Camera equipment, video system, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a camera device, video system, and program that enable the generation of still images and the periodic transmission of the generated still images without the need to install a separate image processing device. [Solution] The camera device 10 comprises a camera 12 for capturing video, a communication unit 11 for communicating with a video supply device, and a processor 18 connected to the camera 12 and the communication unit 11. The processor 18 performs the following functions: generating still images based on the video captured by the camera 12, and controlling the communication unit 11 to periodically transmit the generated still images to the video supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera device, a video system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing opportunity to use a video system that aggregates videos captured by surveillance cameras or portable cameras and provides them to users. Such video systems are used, for example, for monitoring facilities or establishments, monitoring crowds in the street, security, etc. In recent years, an image processing device called an edge gateway has been installed near a camera device to generate a still image based on the video captured by the camera device and periodically transmit the still image to a central system. A video system has also been developed (for example, Non-Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, since the video system disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 described above periodically transmits still images to the central system, it has an advantage that the amount of data to be transmitted can be significantly reduced compared to a system that transmits videos. However, in the conventional video system, as described above, since it is necessary to separately install an image processing device called an edge gateway, the cost increases and installation space is required.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide a camera device, video system, and program that can generate still images and periodically transmit the generated still images without the need to install a separate image processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, a camera device (10) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a camera (12) for capturing video, a communication device (11) for communicating with an external device (20), and a processor (18) connected to the camera and the communication device, wherein the processor performs the functions of generating still images based on video captured by the camera and controlling the communication device to periodically transmit the generated still images to the external device.

[0007] Furthermore, in a camera device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the processor may change the frequency at which it generates the still images and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still images, based on an external instruction, in the camera device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] Furthermore, a camera device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a sensor (15) for detecting at least one of position and acceleration, in addition to the camera device according to a first or second aspect of the present disclosure, and the processor may change the frequency at which it generates the still image and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still image in accordance with the detection result of the sensor.

[0009] Furthermore, in a camera device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the processor may change the frequency at which it generates still images and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still images in accordance with the results of analyzing the video captured by the camera, in a camera device according to any of the first to third aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Furthermore, in the camera device according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the processor may temporarily generate and transmit still images in accordance with the analysis results of the video captured by the camera, as is the case with the camera device according to any of the first to fourth aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] Furthermore, a camera device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a microphone (13) for acquiring ambient sound, in addition to the camera device according to any first to fifth aspect of the present disclosure, and the processor may change the frequency at which it generates the still image and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still image according to the analysis results of the ambient sound acquired by the microphone.

[0012] Furthermore, a camera device according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure further comprises a microphone (13) for acquiring ambient sound, in addition to the camera device according to any of the first to sixth aspects of this disclosure, and the processor may temporarily generate and transmit the still image according to the analysis results of the ambient sound acquired by the microphone.

[0013] Furthermore, in the camera device according to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the processor may stop at least one of the camera and the communication device if the camera does not capture images, as in the camera device according to any of the first to seventh aspects of this disclosure.

[0014] Furthermore, a camera device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a camera device according to any of the first to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, further comprising at least a battery (19) that supplies power to the processor, the camera, and the communication device.

[0015] Furthermore, a camera device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a storage medium (14) for storing images captured by the camera, in addition to a camera device according to any of the first to ninth aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the processor may store the images captured by the camera in the storage medium separately from the transmission of the still images, and transmit the images stored in the storage medium to the external device when predetermined conditions are met.

[0016] A video system (1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a camera device (10) according to any of the first to tenth aspects of the present disclosure, and a video providing device (20) as an external device which is communicably connected to the camera device and generates and outputs a composite image which includes the still images transmitted periodically from the camera device.

[0017] Furthermore, the video system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure may further include a terminal device (30) that is communicably connected to the video providing device and displays the composite image output from the video providing device, in the video system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] Furthermore, in a video system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in a video system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the video providing device may, based on instructions from the terminal device, instruct the camera device to change the frequency at which it generates still images and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still images, and the camera device may, based on instructions from the video providing device, change the frequency at which it generates still images and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still images.

[0019] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer (18) connected to a camera (12) that captures video and a communication device (11) that communicates with an external device (20) to perform the following actions: generate still images based on video captured by the camera, and control the communication device to periodically transmit the generated still images to the external device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to this disclosure, there is an effect that still images can be generated and the generated still images can be transmitted periodically without the need to install a separate image processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of a video system in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a diagram schematically showing an example of an image provided by an image providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, a camera device, an image system, and a program according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] 〈Image System〉 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the image system 1 includes a camera device 10, an image providing device 20, and a terminal device 30. The camera device 10 and the image providing device 20 are communicably connected via a network N1. The image providing device 20 and the terminal device 30 are communicably connected via a network N2.

[0024] The network N1 is, for example, a mobile communication network provided by a mobile network operator (MNO). The network N2 is a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the network N1 may include a network that performs wired communication in addition to a network that performs wireless communication. Also, the network N2 may be any of a network capable of wired communication, a network capable of wireless communication, and a network capable of both wired and wireless communication.

[0025] 〈Camera Device〉 The camera device 10 is, for example, a portable camera called a wearable camera or body-worn camera (BWC). The camera device 10 is used by being worn by a user, for example, a security guard. However, the camera device 10 is not limited to a portable camera and may be a fixed camera installed in any location, such as a surveillance camera or security camera. For example, it may be a PTZ (pan / tilt / zoom) camera, a 360-degree camera, or other camera mounted on the wall of a building, a utility pole, or a telephone pole.

[0026] A PTZ camera is a camera that can be remotely controlled to pan, tilt, and zoom. Panning is horizontal (left and right) movement, tilting is vertical (up and down) movement, and zooming is the enlargement or reduction of the captured image. A 360-degree camera is a camera that can capture images in all 360 degrees. Note that although only one camera device 10 is shown in Figure 1, the number of camera devices 10 is arbitrary.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the camera device 10 comprises a communication unit 11 (communication device), a camera 12, a microphone 13, a storage unit 14, a sensor 15, an operation unit 16, and a control unit 17. The communication unit 11 communicates via the network N1 under the control of the control unit 17. For example, the communication unit 11 communicates with the video provisioning device 20 (external device) via the network N1. The communication unit 11 can also communicate with the video provisioning device 20 via a communication line other than the network N1 (for example, the internet).

[0028] Camera 12 is equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and captures images under the control of the control unit 17. Camera 12 outputs the captured images as a digital video signal. Microphone 13 is equipped with an omnidirectional, highly sensitive sound-collecting microphone, and acquires ambient sounds or voices under the control of the control unit 17. Microphone 13 outputs the acquired ambient sounds as a digital audio signal.

[0029] The memory unit 14 stores the digital video signal output from the camera 12 and the digital audio signal output from the microphone 13. For example, the memory unit 14 has a slot for a removable memory card (storage medium), and stores the digital video signal output from the camera 12 and the digital audio signal output from the microphone 13 on the memory card inserted in the slot.

[0030] Sensor 15 includes, for example, a position sensor or an acceleration sensor, and detects whether or not the camera device 10 is moving. As the position sensor, a sensor that uses positioning functions such as GPS (Global Positioning System) can be used. However, the position sensor is not limited to a sensor that uses GPS positioning functions, and any sensor that detects position by any positioning method can be used.

[0031] The operation unit 16 outputs instructions (instructions for the camera device 10) to the control unit 17 in accordance with the user's operation of the camera device 10. The camera device 10 may also be equipped with a small display device such as a liquid crystal display. Alternatively, the camera device 10 may be equipped with a touch panel type liquid crystal display that combines display and operation functions as the operation unit 16.

[0032] The control unit 17 comprehensively controls the operation of the camera device 10. For example, the control unit 17 generates still images based on the video captured by the camera 12. The control unit 17 then controls the communication unit 11 to periodically transmit the generated still images to the video supply device 20. This processing by the control unit 17 makes it possible to generate still images and periodically transmit the generated still images without installing an image processing device called an edge gateway, which was previously required. The frequency (period) of generating and transmitting still images is set in the camera device 10 in advance, for example. The control unit 17 generates and transmits still images according to the pre-set settings.

[0033] The control unit 17 can change the frequency at which still images are generated and the frequency at which the generated still images are transmitted. For example, the control unit 17 changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images based on instructions from an external source. Here, instructions from an external source include, for example, instructions from a terminal device 30 input via network N2, the video provisioning device 20, and network N1 (instructions from a user operating the terminal device 30), or instructions from a user using the camera device 10.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 17 changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images according to the detection results of the sensor 15. Specifically, the control unit 17 determines whether the camera device 10 is moving or stationary according to the detection results of the sensor 15, and changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images according to that determination. For example, if the control unit 17 determines that the camera device 10 is moving, it relatively increases the frequency of generating and transmitting still images, and if it determines that the camera device 10 is stationary, it relatively decreases the frequency of generating and transmitting still images.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 17 analyzes the images captured by the camera 12 and changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images according to the analysis results. For example, if the control unit 17 detects, based on the analysis of the images captured by the camera 12, that the number of people within the camera 12's field of view exceeds a certain number, it increases the frequency of generating and transmitting still images. Also, if the control unit 17 detects, based on the analysis of the images captured by the camera 12, that an emergency situation such as a person falling, violence, or a traffic accident has occurred, it generates and transmits still images on an ad-hoc (irregular) basis.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 17 analyzes the ambient sound acquired by the microphone 13 and changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images according to the analysis results. For example, if the control unit 17 detects that the volume of ambient sound exceeds a certain level as a result of analyzing the ambient sound acquired by the microphone 13, it increases the frequency of generating and transmitting still images. Also, if the control unit 17 detects that an emergency situation such as a shout, collision sound, or explosion sound has occurred as a result of analyzing the ambient sound acquired by the microphone 13, it generates and transmits still images on an ad-hoc (irregular) basis.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 17 performs power-saving control as needed. For example, if the camera 12 is not capturing video, the control unit 17 will reduce unnecessary power consumption by stopping at least one of the communication unit 11 and the camera 12. In addition to the communication unit 11 and the camera 12, the control unit 17 may also stop the microphone 13, memory unit 14, sensor 15, and operation unit 16. The control unit 17 may also switch its operating mode from the normal operating mode to a low power consumption mode to reduce its own power consumption.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 17 may, separately from transmitting still images, store video footage captured by the camera 12 on the memory card of the storage unit 14, and transmit the video footage stored on the memory card to the video providing device 20 when predetermined conditions are met. These predetermined conditions include, for example, the communication unit 11 being able to communicate with the video providing device 20 via a fixed internet connection using Wi-Fi®. When this condition is met, the video is transmitted to the video providing device 20 via the fixed internet, rather than through the network N1 shown in Figure 1. This reduces the amount of data transmitted via the network N1.

[0039] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of a camera device in one embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 2, components corresponding to the configuration shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figure 2, the camera device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a camera 12, a microphone 13, a storage unit 14, a sensor 15, and an operation unit 16, as well as a processor 18 and a battery 19.

[0040] The processor 18 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The communication unit 11, camera 12, microphone 13, memory unit 14, sensor 15, and operation unit 16 are connected to the processor 18. The functions of the control unit 17 shown in Figure 1 are realized by the execution of a program on the processor 18 that implements these functions. In other words, the functions of the control unit 17 are realized through the cooperation of software and hardware resources. Because the functions of the control unit 17 are realized through the cooperation of software and hardware resources, for example, functions can be updated, deleted, added, etc., very easily.

[0041] While it is desirable that the functions of the control unit 17 be realized through the cooperation of software and hardware resources, this does not preclude their implementation using dedicated hardware. The functions of the control unit 17 may be realized using hardware such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), LSI (Large Scale Integration), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0042] The battery 19 supplies power to operate the camera device 10. Specifically, the battery 19 supplies power to the communication unit 11, camera 12, microphone 13, memory unit 14, sensor 15, operation unit 16, and processor 18. The battery 19 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. Alternatively, the battery 19 may be equipped with a fuel cell, a capacitor, or a power generation circuit that performs energy harvesting (so-called energy harvesting such as solar cells).

[0043] <Video output device> The video providing device 20 is connected to the camera device 10 and the terminal device 30 in a communicative manner. The video providing device 20 generates and provides a composite image to the terminal device 30 that includes still images periodically transmitted from the camera device 10. For example, the video providing device 20 generates and provides a composite image that includes still images periodically transmitted from multiple camera devices 10. Alternatively, the video providing device 20 generates and provides a composite image that includes still images periodically transmitted from the camera devices 10 and still images periodically transmitted from a fixed camera such as a surveillance camera or security camera. The video providing device 20 can also provide video footage (moving images) captured by the camera device 10 or a fixed camera.

[0044] The video provisioning device 20 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 communicates with the camera device 10 via network N1 and with the terminal device 30 via network N2, under the control of the control unit 23. In addition to network N1, the communication unit 21 can also communicate with the camera device 10 via, for example, a fixed internet connection.

[0045] The storage unit 22 stores still images and video (moving images) transmitted from the camera device 10 under the control of the control unit 23. The storage unit 22 also stores still images and video (moving images) transmitted from fixed cameras such as surveillance cameras or security cameras under the control of the control unit 23. The storage unit 22 is implemented by a storage device such as memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0046] The control unit 23 is connected to the communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22, and comprehensively controls the operation of the video provisioning device 20. The control unit 23 causes still images and the like that are periodically transmitted from the camera device 10, etc., to be stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 23 generates a composite image that includes the still images that are periodically transmitted from the camera device 10, etc. The control unit 23 controls the communication unit 21 to output (provide) the generated composite image to the terminal device 30.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 23 may, for example, instruct the camera device 10 to change the frequency of generating still images and the frequency of transmitting the generated still images based on instructions from an external source (e.g., terminal device 30). In addition, the control unit 23 may also instruct the camera device 10 to change the frequency of generating still images and the frequency of transmitting the generated still images based on instructions from a user using the video provisioning device 20.

[0048] The functions of the video distribution device 20 are realized by the execution of programs that implement these functions on hardware such as a CPU. In other words, the functions of the video distribution device 20 are realized through the cooperation of software and hardware resources. Because the functions of the video distribution device 20 are realized through the cooperation of software and hardware resources, for example, functions can be updated, deleted, or added very easily.

[0049] While it is desirable that the functions of the video provisioning device 20 be realized through the cooperation of software and hardware resources, this does not preclude their implementation using dedicated hardware. The functions of the video provisioning device 20 may be realized using hardware such as FPGAs, LSIs, or ASICs.

[0050] <Terminal device> The terminal device 30 is connected to the video supply device 20 in a communicative manner, receives the composite image provided by the video supply device 20, and gives necessary instructions to the video supply device 20. The terminal device 30 is, for example, a desktop, notebook, or tablet computer, or a smartphone, and is used, for example, in a monitoring center.

[0051] The terminal device 30 comprises a communication unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, and a control unit 34. The communication unit 31 communicates via the network N2 under the control of the control unit 34. Specifically, the communication unit 31 communicates with the video provisioning device 20 via the network N2.

[0052] The operation unit 32 is equipped with an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device, and outputs instructions (instructions to the terminal device 30) to the control unit 34 in accordance with the user's operation of the terminal device 30. The display unit 33 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays various information output from the control unit 34. The operation unit 32 and the display unit 33 may be physically separate, or they may be physically integrated, such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display device that combines display and operation functions.

[0053] Furthermore, the display unit 33 may display the composite image on an external display. For example, the display unit 33 may display the composite image on a system (video wall) in which multiple displays are arranged to form a single screen.

[0054] The control unit 34 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal device 30 based on the operation instructions input from the operation unit 32. For example, the control unit 34 displays the composite image provided by the video supply device 20 on the display unit 33 in response to the operation instructions input from the operation unit 32. Alternatively, the control unit 34 instructs the camera device 10 to change the frequency of generating and transmitting still images in response to the operation instructions input from the operation unit 32.

[0055] <Camera device operation> Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a camera device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The flowchart shown in Figure 3 is initiated, for example, when the camera device 10 is powered on, or when a still image transmission start instruction is given to the powered-on camera device 10.

[0056] When the flowchart shown in Figure 3 is initiated, the control unit 17 of the camera device 10 first determines whether or not it is time to transmit a still image (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 17 determines whether or not it is time to transmit a still image based on information indicating the frequency (period) of generating and transmitting still images, which is set in advance in the camera device 10. If the control unit 17 determines that it is not time to transmit a still image (if the result of the determination in step S11 is "NO"), the process in step S11 is repeated.

[0057] In response, if the control unit 17 determines that it is time to transmit a still image (if the result of the determination in step S11 is "YES"), it performs a process to generate a still image based on the video captured by the camera 12 (step S12). Next, the control unit 17 controls the communication unit 11 of the camera device 10 to transmit the generated still image to the video providing device 20 (step S13).

[0058] Next, the control unit 17 determines whether or not an instruction to end the transmission of still images has been given (step S14). If the control unit 17 determines that no instruction to end transmission has been given (if the result of the determination in step S14 is "NO"), it returns to the process in step S11. The processes in steps S11 to S13 described above are repeated as long as the result of the determination in step S14 is "NO". As a result, still images generated from the video captured by the camera 12 are periodically transmitted to the video supply device 20.

[0059] If the control unit 17 determines that a transmission termination instruction has been given (if the determination result in step S14 is "YES"), the series of processes shown in Figure 3 is terminated. Note that in step S14, instead of determining whether a still image transmission termination instruction has been given, it may be determined whether or not the power has been shut off.

[0060] Here, the frequency (period) of generating and transmitting still images, which is pre-set in the camera device 10, can be changed. For example, if there is an instruction from the terminal device 30, the video supply device 20 will instruct the camera device 10 to change the frequency of generating and transmitting still images based on the instruction from the terminal device 30. The control unit 17 of the camera device 10 will change the frequency of generating and transmitting still images based on the instruction from the video supply device 20.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 17 of the camera device 10 changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images according to the detection results of the sensor 15. For example, the control unit 17 determines whether the camera device 10 is moving or stationary according to the detection results of the sensor 15, and changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images according to that determination.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 17 of the camera device 10 analyzes the images captured by the camera 12 and changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images according to the analysis results. For example, if the control unit 17 detects, as a result of analyzing the images captured by the camera 12, that the number of people within the field of view of the camera 12 exceeds a certain number, it increases the frequency of generating and transmitting still images.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 17 of the camera device 10 analyzes the ambient sound acquired by the microphone 13 and changes the frequency of generating and transmitting still images according to the analysis results. For example, if the control unit 17 detects that the volume of the ambient sound acquired by the microphone 13 exceeds a certain level as a result of its analysis, it increases the frequency of generating and transmitting still images.

[0064] If the frequency of generating and transmitting still images is changed, the timing at which "YES" is determined in step S11 will change. For example, if the frequency of generating and transmitting still images is increased, the timing at which "YES" is determined in step S11 will be earlier, and the time interval between the previous "YES" determination in step S11 and the current "YES" determination in step S11 will be shortened. In this way, the frequency of generating and transmitting still images is changed.

[0065] The control unit 23 of the video provisioning device 20 stores a still image transmitted from the camera device 10 in the storage unit 22 each time the communication unit 21 receives the still image, and also generates a composite image that includes the still image. The control unit 23 then controls the communication unit 21 to output (provide) the generated composite image to the terminal device 30.

[0066] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image provided by an image providing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The composite image IM illustrated in Figure 4 is composed of four different still images arranged horizontally and three different still images arranged vertically. In other words, the composite image IM illustrated in Figure 4 is, for example, a composite of still images Im1 to Im12 transmitted from 12 camera devices 10.

[0067] This composite image IM is displayed, for example, on the display unit 33 of the terminal device 30, allowing the user of the terminal device 30 to simultaneously grasp still images based on the video captured by the 12 cameras. However, it is rare for the timing of still image transmission from each camera device 10 to be the same; they are generally different. Therefore, the composite image IM displayed on the display unit 33 of the terminal device 30 is partially updated each time a still image is transmitted from each camera device 10. For example, if the still image transmitted from a certain camera device 10 is still image Im4, then each time still image Im4 is transmitted from that camera, the upper right corner of the composite image IM (where still image Im4 should be displayed) is partially updated.

[0068] As described above, according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the camera device 10 comprises a camera 12 for capturing video, a communication unit 11 for communicating with a video supply device 20, and a processor 18 connected to the camera 12 and the communication unit 11. The processor 18 generates still images based on the video captured by the camera 12 and controls the communication unit 11 to periodically transmit the generated still images to the video supply device 20. This makes it possible to generate still images and periodically transmit the generated still images using only the camera device 10, without the need to install a separate image processing device.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processor 18 changes the frequency of generating still images and the frequency of transmitting the generated still images according to the analysis results of the video captured by the camera 12. This allows for uses such as, for example, when the camera device 10 is used for security at an event, increasing the frequency of still image transmission when the area becomes crowded, enabling security personnel to frequently monitor the situation. Alternatively, it can be used to increase the frequency of still image generation and transmission when it suddenly starts raining and many people begin moving erratically in search of shelter. In other words, it allows for changing the frequency of still image generation and transmission according to changes in the situation at the monitored location.

[0070] The camera device, video system, and program according to embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be freely modified within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the video providing device 20 described in the above embodiments may be implemented as a server device or as a cloud computing system.

[0071] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a configuration was described in which the video providing device 20 provides video to the terminal device 30 via the network N2. However, for example, if the video providing device 20 is installed in a monitoring center, the video providing device 20 and the terminal device 30 may be integrated into one unit. In such a configuration, the video will be displayed on a display device (corresponding to the display unit 33) connected to the video providing device 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Video System 10 Camera device 11 Communications Department 12 cameras 13 Mike 14 Storage section 15 sensors 18 processors 19 batteries 20 Video provisioning device 30 Terminal devices

Claims

1. A camera for recording video, A communication device that communicates with an external device, A processor connected to the camera and the communication device, Equipped with, The aforementioned processor, The process involves generating a still image based on the video captured by the aforementioned camera, Controlling the communication device to periodically transmit the generated still image to the external device, A camera device that performs this task.

2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the processor changes the frequency at which it generates the still image and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still image based on an external instruction.

3. The system further comprises a sensor that detects at least one of position and acceleration, The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the processor changes the frequency at which it generates the still image and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still image according to the detection result of the sensor.

4. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the processor changes the frequency at which it generates still images and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still images according to the results of analyzing the video captured by the camera.

5. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the processor temporarily generates and transmits the still image in accordance with the results of analyzing the video captured by the camera.

6. It also features a microphone to capture ambient sounds, The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the processor changes the frequency at which it generates the still image and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still image according to the analysis results of ambient sound acquired by the microphone.

7. It also features a microphone to capture ambient sounds, The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the processor temporarily generates and transmits the still image in accordance with the analysis results of ambient sound acquired by the microphone.

8. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the processor stops at least one of the camera and the communication device when the camera is not capturing images.

9. The camera device according to claim 1, comprising at least a battery that supplies power to the processor, the camera, and the communication device.

10. The camera further comprises a storage medium for storing images captured by the camera, The processor, separately from transmitting the still image, stores the video captured by the camera in the storage medium, and transmits the video stored in the storage medium to the external device when predetermined conditions are met. The camera device according to claim 1.

11. A camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The video providing device, as an external device, is communicatively connected to the camera device and generates and outputs a composite image that includes the still images periodically transmitted from the camera device. A video system equipped with [specific features / features].

12. The video system according to claim 11, further comprising a terminal device that is communicably connected to the video providing device and displays the composite image output from the video providing device.

13. The video providing device gives instructions to the camera device to change the frequency at which it generates still images and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still images, based on instructions from the terminal device. The camera device changes the frequency at which it generates still images and the frequency at which it transmits the generated still images, based on instructions from the video providing device. The video system according to claim 12.

14. A computer connected to a camera that captures video and a communication device that communicates with external devices, The process involves generating a still image based on the video captured by the aforementioned camera, Controlling the communication device to periodically transmit the generated still image to the external device, A program that executes the command.

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