Camera data linkage system

Abstract

To provide a camera data linkage system that enables effective surveillance using multiple cameras while suppressing increases in data communication volume and data storage area.SOLUTION: A camera data linkage system includes a camera 14 mounted on a vehicle and a server 26 that associates and stores location information obtained via location acquisition means of the camera 14 with the captured image data. The cameras are configured as a group of cameras, and when an abnormality is detected by abnormality detection means of a specific camera, the captured image data and event occurrence information are transmitted to a server 26. The server 26, having received the event occurrence information from the specific camera, transmits the event occurrence information to the other cameras in the group of cameras, and the other cameras that receive this information each perform a proximity determination. When the result of the proximity determination indicates that the camera 14 being determined is located nearby, the captured image data is transmitted to the server 26 along with the video recorded by imaging means 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for linking a plurality of cameras, and more particularly to a camera data linking system that is suitable when the linked cameras include an in-vehicle camera. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for monitoring using image data captured by multiple cameras. The monitoring system disclosed in Patent Document 1 links together monitoring cameras installed in homes and on-board cameras installed in vehicles, transmits the image data captured by each camera to a monitoring device, and provides the image data provided to the monitoring device to system users.

[0003] However, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, data communication is constantly performed between the camera side and the monitoring device side, which raises concerns about an increase in the amount of data communication and an increase in the data storage area in the monitoring device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7344923 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a camera data linkage system that enables effective monitoring using multiple cameras while suppressing increases in data communication volume and data storage area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the camera data linkage system of the present invention comprises a camera mounted on a vehicle and having at least an imaging means, an abnormality detection means, a position acquisition means, a communication means, and a calculation means; and a server equipped with at least a communication means and a data storage means, which associates the imaging data obtained via the imaging means of the camera with the location information obtained via the position acquisition means and stores the associated data in the data storage means, wherein the cameras are configured as a monitoring group consisting of cameras mounted on multiple vehicles, and when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means of a specific camera, the camera data and event occurrence information including at least the location information and the date and time of the event occurrence are transmitted to the server, and when the server acquires the event occurrence information from the specific camera, the server transmits the event occurrence information to the other cameras in the camera group, and each of the other cameras that receive the event occurrence information performs a proximity determination in which the location information is compared with its current position via the calculation means, and when it is determined that the current position based on the location information is within a predetermined threshold, the camera starts recording using the imaging means or continues recording, and transmits the obtained imaging data to the server.

[0007] Furthermore, in the camera data linkage system having the above-described features, the camera is equipped with a short-range wireless communication function, the event occurrence information is transmitted via the short-range wireless communication function, the other cameras start recording or continue recording upon receiving the event occurrence information via the short-range wireless communication function, and the specific camera and the other cameras each transmit the captured image data to the server. This feature can reduce the number of communications between the camera and the server, thereby contributing to a reduction in the amount of data communication.

[0008] In addition, in the camera data linkage system having the above-described characteristics, the group of cameras may be divided into predetermined specific groups, and the proximity determination based on the event occurrence information may be performed only by cameras within the specific group. With such characteristics, even if the photographed data contains confidential information, there is no risk that the photographed data will be provided to a group other than the specific group.

[0009] In addition, in the camera data linkage system having the above-mentioned features, the cameras can be divided into predetermined specific groups, and the start of recording based on the event occurrence information can be performed only by the cameras in the specific group. With such features, as in the above invention, even if the photographed data contains confidential information, there is no risk that the photographed data will be provided to anyone outside the specific group.

[0010] Furthermore, the camera data linkage system having the above-described characteristics may be provided with a viewing terminal, and the server may be accessed via the viewing terminal, thereby enabling viewing of the photographed data stored in the data storage means. With such characteristics, if a user has a viewing terminal, the photographed data at the time of an event occurrence can be viewed even remotely.

[0011] Furthermore, the camera data linkage system having the above-described features may include a management terminal, and when a data acquisition location is transmitted from the management terminal to the server, the specific camera and the other cameras each perform a proximity determination by comparing the data acquisition location with their current location, and when it is determined that the current location based on the data acquisition location is within a predetermined threshold, start recording using the imaging means and transmit the obtained image data to the server. By having such features, it is also possible to contribute to providing on-site footage in the event of an incident, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] A camera data linkage system having the above-described characteristics makes it possible to effectively perform monitoring using multiple cameras while suppressing increases in data communication volume and data storage area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a camera data linkage system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow relating to recording of photographed data in the camera data linkage system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing a flow relating to viewing of captured data in the camera data linkage system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a camera data linkage system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for achieving data collaboration with other cameras using short-range wireless communication. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing how event occurrence information and the current position of the camera are stored in association with each other in a data storage unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image of a screen displayed on a video display means of the viewing terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second application form in the camera data linkage system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a third application form in the camera data linkage system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A camera data linkage system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a basic embodiment of the camera data linkage system will be described with reference to FIG.

[0015] [Basic embodiment: Configuration] The camera data linkage system 10 according to this embodiment has at least a camera group 12 and a server 26, and is equipped with a viewing terminal 32, thereby improving its utility value. The camera group 12 in this embodiment is composed of a group of cameras 14 (14a, 14b, and 14c in FIG. 1) mounted on a vehicle 50, i.e., cameras 14 constituting a drive recorder. Note that the group here does not necessarily mean a group of cameras gathered within a certain range, but may be a group of cameras registered as a linked monitoring group.

[0016] Each camera 14 constituting the camera group 12 is equipped with at least an imaging means 16, an abnormality detection means 18, a position acquisition means 20, a communication means 22, and a calculation means 24, and is provided with an internal or external storage means (not shown) for storing the image data. The imaging means 16 is a means for acquiring the image data, and starts imaging upon receiving a signal to start imaging from the calculation means 24, the details of which will be described later. The image data obtained via the imaging means 16 is stored in the storage means described above.

[0017] The abnormality detection means 18 may be of various types, such as shock detection, motion detection via ultrasonic waves or the imaging means 16, sound detection, etc., as long as it is capable of detecting at least one abnormality. When the abnormality detection means 18 detects an abnormality, it outputs a signal to that effect (an abnormality detection signal) to the calculation means 24.

[0018] The position acquisition means 20 is a means for acquiring information about the current position of the camera 14, and may be, for example, a GPS. The information about the current position acquired via the position acquisition means 20 (current position information) is stored in association with the photographed data via the calculation means 24. The communication means 22 is a means for transmitting the photographed data and event information (such as position information at the time of abnormality detection) to a server 26, the details of which will be described later, and for receiving event information detected in other cameras 14 from the server 26.

[0019] The calculation means 24 is a means for receiving various signals, determining data, and outputting operation signals, etc. Specifically, when the calculation means 24 receives an abnormality detection signal, the calculation means 24 determines that an abnormality has been detected, and plays a role in starting image capture by the image capture means 16 or recording image capture data during image capture in a storage means (not shown). Furthermore, when event information is received from the server 26, the calculation means 24 compares the location information included in the event information with the current location information acquired via the location acquisition means 20. If, as a result of the comparison, the current location information based on the location information is within a predetermined threshold range, the calculation means 24 outputs an operation signal to the image capture means 16 to start image capture.

[0020] The server 26 is an element that plays a role in storing and managing the photographic data obtained via the camera group 12 and outputting event information to the camera group 12. The server 26 of this embodiment can play this role if it is provided with at least a communication means 28 and a data storage means 30. The communication means 28 is an element that plays a role in transmitting and receiving various data to and from the camera group 12 and a viewing terminal 32, the details of which will be described later.

[0021] The data storage means 30 is an element for storing the photographic data obtained via the camera group 12 and event information in association with each other. The specific configuration of the data storage means 30 is not limited, but a large-capacity storage means such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) may be used.

[0022] The viewing terminal 32 is an element that enables a user of the camera data linkage system 10 to view the captured image data stored in the server 26. The viewing terminal 32 of this embodiment is only required to include at least a video display means 34, a user input means 36, a communication means 38, and a calculation means 40. The video display means 34 is an element that enables the captured image data stored in the server 26 to be read out and viewed. If the video display means 34 is provided with an audio output unit such as a speaker, it becomes possible to hear the audio accompanying the captured image data.

[0023] The user input means 36 is an element for inputting text information and selecting items via a screen. Specifically, it is used to input an ID and password for accessing the server 26 via a network, and to select options via a touch screen.

[0024] The communication means 38 is an element for accessing the server 26 via the network and downloading the stored image data. The calculation means 40 is an element for executing various programs for operating the above-mentioned video display means 34, user input means 36, communication means 38, and the like.

[0025] [Actions and Effects] Next, the operating state of the camera data linkage system 10 having the above-described basic configuration will be described with reference to the flows shown in Figures 2 and 3. In the camera data linkage system 10 having the above configuration, a specific camera 14 (a camera mounted on a specific vehicle) is referred to as an event occurrence camera (a camera in which an abnormality has been detected by the abnormality detection means 18 (e.g., camera 14a)), and the other cameras 14 are referred to as other cameras (e.g., cameras 14b and 14c).

[0026] First, when the abnormality detection means 18 of the camera (event occurrence camera (camera 14a)) currently acquiring photographic data detects an abnormality, the event occurrence camera (camera 14a) transmits a video (photographed data) taken at the time of the event occurrence and event information to the server 26. Here, the event information includes at least the date and time when the event occurred and the location information of the camera 14a.

[0027] Server 26 receives the photographic data and event information transmitted from the event-occurring camera (camera 14a), stores the photographic data in data storage means 30, and transmits the event information to other cameras (cameras 14b, 14c).

[0028] The other cameras (cameras 14b, 14c) that received the event information each perform a proximity determination based on the location information included in the event information (hereinafter referred to as event location information). The proximity determination involves comparing the event location information with the current location information of cameras 14b, 14c themselves, and determining whether the distance between the current location information and the event location information is within a predetermined threshold range. Here, if the result of the proximity determination indicates that the current location information is near the event location information (Yes), each camera 14b, 14c starts photographing and recording. Thereafter, each camera (cameras 14b, 14c as other cameras) transmits video and event information to server 26.

[0029] On the other hand, if it is determined in the proximity determination that the current positions of the cameras 14b and 14c themselves are not in the vicinity of the event occurrence position, the flow ends without starting recording.

[0030] The captured image data stored in this manner can be viewed by reading it (downloading, streaming, etc.) from the server 26 via the viewing terminal 32, as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, event search conditions are transmitted from the viewing terminal 32 to the server 26. Here, the event search conditions may be information such as the date, time, and location of an event. Upon receiving the event search conditions, the server 26 transmits data summarizing thumbnails and the like relating to videos that match the conditions to the viewing terminal 32 as an event information list. The event information and video information (captured image data) are associated as shown in FIG. 6 and stored in the data storage means 30. That is, an event ID is assigned to each of the captured image data as a common item, and the captured image data from multiple cameras is associated with each other by this event ID.

[0031] Upon receiving the event information list, the viewing terminal 32 selects an event to view from the received event information list. Once an event to view is selected, it is transmitted to the server 26 as viewing event information.

[0032] When the server 26 receives information about the viewing event, it transmits the captured image data associated with the selected event (viewing event) as a video under the event to the viewing terminal 32. The viewing terminal 32 that has received the video under the event starts viewing the video. The display on the video display means 34 of the viewing terminal 32 may be a screen image such as that shown in Fig. 7. That is, in addition to the captured image data indicated by c0002, a map indicating location information, a thumbnail, etc. are displayed.

[0033] The camera linkage system 10 operating in this manner makes it possible to effectively perform monitoring using multiple cameras 14 while suppressing increases in data communication volume and data storage area. The above description formally describes that the other cameras (cameras 14b, 14c) start recording when the proximity determination result is Yes. However, if the other cameras (cameras 14b, 14c) are already in a recording state before receiving event information from the server 26, they can continue recording even after the proximity determination result is obtained, and transmit the obtained video and event information to the server 26. If the proximity determination result for the other cameras (cameras 14b, 14c) that received the event information is No, they can continue recording but not transmit the video or event information.

[0034] [First application form] In the camera data linkage system 10 according to the basic embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle 50 (vehicle 50a in the example shown in FIG. 4) equipped with the event occurrence camera (camera 14a) is used as the base point, and each of the vehicles 50 (vehicles 50b and 50c in the example shown in FIG. 4) present within a specific range (vicinity) is provided with event information via the server 26, and a proximity determination is made.

[0035] However, each of the cameras 14 constituting the camera data linkage system 10 according to this embodiment may be equipped with a short-range wireless communication means (not shown). In such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, proximity determination is not required for the other cameras (cameras 14b and 14c).

[0036] Specifically, when the anomaly detection means 18 of the event occurrence camera (camera 14a) detects an anomaly, it transmits event information to the other cameras (cameras 14b and 14c) via short-range wireless communication. The other cameras (cameras 14b and 14c) that receive the event information within the range of short-range wireless communication start recording.

[0037] When recording begins on the other cameras (cameras 14b and 14c), the event occurrence camera (camera 14a) and the other cameras (cameras 14b and 14c) each transmit the acquired image data to the server. The event occurrence camera (camera 14a) transmits event information along with the image data. Upon receiving the event information and image data, server 26 associates the event information with the image data related to the event information and stores them in a data storage unit.

[0038] Even with this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the above embodiment, and since the number of transmissions to and from the server can be reduced, it is also possible to further reduce the amount of data communication. Note that in this application mode, handling when event information is received while other cameras (cameras 14b and 14c) are in recording mode is the same as in the above basic embodiment.

[0039] [Second application form] Furthermore, in the camera data linkage system 10 according to the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the cameras 14 mounted on all vehicles 50 are the linkage targets, and other cameras (cameras 14b, 14c) located in the vicinity of the event occurrence camera (camera 14a) are the actual linkage cameras.

[0040] However, the camera data linkage system 10 according to this embodiment may register only a specific group of cameras as a group for data linkage, and image data may be shared only among the cameras belonging to this group. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, if there are a first group, a second group, and a third group, the data captured by the cameras 14 (not shown in Fig. 8) of the vehicles 50 belonging to each group can be viewed only on the viewing terminals 32 associated with each group.

[0041] Furthermore, in the case of a vehicle 50 that does not belong to a group, the photographed data of the camera 14 mounted thereon can be linked to any of groups 1 to 3 in FIG.

[0042] According to the camera data linkage system 10 configured as above, linkage of photographed data is limited to within a predetermined group, so even if the photographed data contains confidential information, it is possible to prevent the confidential information from leaking to the outside. The other configurations, actions, and effects are the same as those of the camera data linkage system 10 according to the basic embodiment described above.

[0043] [Third application form] Furthermore, in the camera data linking system 10 according to the above embodiment, a specific camera 14 (event occurrence camera (camera 14a)) is used as a base point, and cameras located nearby (other cameras (cameras 14b, 14c)) are operated, and the data captured by these cameras is linked.

[0044] However, the camera data linkage system 10 according to the embodiment may be configured to include a management terminal 42 as shown in FIG. 9, and to directly specify the location where the photographic data is to be acquired (data acquisition location) from this management terminal 42.

[0045] In the camera data linkage system 10 configured as described above, information (coordinate data) on the data acquisition position is sent from the management terminal 42 to the server 26, and the server 26 sends the information on the data acquisition position to each camera 14. Each camera 14 that has received the information on the data acquisition position performs a proximity determination based on the data acquisition position, and if the determination result indicates proximity, starts recording. Thereafter, each camera 14 transmits the captured data obtained by recording to the server 26, making it possible for the management terminal 42 to view the captured data acquired near the data acquisition position via the server 26.

[0046] In a camera data management system 10 configured in this manner, for example, by making the management terminal 42 a terminal owned by an administrative agency, it becomes possible to acquire photographic data in the vicinity of the data acquisition location when an incident occurs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10...Camera data linkage system, 12...Camera group, 14 (14a, 14b, 14c)...Camera, 16...Photographing means, 18...Anomaly detection means, 20...Location acquisition means, 22...Communication means, 24...Calculation means, 26...Server, 28...Communication means, 30...Data storage means, 32...Viewing terminal, 34...Video display means, 36...User input means, 38...Communication means, 40...Calculation means, 42...Management terminal, 50 (50a, 50b, 50c)...Vehicle.

Claims

1. a camera mounted on a vehicle and having at least an imaging means, an abnormality detection means, a position acquisition means, a communication means, and a calculation means; a server that includes at least a communication means and a data storage means, and that associates photographic data obtained through the photographing means of the camera with location information obtained through the location acquisition means and stores the data in the data storage means; The cameras are configured as a monitoring group consisting of a group of cameras mounted on a plurality of vehicles, and when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means of a specific camera, the camera transmits the photographed data and event occurrence information including at least location information and the date and time of the event occurrence to the server; When the server acquires the event occurrence information from the specific camera, the server transmits the event occurrence information to the other cameras that make up the camera group; The camera data linkage system is characterized in that, upon receiving the event occurrence information, each of the other cameras performs a proximity determination by comparing the location information with its current location via the calculation means, and if it is determined that the current location based on the location information is within a predetermined threshold, it starts recording using the shooting means or continues recording, and transmits the obtained shooting data to the server.

2. the camera is provided with a short-range wireless communication function, and the event occurrence information is transmitted via the short-range wireless communication function; the other camera starts recording or continues recording when receiving the event occurrence information via the short-range wireless communication function; 2. The camera data linkage system according to claim 1, wherein the specific camera and the other cameras are configured to transmit captured image data to the server.

3. The camera data linkage system described in claim 1, characterized in that the camera group can be divided into predetermined specific groups, and the proximity determination based on the event occurrence information is performed only on cameras within the specific group.

4. The camera data linkage system described in claim 2, characterized in that the group of cameras can be divided into predetermined specific groups, and the start of recording based on the event occurrence information is performed only on cameras within the specific group.

5. A viewing terminal is provided, and the server is accessed via the viewing terminal; 5. The camera data linkage system according to claim 1, wherein the photographed data stored in the data storage means can be viewed.

6. a management terminal, and when the data acquisition position is transmitted from the management terminal to the server, The specific camera and the other cameras each perform a proximity determination by comparing the data acquisition position with the current position; The camera data linkage system described in claim 1, characterized in that when it is determined that the current position based on the data acquisition position is within a predetermined threshold range, recording is started by the photographing means and the obtained photographic data is transmitted to the server.

Images