Cameras and camera systems

Abstract

To provide a camera and a camera system, not requiring much labor to install and having no restrictions on the installation location.SOLUTION: A monitoring camera system includes one monitoring camera 7a and another monitoring cameras 7b. Each of other monitoring cameras includes a camera module and a wireless LAN communication part that wirelessly sends an image generated by the camera module to the one monitoring camera. The one monitoring camera includes a camera module, a WAN communication part that sends an image generated by the camera module, and a wireless LAN communication part that receives an image from each of other monitoring cameras. The WAN communication part includes a SIM card that stores communication information granted from a communication company, and connects to a mobile phone communication network based on the communication information read out from the SIM card, and sends the generated image and the received image via the mobile phone communication network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera and a camera system. [Background technology]

[0002] Surveillance systems that monitor stores, warehouses, etc. for crime prevention purposes are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a surveillance system in which multiple surveillance cameras and a surveillance server are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The multiple surveillance cameras transmit captured and generated video information to the surveillance server, and the surveillance server stores the received video information in a storage device. This surveillance server also includes a display, and displays the video information on the display as it reads it from the storage device.

[0003] In the surveillance system of the above-mentioned patent document, each surveillance camera and surveillance server has a SIM card. Each SIM card stores a key and an encryption algorithm for encrypting video information to be transmitted and for decrypting received video information. This improves the security of the transmitted and received video information in the surveillance system. In addition, the security method can be changed by replacing the SIM card with a new key and encryption algorithm. In this way, the surveillance system of the patent document improves the security of transmitted and received video information while realizing the encryption method through simple maintenance such as replacing the SIM card. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-287858 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above surveillance system includes a router and another router connected to a network, a plurality of surveillance cameras are connected to the first router, and a surveillance server is connected to the other router. Therefore, the video information transmitted from each surveillance camera is relayed between the first router and the other router and then sent to the surveillance server.

[0006] Although the patent document does not specify whether the communication method between the single router and each surveillance camera is a wired method or a wireless method, in the case of a wired method, the installation location of the surveillance cameras may be restricted due to the effort required to wire LAN cables between the router and each surveillance camera and the wiring state of the LAN cables. On the other hand, in the case of a wireless method, each surveillance camera must be installed within a wireless communication area centered on the single router, and depending on the installation location of the single router, there is a possibility that the installation location of each surveillance camera may be restricted.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a camera and a camera system that require no effort in installation and that do not impose restrictions on the location where the camera and the camera system can be installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the camera of the present invention comprises a camera module and a WAN communication unit that transmits images generated by the camera module, and the WAN communication unit has a SIM that stores communication information provided by a telecommunications company, connects to a mobile phone communication network based on the communication information read from the SIM, and transmits the images via the mobile phone communication network.

[0009] The camera of the present invention is further characterized in that it includes a housing that houses the WAN communication unit, and the SIM is card-type and is inserted into the housing through an opening that is provided in the housing so as to be able to be opened and closed.

[0010] The camera of the present invention is characterized by including a storage for storing images generated by the camera module.

[0011] Furthermore, the camera of the present invention is characterized in that, in the event of a connection failure with the mobile phone communication network or a communication failure within the mobile phone communication network itself, the image generated at the time of the connection failure or communication failure and stored in the storage is transmitted after the connection failure or communication failure is recovered.

[0012] Furthermore, the camera of the present invention is characterized in that the storage is a memory card, and the memory card is inserted into the housing through the opening.

[0013] Furthermore, the camera of the present invention is characterized by comprising a notification section that notifies of an operational malfunction when the operational malfunction is detected.

[0014] The camera system of the present invention comprises one camera and another camera, the other camera comprising a camera module and a wireless LAN communication unit that wirelessly transmits images generated by the camera module to the first camera, the first camera comprising a camera module, a WAN communication unit that transmits images generated by the camera module, and a wireless LAN communication unit that receives images from the other camera, the WAN communication unit having a SIM that stores communication information provided by a telecommunications company, connecting to a mobile phone communication network based on the communication information read from the SIM, and transmitting the images and the received images via the mobile phone communication network.

[0015] In the camera system of the present invention, the WAN communication unit and the wireless LAN communication unit of the one camera are realized by a router module. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The camera and camera system of the present invention require no time and effort for installation, and there are no limitations on where they can be installed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a surveillance camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of a surveillance camera included in the surveillance camera system. [Diagram 3] Hardware configuration diagram of the above surveillance camera [Figure 4] Functional block diagram of the above surveillance camera DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a surveillance camera system as an example.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, a surveillance camera system 1 for monitoring a store, warehouse, etc. is a client-server type system in which a personal computer 3, which is a client terminal, is capable of communicating with a surveillance server 5 via the Internet N. A user of the surveillance camera system 1 uses the personal computer 3 to access and log in to the surveillance server 5, downloading video of a monitored location from the surveillance server 5 and playing back the video. The video provided by the surveillance server 5 in this manner is generated based on images captured by surveillance cameras 7a and 7b of the surveillance camera system 1.

[0020] In this embodiment, in order to monitor a plurality of locations, surveillance cameras 7a, 7b are installed at each of the locations. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, each of the surveillance cameras 7a, 7b includes a camera board on which camera modules 9a, 9b are mounted, a main board on which CPUs 11a, 11b and memories 31a, 31b are mounted, a network board on which a wireless LAN router module 13 and a wireless LAN module 15 are mounted, and a housing 17 that houses a power supply board on which a power supply circuit is mounted, and an attachment part 19 for attaching the housing 17 to a building.

[0021] The camera module 9a includes an image sensor 21, typically a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, and an image processor 23 electrically connected to the image sensor 21. The image sensor 21 is a device that converts light imaged on a light receiving surface into an electric signal according to its intensity, and is provided so that light passing through an optical component (lens 25) arranged on the front side of the housing 17 is imaged on the light receiving surface. The image sensor 21 outputs the converted electric signal at a predetermined frame rate to the image processor 23. The image processor 23 generates an image in a predetermined format from the electric signal input from the image sensor 21, and inputs the generated image to the CPU 11a. The camera module 9b has the same configuration as the camera module 9a, and the image generated by the camera module 9b is input to the CPU 11b.

[0022] The CPU 11a of the surveillance camera 7a loads the program stored in the first storage 27a into the main memory 29a and executes it. The program causes the CPU 11a to execute an acquisition process for acquiring an image from the camera module 9a and a storage process for temporarily storing the acquired image in the main memory 29a. Therefore, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 4, the CPU 11a that executes the program functions as an acquisition unit 33a that acquires an image of a monitoring location and a storage processing unit 35a that stores the acquired image in a memory, and the main memory 29a functions as a first storage unit 37a that stores the image. The CPU 11b of the surveillance camera 7b is configured in the same manner as the CPU 11a of the surveillance camera 7a, and the CPU 11b functions as the acquisition unit 33b and the storage processing unit 35b. The main memory 29b of the surveillance camera 7b functions as the first storage unit 37b.

[0023] The CPUs 11a and 11b executing the above program execute a storage process and then execute a transmission process to transmit the acquired images to the monitoring server 5. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, one monitoring camera 7a (hereinafter referred to as parent camera 7a) connected to the Internet N is wirelessly connected to another monitoring camera 7b (hereinafter referred to as child camera 7b) so as to be able to communicate with the other monitoring camera 7b, and the child camera 7b is connected to the Internet N via the parent camera 7a. That is, the parent camera 7a transmits images generated by itself to the monitoring server 5, and also functions as an access point to transmit images received from each child camera 7b to the monitoring server 5.

[0024] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the parent camera 7a includes a wireless LAN router module 13. This wireless LAN router module 13 wirelessly connects to a mobile phone communication network M used for data communication of mobile phones, such as smartphones, in order to communicate with the monitoring server 5 via the Internet N. Here, a SIM card 39 is attached to the wireless LAN router module 13 in order to connect to the mobile phone communication network M. The SIM card 39 is a card-type storage medium that stores a profile (such as a subscriber's identification number and APN setting information) that is communication information that is assigned when a service contract is made with a communication company Mc (such as an MNO, MVNO, or MVNE) that provides the mobile phone communication network M. After being started, the wireless LAN router module 13 receives radio waves from the nearest wireless base station Mc to start communication. When starting communication, the profile is read from the SIM card 39 and connected to the wireless base station Mc. When the profile is authenticated by the communication company Mc via the wireless base station Mc, the parent camera 7a is connected to the Internet N and can start communication with the monitoring server 5. In this way, the wireless LAN router module 13 of the master camera 7a functions as a WAN communication unit 41 that communicates with the surveillance server 5 via the Internet N as shown in FIG.

[0025] Furthermore, the wireless LAN router module 13 of the parent camera 7a forms a wireless LAN in a predetermined area centered on the installation position of the parent camera 7a. The multiple child cameras 7b installed within the communication area of ​​the wireless LAN are equipped with wireless LAN modules 15 as shown in Fig. 3. The wireless LAN modules 15 are electrically connected to the CPU 11b so as to be able to communicate with each other, and are connected to the wireless LAN router module 13 of the parent camera 7a so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with each other. In this way, the wireless LAN router module 13 of the parent camera 7a and the wireless LAN module 15 of the child camera 7b function as wireless LAN communication units 43a, 43b as shown in Fig. 4.

[0026] In addition, in the parent camera 7a, a LAN module 57 is interposed between the wireless LAN router module 13 and the CPU 11a, as shown in Fig. 3. The LAN module 57 is electrically connected to the wireless LAN router module 13 and the CPU 11a so as to be able to communicate with them, receives images extracted from the main memory 29a by the CPU 11a, and transmits the images to the surveillance server 5 via the wireless LAN router module 13. In this way, the LAN module 57 functions as a wired LAN communication unit 59, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0027] Here, a global IP address is assigned to the wireless LAN router module 13 of the parent camera 7a, and communication with the surveillance server 5 is established using this global IP address. Furthermore, private IP addresses and ports for communicating with the surveillance server 5 are set in advance in the parent camera 7a and each child camera 7b, and the wireless LAN router module 13 uses a port forwarding function to communicate between the surveillance server 5 and the parent camera 7a and child camera 7b.

[0028] The monitoring server 5 has a CPU and memory not shown, and the CPU of the monitoring server 5 receives images captured by the parent camera 7a and the child camera 7b, and transmits the received images to the personal computer 3 in response to a request from the personal computer 3.

[0029] As described above, the parent camera 7a of this embodiment includes a wireless LAN router module 13 (WAN communication unit 41) with a SIM card 39 attached thereto, and is capable of communicating with the wireless base station Mc via the wireless LAN router module 13. Therefore, the parent camera 7a can be installed anywhere within the communication area of ​​the wireless base station Mc. Also, the child camera 7b is installed within the wireless LAN communication area of ​​the parent camera 7a, and the child camera 7b transmits an image to the parent camera 7a using the wireless LAN module 15 (wireless LAN communication unit 43b). Therefore, the child camera 7b can be installed anywhere within the wireless LAN communication area of ​​the parent camera 7a. Also, the parent camera 7a and the child camera 7b of this embodiment do not require wiring work, so they can be easily relocated.

[0030] The above describes the surveillance camera system according to the present invention based on an embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be embodied in the following form, for example.

[0031] <Modification>

[0032] (1) As shown in Fig. 3, each of the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b of the present embodiment may include a second storage 45a and 45b electrically connected to the CPU 11a and 11b. The second storage 45a and 45b have a larger storage area than the main memory 29a and 29b and the first storage 27a and 27b, and each time the CPU 11a and 11b acquire an image from the camera module 9a and 9b, the image is also stored in the second storage 45a and 45b. In this way, the CPUs 11a and 11b of the parent camera 7a and the child camera 7b may function as storage processors 35a and 35b that store images acquired from the camera modules 9a and 9b in the second storage 45a and 45b, and the second storage 45a and 45b may function as second storage units 47a and 47b that store images. Further, in addition to the images acquired from the camera modules 9a and 9b, the second storages 45a and 45b may store the images in association with the dates and times when the images were acquired.

[0033] As described above, the images and acquisition dates and times stored in the second storage 45a, 45b are transmitted to the monitoring server 5 in response to a request from the monitoring server 5. For example, if a connection failure occurs with the mobile phone communication network M due to an unstable radio wave of the wireless LAN or the mobile phone communication network M, and images cannot be normally transmitted and received from the monitoring cameras 7a, 7b to the monitoring server 5, an image loss occurs in the monitoring server 5. When such an image loss occurs, after the connection failure is recovered, the CPU (not shown) of the monitoring server 5 requests the target monitoring cameras 7a, 7b to transmit the missing image and transmits the date and time information on when the loss occurred. The CPUs 11a, 11b of the monitoring cameras 7a, 7b that receive the request extract the image corresponding to the received date and time information from the second storage 45a, 45b and transmit it to the monitoring server 5. This allows the monitoring server 5 to complement the missing image. Such transmission of the missing image is also processed in the same manner when a communication failure occurs in the mobile phone communication network M itself.

[0034] Alternatively, the personal computer 3 may transmit an image transmission request to the monitoring server 5, and the monitoring server 5 may transmit an image transmission request to the monitoring cameras 7a and 7b based on the transmission request. In this embodiment, for example, images for about one week are stored in the second storages 45a and 45b, and the monitoring cameras 7a and 7b transmit images for about one week based on a request from the monitoring server 5. The process of transmitting the images stored in the second storages 45a and 45b to the monitoring server 5 is preferably performed at night. By performing the transmission process at night, the usage fee for the mobile phone communication network M can be reduced.

[0035] (2) The second storage 45a, 45b may be a memory card. The memory card is electrically connected to the CPU 11a, 11b by being inserted into a connector mounted on the main board. Here, since the surveillance cameras 7a, 7b may be installed outdoors, it is preferable that the memory card is housed in the housing 17 of the surveillance cameras 7a, 7b. In addition, it is preferable that an opening 55 that can be opened and closed by a cover 53 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 17 of the surveillance cameras 7a, 7b so that the memory card can be attached and detached after the installation of the surveillance cameras 7a, 7b, and the main board is disposed in the housing 17 so that the connector is exposed when the cover 53 is opened. Note that the opening is not limited to the bottom surface of the housing 17, and may be formed on the side surface of the housing 17.

[0036] (3) The CPUs 11a and 11b of the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b may function as a notification unit that notifies the surveillance server 5 of malfunctions occurring in the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b, and the CPU of the surveillance server 5 may function as a transfer unit that transfers the notification received from the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b to the personal computer 3. A malfunction occurring in the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b is typically a write error (storage processing error) in the second storages 45a and 45b, and is a state in which, when the CPUs 11a and 11b execute a write process in the second storages 45a and 45b, some or all of the images to be written cannot be written due to a malfunction (failure, etc.) of the second storages 45a and 45b. The CPUs 11a and 11b that detect such malfunctions transmit an error code corresponding to the symptoms of the malfunction to the surveillance server 5. At this time, the CPU 11a and the CPU 11b may transmit an error code in association with the individual number assigned to each of the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b. The malfunction may be a failure of the camera module 9 or a communication failure between the parent camera 7a and the parent camera 7b.

[0037] When the monitoring server 5 receives a notification (error code) from the monitoring cameras 7a, 7b, it identifies the monitoring cameras 7a, 7b corresponding to the received notification. The monitoring cameras 7a, 7b are identified by extracting from the memory of the monitoring server the MAC addresses and private IP addresses assigned to the LAN modules 57 and wireless LAN modules 15 of the respective monitoring cameras 7a, 7b, and the individual information of the monitoring cameras 7a, 7b associated with the individual numbers (installation location, installation time, and model number of the monitoring cameras). The CPU of the monitoring server 5 then transmits the individual information of the identified monitoring cameras 7a, 7b and the notification (error code) to the personal computer 3.

[0038] In this way, malfunctions of the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b are transmitted to the personal computer 3 via the surveillance server 5, enabling the user to remotely grasp malfunctions of the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b, thereby enabling alive monitoring. This eliminates the need to go around the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b and check their operating status.

[0039] In the above variant example (3), the surveillance cameras 7a, 7b notify the surveillance server 5 when a malfunction is detected, but it is also acceptable for the surveillance cameras 7a, 7b to notify the surveillance server 5 of their operating status (presence or absence of a malfunction) in response to a request from the surveillance server 5.

[0040] (4) Like the memory card, the SIM card 39 is preferably accommodated in the housing 17 of the surveillance camera 7a. Also, in order to allow the SIM card 39 to be attached and detached after the surveillance camera 7a is installed, it is preferable that a communication board is disposed in the housing 17 so that the connector of the SIM card 39 is exposed when the cover 53 provided on the underside of the surveillance camera 7 is opened.

[0041] (5) The surveillance cameras 7a and 7b of this embodiment may include a light source 49 (FIG. 2). The light source 49 is disposed near optical components such as lenses provided in the housing 17, and emits light in the imaging direction of the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b. Such light source 49 is electrically connected so as to be controllable by the CPUs 11a and 11b of the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b. The CPUs 11a and 11b control the light source 49 to emit light when requesting an image from the camera modules 9a and 9b. This allows a clear image to be generated even in the dark.

[0042] (6) The surveillance camera 7 of this embodiment may include a sensor 51 (hereinafter, referred to as the brightness sensor 51 (FIG. 2)) that detects the brightness of the object to be monitored. The brightness sensor 51 is an element such as a phototransistor that receives natural light and converts the amount of the natural light into an electrical signal, and is attached at a position that does not interfere with the light of the light source. The output of the brightness sensor 51 is converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter and input to the CPUs 11a and 11b. The CPUs 11a and 11b identify the surrounding brightness based on the digital signal, and when the brightness falls below a predetermined threshold, determine that the surroundings are dark and control the light source 49. This enables light emission control such as making the light source 49 emit light only at night. The brightness sensor 51 functions as a brightness detection unit that detects the surrounding brightness, but is not limited to a phototransistor, and may identify the surrounding brightness based on the brightness of an image generated by the camera module 9.

[0043] (7) In the above embodiment, the camera modules 9a and 9b are described as constantly capturing images and generating images. However, the camera modules 9a and 9b may capture images based on a predetermined shooting schedule.

[0044] (8) In the above embodiment, the parent camera is provided with the SIM card 39, but the present invention is not limited to the SIM card 39 and may be a UIM card or a USIM card. The SIM is not limited to a card type and may be an e-SIM pre-mounted on a network board. In other words, it is sufficient if it functions as a communication information storage unit that stores communication information provided when a contract is made with the communication company Mc.

[0045] (9) In the above embodiment, an infrastructure network was configured in which one surveillance camera 7a was connected in parallel to multiple other surveillance cameras 7b. However, it is also acceptable for the wireless LAN modules of the multiple other surveillance cameras 7b to be connected to each other via mesh wifi so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with each other, and for images to be transmitted between the other surveillance cameras 7b, and ultimately for the images to be transmitted through the one surveillance camera 7a.

[0046] (10) In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described using surveillance camera system 1 as an example, but the present invention is not limited to surveillance camera system 1 and can be used in systems that allow users to view images from remote locations using the Internet N, such as security camera systems and network camera systems.

[0047] (11) In the above embodiment, the LAN module 57 and the wireless LAN router module 13 are separately provided in one surveillance camera 7a, but this is not limited to this embodiment, and the LAN module and the wireless LAN router module may be provided as a single communication module.

[0048] (12) The monitoring system of the above embodiment may include a time server. The time server is communicably connected to each of the monitoring cameras 7a, 7b via the Internet N, and transmits time information to each of the monitoring cameras 7a, 7b. Each time the CPU 11a, 11b of each of the monitoring cameras 7a, 7b receives time information from the time server, the CPU 11a, 11b stores an image in the second storage 45a, 45b in association with the time information. By providing a time server in this way and storing an image in association with the time information received from the time server, it is possible to provide accurate video information corresponding to the time.

[0049] (13) In the above embodiment and variations, images generated by each surveillance camera 7a, 7b are transmitted to the personal computer 3 via the surveillance server 5. However, this transmission method is not limited to this. Each surveillance camera 7a, 7b and the personal computer 3 may be connected in a peer-to-peer manner, so that images are transmitted from the surveillance cameras 7a, 7b to the personal computer 3 without going through the surveillance server 5.

[0050] (14) The surveillance cameras 7a and 7b may further include a third storage for storing images generated by the camera modules 9a and 9b. In this embodiment, the CPUs 11a and 11b of the surveillance cameras 7a and 7b store images acquired from the camera modules 9a and 9b in the second storages 45a and 45b and the third storage. In this embodiment, the same images are stored in the second storages 45a and 45b and the third storage, so that even if one of the storages fails, the image is stored in the other storage. Note that the second storages 45a and 45b and the third storage are preferably removable storage media, such as SD cards.

[0051] The present invention may be implemented in various forms that include improvements, modifications, or variations based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, the invention may be implemented in a form in which any of the invention-specific features are replaced with other technologies within the scope of the same action or effect. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Surveillance camera system 7. Camera 7a … First Camera 7b … Other cameras 9 … Camera module 39 … SIM card 41 … WAN Communications Department 43 ... Wireless LAN communication section M … Mobile phone network Mc... Telecommunications company

Claims

1. A surveillance camera system including a master camera that wirelessly communicates with a mobile phone communication network, and a plurality of slave cameras that communicate with the mobile phone communication network via the master camera, the child camera includes a camera module and a wireless LAN communication unit that transmits an image generated by the camera module to the parent camera via a wireless LAN; the parent camera includes a camera module, a WAN communication unit that transmits an image generated by the camera module, and a wireless LAN communication unit that receives an image from the child camera via the wireless LAN; the WAN communication unit has a SIM that stores communication information provided by a communication company, connects to the mobile phone communication network based on the communication information read from the SIM, and transmits images generated by the camera module of the parent camera and the received images via the mobile phone communication network under normal circumstances; When a connection failure occurs with the mobile phone communication network or a communication failure occurs in the mobile phone communication network itself, the parent camera transmits an image generated by a camera module of the parent camera at the time of the connection failure or communication failure and the received image after the connection failure or communication failure is recovered; A surveillance camera system characterized in that in the parent camera, the WAN communication unit and the wireless LAN communication unit are realized by a router module that forms the wireless LAN in a specified area centered on the parent camera.

2. The surveillance camera system according to claim 1 , wherein the parent camera includes a storage device for storing images generated by the parent camera module.

3. the parent camera includes a housing that houses the WAN communication unit and the storage; 3. The surveillance camera system according to claim 2, wherein the SIM and the storage are card-type cards that are inserted into the housing through an opening provided in the housing so as to be capable of being opened and closed.

4. The surveillance camera system according to claim 1 , wherein the parent camera includes a notification unit that notifies the parent camera of a malfunction when the malfunction is detected.

Images