Video distribution device, video distribution system, video distribution method and program

Abstract

To provide a video distribution device, a video distribution system, a video distribution method, and a program that are capable of efficiently setting camera identification information for identifying each of a plurality of network cameras.SOLUTION: A video distribution device 1 includes a connection processing unit 111 that acquires IP address information for each of network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, a camera number setting unit 112 that sets the camera numbers for the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D on the basis of the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information, an image acquisition unit 113 that acquires image information captured by each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and a camera number identification unit 115 that selects the image information on the basis of the IP address of its sender and stores the selected image information in an image storage unit 133 in association with the corresponding camera number information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a video distribution device, a video distribution system, a video distribution method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A system has been proposed in which multiple network cameras and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) and configuration files for each of the multiple network cameras can be collected using a USB memory stick (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this system, first, a USB memory stick is connected to one of the multiple network cameras, and the PC is operated to cause the network camera to store a configuration file containing the fixed IP address and port number to be assigned to that network camera. At this time, the configuration file is also stored in the USB memory stick. Next, the USB memory stick is removed from the network camera, and the USB memory stick is repeatedly connected and removed from each of the remaining multiple network cameras in turn, thereby incrementing the fixed IP address and port number, and each of the multiple network cameras stores a configuration file containing a different fixed IP address and port number. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-108911 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a system equipped with multiple network cameras as described above, a system is provided in which each of the multiple network cameras is assigned a unique camera number to identify it, and the images captured by each of the multiple network cameras are managed in association with the camera number. In this case, there is a demand for an efficient method of assigning a unique camera number to each of the multiple network cameras.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a video distribution device, a video distribution system, a video distribution method, and a program that can efficiently set camera identification information that identifies each of multiple network cameras. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a video distribution device according to the present invention comprises: an image storage unit that stores image information indicating images captured by each of a plurality of network cameras in association with camera identification information that identifies each of the plurality of network cameras; a connection processing unit that acquires address information including IP address information indicating IP addresses assigned to the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting to the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information setting unit that sets the camera identification information of each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of an IP address indicated by the IP address information; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; and a camera identification information identification unit that identifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of the sender of the image information, and stores the image information in the image storage unit in association with the identified camera identification information.

[0007] From another viewpoint, the video distribution system according to the present invention is Multiple network cameras and a video distribution device connected to the plurality of network cameras via a network and distributing image information indicating images captured by each of the plurality of network cameras to a terminal device; The video distribution device is an image storage unit that stores image information indicating images captured by each of the plurality of network cameras in association with camera identification information that identifies each of the plurality of network cameras; a connection processing unit that acquires address information including IP address information indicating IP addresses assigned to the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting to the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information setting unit that sets the camera identification information of each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of an IP address indicated by the IP address information; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; and a camera identification information identification unit that identifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of the sender of the image information, and stores the image information in the image storage unit in association with the identified camera identification information.

[0008] From another viewpoint, the video distribution method according to the present invention comprises: a step in which the video distribution device acquires address information including IP address information indicating at least an IP address assigned to each of the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting with the plurality of network cameras; a step in which the video distribution device sets camera identification information for identifying each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of an IP address indicated by the IP address information; a step in which the video distribution device acquires image information indicating images captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; The video distribution device identifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of the sender of the image information, associates the image information with the identified camera identification information, and stores image information indicating images captured by each of the plurality of network cameras in an image storage unit that stores the image information in association with the camera identification information that identifies each of the plurality of network cameras.

[0009] From another viewpoint, the program according to the present invention is Computer, a connection processing unit that acquires address information including IP address information indicating IP addresses assigned to at least each of the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting to the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information setting unit that sets camera identification information for identifying each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information specifying unit that specifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of the sender of the image information, and stores the image information in an image storage unit that stores image information indicating images captured by each of a plurality of network cameras in association with the camera identification information, in association with the specified camera identification information; Function as. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the connection processing unit of the video distribution device acquires IP address information indicating the IP address assigned to each of the multiple network cameras, and the camera identification information setting unit sets the camera identification information for each of the multiple network cameras based on the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information. As a result, the camera identification information for each of the multiple network cameras can be set simply by acquiring the IP address of each of the multiple network cameras, so that different camera identification information that identifies each of the multiple network cameras can be efficiently set. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a video distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a video distribution system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a video distribution system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a camera number storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the video distribution system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a video distribution process executed by the video distribution device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a video distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a video distribution process executed by a video distribution device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a camera number setting process executed by a video distribution device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a video distribution system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a camera number storage unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the video distribution system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a video distribution process executed by a video distribution device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a video distribution system according to a modified example. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a video distribution process executed by a video distribution device according to a modified example. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a camera number setting process executed by a video distribution device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (Embodiment 1) A video distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The video distribution device according to this embodiment includes an image storage unit, a connection processing unit, a camera identification information setting unit, an image acquisition unit, a camera number determination unit, and an image transmission unit. The image storage unit stores image information indicating images captured by each of a plurality of network cameras in association with camera identification information identifying each of the plurality of network cameras. The connection processing unit acquires IP address information indicating the IP addresses assigned to each of the plurality of network cameras during connection processing with the plurality of network cameras. The camera identification information setting unit is, for example, a camera number setting unit, and sets the camera identification information for each of the plurality of network cameras based on, for example, the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information. The image acquisition unit acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras. The camera number determination unit selects image information based, for example, on IP address information of the sender of the image information, and stores the selected image information in the image storage unit in association with the corresponding camera identification information. When the image transmitting unit receives transmission request information that includes camera identification information and requests transmission of image information, the image transmitting unit extracts the camera identification information included in the transmission request information, identifies image information stored in the image storage unit that corresponds to the extracted camera identification information, and transmits the identified image information to the sender of the transmission request information. This embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system according to this embodiment includes four network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D and a video distribution device 1 connected to the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, a wired local area network (LAN). The network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are used, for example, as surveillance cameras for monitoring production facilities. As shown in FIG. 2, the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D each include a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary memory 203, an imaging unit 204, a wired communication interface 206, and a bus 209 connecting the various components. The main memory 202 is configured as a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM). The auxiliary memory 203 is configured as a nonvolatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM) and stores programs for controlling the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. The wired communication interface 206 is connected to the network NW and transmits and receives data via the network NW. The CPU 201 loads a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 into the main storage unit 202 and executes it, thereby functioning as a connection processing unit 211 and an image transmission unit 212 as shown in Fig. 3. The main storage unit 202 shown in Fig. 2 also functions as a captured image buffer 221 that temporarily stores image information indicating images captured by the imaging unit 204 as shown in Fig. 3. Note that, although the imaging system according to this embodiment will be described taking four network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D as an example, the number of network cameras is not limited to this.

[0014] The connection processing unit 211 transmits address information including IP address information indicating the IP address assigned to the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D to the video distribution device 1 during the process of connecting with the video distribution device 1. The IP addresses assigned to the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D may be fixed IP addresses assigned in advance to the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, or dynamic IP addresses dynamically assigned by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server (not shown) connected to the network NW. For example, after being connected to the network NW, the connection processing unit 211 transmits address information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D to the video distribution device 1 during the process of establishing a connection with the video distribution device 1. If the IP address is a dynamic IP address, the connection processing unit 211 may transmit the address information to the video distribution device 1 every time an event occurs in which the IP address is updated by the DHCP server.

[0015] The image transmission unit 212 transmits image information indicating an image captured by the imaging unit 204 to the video distribution device 1. For example, every time the imaging unit 204 completes writing one frame of image data constituting moving image data into the captured image buffer 221, the image transmission unit 212 repeats the process of transmitting one frame of image information to the video distribution device 1. Furthermore, the image transmission unit 212 transmits the moving image data stored in the captured image buffer 221 to the video distribution device 1 using, for example, RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol).

[0016] Returning to FIG. 1 , terminal device 3 is, for example, a personal computer connected to network NW. When it acquires image information transmitted from video distribution device 1 via network NW, it displays an image represented by the acquired image information on its display unit. Terminal device 4 is, for example, a tablet-type terminal device capable of wireless communication with video distribution device 1 using a communication method conforming to the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standard. When it acquires image information transmitted wirelessly from video distribution device 1, it displays an image represented by the acquired image information on its display unit. Terminal devices 3 and 4 each acquire image information transmitted from video distribution device 1 by transmitting transmission request information to video distribution device 1 that includes camera number information of network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D and requests the transmission of image information. Here, if the transmission request information includes, for example, camera number information of network camera 2A, terminal devices 3 and 4 acquire image information representing an image captured by network camera 2A from video distribution device 1 and display it.

[0017] As shown in the hardware configuration diagram of FIG. 2, the video distribution device 1 includes a CPU 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary memory 103, a wired communication interface 106, a wireless module 107, and a bus 109 connecting the various components. The main memory 102 is composed of a volatile memory such as RAM and is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory 103 is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, or a solid-state drive (SSD) or hard disk drive (HDD), and stores programs for controlling the video distribution device 1. The wired communication interface 106 is connected to a network NW and transmits and receives data via the network NW using a communication method conforming to the wired LAN standard, for example, IEEE802.3. The wireless module 107 communicates wirelessly with the terminal device 4 using a communication method conforming to the wireless LAN standard, for example, IEEE802.11.

[0018] The CPU 101 loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes them, thereby functioning as a connection processing unit 111, a camera number setting unit 112, an image acquisition unit 113, an address extraction unit 114, a camera number identification unit 115, and an image transmission unit 116, as shown in Fig. 3. The main storage unit 102 shown in Fig. 2 also functions as an image buffer 121 that temporarily stores image information acquired from the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, as shown in Fig. 3. The auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in Fig. 2 also functions as an address storage unit 131 that stores IP address information acquired from the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, a camera number storage unit 132, and an image storage unit 133, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0019] 4, the camera number storage unit 132 stores camera number information set for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D in association with IP address information indicating the IP addresses of the corresponding network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. Here, the camera number information is camera identification information indicating the camera number that identifies each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. Returning to FIG. 3, the image storage unit 133 stores image information acquired from the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D in association with the camera number information.

[0020] In the process of connecting with the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, the connection processing unit 111 acquires address information including the IP address information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D transmitted from the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. The connection processing unit 111 extracts the IP address information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D included in the acquired address information, and stores the extracted IP address information in the address storage unit 131.

[0021] The camera number setting unit 112 is a camera identification information setting unit that sets camera number information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D based on the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D stored in the address storage unit 131. Here, the camera number setting unit 112 sets the camera number information so that, for example, the larger the value of the host portion of the IP address, the larger the camera number value. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, assume that the IP addresses of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are "192.168.1.1," "192.168.1.2," "192.168.1.3," and "192.168.1.4," respectively. In this case, the camera number setting unit 112 sets the camera numbers for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D to "1," "2," "3," and "4," respectively. It should be noted that the camera numbers are not limited to those assigned in a manner that increments by one for the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. For example, if the camera number of the network camera 2A, which has the smallest value in the host portion of its IP address, is "n0," the camera numbers of the network cameras 2B, 2C, and 2D may be set to "n0+nt," "n0+2×nt," or "n0+3×nt" (n0 and nt are positive integers). The camera number setting unit 112 stores the camera number information of the set network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D in the camera number storage unit 132 in association with the IP address information of the corresponding network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D.

[0022] The image acquisition unit 113 acquires image information captured by each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and stores the acquired image information in the image buffer 121. The address extraction unit 114 extracts IP address information included in the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit 113, and notifies the camera number identification unit 115 of the extracted IP address information.

[0023] Camera number identification unit 115 is a camera identification information identification unit that identifies camera number information corresponding to the extracted source IP address (IP address extracted by address extraction unit 114) based on a combination of camera number information and IP address information stored in camera number storage unit 132. Camera number identification unit 115 stores image information stored in image buffer 121 in image storage unit 133 in association with the identified camera identification information.

[0024] When the image transmitting unit 116 acquires the transmission request information transmitted from the terminal device 3, 4, it extracts the camera number information included in the transmission request information. Then, the image transmitting unit 116 identifies the image information stored in the image storage unit 133 that corresponds to the extracted camera number information, and transmits the identified image information to the terminal device 3, 4 that is the source of the transmission request information.

[0025] Next, the operation of the video distribution system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. First, for example, after network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are connected to the network NW, in the process of establishing a connection with the video distribution device 1, address information including the IP address information and MAC address information of network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is transmitted from network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D to video distribution device 1 (step S1). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the address information, video distribution device 1 extracts the IP address information included in the acquired address information and stores it in address storage unit 131 (step S2). Next, video distribution device 1 sets camera number information for each of network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D based on the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information for each of network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D stored in address storage unit 131 (step S3).

[0026] Furthermore, when image information indicating images captured by network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is transmitted from network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D to video distribution device 1 (step S4), video distribution device 1 stores the acquired image information in image buffer 121 (step S5). Next, video distribution device 1 extracts IP address information of the image information sender included in the acquired image information (step S6). Thereafter, video distribution device 1 identifies the camera number information corresponding to the extracted IP address of the sender based on a combination of the camera number information and IP address information stored in camera number storage unit 132 (step S7). Thereafter, video distribution device 1 stores the image information stored in image buffer 121 in image storage unit 133 in association with the identified camera identification information (step S8).

[0027] Furthermore, suppose that the users of the terminal devices 3 and 4 perform an image viewing operation (specifically, executed by an application provided on the terminal devices 3 and 4, for example) on the terminal devices 3 and 4 to view images captured by the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D on the terminal devices 3 and 4 themselves. In this case, the terminal devices 3 and 4 generate transmission request information including the camera number information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D that captured the images to be viewed (step S9). Next, the generated transmission request information is transmitted from the terminal devices 3 and 4 to the video distribution device 1 (step S10). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the transmission request information, the video distribution device 1 extracts the camera number information included in the acquired transmission request information and identifies image information stored in the image storage unit 133 that corresponds to the extracted camera number information (step S11). Next, the identified image information is transmitted from the video distribution device 1 to the terminal devices 3 and 4 (step S12). Meanwhile, upon acquiring the image information, the terminal devices 3 and 4 display the image indicated by the acquired image information on their display units (step S13).

[0028] Next, the video distribution process executed by the video distribution device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. This video distribution process is initiated, for example, when the video distribution device 1 is powered on. First, the connection processing unit 111 acquires address information transmitted from the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D during the process of connecting with the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (step S101). Next, the connection processing unit 111 extracts IP address information included in the acquired address information and stores the extracted IP address information in the address storage unit 131 (step S102).

[0029] Next, the camera number setting unit 112 sets the camera number information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (step S103) based on the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D stored in the address storage unit 131. At this time, the camera number setting unit 112 stores the set camera number information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D in the camera number storage unit 132 in association with the IP address information for the corresponding network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, as shown in FIG.

[0030] Next, the image acquisition unit 113 determines whether or not image information transmitted from the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D has been acquired (step S104). If the image acquisition unit 113 determines that image information has not been acquired (step S104: No), the process of step S109, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the image acquisition unit 113 determines that image information has been acquired (step S104: Yes), the image acquisition unit 113 stores the acquired image information in the image buffer 121 (step S105). Thereafter, the address extraction unit 114 extracts IP address information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D that are the senders of the image information, which is included in the image information (step S106). Here, the address extraction unit 114 notifies the camera number identification unit 115 of the extracted IP address information. Next, camera number identification unit 115 identifies the camera number information corresponding to the source IP address information notified by address extraction unit 114, based on a combination of the camera number information and IP address information stored in camera number storage unit 132 (step S107). Subsequently, camera number identification unit 115 stores the image information stored in image buffer 121 in image storage unit 133 in association with the identified camera identification information (step S108).

[0031] Thereafter, the image transmitting unit 116 determines whether or not transmission request information transmitted from the terminal device 3, 4 has been acquired (step S109). If the image transmitting unit 116 determines that transmission request information has not been acquired (step S109: No), the process of step S104 is executed again. On the other hand, if the image transmitting unit 116 determines that the above-mentioned transmission request information has been acquired (step S109: Yes), the image transmitting unit 116 extracts camera number information included in the transmission request information. Then, the image transmitting unit 116 identifies image information stored in the image storage unit 133 that corresponds to the extracted camera number information (step S110). Next, the image transmitting unit 116 transmits the identified image information to the terminal device 3, 4 that has transmitted the transmission request information (step S111), and the process of step S104 is executed again.

[0032] As described above, according to the video distribution device 1 of this embodiment, the connection processing unit 111 acquires the IP address information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D during the connection processing, and the camera identification information setting unit sets the camera number information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D based on the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information. As a result, simply by acquiring the IP address information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, it is possible to set the camera number information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and therefore it is possible to efficiently set different camera number information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D.

[0033] (Embodiment 2) The video distribution device of this embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that the camera identification information setting unit sets camera identification information that identifies each of the multiple network cameras based on information (video configuration information) about at least one type of video from each of the multiple network cameras.

[0034] The hardware configuration of the video distribution system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the video distribution system according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the hardware configuration of the video distribution system according to this embodiment will be described using the reference symbols shown in FIG. 2 as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 7, in network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D according to this embodiment, CPU 201 loads a program stored in auxiliary storage unit 203 into main storage unit 202 and executes it, thereby functioning as connection processing unit 211, image transmission unit 212, and camera information notification unit 2213. Note that in FIG. 7, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference symbols as in FIG. 3. Furthermore, main storage unit 202 has captured image buffer 221. When connection processing unit 211 transmits address information to video distribution device 1 during connection processing, camera information indicating the functions of network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D is transmitted to video distribution device 2001. Here, the camera information includes, for example, resolution information indicating the resolution of network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D, FPS information indicating the frame rate, and pan-tilt information indicating whether or not the camera has a pan-tilt function (horizontal and vertical swing function).

[0035] In video distribution device 2001, CPU 101 loads a program stored in auxiliary storage unit 103 into main storage unit 102 and executes it, thereby functioning as connection processing unit 111, camera number setting unit 2112, image acquisition unit 113, address extraction unit 114, camera number identification unit 115, image transmission unit 116, and camera information acquisition unit 2117. Main storage unit 102 also has image buffer 121, and auxiliary storage unit 103 has address storage unit 131, camera number storage unit 132, and image storage unit 133.

[0036] When the camera information acquisition unit 2117 acquires the camera information transmitted from the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D, it extracts the resolution information, FPS information, and pan / tilt information contained in the acquired camera information. Then, the camera information acquisition unit 2117 notifies the camera number setting unit 2112 of the extracted resolution information, FPS information, and pan / tilt information.

[0037] The camera number setting unit 2112 sets camera number information for identifying each of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D based on the resolution, frame rate, and presence or absence of a pan-tilt function of each of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D. Here, the camera number setting unit 2112 sets the camera number information for each of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D based on a predetermined priority for the resolution, frame rate, and presence or absence of a pan-tilt function. The camera number setting unit 2112 sets the camera number information for the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D so that, for example, the higher the resolution, the smaller the camera number. If there are multiple network cameras with the same resolution, the camera number setting unit 2112 sets the camera number information so that the higher the frame rate, the smaller the camera number. Then, for network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D, if there are multiple cameras with the same resolution and frame rate, the camera number setting unit 2112 sets the camera number information so that the camera number for a camera with a pan-tilt function is smaller. Also, if there are multiple network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D with the same resolution and frame rate and all of them have a pan-tilt function or all of them do not have a pan-tilt function, the camera number setting unit 2112 sets the camera number information so that the camera number for a camera with a smaller host portion value in the IP address assigned to the camera is smaller. Note that the camera number setting unit 2112 may set the camera number information for network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D in reverse order from the previous order. For example, the camera number information may be set so that the higher the resolution, the larger the camera number, and if there are multiple cameras with the same resolution, the camera number information may be set so that the higher the frame rate, the larger the camera number.

[0038] Next, the video distribution process executed by the video distribution device 2001 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. 8, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6. First, after the series of processes in steps S101 and S102 are executed, the camera information acquisition unit 2117 determines whether or not it has acquired camera information transmitted from the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S2101). If the camera information acquisition unit 2117 determines that it has not acquired the camera information (step S2101: No), it notifies the camera number setting unit 2112 accordingly. The camera number setting unit 2112 then sets the camera number information so that, for example, the larger the value of the host portion of the IP address, the larger the camera number value (step S2105). Next, the process of step S104 is executed. On the other hand, if the camera information acquisition unit 2117 determines that camera information has been acquired (step S2101: Yes), it refers to the IP address information stored in the address storage unit 131 (step S2102). Next, the camera information acquisition unit 2117 extracts the resolution information, FPS information, and pan / tilt information included in the acquired camera information (step S2103). Next, the camera number setting unit 2112 executes a camera number setting process to set the camera number information for each of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S2104).

[0039] The camera number setting process executed by the camera number setting unit 2112 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9. First, the camera number setting unit 2112 sets a target camera number n, which indicates the camera number to be assigned to one of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D, to an initial value n0 (step S201). Here, the initial value n0 can be set to any integer, for example, "1." Next, the camera number setting unit 2112 selects the network camera 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D with the highest resolution for which a camera number has not been set, based on the extracted resolution information (step S202). Next, the camera number setting unit 2112 determines whether there are multiple selected network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S203). If the camera number setting unit 2112 determines that only one network camera 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, or 2002D has been selected (step S203: No), it sets the camera number information of the selected network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D) to the camera number information indicating the target camera number "n" (step S211), and executes the processing of step S209, which will be described later. Here, the camera number setting unit 112 stores the camera number information of the set network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D) in the camera number storage unit 132 in association with the IP address information of the corresponding network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D).

[0040] On the other hand, suppose that the camera number setting unit 2112 determines that there are multiple selected network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S203: Yes). In this case, the camera number setting unit 2112 selects the network camera 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D with the highest frame rate based on the extracted FPS information (step S204). Thereafter, the camera number setting unit 2112 determines whether there are multiple selected network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S205). If the camera number setting unit 2112 determines that only one network camera 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, or 2002D has been selected (step S205: No), it sets the camera number information of the selected network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D) to the camera number information indicating the target camera number n (step S211), and executes the processing of step S209, which will be described later. Here, the camera number setting unit 112 stores the camera number information of the set network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D) in the camera number storage unit 132 in association with the IP address information of the corresponding network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D).

[0041] On the other hand, suppose that the camera number setting unit 2112 determines that there are multiple selected network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S205: Yes). In this case, the camera number setting unit 2112 selects one of the selected network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D that has a pan-tilt function based on the extracted pan-tilt information (step S206). Next, the camera number setting unit 2112 determines whether there are multiple selected network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S207). If the camera number setting unit 2112 determines that only one network camera 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, or 2002D has been selected (step S207: No), it sets the camera number information of the selected network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D) to the camera number information indicating the target camera number n (step S211), and executes the processing of step S209, which will be described later. Here, the camera number setting unit 112 stores the camera number information of the set network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D) in the camera number storage unit 132 in association with the IP address information of the corresponding network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, or 2002D).

[0042] On the other hand, suppose that the camera number setting unit 2112 determines that there are multiple selected network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S207: Yes). In this case, the camera number setting unit 2112 sets the camera number information of the network camera 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2D stored in the address storage unit 131 with the smallest host portion value in the IP address indicated by the IP address information of each of the network cameras 2002A, 2B, 2C, and 2D as the camera number information indicating the target camera number n (step S208). Here, the camera number setting unit 112 stores the camera number information of the set network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, 2002D) in the camera number storage unit 132 in association with the IP address information of the corresponding network camera 2002A (2002B, 2002C, 2002D).

[0043] Next, the camera number setting unit 2112 determines whether or not there are any network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D for which camera number information has not been set (step S209). Here, it is assumed that the camera number setting unit 2112 determines that there are any network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D for which camera number information has not been set (step S209: Yes). In this case, the camera number setting unit 2112 increments the target camera number n by a preset number of units nt (step S210). Here, the number of units nt is an integer, and is set to, for example, "1." Thereafter, the processing of step S202 is executed again.

[0044] On the other hand, it is assumed that the camera number setting unit 2112 determines that the camera number information has been set for all of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D (step S209: No). In this case, a series of processes from step S104 onwards is executed, as shown in Fig. 8. Note that the camera number setting unit 2112 determines, when setting the camera number information in step S202, step S204, or step S206, that the camera has high resolution, high frame rate, and a pan / tilt mechanism in that order, but the order of these three characteristics may be changed as appropriate.

[0045] As described above, in the video distribution device 2001 according to the present embodiment, the camera number setting unit 2112 sets the camera number information for each of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D based on the resolution, frame rate, and presence or absence of a pan-tilt function of each of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D. This allows the frequency of transmission to the terminal devices 3 and 4 to be increased for the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D with smaller camera numbers indicated by the set camera number information, for example. This allows the frequency of transmission to the terminal devices 3 and 4 to be increased for the image information corresponding to the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D with higher functionality. This makes it relatively easy to set the priority of the frequency of transmission to the terminal devices 3 and 4 of image information representing images captured by each of the network cameras 2002A, 2002B, 2002C, and 2002D. The specific order of camera numbers based on the camera information described above is merely an example, and the system or administrator may decide it as appropriate according to individual circumstances.

[0046] (Embodiment 3) The video distribution device of this embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that, when a camera identification information setting event occurs in which camera identification information for multiple network cameras is set, the connection processing unit 111 generates address request information requesting address information from the multiple network cameras, including IP address information indicating at least the IP addresses assigned to each of the multiple network cameras, and broadcasts the address request information to the multiple network cameras, thereby acquiring address information sent from each of the multiple network cameras.

[0047] The hardware configuration of the video distribution system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the video distribution system according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the hardware configuration of the video distribution system according to this embodiment will be described using the reference numerals shown in FIG. 2 as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 10, in network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D according to this embodiment, CPU 201 loads a program stored in auxiliary storage unit 203 into main storage unit 202 and executes it, thereby functioning as connection processing unit 3211 and image transmission unit 212. Note that in FIG. 10, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3. Furthermore, main storage unit 202 includes captured image buffer 221. When connection processing unit 3211 receives Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) request information transmitted from video distribution device 3001 and including IP address information indicating the IP address assigned to the connection processing unit, connection processing unit 3211 transmits ARP response information to video distribution device 3001, including the IP address information of the connection processing unit and a Media Access Control (MAC) address information indicating the MAC address, which is unique identification information specific to the connection processing unit.

[0048] In video distribution device 3001, CPU 101 loads a program stored in auxiliary storage unit 103 into main storage unit 102 and executes it, thereby functioning as connection processing unit 3111, camera number setting unit 112, image acquisition unit 113, address extraction unit 114, camera number identification unit 115, and image transmission unit 116. Main storage unit 102 also has image buffer 121, and auxiliary storage unit 103 has address storage unit 131, camera number storage unit 3132, and image storage unit 133. As shown in FIG. 11 , for example, camera number storage unit 3132 stores camera number information set for each of network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, IP address information indicating the IP addresses of the corresponding network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and MAC address information unique to the corresponding network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, in association with each other.

[0049] 10, when a camera number setting event occurs in which the camera number information of network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D is set, connection processing unit 3111 generates the aforementioned ARP request information. Here, examples of the camera number setting event include a case in which a user performs an operation to set new camera number information on terminal devices 3 and 4, and video distribution device 3001 receives camera number setting command information from terminal devices 3 and 4 instructing the terminal devices to set new camera numbers, or a case in which video distribution device 3001 is started up. Next, connection processing unit 3111 broadcasts the generated ARP request information to network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D (more specifically, transmits it to the entire network NW), thereby acquiring ARP response information transmitted from each of network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D. Here, the connection processing unit 3111 may previously store an address pool of candidate IP address information to be assigned to the network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D. More specifically, the connection processing unit 3111 may store an OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier), which is the first half of a MAC address and enables identification of the vendor of the network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D. The connection processing unit 3111 may repeatedly select one IP address from the address pool, generate ARP request information including the selected IP address information, and broadcast the ARP request information to the network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D. Here, the connection processing unit 3111 may repeatedly broadcast the ARP request information while changing the IP address information included in the ARP request information until it receives ARP response information from all of the network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D. In addition, the connection processing unit 3111 extracts the IP address information and MAC address information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D contained in the acquired ARP response information, and stores the extracted IP address information and MAC address information in the address storage unit 3131 in correspondence with each other.

[0050] Next, the operation of the video distribution system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In Fig. 11, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 5. First, when the camera number setting event described above occurs, video distribution device 3001 generates the ARP request information described above (step S3001). The generated ARP request information is broadcast from video distribution device 3001 to network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D (step S3002). Meanwhile, when network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D each receive ARP request information including IP address information indicating the IP address assigned to the camera, network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D respond by transmitting ARP response information including MAC address information unique to the camera from network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D to video distribution device 3001 (step S3003). Meanwhile, the video distribution device 3001 extracts the IP address information and MAC address information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D included in the acquired ARP response information, and stores the extracted IP address information and MAC address information in the address storage unit 131 in association with each other (step S3004). Next, the video distribution device 1 sets the camera number information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D based on the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D stored in the address storage unit 131 (step S3). Then, a series of processes from step S4 onwards are executed.

[0051] Next, the video distribution process executed by the video distribution device 3001 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. Note that in FIG. 13, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6. First, the connection processing unit 3111 determines whether the above-mentioned camera number setting event has occurred (step S3101). If the connection processing unit 3111 determines that the camera number setting event has not occurred (step S3101: No), the process of step S104 is executed. On the other hand, it is assumed that the connection processing unit 3111 determines that the camera number setting event has occurred (step S3101: Yes). In this case, the connection processing unit 3111 generates the above-mentioned ARP request information and broadcasts it to the network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D (step S3102), thereby acquiring ARP response information transmitted from each of the network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D (step S3103). Next, the connection processing unit 3111 extracts the IP address information and MAC address information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D included in the acquired ARP response information, and stores the extracted IP address information and MAC address information in the address storage unit 131 in association with each other (step S3104). Subsequently, the camera number setting unit 112 sets the camera number information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D based on the host portion of the IP address indicated by the IP address information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D stored in the address storage unit 131 (step S103). Thereafter, a series of processes from step S104 onwards are executed.

[0052] As described above, according to video management device 3001 of this embodiment, when the above-mentioned camera number setting event occurs, connection processing unit 3111 generates ARP request information and broadcasts it to network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D, thereby acquiring ARP response information sent from each of network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D. As a result, for example, if an abnormality occurs in the video management system and video management device 3001 is restarted, camera number information for each of network cameras 3002A, 3002B, 3002C, and 3002D can be quickly set, thereby shortening the MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) of the video management system.

[0053] Although the above describes each embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments. For example, the camera identification information setting unit may set the camera number information for each of multiple network cameras so that the higher the resolution of the network camera, the smaller the value, or the higher the resolution of the network camera, the larger the value. Below, as a modified example, a description will be given of an example in which camera numbers are assigned according to the camera's resolution when the camera number storage unit 132 of the video distribution device does not store camera number information in association with IP address information, or when the IP address information has been updated and is no longer associated with the camera number.

[0054] The hardware configuration of the video distribution system according to this modification is the same as that of the video distribution system according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the hardware configuration of the video distribution system according to this modification will be described using the reference numerals shown in FIG. 2 as appropriate. In the video distribution system according to this modification, as shown in FIG. 14, in a video distribution device 4001, a CPU 101 loads a program stored in an auxiliary storage unit 103 into a main storage unit 102 and executes the program, thereby functioning as a connection processing unit 111, a camera number setting unit 4112, an image acquisition unit 113, an address extraction unit 4114, a camera number identification unit 115, an image transmission unit 116, and a resolution identification unit 4118. In FIG. 14, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the main storage unit 102 includes an image buffer 121, and the auxiliary storage unit 103 includes an address storage unit 131, a camera number storage unit 132, and an image storage unit 133.

[0055] The address extraction unit 4114 extracts IP address information contained in the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit 113, and notifies the camera number identification unit 115 and the resolution identification unit 4118 of the extracted IP address information.

[0056] When the address extraction unit 4114 notifies the resolution determination unit 4118 of the IP address information of the image information sender, the resolution determination unit 4118 acquires one frame of image information corresponding to the IP address information stored in the image buffer 121, and determines the resolution of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D that sent the image information based on the acquired image information. If the camera number storage unit 132 does not store camera number information in association with IP address information and determines that the camera number information is unset, or if the IP address information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is updated and new address information is acquired from the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, the resolution determination unit 4118 executes a process of determining the resolution to set the camera number information. The resolution determination unit 4118 then notifies the camera number setting unit 4112 of the resolution information indicating the determined resolution.

[0057] The camera number setting unit 4112 sets camera number information based on the resolution information notified by the resolution specification unit 4118. For example, the camera number setting unit 4112 sets camera number information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D so that the higher the resolution, the smaller the value. The camera number setting unit 4112 also stores the set camera number information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D in the camera number storage unit 132 in association with the IP address information of the corresponding network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D.

[0058] Next, the video distribution process executed by the video distribution device 4001 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In FIG. 15, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6. First, after the series of processes in steps S101 and S102 are executed, the image acquisition unit 113 determines whether or not it has acquired image information transmitted from the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (step S4101). If the image acquisition unit 113 determines that it has not acquired image information (step S4101: No), it executes the process of step S109, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the image acquisition unit 113 determines that it has acquired image information (step S4101: Yes), it stores the acquired image information in the image buffer 121 (step S4102). Next, the address extraction unit 4114 extracts IP address information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D that transmitted the image information, which is included in the image information (step S4103). Here, the address extraction unit 4114 notifies the extracted IP address information to the camera number identification unit 115 and the resolution identification unit 4118. Next, the resolution identification unit 4118 references the camera number information stored in the camera number storage unit 132 and the IP address information stored in the address storage unit 131, and determines whether the camera number information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D has not been set or whether the IP address of any of these cameras has been updated (step S4104). Here, if the resolution identification unit 4118 determines that the camera number information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D has already been set and the IP address has not been updated (step S4104: No), the process of step S107 is executed.

[0059] On the other hand, suppose the resolution identification unit 4118 determines that the camera number information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D has not been set or that the IP addresses have been updated (step S4104: Yes). In this case, the resolution identification unit 4118 identifies the resolution of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D that are the senders of the image information, based on one frame of image information stored in the image buffer 121 and corresponding to the notified IP address information (step S4105). Next, the camera number setting unit 4112 executes a camera number setting process to set the camera number information of each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (step S4106).

[0060] The camera number setting process executed by the camera number setting unit 4112 will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 16. First, the camera number setting unit 4112 determines whether the resolution of the identified network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is at the "FULL HD" level (step S4201). If the camera number setting unit 4112 determines that the resolution of the identified network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is at the "FULL HD" level (step S4201: Yes), it sets the camera number information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D that have transmitted the image information to camera number information indicating camera number "n0" (n0 is an integer) (step S4202), and then executes the process of step S108. On the other hand, if the camera number setting unit 4112 determines that the resolution of the identified network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is not at the "FULL HD" level (step S4201: No), it determines whether the resolution is at the "HD" level (step S4203). Here, if the camera number setting unit 4112 determines that the resolution of the identified network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is at the "HD" level (step S4203: Yes), it sets the camera number information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D that have transmitted the image information to camera number information indicating the camera number "n0+nt" (nt is an integer) (step S4204), and then executes the processing of step S108. On the other hand, it is assumed that the camera number setting unit 4112 determines that the resolution of the identified network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D is not at the "HD" level (step S4203: No). In this case, the camera number setting unit 4112 sets the camera number information of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D that are the senders of the image information to camera number information indicating the camera number "n0+2×nt" (step S4205), and then the process of step S108 is executed. Thereafter, a series of processes from step S109 onwards shown in FIG. 15 are executed.

[0061] According to this configuration, for example, by setting a higher frequency of transmission to the terminal devices 3 and 4 for network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D with smaller camera numbers indicated by the set camera number information, it is possible to increase the frequency of transmission of image information corresponding to network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D with higher resolution to the terminal devices 3 and 4. Therefore, it is possible to set the priority of the frequency of transmission to the terminal devices 3 and 4 of image information indicating images captured by each of network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D.

[0062] As another variation, in the first embodiment, different port numbers of the video distribution device 1 may be assigned to the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D in advance. The network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D may each include a port number notification unit that transmits port number information indicating the port number assigned to each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D to the video distribution device 1. In this case, the video distribution device 1 may include a camera number setting unit that sets the camera number information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D based on the port numbers indicated by the port number information for each of the network cameras 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. Here, the camera number setting unit may set the camera number information so that, for example, the larger the port number value, the larger the camera number value.

[0063] The various functions of the video distribution devices 1, 2001, 3001, and 4001 according to the present invention can be realized by using a computer system equipped with a wireless communication module, rather than a dedicated system. For example, a program for executing the above operations may be stored on a non-transitory recording medium (such as a CD-ROM) that can be read by the computer system and distributed to a computer connected to a network, and the program may be installed in the computer system to configure the video distribution devices 1, 2001, 3001, and 4001 that execute the above-mentioned processes.

[0064] The method of providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a server on a communication line and distributed to the computer via the communication line. The computer then launches the program and executes it under the control of the OS in the same way as other applications. In this way, the computer functions as the video distribution device 1, 2001, 3001, or 4001 that executes the above-mentioned processes.

[0065] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention includes any combination of the embodiments and modifications, and any combination to which appropriate modifications have been made. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] The present invention is suitable for a video distribution system that requires setting camera numbers for multiple network cameras. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1, 2001, 3001, 4001: video distribution device, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D: network camera, 3, 4: terminal device, 101, 201: CPU, 102, 202: main memory unit, 103, 203: auxiliary memory unit, 106, 206: wired communication interface, 107: wireless module, 109, 209: bus, 111, 211, 3111, 3211: connection processing unit, 112, 2112, 4112: camera number setting unit, 113: image acquisition unit, 114, 4114: address extraction unit, 115: camera number identification unit, 116, 212: image transmission unit, 121: image buffer, 131, 3131: address storage unit, 132, 3132: camera number storage unit, 133: image storage unit, 204: imaging unit, 221: captured image buffer, 2117: camera information acquisition unit, 2213: camera information notification unit, 4118: resolution identification unit, NW: network

Claims

1. an image storage unit that stores image information indicating images captured by each of a plurality of network cameras in association with camera identification information that identifies each of the plurality of network cameras; a connection processing unit that acquires address information including IP address information indicating an IP address assigned to each of the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting to the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information setting unit that sets the camera identification information of each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of an IP address indicated by the IP address information; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information specifying unit that specifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of a sender of the image information, and stores the image information in the image storage unit in association with the specified camera identification information, Video distribution device.

2. an image storage unit that stores image information indicating images captured by each of a plurality of network cameras in association with camera identification information that identifies each of the plurality of network cameras; a connection processing unit that acquires address information including IP address information indicating an IP address assigned to each of the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting to the plurality of network cameras; a camera information acquisition unit that acquires camera information indicating at least one type of function of each of a plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information setting unit that sets camera identification information for identifying each of the plurality of network cameras based on the at least one type of function indicated by the camera information; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information specifying unit that specifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of a sender of the image information, and stores the image information in the image storage unit in association with the specified camera identification information, Video distribution device.

3. the camera identification information is camera number information indicating a different value assigned to each of a plurality of network cameras, the at least one function includes a resolution, a frame rate, and a pan-tilt function; the camera identification information setting unit sets the camera number information of each of the plurality of network cameras based on a predetermined priority regarding the resolution, the frame rate, and the presence or absence of the pan-tilt function. The video distribution device according to claim 2 .

4. the camera identification information is camera number information indicating a different value assigned to each of a plurality of network cameras, the at least one function includes resolution; the camera identification information setting unit sets the camera number information for each of the plurality of network cameras so that the higher the resolution of the network camera, the smaller the value, or so that the higher the resolution of the network camera, the larger the value. The video distribution device according to claim 2 .

5. a resolution specifying unit that specifies a resolution corresponding to the network camera that is a source of the image information based on the image information; The video distribution device according to claim 4.

6. an image storage unit that stores image information indicating images captured by each of a plurality of network cameras in association with camera identification information that identifies each of the plurality of network cameras; a connection processing unit that, when a camera identification information setting event occurs in a connection process with the plurality of network cameras, for setting camera identification information for identifying each of the plurality of network cameras, generates address request information requesting address information from the plurality of network cameras, the address request information including at least IP address information indicating an IP address assigned to each of the plurality of network cameras and unique identification information unique to each of the plurality of network cameras, and transmits the address request information to the plurality of network cameras, thereby acquiring the address information transmitted from each of the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information setting unit that sets camera identification information for identifying each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of an IP address indicated by the IP address information; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information specifying unit that specifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of a sender of the image information, and stores the image information in the image storage unit in association with the specified camera identification information, Video distribution device.

7. The unique identification information is MAC address information indicating a MAC address. The video distribution device according to claim 6.

8. an image transmitting unit that, upon receiving transmission request information that includes the camera identification information and requests transmission of the image information, extracts the camera identification information included in the transmission request information, identifies the image information stored in the image storage unit and that corresponds to the extracted camera identification information, and transmits the identified image information to a sender of the transmission request information; The video distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Multiple network cameras and a video distribution device connected to the plurality of network cameras via a network and distributing image information indicating images captured by each of the plurality of network cameras to a terminal device; The video distribution device is an image storage unit that stores image information indicating images captured by each of the plurality of network cameras in association with camera identification information that identifies each of the plurality of network cameras; a connection processing unit that acquires address information including IP address information indicating an IP address assigned to each of the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting to the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information setting unit that sets the camera identification information of each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of an IP address indicated by the IP address information; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information specifying unit that specifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of a sender of the image information, and stores the image information in the image storage unit in association with the specified camera identification information, Video distribution system.

10. a step in which the video distribution device acquires address information including IP address information indicating at least an IP address assigned to each of the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting to the plurality of network cameras; a step in which the video distribution device sets camera identification information for identifying each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of an IP address indicated by the IP address information; a step in which the video distribution device acquires image information indicating images captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; the video distribution device specifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of the sender of the image information, and stores the image information in an image storage unit that associates the image information with the specified camera identification information and stores image information indicating images captured by each of the plurality of network cameras in association with the camera identification information that identifies each of the plurality of network cameras, Video distribution method.

11. Computer, a connection processing unit that acquires address information including IP address information indicating IP addresses assigned to at least each of the plurality of network cameras in a process of connecting to the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information setting unit that sets camera identification information for identifying each of the plurality of network cameras based on a host portion of an IP address indicated by the IP address information; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information captured by each of the plurality of network cameras; a camera identification information specifying unit that specifies the camera identification information corresponding to the image information based on the IP address of the sender of the image information, and stores the image information in an image storage unit that stores image information indicating images captured by each of a plurality of network cameras in association with the specified camera identification information; A program to function as a

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