Monitoring system

Abstract

To provide a monitoring system for enabling a monitoring person to easily execute proper countermeasures even when a transborder movement is performed or the transborder movement is not performed.SOLUTION: A monitoring system includes: a photographing section 1 for photographing a monitoring object area 6; an area setting section 2 for setting a watching area 7 in the monitoring object area 6; a transborder detection section 3 for detecting a transborder movement being the movement of a person D from an inside of the watching area 7 to an outside of the watching area 7 based on the photographing image photographed by the photographing section 1; a warning section 4 for issuing a warning when the transborder detection section 3 detects the transborder movement; and a calculation section 5 for calculating a staying time of the person D in the watching area 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to surveillance systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A known monitoring system for monitoring people is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. In this monitoring system (referred to as an "information processing system" in Patent Document 1), when a person is detected to be located in a monitoring area (referred to as an "area" in Patent Document 1) set at the entrance / exit of a room, and the person moves from inside the room to outside, a report (referred to as an "alert" in Patent Document 1) is issued. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7232497 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not mention the possibility that cross-border movement will not occur for a long period of time (in other words, the possibility that a person will stay in a monitoring area for a long period of time). Note that cross-border movement refers to the movement of a person from within a monitoring area to outside the monitoring area.

[0005] Here, the monitor may need to take some measures to ensure that the person stays in the monitoring area for an appropriate length of time. For example, if the monitoring area is set in a sunny location (such as a veranda), if a person stays in the monitoring area for a long period of time, it is possible that the person may suffer from heat stroke. Therefore, the monitor needs to take measures (such as calling out to the person) to ensure that the person stays in the monitoring area for an appropriate length of time.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a monitoring system that makes it easier for monitors to take appropriate action in both cases where cross-border movement has occurred and cases where cross-border movement has not occurred. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The surveillance system according to the present disclosure comprises an imaging unit that captures an image of a monitored area, an area setting unit that sets a monitoring area within the monitored area, a border crossing detection unit that detects cross-border movement, i.e., movement of a person from within the monitoring area to outside the monitoring area, based on the image captured by the imaging unit, an alarm unit that can issue an alarm when the cross-border movement is detected by the border crossing detection unit, and a calculation unit that calculates the length of time a person stays in the monitoring area.

[0008] According to this configuration, the alarm issuing unit can issue an alarm in response to a person's cross-border movement. By issuing an alarm, the monitor can easily take appropriate measures against the cross-border movement. Furthermore, if no cross-border movement has occurred, the monitor can ascertain the person's stay time in the monitoring area by checking the calculation results by the calculation unit. Therefore, the monitor can easily take measures to ensure that the person's stay time in the monitoring area is appropriate.

[0009] Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to realize a monitoring system that makes it easier for the monitor to take appropriate action in both cases where cross-border movement has occurred and where cross-border movement has not occurred.

[0010] Furthermore, the configuration may include a notification unit that notifies the user of the stay time.

[0011] According to this configuration, the notification by the notification unit allows the monitor to easily grasp the time spent by a person in the monitoring area, thereby improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0012] Furthermore, the monitoring device may be configured to include an identification unit that identifies a person within the monitoring area based on the captured image, and the notification unit may be configured to be able to notify the result of identification by the identification unit.

[0013] According to this configuration, the notification by the notification unit allows the monitor to easily know who is in the monitoring area, thereby improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0014] Furthermore, the alarm issuing unit may be configured to be able to notify the result of the identification by the identification unit in issuing the alarm.

[0015] According to this configuration, the alarm issued by the alarm issuing unit allows the monitor to easily understand who has crossed the border, which makes it easier for the monitor to take appropriate action in response to the cross-border movement.

[0016] Furthermore, the alarm issuing unit may be configured to be able to notify the stay time in the alarm.

[0017] According to this configuration, the alarm issued by the alarm issuing unit allows the monitor to easily grasp the time that the person who crossed the border stayed in the monitoring area, which makes it easier for the monitor to take appropriate measures in response to the cross-border movement.

[0018] Furthermore, the monitoring area may include a purpose setting unit that sets a purpose for staying in the monitoring area, and the notification unit may be configured to be able to notify the purpose of staying.

[0019] According to this configuration, the notification by the notification unit allows the monitor to easily understand the purpose of the stay in the monitored area (for example, eating, sunbathing, etc.), thereby improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0020] Furthermore, the alarm issuing unit may be configured to be able to issue the alarm according to the purpose of stay.

[0021] According to this configuration, for example, the purpose of stay can be included in the content of the report issued by the reporting unit. This allows the monitor to easily understand what the person who crossed the border was doing in the monitored area. This makes it easier for the monitor to take appropriate measures in response to the cross-border movement.

[0022] Furthermore, the notification unit may be configured to be able to notify the captured image when the cross-border movement occurs.

[0023] According to this configuration, the notification by the notification unit allows the monitor to easily understand the direction in which the person who has crossed the border has moved, making it easier for the monitor to take appropriate measures in response to the cross-border movement.

[0024] Furthermore, the device may be configured to include a warning unit that issues a warning when the stay time reaches a predetermined first time.

[0025] With this configuration, the warning unit issues a warning that allows the monitor to know that a person has been staying in the monitoring area for more than the first hour, which makes it easier for the monitor to reliably take measures to limit the amount of time the person has been staying in the monitoring area to an appropriate length.

[0026] Furthermore, the monitoring area may be configured to include a first time setting unit that sets the first time, and a purpose setting unit that sets the purpose of stay in the monitoring area, and the first time setting unit may be configured to be able to set a different first time for each purpose of stay.

[0027] The appropriate length of stay in the monitoring area varies depending on the purpose of stay. Here, with this configuration, the first time setting unit can set a different first time for each purpose of stay. This allows for a configuration in which the warning unit issues a warning at an appropriate timing for each purpose of stay.

[0028] Furthermore, the area setting unit may be configured to automatically set the monitoring area in a predetermined location when a predetermined setting condition is satisfied.

[0029] According to this configuration, the monitoring area is set automatically, which reduces the operational burden on the monitor compared to a configuration in which the monitoring area cannot be set without manual operation.

[0030] Furthermore, the set condition may be that a person has stayed in a certain location for a predetermined second time or more, and the predetermined location may be a location where the person has stayed for the second time or more.

[0031] This configuration makes it possible to automatically set a monitoring area in a certain location when a person remains in that location for a certain period of time, thereby improving the convenience of the surveillance system.

[0032] Furthermore, if a person stays in a certain location for more than the second time, and if the person has a predetermined attribute, the area setting unit may be configured not to automatically set the monitoring area.

[0033] According to this configuration, even if a person stays in a certain place for a certain period of time, if the person is not a target of monitoring (for example, if the person is a staff member of a welfare facility for the elderly), a monitoring area will not be set in that place. This makes it possible to avoid situations where an unnecessary monitoring area is set.

[0034] Furthermore, the configuration may include an area erasing unit that automatically erases the monitoring area when a predetermined erasing condition is met.

[0035] According to this configuration, by setting the deletion conditions appropriately, it is possible to realize a configuration in which unnecessary monitoring areas are automatically deleted, thereby improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0036] Furthermore, the deletion condition may be that a state in which no person is present in the watching area continues for a predetermined third time period or longer.

[0037] With this configuration, if the monitor operates the system to restrict people from entering an unnecessary monitoring area, the area will be automatically deleted. This makes it easy to delete unnecessary monitoring areas.

[0038] Furthermore, the deletion condition may be that the current time has passed a predetermined first time.

[0039] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the first time, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the monitoring area is automatically erased at an appropriate timing, thereby improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0040] Furthermore, the deletion condition may be that the border crossing detection unit has detected the border crossing movement of multiple people.

[0041] With this configuration, for example, if a resident of a nursing home accompanied by a staff member moves across a border, the monitoring area can be automatically deleted, improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0042] Furthermore, the monitoring area may be configured to include a behavior detection unit that detects a predetermined behavior of a person within the monitoring area, and the deletion condition may be that the predetermined behavior within the monitoring area is detected by the behavior detection unit.

[0043] With this configuration, for example, if a monitoring area is set up in a dining space of a welfare facility for the elderly, when a person in the monitoring area performs an action indicating that they have finished eating, the action is detected by the behavior detection unit, and the monitoring area is automatically deleted. This improves the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0044] Furthermore, the area setting unit may be capable of setting a first area and a second area which are different types of monitoring areas, and when the erasure condition is met, the area erasure unit may be configured to erase the second area without erasing the first area.

[0045] With this configuration, it is possible to set a monitoring area used daily as the first area and a monitoring area used temporarily as the second area. As a result, when the deletion condition is met, the monitoring area used daily is not deleted, but the monitoring area used temporarily is deleted. As a result, the convenience of the monitoring system is improved.

[0046] Furthermore, the device may be configured to include a switching unit that can switch the state of the monitoring area between an enabled state and an disabled state, and when the monitoring area is in the enabled state, the alarm issuing unit issues the alarm in response to the cross-border movement, and when the monitoring area is in the disabled state, the alarm issuing unit does not issue the alarm in response to the cross-border movement, and when a predetermined activation condition is met when the monitoring area is in the disabled state, the switching unit switches the state of the monitoring area to the enabled state.

[0047] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the activation conditions, it is possible to realize a configuration in which a monitoring area is activated when it is necessary, thereby improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0048] Furthermore, the enabling condition may be that the current time has passed a predetermined second time.

[0049] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the second time, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the monitoring area becomes active at an appropriate timing, thereby improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0050] Furthermore, the device may be configured to include a behavior detection unit that detects a specified behavior of a person within the monitoring area, and the activation condition may be that the specified behavior within the monitoring area is detected by the behavior detection unit.

[0051] According to this configuration, for example, if a monitoring area is set as a dining space in a welfare facility for the elderly, when a person in the monitoring area performs an action indicating the start of a meal, the action is detected by the behavior detection unit, and the monitoring area is automatically activated, thereby improving the convenience of the monitoring system.

[0052] Furthermore, the area setting unit may be configured to be able to set a plurality of the monitoring areas and to be able to set the name of each monitoring area individually.

[0053] This configuration makes it easy to manage multiple monitoring areas, thereby improving the usability of the monitoring system.

[0054] Furthermore, the alarm issuing unit may be configured to issue the alarm by sound.

[0055] With this configuration, compared to when the alarm unit issues an alarm only through light (for example, a screen display), the monitor can more easily notice the alarm immediately and understand the content of the alarm without having to turn his or her head, which improves the convenience of the monitoring system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment, illustrating the overall configuration of a monitoring system. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a monitoring system according to a second embodiment (the same applies to FIGS. 11 to 13). FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a warning flow. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a notification screen and a notification. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image when crossing a border. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of an automatic setting flow. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of an automatic erasure flow. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of an activation flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, a monitoring system A in this embodiment includes an imaging unit 1, an area setting unit 2, a border crossing detection unit 3, an alarm issuing unit 4, and a calculation unit 5.

[0059] The imaging unit 1 captures an image of the monitored area 6. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 1 is installed on the ceiling of the room where the person D is present, although this is not a particular limitation. In this embodiment, the imaging range (imaging direction) of the imaging unit 1 is directed downward, although this is not a particular limitation. In other words, the imaging unit 1 is positioned so as to capture an image below the imaging unit 1.

[0060] As described above, the monitoring system A includes an imaging unit 1 that captures an image of a monitored area 6. The monitored area 6 may coincide with the imaging range of the imaging unit 1, or may be wider or narrower than the imaging range of the imaging unit 1.

[0061] The area setting unit 2 sets a monitoring area 7 within the monitored area 6. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the monitoring area 7 has a three-dimensional shape. More specifically, the monitoring area 7 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The monitoring area 7 may be a planar area or may have any shape.

[0062] In this way, the monitoring system A includes an area setting unit 2 that sets a watching area 7 within the area 6 to be monitored.

[0063] The area setting unit 2 sends information indicating the monitoring area 7 to the border crossing detection unit 3. The border crossing detection unit 3 also acquires the captured image captured by the imaging unit 1. The border crossing detection unit 3 detects border crossing movement based on the captured image and the information indicating the monitoring area 7. The border crossing movement is the movement of person D from inside the monitoring area 7 to outside the monitoring area 7.

[0064] In this way, the monitoring system A is equipped with a border crossing detection unit 3 that detects cross-border movement, that is, movement of person D from inside the monitoring area 7 to outside the monitoring area 7, based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 1.

[0065] When the border crossing detection unit 3 detects cross-border movement, it sends a predetermined signal to the alarm issuing unit 4. This signal indicates that cross-border movement has been detected. Upon receiving this signal, the alarm issuing unit 4 issues an alert to the monitor who is monitoring person D (in other words, the user of monitoring system A). Note that the monitor is not shown in Figure 1.

[0066] In this way, the monitoring system A includes the alarm issuing unit 4 that can issue an alarm when the border crossing detection unit 3 detects cross-border movement.

[0067] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when a person D in the monitoring area 7 moves out of the monitoring area 7, the alarm issuing unit 4 issues an alarm.

[0068] The calculation unit 5 acquires the captured image captured by the imaging unit 1. The calculation unit 5 calculates the stay time of person D in the monitoring area 7 based on the captured image. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The calculation unit 5 may calculate the stay time of person D in the monitoring area 7 without using the captured image. For example, the calculation unit 5 may calculate the stay time of person D in the monitoring area 7 based on the detection results of a known infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or the like.

[0069] In this way, the monitoring system A includes a calculation unit 5 that calculates the stay time of the person D in the monitoring area 7.

[0070] According to the configuration described above, the alarm issuing unit 4 can issue an alarm in response to person D's cross-border movement. By issuing an alarm, the monitor can easily take appropriate measures against the cross-border movement. Furthermore, if no cross-border movement has occurred, the monitor can ascertain the amount of time person D has stayed in the monitoring area 7 by checking the calculation results by the calculation unit 5. Therefore, the monitor can easily take measures to ensure that person D's stay in the monitoring area 7 is an appropriate length.

[0071] Therefore, with the configuration described above, a monitoring system A can be realized that makes it easier for the monitor to take appropriate action in both cases where cross-border movement has occurred and where cross-border movement has not occurred.

[0072] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description of the second embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The configuration other than the parts described below is the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment.

[0073] [Overall configuration of the monitoring system] 2, the monitoring system A includes a monitoring device 10 and a management terminal 11. The monitoring device 10 and the management terminal 11 are connected to each other via a predetermined network.

[0074] The monitoring device 10 has an imaging unit 1. The monitoring device 10 also has an area management unit 20 that manages a monitoring area 7 (see FIG. 3), and a notification control unit 21 that controls the issuance of alerts to the monitor. The area management unit 20 has a border crossing detection unit 3 and a calculation unit 5. The notification control unit 21 has an alert issuance unit 4. The management terminal 11 has an area setting unit 2. Although not particularly limited, the monitoring device 10 may be installed on the ceiling or wall of a room where one or more persons D (see FIG. 3) are present.

[0075] Also, although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, person D is a resident (monitored person) or staff member (monitor) of an elderly welfare facility (hereinafter simply referred to as the "facility"), and the management terminal 11 is an information terminal (such as a personal computer or smartphone) used by the staff member.

[0076] The number of monitoring devices 10 included in the monitoring system A may be any number equal to or greater than one. The monitoring devices 10 may be installed in each room of the elderly welfare facility, or may be installed in areas other than the rooms (for example, corridors).

[0077] There may be one or more monitors. There may be one or more management terminals 11 included in monitoring system A. Multiple monitors may each use one management terminal 11, or they may share one management terminal 11.

[0078] [Notification screen] As shown in Fig. 2, the notification control unit 21 has a notification unit 29. Furthermore, the management terminal 11 has a touch panel 32. The notification unit 29 controls the display content on the touch panel 32, thereby causing the touch panel 32 to display a notification screen as shown in Fig. 3. In this way, the notification unit 29 notifies the monitor of various information related to the monitoring area 7. The notification screen may be constantly displayed on the touch panel 32, or may be displayed in response to an operation by the monitor.

[0079] The watching area 7 may be set automatically by the area setting unit 2. Alternatively, the watching area 7 may be set by the area setting unit 2 in response to a manual operation input by a monitor. For example, the watching area 7 may be set at a location where a touch operation is performed in a fifth notification area 45 described below.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, the notification screen includes a first notification area 41, a second notification area 42, a third notification area 43, a fourth notification area 44, and a fifth notification area 45.

[0081] The area setting unit 2 shown in Fig. 2 is capable of setting multiple monitoring areas 7. In the example shown in Fig. 3, two monitoring areas 7 have been set. In this example, each monitoring area 7 is set adjacent to the dining table in a plan view.

[0082] The fifth notification area 45 is an area for displaying a captured image captured by the imaging unit 1. The captured image displayed in the fifth notification area 45 may be a real-time (current) image or a past image. Furthermore, the captured image displayed in the fifth notification area 45 may be a moving image or a still image.

[0083] When the notification unit 29 displays a notification screen on the touch panel 32, the captured image captured by the imaging unit 1 is sent from the imaging unit 1 to the notification unit 29 (notification control unit 21). As a result, the notification unit 29 acquires the captured image from the imaging unit 1. The notification unit 29 displays the captured image in the fifth notification area 45. The notification unit 29 also acquires information indicating the watching area 7 stored in the area storage unit 24 described below, and displays the watching area 7 in the fifth notification area 45 based on the information. At this time, the notification unit 29 displays the watching area 7 in the fifth notification area 45 so that it overlaps with the captured image.

[0084] In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, two people D and two monitoring areas 7 are displayed in the fifth notification region 45. Here, the person D on the left side of the drawing is "Mr. X," and the person D on the right side of the drawing is "Mr. Y." In this example, both Mr. X and Mr. Y are located in the dining space (dining room) of the elderly welfare facility and are eating. Furthermore, Mr. X is located within the monitoring area 7 on the left side of the drawing, and Mr. Y is located within the monitoring area 7 on the right side of the drawing.

[0085] When multiple monitoring areas 7 are displayed in the fifth notification area 45, if the monitor touches one of the multiple monitoring areas 7, the touched monitoring area 7 will be selected. Information about the monitoring area 7 selected in the fifth notification area 45 is displayed in the first notification area 41, the second notification area 42, the third notification area 43, and the fourth notification area 44. In the example shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the monitoring area 7 on the left side of the drawing (in other words, the monitoring area 7 corresponding to person X) has been selected. In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the monitoring area 7 on the right side of the drawing (in other words, the monitoring area 7 corresponding to person Y) has been selected.

[0086] The first notification area 41 is an area that displays the name of the watching area 7. In this way, the first notification area 41 notifies the name of the watching area 7. The first notification area 41 also accepts touch operations by the monitor. The monitor can input the name of the watching area 7 by performing a touch operation on the first notification area 41. As shown in FIG. 2, information indicating the input name is sent from the touch panel 32 to the area setting unit 2. The area setting unit 2 sets the name of the watching area 7 based on the information.

[0087] The area setting unit 2 can individually set the name of each monitoring area 7. That is, the area setting unit 2 can set multiple monitoring areas 7, and can individually set the name of each monitoring area 7. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the name of the monitoring area 7 corresponding to person X is set to "Table T-1." Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the name of the monitoring area 7 corresponding to person Y is set to "Table T-2."

[0088] 2, the area management unit 20 has an area storage unit 24. The area storage unit 24 stores the monitoring area 7 set by the area setting unit 2 (more specifically, the position and size of the monitoring area 7).

[0089] When the area setting unit 2 sets the name of the watching area 7, the area setting unit 2 sends information indicating the name to the area management unit 20. The area storage unit 24 stores the information. Then, when the notification unit 29 displays a notification screen on the touch panel 32, the information is sent from the area storage unit 24 (area management unit 20) to the notification unit 29 (notification control unit 21). The notification unit 29 displays the name of the watching area 7 in the first notification region 41 based on the information.

[0090] The second notification area 42 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is an area that displays the purpose of stay in the monitoring area 7. In this way, the second notification area 42 notifies the purpose of stay in the monitoring area 7. In this embodiment, the second notification area 42 displays an icon indicating the purpose of stay. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The second notification area 42 may also display text or the like indicating the purpose of stay. Specific examples of the "purpose of stay" include eating, sunbathing, watching videos, etc.

[0091] Furthermore, the second notification area 42 accepts a touch operation by the monitor. The monitor can input the purpose of stay in the monitoring area 7 by performing a touch operation on the second notification area 42. Although not particularly limited, for example, the monitoring system A may be configured to display multiple icon candidates indicating the purpose of stay in the second notification area 42, and to allow the monitor to input the purpose of stay by selecting one from the candidates by a touch operation.

[0092] 2, the management terminal 11 has a purpose setting unit 33. Information indicating the purpose of stay input into the second notification area 42 is sent from the touch panel 32 to the purpose setting unit 33. The purpose setting unit 33 sets the purpose of stay in the monitoring area 7 based on the information.

[0093] When the purpose setting unit 33 sets the purpose of stay in the watching area 7, the purpose setting unit 33 sends information indicating the purpose of stay to the area management unit 20. The area storage unit 24 stores the information. Then, when the notification unit 29 displays a notification screen on the touch panel 32, the information is sent from the area storage unit 24 (area management unit 20) to the notification unit 29 (notification control unit 21). The notification unit 29 displays the purpose of stay in the watching area 7 in the second notification area 42 based on the information.

[0094] In this way, the monitoring system A includes a purpose setting unit 33 that sets the purpose of stay in the monitoring area 7. Furthermore, the notification unit 29 can notify the purpose of stay.

[0095] 3 and 4 is an area that displays the stay time of person D in the watching area 7 (the time that person D has continuously stayed). In this way, the third notification area 43 notifies the stay time of person D in the watching area 7.

[0096] Here, the notification of the stay time will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 2, captured images taken by the imaging unit 1 are sent over time to the area management unit 20. The calculation unit 5 in the area management unit 20 determines whether person D has started staying in the monitoring area 7 based on the captured images and the monitoring area 7 stored in the area storage unit 24.

[0097] For example, when person D moves from outside the monitoring area 7 into the monitoring area 7, the calculation unit 5 determines that person D has started staying in the monitoring area 7. Furthermore, when the monitoring area 7 is set at the position where person D is located (in other words, when person D has been present in the monitoring area 7 from the beginning), the calculation unit 5 determines that person D has started staying in the monitoring area 7 at the time the monitoring area 7 is set.

[0098] When the calculation unit 5 determines that person D has started staying in the watching area 7, it starts counting the staying time. That is, the counting of the staying time starts from the time when person D started staying in the watching area 7. The calculation unit 5 calculates the staying time by counting in this manner.

[0099] The counting of the time spent by person D in the monitoring area 7 ends when the crossing detection unit 3 detects crossing of the monitoring area 7. Note that the calculation unit 5 may be configured to continue counting the time spent (in other words, not end the counting) when person D temporarily enters and leaves the monitoring area 7 for a relatively short period of time (for example, to pick up dropped chopsticks).

[0100] When the notification unit 29 displays a notification screen on the touch panel 32, the calculation result by the calculation unit 5 (in other words, the latest value of the count of the staying time) is sent from the calculation unit 5 (area management unit 20) to the notification unit 29 (notification control unit 21). Based on the calculation result, the notification unit 29 displays the staying time of person D in the watching area 7 in the third notification region 43.

[0101] In this way, the monitoring system A includes a notification unit 29 that notifies the staying time.

[0102] 3 and 4 is an area that displays the identification result (e.g., name) of person D in the watching area 7. In this way, the fourth notification area 44 notifies the identification result of person D in the watching area 7.

[0103] Here, notification of the identification result of person D will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 10 has an identification unit 23. The identification unit 23 acquires a captured image captured by the imaging unit 1. The identification unit 23 identifies person D in the captured image based on the captured image. Note that the method for identifying person D is not particularly limited, and may be performed, for example, by performing a known image recognition process on the captured image.

[0104] In this embodiment, the identification unit 23 can identify the person D regardless of whether the person D is located within the monitoring area 7. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The identification unit 23 may be configured to identify only the person D located within the monitoring area 7.

[0105] When the notification unit 29 displays a notification screen on the touch panel 32, the recognition result by the recognition unit 23 is sent from the recognition unit 23 to the notification unit 29 (notification control unit 21). The notification unit 29 displays the recognition result in the fourth notification area 44.

[0106] In this way, the monitoring system A includes the identification unit 23 that identifies the person D in the monitoring area 7 based on the captured image. The notification unit 29 can also notify the result of the identification by the identification unit 23.

[0107] [Warning display] The monitoring system A is configured to issue a warning in accordance with the warning flow shown in Fig. 5. The warning flow is repeatedly executed at regular intervals.

[0108] When the warning flow starts, first, the process of step S01 is executed. In step S01, the warning unit 30 (see FIG. 2) provided in the notification control unit 21 determines whether the stay time of person D in the watching area 7 has reached a predetermined first time.

[0109] 2, the management terminal 11 has a first time setting unit 34. The area management unit 20 has a first time storage unit 28. In this embodiment, the monitor can set the first time to any length via operational input to the touch panel 32. More specifically, when a set value for the first time is input via operational input to the touch panel 32, information indicating the set value is sent from the touch panel 32 to the first time setting unit 34. The first time setting unit 34 sets the first time to the set value based on the information.

[0110] As described above, the monitoring system A includes a first time setting unit 34 that sets the first time. The first time setting unit 34 may be able to set only one first time, or may be able to set multiple first times. When the first time setting unit 34 is able to set multiple first times, for example, the first time setting unit 34 may be able to set a different first time for each purpose of stay. Furthermore, the first time setting unit 34 may be configured to automatically set the first time according to the purpose of stay set by the purpose setting unit 33.

[0111] The first time set by the first time setting unit 34 is sent to the first time storage unit 28 (area management unit 20). The first time storage unit 28 stores the first time.

[0112] 5, the warning unit 30 acquires the staying time calculated by the calculation unit 5 and the first time stored in the first time storage unit 28. Then, the warning unit 30 makes the determination in step S01 by comparing the staying time with the first time.

[0113] If the time spent by person D in the monitoring area 7 reaches the first hour ("Yes" in step S01 of FIG. 5), the process proceeds to step S02. If the time spent by person D in the monitoring area 7 does not reach the first hour ("No" in step S01 of FIG. 5), this warning flow ends for the time being.

[0114] In step S02, the warning unit 30 issues a warning. More specifically, the warning unit 30 controls the display content on the touch panel 32 to cause the touch panel 32 to display a warning display 46 as shown in Fig. 4. This causes the warning unit 30 to issue a warning. After that, this warning flow ends for the time being.

[0115] In this way, the monitoring system A includes the warning unit 30 that issues a warning when the stay time reaches the predetermined first time.

[0116] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the warning display 46 is an icon indicating that the stay time is equal to or longer than the first hour. The warning display 46 is displayed in a position adjacent to the third notification area 43 on the notification screen. In this example, the first time is set to 90 minutes (one and a half hours). In the example shown in Fig. 4, the stay time of Mr. Y in the monitoring area 7 is two hours, so the warning display 46 is displayed.

[0117] [Report] As shown in Fig. 2, the management terminal 11 has a speaker 31. In this embodiment, the alarm issuing unit 4 shown in Fig. 2 can issue an alarm by sound as shown in Fig. 6 by controlling the speaker 31.

[0118] In this way, the alarm issuing unit 4 issues an alarm by sound. The following describes in detail how the alarm issuing unit 4 issues an alarm.

[0119] 2, the identification result by the identification unit 23 is sent to the alarm issuing unit 4 (notification control unit 21). In addition, the stay time calculated by the calculation unit 5 is sent to the alarm issuing unit 4 (notification control unit 21). In addition, information indicating the purpose of stay stored in the area storage unit 24 is sent to the alarm issuing unit 4 (notification control unit 21).

[0120] As described above, the alarm issuing unit 4 issues an alert when cross-border movement is detected by the border crossing detection unit 3. When issuing an alert, the alarm issuing unit 4 can report the identification result by the identification unit 23. When issuing an alert, the alarm issuing unit 4 can also report the stay duration. Furthermore, the alarm issuing unit 4 can issue an alert according to the purpose of stay.

[0121] For example, Fig. 6 shows an example in which Mr. X crosses the border after the states shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. In this case, the cross-border movement is detected by the border crossing detection unit 3. As a result, the alarm is issued by the alarm issuing unit 4.

[0122] In the example shown in FIG. 6, an audio message saying "Mr. X, it looks like you've finished your meal. Your stay will be 45 minutes." is output from the speaker 31 of the management terminal 11 (see FIG. 2) as an alert.

[0123] In this voice message, the part "Mr. X" indicates the result of recognition by the recognition unit 23. The part "It looks like he has finished his meal" is a notification according to the purpose of his stay (meal). The part "His stay time was 45 minutes" indicates the length of stay (more specifically, the time that Mr. X stayed in the monitoring area 7).

[0124] [Image of border crossing] As shown in Fig. 6, when border crossing detection unit 3 detects border crossing movement, notification unit 29 displays border crossing image button 47 on the notification screen. When the monitor touches border crossing image button 47, notification unit 29 displays a border crossing image on touch panel 32, as shown in Fig. 7. The border crossing image is an image captured by imaging unit 1 when border crossing movement occurs.

[0125] More specifically, when the monitor touches the border crossing image button 47, the notification unit 29 extracts, from the captured images acquired from the imaging unit 1, an image captured at the timing when the border crossing detection unit 3 detects the border crossing movement (for example, several seconds before and after the moment the border crossing movement is detected). The notification unit 29 then displays the extracted captured image on the touch panel 32 as the border crossing image. In this way, the notification unit 29 notifies the user of the captured image when the border crossing movement occurs. Note that, although not particularly limited, the border crossing image may be a video captured several seconds (for example, 5 seconds) before and after the moment the border crossing detection unit 3 detects the border crossing movement.

[0126] In this way, the notification unit 29 can notify of a captured image when crossing a border. Although not particularly limited, the notification unit 29 may display a border crossing image in the fifth notification area 45 as shown in Fig. 7. At this time, the fifth notification area 45 may be enlarged, and the first notification area 41, the second notification area 42, the third notification area 43, the fourth notification area 44, and the border crossing image button 47 may be hidden.

[0127] [Automatic setting of monitoring area] The monitoring system A is configured to automatically set the watching area 7 in accordance with the automatic setting flow shown in Fig. 8. The automatic setting flow is repeatedly executed at regular intervals.

[0128] When the automatic setting flow starts, first, the process of step S11 is executed. In step S11, the area setting unit 2 determines whether a predetermined setting condition is satisfied. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, this setting condition is "person D has stayed in a certain place for a predetermined second time period or longer." In other words, this setting condition is "person D's staying location has not changed for a predetermined second time period or longer."

[0129] 2, the area setting unit 2 acquires images captured by the imaging unit 1 over time. The area setting unit 2 makes a determination in step S11 based on the captured images. In other words, the area setting unit 2 makes a determination in step S11 regarding a person D who is present within the imaging range of the imaging unit 1 (or the monitored area 6).

[0130] If multiple persons D are present within the imaging range of the imaging unit 1 (or within the monitored area 6), the area setting unit 2 determines whether or not the above-mentioned setting conditions are satisfied for each person D. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, persons D who are already located within the monitoring area 7 are not subject to the determination of whether or not the setting conditions are satisfied.

[0131] The second time period is stored in the area setting unit 2. The second time period may be set automatically or by the monitor. Although not particularly limited, the second time period may be, for example, three minutes.

[0132] If person D has stayed in a certain place for a predetermined second time or more ("Yes" in step S11 of FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S12. If person D has not stayed in a certain place for a predetermined second time or more ("No" in step S11 of FIG. 8), this automatic setting flow ends for the time being.

[0133] In step S12, the area setting unit 2 determines whether or not the person D who has stayed in a certain place for a second time or more has a predetermined attribute. In this embodiment, the predetermined attribute is "being a staff member of a facility."

[0134] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The predetermined attribute may be, for example, being female, being male, or being a specific person (for example, "being a specific person X or Y").

[0135] Here, the area setting unit 2 makes the determination in step S12 based on the captured image acquired from the imaging unit 1. This determination is not particularly limited, but may be made, for example, by performing a known image recognition process on the captured image. Furthermore, this determination may be made, for example, based on whether or not the person D is wearing a predetermined outfit (for example, a uniform for a facility staff member).

[0136] If person D has the predetermined attribute ("Yes" in step S12 of FIG. 8), this automatic setting flow ends. If person D does not have the predetermined attribute ("No" in step S12 of FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0137] In step S13, the area setting unit 2 sets the watching area 7. At this time, the area setting unit 2 sets the watching area 7 in a predetermined location. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, this predetermined location is a location where person D has stayed for a second time or more. Thereafter, this automatic setting flow ends for the time being.

[0138] The area setting unit 2 of this embodiment can set a first area 71 (see FIG. 9) and a second area 72 (see FIG. 9) which are different types of monitoring areas 7. The first area 71 is a monitoring area 7 suitable for repeated daily use. The second area 72 is a monitoring area 7 suitable for temporary use. The monitoring area 7 set by the area setting unit 2 in step S13 above is the second area 72.

[0139] When setting the watching area 7, the area setting unit 2 may determine whether the watching area 7 is the first area 71 or the second area 72 in response to an operational input by the monitor, or may automatically determine the same. When setting the watching area 7, the area setting unit 2 stores information indicating whether the watching area 7 is the first area 71 or the second area 72 in the area storage unit 24. Furthermore, the area setting unit 2 may be able to change the first area 71 to the second area 72, and may be able to change the second area 72 to the first area 71.

[0140] With the configuration described above, the area setting unit 2 automatically sets a watching area 7 (more specifically, the second area 72) in a predetermined location when a predetermined setting condition is met. The setting condition is that person D has stayed in a certain location for a predetermined second time period or more, and the predetermined location is a location where person D has stayed for the second time period or more. When person D has stayed in a certain location for the second time period or more, and person D has a predetermined attribute, the area setting unit 2 does not automatically set a watching area 7.

[0141] For example, Fig. 9 shows an example in which a monitoring area 7 is automatically set by the area setting unit 2. In this example, person D in a wheelchair stays in a certain location for the second time period or longer ("Yes" in step S11). This person D is not a staff member of the facility ("No" in step S12). Therefore, a monitoring area 7 (more specifically, a second area 72) is automatically set by the area setting unit 2 at the location of this person D.

[0142] The notification screen shown in Fig. 9 displays various information about the monitoring area 7 that was automatically set at the position of person D in a wheelchair. As shown in Fig. 9, the name of this monitoring area 7 is "temporary area," the stay time of person D is 5 minutes, and the identification result (name) of person D is "Mr. Z." Note that the stay time notified on the notification screen may or may not include the time that person D stayed before the monitoring area 7 was automatically set.

[0143] 9, the purpose of stay for this monitoring area 7 has not been set. Therefore, on the notification screen shown in FIG. 9, no icon indicating the purpose of stay is displayed in the second notification area 42. In this way, the purpose setting unit 33 may be configured to set the purpose of stay for the first area 71, but not to set the purpose of stay for the second area 72. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The purpose setting unit 33 may be configured to automatically set the purpose of stay for the second area 72 when the second area 72 is automatically set.

[0144] 9, Person D, a facility staff member, is standing behind Person D in a wheelchair. In this example, Person D, a facility staff member, has been staying in a certain location for the second time period or longer ("Yes" in step S11). However, Person D is a facility staff member ("Yes" in step S12). Therefore, a monitoring area 7 is not automatically set at the position of Person D.

[0145] [Automatic erasure of monitoring area] The monitoring system A is configured to automatically erase the watching area 7 in accordance with the automatic erasure flow shown in Fig. 10. The automatic erasure flow is repeatedly executed at regular time intervals.

[0146] When the automatic deletion flow is started, first, the process of step S21 is executed. In step S21, the area deletion unit 25 (see FIG. 2) provided in the area management unit 20 determines whether or not a predetermined deletion condition is met. In this embodiment, this deletion condition is that "a state in which person D is not present in the monitoring area 7 continues for a predetermined third time period or longer."

[0147] 2, the area erasing unit 25 (area management unit 20) acquires, over time, captured images captured by the imaging unit 1. The area erasing unit 25 makes a determination in step S21 based on the captured images and information indicating the monitoring area 7 stored in the area storage unit 24.

[0148] If there are multiple monitoring areas 7 within the imaging range of the imaging unit 1 (or the monitored area 6), the area elimination unit 25 determines whether the above-mentioned elimination condition is met for each monitoring area 7.

[0149] The third time period is stored in the area erasure unit 25. The third time period may be set automatically or by the monitor. Although not particularly limited, the third time period may be, for example, three minutes.

[0150] If the deletion conditions are met (“Yes” in step S21 of FIG. 10), the process proceeds to step S22. If the deletion conditions are not met (“No” in step S21 of FIG. 10), the automatic deletion flow ends.

[0151] In step S22, the area erasure unit 25 determines whether the monitoring area 7 for which the erasure condition is satisfied is the second area 72. If the monitoring area 7 is the second area 72 ("Yes" in step S22 of FIG. 10), the process proceeds to step S23. If the monitoring area 7 is not the second area 72 ("No" in step S22 of FIG. 10), this automatic erasure flow is temporarily terminated.

[0152] In step S23, the area erasure unit 25 erases the watching area 7, which satisfies the erasure condition and is the second area 72. At this time, the area erasure unit 25 erases the watching area 7 by deleting information related to the watching area 7 from the area storage unit 24. Thereafter, this automatic erasure flow is temporarily terminated.

[0153] In this way, the monitoring system A includes the area erasing unit 25 that automatically erases the watching area 7 when a predetermined erasing condition is met.

[0154] Furthermore, with the configuration described above, even if the erasure condition is met for the monitoring area 7 ("Yes" in step S21), if the monitoring area 7 is the first area 71 ("No" in step S22), the monitoring area 7 will not be erased. In other words, when the erasure condition is met, the area erasure unit 25 does not erase the first area 71, but erases the second area 72. With this configuration, the first area 71 is less likely to be erased than the second area 72. Note that the area erasure unit 25 may be able to erase the first area 71 and the second area 72 in response to an operational input by the monitor.

[0155] [Valid and invalid states] As shown in FIG. 2, the area management unit 20 has a switching unit 26. The switching unit 26 can switch the state of the monitoring area 7 between an enabled state and an disabled state. When the monitoring area 7 is enabled, the alarm issuing unit 4 issues an alarm in response to cross-border movement. When the monitoring area 7 is disabled, the alarm issuing unit 4 does not issue an alarm in response to cross-border movement.

[0156] In this way, the monitoring system A includes a switching unit 26 that can switch the state of the watching area 7 between an enabled state and an disabled state.

[0157] Furthermore, the monitoring system A may be configured so that the border crossing detection unit 3 does not detect border crossing movement when the monitoring area 7 is in an invalid state, or so that the alarm issuing unit 4 does not issue an alarm even if the border crossing detection unit 3 detects border crossing movement when the monitoring area 7 is in an invalid state.

[0158] The monitoring system A is configured to automatically switch the monitoring area 7 to an enabled state in accordance with the activation flow shown in Fig. 11. The activation flow is executed repeatedly at regular intervals. Furthermore, if there are multiple monitoring areas 7, the following process is executed individually for each monitoring area 7.

[0159] When the activation flow starts, first, the process of step S31 is executed. In step S31, the switching unit 26 determines whether or not the watching area 7 is in an invalid state.

[0160] If the monitoring area 7 is in an invalid state ("Yes" in step S31 of FIG. 11), the process proceeds to step S32. If the monitoring area 7 is in an valid state ("No" in step S31 of FIG. 11), this activation flow ends for the time being.

[0161] In step S32, the switching unit 26 determines whether a predetermined activation condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the activation condition is that "a predetermined behavior within the monitoring area 7 is detected by the behavior detection unit 22."

[0162] 2, the behavior detection unit 22 is provided in the monitoring device 10. The behavior detection unit 22 acquires captured images captured by the imaging unit 1 over time. The behavior detection unit 22 is configured to detect a predetermined behavior of person D within the monitoring area 7 based on the captured images. The detection of the predetermined behavior is not particularly limited, and may be performed, for example, by performing a known image recognition process on the captured images.

[0163] The predetermined action may be, for example, an action that is generally performed when starting a meal (the action of saying "itadakimasu"), or it may be other specific actions (for example, the action of sitting down in a chair, standing up, raising one's hand, etc.).

[0164] As described above, the monitoring system A includes a behavior detection unit 22 that detects predetermined behavior of person D within the monitoring area 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection result by the behavior detection unit 22 is sent to the switching unit 26 (area management unit 20).

[0165] The switching unit 26 makes a determination in step S32 of Fig. 11 based on the detection result by the behavior detection unit 22. If the activation condition is met ("Yes" in step S32 of Fig. 11), the process proceeds to step S33. If the activation condition is not met ("No" in step S32 of Fig. 11), the activation flow ends.

[0166] In step S33, the switching unit 26 switches the state of the watching area 7 from the disabled state to the enabled state, after which this activation flow ends for the time being.

[0167] In this way, if a predetermined activation condition is satisfied when the watching area 7 is in an inactive state, the switching unit 26 switches the state of the watching area 7 to an active state.

[0168] Each functional unit included in the monitoring device 10 and the management terminal 11 may be a physical device such as a microcomputer, or may be a software functional unit. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a program corresponding to each functional unit is stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and the program is loaded into a CPU and executed, thereby executing a process corresponding to each functional unit.

[0169] Other Embodiments (1) The deletion condition (see step S21 in FIG. 10) may be that the current time has passed a predetermined first time. In this case, the first time may be stored in, for example, the area deletion unit 25. Although not particularly limited, the first time may be the end time of a mealtime (for example, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 7:00 PM, etc.).

[0170] (2) The deletion condition (see step S21 in FIG. 10) may be that the border crossing detection unit 3 detects the cross-border movement of multiple people. In this configuration, the alarm issuing unit 4 may be configured not to issue an alarm when the border crossing detection unit 3 detects the cross-border movement of multiple people.

[0171] (3) The deletion condition (see step S21 in FIG. 10) may be that a predetermined behavior has been detected within the monitoring area 7 by the behavior detection unit 22. In this case, the predetermined behavior may be, for example, a behavior generally performed when finishing a meal (such as saying "thank you for the meal").

[0172] (4) The activation condition (see step S32 in FIG. 11) may be that the current time has passed a predetermined second time. In this case, the second time may be stored in, for example, the switching unit 26. Although not particularly limited, the second time may be the start time of a mealtime (for example, 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM, etc.).

[0173] (5) The first time setting unit 34 may be capable of setting a different first time for each monitoring target person D. Furthermore, the first time setting unit 34 may be configured to automatically set the first time in accordance with the identification result by the identification unit 23.

[0174] (6) The first time setting unit 34 may be capable of setting different first times for each season. Furthermore, the first time setting unit 34 may be configured to automatically change the first time in accordance with the change in season.

[0175] (7) The first time setting unit 34 may be able to set a different first time for each monitoring area 7.

[0176] (8) The alarm issuing unit 4 may be capable of issuing an alarm when a person D outside the monitoring area 7 moves into the monitoring area 7.

[0177] (9) It may be possible to set a predetermined set area (not shown) that is different from the monitoring area 7. Furthermore, the alarm issuing unit 4 may be able to issue an alarm when a person D outside the set area moves into the set area. Furthermore, the alarm issuing unit 4 may be configured not to issue an alarm when a person D within the set area moves out of the set area.

[0178] (10) The border crossing detection unit 3 may be configured to be able to predict border crossing movement based on the captured image and information indicating the monitoring area 7. Furthermore, the alarm issuing unit 4 may be able to issue an alarm when the border crossing detection unit 3 predicts border crossing movement.

[0179] (11) The alarm issuing unit 4 may be configured to issue an alarm by controlling an audio output device (not shown) installed in the facility, and outputting a sound from the audio output device.

[0180] (12) The management terminal 11 may be carried by a resident (a monitored person) of a welfare facility for the elderly.

[0181] (13) The notification unit 29 may be configured to notify by sound. For example, the notification unit 29 may control the speaker 31 to notify various pieces of information related to the monitoring area 7 by sound.

[0182] (14) The warning unit 30 may be configured to issue a warning by sound. For example, the warning unit 30 may control the speaker 31 to issue a warning by sound.

[0183] (15) The alarm unit 4 may be configured to issue an alarm by means other than sound (for example, by displaying an alarm on the touch panel 32).

[0184] (16) When person D stays in a certain place for a second time or more, if person D has a predetermined attribute, the area setting unit 2 may be configured to automatically set the monitoring area 7. Furthermore, when person D stays in a certain place for a second time or more, if person D does not have a predetermined attribute, the area setting unit 2 may be configured not to automatically set the monitoring area 7. In this case, the predetermined attribute may be, for example, using a wheelchair.

[0185] (17) When the area setting unit 2 automatically sets the watching area 7, the notification unit 29 may be configured to notify that the watching area 7 has been automatically set.

[0186] (18) When the area erasing unit 25 automatically erases the watching area 7, the notifying unit 29 may be configured to notify that the watching area 7 has been automatically erased.

[0187] (19) Instead of the area erasing unit 25 erasing the watching area 7, the switching unit 26 may be configured to switch the watching area 7 to an invalid state.

[0188] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0189] The present disclosure can be used not only in elderly care facilities, but also in various other facilities such as medical facilities and public facilities, and can also be used outdoors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 1: Imaging unit 2: Area setting section 3: Border crossing detection unit 4: Notification Department 5: Calculation section 6: Monitoring area 7: Monitoring area 22: Behavior detection unit 23: Identification unit 25: Area erasure section 26: Switching section 29: Information Department 30: Warning part 33: Objective setting section 34: First time setting unit 71: Area 1 72: Area 2 A: Surveillance system D: Person

Claims

1. an imaging unit that captures an image of a monitoring target area; an area setting unit that sets a monitoring area within the monitored area; a border crossing detection unit that detects border crossing movement, which is movement of a person from inside the monitoring area to outside the monitoring area, based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit; an alarm issuing unit that issues an alarm when the border crossing detection unit detects the border crossing movement; A monitoring system comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the time a person stays in the monitoring area.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user of the stay time.

3. an identification unit that identifies a person in the monitoring area based on the captured image; The monitoring system according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit is capable of notifying a result of the identification by the identification unit.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 3 , wherein the alarm issuing unit is capable of issuing an alarm based on the result of the identification by the identification unit.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the alarm issuing unit is capable of issuing an alarm including the length of stay.

6. A purpose setting unit for setting a purpose of stay in the monitoring area is provided, The monitoring system according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit is capable of notifying the purpose of stay.

7. The monitoring system according to claim 6 , wherein the alarm issuing unit is capable of issuing the alarm according to the purpose of stay.

8. The surveillance system according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit is capable of notifying the captured image when the cross-border movement occurs.

9. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , further comprising a warning unit that issues a warning when the stay time reaches a predetermined first time.

10. a first time setting unit that sets the first time; a purpose setting unit that sets a purpose for staying in the monitoring area, The monitoring system according to claim 9 , wherein the first time setting unit is capable of setting the first time to be different for each purpose of stay.

11. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the area setting unit automatically sets the monitoring area in a predetermined location when a predetermined setting condition is satisfied.

12. The monitoring system of claim 11, wherein the set condition is that a person has stayed in a certain location for a predetermined second time period or more, and the predetermined location is a location where the person has stayed for the second time period or more.

13. The monitoring system of claim 12, wherein if a person stays in a certain location for more than the second time and the person has a predetermined attribute, the area setting unit does not automatically set the monitoring area.

14. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , further comprising an area erasing unit that automatically erases the monitoring area when a predetermined erasing condition is met.

15. The monitoring system according to claim 14, wherein the deletion condition is that a state in which no person is present in the monitoring area continues for a predetermined third time period or longer.

16. 15. The monitoring system according to claim 14, wherein the deletion condition is that the current time has passed a predetermined first time.

17. The monitoring system according to claim 14 , wherein the deletion condition is that the border crossing detection unit has detected the border crossing movement of multiple people.

18. a behavior detection unit that detects a predetermined behavior of a person within the monitoring area; The monitoring system according to claim 14 , wherein the deletion condition is that the predetermined behavior within the monitoring area is detected by the behavior detection unit.

19. the area setting unit is capable of setting a first area and a second area which are different types of the monitoring area, The surveillance system according to claim 14 , wherein when the erasure condition is satisfied, the area erasure unit does not erase the first area but erases the second area.

20. a switching unit that can switch the state of the monitoring area between an enabled state and an disabled state, When the monitoring area is in the valid state, the alarm issuing unit issues the alarm in response to the cross-border movement, When the monitoring area is in the invalid state, the alarm issuing unit does not issue the alarm in response to the cross-border movement, The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the switching unit switches the state of the monitoring area to the enabled state when a predetermined enabling condition is satisfied while the monitoring area is in the disabled state.

21. 21. The monitoring system according to claim 20, wherein the enabling condition is that the current time has passed a predetermined second time.

22. a behavior detection unit that detects a predetermined behavior of a person within the monitoring area; The monitoring system according to claim 20 , wherein the activation condition is that the predetermined behavior within the monitoring area is detected by the behavior detection unit.

23. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the area setting unit is capable of setting a plurality of the monitoring areas and of individually setting names for each of the monitoring areas.

24. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the alarm issuing unit issues the alarm by sound.

Images