Environment monitoring system

Abstract

To provide an environment monitoring system that can check the state of a monitored area while saving power and can reduce the size of a device installed in the monitored area.SOLUTION: An environment monitoring system includes a camera unit 1, a server device 100, and a communication device 200. The communication device 200 transmits control data from the server device 100 to the camera unit 1 by LPWA communication. The camera unit 1 includes a main board 10 equipped with a camera module 11 and a first communication module, and a control board 20 equipped with a LPWA communication module. The main board 10 is in a standby state with the power turned off. When receiving the control data, the control board 20 turns on the main board 10. When the main board 10 is turned on, the camera module 11 captures the image of a monitored area, the first communication module transmits the captured image data to the server 1, and turns off.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental monitoring system, and more particularly to an environmental monitoring system capable of capturing images of areas to be monitored, such as agricultural rural areas, rivers, and areas at risk of landslides, with a camera and confirming the conditions of the areas to be monitored. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, systems using network cameras (cameras) that can be connected to the Internet have become widespread. With this system, for example, a user in a remote location from the area where the camera is installed can operate a user terminal (such as a smartphone) to control the operation of the camera, cause the camera to take images, and transmit the taken images to the user terminal. This makes it possible for a user in a remote location to view images taken by the camera.

[0003] The above-mentioned network camera (camera) is connected to a user terminal or a server via the Internet via an LTE (4G) line or the like, and images captured by the camera are transmitted to the server or user terminal. A system equipped with a network camera is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4682381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in agricultural and rural areas there is a need to be able to check the condition of fields and the water levels in rice paddies from remote locations, and if the above-mentioned network cameras can be installed in agricultural and rural areas, this need can be met. However, in reality, fields and rice paddies do not have power sources or Internet connections, so systems equipped with network cameras to monitor agricultural and rural areas have not become widespread. In recent years, abnormal weather has caused frequent river flooding and landslides, but even in areas prone to such disasters, just like agricultural rural areas, there are problems such as a lack of access to power and Internet connections, and systems equipped with network cameras have not become widespread. On the other hand, in monitored areas such as agricultural rural areas and areas at risk of disaster, constant video surveillance is not necessary; it is considered sufficient to check the status of the monitored area once a day or only when an abnormality occurs.

[0006] By providing power supply facilities and an Internet connection environment in areas to be monitored, such as agricultural rural areas and areas at risk of disaster, and installing a system equipped with the above-mentioned network cameras, it is possible to check the status of the area to be monitored from a remote location. In this case, in order to remotely operate the network camera, it is necessary to keep the network camera connected to an LTE (4G) line or the like, which consumes a certain amount of power. In addition, since it consumes a certain amount of power, a power supply unit of a certain size is required, and the equipment to be installed in the monitored area becomes large, leading to increased costs. As mentioned above, it is not always necessary to monitor the area with video images. Therefore, if the network camera could be operated only when necessary, without being constantly connected to an LTE (4G) line, it would be possible to save power and reduce the size of the power supply unit, thereby reducing costs. However, no such system is currently known.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an environmental monitoring system that can check the condition of a monitored area while saving power and that can reduce the size of the equipment installed in the monitored area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, provides an environmental monitoring system comprising a camera unit installed in a monitoring target area, a server device connectable to the camera unit via the Internet, and a communication device connected to the server device via the Internet, wherein the server device generates camera control data instructing the camera unit to take pictures, and transmits the camera control data to the communication device via the Internet, the communication device has a first communication processing unit that communicates with the server device via the Internet, and a second communication processing unit that exchanges data with the camera unit by LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication, the camera unit has a main board on which a camera module that takes pictures of the monitoring target area and a first communication module that communicates with the server device via the Internet are mounted, and a control board on which an LPWA communication module that performs the LPWA communication is mounted, the control board is always powered on and in a standby state for receiving data by the LPWA communication, and the main board is in a standby state with its power turned off, and in the communication device, the first communication processing unit receives the camera control data transmitted from the server, and the first communication processing unit When the communication processing unit receives the camera control data, the second communication processing unit transmits the camera control data to an LPWA communication module of a control board of the camera unit by LPWA communication, and when the control board receives the camera control data from the communication device, it turns on the power of the main board, and when the power of the main board is turned on, the camera module photographs the area to be monitored, and the first communication module transmits the image data obtained by photographing the area to the server device via the Internet, and automatically turns off its own power after sending the image data.

[0009] In this way, in the configuration of the camera unit, the environmental monitoring system of the present invention has a main board equipped with a camera module and a first communication module that is in an OFF state except when photographing the area to be monitored, and a control board equipped with an LPWA communication module that can be in a power-saving standby state is always in an ON state. When the control board that can be in a power-saving standby state receives camera control data that instructs photographing via LPWA communication, it turns on the power of the main board. Also, when the power of the main board is turned on, the camera module photographs the area to be monitored, and the first communication module transmits the image data obtained by photographing to the server device, and then the power is automatically turned off. According to this configuration, the first communication module (communication module connecting to the Internet), which consumes a certain amount of power, can be turned off when not capturing image data (photos), so that power consumption can be reduced to only what is necessary. As a result, the power supply unit of the camera unit can be made compact, the camera unit itself can be made smaller, and costs can be reduced. In other words, according to the present invention, the state of the monitored area can be confirmed with less power consumption, and the camera unit installed in the monitored area can be made smaller.

[0010] It is also desirable that the server device is configured to accept shooting instructions for the camera unit from a user terminal via the Internet, and upon accepting the shooting instructions from the user terminal, generate the camera control data, and upon receiving image data transmitted from the camera unit, transmit the image data to the user terminal.

[0011] According to this configuration, when a user in a remote location from the monitored area wants to check the status of the monitored area, he or she can operate the user terminal to cause the camera unit to photograph the monitored area and send the image data of the monitored area obtained by photographing it to the user terminal, allowing the user to view the image data of the monitored area.

[0012] It is also desirable that the server device is capable of communicating with a user terminal via the Internet, a water level sensor module is installed in the monitored area, the water level sensor module has a water level sensor and a third communication module that communicates with the server device via the Internet, and the third communication module is configured to transmit water level data detected from the water level sensor to the server device at a predetermined timing, and when the server device receives the water level data transmitted from the water level sensor unit, it compares the received water level data with a preset water level data threshold, and if the water level data is greater than the water level data threshold, it determines to have the camera unit photograph the monitored area and generates the camera control data, and if the water level data is less than the water level data threshold, it determines not to have the camera unit photograph the monitored area, and when it receives image data transmitted from the camera unit, it transmits the image data to the user terminal.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when the water level detected by the water level sensor unit becomes greater than the water level sensor threshold, the system turns on the power of the main board of the camera unit, photographs the area to be monitored, and transmits the photographed image data to the server device. In addition, when the server device receives the image data transmitted from the camera unit, it transmits the image data to the user terminal. According to the above configuration, for example, in a case where the monitored area is experiencing localized heavy rain, image data of the monitored area can be provided to a user in a remote location. In other words, even if the user is in a remote location and does not realize that the monitored area is experiencing localized heavy rain, the status of the monitored area can be notified to the user terminal.

[0014] Further, a lighting device capable of irradiating illumination light onto a photographing area of ​​the camera unit is installed in the area to be monitored, the lighting device has a light source and a lighting device control board for controlling the light source, the lighting device control board is provided with a fourth communication module for performing LPWA communication, the camera module of the camera unit is provided with an illuminance sensor for detecting the illuminance of the photographing area, when the power supply is turned on in the main board, the camera module photographs the area to be monitored after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, and before a photographing operation, the camera module causes the illuminance sensor to detect the illuminance of the photographing area, and the first communication module transmits the illuminance data detected by the illuminance sensor to the server device, and when the server device receives the illuminance data transmitted by the camera unit, the server device transmits preset illuminance data and a threshold value and a previous and comparing the received illuminance data with the illuminance data received by the server, determining to turn on the lighting device for a predetermined period of time if the illuminance data is smaller than the illuminance data threshold value, generating lighting device control data for turning on the lighting device for a predetermined period of time, transmitting the lighting device control data to the communication device via the Internet, and determining not to turn on the lighting device if the illuminance data is larger than the illuminance data threshold value, wherein in the communication device, the first communication processing unit receives the lighting device control data transmitted from the server, and when the first communication processing unit receives the lighting device control data, the second communication processing unit transmits the lighting device control data to the lighting device by LPWA communication, and the lighting device, upon receiving the lighting device control data, turns on the light source for a predetermined period of time to irradiate illumination light onto the shooting area of ​​the camera unit.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the lighting device can be turned on to illuminate the shooting area only when the shooting area of ​​the camera unit is dark, making it possible to check the condition of the monitored area even at night, for example. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an environmental monitoring system that can check the state of a monitored area while saving power and that can reduce the size of the equipment installed in the monitored area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an environment monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a camera unit that constitutes an environment monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process performed by a camera unit constituting the environment monitoring system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a first modified example of an environment monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a server in a first modified example of an environment monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a second modified example of an environment monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Description of the embodiment An environment monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] First, a schematic overall configuration of an environment monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an environment monitoring system of this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a camera unit that constitutes the environment monitoring system of this embodiment.

[0020] <Outline of the Environmental Monitoring System> As shown in FIG. 1, the environmental monitoring system of this embodiment includes a camera unit 1 having a camera module 11 that is installed in a monitored area and captures the monitored area, a server device (hereinafter referred to as the "server") 100 that is connectable to the camera unit 1 via a network (Internet) NW, and a communication device 200 that is connected to the server 100 via the network (Internet) NW. The server 100 is also connected to a user terminal UT (a user terminal such as a smartphone) of a user who has installed the camera unit 1 via a network NW. The areas to be monitored in which the camera unit 1 is installed are, for example, agricultural rural areas such as fields and rice paddies, rivers, and areas at risk of landslides. Moreover, the communication device 200 is installed at a position within a predetermined distance range (for example, within 2 km) from the installation position of the camera unit 1.

[0021] The server 100 provides various information such as websites to the user terminal UT via the network NW, and also accepts various requests from the user terminal UT on the websites. Then, when the server 100 receives a shooting instruction (shutter operation ON signal) for the desired camera unit 1 from the user terminal UT, it generates "camera control data" that instructs the shooting operation for the corresponding camera unit 1. In addition, the server 1 transmits the generated "camera control data" to the corresponding communication device 200 via the network NW by LTE communication.

[0022] Furthermore, the server 100 acquires image data sent from the camera unit 1 via the network NW, and transmits the image data to the user terminal 1 via the network NW. The user terminal UT is an information processing device having a communication function capable of accessing the server 1 via a network (Internet), and may be, for example, a smartphone or a personal computer.

[0023] The communication device 200 also includes an LTE communication module (not shown) that communicates with the server 100 via the network NW, and an LPWA module (not shown) that transmits and receives data with the camera unit 1 via LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication (low power consumption wide area communication). In communication device 200, an LTE communication module (first communication processing unit) receives the "camera control data" sent from server 100. In addition, in communication device 200, when the LTE communication module (first communication processing unit) receives the "camera control data" sent from server 100, an LPWA communication module (second communication processing unit) transmits the "camera control data" to the corresponding camera unit 1 by LPWA communication. In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where the communication between the communication device 200 and the server 100 is LTE communication is described, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. The communication device 200 only needs to be able to communicate with the server 1 via a network (Internet) NW. For example, the first communication processing unit may be a 3G communication module or a 5G communication module, or a WiFi connection module, instead of an LTE communication module.

[0024] In addition, since the communication device 200 uses a well-known technology, detailed description will be omitted. In the environmental monitoring system of this embodiment, an outdoor communication device manufactured and sold by the applicant of the present application, Farmo Co., Ltd., is used as the communication device 200 (https: / / farmo.info / blog / wp-content / uploads / 2023 / 04 / okugai_kumitate_202304.pdf).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the camera unit 1 has a main board 10 on which a camera module 11 and an LTE communication module (first communication module) 13 are mounted, a control board 20 on which an LPWA communication module for performing LPWA communication is mounted, and a battery (power supply unit) 30 that supplies power to the main board 10 and the control board 20. The control board 20 is always powered on and in a standby state for receiving data via LPWA communication, while the main board 10 is in a standby state with its power turned off. It should be noted that the camera module 11 uses a configuration based on well-known technology, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, a case where the communication between the camera unit 1 and the server 100 is LTE communication is described, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. The camera unit 1 only needs to be able to communicate with the server 1 via a network (Internet). For example, the first communication module may be a 3G communication module or a 5G communication module, or a WiFi connection module, instead of an LTE communication module.

[0027] Then, when the control board 20 receives "camera control data" sent from the communication device 30 via LPWA communication, it turns on the power of the main board 10. Furthermore, when the main board 10 is controlled by the control board 20 to be in the ON state, the camera module 11 captures an image of the area to be monitored, and the LTE communication module 13 transmits the captured image data to the server 1 via the network NW by LTE communication. Furthermore, the main board 10 automatically turns off its own power after transmitting the image data.

[0028] Thus, according to this embodiment, the main board 10 of the camera unit 1 is in the OFF state, and is turned on (powered on) by control from the control board 20 only when image data (photographs) are to be captured, the area to be monitored is captured, the captured image data is sent to the server 1, and the camera unit returns to the OFF state. According to this configuration, the LTE module (first communication module), which consumes a certain amount of power, can be turned off except when capturing image data (photos), so that power consumption can be reduced to only that which is necessary. The battery 3 mounted in the camera unit 1 can be made smaller, and the camera unit 1 itself can be made smaller and costs can be reduced. That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera unit 1 that is a small IoT device that is palm-sized, for example. The server 100 and the camera unit 1, which are characteristic components of the environment monitoring system of this embodiment, will be described below.

[0029] 《Server 100》 As shown in FIG. 1, the server 100 has an information providing unit 101 that provides information such as websites to the user terminal UT, a control unit 102 that controls the operation of the camera unit 1 in response to a request from the user terminal UT, an image data acquisition unit 103 that acquires image data (photographs) captured by the camera unit 1, and a memory unit 104 that stores various data. The storage unit 104 stores a user information database 110 and a photographed image database 111.

[0030] The user information database stores (registers) a user ID that identifies the user who will be monitoring the area to be monitored by this system, a camera ID (device ID) that identifies the camera unit 1 installed by that user, and a communication device ID that identifies the communication device 200 that sends camera control data to the camera unit 1 via LPWA communication, in association with each other.

[0031] In addition, the captured image database 111 is a database for registering image data captured by the camera unit 1, and stores (registers) in association with the user ID, shooting date and time information (year / month / day / hour / minute), a camera ID that identifies the camera unit 1 installed by the user, and image data captured by the camera unit 1 of the camera ID.

[0032] The information providing unit 101 provides various information such as websites to the user terminal UT via the network NW, and also accepts various requests from the user terminal on the website. For example, the information providing unit 101 accepts a "request to instruct the desired camera unit 1 to take a picture (shutter operation / ON request)" on a web page of the website provided to the user terminal UT. This "shutter operation / ON request" includes the user ID of the user operating the user terminal UT and a camera ID (device ID) that identifies the corresponding camera unit 1. In addition, when the image acquisition unit 103, which will be described below, acquires image data corresponding to a "shutter operation-ON request", the information providing unit 101 transmits the acquired image data to the user terminal UT that sent the "shutter operation-ON request".

[0033] When the information providing unit 101 receives a "shutter operation ON request", the control unit 102 refers to the user information database 110 and identifies the communication device ID associated with the user ID and camera ID. Then, the control unit 102 generates "camera control data" including the camera ID included in the "shutter operation ON request" and the identified communication device ID. Moreover, the control unit 102 transmits the generated "camera control data" to the communication device 200 via the network NW.

[0034] The image data acquisition unit 103 receives image data (image data of an area to be monitored) transmitted by the camera unit 1 via the network NW. This image data is associated with the camera ID of the corresponding camera unit 1 and information on the date and time of shooting. When the image data acquisition unit 103 acquires the image data, it refers to the user information database 110 to identify the user ID associated with the camera ID linked to the image data, and passes the image data and the user ID to the information provision unit 101. After that, the information providing unit 101 transmits the acquired image data to the user terminal UT of the corresponding user ID. In addition, the image data acquisition unit 103 creates a record in which the identified user ID is associated with the date and time information and camera ID linked to the acquired image data, and the acquired image data, and stores the created record in the captured image database.

[0035] The hardware configuration of the server 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the server 100 is configured by a computer (one or more computers) having a CPU, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, an I / O interface, and a communication interface. In this case, the auxiliary storage device stores programs for realizing the functions of each unit (information providing unit 101, control unit 102, image data acquisition unit 103). A predetermined area of ​​the auxiliary storage device serves as the storage unit 104. The functions of each unit of the server 1 (information providing unit 101, control unit 102, image data acquisition unit 103) are realized by the CPU loading the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device into the main storage device and executing them.

[0036] <Camera Unit 1> Next, the configuration of the camera unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera unit 1 includes a housing 3, in which a main board 10, a control board 20, and a battery 30 are housed. The battery 30 is electrically connected to the main board 10 and the control board 20 and supplies power to the main board 10 and the control board 20. The housing unit 3 is fixed and supported, for example, on the upper end side of a limb (not shown) installed in the area to be monitored.

[0037] The main board 10 also has a camera module 11 having a lens 11a, a switch module 12, and an LTE communication module 13 that communicates with external devices (external devices such as a server 100) via a network NW using LTE communication. Further, the main board 10 is electrically connected to a control board 20, and is configured to be turned on under the control of the control board 20. The main board 10 is housed in the housing 3 with the lens 11a protruding out of the housing 3, so that an image of the area to be monitored can be captured.

[0038] Specifically, the main board 10 is in a power-off state, and when the switch module 12 receives a power-on command sent from the control board 10, the power is turned on (power-on state) and started up, the camera module 11 takes an image of the area to be monitored, and the LTE communication module 13 transmits the image data (photo) obtained by taking the image to the server 1 via the network NW. Also, when the LTE communication module 13 transmits the image data, the switch module 12 automatically returns the main board 10 to the power-off state. The LTE communication module 13 is configured to link the image data with a “camera ID for identifying the camera unit 1” and “photographing date and time information” and transmit the image data to the server 1.

[0039] The control board 20 also has a microcontroller unit 22 and an LPWA communication module 23, and is always powered on (ON state) and in a standby state for receiving data via LPWA communication. When the LPWA communication module 23 of the control board 20 receives the camera control data from the communication device 200 via LPWA communication, the microcomputer 22 in response transmits a power ON command to the main board 10 .

[0040] In addition, the control board 20 is electrically connected to a solar panel, and is provided with a charging circuit (not shown) for charging the battery 30 with power generated by the solar panel. The battery 30 is charged by this charging circuit (not shown).

[0041] <<Photography processing by environmental monitoring system>> Next, the flow of the image capturing process of the environment monitoring system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the above-mentioned FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process performed by the camera unit constituting the environment monitoring system of this embodiment.

[0042] First, when a user monitoring the monitored area wants to know the status of the monitored area, he or she operates the user terminal UT to access the server 1 and has the user terminal UT receive the website provided by the server 1 (a website dedicated to the environmental monitoring system). Furthermore, the user operates the user terminal UT to input a shooting instruction for the desired camera unit 1 from the user terminal UT on a website (a dedicated website for the environment monitoring system). As a result, an instruction to shoot with the desired camera unit 1 (shutter operation / ON request) is transmitted from the user terminal UT to the server 1 via the network NW (symbol (a) in FIG. 1). It should be noted that the above-mentioned "shutter operation·ON request" includes the user ID and the camera ID for identifying the desired camera unit 1.

[0043] Next, the information providing unit 101 of the server 100 receives the "shutter operation ON request" sent by the user terminal UT. When the information providing unit 101 of the server 100 receives the "shutter operation ON request", the control unit 102 generates "camera control data" that instructs the corresponding camera unit 1 to perform a shooting operation.

[0044] Specifically, the control unit 102 accesses the user information database DB110 and reads out the communication device ID associated with the user ID and camera ID included in the received "shutter operation-ON request." Furthermore, the control unit 102 generates camera control data (camera control data for causing the camera unit 1 to capture an image) that includes the camera ID included in the "shutter operation ON request" and the read-out communication device ID. For example, if the camera ID included in the "shutter operation ON request" is "1234" and the read-out communication device ID is "abcd", the control unit 102 generates "camera control data" such as "abcd, 1234, ON". Then, the control unit 102 transmits the generated “camera control data” to the corresponding communication device 200 (here, the communication device whose communication device ID is “abcd”) via the network NW by LTE communication (symbol (b) in FIG. 1).

[0045] Next, the LTE communication module (first communication processing unit) of the communication device 200 receives the "camera control data" sent from the server 100 via the network NW by LTE communication (reference symbol (c) in FIG. 1). Furthermore, when the communication device 200 receives the "camera control data", the LPWA communication module (second communication processing unit) transmits the "camera control data" to the corresponding camera unit 1 by LPWA communication (symbol (d) in FIG. 1). It should be noted that the "camera control data" transmitted from the communication device 200 to the camera unit 1 does not need to identify the communication device 200, and may be, for example, "1234, ON."

[0046] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, an operation of the camera unit 1 performed after the communication device 200 transmits the "camera control data" by LPWA communication will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the LPWA communication module 23 of the control board 20 of the camera unit 1 receives the "camera control data" sent from the communication device 200 by LPWA communication (S1).

[0047] Next, when the LPWA communication module 23 of the control board 20 receives the "camera control data", the microcomputer 22 of the control board 20 transmits a power ON command to the main board 10 to turn on the power of the main board 10 (S2). Specifically, in S2, when the microcomputer 22 of the control board 20 sends a power ON command to the main board 10, the switch module 12 of the main board 10 receives the power ON command and turns the power of the main board 10 ON.

[0048] Furthermore, when the power supply of the main board 10 is turned on, the camera module 11 captures an image of the area to be monitored (fields, rice paddies, etc.) (S3 (symbol (e) in FIG. 1)).

[0049] Furthermore, in the main board 10, when the camera module 11 captures an image of the area to be monitored (fields, rice paddies, etc.), the LTE communication module 13 then transmits the captured image data to the server 100 (S4). Specifically, the LTE communication module (first communication module) 13 of the main board 10 acquires image data captured by the camera module 11 (e.g., image data capturing the condition of a field or rice paddy) and transmits the image data via the network NW to the server 100 by LTE communication (symbol (f) in Figure 1). The image data transmitted from the LTE communication module 13 of the main board 10 to the server 100 is associated with the "camera ID" and "photographing date and time information."

[0050] Furthermore, when the LTE communication module 13 transmits the image data, the switch module 12 of the main board 10 automatically switches the power of the main board 10 to an OFF state (S5). In addition, when the main board 10 is turned on, the camera module 11 takes an image of the area to be monitored, and the LTE communication module 13 transmits the image data captured by the camera module 11 to the server 100, and then the power is automatically turned off.

[0051] Next, the process after the image data is transmitted from the camera unit 1 will be described. The image data transmitted from the camera unit 1 is acquired by the image data acquisition section 103 of the server 100 (reference symbol (g) in FIG. 1). Specifically, the image data acquisition unit 103 receives image data (image data of an area to be monitored) transmitted by the camera unit 1 via the network NW. This image data is associated with the camera ID of the corresponding camera unit 1 and information on the date and time of shooting.

[0052] When the image data acquisition unit 103 of the server 100 acquires the image data, it refers to the user information database 110 to identify the user ID associated with the camera ID linked to the image data, and passes the image data and the user ID to the information provision unit 101. Furthermore, the information providing unit 101 transmits the acquired image data to the user terminal UT of the corresponding user ID. Thereafter, the user terminal UT receives the image data sent from the server 100, and the received image data is displayed on the display of the user terminal UT. This allows the user to view the image data of the area to be monitored (reference symbol (h) in FIG. 1).

[0053] When the image data acquisition unit 103 of the server 100 acquires the image data, it creates a record in which the acquired image data is associated with the identified user ID, the “date and time information and camera ID” linked to the image data, and the acquired image data, and stores the created record in the captured image database 111.

[0054] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a user wants to know the status of an area to be monitored, for example, the user operates the user terminal UT to access the server 1's website (a website dedicated to the environmental monitoring system) and inputs an instruction to shoot with the desired camera unit 1 on the website. Then, the server 1 transmits "camera control data" via the communication device 200 to the camera unit 1, instructing the camera unit 1 to perform a shooting operation. Furthermore, when the camera unit 1 receives the "camera control data", it photographs the area to be monitored and sends the photographed image data to the server 1. Furthermore, when the server 1 acquires the image data sent from the camera unit 1, the image data is sent to the user terminal UT, and the user can view the image data of the area to be monitored.

[0055] Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, if a user who wants to know the condition of fields and rice paddies in an agricultural rural area installs a camera unit 1 in the field or rice paddy and a system operator of this embodiment installs a communication device 200, the user can check the condition of the fields and rice paddies at any time from a remote location by operating a user terminal UT such as a smartphone, even if the user is in a remote location from the fields or rice paddies.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the main board 10 including the camera module 11 and the LTE communication module 13 in the configuration of the camera unit 1 is in an OFF state except when photographing the area to be monitored, and the control board 20 including the LPWA communication module 23 capable of standby in a power-saving state is always in an ON state. When the control board 20 capable of standby in a power-saving state receives "camera control data" instructing a photographing operation by LPWA communication, it turns on the power of the main board 10. When the power of the main board 10 is turned on, the camera module 11 photographs the area to be monitored, and the LTE communication module 13 transmits the image data obtained by photographing to the server 1. When the image data is transmitted, the main board 10 is automatically turned off.

[0057] According to the above configuration, the LTE module, which consumes a certain amount of power, can be turned off except when capturing image data (photos), so that power consumption can be reduced to only that which is necessary. As a result, the battery 3 of the camera unit 1 can be made small, and the camera unit 1 itself can be made small and costs can be reduced. That is, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera unit 1 that is a small IoT device that fits in the palm of your hand, for example.

[0058] "First Transformation" Next, a first modified example of the environment monitoring system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the first modified example of the environment monitoring system of the present embodiment, and Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the server of the first modified example of the environment monitoring system of the present embodiment.

[0059] The first variant is an environmental monitoring system of the first embodiment that adds a water level sensor unit 300 capable of communicating with the server 1 via the network NW, and an illumination device 400 that irradiates illumination light onto the area to be photographed by the camera unit 1. The server 100 is configured to acquire water level data from the water level sensor unit 300 at a predetermined timing, and when the acquired water level data exceeds a predetermined value (water level data threshold), to transmit "camera control data" to the corresponding camera unit 1 instructing it to perform a photographing operation.

[0060] In the first modified example, even when the camera unit 1 receives the "camera control data" and the main board 10 is turned on and driven, it does not immediately start shooting but waits for a predetermined waiting time (predetermined seconds). During this waiting time, an illuminance sensor provided in the camera unit 1 detects the illuminance and transmits the detected illuminance data to the server 100. The server 100 receives the illuminance data from the camera unit 1, and if the illuminance data is below a predetermined value (if it is dark), it transmits a “lighting device control signal” via the communication device 200 to the lighting device 400 instructing it to turn on and irradiate illumination light for a predetermined time, thereby turning on the lighting device 400 for the predetermined time. During a specified period of time when the lighting device 400 is turned on and emitting illumination light, the camera unit 1 photographs the area to be monitored illuminated by the lighting device 400 and transmits the image data obtained by photographing the area to the server 1.

[0061] The first modified example will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the description of the first modified example, the same components as those in the first embodiment (or components corresponding to those in the first embodiment) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] <Water level sensor unit 300> The water level sensor unit 300 is installed, for example, in a monitoring area (paddy field, river, etc.) and has a water level sensor, an LTE communication module (not shown) that communicates with the server 1 via the network NW, and a power supply unit (not shown).The LTE communication module (third communication module) acquires water level data detected by the water level sensor at a predetermined timing (for example, every x minutes) and transmits the water level data to the server 100 via the network NW. The water level data sent by the water sensor unit 300 to the server 1 is linked to a water level sensor ID that identifies the water level sensor unit 300 that detected the water level data.

[0063] "Lighting Device 400" The lighting device 400 is installed in a position where it can irradiate light onto the shooting area of ​​the camera unit 1 in the area to be monitored, and has a light source such as an LED and a control board (lighting device control board) that controls the light source, and the control board is provided with an LPWA communication module (fourth communication module) that transmits and receives various data with the communication device 300 via LPWA communication. Then, when the lighting device 400 receives the “lighting device control data” transmitted from the communication device 200, the lighting device 400 is configured to turn on (make the light source emit light) for a predetermined time (e.g., several tens of seconds) and irradiate the above-mentioned shooting area with illumination light.

[0064] <Camera Unit 1> In the first modified example, an illuminance sensor (not shown) is mounted on the camera module 11 of the main board 10 of the camera unit 1. When the main board 20 of the camera unit 1 is controlled by the control board 10 to be turned on, the illuminance sensor detects the illuminance without immediately taking an image, and the LTE communication module 13 transmits the detected illuminance data to the server 100 via the network NW. The illuminance data transmitted to the server 100 is associated with a camera ID.

[0065] 《Server 100》 As shown in FIG. 5, the server 100 includes an information providing unit 101, a control unit 102, an image data acquiring unit 103, a sensor data acquiring unit 105, and a storage unit 104 that stores various data. The storage unit 104 stores a user information database 110 and a photographed image database 111. In the first modified example, data relating to the water level sensor unit 300 and the lighting device 400 is added to the user information database 110.

[0066] Specifically, in the first modified example, the user information database 110 stores (registers) in association with a user ID, a camera ID (device ID) that identifies the camera unit 1 installed by the user, a lighting device ID (device ID) that identifies the corresponding lighting device 400 installed by the user, a communication device ID that identifies the communication device 200 that performs LPWA communication with both the corresponding camera unit 1 and lighting device 400, and a water level sensor ID (device ID) that identifies the corresponding water level sensor unit 300 installed by the user.

[0067] The sensor data acquisition unit 105 receives (acquires) the water level data sent from the water level sensor unit 300 via the network NW. Furthermore, the sensor data acquisition unit 105 receives (acquires) illuminance data sent from the camera unit 1 via the network NW.

[0068] In addition, when the sensor data acquisition unit 105 acquires water level data, the control unit 102 compares the acquired "water level data" with a preset "water level data threshold value," and if the acquired "water level data" is greater than the "water level data threshold value" (if the water level exceeds the threshold value), it decides to have the camera unit 1 capture an image of the monitored area. On the other hand, if the result of the comparison shows that the acquired "water level data" is smaller than the "water level data threshold" (if the water level does not exceed the threshold), the control unit 102 decides not to allow the camera unit 1 to capture the monitored area.

[0069] In addition, when the control unit 102 determines to have the camera unit 1 capture the monitored area, it refers to the user information database 110 and reads out the "camera ID and communication device ID" associated with the water level sensor ID linked to the received "water level data." Furthermore, the control unit 102 generates camera control data (camera control data for causing the camera unit 1 to capture an image) including the read "camera ID and communication device ID." For example, if the read camera ID is "1234" and the read communication device ID is "abcd," the control unit 102 generates "camera control data" such as "abcd, 1234, ON, 500lx, delay, 10." In the first variant, in order to prevent the camera unit 1 from immediately performing a photographing operation upon receiving the "camera control data", a delay time (e.g., several tens of seconds) is inserted for a predetermined waiting time after receiving the "camera control data" to wait before photographing.

[0070] In addition, when the sensor data acquisition unit 105 acquires illuminance data, the control unit 102 compares the acquired "illuminance data" with a preset "illuminance data threshold value," and if the acquired illuminance data is smaller than the "illuminance data threshold value" (if the value of the illuminance data is low and dark), it determines to turn on the lighting device 400 to illuminate the area to be photographed. On the other hand, if the comparison result shows that the acquired "illuminance data" is greater than the "illuminance data threshold" (if the illuminance data value is high and bright), the control unit 102 determines that the lighting device 400 is not turned on.

[0071] In addition, when the control unit 102 determines to turn on the lighting device 400, it refers to the user information database 110 and reads out the "communication device ID and lighting device ID" associated with the camera ID linked to the received "illuminance data." Furthermore, the control unit 102 generates lighting device control data (lighting device control data for making the lighting device 400 emit light for a predetermined period of time) including the read "communication device ID and lighting device ID." For example, if the read lighting device ID is "5678" and the read communication device ID is "abcd," the control unit 102 generates "lighting device control data" such as "abcd, 5678, ON, 10." It should be noted that "ON, 10" in "abcd, 5678, ON, 10" is a control command to turn on the lighting device 400 for 10 seconds.

[0072] Similarly to the first embodiment, the server 100 of the first modified example is configured by a computer (one or more computers) having a CPU, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, an I / O interface, and a communication interface. In this case, the auxiliary storage device stores programs for realizing the functions of each unit (information providing unit 101, control unit 102, image data acquisition unit 103, sensor data acquisition unit 105). A predetermined area of ​​the auxiliary storage device serves as the storage unit 104. The functions of each unit of the server 1 (information providing unit 101, control unit 102, image data acquisition unit 103, sensor information acquisition unit 105) are realized by the CPU loading the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device into the main storage device and executing them.

[0073] <<Photography processing by the environmental monitoring system of the first modified example>> Next, the flow of the image capturing process of the environment monitoring system of the first modified example will be described with reference to FIG. Moreover, in the description of the first modified example, the description of the same contents as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. In addition, in the following explanation, an example will be taken where the water level data detected by the water level sensor unit 300 exceeds the "water level data threshold" (water level is rising), and the illuminance data detected by the illuminance sensor of the camera unit 1 is smaller than the "illuminance data threshold" (dark state).

[0074] The water level sensor unit 300 detects the water level at a predetermined timing, and transmits the detected water level data to the server 100 via the network NW (symbol (a) in FIG. 4).

[0075] Next, the sensor data acquisition unit 105 of the server 100 receives the "water level data" sent from the water level sensor unit 300. The control unit 102 also compares the "water level data threshold" with the acquired "water level data" and determines whether or not to have the camera unit 1 capture an image of the area to be monitored (symbol (b) in FIG. 4). In this case, since the "water level data" exceeds the "water level data threshold", it is determined that the camera unit 1 should capture an image of the area to be monitored.

[0076] Next, the control unit 102 refers to the user information database 110 and reads out the "camera ID and communication device ID" associated with the water level sensor ID linked to the received "water level data." Furthermore, the control unit 102 generates camera control data including the read "camera ID and communication device ID." For example, as described above, the control unit 102 generates "camera control data" such as "abcd, 1234, ON, 500lx, delay, 10" and transmits the "camera control data" to the communication device 200 via the network NW (reference symbol (c) in FIG. 4).

[0077] Furthermore, the communication device 200 receives a "camera control signal" transmitted by the server 100 via the network NW (symbol (d) in FIG. 4). When the communication device 200 receives the “camera control signal” transmitted by the server 100 via the network NW, it transmits the “camera control signal” to the LPWA communication module 23 of the control board 20 of the camera unit 1 via LPWA communication (symbol (e) in Figure 4).

[0078] Thereafter, the LPWA communication module 23 of the control board 20 of the camera unit 1 receives the "camera control data" sent from the communication device 200 by LPWA communication. Next, when the LPWA communication module 23 of the control board 20 receives the "camera control data", the microcomputer 22 of the control board 20 sends a power ON command to the main board 10, turning the power of the main board 10 ON.

[0079] In the first modification, when the power supply of the main board 10 is turned on, the camera module 11 takes an image of the area to be monitored after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. The camera module 11 is also set to detect the illuminance of the area to be photographed by the illuminance sensor before the photographing operation (symbol (f) in FIG. 4). Furthermore, when the illuminance sensor of the camera module 11 detects the illuminance, the LTE communication module 13 transmits the illuminance data detected by the illuminance sensor to the server 100 via the network NW (symbol (g) in FIG. 4).

[0080] The sensor data acquisition unit 105 of the server 100 receives the illuminance data transmitted by the camera unit 1 . Then, when the sensor data acquiring unit 105 acquires the illuminance data, the control unit 102 of the server 100 compares the acquired illuminance data with a preset "illuminance data threshold value" and determines whether to turn on the lighting device 400 (FIG. 4(h)). In this case, since the "illuminance data" is smaller than the "illuminance data threshold value", it is determined that the lighting device 400 should be turned on.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 102 refers to the user information database 110 and reads out the "communication device ID and lighting device ID" associated with the camera ID linked to the received "illuminance data." Furthermore, the control unit 102 generates lighting device control data (lighting device control data for making the lighting device 400 emit light for a predetermined period of time) including the read "communication device ID and lighting device ID." For example, the control unit 102 generates "lighting device control data" such as "abcd, 5678, ON, 10." Moreover, the control unit 102 transmits "lighting device control data" to the communication device 200 via the network NW (symbol (i) in FIG. 4).

[0082] Moreover, the communication device 200 receives the “lighting device control signal” transmitted by the server 100 via the network NW. In addition, when the communication device 200 receives the “lighting device control signal” transmitted by the server 100 via the network NW, it transmits the “lighting device control signal” to the LPWA communication module of the lighting device 400 by LPWA communication. Then, upon receiving the "illumination device control signal," the illumination device 400 turns on the light source for a predetermined period of time and irradiates the shooting area of ​​the camera unit 1 with illumination light (symbol (j) in FIG. 4). It should be noted that the "illumination device control signal" is set so that the illumination device 400 is turned on when the camera module 11 captures an image.

[0083] Meanwhile, on the main board 10 of the camera unit 1, when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the camera module 11 captures an image of the area to be monitored (symbol (k) in FIG. 4), and the LTE communication module 13 transmits the captured image data to the server 100 via the network NW (symbol (l) in FIG. 4). After transmitting the image data, the main board 10 of the camera unit 1 automatically turns off its own power.

[0084] Thereafter, the image data transmitted from the camera unit 1 is acquired by the image data acquisition section 103 of the server 100 (reference symbol (m) in FIG. 4). Specifically, the image data acquisition unit 103 acquires image data transmitted from the camera unit 1 via the network NW.

[0085] When the image data acquisition unit 103 of the server 100 acquires the image data, it refers to the user information database 110 to identify the user ID associated with the camera ID linked to the image data, and passes the image data and the user ID to the information provision unit 101. Furthermore, the information providing unit 101 transmits the acquired image data to the user terminal UT of the corresponding user ID. Thereafter, the user terminal UT receives the image data sent from the server 100, and the received image data is displayed on the display of the user terminal UT, allowing the user to view the image data captured of the area to be monitored (symbol (n) in FIG. 4).

[0086] In this way, in the first modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, the power supply of the LTE module 13, which consumes a certain amount of power, can be turned off except when capturing image data (photos), so that power consumption can be reduced to only that which is necessary. As a result, the battery 3 of the camera unit 1 can be made smaller, the camera unit 1 itself can be made smaller, and costs can be reduced.

[0087] In the first modified example, even if the user does not operate the camera unit 1 to request photography, when the water level detected by the water level sensor unit 300 becomes greater than the "water level sensor threshold", the system turns on the main board 10 of the camera unit 1, photographs the area to be monitored, and transmits the photographed image data to the user terminal UT of the corresponding user. Therefore, in a case where the area to be monitored is experiencing localized heavy rain, image data of the area to be monitored can be provided to a user in a remote location. In other words, even if the user is in a remote location and does not realize that the area to be monitored is experiencing localized heavy rain, the status of the area to be monitored can be notified to the user terminal.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the first variant, the lighting device 400 is turned on to irradiate the shooting area with illumination light only when the shooting area of ​​the camera unit 1 is dark, so that the condition of the area to be monitored can be confirmed even at night, for example.

[0089] "Second Transformation" Next, a second modified example of the environment monitoring system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a second modified example of the environment monitoring system of this embodiment.

[0090] In the second modified example, a repeater 500 that repeats LPWA communication data is installed between the camera unit 1 and the communication device 200 that performs LPWA communication in the environment monitoring system of the first embodiment. Repeater 500 has a control board equipped with an LPWA communication module and a power supply unit that supplies power to the control board, and receives "camera control data" sent from communication device 200. Repeater 500 also transmits the received "camera control data" to camera unit 1 via LPWA communication.

[0091] In the second modified example, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Even if the area to be monitored is outside the communication area of ​​the LPWA communication of the communication device 200, by installing the repeater 500, which is less expensive than the communication device 200, and then installing the camera unit 1, it becomes possible to monitor the area to be monitored.

[0092] As described above, according to this embodiment and its modified examples (modified example 1 and modified example 2), it is possible to provide an environmental monitoring system that can check the condition of a monitored area while saving power and that can reduce the size of the equipment installed in the monitored area.

[0093] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the modified examples (first and second modified examples) of the present embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] NW…Network (Internet) UT: User terminal 1. Camera unit 3…Housing 5. Solar panels 10…Main circuit board 11…Camera module 11a...Lens 12...Switch module 13...LTE communication module (first communication module) 20…Control board 22...Microcomputer 23...LPWA communication module 30…Battery 30 100...Server device (server) 101…Information Department 102...Control unit 103...Image data acquisition unit 104...Storage section 105...Sensor data acquisition unit 110...User information database 111...Photo database 200…Communication device 300...Water level sensor unit 400…Lighting equipment 500…Repeater

Claims

1. An environmental monitoring system comprising: a camera unit installed in a monitoring area; a server device connectable to the camera unit via the Internet; and a communication device connected to the server device via the Internet, the server device generates camera control data for instructing the camera unit to take a photograph, and transmits the camera control data to the communication device via the Internet; the communication device has a first communication processing unit that communicates with the server device via the Internet, and a second communication processing unit that transmits and receives data between the communication device and the camera unit through LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication, the camera unit includes a main board on which a camera module for photographing the area to be monitored and a first communication module for communicating with the server device via the Internet are mounted, and a control board on which an LPWA communication module for performing the LPWA communication is mounted; The control board is always powered on and in a standby state for receiving data via the LPWA communication, and the main board is in a standby state with its power turned off, In the communication device, the first communication processing unit is configured to receive the camera control data transmitted from the server, and when the first communication processing unit receives the camera control data, the second communication processing unit transmits the camera control data to an LPWA communication module of a control board of the camera unit by LPWA communication; When the control board receives the camera control data from the communication device, the control board turns on the power supply of the main board, An environmental monitoring system characterized in that, when the power is turned on, the main board causes the camera module to photograph the area to be monitored, and the first communication module to transmit the image data obtained by photographing the area to the server device via the Internet, and automatically turns off its own power once the image data has been sent.

2. The server device includes: a user terminal is configured to receive a shooting instruction for the camera unit via the Internet, When the photographing instruction is received from the user terminal, the camera control data is generated, 2. The environment monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein when image data transmitted from said camera unit is received, said image data is transmitted to said user terminal.

3. the server device is capable of communicating with a user terminal via the Internet; A water level sensor module is installed in the monitored area, the water level sensor module has a water level sensor and a third communication module that communicates with the server device via the Internet, and the third communication module transmits water level data detected by the water level sensor to the server device at a predetermined timing; The server device includes: When receiving water level data transmitted by the water level sensor unit, a preset water level data threshold is compared with the received water level data, and if the water level data is greater than the water level data threshold, a decision is made to have the camera unit photograph the area to be monitored and the camera control data is generated, and if the water level data is less than the water level data threshold, a decision is made not to have the camera unit photograph the area to be monitored, 2. The environment monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein when image data transmitted from said camera unit is received, said image data is transmitted to said user terminal.

4. a lighting device capable of irradiating an image capturing area of ​​the camera unit with illumination light is installed in the area to be monitored; the lighting device includes a light source and a lighting device control board that controls the light source, the lighting device control board being provided with a fourth communication module that performs LPWA communication; The camera module of the camera unit is provided with an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of a photographing area, In the main board, when the power supply is turned on, the camera module takes an image of the area to be monitored after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, and before the camera module takes an image, the illuminance sensor detects the illuminance of the area to be photographed, and the first communication module transmits the illuminance data detected by the illuminance sensor to the server device. when the server device receives the illuminance data transmitted by the camera unit, it compares the received illuminance data with a preset illuminance data threshold value, and if the illuminance data is smaller than the illuminance data threshold value, it determines to turn on the lighting device, generates lighting device control data for turning on the lighting device for a predetermined period of time, transmits the lighting device control data to the communication device via the Internet, and if the illuminance data is larger than the illuminance data threshold value, it determines not to turn on the lighting device, In the communication device, the first communication processing unit is configured to receive the lighting device control data transmitted from the server, and when the first communication processing unit receives the lighting device control data, the second communication processing unit transmits the lighting device control data to the lighting device by LPWA communication; The environmental monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, upon receiving the lighting device control data, the lighting device turns on the light source for a predetermined period of time so that illumination light is irradiated onto the shooting area of ​​the camera unit.

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