Remote control system and access control method for information input apparatus

Abstract

When an access request (a request for transfer of video and audio information or a request for a camera operation) to a camera apparatus connected to a network via a terminal is issued via the network, a camera management server processes the access request on the basis of an access right set by a user (or a manager) using the terminal to which the camera apparatus is connected. That is, the camera management server refers to an access right set file and grants or denies permission to access for the user whose has issued the access request. The user to whom the access permission is granted requests a camera control server to permit a camera operation via a camera control client and thereby can receive an image taken by the camera apparatus and voices collected by the camera apparatus and can perform panning, tilting, and zooming of the camera apparatus. Accordingly, to protect the privacy of a user using a terminal to which a camera apparatus is connected, it is possible to realize fine setting meeting the demand of the user at all times. Also, in a location where a camera apparatus connected to a network is installed, it is possible to prevent a leak of confidential information through the camera apparatus.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 09 / 894,233 filed on Jun. 27, 2001 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 607,687 filed Feb. 26, 1996, now abandoned, which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 based on Japanese Patent Application No. 7-037913 filed on Feb. 27, 1995 and Japanese Patent Application No. 7-190345 filed on Jul. 26, 1995, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a remote control system and an access control method for an information input apparatus and, more particularly, to a remote control system and a remote control method of remotely operating a camera apparatus equipped with a video camera and a microphone for a TV conference, and an access control method of controlling access to a camera apparatus connected to a network. [0004] 2. Descrip...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote control system and a remote control method capable of dynamically managing granting and withholding of permission to perform a camera operation of a camera apparatus connected to a computer network, thereby allowing a large number of users to remotely operate, where necessary, camera apparatuses connected to the network without stopping the system and easily take part in or leave the TV conference.

[0019] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a plurality of stages of access limiting modes in a remote operation of camera apparatuses connected to a computer network and thereby allow each user to set an appropriate imaging or photographing enable range including operation inhibition.

Problems solved by technology

However, the TV conference system is a dedicated system installed in a conference room, and so terminals capable of participating in the conference are usually limited.

It is unnatural and troublesome to draw a curtain in the background only for a TV conference.

However, this makes smooth conversions difficult and impairs the advantage that images of persons and materials can be taken and transmitted in proper sizes at proper locations any time.

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