation and update installation) for each video device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 36 shows a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1.
1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a conventional video monitoring system (video system) configured by connecting a personal computer (PC) 18 to a network. In this video surveillance system, a plurality of cameras 1
The video captured in 6 is recorded continuously (for example, 30 frames per second) or intermittently (for example, one frame for several seconds or one frame for several minutes) by the time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The video being shot or the recorded video may be displayed on the entire screen of the external monitor 17 or on a split screen (for example,
(4 divisions, 9 divisions, 16 divisions, etc.). Further, the video being captured or the video that has been recorded is also transferred to the PC 18 through the network cable (line) 19.
Is displayed.

The time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1 operates based on installed software. Software-based operations (functions) include a motion detector function that starts a recording operation when motion of a camera image is detected, various types of display functions, various types of recording functions, etc. Various functions for realizing monitoring are included. The software can be installed in the time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1 by reading the recording medium (media) on which the software is recorded by the reading unit of the time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1 or by using the line 19
This is done by downloading from the PC 18 through the PC.

[0004]

However, when software is installed in a video surveillance system including a plurality of time-lapse recording / reproducing devices, the software installation operation must be repeated for each of the plurality of time-lapse recording / reproducing devices. I had to. For this reason, there is a problem that installing software in a large-scale video surveillance system having a large number of time-lapse recording / reproducing devices is a cumbersome operation requiring time and effort for an administrator.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide software installation work for each of a plurality of video devices connected to a network. It is an object of the present invention to provide a video system, a video device, a software installation method, a program for executing the method, and a recording medium storing the program, which can reduce the burden.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video system comprising a plurality of video devices operating based on installed software and a line connecting the plurality of video devices to a network. Each of the plurality of video devices holds management information regarding software installed therein, and a specific video device among the plurality of video devices determines that the management information is referred to by the plurality of video devices. Holding first reference destination information indicating that the specific video device is another specific video device, and as a result of referring to the management information of the other specific video device by the specific video device, The management information on the software installed on the device is the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device. When it is detected that the line is different from the line, the line is controlled so that the management information on the software installed on the specific video device matches the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device. The software is installed in the specific video device by the downloaded software.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video system, wherein the still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices is:
Holding the second reference information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the other specific video device, and referencing the management information of the other specific video device by the further specific video device As a result, when it is detected that the management information about the software installed on the still another specific video device is different from the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device,
In order to match the management information on the software installed on the still another specific video device with the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device, the further other by downloading through the line Is installed in a specific video device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the video system, wherein the still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices is:
Holding the second reference information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the specific video device, as a result of referring to the management information of the specific video device by the further specific video device, the When it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the other specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device, the management information on the further specific video device is The software is installed on the further specific video device by downloading through the line so that the management information on the installed software matches the management information on the software installed on the specific video device. It is characterized by being done.

Further, the video system according to claim 4 is characterized in that the reference of the management information of the other specific video device by the specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals.

The video system according to a fifth aspect is characterized in that the reference of the management information of the another specific video device by the further specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. I have.

[0011] The video system according to claim 6 is characterized in that the reference of the management information of the specific video device by the further specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the video system according to the first aspect, the other specific video device specifies a notification destination for notifying that the management information of the other specific video device has been changed. Holding the notification destination information, when there is a change in the management information of the other specific video equipment, the other specific video equipment, the video equipment specified in the first notification destination information,
It is characterized by notifying that the management information of the other specific video device has been changed.

The video system according to claim 8, wherein when the management information of the another specific video device is changed, all the video devices connected to the network by the other specific video device are connected. Is notified that the management information of the other specific video device has been changed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the video system, the specific video device transmits second notification destination information for specifying a notification destination for notifying that the management information of the specific video device has been changed. Holding, when the management information of the specific video device is changed, the specific video device is changed to the video device designated by the second notification destination information, and to the management information of the specific video device, It is characterized by notifying that there has been a change.

The video system according to claim 10 is
When the management information of the specific video device is changed,
The specific video device notifies all the video devices connected to the network that the management information of the specific video device has been changed.

[0016] The video system according to claim 11 is
The other specific video device has a recording medium reading unit, and installation of software on the other specific video device is executed using software read from a recording medium by the recording medium reading unit. It is characterized by:

[0017] The image system according to claim 12 is:
It is characterized in that each of the plurality of video devices holds download destination information for specifying a download destination for performing a download to the video device through the line.

[0018] The video system according to claim 13 is:
The download destination specified by the download destination information held by the specific video device is the other specific video device.

[0019] The video system according to claim 14 is:
The download destination specified by the download destination information held by the still another specific video device is the other specific video device.

Further, the video system according to claim 15 is:
The download destination specified by the download destination information held by the still another specific video device is the specific video device.

The video system according to claim 16 is
It has a host device connected to the line and controls the operation of the plurality of video devices, and that the download destination specified by the download destination information held by the other specific video device is the host device Features.

Further, the video system according to claim 17 is:
The download destination specified by the download destination information held by the specific video device and the still another specific video device is the host device.

[0023] The video system according to claim 18 is:
A download destination that is connected to the line and has a host device that controls operations of the plurality of video devices, and that is specified by the download destination information held by the specific video device and the still another specific video device, It is the host device.

[0024] The video system according to claim 19 is:
The software installation on each of the plurality of video devices includes a new installation for installing the software to be installed for the first time and an update installation for rewriting all or a part of the already installed software.

[0025] The video system according to claim 20 is
Each of the plurality of video devices is a video recording / reproducing device having at least one of video recording and reproducing functions.

The video system according to claim 21 is:
The management information is rewritten in accordance with installation of software, and includes version information for specifying the installed software.

The video system according to claim 22 is
The management information includes model information of the video device to which the installed software can be applied.

A video device according to a twenty-third aspect is a video device having a network interface for connecting to another video device via a network via a line and operating based on the installed software. Holding the management information about the software that is installed in it, and holding the reference information that identifies the other video equipment that holds the management information to be compared with the management information about the software installed in itself,
When it is detected that the management information about the software installed in itself is different from the management information about the software installed in another video device specified in the reference information, the management information about the software installed in itself is detected. The software is installed by download through the line so that the management information matches the management information on the software installed on the other video equipment specified by the reference destination information.

Further, the video equipment according to claim 24 holds notification destination information for specifying a notification destination for notifying that the management information relating to the software installed therein has been changed, and stores the notification destination information in its own management information. When there is a change, another video device designated by the notification destination information is notified that the management information has been changed.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the video device, the software is installed on the video device by any of a new installation for installing the software to be installed for the first time and an update installation for rewriting all or a part of the already installed software. Is also included.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, a video device is a video recording / reproducing apparatus having at least one of a video recording function and a video reproducing function.

[0032] Further, the video equipment according to claim 27 is characterized in that the management information is rewritten along with the installation of the software and includes version information for specifying the installed software.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the video device, the management information includes model information of the video device to which the installed software can be applied.

Further, the video device according to claim 29 is characterized in that it holds download destination information for specifying a download destination for downloading to the video device through the line.

[0035] A software installation method according to claim 30 has a plurality of video devices that operate based on the installed software, and a line that connects the plurality of video devices to a network. Each is a software installation method in a video system that retains management information on software installed therein, wherein a specific video device of the plurality of video devices is connected to another of the plurality of video devices. When referring to the management information of the specific video device, when it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the other specific video device. Installed on the specific video device Executing software installation on the specific video device by downloading through the line so that management information on software is matched with management information on software installed on the other specific video device. I have.

[0036] A software installation method according to a thirty-first aspect includes a plurality of video devices operating based on the installed software, and a line connecting the plurality of video devices to a network. Each of the devices is a software installation method in a video system that holds management information on software installed therein, wherein a specific video device among the plurality of video devices is a Referring to the management information of the other specific video device, it is detected that the management information on the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device. Installed on the specific video device Executing software installation on the specific video device by downloading through the line, so as to match the management information on the software being installed with the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device, Still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices refers to the management information of the other specific video device, and the management information regarding software installed in the further specific video device is the other specific video device. When it is detected that the management information is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device, the management information regarding the software installed on the further specific video device is installed on the other specific video device. Matches management information about installed software So as, it is characterized by performing the installation of software for said still another specific video device by downloading through the line.

A software installation method according to claim 32, further comprising a plurality of video devices operating based on the installed software, and a line for connecting the plurality of video devices to a network, wherein the plurality of video devices are connected to a network. Each of the devices is a software installation method in a video system that holds management information on software installed therein, wherein a specific video device among the plurality of video devices is a Referring to the management information of the other specific video device, it is detected that the management information on the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device. Installed on the specific video device Executing software installation on the specific video device by downloading through the line, so as to match the management information on the software being installed with the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device, Still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices refers to the management information of the specific video device, and the management information regarding software installed in the further specific video device is the specific video device. When it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device, To match the information It is characterized in that to perform the installation of the software for the yet another specific video device by downloading through the line.

A software installation method according to a thirty-third aspect is characterized in that the reference of the management information of the other specific video device by the specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. .

Also, in the software installation method according to claim 34, the reference of the management information of the other specific video device by the further specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. Features.

[0040] A software installation method according to claim 35 is characterized in that the reference of the management information of the specific video device by the further specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. I have.

Also, in the software installation method according to claim 36, when the management information of the other specific video device is changed, the other specific video device is connected to the first notification destination information. Is notified that the management information of the other specific video device has been changed.

Also, in the software installation method according to claim 37, when the management information of the other specific video device is changed, all of the other specific video devices connected to the network are connected. It is characterized in that the video equipment is notified that the management information of the other specific video equipment has been changed.

Also, in the software installation method according to claim 38, when the management information of the specific video device is changed, the specific video device is designated by the second notification destination information. It is characterized in that the video equipment is notified that the management information of the specific video equipment has been changed.

Also, in the software installation method according to claim 39, when the management information of the specific video device is changed, the specific video device is transmitted to all the video devices connected to the network. And that the management information of the specific video device is changed.

A software installation method according to claim 40 is characterized in that the installation of the software to the other specific video equipment is executed using software read from a recording medium.

Further, the software installation method according to claim 41 is characterized in that the specific video device is the other specific video device as a download destination.

Further, a software installation method according to claim 42 is characterized in that the further specific video device is downloading to the other specific video device.

Further, a software installation method according to claim 43 is characterized in that the still another specific video device is downloading the specific video device.

A method for installing software according to claim 44, wherein the video system has a host device connected to the line and controlling operation of the plurality of video devices, and the other specific video device is provided. The download destination specified by the download destination information held by the host device is the host device.

Also, in the software installation method according to claim 45, the video system is characterized in that the download destination specified by the download destination information held by the specific video device and the still another specific video device is It is characterized by being a host device.

A method for installing software according to claim 46, wherein the video system has a host device connected to the line and controlling operation of the plurality of video devices, and The download destination specified by the download destination information held by another specific video device is the host device.

A software installation method according to claim 47 is characterized in that the software installation to each of the plurality of video devices includes a new installation for installing the installation target software for the first time and all or one of the already installed software. It is characterized in that it includes any update installation for rewriting a part.

[0053] Also, in the software installation method according to claim 48, each of the plurality of video devices includes:
It is a video recording / reproducing apparatus having at least one function of video recording and reproduction.

A recording medium according to a fifty-ninth aspect has a plurality of video devices that operate based on installed software, and a line that connects the plurality of video devices to a network. Holding the management information on the software installed therein, the specific video device of the plurality of video devices, the reference destination of the management information is another specific video device of the plurality of video devices In a video system that retains first reference destination information indicating that: a recording medium that records a program for executing a process of installing software on the specific video device, wherein the process includes:
The process in which the specific video device refers to the management information of the other specific video device, and the management information on software installed in the specific video device is software installed in the other specific video device. When it is detected that the management information is different from the management information, to match the management information about the software installed on the specific video device with the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device, Executing software installation to the specific video device by downloading through the line.

Further, the recording medium according to claim 50 indicates that a still other specific video device among the plurality of video devices is that the reference destination of the management information is the other specific video device. Holding the second reference destination information, wherein the process is a process in which the further specific video device refers to management information of the other specific video device, and the process is installed in the further specific video device. When it is detected that the management information on the software being installed is different from the management information on the software installed on the other specific video equipment, the management information on the software installed on the further other specific video equipment is detected. To match the management information on the software installed in the other specific video equipment by downloading through the line. It is characterized by comprising a process of the further installation of the software to other specific video apparatus performs.

The recording medium according to claim 51, wherein a second specific video device among the plurality of video devices indicates that the reference destination of the management information is the specific video device. Holding the reference destination information, and the process relates to a process in which the further specific video device refers to management information of the specific video device, and software installed in the further specific video device. When it is detected that the management information is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device, the management information regarding the software installed on the further specific video device is changed to the specific video device. The other features by downloading through the line so as to match the management information on the software installed in the Installation software for video equipment is characterized in that and a process to be executed.

A program according to claim 52 has a plurality of video devices operating based on installed software, and a line connecting the plurality of video devices to a network, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is Holding management information on software installed in itself, a specific video device of the plurality of video devices, the reference destination of the management information is another specific video device of the plurality of video devices In a video system holding first reference destination information indicating that there is a program, a program for executing a process of installing software on the specific video device is provided. A process of referring to management information of the video device, and a process related to software installed in the specific video device. When it is detected that the information is different from the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device, the management information on the software installed on the specific video device is changed to the other specific video device. And installing the software to the specific video device by downloading through the line so as to match the management information on the software installed in the specific video device.

Further, according to a program according to claim 53, further another specific video device among the plurality of video devices is:
Holding the second reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the other specific video device, the processing, the further another specific video device is the other specific video device The process of referring to the management information, and when it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the further specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the other specific video device. In order to match the management information on the software installed on the further specific video device with the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device, the download information through the line is used. And a process for installing software on another specific video device. There.

Further, according to a program according to claim 54, the still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices includes:
Holding second reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the specific video device, and the processing is such that the further specific video device refers to the management information of the specific video device. Process, and when it is detected that the management information about the software installed in the still another specific video device is different from the management information about the software installed in the specific video device,
The further identification by download through the line so that the management information on the software installed on the further specific video device matches the management information on the software installed on the specific video device. And processing executed by software installation on the video device.

[0060]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the video system according to the first embodiment has a plurality of video devices and a line 100 for connecting the plurality of video devices to a network.
FIG. 1 shows a first video device 1 among a plurality of video devices.
11 and a second video device 112 are shown. Each of the plurality of video devices is, for example, a video recording / reproducing device having at least one function of video recording and reproduction, and the video system is, for example, a video monitoring system. The line 100 is, for example, a local area network using Ethernet (registered trademark) technology. Line 100
May be a wired or wireless system.

The first video device 111 has a built-in storage device such as a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory, and operates based on software installed therein. The second video device 112 has a built-in storage device such as a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory, and operates based on software installed therein. The first video device 111 and the second video device 112 include all devices that operate based on the installed software. Further, the first video device 111 and the second video device 112 are usually of the same model, but need not necessarily be of the same model. The same software is usually installed in the first video device 111 and the second video device 112,
When the models of the first video device 111 and the second video device 112 are different or the required performance is different, different software may be installed.

The first video device 111 stores, in its storage device, management information on installed software (for example, version information specifying the installed software). Similarly, the second video device 112 holds, in its storage device, management information on installed software (for example, version information specifying the installed software). Also, the second video device 112
Holds, in the recording device, first reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the first video device 111 (one of pieces of cooperation information for linking video devices).
Here, the “reference destination information” is information for specifying another video device that holds management information to be compared with management information on software installed in itself. The second video device 112 detects the management information of the first video device 111 that is the reference destination specified by the first reference destination information at predetermined time intervals. The management information may include other information such as model information of a video device to which the software can be applied and information indicating that the software is not installed when the software is not installed.

As a result of referring to the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111, the second video device 112 obtains the first management information on the software installed on the second video device 112.
When it is detected that the information is different from the management information on the software installed in the video device 111 of
The second video device 112 is downloaded by way of the line 100 so that the management information on the software installed on the second video device 112 matches the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111. Is installed. The installation includes both a new installation in which the software to be installed is installed for the first time and an update installation in which all or part of the already installed software is rewritten. This installation is normally performed automatically, but may be configured such that the start time of the installation is determined by an operation of an administrator. In the first embodiment, the download is executed using software stored in first video device 111. Embodiment 1
, The second video device 112 holds download destination information for specifying a download destination for downloading to the second video device 112 via the line 100. In the first embodiment, the download destination specified by the download destination information held by the second video device 112 is the first video device 111.

Next, the operation of the video system according to the first embodiment will be described. The software is installed in the first video device 111 using the recording medium 101 holding the installation software (which may include an installer which is a setup program). By this installation, the management information on the software installed in the first video device 111 is also updated. Thereafter, when the second video device 112 refers to the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111, the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111 is changed to the second video device. It is detected that the information is different from the management information on the software installed in the device 112.
At this time, the second video device 112 is the second video device 1
12 so that the management information about the software installed on the first video equipment 111 matches the management information about the software installed on the first video equipment 111.
By downloading from the first video device 111, the second
Software is installed on the video device 112 of the first device.

As described above, according to the video system of the first embodiment, if software is installed on first video device 111 using recording medium 101, second video device 112 Since the software is automatically installed, the load of the software installation work can be reduced even when there are a large number of video devices constituting the video system. In other words, the administrator can treat the installation of the software as if the entire video system were a single device.

Note that the first video device 111 and the second video device 112 can perform the above-described automatic software installation function by using a program from a recording medium holding the program or by downloading the program.
Can be obtained.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the video system according to the second embodiment has a plurality of video devices, a personal computer (PC) 102, and a line 100 for connecting these to a network. FIG. 2 shows a first video device 111 and a second video device 1 among a plurality of video devices.
12 is shown. The configurations of the first video device 111 and the second video device 112 are the same as those of the first embodiment (FIG. 1). In the second embodiment, the second video device 112 stores download destination information indicating that the download destination of the software is the first video device 111.

Next, the operation of the video system according to the second embodiment will be described. First, the PC 102 in which the recording medium 101 holding the installation software (which may include an installer) is inserted into the reading unit or the PC 1 already holding the installation software is used.
02, the software is installed in the first video device 111. By this installation, the management information on the software installed in the first video device 111 is also updated. Thereafter, when the second video device 112 refers to the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111, the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111 is changed to the second video device. It is detected that the information is different from the management information on the software installed in the device 112. At this time, the second video device 1
Reference numeral 12 denotes management information on software installed in the second video device 112,
The software is installed in the second video device 112 by downloading from the first video device 111 so as to match the management information on the software installed in the first video device 111.

As described above, according to the video system according to the second embodiment, if the software is installed in the first video device 111 using the PC 102, the second video device 112 In particular, since software is installed, the load of software installation work can be reduced even when there are a large number of video devices constituting the video system. In other words, the administrator can treat the installation of the software as if the entire video system were a single device.

The remaining points of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 3, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in FIG.

The video system according to the third embodiment
Is different from the video system according to the second embodiment in that the software is installed on the video device 112 by downloading from the PC 102. That is, in the video system according to Embodiment 3, the second video device 112 stores download destination information indicating that the download destination of the software is the PC 102.

The third embodiment is the same as the first or second embodiment except for the above points.

Embodiment 4 FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 4, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in FIG.

The video system according to the fourth embodiment has a plurality of video devices and a line 100 for connecting the plurality of video devices to a network. FIG. 4 shows a first video device 111 and a second video device 1 among a plurality of video devices.
12 and a third video device 113 are shown. Each of the plurality of video devices is, for example, a video recording and playback device having at least one function of video recording and playback,
The video system is, for example, a video monitoring system.

The third video device 113 has a built-in storage device such as a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory, and operates based on software installed therein. First to third video devices 111 to 11
3 are usually the same model, but need not necessarily be the same model. In addition, the first to third video devices 11
Normally, the same software is installed in the first to third video devices 111 to 113.
If the third model is different or the required performance is different, different software may be installed.

The third video device 113 holds, in its storage device, management information on the installed software (for example, version information for specifying the installed software). Also, the third
The video device 113 of the second type has second reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the first video device 111 (one of the pieces of cooperation information for linking video devices).
Holding. The third video device 113 detects, at predetermined time intervals, management information of the first video device 111 that is the reference destination specified by the second reference destination information. The management information may include other information such as model information of a video device to which the software can be applied and information indicating that the software is not installed when the software is not installed.

As a result of referring to the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111, the third video device 113 obtains the management information on the software installed on the third video device 113.
When it is detected that the information is different from the management information on the software installed in the video device 111 of
The third video device 113 downloaded via the line 100 so that the management information on the software installed on the third video device 113 matches the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111. Is installed. The installation includes both a new installation in which the software to be installed is installed for the first time and an update installation in which all or part of the already installed software is rewritten. This installation is normally performed automatically, but may be configured such that the start time of the installation is determined by an operation of an administrator. In the fourth embodiment, the download is executed using software stored in first video device 111. Embodiment 4
In, the download destination specified by the download destination information held by the third video device 113 is the first video device 111.

Next, the operation of the video system according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The software is installed in the first video device 111 using the recording medium 101 holding the installation software (which may include an installer which is a setup program). By this installation, the management information on the software installed in the first video device 111 is also updated. Thereafter, when the second video device 112 refers to the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111, the management information on the software installed on the first video device 111 is changed to the second video device. It is detected that the information is different from the management information on the software installed in the device 112.
At this time, the second video device 112 is the second video device 1
12 so that the management information about the software installed on the first video equipment 111 matches the management information about the software installed on the first video equipment 111.
By downloading from the first video device 111, the second
Software is installed on the video device 112 of the first device.

Similarly, when the third video device 113 refers to the management information on the software installed in the first video device 111, the third video device 113
Of the software installed on the third video device 113 is different from the management information on the software installed on the third video device 113. At this time, the third video device 113 makes the first video device 113 match the management information about the software installed in the third video device 113 with the management information about the software installed in the first video device 111. The software is installed in the third video device 113 by downloading from the video device 111.

As described above, according to the video system of the fourth embodiment, if the software is installed on the first video device 111 using the recording medium 101, the second video device 112 In addition, since software is automatically installed in the third video device 113, even if there are many video devices constituting the video system, the load of software installation work can be reduced. In other words, the administrator
Regarding software installation, the entire video system can be handled as if it were a single device.

Note that, in the fourth embodiment, the other points are the same as those in any of the first to third embodiments.

Further, the third video apparatus 113 can acquire the automatic software installation function as described above from a recording medium holding the program or by downloading the program.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in FIG.

In the video system according to the fifth embodiment, the third video device 113 stores management information on software installed in the third video device 113 in the software installed in the second video device 112. When it is detected that the management information is different from the management information regarding the second video equipment 112, the management information regarding the software installed in the third video equipment 113 is detected.
The software is installed in the third video device 113 by downloading through the line 100 so as to match the management information on the software installed in the third video device 113. This installation is normally performed automatically, but may be configured such that the start time of the installation is determined by an operation of an administrator. In the video system according to Embodiment 5, the download to third video device 113 is executed using software stored in second video device 112. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the third video device 113 stores download destination information indicating that the download destination of the new software is the second video device 112.

Note that the fifth embodiment is otherwise the same as any of the first to fourth embodiments.

Embodiment 6 FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. 6, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in FIG.

The video system according to the sixth embodiment
Of the software to the video device 112 and the software to the third video device 113 are performed using the PC 102 in which the recording medium 101 holding the installation software (which may include an installer) is inserted into the reading unit. Alternatively, the video system according to the fourth embodiment (FIG. 4) is different from the video system according to the fourth embodiment (FIG. 4) in that the process is executed using the PC 102 already holding the software for installation. That is, in the video system according to Embodiment 6, the second video device 112 and the third video device 1
Each of 13 has a software download destination P
It stores download destination information indicating C102.

Note that, in the sixth embodiment, the other points are the same as those in any of the first to fifth embodiments.

Embodiment 7 FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the video system according to the seventh embodiment has a plurality of video devices and a line 100 for connecting the plurality of video devices to a network.
FIG. 1 shows a first video device 1 among a plurality of video devices.
21 and a second video device 122 are shown. Each of the plurality of video devices is, for example, a video recording / reproducing device having at least one function of video recording and reproduction, and the video system is, for example, a video monitoring system. The line 100 is, for example, a local area network using Ethernet (registered trademark) technology. Line 100
May be a wired or wireless system.

The first video device 121 has a built-in storage device such as a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory, and operates based on software installed therein. The second video device 121 has a built-in storage device such as a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory, and operates based on software installed therein. The first video device 121 and the second video device 122 include all devices that operate based on the installed software. The first video device 121 and the second video device 122 are usually the same model, but need not necessarily be the same model. Also, the same software is usually installed in the first video device 121 and the second video device 122,
If the first video device 121 and the second video device 122 have different models or different required performances, different software may be installed.

The first video device 121 holds, in its storage device, management information on the installed software (for example, version information for specifying the installed software). Similarly, the second video device 122 holds, in its storage device, management information on installed software (for example, version information specifying the installed software). Also, the first video device 121
Is the first notification destination information indicating that the notification destination for notifying the recording device of the change of the management information is the second video device 122 (one of the pieces of cooperation information for linking video devices). Holding. Also, the second video device 122
Holds, in the recording device, first reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the first video device 121 (one of the pieces of cooperation information for linking the video devices).
Here, the “reference destination information” is information for specifying another video device that holds management information to be compared with management information on software installed in itself. The management information may include other information such as model information of a video device to which the software can be applied and information indicating that the software is not installed when the software is not installed.

In the seventh embodiment, instead of referring to the management information at predetermined time intervals as in the case of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the first video equipment 121 transmits the management information. When the change is notified, the second video device 1
Reference to the management information by 22 is performed.

As a result of referring to the management information on the software installed on the second video device 121, the second video device 122 obtains the first management information on the software installed on the second video device 122.
When it is detected that the information is different from the management information on the software installed in the video device 121 of
The second video device 122 is downloaded via the line 100 so that the management information on the software installed on the second video device 122 matches the management information on the software installed on the first video device 121. Is installed. The installation includes both a new installation in which the software to be installed is installed for the first time and an update installation in which all or a part of the already installed software is rewritten. This installation is normally performed automatically, but may be configured to determine the start time of the installation by an operation of an administrator. In the seventh embodiment, the download is executed using software stored in first video device 121. Embodiment 7
In, the download destination specified by the download destination information held by the second video device 122 is the first video device 121.

Next, the operation of the video system according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The software is installed in the first video device 121 using the recording medium 101 holding the installation software (which may include an installer which is a setup program). By this installation, the management information on the software installed in the first video device 121 is also updated. At this time, the first video device 121 has changed the management information of the first video device 121 with respect to the second video device 122 specified by the notification destination information (that is, the first video device 121 has been installed). The software has changed)
Notify. However, the notification from the first video device 121 is sent to all the video devices connected to the network (FIG. 7).
(Not shown). The second video device 122 that has received the notification refers to the management information regarding the software installed in the first video device 121 and changes the management information regarding the software installed in the first video device 121 to the second video device 121. Is different from the management information on the software installed in the video device 122 of the video device 122. At this time, the second video device 122 is
The management information on the software installed on the first video device 121 is made to match the management information on the software installed on the first video
The new software is installed in the second video device 122 by the download from the video device 121.

As described above, according to the video system of the seventh embodiment, if the software is installed on the first video device 121 using the recording medium 101, the second video device 122 Since the software is automatically installed, the load of the software installation work can be reduced even when there are a large number of video devices constituting the video system. In other words, the administrator can treat the installation of the software as if the entire video system were a single device.

Note that the first video device 121 and the second video device 122 can perform the above-described automatic software installation function by using a program stored on a recording medium or by downloading the program.
Can be obtained.

Embodiment 8 FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. 8, the same or corresponding components as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 8, the video system according to the eighth embodiment has a plurality of video devices, a personal computer (PC) 102, and a line 100 connecting these devices to a network. FIG. 8 shows a first video device 121 and a second video device 1 among a plurality of video devices.
22 is shown. The configuration of the first video device 121 and the second video device 122 is the same as that of the seventh embodiment (FIG. 7). Note that, in the eighth embodiment, the first video device 121
2. In addition, the second video device 122 stores download destination information indicating that the download destination of the software is the first video device 121.

Next, the operation of the video system according to Embodiment 8 will be described. Recording medium 101 holding installation software (which may include an installer)
Installs the software on the first video device 121 using the PC 102 inserted in the reading unit or using the PC 102 already holding the installation software. By this installation, the first video device 1
The management information relating to the software installed in 21 is also updated. At this time, the first video device 121
Is the first video device 1 with respect to the second video device 122.
21 is notified that the management information has been changed (that is, the installed software has been changed). However, the notification from the first video device 121 may be sent to all the video devices (not shown in FIG. 7) connected to the network. The second video device 122 that has received the notification transmits the first video device 12
The management information on the software installed on the first video device 121 is different from the management information on the software installed on the second video device 122 with reference to the management information on the software installed on the first video device 121 Is detected. At this time,
The second video device 122 is configured to match the management information on the software installed on the second video device 122 with the management information on the software installed on the first video device 121. The software is installed in the second video device 122 by the download from the device 121.

As described above, according to the video system of the eighth embodiment, if the software is installed on the first video device 121 using the PC 102, the second video device 122 is automatically installed. In particular, since software is installed, the load of software installation work can be reduced even when there are a large number of video devices constituting the video system. In other words, the administrator can treat the installation of the software as if the entire video system were a single device.

The remaining features of the eighth embodiment are the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

Embodiment 9 FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the same or corresponding components as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The video system according to the ninth embodiment is
Is different from the video system according to the eighth embodiment in that the software is installed on the video device 122 by downloading from the PC 102. That is, in the video system according to Embodiment 9, the second video device 122 stores download destination information indicating that the download destination of the software is the PC 102.

The remaining points of the ninth embodiment are the same as those of the seventh or eighth embodiment.

Embodiment 10 FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in FIG.

The video system according to the tenth embodiment has a plurality of video devices and a line 100 for connecting the plurality of video devices to a network. FIG. 10 shows a first video device 121, a second video device 122, and a third video device 123 among a plurality of video devices. Each of the plurality of video devices is, for example, a video recording / reproducing device having at least one function of video recording and reproduction, and the video system is, for example, a video monitoring system.

The first video device 121 holds, in its storage device, management information on the installed software (for example, version information for specifying the installed software). Similarly, the second video device 122 holds, in its storage device, management information on installed software (for example, version information specifying the installed software). Also, the first video device 121
The notification destinations for notifying the recording device of the change of the management information are the second video device 122 and the third video device 12.
3 is stored as first notification destination information (one piece of cooperation information for linking video devices). Also,
The second video device 122 has, on its recording device, first reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the first video device 121 (one of pieces of cooperation information for linking video devices). Holding. Also, the third video device 123
Holds, in the recording device, second reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the first video device 121 (one of pieces of cooperation information for linking video devices).
Here, the “reference destination information” is information for specifying another video device that holds management information to be compared with management information on software installed in itself. The management information may include other information such as model information of a video device to which the software can be applied and information indicating that the software is not installed when the software is not installed.

Next, the operation of the video system according to Embodiment 10 will be described. The software is installed in the first video device 121 using the recording medium 101 holding the installation software (which may include an installer which is a setup program). By this installation, the management information on the software installed in the first video device 121 is also updated. At this time, the first video device 121 notifies the second video device 122 and the third video device 123 that the management information of the first video device 121 has been changed (that is, the change has been made to the software). Notice). However,
The notification from the first video device 121 is sent to all the video devices connected to the network (not shown in FIG. 10).
May be performed.

The second video device 122 that has received this notification
Refers to the management information about the software installed in the first video device 121, and the management information about the software installed in the first video device 121 relates to the software installed in the second video device 122. It detects that it is different from the management information. At this time, the second video device 122
The second video is downloaded from the first video device 121 so that the management information on the software installed on the first video device 122 matches the management information on the software installed on the first video device 121. Install new software on the device 122.

Similarly, in the third video device 123, the management information on the software installed on the first video device 121 is different from the management information on the software installed on the third video device 123. Is detected. At this time, the third video device 123
Transmits new software to the third video device 123 so that the management information on the software installed on the third video device 123 matches the management information on the software installed on the first video device 121. install.

As described above, according to the video system of the tenth embodiment, if software is installed on the first video device 121 using the recording medium 101, the second video device 122 In addition, since software is automatically installed in the third video device 123, even when there are a large number of video devices constituting the video system, the load of software installation work can be reduced. In other words, the administrator can treat the installation of the software as if the entire video system were a single device. The number of video devices may be four or more.

The remaining features of the tenth embodiment are the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

The third video device 123 can acquire the above-described automatic software installation function from a recording medium holding the program or by downloading the program.

Embodiment 11 FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. 11, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in FIG.

The second video device 122 stores, in its storage device, management information on installed software (for example, version information for specifying installed software). Similarly, the third video device 123 holds, in its storage device, management information on installed software (for example, version information specifying the installed software). Also, the second video device 122
Is the second notification destination information indicating that the notification destination for notifying the recording device of the occurrence of the change of the management information is the third video device 123 (one of the pieces of cooperation information for linking video devices). Holding. Also, the third video device 123
Holds, in the recording device, second reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the second video device 122 (one of pieces of cooperation information for linking the video devices).
In the eleventh embodiment, the first embodiment (FIG. 1)
Instead of referring to the management information at predetermined time intervals as in the case of (3), when the second video device 122 notifies the change of the management information, the third video device 123 transmits the management information. Reference is performed.

In the video system according to the eleventh embodiment, the third video device 123
When it is detected that the management information on the software installed on the third video device 122 is different from the management information on the software installed on the second video device 122, the management information on the software installed on the third video device 123 is detected. To the second video equipment 12
The software is installed in the third video device 123 by downloading through the line 100 so as to match the management information on the software installed in the second video device 123. This installation is normally performed automatically, but may be configured such that the start time of the installation is determined by an operation of an administrator. In the video system according to Embodiment 11, the download to the third video device 123 is executed using software stored in the second video device 122. That is, in the eleventh embodiment, the third video device 123 stores download destination information indicating that the download destination of the new software is the second video device 122.

The remaining features of the eleventh embodiment are the same as those of the seventh to tenth embodiments.

Embodiment 12 FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in FIG.

The video system according to the twelfth embodiment holds installation software (which may include an installer) for installing software on the second video device 122 and installing software on the third video device 123. The difference from the video system of the tenth embodiment (FIG. 10) is that the recording medium 101 is executed by using the PC 102 inserted in the reading unit or by using the PC 102 that already holds the installation software. That is, in the video system according to the twelfth embodiment, the second video device 122 stores download destination information indicating that the download destination of the software is the PC 102.
Reference numeral 3 stores download destination information indicating that the download destination of the software is the PC 102.

The remaining features of the twelfth embodiment are the same as those of the seventh to eleventh embodiments.

Embodiment 13 FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video monitoring system configured using the video equipment according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

In FIG. 13, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d
Are time-lapse recording and playback devices as video equipment. As shown in FIG.
a is a camera 16a1, 16a2, 16a3, 16a4
Is connected, and the cameras 16b1, 1
6b2, 16b3 and 16b4 are connected, and cameras 16c1, 16c2, 16c3 and 16c are connected to the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c.
4 is connected, and a camera 16d1,
16d2, 16d3, and 16d4 are connected. The recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and a personal computer (PC) 18 are connected via a network. An external monitor 17 is connected to the recording / reproducing device 1a.

FIG. 14 shows a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1 (1) constituting a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 13.
a, 1b, 1c, 1d). FIG.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 2 denotes a CPU, and 3 denotes an RO.
M, 4 are RAMs, 5 is a setting memory, 6 is an image compression unit, 7
Is an image decompressor, 8 is a switcher buffer, 9 is an analog-digital (AD) converter, 10 is a digital-analog (DA) converter, 11 is a multiplexer, 12 is a hard disk drive (HDD), and 13 is a network interface. is there.

The multiplexer 11 has a plurality of input terminals to which video signals from the camera are input. The multiplexer 11 switches the video signal output from the output terminal as needed. The video signal selected by the multiplexer 11 is digitized by the analog-digital converter 9, compressed by the image compressor 6 via the switcher / buffer 8, and stored in the hard disk device 12. During a normal monitoring operation, the video signal selected by the multiplexer 11 is synthesized by the switcher / buffer 8, converted into an analog signal by the digital-analog converter 10, and displayed on the external monitor 17. At the time of the reproduction operation, the image data extracted from the hard disk device 12 is
The image is expanded by the image expansion unit 7, synthesized by the switcher / buffer 8, converted to an analog signal by the digital-analog conversion unit 10, and displayed on the external monitor 17. In the case of monitoring / reproduction via a network, image data is output through the network interface 13 and displayed on the monitor of the PC 18. The CPU 2 controls the operation of each component of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1 using the program stored in the ROM 3 and using the RAM 4 as a work area.

FIG. 15 shows a recording / reproducing apparatus 1 (1a, 1b, 1) constituting a video surveillance system according to the thirteenth embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in a setting memory 5 of (c, 1d). As shown in FIG.
Device setting 15a that records the number of the camera to be operated, the timing of switching the camera to be operated, and the like;
A network setting 15b in which an address and a communication method required for communication are recorded is stored. Further, the cooperation memory 20 is stored in the setting memory 5.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the cooperation setting 20 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the cooperation setting 20 includes cooperation information 22. Link setting 2
0, the type of software installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus itself (“installed software” in FIG. 16), its version, the model that the software supports (“compatible model” in FIG. 16), and other Reference destination information (“reference destination” in FIG. 16) for detecting whether there is a change in the software version of the device or the like is stored. Other settings may be stored as needed.

FIG. 17 shows a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1 (1) constituting a video surveillance system according to the thirteenth embodiment.
a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is an explanatory diagram showing an occupation state or a development state of software installed inside a storage device (also referred to simply as “memory”) such as a ROM 3, a RAM 4, a hard disk device 12, or the like. In FIG. 17, reference numeral 21a denotes an area occupied or expanded by the software S1, 2
1b is an occupation or development area of the software S2, and 21c is an occupation or development area of the software S3. Similarly,
In the memory, an occupation or development area is secured for other software.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of the video monitoring system according to the thirteenth embodiment. The video monitoring system shown in FIG. 18 is obtained by applying the video system of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 4) to a video monitoring system. In FIG. 18, reference numerals 1a, 1b, and 1c denote time-lapse recording / reproducing devices, 3 denotes a ROM, 14a denotes a media reading device, 14b denotes a medium (recording medium), and 18 denotes a device for monitoring and controlling the recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1b, and 1c. PC, 19 is a network, and 20 is a cooperation setting in the setting memory. Recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1b, 1c and PC
18 is connected via a network 19. Each of the recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1b, 1c and the PC 18 includes a media reader 14a, and inserts a media 14b in which installation software (which may be accompanied by an installer) is stored into the media reader 14a.
By taking the installer or installation software into the ROM 3 of each device, the software can be installed (new installation or update installation).

In FIG. 18, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1
b, 1c are all the same model (model name "RecType
1 "). The same software S1 version "1.0" is installed in each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c in advance.

When updating the software, the administrator updates the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, which is positioned as an administrator device, from version "1.0" to version "2.0". At the time of updating, the medium 14b storing the software for installation of the software S1 version "2.0" (may be accompanied by an installer) is inserted into the medium reading device 14a of the recording / reproducing device 1a. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1a reads the installation software stored in the medium 14b, takes it into its own ROM 3, and automatically updates the software S1 to the version "2.
Update to "0".

As shown in FIG. 16, cooperation information 22 is included in the cooperation setting 20 of each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c. In the thirteenth embodiment, the coordination information 22 includes reference destination information indicating a reference recording / reproducing apparatus for referencing whether there is a change in the software version or the like of another recording / reproducing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 20, which will be described later, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a does not hold the reference destination information, but as shown in FIG. 21, which will be described later, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1c.
Holds reference destination information indicating that the reference destination is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a.

The recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c execute the software S1 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a as a reference destination at predetermined time intervals.
Query the version of. Recording / reproducing device 1b, 1c
Compares the version of the software S1 installed in the recording and reproducing apparatus 1a with the version of the software S1 installed in the recording and reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c. When the versions are different, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c fetch the installation software stored in the ROM of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, which is the reference destination, into the ROM of each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c.
The software S1 is automatically updated to version "2.0".

FIG. 19 shows a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, 1a constituting a video surveillance system according to the thirteenth embodiment.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the occupation state or the deployment state of the software installed in the memory of b, 1c. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 18, initially, the software S1 version “1.0” is installed in the memory of each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c. The administrator inserts the medium 14b into the media reading device 14a of the recording / reproducing device 1a positioned as the recording / reproducing device for the administrator, and installs the software S1 version “1.0” installed in the memory of the recording / reproducing device 1a. Is updated to version “2.0”.

As shown in the middle part of FIG. 19, at this time, the software S1 version “1.0” is installed in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c. The recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c inquire the reference information of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a for the coordination information 22 at predetermined time intervals, and check the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a and the version installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c. The software S1 is compared with the version thereof. Here, the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a is “2.
0 "and the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1c is" 1.0 ".
a, the software for installing the software S1 version “2.0” is downloaded from
The version of the software S1 is updated to “2.0”. As a result, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 18, the version of the software S1 in the memory of each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c becomes "2.0".

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the link information 22 before and after updating the software installed in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1a for the administrator constituting the video surveillance system according to the thirteenth embodiment. . As shown in FIG. 20, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a positioned as the recording / reproducing apparatus for the administrator does not hold the reference destination information. When the administrator inserts the medium 14b into the medium reading device 14a of the recording / reproducing device 1a and updates the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing device 1a, the version description column is shown in the upper part of FIG. From “1.0”, “2.0” shown in the lower part of FIG.
Changes to

FIG. 21 shows a time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1b, 1 constituting a video surveillance system according to the thirteenth embodiment.
13C is an explanatory diagram showing a change in linkage information 22 before and after updating software installed in the memory of FIG. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the reference destination of the recording / reproducing devices 1b and 1c is the recording / reproducing device 1a. Recording / reproducing device 1b, 1c
Inquires the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a for cooperation information at predetermined time intervals, and checks the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a and the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a.
b and 1c are compared with the version of the software S1 installed. If the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing device 1a is different from the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing device 1b, 1c, the recording / reproducing device 1b, 1c 1a, the software for installing the software S1 version “2.0” is downloaded, and the software S1 is automatically updated.
Version 1 is updated from version "1.0" shown in the upper part of FIG. 21 to "version 2.0" shown in the lower part of FIG.

As described above, according to the video surveillance system according to the thirteenth embodiment, if software is installed on the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a using the medium 14b, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1c are automatically installed. Since the software is installed at the same time, even when there are a large number of recording / reproducing devices constituting the video surveillance system, the burden of the software installation work can be reduced. In other words, the administrator can treat the installation of the software as if the entire video monitoring system is a single device.

Embodiment 14 FIG. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a video monitoring system configured using the video equipment according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention. A video surveillance system according to Embodiment 14 is obtained by applying the video system of Embodiment 5 (FIG. 5) to a video surveillance system. In the fourteenth embodiment, the time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c and the PC 18 are all connected via a network. As described in the thirteenth embodiment, the administrator loads the medium 14b storing software for software installation (which may be accompanied by an installer) into each recording / reproducing apparatus 1.
a, 1b, 1c inserted into the media reader 14a,
Software can be installed.

In FIG. 22, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1
b, 1c are all the same model (model name "RecType
1 "). The same software S1 version "1.0" is installed in each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c in advance.

When updating the software, the administrator updates the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a positioned as the administrator device from version "1.0" to version "2.0". At the time of updating, the medium 14b storing the software for installation of the software S1 version "2.0" (may be accompanied by an installer) is inserted into the medium reading device 14a of the recording / reproducing device 1a. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1a reads the installation software stored in the medium 14b, takes it into its own ROM 3, and automatically updates the software S1 to the version "2.
Update to "0".

The setting contents of the cooperation setting 20 in the fourteenth embodiment are the same as those in FIG. Cooperation setting 20
Is a reference recording / playback device for checking whether the type of software installed in the recording / playback device itself, its version, a compatible model of the software, and the software version of another recording / playback device are not changed. Includes coordination information 22 that is reference information indicating the device. Other settings can be stored as needed.

In the fourteenth embodiment, as in the case of FIG. 20, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a does not hold the reference destination information. Further, as shown in FIG. 24 described later, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b holds reference destination information indicating that the reference destination is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, and as shown in FIG. 1c indicates that the reference destination is the recording / reproducing device 1b.
Is stored. The recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1c go at predetermined time intervals for an inquiry about the version of the software S1 of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b to which the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b refer, and check the version of the software S1 based on the answer from the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b. The version of the own software S1 is compared. Recording / reproducing device 1b
Are different, the software S1 stored in the ROM of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a as a reference destination is
Is installed in the recording and playback device 1b.
The data is imported into the OM, and the version of the software S1 is automatically updated to “2.0”.

After that, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1c, which are the reference destinations of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1c, are arranged at predetermined time intervals.
b, the version of the software S1 is queried, and the version of the software S1 based on the answer from the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a and 1b is compared with the version of the software S1 of the own apparatus. Software S of the recording / reproducing device 1c
1 is the software S1 of the recording / reproducing device 1b.
When the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c detects that the version is different from the version of the software S1, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c automatically downloads and updates the version “2.0” of the software S1 from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the occupation state or the development state of software installed in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c constituting the video surveillance system according to Embodiment 14. . As shown in the upper part of FIG. 23, first, each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a,
Software S1 version "1.0" is installed in the memories of 1b and 1c. Administrators
Recording / reproducing device 1 positioned as administrator's recording / reproducing device
The medium 14b is inserted into the medium reading device 14a, and the software S1 version “1.0” installed in the memory of the recording / reproducing device 1a is updated to version “2.0”.

As shown in the second row of FIG. 23, at this point, the software S1 version “1.0” is installed in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c. The recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1c inquire the reference recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b for cooperation information 22 at predetermined time intervals, and check the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b and the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1b. Software S1 installed in 1c
Compare with version. Here, the recording / reproducing device 1
a is “2.0” and the version of software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1 b and 1 c is “1.0”. The software for installing the software S1 version "2.0" is downloaded from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, and the version of the software S1 is automatically updated to "2.0". As a result, as shown in the third row of FIG.
The version of the software S1 in the memory of each of the recording / reproducing devices 1a and 1b is "2.0".

Further, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1c inquire the reference recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b for cooperation information 22 at predetermined time intervals, and check the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b. A comparison is made with the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c. Here, the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a and 1b is "2.0" and the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c is "1.0". Recording / reproducing device 1c
Downloads the installation software of the software S1 version “2.0” from the recording / reproducing device 1b and automatically updates the version of the software S1 to “2.0”. As a result, as shown in the fourth stage (lower stage) in FIG. 23, each of the recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1b, 1
The version of the software S1 in the memory c is "2.0".

FIG. 20 shows changes in the link information 22 before and after updating the software installed in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1a for the administrator constituting the video monitoring system according to the fourteenth embodiment. .
As shown in FIG. 20, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a positioned as the recording / reproducing apparatus for the administrator does not hold the reference destination information. When the administrator inserts the medium 14b into the medium reading device 14a of the recording / reproducing device 1a and updates the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing device 1a, the version description column is shown in the upper part of FIG. From “1.0”, “2.
0 ".

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the link information 22 before and after updating the software installed in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1b constituting the video surveillance system according to the fourteenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the reference destination of the recording / reproducing device 1b is the recording / reproducing device 1a. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1b inquires the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a for cooperation information at predetermined time intervals, and the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a.
Is compared with the version of the software S1 installed in the recording and reproducing apparatus 1b. If the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing device 1a is different from the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing device 1b, the recording / reproducing device 1b is
24, the software for installation of the software S1 version “2.0” is downloaded, and the version of the software S1 is automatically changed from the version “1.0” shown in the upper part of FIG. 24 to the version shown in the lower part of FIG. Update to "2.0".

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the link information 22 before and after updating the software installed in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1c constituting the video surveillance system according to Embodiment 14. As shown in FIG. 25, the reference destination of the recording / reproducing device 1c is the recording / reproducing device 1b. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1c inquires the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b for cooperation information at predetermined time intervals, and the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b.
Is compared with the version of the software S1 installed in the recording and reproducing apparatus 1c. If the version of the software S1 installed on the recording / reproducing device 1b is different from the version of the software S1 installed on the recording / reproducing device 1c, the recording / reproducing device 1c
The software for installation of the software S1 version “2.0” is downloaded from the software, and the version of the software S1 is automatically changed from the version “1.0” shown in the upper part of FIG. 25 to the version shown in the lower part of FIG. Update to "2.0".

As described above, according to the video surveillance system of the fourteenth embodiment, if software is installed on the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a using the medium 14b, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b is automatically installed on the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b. New software is installed and the recording / reproducing device 1
Since new software is installed for c, the load of software installation work can be reduced even when there are a large number of recording and playback devices that make up the video monitoring system. In other words, the administrator can treat the installation of the software as if the entire video monitoring system is a single device.

The fourteenth embodiment is the same as the thirteenth embodiment except for the above.

Embodiment 15 FIG. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of a video monitoring system configured using the video equipment according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention. The video monitoring system according to the fifteenth embodiment is different from the video monitoring system according to the twelfth embodiment.
The video system of FIG. 12 is applied to a video monitoring system.

In the video surveillance system according to the fifteenth embodiment, the time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c
And the PC 18 are connected via a network. As described in the thirteenth embodiment, the administrator inserts the medium 14b storing the installation software (may be accompanied by an installer) into the media reading device 14a of each of the recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1b, 1c. Thus, software can be installed in each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c.

In the fifteenth embodiment, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c are all of the same model (model name "RecTy
pe1 "). Further, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1
The same software S1 version "1.0" is pre-installed on the PC 18 and the PC 18 for monitoring and controlling them. Also, the PC 18 functions as a server.

FIG. 27 shows a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, 1a constituting a video surveillance system according to the fifteenth embodiment.
It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the cooperation setting 20 in the memory of b, 1c. The cooperation setting 20 includes cooperation information 22. The cooperation setting 20 includes the type of software installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus itself (“installed software” in FIG. 27), its version, the model that the software supports (“compatible model” in FIG. 27), and other information. Reference information (FIG. 27) for detecting by referring to whether there is a change in the software version or the like of the other device.
, The notification destination information for specifying the recording / reproducing apparatus that notifies the changed information when the software is changed (“notification destination” in FIG. 27), and the software download to the recording / reproducing apparatus. Information on the requested download destination (“download destination” in FIG. 27) is stored. Other settings may be stored as needed.

In the fifteenth embodiment, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a does not hold the reference destination information, and the recording / reproducing apparatus for notifying the software change is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b, 1c.
Is stored in the notification destination information. Further, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a holds download destination information indicating that the download destination requesting the download is a server address (PC). Further, the recording / reproducing devices 1b, 1
“c” holds reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the software management information (for example, version information) is the recording / reproducing device 1a, does not hold the notification destination information, and indicates a download requesting software download. Holds download destination information indicating that the destination is a server address.

When updating the software, the administrator updates the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, which is positioned as an administrator device, from version "1.0" to version "2.0". At the time of updating, the medium 14b storing the software for installation of the software S1 version "2.0" (may be accompanied by an installer) is inserted into the medium reading device 14a of the PC 18. The PC 18 reads the installation software stored in the medium 14b, loads it into its own ROM, and automatically updates the software S1 to version "2.0".

In the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a positioned as the recording / reproducing apparatus for the administrator, the download destination of the software S1 is set to the server address (that is, the PC 18), so that the administrator sets the version of the software S1 of the PC 18 to "1.0". Is automatically updated from “2” to “2.0”, the installation software is automatically loaded from the ROM 3 of the PC 18 into the ROM 3 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, and the version of the software S1 is automatically updated to “2.0”. I do.

The recording / reproducing apparatus 1a that has updated the software S1 holds notification destination information for specifying a notification destination for notifying the update of the software S1, and the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c transmit the software to the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c based on the notification destination information. The software update information for notifying that S1 has been updated is notified. The recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c that have received the notification of the software update inquire about the version of the software S1 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a that is the reference destination. The recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c are provided with a version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a,
b and 1c are compared with the version of the software S1 installed. When the versions are different, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c take in the installation software stored in the ROM of the PC 18 to which the data is downloaded into the ROM 3 of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c, and automatically install the software. Update S1 to version "2.0".

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the link information 22 before and after updating software installed in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1a constituting the video monitoring system according to the fifteenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 28, at first, the version of the software S1 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a was "1.0", but the administrator updates the software S1 of the PC 18, and thereby the recording / reproducing for the administrator is performed. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1a positioned as the apparatus downloads the software for installing the software S1 from the PC 18 and the software S1 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a is updated, so that the version of the software S1 in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a is “2.0”. ". At this point, the recording / reproducing device 1b,
The version of the software S1 in the memory 1c is “1.0”.

FIG. 29 shows a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1b, 1 constituting a video surveillance system according to the fifteenth embodiment.
13C is an explanatory diagram showing a change in linkage information 22 before and after updating software installed in the memory of FIG. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, the reference destination of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a. Recording / reproducing device 1b, 1c
When the notification is received from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a
Is compared with the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c. Software S1 installed in recording / reproducing apparatus 1a
Is different from the version of the software S1 installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b and 1c
The software for installation of the software S1 version “2.0” is downloaded from the PC, and the version of the software S1 is automatically changed from “1.0” shown in the upper part of FIG. 21 to “2” shown in the lower part of FIG. .0 ".

As described above, according to the video surveillance system of the fifteenth embodiment, if the software is installed on the PC 18 using the medium 14b,
Since new software is automatically installed in the recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1b, 1c, even if there are many recording / reproducing devices constituting the video monitoring system,
The burden of installing software can be reduced. In other words, the administrator can treat the installation of the software as if the entire video monitoring system is a single device.

The remaining features of the fifteenth embodiment are the same as those of the thirteenth or fourteenth embodiment.

Embodiment 16 FIG. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of a video monitoring system configured using the video equipment according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention. In the video surveillance system according to Embodiment 16, the model of the time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1c is set to the time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, 1
The point different from the model b is different from the video monitoring system according to the fifteenth embodiment.

In the video surveillance system according to the sixteenth embodiment, the time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c
And the PC 18 are connected via a network. As described in the thirteenth embodiment, the administrator inserts the medium 14b storing the installation software (may be accompanied by an installer) into the media reading device 14a of each of the recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1b, 1c. Thus, software can be installed in each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c.

In the video monitoring system according to the sixteenth embodiment, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a and 1b are of the same model (model name "RecType1"), and the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c is of a different model (model) from the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a and 1b. Name "RecT
type2 "). Also, the PC 18 functions as a server.

In the video monitoring system according to the sixteenth embodiment, there are two types of software to be installed in each of the recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1b, 1c and the PC 18 for monitoring and controlling these devices. For example, the software S1 is applicable to the model “RecType1”, and the software S2 is applicable to the model “RecType1” and the model “RecType”.
Type 2 "can be applied to both. Here, the software S1 is installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a and 1b and the PC 18.
Version "1.0" is installed in advance, and
The case where the software S2 version “3.0” is installed in the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c and the PC 18 in advance will be described.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the cooperation setting 20 in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus constituting the video surveillance system according to the sixteenth embodiment.
The cooperation setting 20 includes cooperation information 22. The cooperation setting 20 includes the type of software installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus itself (“installed software” in FIG. 32), its version, the model that the software supports (“compatible model” in FIG. 32), and other information. Reference information ("reference destination" in FIG. 32) for detecting by referring to whether or not there is a change in the software version or the like of the device, and a download destination for requesting the recording / reproducing device to download the software (see FIG. 32). "Download destination") information is stored. Other settings may be stored as needed.

In the video surveillance system according to the sixteenth embodiment, it is assumed that software S1 and software S2 are installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, the reference destination information is not stored, and the download destination is the server address. Download destination information is stored. Also, software S1 and software S2 are installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b, reference information indicating that the reference destination is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a is stored, and download indicating that the download destination is the server address is performed. Destination information is stored. Also, the software S2 is installed in the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c, reference destination information indicating that the reference destination is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a is stored, and download destination information indicating that the download destination is the server address is stored. Is stored.

The administrator first sets the recording / reproducing devices 1a, 1
The version of the software S1 is changed from "1.0" to "2.0" for the PC 18 for monitoring and controlling b and 1c.
In order to update the version of the software S2 from “3.0” to “4.0”, the software for installing the software S1 to version “2.0” and the software for installing the software S2 to version “4.0” The media 14b in which the software is stored is transferred to the PC 18
Is inserted into the media reader 14a provided by the user. PC
18 reads the installation software stored in the medium 14b from the medium reading device 14a,
The software S1 is automatically loaded into the ROM 3 of the PC 18 and the version of the software S1 is set to "2.0".
Is updated to “4.0”.

In the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a positioned as the recording / reproducing apparatus for the administrator, the server address is described as the download destination of the software S1 and the software S2. Therefore, the administrator sets the version of the software S1 of the PC 18 to "1". From “3.0” to “2.0” and the version of software S2 from “3.0” to “4.0”
Automatically, the software for installation is automatically loaded from the ROM 3 of the PC 18 into the ROM 3 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, and the version of the software S1 is automatically set to "2.0" and the version of the software S2 is automatically set to "2.0". 4.0 ".

The recording / reproducing apparatus 1a having updated the software S1 and the software S2 performs a broadcast for notifying all the recording / reproducing apparatuses on the network, and transmits the software update information indicating that the software S1 and the software S2 have been updated. 1b and 1c are notified.

The recording / reproducing apparatus 1b which has received the software update information records the versions of the software S1 and software S2 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a as the reference destination, and the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c which similarly receives the software update information records the reference destination. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1b sends an inquiry about the version of the software S2 of the reproducing apparatus 1a, and the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b determines the versions of the software S1 and the software S2 and the versions of the software S1 and the software S2 of the own apparatus by the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c. Compares the version of the software S2 based on the response from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a with the version of the software S2 of the own device.

At this time, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b loads the software S1 and software S2 installation software stored in the ROM 3 of the PC 18 as the download destination into the ROM 3 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b, and automatically loads the software S1. Change the version to “2.
0 ", and the version of the software S2 is updated to" 4.0 ".
18, the software for installation of the software S2 stored in the ROM 3 is stored in the RO of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c.
M3 is loaded into M3, and the version of software S2 is automatically updated to "4.0".

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the transition of the occupation of software S1 and software S2 in the memory of each of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a, 1b, and 1c according to the sixteenth embodiment or the update of the development area. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 31, initially, the version of the software S1 of the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1a and 1b is “1.0”,
The version of the software S2 of “a”, “1b”, and “1c” is “3.0”. The administrator updates the software S1 and the software S2 of the PC 18, whereby the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a positioned as the recording / reproducing apparatus for the administrator downloads the software for installing the software S1 and the software S2 from the PC 18. As a result, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 31, the software S1 and the software S2 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a are updated, the version of the software S1 in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a is changed to “2.0”, and the version of the software S2 is updated. The version is “4.0”.

At this point, the version of the software S1 in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b is "1.0".
The version of the software S2 is "3.0", and the version of the software S2 in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c is "3.0". The recording / reproducing apparatus 1a sends information that the software S1 and the software S2 have been updated to the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b, 1 using a broadcast.
c, the recording / reproducing apparatuses 1b, 1c receive the software update information, and thereafter,
Go to a. Then, the recording / reproducing device 1b
The version of the software S1 and the software S2 and the version of the software S1 and the software S2 based on the response from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a. The version of the software S2 and the version of the software S2 based on the response from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a. Compare the version of S2.

As a result of the comparison, when the versions are different, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b sends the software for installing the software S1 and the software S2 from the PC 18 to which the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b, 1c is downloaded.
The recording / reproducing device 1c downloads the software for installation of the software S2 and automatically updates the version of the software in which each recording / reproducing device is installed. As a result, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 31, the version of the software S1 in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, 1b eventually becomes “2.0”.
The version of the software S2 is "4.0", and the version of the software S2 in the memory of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c is "4.0".

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1a according to the sixteenth embodiment. As shown in FIG.
The reference destination of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a positioned as the recording / reproducing apparatus for the administrator does not designate any recording / reproducing apparatus. Further, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a specifies a server address as a download destination of the software S1. By these settings, the administrator simply updates the software of the PC 18, and the software for installing the software S 1 and the software S 2 is automatically downloaded from the PC 18 to the recording / reproducing device 1 a, and the software S 1 and the software S 1 of the recording / reproducing device 1 a are automatically downloaded. The software S2 is automatically updated. Here, the version description column of the software S1 changes from “1.0” to “2.0”, and the version description column of the software S2 changes from “3.0” to “4.
0 ".

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1b according to the sixteenth embodiment. As shown in FIG.
The reference destination of the software S1 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1b is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, the download destination is the server address, the reference destination of the software S2 is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, and the download destination is the server address. After receiving the software update information from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a is inquired about the version. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1b compares the versions of the software S1 and the software S2 based on the response from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a with the versions of the software S1 and the software S2 of the own apparatus. If the versions are different, PC1
8 to download software S1 and software S2 for installation.
1 and software S2 are automatically updated. Therefore, the version description column of the software S1 is "1.0".
From "3.0" to "2.0", and the version description column of the software S2 has changed from "3.0" to "4.0".

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus 1c according to the sixteenth embodiment. As shown in FIG.
Since the reference destination of the software S2 of the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c is the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a and the download destination is the server address, the recording / reproducing apparatus 1c inquires the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a after receiving the software update information from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a. The recording / reproducing apparatus 1c compares the version of the software S2 based on the response from the recording / reproducing apparatus 1a with the version of the software S2 of its own. If the versions are different, the software for installing the software S2 is downloaded from the PC 18 and the software S2 is downloaded.
Has been automatically updated, the version description column of the software S2 has changed from “3.0” to “4.0”.

The connection mode of each recording / reproducing apparatus and the set value of the link information shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and other settings may be stored as needed.

[0187] Further, it is assumed that the reference destination, the notification destination, the download destination, and the like are all the same for each software installed in each recording / reproducing apparatus shown in the above embodiment. On the other hand, they may be different.

Further, in the above embodiment, the network may be connected to the Internet, and the software may be downloaded via the Internet.

Further, the software installation procedure (installation method) executed in the video system described in each of the above-described embodiments has been described for a video monitoring system including a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus. However, for example, the present invention is also applicable to a video system in which a plurality of PCs are connected to a network as video devices. In this case, a program for recording and reproducing video images may be installed in advance, and a program for enabling the software installation procedure (installation method) according to the present invention may be installed.
The installation of these programs can be performed from a recording medium such as a CD or via the Internet.

[0190]

According to the video system of the present invention, new software is automatically installed on a specific video device only by installing software on another specific video device. Therefore, even when there are a large number of video devices constituting the video system, there is an effect that the load of software installation work can be reduced.

According to the video system of the second and third aspects, only by installing software on another specific video device, a specific video device and further another specific video device are automatically set. Since new software is installed in the video system, even if there are a large number of video devices constituting the video system, there is an effect that the load of software installation work can be reduced.

According to the video system of the present invention, when the management information of another specific video device is changed, another specific video device is identified by the first notification destination information. Notifying the specified video device that the management information of another specific video device has been changed, the specific video device can promptly refer to the management information and install new software. This has the effect.

According to the video system of the ninth aspect, when the management information of another specific video device is changed, the other specific video device is identified by the first notification destination information. Is notified to the other specified video device that the management information of the other specified video device has been changed, so that the reference of the management information by another specified video device and installation of new software can be performed. There is an effect that it can be performed quickly.

According to the video equipment described in claims 23 to 29, new software is automatically installed in the video equipment of the reference destination connected to the network only by installing the software. Therefore, there is an effect that the load of software installation work can be reduced.

According to the video equipment of the twenty-fourth aspect, when the own management information is changed, the management information is changed in the video equipment connected to the network and specified by the notification destination information. Since this is notified, there is an effect that reference of the management information and installation of new software by the video equipment of the notification destination can be performed quickly.

According to the software installation method of the present invention, new software is automatically installed in a specific video device only by installing the software in another specific video device. Since the software is installed, there is an effect that the load of software installation work can be reduced even when there are many video devices constituting the video system.

A program stored in a recording medium according to any one of claims 49 to 51 or a program stored in a recording medium according to claims 52 and 53
By using the program described in (1), it is possible to provide a video system in which new software is automatically installed on a specific video device simply by installing the software on another specific video device. There is an effect that the burden can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

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

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

FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video system according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a video monitoring system configured using a video device according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus included in a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 13.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in a setting memory of a time-lapse recording / reproducing device included in a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 13.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the cooperation setting in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an occupation state or a development state of software installed in a memory of a time-lapse recording / reproducing apparatus included in a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 13.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 13.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition of an occupation state or a development state of software installed in a memory of a recording / reproducing apparatus included in a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 13.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a change in linkage information before and after updating software installed in a memory of a time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus for an administrator constituting a video surveillance system according to Embodiment 13;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in linkage information before and after updating software installed in a memory of a time-lapse recording / reproducing device included in a video monitoring system according to Embodiment 13;

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of a video monitoring system configured using the video equipment according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing updating of software in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing device in the video surveillance system according to Embodiment 14;

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of a video monitoring system configured using the video equipment according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing the cooperation setting inside the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of a video monitoring system configured using the video equipment according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a software update status inside the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus in the sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing the cooperation setting inside the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus in the sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus in the sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing apparatus in the sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing the update of the cooperation information in the memory of the time lapse recording / reproducing device in the sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a conventional video monitoring system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Time-lapse recording / reproducing device, 2 CPU, 3 ROM, 4 RAM, 5
Setting memory, 6 image compression unit, 7 image expansion unit,
8 switcher buffer, 9 analog-to-digital converter, 10 digital-to-analog converter, 11
Multiplexer, 12 hard disk drives (HD
D), 13 network interface, 14a
Media reader, 14b Media, 15a
Device setting, 15b Network setting, 16, 16
a1, 16a2, 16a3, 16a4, 16b1, 16
b2, 16b3, 16b4, 16c1, 16c2, 16
c3,16c4,16d1,16d2,16d3,16
d4 camera, 17 external monitor, 18, 102
Personal computer (PC), 19 network, 20 linkage setting, 21a, 21b, 21c software occupation / deployment area, 22 linkage information, 10
0 line, 101 recording medium, 111, 121 first video equipment, 112, 122 second video equipment,
113, 123 Third video equipment.

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventor Miyoichi Watanabe             2-3 2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 3             Rishi Electric Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5B076 AC07 BB06                 5C053 FA11 GB06 GB40 JA24 JA30                       KA24 LA01 LA06 LA11 LA15

Claims (54)

[Claims] 1. An image system comprising: a plurality of video devices operating based on installed software; and a line connecting the plurality of video devices to a network, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is installed in itself. Holding the management information relating to the software that indicates that the specific video device of the plurality of video devices indicates that the reference destination of the management information is another specific video device of the plurality of video devices. Holding the first reference destination information, and as a result of referring to the management information of the other specific video device by the specific video device, the management information on software installed in the specific video device is changed to the other specific information. When it is detected that the information is different from the management information on the software installed in the video equipment of Installing software on the specific video device by downloading through the line so that management information on software installed on the video device matches management information on software installed on the other specific video device. Is executed. 2. A still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices holds second reference destination information indicating that a reference destination of the management information is the another specific video device. As a result of referring to the management information of the other specific video device by the still another specific video device, the management information on software installed in the further another specific video device becomes the other specific video device. When it is detected that the management information on the software installed on the other specific video equipment is different from the management information on the software installed on the other specific video equipment, Software for the still other specific video device by downloading through the line so as to match the management information regarding the Video system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the installation of A is performed. 3. A still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices, holding second reference destination information indicating that a reference destination of the management information is the specific video device, As a result of referring to the management information of the specific video device by another specific video device, the management information regarding the software installed in the further specific video device is the software installed in the specific video device. When it is detected that the management information is different from the management information, the management information on the software installed on the still another specific video device is made to match the management information on the software installed on the specific video device. Installing software to the still other specific video device by downloading through the line. Video system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that but executed. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the reference of the management information of the other specific video device by the specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. Video system. 5. The video system according to claim 2, wherein the reference of the management information of the other specific video device by the further specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. . 6. The video system according to claim 3, wherein the reference of the management information of the specific video device by the further specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. 7. The other specific video device holds first notification destination information for specifying a notification destination for notifying that the management information of the other specific video device has been changed, When there is a change in the management information of the specific video device, the other specific video device changes the management information of the other specific video device to the video device specified by the first notification destination information. The video system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system is notified of a change. 8. When the management information of the other specific video device is changed, the other specific video device sends the other specific video device to all the video devices connected to the network. 4. The video system according to claim 1, wherein a notification is made that the management information of the video device has been changed. 9. The specific video device holds second notification destination information for specifying a notification destination for notifying that the management information of the specific video device has been changed, When management information changes,
4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific video device notifies the video device specified by the second notification destination information that the management information of the specific video device has been changed. The video system according to any one of the above. 10. When the management information of the specific video device is changed, the specific video device transmits the management information of the specific video device to all the video devices connected to the network. The video system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the video system is notified of a change. 11. The other specific video device has a recording medium reading unit, and installing the software on the other specific video device includes reading the software read from the recording medium by the recording medium reading unit. The video system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the video system is executed using the video system. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of video devices holds download destination information for specifying a download destination for downloading to the video device through the line. The video system described in Crab. 13. The video system according to claim 12, wherein a download destination specified by the download destination information held by the specific video device is the other specific video device. 14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a download destination specified by the download destination information held by the still another specific video device is the other specific video device. The described video system. 15. The device according to claim 12, wherein a download destination specified by the download destination information held by the still another specific video device is the specific video device. Imaging system. 16. A host device connected to the line and controlling operation of the plurality of video devices, wherein the download destination specified by the download destination information held by the other specific video device is the host device. The video system according to claim 12, which is a device. 17. The video according to claim 16, wherein the download destination specified by the download destination information held by the specific video device and the still another specific video device is the host device. system. 18. A host device connected to the line for controlling operations of the plurality of video devices, wherein the download destination information held by the specific video device and the further specific video device is specified. The video system according to claim 12, wherein a download destination to be downloaded is the host device. 19. The software installation on each of the plurality of video devices includes a new installation for installing software to be installed for the first time and an update installation for rewriting all or part of already installed software. The video system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: 20. The video recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is a video recording / reproducing device having at least one of a video recording and reproducing function. Video system. 21. The video system according to claim 1, wherein the management information is rewritten in accordance with software installation and includes version information for specifying the installed software. 22. The video system according to claim 1, wherein the management information includes model information of the video device to which installed software can be applied. 23. A video device which has a network interface for connecting to another video device via a network via a line and operates based on the installed software, holds management information on software installed in itself, Holds reference information for identifying another video device that holds management information to be compared with management information on software installed in itself, and the management information on software installed in itself is referred to above. When it is detected that the management information related to the software installed in the other video device specified in the destination information is different from the management information related to the software installed in the other video device specified in the reference destination information, Install on video equipment Video equipment, wherein software installation by download through the line is executed so as to match the management information on the software being executed. 24. Notification destination information for specifying a notification destination for notifying that there is a change in the management information on the software installed therein, and when the management information of the self is changed, the notification is made. 24. The video device according to claim 23, wherein the other video device specified by the destination information is notified that the management information has been changed. 25. The software installation on the video device includes both a new installation for installing software to be installed for the first time and an update installation for rewriting all or a part of already installed software. The video device according to claim 23. 26. The video device according to claim 23, wherein the video device is a video recording / reproducing device having at least one of a video recording function and a video reproducing function. 27. The video device according to claim 23, wherein the management information is rewritten along with the installation of the software, and includes version information for specifying the installed software. 28. The video device according to claim 23, wherein the management information includes model information of a video device to which the installed software can be applied. 29. The video device according to claim 23, wherein the video device holds download destination information for specifying a download destination for downloading to itself through the line. 30. A plurality of video devices that operate based on installed software, and a line that connects the plurality of video devices to a network, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is installed in itself. A method for installing software in a video system holding management information regarding software, wherein a specific video device among the plurality of video devices refers to management information of another specific video device among the plurality of video devices. Then, when it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the other specific video device, the software is installed on the specific video device. Management information about the software being A software installation method, comprising: performing software installation on the specific video device by downloading through the line so as to match management information on software installed on the video device. 31. A plurality of video devices operating based on installed software and a line connecting the plurality of video devices to a network, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is installed in itself. A method for installing software in a video system holding management information regarding software, wherein a specific video device among the plurality of video devices refers to management information of another specific video device among the plurality of video devices. Then, when it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the other specific video device, the software is installed on the specific video device. Management information about the software being Executing software installation on the specific video device by downloading through the line so as to match the management information on the software installed on the video device; The video device refers to the management information of the other specific video device, and the management information on the software installed on the further specific video device is managed on the software installed on the other specific video device. When it is detected that the information is different from the information, the management information on the software installed on the still another specific video device is matched with the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device. Before the download through the line Furthermore How software and executes a software installation for other specific video equipment. 32. A plurality of video devices operating based on installed software, and a line connecting the plurality of video devices to a network, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is installed in itself. A method for installing software in a video system holding management information regarding software, wherein a specific video device among the plurality of video devices refers to management information of another specific video device among the plurality of video devices. Then, when it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the other specific video device, the software is installed on the specific video device. Management information about the software being Executing software installation on the specific video device by downloading through the line so as to match the management information on the software installed on the video device; The video device refers to the management information of the specific video device, and the management information regarding the software installed on the further specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device. Is detected, the management information about the software installed on the still another specific video device is made to match the management information on the software installed on the specific video device, so that it is passed through the line. Download the above additional features How software and executes a software installation for video equipment. 33. The method according to claim 30, wherein the reference of the management information of the other specific video device by the specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. How to install software. 34. The software according to claim 31, wherein the reference of the management information of the other specific video device by the further specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. Installation method. 35. The software installation method according to claim 32, wherein the reference to the management information of the specific video device by the further specific video device is executed at predetermined time intervals. . 36. When there is a change in the management information of the other specific video device, the other specific video device sends the other specific video device to the video device specified by the first notification destination information. 33. The software installation method according to claim 30, wherein a notification is made that management information of a specific video device has been changed. 37. When there is a change in the management information of the another specific video device, the other specific video device transmits the other specific video device to all the video devices connected to the network. 33. The software installation method according to claim 30, wherein notification is made that the management information of the video device has been changed. 38. When there is a change in the management information of the specific video device, the specific video device changes the management of the specific video device to the video device specified by the second notification destination information. 33. The software installation method according to claim 30, wherein notification is made that the information has been changed. 39. When the management information of the specific video device is changed, the specific video device changes the management information of the specific video device to all the video devices connected to the network. The software installation method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein notification of a change is provided. 40. The method according to claim 3, wherein the installation of the software on the other specific video equipment is executed using software read from a recording medium.
40. The software installation method according to any one of 0 to 39. 41. The software installation method according to claim 40, wherein the specific video device downloads the other specific video device. 42. The software installation method according to claim 40, wherein the still another specific video device downloads the other specific video device. 43. The software installation method according to claim 40, wherein the still another specific video device is a download destination of the specific video device. 44. The video system, further comprising a host device connected to the line and controlling operations of the plurality of video devices, wherein a download specified by the download destination information held by the other specific video device is provided. 41. The software installation method according to claim 40, wherein the destination is the host device. 45. The video system, wherein the download destination specified by the download destination information held by the specific video device and the still another specific video device is the host device. 44. A software installation method according to 44. 46. The video system, further comprising: a host device connected to the line and controlling operation of the plurality of video devices, wherein the specific video device and the further specific video device hold the host device. 41. The software installation method according to claim 40, wherein the download destination specified by the download destination information is the host device. 47. The software installation on each of the plurality of video devices includes both a new installation for installing software to be installed for the first time and an update installation for rewriting all or part of already installed software. The software installation method according to any one of claims 30 to 46, characterized in that: 48. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is a video recording / reproducing device having at least one function of recording and reproducing video. How to install software. 49. A system comprising: a plurality of video devices operating based on installed software; and a line connecting the plurality of video devices to a network, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is installed in itself. A first video device that holds management information related to software and indicates that a specific video device of the plurality of video devices is a reference destination of the management information to another specific video device of the plurality of video devices; In a video system holding reference destination information, a recording medium that records a program for executing a process of installing software on the specific video device, wherein the process is performed when the specific video device is the other specific Processing for referring to the management information of the video device; and management information relating to software installed in the specific video device. When it is detected that the management information on the software installed on the other specific video device is different from the management information on the software installed on the specific video device, the management information on the software installed on the specific video device is transmitted to the other specific video device. Executing a software installation to the specific video device by downloading through the line so as to match the management information on the installed software. 50. Still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices holds second reference destination information indicating that the reference destination of the management information is the other specific video device. Wherein the process is a process in which the further specific video device refers to management information of the other specific video device; and the management information regarding software installed in the further specific video device is the other. When it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the further specific video device, In order to match the management information on the installed software, the still other specific video equipment by download through the line 5. A process to be executed for installation of software for the program.
10. The recording medium according to 9. 51. Still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices holds second reference destination information indicating that a reference destination of the management information is the specific video device, The process is a process in which the further specific video device refers to the management information of the specific video device, and the management information on software installed in the further specific video device is stored in the specific video device. When it is detected that the management information is different from the management information on the installed software, the management information on the software installed on the further specific video device is added to the management information on the software installed on the specific video device. Software for the still other specific video device by downloading through the line so that 50. The recording medium according to claim 49, further comprising: a process executed by installation of software. 52. A plurality of video devices that operate based on installed software, and a line that connects the plurality of video devices to a network, wherein each of the plurality of video devices is installed in itself. A first video device that holds management information related to software and indicates that a specific video device of the plurality of video devices is a reference destination of the management information to another specific video device of the plurality of video devices; A program for executing a process of installing software on the specific video device in the video system holding reference information of the specific video device, wherein the specific video device has management information on the other specific video device. And management information on software installed in the specific video device is the other specific When it is detected that the management information is different from the management information on the software installed on the imaging device, the management information on the software installed on the specific imaging device is related to the software installed on the other specific imaging device. Executing a software installation to the specific video device by downloading through the line so as to match the management information. 53. Still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices holds second reference destination information indicating that a reference destination of the management information is the other specific video device. Wherein the process is a process in which the further specific video device refers to management information of the other specific video device; and the management information regarding software installed in the further specific video device is the other. When it is detected that the management information regarding the software installed on the specific video device is different from the management information regarding the software installed on the further specific video device, In order to match the management information on the installed software, the still other specific video equipment by download through the line 6. A process to be executed for installation of software for the application.
2. The program according to 2. 54. Still another specific video device among the plurality of video devices holds second reference destination information indicating that a reference destination of the management information is the specific video device, The process is a process in which the further specific video device refers to the management information of the specific video device, and the management information on software installed in the further specific video device is stored in the specific video device. When it is detected that the management information is different from the management information on the installed software, the management information on the software installed on the further specific video device is added to the management information on the software installed on the specific video device. Software for the still other specific video device by downloading through the line so that 53. The program according to claim 52, further comprising: a process executed by installing the software.