Camera control device, camera control method, and camera control program

Abstract

To provide a camera control device, a camera control method, and a camera control program capable of remarkably reducing costs for an apparatus.SOLUTION: A camera control device 1 installed within a private address space SP1 to control cameras C1 to C3 installed within the private address space SP1 comprises a control unit 12 which controls the cameras C1 to C3 based on control information transmitted from a server device 4, without processing of transferring images captured with the cameras C1 to C3 to the server device 4 installed within a public address space SP2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera control device, a camera control method, and a camera control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, advances in network technology and cloud technology have led to the provision of cloud recording services in which images captured by a camera are sent to a cloud server for storage, thereby using the cloud server as a sort of recording device (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 below). With such cloud recording services, users can access the cloud server from a terminal device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet, and refer to the images recorded on the cloud server whenever necessary.

[0003] Cloud recording services not only transmit and store video footage, but also sometimes implement two-way control, such as remotely controlling the camera's PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) from the user's personal computer. They also offer features that reduce the workload when operating multiple cameras, such as automatically initializing newly installed cameras and making them ready for service. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Eagle Eye Cloud Video Replication”, [online], [Retrieved March 1, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / www.een.com / product / eagle-eye-cloud-video-replication / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional cloud recording services require equipment at the site where the camera is installed to extract images captured by the camera and send them to a cloud server, as well as to control the camera. This is because the camera does not have the functionality to send captured images to a cloud server, so the captured images must be extracted from the camera and sent to the cloud server. Furthermore, it is not possible to directly control a camera connected to a private network at the site from the public network to which the cloud server is connected. This type of equipment is called a "bridge" in the cloud recording service described in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0006] The equipment required for conventional cloud recording services, as described above, must handle high-bitrate data in order to transmit images captured by cameras to cloud servers. This requires a central processing unit (CPU) with high processing power, which contributes to the increased equipment costs of cloud recording services. Furthermore, it can be difficult to secure space for additional equipment at the site where the cameras are operating. Furthermore, there is a desire to reduce the maintenance and operation effort required for the equipment on-site. Therefore, there is a demand for equipment to be installed as compact as possible, so that fewer units can support a larger number of cameras.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a camera control device, a camera control method, and a camera control program that can significantly reduce equipment costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a camera control device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a camera control device (1) that is installed in a private address space (SP1) and controls cameras (C1 to C3) installed in the private address space, and is equipped with a control unit (12) that controls the cameras based on control information sent from a server device (4) installed in a public address space (SP2) without performing a process of transferring images captured by the cameras to the server device.

[0009] In addition, in a camera control device according to a second aspect of the present invention, when the control unit detects a new camera within the private address space, the control unit requests the server device to register the new camera.

[0010] In addition, a camera control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a camera control device according to the second aspect of the present invention, in which, when a new camera is registered on the server device based on the registration request, the control unit performs initial settings for the new camera registered on the server device based on initial setting information sent from the server device as the control information.

[0011] Furthermore, in a camera control device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera control device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the initial setting information includes destination information indicating the destination of images captured by the camera, and the control unit sets the destination of images to the new camera based on the destination information.

[0012] Furthermore, a camera control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a camera control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the initial setting information includes camera setting information indicating the shooting area of ​​the camera, the frame rate of the image captured by the camera, and the bit rate when transmitting the image captured by the camera to the server device, and the control unit sets the shooting area, the frame rate, and the bit rate for the new camera based on the camera setting information.

[0013] Furthermore, a camera control device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a camera control device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein when camera control information is transmitted from the server device as the control information, the control unit controls the camera based on the camera control information, the control information including at least one of the shooting area of ​​the camera, the frame rate of the image captured by the camera, and the bit rate when transmitting the image captured by the camera to the server device.

[0014] Furthermore, a camera control device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a camera control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the control unit controls storage of images captured by the camera in a storage device (2) installed within the private address space when the control information transmitted from the server device is no longer received.

[0015] In addition, in a camera control device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the camera control device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the control information that had stopped arriving arrives again, the control unit terminates control to store images taken by the camera in the storage device, and controls control to transmit the images stored in the storage device to the server device.

[0016] In addition, a camera control device according to a 9th aspect of the present invention is a camera control device according to any one of the 1st to 8th aspects of the present invention, wherein when the control unit detects a camera in a stopped state among the cameras registered in the server device within the private address space, the control unit performs control to restart the camera in a stopped state.

[0017] In addition, a camera control device according to a 10th aspect of the present invention is a camera control device according to the 9th aspect of the present invention, in which the control unit restarts the camera that is in a stopped state by controlling a power supply unit (PS) that supplies power to the camera.

[0018] Furthermore, a camera control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a camera control method for controlling cameras (C1 to C3) installed in a private address space (SP1), in which the cameras are controlled based on control information sent from a server device (4) installed in a public address space (SP2), without transferring images captured by the cameras to the server device.

[0019] Furthermore, a camera control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a camera control program that causes a computer installed in a private address space (SP1) to function as a camera control device (1) that controls cameras (C1 to C3) installed in the private address space, and causes the computer to realize a control means (12) that controls the cameras based on control information sent from a server device (4) installed in a public address space (SP2), without performing a process of transferring images taken by the cameras to the server device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, a camera control device that controls a camera installed in a private address space no longer needs to perform the process of transferring images captured by the camera to a server device installed in a public address space, and a CPU with high processing power is no longer required, thereby significantly reducing equipment costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a cloud recording system in which a camera control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] 10 is a timing chart illustrating an operation when a camera is detected in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of a communication failure in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, a camera control device, a camera control method, and a camera control program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the embodiment of the present invention will be described, followed by a detailed description of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] 〔overview〕 The present invention provides a camera control device, a camera control method, and a camera control program that can significantly reduce equipment costs. The present invention can be applied to various surveillance systems that use cameras, including a cloud recording service that transmits and stores images (including both still images and moving images) captured by a camera to a cloud server.

[0024] Most conventional cameras used in cloud recording services and the like implement pull-type protocols such as RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) as a protocol for controlling the distribution (streaming) of image data. If such cameras are installed in a private address space, it is not possible to extract images captured by the cameras from the public address space by crossing the NAT (Network Address Translation).

[0025] For this reason, conventionally, a device was required in the private address space where the camera was installed to acquire images taken by the camera and send them to a cloud server in the public space, and this device was also required to control the camera from the public address space.

[0026] However, such devices require a large amount of processing power, including acquiring large amounts of image data from the camera, converting the protocol, and transmitting the data to a cloud server. This requires a CPU with high processing power, which increases the cost of the device. Furthermore, the large processing load of transmitting large amounts of image data to a cloud server limits the number of cameras that can be handled by a single device, resulting in poor cost-effectiveness.

[0027] In recent years, an increasing number of cameras are implementing push-type protocols such as RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol) or SRT (Secure Reliable Transport). Cameras implementing such protocols enable images to be sent to cloud servers without the need to install the above-mentioned devices in the private address space where the camera is installed. However, there is still a need to control the camera from the public address space.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, a camera control device is installed in a private address space to control a camera installed in the same private address space. This camera control device controls the camera based on control information transmitted from a server device installed in a public address space, without transferring images captured by the camera to the server device. As a result, the camera control device does not need to perform the transfer process to the server device that was previously required, and only needs to control the camera based on the control information transmitted from the server device. This eliminates the need for a CPU with high processing power, and allows for significant reductions in equipment costs.

[0029] [Embodiment] Cloud recording system Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a cloud recording system in which a camera control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. As shown in Figure 1, the cloud recording system SY includes cameras C1 to C3, a camera control device 1, a storage device 2, a router 3, a server device 4, and a terminal device 5. The cameras C1 to C3, the camera control device 1, the storage device 2, and the router 3 are communicatively connected via a network N1. The router 3, the server device 4, and the terminal device 5 are communicatively connected via a network N2.

[0030] The network N1 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) installed in a plant, factory, or other facility. The network N2 is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Note that the networks N1 and N2 may be any of a network capable of wired communication, a network capable of wireless communication, or a network capable of both wired and wireless communication.

[0031] Here, the cameras C1 to C3, camera control device 1, storage device 2, and router 3 connected to network N1 are installed in a private address space SP1 where private addresses (e.g., private IP addresses) are used. On the other hand, the router 3, server device 4, and terminal device 5 connected to network N2 are installed in a public address space SP2 where public addresses (e.g., public IP addresses) are used.

[0032] Cameras C1 to C3 are cameras whose shooting area (angle of view, direction, etc.) can be changed. Cameras C1 to C3 are, for example, PTZ cameras that can be panned, tilted, and zoomed by remote control. Panning refers to swinging the camera in the horizontal (left and right) direction, tilting refers to swinging the camera in the vertical (up and down) direction, and zooming refers to enlarging or reducing the captured image. Cameras C1 to C3 are equipped with a push-type protocol such as RTMP or SRT.

[0033] The camera control device 1 controls the angle of view and direction of the cameras C1 to C3. The cameras C1 to C3 may be capable of only one or two of pan, tilt, and zoom. The number of cameras is not particularly limited and may be two or less, or four or more. The cameras C1 to C3 operate using power supplied from the power supply device PS.

[0034] The camera control device 1 controls the cameras C1 to C3 based on instructions from the server device 4. Examples of the control of the cameras C1 to C3 performed by the camera control device 1 include initial setting of a camera newly connected to the network N1 (a camera newly installed in the private address space SP1) and control of the shooting areas of the cameras C1 to C3. The camera control device 1 may be provided as a standalone device or may be provided in a form incorporated into communication equipment such as a gateway or a router. The camera control device 1 may also be realized by a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. Details of the camera control device 1 will be described later.

[0035] The storage device 2 temporarily stores images captured by the cameras C1 to C3 in the event of a communication failure due to, for example, an abnormality in the network N2 or an abnormality in the server device 4. This storage device 2 is provided to back up the images captured by the cameras C1 to C3 in the event of the above-mentioned communication failure. For example, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) can be used as the storage device 2. Alternatively, a recording memory such as an SD card attached to the cameras C1 to C3 can be used as the storage device 2. The storage device 2 may be integrated with the camera control device 1.

[0036] Router 3 interconnects network N1, which is laid in private address space SP1, and network N2, which is laid in public address space SP2. Router 3 has a function (NAT) that converts private addresses to public addresses and public addresses to private addresses. Router 3 also has a firewall built in it. Router 3 also performs routing (path control) using a routing table (not shown).

[0037] The server device 4 stores images transmitted from the cameras C1 to C3 via the network N1, the router 3, and the network N3. That is, the server device 4 records images captured by the cameras C1 to C3. The server device 4 also provides the recorded images to the terminal device 5 in response to a request from the terminal device 5. The server device 4 also performs a registration process for the cameras C1 to C3, and transmits, as control information, initial setting information for initializing the registered cameras C1 to C3 to the camera control device 1. The server device 4 also transmits control information for controlling the cameras C1 to C3 to the camera control device 1 in response to an instruction from the terminal device 5. The control information is exchanged between the server device 4 and the camera control device 1 at regular intervals.

[0038] The terminal device 5 is, for example, a terminal device operated by a user who uses the cameras C1 to C3. The terminal device 5 may be a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like. For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 shows the terminal device 5 connected to the network N2 (provided in the public address space SP2). However, the terminal device 5 may also be connected to the network N1 (provided in the private address space SP1).

[0039] <Camera control device> 1, the camera control device 1 includes a communication unit 11 and a control unit 12 (control means). The communication unit 11 performs communication via a network N1 under the control of the control unit 12. Specifically, the communication unit 11 communicates with cameras C1 to C3 via the network N1, and with the storage device 2 via the network N1. The communication unit 11 also communicates with the server device 4 via the network N1, a router 3, and a network N2.

[0040] The control unit 12 controls the cameras C1 to C3 based on control information transmitted from the server device 4. The control unit 12 controls the cameras C1 to C3 by, for example, a uniquely extended method based on the ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) standard. Here, the control unit 12 does not perform the process of acquiring images captured by the cameras C1 to C3 and transferring them to the server device 4, as in the past. This is because, as described above, the cameras C1 to C3 are equipped with a push-type protocol such as RTMP or SRT, and the cameras C1 to C3 can transmit images directly to the server device 4.

[0041] When a new camera is detected in the private address space SP1, the control unit 12 requests the server device 4 to register the new camera. Furthermore, when the server device 4 registers a new camera based on the registration request, the control unit 12 performs initial settings for the new camera registered in the server device 4 based on initial setting information transmitted as control information from the server device 4.

[0042] Here, the initial setting information includes destination information and camera setting information. The destination information is information indicating the destination of the image captured by the camera. This destination information is, for example, the address (e.g., IP address) of the server device 4 in the public address space SP2. Furthermore, the camera setting information is information indicating the camera's shooting area, the frame rate of the image captured by the camera, and the bit rate when the image captured by the camera is transmitted to the server device 4.

[0043] Based on the destination information, the control unit 12 sets the new camera as the destination of the images. Based on the camera setting information, the control unit 23 sets the shooting area, frame rate, and bit rate for the new camera. By performing such settings, the new camera becomes able to send captured images to the server device 4.

[0044] When camera control information for a camera that has been registered by server device 4 is transmitted, control unit 12 controls the camera based on the camera control information. Here, the camera control information includes at least one of the camera's shooting area, the frame rate of images captured by the camera, and the bit rate at which images captured by the camera are transmitted to server device 4. For example, when camera control information including the camera's shooting area is transmitted from server device 4, control unit 12 controls the camera so that the camera's shooting area becomes the shooting area included in the camera control information.

[0045] When control information exchanged at regular intervals with the camera control device 1 is no longer received, the control unit 12 controls the storage of images captured by the cameras C1 to C3 in the storage device 2 installed in the private address space SP1. For example, the control unit 12 performs the above control by temporarily changing the destination information set in the cameras C1 to C3 to the address of the storage device 2. Note that the control information may no longer be received when, for example, a communication failure occurs due to an abnormality in the network N2 or an abnormality in the server device 4. Furthermore, when a recording memory such as an SD card attached to the cameras C1 to C3 is used as the storage device 2, a process is performed in which the destination information is not changed but is switched to saving images in the cameras' own recording memory.

[0046] Furthermore, when the control information that had stopped arriving arrives again, the control unit 12 ends the control of storing the images taken by the cameras C1 to C3 in the storage device 2, and controls the storage device 2 to transmit the images stored in the storage device 2 to the server device 4. For example, the control unit 12 restores the temporarily changed destination information of the cameras C1 to C3 to its original state, and causes the storage device 2 to transmit the images stored in the storage device 2 to the server device 4. Note that the control unit 12 may also read out the images stored in the storage device 2 and transmit them to the server device 4.

[0047] Furthermore, when the control unit 12 detects a stopped camera among the cameras registered in the server device 4 in the private address space SP1, it performs control to restart the stopped camera. For example, the control unit 12 restarts the stopped camera by controlling the power supply device PS that supplies power to the camera.

[0048] Furthermore, when the control unit 12 receives a request to control the PTZ of a specific camera requested by the user via the server device 4, it controls the specified camera in accordance with the requested content. By performing such control, the user can control the PTZ of the camera, and the camera's shooting area is changed.

[0049] The functions of the camera control device 1 (functions of the communication unit 11 and the control unit 12) are realized by executing a program that realizes these functions on hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In other words, the functions of the camera control device 1 are realized by software and hardware resources working together. By realizing the functions of the processing unit 25 of the camera control device 1 through the cooperation of software and hardware resources, it is possible to extremely easily update, delete, add, etc. functions, for example.

[0050] The functions of the camera control device 1 are realized by the cooperation of software and hardware resources, but no special functions are required for the hardware, and a general-purpose processor can be used. Therefore, the camera control device 1 may be realized by implementing software on dedicated hardware, or it may be realized as software that runs on a computer or server device that is already installed and running in the private address space SP1.

[0051] Cloud recording system operation Next, the operation of the cloud recording system will be described. Below, we will explain the operation when a new camera is detected in the private address space SP1 (camera detection operation), and the operation when a communication failure occurs due to an abnormality in the network N2 or an abnormality in the server device 4 (communication failure operation). We will also explain the operation when cameras C1 to C3 are PTZ controlled (PTZ control operation).

[0052] <<Camera detection operation>> 2 is a timing chart illustrating the operation upon camera detection in one embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding, in FIG. 2, a camera newly detected within the private address space SP1 is referred to as "camera C10." Furthermore, the control of the camera control device 1 described below is primarily performed by the control unit 12 of the camera control device 1, but for simplicity of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the camera control device 1 performs the control.

[0053] The camera control device 1 broadcasts a detection packet for detecting the camera to the network N1 (step S11). The camera control device 1 broadcasts the detection packet to the network N1, for example, at regular intervals. When the camera C10 receives the detection packet broadcast to the network N1, it responds to the camera control device 1 (step S12). This response includes the name of the camera C10 (camera name), the model of the camera C10, and the address of the camera C10 (for example, IP address).

[0054] When the camera control device 1 receives the response from the camera C10, it sends a camera registration request to the server device 4 (step S13). This camera registration request includes the name, model, and address of the camera C10 that were included in the response from the camera C10. When the server device 4 receives the camera registration request from the camera control device 1, it performs registration processing for the camera C10 based on the camera registration request.

[0055] When the server device 4 receives a camera registration request, it can select from the following whether to perform the registration process. Regardless of the camera, if a camera registration request is received, the registration process will be performed. If the camera registration request is for a camera that has been previously approved for registration, the registration process is performed. - Present the camera for which a camera registration request has been made to the administrator, and if the administrator gives permission for registration, process the registration

[0056] When the server device 4 completes the registration process, it notifies the camera control device 1 of the completion of camera registration (step S14). If the server device 4 does not perform the registration process, the completion of camera registration is not notified, and the processes from step S14 onwards shown in Fig. 2 are not performed. The notification of the completion of camera registration includes initial setting information for performing the initial setting of the camera C10. Specifically, the notification includes RTMP destination information (destination information), RTMP authentication information, and camera setting information.

[0057] The RTMP destination information is information indicating a destination (transmission destination) to which the camera C10 transmits images by RTMP, for example, a uniquely determined URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The RTMP authentication information is authentication information (ID and password) required when the camera C10 transmits images by RTMP. The camera setting information is information indicating the shooting area of ​​the camera C10, the frame rate of images captured by the camera C10, and the bit rate when transmitting images captured by the camera C10 to the server device 4.

[0058] Upon receiving notification of completion of camera registration from the server device 4, the camera control device 1 performs camera settings (initial settings) for the camera C10 (step S15). Specifically, the camera control device 1 sets the destination to which the camera C10 will send images by RTMP to the camera C10 based on the RTMP destination information. The camera control device 1 also sets RTMP authentication information to the camera C10. Furthermore, the camera control device 1 sets the shooting area, frame rate, and bit rate to the camera C10 based on the camera setting information. When the camera settings are complete, the camera C10 notifies the camera control device 1 that the camera settings are complete (step S16).

[0059] When the initial settings of camera C10 are complete, camera C10 sends an RTMP connection request to the server device 4 using the RTMP authentication information set in step S15 (step S17). When the server device 4 receives the RTMP connection request, it authenticates the RTMP authentication information sent from camera C10. If the authentication is successful, the server device 4 sends an RTMP connection response to camera C10 (step S18). Note that if the server device 4 fails the authentication, the RTMP connection response is not sent, and the processes from step S18 onwards shown in FIG. 2 are not performed.

[0060] When camera C10 receives the RTMP connection response sent from server device 4, it transmits the captured images as an RTMP stream (step S19). In this way, a new camera C10 in private address space SP1 is automatically detected, initial settings of the detected new camera C10 are performed, and images are transmitted from camera C10 to server device 4. Note that, as shown in FIG. 2, the camera control device 1 controls camera C10, but does not acquire images captured by camera C10 and transfer them to server device 4.

[0061] <<Operation during communication failure>> 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation during a communication failure in one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 shows only the processing performed by the camera control device 1, which is started, for example, at a fixed cycle.

[0062] 3 starts, the camera control device 1 determines whether or not it has received control information exchanged with the server device 4 at regular intervals (step S21). If it determines that it has not received control information (if the determination result in step S21 is "NO"), the camera control device 1 determines whether or not backup control is being performed (step S22). Here, backup control refers to control that causes images captured by cameras C1 to C3 to be stored in storage device 2.

[0063] If the camera control device 1 determines that backup control is not being performed (if the determination result in step S22 is "NO"), it performs backup control (step S23). For example, the camera control device 1 performs backup control by temporarily changing the RTMP destination information (transmission destination information) set in cameras C1 to C3 to the address of storage device 2. Note that if recording memories such as SD cards attached to cameras C1 to C3 are used as storage device 2, the destination information is not changed but is switched to be saved in its own recording memory. On the other hand, if the camera control device 1 determines in step S22 that backup control is being performed (if the determination result in step S22 is "YES"), the process of step S23 is not performed.

[0064] On the other hand, if the camera control device 1 determines in step S21 that it has received the control information (if the determination result in step S21 is "YES"), it determines whether backup control is being performed (step S24). If the camera control device 1 determines that backup control is being performed (if the determination result in step S24 is "YES"), it stops the backup control and controls the storage device 2 to transmit the images stored in the storage device 2 to the server device 4 (step S25). For example, the camera control device 1 restores the temporarily changed destination information of the cameras C1 to C3 to its original state, and causes the storage device 2 to transmit the images stored in the storage device 2 to the server device 4. On the other hand, if the camera control device 1 determines in step S24 that backup control is being performed (if the determination result in step S24 is "NO"), it does not perform the process of step S25.

[0065] That is, if there is no communication failure due to an abnormality in the network N2 or the server device 4, and backup control is not being performed, the determination result in step S21 is "YES" and the determination result in step S24 is "NO." Therefore, the camera control device 1 does not perform any special control.

[0066] In contrast, if a communication failure occurs, the determination result in step S21 will be "NO." Also, because backup control is not being performed at the time the communication failure occurs, the determination result in step S22 will be "NO." Therefore, the camera control device 1 performs backup control (step S23).

[0067] If the communication failure has not been resolved even after a certain time interval (the time interval during which control information is exchanged) has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure, the determination result in step S21 will be "NO." Also, since backup control is being performed at this point, the determination result in step S22 will be "YES." In other words, since backup control is already being performed, the camera control device 1 will not perform backup control redundantly.

[0068] When the communication failure is restored, the determination result in step S21 becomes "YES." Also, at this point, backup control is being performed, so the determination result in step S24 becomes "YES." Therefore, the camera control device 1 stops the backup control and performs control to transmit the images stored in the storage device 2 to the server device 4 (step S25).

[0069] <PTZ control operation> By accessing the server device 4 using the terminal device 5, the user can view images from a specific camera displayed on the terminal device 5. While viewing the images from the camera displayed on the terminal device 5, the user requests PTZ control of the camera using a control tool presented on the terminal device 5. Upon receiving this request, the server device 4 requests the camera control device 1 to control the PTZ of the specified camera.

[0070] Upon receiving a request for PTZ control of a specific camera from the server device 4, the camera control device 1 transmits a PTZ control signal to the specified camera using a signal conforming to ONVIF, etc. The camera that receives this control signal pans, tilts, or zooms based on the PTZ control signal.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the camera control device 1 is installed within the private address space SP1 and controls the cameras C1 to C3, and C10 installed within the same private address space SP1. This camera control device 1 does not transfer images captured by the cameras C1 to C3, and C10 to the server device 4 installed within the public address space SP2, but instead controls the cameras C1 to C3, and C10 based on control information transmitted from the server device 4. As a result, the camera control device 1 does not need to perform the transfer process to the server device 4 that was previously required, and only needs to control the cameras C1 to C3, and C10 based on the control information transmitted from the server device 4. This eliminates the need for a CPU with high processing power, thereby significantly reducing equipment costs.

[0072] The camera control device, camera control method, and camera control program according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be freely modified within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, for ease of understanding, an example has been described in which cameras C1 to C3, C10 transmit images to a specific server device 4, but the image transmission destination may also be a cloud computing system.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the protocol implemented in the cameras C1 to C3, and C10 was RTMP or SRT. However, the protocol is not limited to RTMP or SRT, and any PUSH-type protocol for transmitting images may be used. In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the control unit 12 of the camera control device 1 performs control in accordance with the ONVIF standard. However, the control is not limited to control in accordance with the ONVIF standard, and any control may be used as long as the cameras C1 to C3, and C10 installed in the private address space SP1 can be controlled from the public address space SP2.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the camera control device 1 is installed as a device separate from the cameras C1 to C3, C10, the storage device 2, and the router 3. However, the camera control device 1 may be integrated with the cameras C1 to C3, C10, the storage device 2, or the router 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Camera control device 2 Enclosure 4. Server equipment 12 Control Unit C1~C3 Cameras C10 Camera PS power supply SP1 Private Address Space SP2 Public Address Space

Claims

1. A camera control device that is installed in a private address space and controls a camera that is installed in the private address space, A camera control device having a control unit that controls the camera based on control information sent from a server device installed within a public address space, without performing a process of transferring images captured by the camera to the server device.

2. The camera control device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the control unit detects a new camera in the private address space, the control unit requests the server device to register the new camera.

3. 3. The camera control device according to claim 2, wherein when a new camera is registered in the server device based on the registration request, the control unit performs initial settings of the new camera registered in the server device based on initial setting information transmitted from the server device as the control information.

4. the initial setting information includes destination information indicating a destination of an image captured by the camera; the control unit sets the new camera as a destination of the image based on the destination information.

4. The camera control device according to claim 3.

5. the initial setting information includes camera setting information indicating a photographing area of ​​the camera, a frame rate of an image photographed by the camera, and a bit rate when an image photographed by the camera is transmitted to the server device; the control unit sets the shooting area, the frame rate, and the bit rate for the new camera based on the camera setting information.

5. The camera control device according to claim 4.

6. 6. A camera control device according to claim 1, wherein when camera control information is transmitted from the server device as the control information, the control unit controls the camera based on the camera control information, the control information including at least one of the camera's shooting area, the frame rate of the image captured by the camera, and the bit rate when transmitting the image captured by the camera to the server device.

7. 6. A camera control device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit controls the storage of images taken by the camera in a storage device installed within the private address space when the control information transmitted from the server device is no longer received.

8. The camera control device according to claim 7, wherein when the control information that had stopped arriving arrives again, the control unit terminates control of storing images taken by the camera in the storage device and controls control of transmitting the images stored in the storage device to the server device.

9. 6. The camera control device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit detects a camera in a stopped state among the cameras registered in the server device within the private address space, the control unit controls to restart the camera in the stopped state.

10. The camera control device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit restarts the camera that is in a stopped state by controlling a power supply device that supplies power to the camera.

11. A camera control method for controlling a camera installed in a private address space, comprising: A camera control method that controls the camera based on control information sent from a server device installed within a public address space, without transferring images taken by the camera to the server device.

12. A camera control program that causes a computer installed in a private address space to function as a camera control device that controls a camera installed in the private address space, A camera control program for causing the computer to realize a control means for controlling the camera based on control information sent from a server device installed within a public address space, without performing a process of transferring images taken by the camera to the server device.

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