Surveillance camera system and surveillance camera setting method

Abstract

To make efficient the setting of a monitor camera composed of a plurality of cameras performed by a user to improve the monitoring accuracy of the monitor camera.SOLUTION: In a monitor camera system, a monitor camera including a plurality of cameras that can pick up images of a plurality of different imaging ranges and a terminal device can communicate with each other. The terminal device transmits, to the monitor camera, information on the arrangement pattern and information on the imaging ranges of the plurality of cameras input through a user operation. The monitor camera calculates camera parameters of the plurality of cameras based on the transmitted information on the arrangement pattern and information on the imaging ranges of the plurality of cameras, sets up the plurality of cameras based on the camera parameters, and transmits the picked-up images picked up by the plurality of cameras after the setting to the terminal device. The terminal device displays the picked-up images transmitted from the plurality of cameras.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a surveillance camera system and a surveillance camera setting method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a dome-shaped surveillance camera equipped with multiple cameras and a connector to which a wireless adapter is attached and detached. The surveillance camera wirelessly transmits video data of images captured by the multiple cameras to a mobile terminal via the wireless adapter attached to the connector. A user adjusts the multiple cameras while viewing the images from the multiple cameras displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-220831 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the adjustment is performed by a manual operation by the user, so there is a possibility that the imaging ranges of the cameras may overlap or blind spots may occur in the imaging ranges of the cameras, which may result in a decrease in monitoring accuracy. In addition, it is difficult and time-consuming for the user to manually adjust each camera to eliminate such overlapping imaging ranges or blind spots.

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a surveillance camera system and a surveillance camera setting method that can make it easier for users to set up a surveillance camera consisting of multiple cameras and improve the surveillance accuracy of the surveillance camera. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a surveillance camera system in which a surveillance camera equipped with a plurality of cameras capable of capturing images of a plurality of different imaging ranges and a terminal device can communicate with each other, the terminal device transmits to the surveillance camera arrangement pattern information of the plurality of cameras selected by a user operation from an arrangement pattern of the plurality of cameras and imaging range information of the plurality of cameras corresponding to this arrangement pattern, and the surveillance camera controls each of the plurality of cameras to communicate with each other based on the transmitted arrangement pattern information and imaging range information of the plurality of cameras. No overlap A surveillance camera system is provided which calculates a zoom magnification that enables imaging of an imaging range, sets the zoom magnification of each of the multiple cameras, and transmits images captured by each of the multiple cameras after the setting to the terminal device, and the terminal device displays the transmitted images captured by the multiple cameras.

[0007] The present disclosure also relates to a surveillance camera setting method in which a surveillance camera equipped with a plurality of cameras capable of capturing images of a plurality of different imaging ranges and a terminal device can communicate with each other, the surveillance camera setting method being configured to allow each of the plurality of cameras to communicate with each other based on arrangement pattern information of the plurality of cameras selected by a user operation from among the arrangement patterns of the plurality of cameras and imaging range information of the plurality of cameras corresponding to the arrangement pattern. No overlap A surveillance camera setting method is provided, which calculates a zoom magnification that enables imaging of an imaging range, sets the zoom magnification of each of the multiple cameras, and displays images captured by each of the multiple cameras after the zoom magnification has been set. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the efficiency of a user's settings for a surveillance camera configured with multiple cameras, and to improve the surveillance accuracy of the surveillance camera. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a surveillance camera according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of an imaging layout of a camera; [Figure 4] Diagram showing how a surveillance camera is installed on a wall [Diagram 5] A diagram explaining how surveillance cameras are installed at intersections [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second imaging layout example of the camera; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging layout selection screen for a surveillance camera. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for selecting an imaging range of a surveillance camera in a first imaging layout; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for selecting an imaging range of a surveillance camera in a second imaging layout; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a camera alignment screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen when imaging is performed in a first imaging layout; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen when imaging is performed in a second imaging layout; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation procedure of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation procedure of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, an embodiment that specifically discloses the configuration and operation of the surveillance camera system and surveillance camera setting method according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the setup of a surveillance camera SC according to an embodiment. The surveillance camera SC includes four cameras 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. The surveillance camera SC sets up each of the four cameras 11A to 11D based on an input operation by a user U received by a terminal device P1 connected to the surveillance camera SC so as to be capable of wireless communication. Fig. 1 shows an example in which the surveillance camera SC is attached to a ceiling or the like.

[0012] The surveillance camera SC is installed, for example, on a traffic light pole or a telephone pole at an intersection, or inside or outside a building such as a building or a commercial facility, and captures a monitoring area (imaging range) set by a user U. The surveillance camera SC transmits captured video data captured by each of the multiple cameras to a terminal device P1 operated by the user U via a network NW1. The surveillance camera SC includes four cameras 11A-11D, a wireless adapter ADP1, and a connector CN1. Note that the surveillance camera SC shown in FIG. 1 does not include the cover 2 (see FIG. 4) for covering and protecting each of the four cameras 11A-11D. The cover 2 is attached by the user U after the surveillance camera SC is set up.

[0013] Each of the four cameras 11A to 11D is movably fixed (connected) to a plate-shaped base 14. The arrangement (i.e., imaging layout) and installation angle of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D are manually adjusted by a user U with an axis AA as the center of rotation.

[0014] The base 14 is located directly below the zenith (directly below the zenith) of the cover 2 (see FIG. 3) and has a circular shape when viewed from the bottom of the surveillance camera SC (the +Z-axis direction shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). The base 14 has a connector CN1. The connector CN1 is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.

[0015] The wireless adapter ADP1 includes, for example, a USB connector, and is attached to the connector CN1 to be electrically connected to the surveillance camera SC. The wireless adapter ADP1 functions as a communication unit 20 (see FIG. 2) of the surveillance camera SC by being electrically connected to the surveillance camera SC, and connects the surveillance camera SC and the terminal device P1 to enable wireless communication, and transmits and receives data. Note that the wireless communication referred to here is, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (registered trademark), or communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0016] The wireless adapter ADP1 may be removed from the connector CN1 after the user U has completed the settings for the surveillance cameras SC (i.e., each of the four cameras 11A to 11D). This prevents other terminal devices from acquiring captured video data from the surveillance cameras SC via wireless communication, thereby preventing unauthorized reception by a third party via wireless communication. In other words, the surveillance cameras can improve security.

[0017] The terminal device P1 can accept input operations by the user U, and is realized by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. The terminal device P1 is connected to the surveillance camera SC so as to be able to communicate wirelessly, and converts input operations by the user U into electrical signals and transmits them to the surveillance camera SC. The terminal device P1 also receives captured video data captured by the surveillance camera SC (i.e., each of the four cameras 11A to 11D) after the settings have been made, and displays it on a monitor (not shown).

[0018] The user U is, for example, a construction worker who installs the surveillance camera SC, a maintenance worker who inspects the surveillance camera SC, etc. The user U operates the terminal device P1 and adjusts the arrangement or installation angle of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D equipped in the surveillance camera SC, thereby making settings so that the surveillance camera SC can monitor the monitoring area.

[0019] Next, the internal configuration of the surveillance camera SC will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the surveillance camera SC according to the first embodiment. Note that the internal configuration example of the surveillance camera SC shown in Fig. 2 is an example of the internal configuration when the surveillance camera SC is being set up by a user U, that is, when a wireless adapter ADP1 is attached to a connector CN1.

[0020] The surveillance camera SC includes a communication unit 20, a processor 21, a memory 22, each of the four cameras 11A to 11D, and a power source 23. Note that, although an example in which the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D shown in Fig. 2 is adjusted by a varifocal lens is shown as an example, the zoom magnification of the captured video data transmitted to the outside as a surveillance video may be adjusted by executing digital zoom processing.

[0021] The communication unit 20 is realized by a wireless adapter ADP1 attached to the connector CN1, and connects the processor 21 in the surveillance camera SC and the terminal device P1 so that they can communicate wirelessly. The communication unit 20 outputs an electrical signal related to the settings of the surveillance camera SC transmitted from the terminal device P1 to the processor 21. The communication unit 20 also transmits captured video data captured by each of the four cameras 11A to 11D to the terminal device P1.

[0022] The processor 21 is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing unit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 22. Specifically, the processor 21 refers to the programs and data stored in the memory 22 and executes the programs to realize the functions of each unit. The functions referred to here include, for example, a function to calculate the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D based on information on the imaging layout and imaging range of the four cameras 11A to 11D contained in the electrical signal transmitted from the terminal device P1, a function to adjust the focus of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D, a function to transmit the captured video data of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D, and the like.

[0023] The processor 21 calculates the zoom magnification based on the image capture layout and image capture range pattern of the four cameras 11A-11D transmitted from the terminal device P1. The processor 21 adjusts the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A-11D by driving each of the lenses 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D based on the calculated zoom magnification. When a control command to change the zoom magnification is transmitted from the terminal device P1 by a user operation, the processor 21 adjusts the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A-11D based on the control command.

[0024] Furthermore, when each of the lenses 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D is realized by a varifocal lens, the processor 21 executes a process of adjusting the focus after adjusting the zoom magnification. When a control command for adjusting the focus is transmitted from the terminal device P1 by a user operation, the processor 21 executes the focus adjustment of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D based on the control command.

[0025] The memory 22 has, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work memory used when executing each process of the processor 11, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and data that define the operation of the processor 21. The RAM temporarily stores data or information generated or acquired by the processor 21. The ROM has written therein a program that defines the operation of the processor 21.

[0026] The power supply 23 supplies power to the surveillance camera SC from an external commercial power source. The power supply 23 may obtain power directly from the external commercial power source. The power supply 23 may also include a battery (e.g., a cell) capable of storing charge supplied from the external commercial power source, or may be configured to be removable, and may be capable of supplying power to the surveillance camera SC even when it is disconnected from the external commercial power source.

[0027] Each of the four cameras 11A to 11D includes at least an image sensor 12A, 12B, 12C, or 12D, and a lens 13A, 13B, 13C, or 13D. Each of the image sensors 12A to 12D is, for example, a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and converts an optical image formed on an imaging surface into an electrical signal. Each of the lenses 13A to 13D is specifically a varifocal lens or a zoom lens. In this embodiment, an example in which each of the four cameras 11A to 11D has a varifocal lens as the lens 13A, 13B, 13C, or 13D will be described. Each of the four cameras 11A to 11D captures an image of a monitoring area of ​​the monitoring camera SC, and outputs the captured image data to the processor 21.

[0028] The power supply 23 supplies power to the surveillance camera SC from an external commercial power source. The power supply 23 may obtain power directly from the external commercial power source. The power supply 23 may also include a battery (e.g., a cell) capable of storing charge supplied from the external commercial power source, or may be configured to be removable, and may be capable of supplying power to the surveillance camera SC in a state disconnected from the external commercial power source.

[0029] The terminal device P1 is, for example, a PC, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, etc., and accepts user operations. The terminal device P1 is connected to the surveillance camera SC via a network NW so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with the surveillance camera SC, and converts the accepted user operations into electrical signals and transmits them to the surveillance camera SC. Note that the wireless communication here refers to communication via a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The terminal device P1 also displays the captured video data of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D transmitted from the surveillance camera SC on a monitor (not shown).

[0030] The monitor (not shown) is configured using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence). The monitor displays the captured images of the four cameras 11A to 11D transmitted from the surveillance camera SC. The monitor also has a user interface function such as a touch panel, and upon receiving an input operation by the user U, converts the input content into an electrical signal and outputs it to a processor (not shown) of the terminal device P1.

[0031] The network NW connects the surveillance camera SC and the terminal device P1 so as to enable data communication between them.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a first imaging layout for each of the cameras 11A to 11D. As shown in Fig. 3, the first imaging layout is a layout for arranging the four cameras 11A to 11D so that they can capture images in the front, rear, left and right directions of the surveillance camera SC when the surveillance camera SC is attached to the ceiling of a building or the like, and is a layout in which the four cameras 11A to 11D are arranged substantially horizontally. When the four cameras 11A to 11D are arranged as in the first imaging layout shown in Fig. 3, the surveillance camera SC can capture images of 360 degrees in the horizontal direction. Note that the first imaging layout shown in Fig. 3 may be called, for example, a "360-degree imaging arrangement."

[0033] It should be noted that the layout of the four cameras 11A to 11D when the surveillance cameras SC are installed on the ceiling is not limited to the first imaging layout, and may be, for example, as in the second imaging layout shown in FIG.

[0034] 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a surveillance camera SC is installed on a wall 101. The surveillance camera SC is fixed to the wall 101 by an attachment arm 102.

[0035] The wall 101 is, for example, an outer wall or an inner wall of a building. The surveillance camera SC is attached to the wall 101 via, for example, an L-shaped attachment arm 102 shown in Fig. 4. Note that the L-shaped attachment arm 102 shown in Fig. 4 is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0036] At least one of the four cameras 11A-11D included in the surveillance camera SC (for example, camera 11A shown in FIG. 6) is configured to be movable so as to face directly below the surveillance camera SC (in the +Z-axis direction). The surveillance camera SC installed on the wall 101 is arranged in a second imaging layout (see FIG. 6) in which each of the four cameras 11A-11D can capture, for example, an image directly below the surveillance camera SC (in the +Z-axis direction), as well as the front and left and right directions of the wall 101. This allows the surveillance camera SC to simultaneously capture an image directly below the surveillance camera SC, as well as the front and left and right directions of the wall 101.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a surveillance camera SC is installed at an intersection 106. Although the intersection 106 shown in Fig. 5 is a cross intersection, it goes without saying that the intersection at which the surveillance camera SC is installed is not limited to a cross. Moreover, the hatched portion in Fig. 5 indicates a sidewalk 107.

[0038] 5, the surveillance camera SC is installed on the outer wall of a building at a height that allows a bird's-eye view of the intersection 106 (at the position indicated by the black circle 108), and captures the intersection 106 and the sidewalk 107. In this case, each of the four cameras 11A to 11D is arranged according to the second imaging layout (see FIG. 6), similar to the surveillance camera SC installed on the wall 101 shown in FIG.

[0039] Note that arrow A72A shown in Fig. 5 indicates the imaging direction of camera 11B of surveillance camera SC shown in Fig. 6. Arrow A72B indicates the imaging direction of camera 11C of surveillance camera SC shown in Fig. 6. Arrow A72C indicates the imaging direction of camera 11D of surveillance camera SC shown in Fig. 6. Note that the road at intersection 106 shown in Fig. 5 is shown with grid lines A71 superimposed to express the perspective of the captured image captured by surveillance camera SC.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a second imaging layout for each of the cameras 11A to 11D. As shown in Fig. 6, the second imaging layout is a layout for arranging each of the four cameras 11A to 11D so that they can capture images directly below (in the +Z-axis direction), in front, and to the left and right of the surveillance camera SC, for example, when the surveillance camera SC is attached to a wall of a building or the like, and is a layout in which three of the four cameras 11A to 11D are arranged substantially horizontally, and one camera is arranged to face below the surveillance camera SC.

[0041] The surveillance camera SC has a structure in which at least one of the four cameras 11A to 11D, 11A, can move to face directly below the surveillance camera SC (in the +Z-axis direction). When the four cameras 11A to 11D are arranged as in the second imaging layout shown in Fig. 6, the surveillance camera SC can capture 270 degrees in the horizontal direction.

[0042] The second imaging layout enables the surveillance camera SC to capture an image directly below the surveillance camera SC, and also capture images in front of and to the left and right of the wall. The second imaging layout shown in FIG. 6 may be called, for example, a "270-degree + directly below imaging arrangement."

[0043] Next, a method for setting the imaging layout of the surveillance camera SC will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging layout selection screen MN1 of the surveillance camera SC. The imaging layout selection screen MN1 is displayed on a monitor (not shown) provided in the terminal device P1. Note that each message displayed on the imaging layout selection screen MN1 shown in Fig. 7 is an example, and may not be limited to this.

[0044] The imaging layout selection screen MN1 is a screen that accepts selection of the arrangement of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D. The imaging layout selection screen MN1 includes an image LO1 showing the arrangement of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D in a first imaging layout, an image LO2 showing the arrangement of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D in a second imaging layout, and selection buttons SB1 and SB2. Note that the setting buttons BT1 and BT2 shown in FIG. 7 do not necessarily have to be included in the imaging layout selection screen MN1.

[0045] Selection button SB1 is a button that is selected (pressed) when user U wants to select a first imaging layout in which all four cameras 11A to 11D are arranged horizontally (i.e., none of the four cameras 11A to 11D is arranged to face downward (in the +Z-axis direction) of the surveillance camera SC). Selection button SB1 is displayed on the monitor in a selectable manner together with a message "360° imaging arrangement."

[0046] Moreover, the selection button SB2 is a button that is selected (pressed) when the user U wants to select a second imaging layout in which one of the four cameras 11A to 11D is arranged to face downward (in the +Z-axis direction) of the surveillance camera SC. The selection button SB2 is displayed on the monitor in a selectable manner together with a message "270°+directly below shooting arrangement."

[0047] Each of the setting buttons BT1 and BT2 is a button that accepts a selection as to whether the zoom or focus settings of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D are to be automatically set by the security camera SC or manually set by the user U.

[0048] When the user U selects the setting button BT1 and the selection button SB1, the terminal device P1 displays on the monitor an imaging range selection screen MN2 shown in Fig. 8. On the other hand, when the user U selects the setting button BT1 and the selection button SB2, the terminal device P1 displays on the monitor an imaging range selection screen MN3 shown in Fig. 9.

[0049] Furthermore, when the user U selects the setting button BT2 and the selection button SB1, the terminal device P1 transmits these selected information to the surveillance camera SC, and upon receiving the captured video data from the surveillance camera SC, displays the monitoring screen MN5 shown in Fig. 11 on the monitor. On the other hand, when the user U selects the setting button BT2 and the selection button SB2, the terminal device P1 transmits these selected information to the surveillance camera SC, and upon receiving the captured video data from the surveillance camera SC, displays the monitoring screen MN6 shown in Fig. 12 on the monitor.

[0050] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging range selection screen MN2 of the surveillance camera SC in the first imaging layout. The imaging range selection screen MN2 is displayed on a monitor (not shown) of the terminal device P1. Note that each message displayed on the imaging range selection screen MN2 shown in Fig. 8 is an example, and is not limited to this.

[0051] The imaging range selection screen MN2 is a screen that accepts the selection of the imaging range to be captured by the surveillance camera SC. The imaging range selection screen MN2 includes an image IR1 showing an imaging range when capturing an imaging range of 360° centered on the installation position of the surveillance camera SC, an image IR2 showing an imaging range when capturing an imaging range of 270° centered on the installation position of the surveillance camera SC, selection buttons SB3, SB4, and button BT3.

[0052] The selection button SB3 is a button that is selected (pressed) when the user U wishes to capture an image of 360° around the security camera SC, and is arranged selectably together with the message "Capture 360° range."

[0053] The selection button SB4 is selected (pressed) when the user U wants to capture an image of 270° around the surveillance camera SC, and is arranged selectably together with the message "Capture 270° range." The selection button SB4 is selected, for example, when there is an imaging range such as a wall that does not need to be captured or cannot be captured within the 360° imaging range that the surveillance camera SC can capture.

[0054] When the button BT3 is selected (pressed) by the user U, the terminal device P1 transmits information on the currently selected imaging layout and imaging range to the surveillance camera SC via the network NW1.

[0055] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging range selection screen MN3 of the surveillance camera SC in the second imaging layout. The imaging range selection screen MN3 is displayed on a monitor (not shown) of the terminal device P1. Note that each message displayed on the imaging range selection screen MN3 shown in Fig. 9 is an example, and is not limited to this.

[0056] The imaging range selection screen MN3 is a screen that accepts the selection of the imaging range to be captured by the surveillance camera SC. The imaging range selection screen MN3 includes an image IR3 showing an imaging range when capturing an imaging range of 270° centered on the installation position of the surveillance camera SC, an image IR4 showing an imaging range when capturing an imaging range of 180° centered on the installation position of the surveillance camera SC, selection buttons SB5, SB6, and button BT4.

[0057] The selection button SB5 is a button that is selected (pressed) when the user U wishes to capture an image of 270° around the security camera SC, and is arranged selectably together with the message "Capture 270° range."

[0058] The selection button SB6 is selected (pressed) when the user U wants to capture an image of 180° around the surveillance camera SC, and is arranged selectably together with the message "Capture 180° range." The selection button SB6 is selected, for example, when there is an imaging range of a wall or the like that does not need to be or cannot be captured within the 270° imaging range that the surveillance camera SC can capture.

[0059] When the button BT4 is selected (pressed) by the user U, the terminal device P1 transmits information on the currently selected imaging layout and imaging range to the surveillance camera SC via the network NW1.

[0060] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a camera positioning screen MN4. The camera positioning screen MN4 is a screen transmitted from the surveillance camera SC to the terminal device P1 based on the currently selected imaging layout and imaging range information, and is displayed on a monitor (not shown) of the terminal device P1. Note that each message displayed on the camera positioning screen MN4 shown in Fig. 10 is an example, and is not limited to this.

[0061] The camera position adjustment screen MN4 is an instruction screen for allowing the user U to adjust the positions of the four cameras 11A to 11D to positions where the currently selected imaging layout and imaging range can be captured. The camera position adjustment screen MN4 includes a layout sample image MD1 and a button BT5.

[0062] The layout sample image MD1 is an image illustrating the positions of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D in positions where they can capture the currently selected imaging range, and is displayed together with the message MS1 "Please move the camera to position A in the illustration while looking at the setting sheet."

[0063] Here, the "settings sheet" indicated by the message MS1 is a sheet enclosed with the installation manual or instruction manual for the surveillance camera SC, and illustrates the positions of the four cameras 11A-11D corresponding to each imaging layout and imaging range. While looking at the "settings sheet," the user U can easily adjust the imaging range selected for each of the four cameras 11A-11D so that it can be imaged by matching the positions of the four cameras 11A-11D illustrated on the "settings sheet" with the actual positions of the four cameras 11A-11D.

[0064] After adjusting the positions of the four cameras 11A-11D, the user U selects (presses) the button BT5. When the button BT5 is selected (pressed), the terminal device P1 generates a control command to the effect that the adjustment (alignment) of the positions of the four cameras 11A-11D has been completed, and transmits the generated control command and information on the imaging layout and imaging range selected by the user U to the surveillance camera SC via the network NW1.

[0065] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen MN5 when imaging is performed with a first imaging layout. Upon receiving image data captured by each of the four cameras 11A to 11D from the surveillance camera SC, the terminal device P1 generates a monitoring screen MN5 and displays it on a monitor (not shown).

[0066] The monitoring screen MN5 is a screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device P1 when the first imaging layout, “360° shooting arrangement” (i.e., selection button SB1), is selected on the imaging layout selection screen MN1. The monitoring screen MN5 includes a live video display area VD1, zoom adjustment buttons SB71, SB72, focus adjustment buttons SB81, SB82, and a plurality of video display areas MJ11, MJ12, MJ13, MJ14.

[0067] Each of the multiple video display areas MJ11 to MJ14 is an area that displays images included in the captured video data captured by each of the four cameras 11A to 11D in the Motion-JPEG format, and is arranged in a horizontal row corresponding to the first imaging layout (i.e., the horizontal arrangement of the four cameras 11A to 11D). The video display area MJ11 is an area that displays an image captured by the camera 11A indicated by "camera 1" in the Motion-JPEG format. The video display area MJ12 is an area that displays an image captured by the camera 11B indicated by "camera 2" in the Motion-JPEG format. The video display area MJ13 is an area that displays an image captured by the camera 11C indicated by "camera 3" in the Motion-JPEG format. The video display area MJ14 is an area that displays an image captured by the camera 11D indicated by "camera 4" in the Motion-JPEG format. In this embodiment, terminal device P1 simultaneously updates and displays the captured images displayed in each of the multiple video display areas MJ11 to MJ14 at intervals of, for example, 5 or 7 seconds.

[0068] This allows the user U to check each of the multiple captured images arranged corresponding to the placement of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D, and therefore makes it easy to understand, for example, any positional shifts, overlapping or blind spots in the capturing ranges of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D.

[0069] The live video display area VD1 is a display area larger than each of the four video display areas MJ11 to MJ14, and when a user U selects (presses) one of the multiple video display areas MJ11 to MJ14, live video from one of the cameras corresponding to the selected video display area is displayed.

[0070] Each of the zoom adjustment buttons SB71, SB72 is a button that can accept camera zoom adjustment by the user U. When the user U selects (presses) the zoom adjustment button SB71, the terminal device P1 generates a control command to increase the zoom magnification and transmits it to the surveillance camera SC. When the user U selects (presses) the zoom adjustment button SB72, the terminal device P1 generates a control command to decrease the zoom magnification and transmits it to the surveillance camera SC. Based on the control command transmitted from the terminal device P1, the surveillance camera SC adjusts the zoom magnification of any one of the cameras capturing the live video displayed in the live video display area VD1.

[0071] Each of the focus adjustment buttons SB81, SB82 is a button that can receive camera focus adjustment by the user U. When the user U selects (presses) the focus adjustment button SB81, the terminal device P1 generates a control command to decrease the focal length of the lens and transmits it to the surveillance camera SC. When the user U selects (presses) the focus adjustment button SB82, the terminal device P1 generates a control command to increase the focal length of the lens and transmits it to the surveillance camera SC. Based on the control command transmitted from the terminal device P1, the surveillance camera SC adjusts the focus (i.e., the lens position) of any one of the cameras capturing the live video displayed in the live video display area VD1.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen MN6 when imaging is performed in the second imaging layout. When the terminal device P1 receives the image data of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D from the monitoring camera SC, it generates a monitoring screen MN6 and displays it on a monitor (not shown). Note that the zoom adjustment buttons SB71, SB72 and the focus adjustment buttons SB81, SB82 shown in Fig. 12 are similar to the zoom adjustment buttons SB71, SB72 and the focus adjustment buttons SB81, SB82 shown in the monitoring screen MN5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] The monitoring screen MN6 is a screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device P1 when the second imaging layout "270°+directly below shooting arrangement" (i.e., selection button SB2) is selected on the imaging layout selection screen MN1. The monitoring screen MN6 includes a live video display area VD2, zoom adjustment buttons SB71, SB72, focus adjustment buttons SB81, SB82, and a plurality of video display areas MJ21, MJ22, MJ23, MJ24.

[0074] Each of the multiple video display areas MJ21-MJ24 is an area that displays images included in the captured video data captured by each of the four cameras 11A-11D in the Motion-JPEG format, and corresponds to the second imaging layout (i.e., three of the four cameras 11A-11D are horizontally arranged, and one camera is arranged facing downward from the surveillance camera SC), three captured images corresponding to the three horizontally arranged cameras are arranged in a row, and an captured image corresponding to the one camera arranged facing downward is arranged below each of the three captured images. Note that in FIG. 12, an example will be described in which the camera 11D, indicated as camera 4, is arranged facing downward from the surveillance camera SC.

[0075] Video display area MJ21 is an area that displays an image captured by camera 11A, indicated by "camera 1", in the Motion-JPEG format. Video display area MJ22 is an area that displays an image captured by camera 11B, indicated by "camera 2", in the Motion-JPEG format. Video display area MJ23 is an area that displays an image captured by camera 11C, indicated by "camera 3", in the Motion-JPEG format. Video display area MJ24 is an area that displays an image captured by camera 11D, indicated by "camera 4", in the Motion-JPEG format. In this embodiment, terminal device P1 simultaneously updates and displays the captured images displayed in each of the multiple video display areas MJ21-MJ24 at intervals of, for example, 5 or 7 seconds.

[0076] This allows the user U to check each of the multiple captured images arranged corresponding to the placement of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D, and therefore makes it easy to understand, for example, any positional shifts, overlapping or blind spots in the capturing ranges of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D.

[0077] The live video display area VD2 is a display area larger than each of the four video display areas MJ21 to MJ24, and when a user U selects (presses) one of the multiple video display areas MJ21 to MJ24, live video from one of the cameras corresponding to the selected video display area is displayed.

[0078] Next, an example of an operation procedure of the surveillance camera system 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation procedure of the surveillance camera system 200 according to the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation procedure of the surveillance camera system 200 according to the embodiment.

[0079] First, when the user U starts an application for setting the surveillance camera SC, the terminal device P1 displays an imaging layout selection screen MN1 for the surveillance camera SC on the monitor (St1).

[0080] The terminal device P1 accepts the selection of the imaging layout for each of the four cameras 11A to 11D by the user U (i.e., selection of either the selection button SB1 or SB2) (St2). When the setting button BT1 is selected after the imaging layout is selected, the terminal device P1 displays the imaging range selection screen MN2 or the imaging range selection screen MN3 on the monitor based on the selected imaging layout (St3). Specifically, when the selection button SB1 (first imaging layout) is selected by the user U, the terminal device P1 displays the imaging range selection screen MN2, and when the selection button SB2 (second imaging layout) is selected by the user U, the terminal device P1 displays the imaging range selection screen MN3.

[0081] The terminal device P1 accepts the selection of the imaging range of the surveillance camera SC by the user U (St4). Specifically, when the terminal device P1 displays the imaging range selection screen MN2, it accepts the selection of either the selection button SB3 (360° imaging) or the selection button SB4 (270° imaging), and when the terminal device P1 displays the imaging range selection screen MN3, it accepts the selection of either the selection button SB5 (270° imaging) or the selection button SB6 (180° imaging).

[0082] The terminal device P1 displays a camera alignment screen for aligning the positions of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D based on the imaging layout and imaging range selected by the user U (St5), and further displays a message MS1 instructing the user U to align the positions of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D to positions that match the imaging layout and imaging range selected by the user U, using the "settings sheet" as a model.

[0083] When the terminal device P1 accepts the selection of the button BT5 by the user U (St6), it determines that the user U has completed the alignment of each of the four cameras 11A-11D. The terminal device P1 generates a control command to the effect that the alignment of each of the four cameras 11A-11D has been completed, and transmits the generated control command together with the imaging layout information and imaging range information selected by the user U to the surveillance camera SC via the network NW1 (St7).

[0084] The surveillance camera SC calculates the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D based on the information on the imaging layout and imaging range transmitted from the terminal device P1 (St8). Here, when the imaging layout is the first imaging layout and the imaging range is 360°, the surveillance camera SC calculates the magnification to be approximately 1.13 times. When the imaging layout is the first imaging layout and the imaging range is 270°, the surveillance camera SC calculates the magnification to be approximately 1.32 times. When the imaging layout is the second imaging layout and the imaging range is 270°, the surveillance camera SC calculates the magnification to be approximately 1.13 times. Also, when the imaging layout is the second imaging layout and the imaging range is 180°, the surveillance camera SC calculates the magnification to be approximately 2.30 times.

[0085] Here, these zoom magnifications are calculated based on the overlapping ranges (areas) of the imaging ranges of the four cameras 11A-11D, and are magnifications that prevent the imaging ranges of the four cameras 11A-11D from overlapping and prevent blind spots from occurring due to discontinuity of the imaging ranges of the four cameras 11A-11D. Also, the above-mentioned zoom magnifications are merely examples and are not limited to these. This allows the surveillance camera SC to automatically adjust the imaging ranges of the four cameras 11A-11D so that they do not overlap.

[0086] The surveillance camera SC adjusts the zoom magnification by driving the motors of the four cameras 11A-11D based on the calculated zoom magnification (St9). The process of step St9 is executed whether the lenses 13A-13D of the four cameras 11A-11D are varifocal lenses or zoom lenses.

[0087] The surveillance camera SC determines whether or not adjustment of the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D has been completed (St10).

[0088] If the surveillance camera SC determines in the processing of step St10 that adjustment of the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D has been completed (St10, YES), it moves the focus of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D to the adjustment limit (i.e., adjusts the focal length of the lenses 13A to 13D to the minimum value) (St11).

[0089] On the other hand, if the surveillance camera SC determines in the process of step St10 that the adjustment of the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D has not been completed (St10, NO), the surveillance camera SC returns to the process of step St9 and readjusts the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D. Note that the surveillance camera SC may readjust only the zoom magnification of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D for which the adjustment of the zoom magnification has not been completed.

[0090] The surveillance camera SC adjusts the focus of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D from the adjustment end (that is, the minimum value of the focal length of the lenses 13A to 13D) to a position where the image is in focus (St12).

[0091] The surveillance camera SC determines whether or not the focus of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D has reached the adjustment limit (that is, whether or not it has been adjusted to the most focused position) (St13).

[0092] If the surveillance camera SC determines in the processing of step St13 that the focus of each of the four cameras 11A-11D has reached its adjustment limit (i.e., has been adjusted to the most in-focus position) (St13, YES), it transmits the captured video data captured by each of the four cameras 11A-11D to the terminal device P1 via the network NW1 (St14).

[0093] On the other hand, if the surveillance camera SC determines in the process of step St13 that the focus of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D has not reached the adjustment limit (i.e., has not been adjusted to the most in-focus position) (St13, NO), the surveillance camera SC returns to the process of step St12 and readjusts the focus of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D. Note that the surveillance camera SC may readjust only the focus of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D for which focus adjustment has not been completed.

[0094] The above-mentioned processes in steps St11 to St13 may be omitted if each of the four cameras 11A to 11D has a zoom lens as the lens 13A to 13D. In this case, the surveillance camera SC may proceed to the process in step St14 after the process in step St10.

[0095] The terminal device P1 displays the live video of one of the four captured images transmitted from the surveillance cameras SC in the live video display area, converts each of the four captured images into the Motion-JPEG format, and generates a monitoring screen MN5 or MN6 that displays the captured images of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D in an arrangement corresponding to the imaging layout selected by the user U, and displays it on the monitor (St15).

[0096] As described above, the surveillance camera system 200 according to the embodiment can streamline settings related to imaging by each of the four cameras 11A-11D of the surveillance camera SC, performed by the user U. Furthermore, the surveillance camera system 200 can support the user U to easily check whether there is an overlap or a blind spot in the imaging ranges of each of the four cameras 11A-11D by displaying the images captured by each of the four cameras 11A-11D side by side in an arrangement corresponding to the imaging layout selected by the user U.

[0097] As described above, the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment is a system in which the surveillance camera SC equipped with the multiple cameras 11A-11D capable of capturing multiple different imaging ranges and the terminal device P1 can communicate with each other. The terminal device P1 transmits imaging layout information (an example of arrangement pattern information) and imaging range information (360° or 270° in the case of the first imaging layout, and 270° or 180° in the case of the second imaging layout) of the multiple cameras input by the user U operation to the surveillance camera SC. The surveillance camera SC calculates camera parameters (e.g., zoom magnification, etc.) of the multiple cameras 11A-11D based on the imaging layout information and imaging range information of the multiple cameras transmitted, sets each of the multiple cameras based on the camera parameters, and transmits captured images captured by each of the multiple cameras 11A-11D after the settings to the terminal device P1. The terminal device P1 displays the transmitted captured images of the multiple cameras 11A-11D.

[0098] As a result, the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment can calculate and automatically set the camera parameters (e.g., zoom magnification) of each of the four cameras 11A-11D based on the imaging layout information and imaging range information of each of the four cameras 11A-11D received by the terminal device P1. Therefore, the user U can more efficiently set the surveillance cameras SC because the camera parameters are automatically calculated and set by simply inputting the imaging layout and imaging range that the user U wishes to capture with each of the four cameras 11A-11D.

[0099] Moreover, the camera parameters calculated by the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment are zoom magnifications that enable each of the multiple cameras 11A to 11D to capture different imaging ranges. As a result, in the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment, the imaging ranges of the four cameras 11A to 11D do not overlap. Therefore, the surveillance camera SC does not capture unnecessary surveillance areas, improving surveillance accuracy. Furthermore, the user U does not need to compare each of the multiple captured images displayed on the terminal device P1 and manually adjust blind spots or overlapping ranges of the surveillance areas of the surveillance cameras SC, and the settings of the surveillance cameras SC can be made efficiently.

[0100] Furthermore, surveillance cameras SC in surveillance camera system 200 according to embodiment 1 adjust the focus of the multiple cameras after adjusting the zoom magnification. This allows surveillance camera system 200 according to embodiment 1 to automatically adjust focus deviations that occur after adjusting the zoom magnification when lenses 13A-13D of surveillance cameras SC are varifocal lenses. This eliminates the need for user U to manually adjust the focus of each of four cameras 11A-11D, allowing for efficient configuration of surveillance cameras SC.

[0101] Furthermore, the terminal device P1 in the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment rearranges and displays the images captured by each of the multiple cameras 11A-11D in accordance with the imaging layout information of the multiple cameras 11A-11D. This allows the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment to arrange the four captured images displayed on the terminal device P1 in accordance with the actual arrangement of the four cameras 11A-11D. This allows the user U to more intuitively check the surveillance area of ​​the surveillance camera SC.

[0102] Moreover, the surveillance camera SC in the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment has four cameras 11A to 11D. The imaging layout of the four cameras 11A to 11D is either a first imaging layout (an example of a first arrangement pattern) capable of imaging 360° in the horizontal direction of the surveillance camera, or a second imaging layout (an example of a second arrangement pattern) capable of imaging 270° in the horizontal direction of the surveillance camera and a direction directly below perpendicular to the horizontal direction. This allows the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment to switch the arrangement of each of the four cameras 11A to 11D based on the request of the user U.

[0103] Furthermore, in surveillance camera system 200 according to embodiment 1, the imaging range information of each of four cameras 11A-11D in the first imaging layout is either 360° or 270° in the horizontal direction of surveillance camera SC. This allows surveillance camera system 200 according to embodiment 1 to easily switch the imaging range of each of the four cameras 11A-11D depending on the installation environment and surveillance area of ​​surveillance camera SC.

[0104] Furthermore, in surveillance camera system 200 according to embodiment 1, the imaging range information of each of four cameras 11A-11D in the second imaging layout is either 270° or 180° in the horizontal direction of the surveillance camera. This allows surveillance camera system 200 according to embodiment 1 to easily switch the imaging range of each of the four cameras 11A-11D depending on the installation environment and surveillance area of ​​the surveillance camera SC.

[0105] Furthermore, the terminal device P1 in the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment displays a camera positioning screen MN4 that instructs the user U to align the positions of each of the four cameras 11A-11D, based on the imaging layout information and imaging range information of the multiple cameras 11A-11D input by the operation of the user U. As a result, the surveillance camera system 200 according to the first embodiment can support the actual alignment of each of the four cameras 11A-11D performed by the user, by displaying the camera positioning screen MN4 on the terminal device P1, based on the imaging layout selected by the user operation.

[0106] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, corrections, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the various embodiments described above may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is useful as providing a surveillance camera system and a surveillance camera setting method that can improve the efficiency of a user's setting up a surveillance camera composed of multiple cameras and can improve the surveillance accuracy of the surveillance cameras. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D Camera 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D Lenses 20 Communications Department 21 Processors 22 Memory 200 Surveillance Camera System ADP1 Wireless Adapter MN5,MN6 monitoring screen NW1 Network P1 Terminal Equipment SC Surveillance Camera

Claims

1. A surveillance camera system in which a surveillance camera having a plurality of cameras capable of capturing images of a plurality of different imaging ranges and a terminal device can communicate with each other, The terminal device Transmitting, to the surveillance camera, layout pattern information of the plurality of cameras selected by a user operation from the layout patterns of the plurality of cameras and imaging range information of the plurality of cameras corresponding to the layout pattern; The surveillance camera includes: Calculating a zoom magnification that enables each of the plurality of cameras to capture an imaging range that does not overlap with another, based on the transmitted arrangement pattern information and imaging range information of the plurality of cameras, and setting the zoom magnification of each of the plurality of cameras; transmitting images captured by each of the plurality of cameras after the setting to the terminal device; The terminal device Displaying the transmitted captured images from the plurality of cameras. Surveillance camera system.

2. The surveillance camera includes: After adjusting the zoom magnification, adjust the focus of the plurality of cameras. The surveillance camera system according to claim 1 .

3. The terminal device and displaying the images captured by the plurality of cameras in a rearranged manner in accordance with the arrangement pattern information of the plurality of cameras. The surveillance camera system according to claim 1 .

4. The surveillance camera includes four cameras. The arrangement pattern information is either a first arrangement pattern capable of capturing 360° in the horizontal direction of the surveillance camera, or a second arrangement pattern capable of capturing 270° in the horizontal direction of the surveillance camera and a direction directly below the horizontal direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The surveillance camera system according to claim 1 .

5. The imaging range information captured by the four cameras in the first arrangement pattern is either 360° or 270° in the horizontal direction of the surveillance camera. The surveillance camera system according to claim 4.

6. The imaging range information captured by the four cameras in the second arrangement pattern is either 270° or 180° in the horizontal direction of the surveillance camera. The surveillance camera system according to claim 4.

7. The terminal device displaying a screen for instructing alignment of each of the four cameras based on the arrangement pattern information and the imaging range information of the plurality of cameras input by the user operation; The surveillance camera system according to claim 4.

8. A surveillance camera setting method in which a surveillance camera having a plurality of cameras capable of capturing images of a plurality of different imaging ranges and a terminal device can communicate with each other, comprising: calculating a zoom magnification that enables each of the plurality of cameras to capture an imaging range that does not overlap with another imaging range based on arrangement pattern information of the plurality of cameras selected by a user operation from among the arrangement patterns of the plurality of cameras and imaging range information of the plurality of cameras corresponding to the arrangement pattern, and setting the zoom magnification of each of the plurality of cameras; displaying images captured by each of the plurality of cameras after the settings are made; How to set up a surveillance camera.

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