Electromagenetic-wave-transmitter detection device, electromagenetic-wave-transmitter detection method, and electromagenetic-wave-transmitter detection program

Abstract

The present invention reliably detects the presence and location of electromagnetic wave transmitters.　A space in which detection is to be performed is imaged by: a visible light video camera 10 which comprises an image sensor 14 having sensitivity to the wavelengths of visible light; and an electromagnetic wave video camera 30 which comprises an image sensor 34 having sensitivity to the wavelengths of electromagnetic waves transmitted by covert listening devices. In addition, visible-light moving-image data captured by the visible light video camera 10 and monochromatic electromagnetic-wave moving-image data obtained by converting electromagnetic-wave moving-image data captured by the electromagnetic wave video camera 30 to monochrome are synthesized and output. The electromagnetic wave video camera 30 is positioned at approximately the same position and angle as the visible light video camera 10. Thus, it is possible to reliably detect whether and where covert listening devices are installed.

Description

Electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device, electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method, and electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device, an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method, and an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program for detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-7771 (Patent Document 1) describes a radio wave transmitter detection device that includes a single-shot signal generator that generates a single-shot signal, a receiver / demodulator circuit that receives and demodulates radio waves transmitted from a radio wave transmitter such as a bugging device when the radio wave transmitter receives the single-shot signal transmitted from the single-shot signal generator, a delay time detector that detects the delay time from when the single-shot signal generator generates the single-shot signal to when the receiver / demodulator circuit receives and demodulates the radio waves corresponding to the single-shot signal and outputs them, and a timing generator that changes the timing until the next single-shot signal is generated according to the detected delay time.

[0003] This device operates so that the period of the single signal becomes longer when moving away from a radio wave transmitter such as a bugging device, and becomes shorter when approaching the device, so that the location of a radio wave transmitter such as a bugging device can be reliably found with a simple circuit configuration.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-7771

[0005] In recent years, there has been an emergence of wiretaps and other radio wave transmitters that do not transmit radio waves corresponding to audio containing a single signal at the timing when the audio containing the single signal is received, but transmit radio waves corresponding to the audio at a timing different from the timing when the audio containing the single signal is received, i.e., at random timing. With such wiretaps, it is unclear at what timing the radio waves will be transmitted, so the radio wave transmitter detection device described in the above publication cannot cope with this, and there is still room for improvement in terms of detection performance.

[0006] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a technique that can reliably detect the presence and location of an electromagnetic wave transmitter.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention may be an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device that detects electromagnetic wave transmitters, and may include a housing, at least one first camera that has a first imaging element having light sensitivity to wavelengths of visible light components and is arranged on the housing, at least one second camera that has a second imaging element having light sensitivity set to match the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter and is arranged on the housing so as to have a camera position and camera angle that are approximately the same as those of the first camera, an image conversion unit that can convert a second image taken by the second camera into a monochrome third image, an image synthesis unit that generates a composite image by synthesizing the first image taken by the first camera and the third image, and an output unit that can output the composite image generated by the image synthesis unit.

[0008] Here, the "casing" in the present invention typically refers to a box-shaped container, but preferably includes a frame-shaped structure (frame body). Furthermore, the "image" in the present invention preferably includes not only still images but also moving images.

[0009] According to the present invention, since the second imaging element has light receiving sensitivity (in other words, electromagnetic wave receiving sensitivity) to the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter can be captured by the second camera. Then, the second image capturing the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter is converted into a monochrome third image, and a composite image is output by combining the first image captured by the first camera positioned at approximately the same camera position and camera angle as the second camera with the third image. Therefore, even if the electromagnetic wave transmitter is an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing, it is possible to reliably detect not only whether it is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is located.

[0010] The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention is an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device that detects electromagnetic wave transmitters, and may include at least one camera having a filter that is patterned with visible light transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths of visible light components and electromagnetic wave transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths set to match the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, and an image sensor that has light receiving sensitivity to wavelengths that pass through the filter, an image conversion unit that can convert an image captured by the camera into a monochrome converted image, an image synthesis unit that generates a composite image by synthesizing the image captured by the camera and the monochrome converted image, and an output unit that can output the composite image generated by the image synthesis unit.

[0011] According to the present invention, the camera has a filter in which a visible light transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths of visible light components and an electromagnetic wave transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths of electromagnetic waves transmitted by an electromagnetic wave transmitter are arranged in a pattern, and an image sensor that has light receiving sensitivity to the wavelengths that pass through the filter, so that the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter can be captured in the image of the space to be detected captured by the camera.As a result, even if an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing is present in the space to be detected, it is possible to reliably detect not only whether the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present.

[0012] Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method according to the present invention may be an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method for detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter, and may include the steps of: (a) arranging at least one first camera having a first imaging element having a light sensitivity to wavelengths of visible light components, and at least one second camera having a second imaging element having a light sensitivity set to match the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, so that the camera positions and camera angles are approximately equal; (b) capturing an image of the space to be detected using the first and second cameras; (c) converting the second image captured by the second camera into a monochrome third image; (d) generating a composite image by combining the first image captured by the first camera and the third image; and (e) outputting the generated composite image.

[0013] Here, the term "image" in the present invention preferably includes not only still images but also moving images.

[0014] According to the present invention, since the second imaging element has light receiving sensitivity (in other words, electromagnetic wave receiving sensitivity) to the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter can be captured by the second camera. Then, the second image capturing the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter is converted into a monochrome third image, and a composite image is output by combining the first image captured by the first camera positioned at approximately the same camera position and camera angle as the second camera with the third image. Therefore, even if the electromagnetic wave transmitter is an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing, it is possible to reliably detect not only whether it is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is located.

[0015] Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program according to the present invention may be configured to cause a computer to execute at least steps (b) to (e) of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method according to the present invention described above.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those achieved by the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention described above, such as the effect of being able to reliably detect not only whether an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present.

[0017] The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method according to the present invention may be a method for detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter, and may include the steps of: (f) capturing an image of a space to be detected using at least one camera equipped with a filter in which visible light transmitting material capable of transmitting wavelengths of visible light components and electromagnetic wave transmitting material capable of transmitting wavelengths set to match the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter are patterned and arranged, and an imaging element having light receiving sensitivity to wavelengths that pass through the filter; (g) converting the image captured by the camera into a monochrome converted image; (h) generating a composite image by combining the image captured by the camera and the monochrome converted image; and (i) outputting the generated composite image.

[0018] Here, the term "image" in the present invention preferably includes not only still images but also moving images.

[0019] According to the present invention, a camera having a filter in which a visible light transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths of visible light components and an electromagnetic wave transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths of electromagnetic waves transmitted by an electromagnetic wave transmitter are arranged in a pattern, and an image sensor having light receiving sensitivity to wavelengths transmitted by the filter, is used to image the space to be detected, so that the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter can be imaged in the image of the space to be detected.As a result, even if an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing is present in the space to be detected, it is possible to reliably detect not only whether it is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is located.

[0020] The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program according to the present invention may be configured to cause a computer to execute the above-described electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method according to the present invention (specifically, at least steps (f) to (i)).

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those achieved by the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention described above, such as the effect of being able to reliably detect not only whether an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect the presence and location of an electromagnetic wave transmitter.

[0023] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a visible light video camera of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an electromagnetic wave video camera of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an example of one frame of visible light video data. FIG. 1 shows an example of one frame of electromagnetic wave video data. FIG. 1 shows an example of one frame of composite video data. FIG. 1 shows an example of one frame of visible light video data. FIG. 1 shows an example of one frame of electromagnetic wave video data. FIG. 1 shows an example of one frame of visible light video data.

[0024] Hereinafter, examples (embodiments) of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 of Example 1 is configured as a device capable of detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter, specifically, a bugging device, installed in a space to be detected, such as a room.

[0026] The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 according to the first embodiment includes an imaging device 2 that captures an image of a space to be detected, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") 50 that is connected by wire to the imaging device 2. In this embodiment, the imaging device 2 and the PC 50 are connected by wire, but it goes without saying that the imaging device 2 and the PC 50 may also be connected wirelessly.

[0027] A bug is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "electromagnetic wave transmitter" of the present invention. However, the "electromagnetic wave transmitter" of the present invention is not limited to a bug, and may broadly include various devices that transmit various information by electromagnetic waves.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 2 has a housing 4 and a visible light video camera 10 and an electromagnetic wave video camera 30 arranged on either side of the housing 4 .

[0029] The housing 4 is configured as a polyhedron having six faces. Four support legs 6, 6, 6, 6 are detachably attached to the bottom surface of the housing 4.

[0030] In this embodiment, the imaging device 2 is configured to take images while installed on the housing 4 with support legs 6, 6, 6, 6 attached, but it goes without saying that the imaging device 2 may also be configured to take images while held in the hand.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the visible light video camera 10 is configured as a typical digital video camera, and includes a lens 12, an image sensor 14 having a color filter 13, an image processing engine 16 electrically connected to the image sensor 14, a video output terminal 18 electrically connected to the image processing engine 16, a recording medium 20, an audio receiving unit 22, an LCD monitor 24, and a viewfinder 26, and a camera body 28 that houses these components.

[0032] In this embodiment, the image sensor 14 is configured to use a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) made up of a semiconductor light-receiving element, and has light-receiving sensitivity in the wavelength range of visible light components, for example, 360 nm to 830 nm (equivalent to 361 THz to 833 THz in frequency). Note that the semiconductor light-receiving element included in the image sensor 14 may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

[0033] The image processing engine 16 converts the video data generated by the image sensor 14 into a file that can be viewed as a video. The image processing engine 16 also associates the images and videos converted into the viewable files with audio signals received by the audio receiving unit 22 and outputs them to the PC 50 via the video output terminal 18 and to the recording medium 20. The image processing engine 16 also outputs the images and videos converted into the viewable files to the LCD monitor 24 and the viewfinder 26. The video output terminal 18 and the PC 50 are connected by a cable 82 via an adapter 80 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0034] The visible light video camera 10 corresponds to a "first camera" in the present invention, and the image sensor 14 is an example of an embodiment corresponding to a "first image capturing element" in the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that the information associated with the images and videos converted into visible files in the image processing engine 16 is not limited to audio (specifically, audio signals), but may be, for example, temperature information measured by a temperature sensor, or even various information that can be sensed by various sensors, etc.

[0036] 3, the electromagnetic wave video camera 30 has a lens 32, an image sensor 34, an image processing engine 36 electrically connected to the image sensor 34, a video output terminal 38 and a recording medium 40 electrically connected to the image processing engine 36, a camera body 44 that houses these components, and a bandpass filter 46 attached in front of the lens 32. Note that the bandpass filter 46 may also be attached behind the lens 32.

[0037] In this embodiment, the image sensor 34 is configured to use a CMOS semiconductor light receiving element, although the semiconductor light receiving element included in the image sensor 34 may be a CCD.

[0038] In this embodiment, the image sensor 34 has a light receiving sensitivity (in other words, an electromagnetic wave receiving sensitivity) in the frequency range of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the bug, for example, 145 MHz to 430 MHz. This allows the image sensor 34 to receive and capture the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the bug, thereby enabling the location of the bug to be detected. The image sensor 34 may also have a light receiving sensitivity (in other words, an electromagnetic wave receiving sensitivity) in the frequency range of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the bug, 800 MHz to 2 GHz.

[0039] The image processing engine 36 converts the video data generated by the image sensor 34 into a file that can be viewed as a video. The image processing engine 36 also outputs the images and videos converted into the viewable file to the PC 50 via the video output terminal 38 and to the recording medium 20. The video output terminal 38 and the PC 50 are connected by a cable 82 via an adapter 80 (see FIG. 1).

[0040] The bandpass filter 46 has a characteristic of being able to transmit wavelengths of 700 nm or more (equivalent to a frequency of 428 THz or less). That is, the bandpass filter 46 is configured as a filter that transmits wavelengths of approximately far-infrared or more while barely transmitting visible light. The wavelengths transmitted by the bandpass filter 46 are not limited to 700 nm or more (equivalent to a frequency of 428 THz or less), but are set to a range that does not transmit (or barely transmits) visible light and transmits wavelengths of approximately far-infrared or more.

[0041] The electromagnetic wave video camera 30 corresponds to the "second camera" of the present invention, and the image sensor 34 is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "second image pickup element" of the present invention.

[0042] Here, the range of wavelengths / wavelength bands / frequencies / frequency bands of electromagnetic waves that the electromagnetic wave video camera 30 (specifically, the image sensor 34) is intended to receive / receive is not limited to the ranges of 145 MHz to 430 MHz or 800 MHz to 2 GHz, but may be at least a portion of the range of 1 Hz to 1 PHz. The range of wavelengths / wavelength bands / frequencies / frequency bands of electromagnetic waves that the electromagnetic wave video camera 30 (specifically, the image sensor 34) is intended to receive / receive may be appropriately set to include, for example, the wavelengths / wavelength bands / frequencies / frequency bands of electromagnetic waves emitted (or assumed to be emitted) by an electromagnetic wave transmitter serving as a device to be detected. Note that electromagnetic wave frequency bands restricted for general use, infrared electromagnetic wave frequency bands, ultraviolet electromagnetic wave frequency bands, 2.4 GHz, 100 MHz, 200 MHz, 300 MHz, 400 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and 1200 MHz may be excluded.

[0043] The PC 50 is configured as a microprocessor centered around a CPU (not shown), and includes a ROM (not shown) for storing various processing programs, a RAM (not shown) for temporarily storing data, a GPU (not shown) for performing calculations and matrix operations necessary for image processing, a hard disk (HDD) (not shown) which is a large-capacity memory for storing various application programs (simply referred to as applications) including the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program of the present invention, and various data including image data and video data, and an input / output interface (I / F) (not shown) for inputting and outputting data to and from external devices. The PC 50 also includes input devices (not shown), such as a keyboard and mouse, through which the user inputs various commands, and a display 52 for displaying various information. The CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, HDD, I / F, input device, and display 52 are electrically connected by a bus (not shown) to enable the exchange of various control signals and data between them.

[0044] In PC 50, the aforementioned hardware resources, such as the CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, HDD, I / F, input device, and display 52, and software, such as various applications and programs, work in cooperation with one or both of them to form functional blocks, such as a visible light video acquisition unit 61, an electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62, a video conversion unit 63, a video composition unit 64, a location identification unit 65, a storage unit 66, an output unit 67, and a display unit 68, as shown in Fig. 4. In other words, these units (visible light video acquisition unit 61, electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62, video conversion unit 63, video composition unit 64, location identification unit 65, storage unit 66, output unit 67, and display unit 68) are functions realized by the individual or cooperative operation of the respective components (CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, HDD, I / F, input device, display 52, etc.) in response to instructions from the CPU that executes applications loaded from the HDD onto the RAM. The visible light video acquisition unit 61, the electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62, the video conversion unit 63, the video synthesis unit 64, the location determination unit 65, the memory unit 66, the output unit 67, the display unit 68, etc. are electrically connected by bus lines (not shown) such as an address bus and a data bus.

[0045] Visible light video acquisition unit 61 acquires visible light video data captured by each visible light video camera 10 (see FIG. 1 ) arranged on each surface of housing 4, and supplies the acquired visible light video data to video synthesis unit 64, storage unit 66, etc. in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six visible light video cameras 10 captured the video. Visible light video data is an example of an embodiment corresponding to a "first image" in the present invention.

[0046] The visible light moving image (first image) is an image captured using visible light, and may be a color image or a grayscale image.

[0047] The electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62 acquires electromagnetic wave video data captured by each electromagnetic wave video camera 30 (see FIG. 1 ) arranged on each surface of the housing 4, and supplies the acquired electromagnetic wave video data to the video conversion unit 63, video synthesis unit 64, storage unit 66, etc. in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 captured the data. The electromagnetic wave video data is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "second image" in the present invention.

[0048] The electromagnetic wave video (second image) is an image that targets the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves emitted by an electromagnetic wave transmitter (e.g., a bugging device), in other words, an image that represents the detection situation of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, and may be a color image or a grayscale image.

[0049] The video conversion unit 63 acquires the electromagnetic wave video data from the electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62, converts the electromagnetic wave video data into monochrome electromagnetic wave video data, and supplies the converted monochrome electromagnetic wave video data to the video synthesis unit 64, the location identification unit 65, and the storage unit 66. The video conversion unit 63 is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "image conversion unit" in the present invention. The monochrome electromagnetic wave video data is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "third image" in the present invention.

[0050] The monochrome electromagnetic wave moving image (third image) is an image obtained by converting the electromagnetic wave moving image (second image) into a monochrome image.

[0051] The monochrome electromagnetic wave video data (third image) is, for example, a video (image) of transparency and white, and is a video (image) that is converted so that the color increases depending on the intensity of the sensed electromagnetic wave (i.e., parts where the intensity of the sensed electromagnetic wave is zero are transparent). Note that the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data (third image) is not limited to a video (image) of transparency and white, as long as it is a video (image) of transparency and a certain single color (in other words, a predetermined single color), and may be, for example, a video (image) of transparency and black, a video (image) of transparent and red, a video (image) of transparent and blue, or a video (image) of transparent and green.

[0052] The moving image composition unit 64 combines the visible light moving image data from the visible light moving image acquisition unit 61 with the monochrome electromagnetic wave moving image data from the moving image conversion unit 63, and supplies each combined moving image data to the storage unit 66 and the output unit 67 in a manner that enables identification of which of the six visible light video cameras 10 and six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 the image was captured by. The moving image composition unit 64 is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "image composition unit" of this invention.

[0053] The monochrome electromagnetic wave video data (third image) is a video (image) of transparency and a certain single color (predetermined single color) that is converted so that the color increases depending on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic waves. The video composition unit 64 combines the visible light video data (first image) and the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data (third image) by, for example, superimposing (in other words, overlaying) the monochrome electromagnetic wave video (third image; specifically, each frame of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data) on the visible light video (first image; specifically, each frame of the visible light video data) to generate a composite image (see Figures 9 and 10). Note that in Figure 9, transparent parts of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video (third image) are displayed in black to make it easier to see the parts that capture the bug (specifically, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the bug as an electromagnetic wave transmitter).

[0054] The composite image is an image obtained by combining a visible light video (first image) and a monochrome electromagnetic wave video (third image), and is, for example, an image in which a color image (first image) is superimposed with a monochrome image (third image) in which parts where the intensity of the detected electromagnetic waves is zero (or below a predetermined threshold) are transparent and the color increases according to the intensity of the detected electromagnetic waves.

[0055] The location determination unit 65 uses the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data from the video conversion unit 63 to determine whether the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data includes a frame in which a bug (specifically, electromagnetic waves emitted from the bug as an electromagnetic wave transmitter) is captured, and if a frame in which a bug is captured is found, the location determination unit 65 determines the location (i.e., place, position) of the bug in that frame.

[0056] Specifically, the location identification unit 65 determines whether or not there is a white-light area in each frame of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data through image processing, and if there is a white-light area, identifies the white-light area as the location of a bug.The location identification unit 65 then supplies the location of the bug identified in a frame of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data to the display unit 68 as position information for that frame.The location identification unit 65 is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "frame identification unit" and "location identification unit" of the present invention.

[0057] When determining whether or not there is a white light part in each frame of monochrome electromagnetic wave video data (i.e., a part where the electromagnetic waves emitted from a bug as an electromagnetic wave transmitter are captured), in other words, when determining whether or not there is a pixel corresponding to the white light part in each frame of monochrome electromagnetic wave video data, a threshold value for the monochrome intensity of each pixel may be set, and a threshold value related to the degree of pixel grouping may also be set.

[0058] In this invention, the density of a certain monochrome color (in other words, a predetermined monochrome) in monochrome electromagnetic wave video data, such as white, black, green, red, or blue, is defined as "monochromatic intensity." With regard to monochromatic intensity, 0 is transparent (i.e., the background color of the visible light video (first image), i.e., the visible light video remains the same), and the maximum value is the maximum monochrome density.

[0059] Furthermore, with respect to the monochrome intensity of the white-glowing portions in each frame of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data, in the monochrome image (third image), the stronger the intensity of the electromagnetic waves (white-glowing portions) emitted and detected from an electromagnetic wave transmitter (e.g., a bug), the denser the monochrome density of the white-glowing portions (i.e., the stronger the monochrome intensity). Here, while the intensity range of the electromagnetic waves is from 0 to infinity, the monochrome density range is finite, being from transparency (i.e., the background color of the visible light video (first image)) to the maximum monochrome density. For this reason, minimum and maximum values ​​for the light receiving sensitivity (i.e., the electromagnetic wave receiving sensitivity) may be set, and these minimum and maximum values ​​may be adjusted and set so that the white-glowing portions are displayed well (i.e., easily visible) in the composite image.

[0060] In this case, the transparent (i.e., monochromatic intensity = 0) portions of the monochrome image (third image) correspond to the minimum value of the receiving sensitivity of the intensity of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter (eavesdropping device), and all electromagnetic wave intensities below this minimum value are transparent (i.e., monochromatic intensity = 0). Furthermore, the monochromatic intensity = maximum monochromatic density in the monochrome image (third image) corresponds to the maximum value of the receiving sensitivity of the intensity of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter (eavesdropping device), and all electromagnetic wave intensities above this maximum value are monochromatic intensity = maximum monochromatic density. The minimum and maximum values ​​of the receiving sensitivity of the intensity of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter (eavesdropping device) may each be set as appropriate.

[0061] In addition, a certain single color in the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data may be selectively set to any one of white, black, green, red, and blue. The maximum densities of the single colors are pure white, pure black, pure green, pure red, and pure blue, respectively. Also, for example, if the visible light video (first image) is a bright, whitish image, the single color (i.e., the white-glowing portion) may be easily distinguished by changing the single color from white to black, etc.

[0062] The memory unit 66 stores visible light video data, electromagnetic wave video data, monochrome electromagnetic wave video data, and composite video data in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six visible light video cameras 10 and six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 captured the image.

[0063] The output unit 67 outputs the composite video data generated in the video synthesis unit 64 to the display unit 68 in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six visible light video cameras 10 and six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 the image was captured by.

[0064] The display unit 68 displays the composite video data from the output unit 67 on the display 52 in a manner that allows identification of which of the six visible light video cameras 10 and six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 the image was captured by. Furthermore, when the composite video data includes a frame containing a bug, the display unit 68 displays the location of the bug identified by the location identification unit 65 in a manner that allows visual confirmation. In this embodiment, the location of the bug is displayed by enclosing it in a frame (see FIG. 10 ). The location of the bug may also be indicated by a mark such as an arrow.

[0065] Next, the operation of the thus configured electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1, particularly the operation when detecting a bug, will be described. To detect a bug, first, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 is installed in the space to be detected, such as a room where a bug is suspected to have been installed.

[0066] Once the installation of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 in the space to be detected is complete, the imaging device 2 is started and the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program of the present invention is executed by operating the PC 50. This causes the CPU to read the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program of the present invention stored in memory including the ROM, and processes information according to the steps instructed by the program, thereby executing the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention.

[0067] When the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program is executed, first, visible light video acquisition unit 61 and electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62 execute a process of acquiring visible light video data and electromagnetic wave video data from each of six visible light video cameras 10 and six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30. Next, video conversion unit 63 acquires each of the electromagnetic wave video data acquired by electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62 and executes a process of converting each of the electromagnetic wave video data into monochrome electromagnetic wave video data.

[0068] When the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data is generated, video composition unit 64 generates composite video data by combining each visible light video data acquired by visible light video acquisition unit 61 with each corresponding monochrome electromagnetic wave video data. Then, output unit 67 executes a process of outputting each generated composite video data to display unit 68.

[0069] On the other hand, the location determination unit 65 uses each generated monochrome electromagnetic wave video data to perform a process of determining whether the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data includes a frame in which a bug (specifically, electromagnetic waves emitted from the bug as an electromagnetic wave transmitter) is captured.

[0070] Here, the determination of whether a frame in which a bugging device is captured is made by determining whether or not there is a white-light portion in each frame of each monochrome electromagnetic wave video data by performing image processing on each monochrome electromagnetic wave video data by the location identification unit 65. In this case, a monochromatic intensity threshold for each pixel may be set to determine whether or not there is a pixel corresponding to a white-light portion in each frame of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data, or a threshold related to the degree of pixel clustering may be set.

[0071] If it is determined that any of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data contains a frame in which a bug is captured, the location (i.e., place or position) of the bug is identified in that frame. Specifically, the white light in that frame is identified as the location of the bug. The location identification unit 65 then supplies the identified location of the bug in that frame of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data to the display unit 68 as position information for that frame.

[0072] Finally, the display unit 68 executes a process of displaying each piece of composite video data on the display 52. ​​At this time, if any of the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data constituting each piece of composite video data includes a frame in which a bug is captured, the display unit 68 displays the location of the bug by enclosing it in a frame on the corresponding composite video data.

[0073] Figures 5 and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of one frame of first and second visible light video data captured by any two of the six visible light video cameras 10 (hereinafter, for convenience, these may be referred to as the "first visible light video camera" and the "second visible light video camera"); Figures 6 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of one frame of first and second monochrome electromagnetic wave video data obtained by converting the first and second electromagnetic wave video data captured by two electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 (hereinafter, for convenience, these may be referred to as the "first electromagnetic wave video camera" and the "second electromagnetic wave video camera") that form pairs with any two of the six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 described above, into monochrome; and Figures 7 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of one frame of first and second composite video data obtained by combining the first and second visible light video data and the first and second monochrome electromagnetic wave video data, respectively.

[0074] Note that the monochrome electromagnetic wave video data (third image) is a video (image) of transparency and a certain solid color, and is a video (image) that has been converted so that the color increases depending on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave. In Figures 6 and 9, the transparent parts of the video (image) are displayed in black to make it easier to see the parts that capture the bug (specifically, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the bug as an electromagnetic wave transmitter).

[0075] When an image of a space where no bug is installed is captured, no white-glowing portions are captured in the first monochrome electromagnetic wave video data and the first composite video data, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. On the other hand, when an image of a space where a bug is installed is captured, white-glowing portions are captured in the second monochrome electromagnetic wave video data and the second composite video data, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, and the white-glowing portions in the second composite video are displayed on display 52 surrounded by a frame.

[0076] According to the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 of Example 1 described above, the space to be detected is imaged using six visible light video cameras 10 each equipped with image sensors 14 sensitive to wavelengths of visible light components, and six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 positioned at approximately the same positions and angles as the six visible light video cameras 10 and each equipped with image sensors 34 sensitive to wavelengths of electromagnetic waves emitted by a bug. The visible light video data captured by the visible light video cameras 10 and monochrome electromagnetic wave video data obtained by converting the electromagnetic wave video data captured by the electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 into monochrome are then combined and output, thereby enabling reliable detection of whether or not a bug has been installed and its location. Furthermore, because the space to be detected is imaged using video, it is possible to reliably detect whether or not a bug has been installed and its location even if the bug transmits electromagnetic waves at random times. In addition, since six visible light video cameras 10 and six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30 are used, it is possible to simultaneously detect all directions in the space to be detected, thereby enabling bugging devices to be detected in a short time. Furthermore, if a bugging device is installed, a frame is displayed around the location of the bugging device on the composite video displayed on the display 52, making it easy to find the location of the bugging device.

[0077] In the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 of Example 1, the imaging device 2 is configured to include a visible light video camera 10 and an electromagnetic wave video camera 30, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the imaging device 2 may be configured to include a visible light digital camera instead of the visible light video camera 10, or an electromagnetic wave digital camera instead of the electromagnetic wave video camera 30. When the imaging device 2 is configured to include a visible light digital camera and an electromagnetic wave video camera 30, the video composition unit 64 may be configured to select one frame (hereinafter referred to as "monochrome image data") from the monochrome video data converted by the video conversion unit 63 and combine the monochrome image data with visible light image data captured by the visible light digital camera. When the monochrome video data includes a frame in which a bug is captured, the video composition unit 64 selects the monochrome image data in which the bug is captured and combines it with the visible light image data.

[0078] In the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 of the first embodiment, the imaging device 2 is configured to have six visible light video cameras 10 and six electromagnetic wave video cameras 30, but this is not limited to this. For example, the imaging device 2 may be configured to have only one set of visible light video cameras 10 and electromagnetic wave video cameras 30, or two to five, or seven or more visible light video cameras 10 and electromagnetic wave video cameras 30.

[0079] In the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 of the first embodiment, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 includes a video converter 63 that converts the electromagnetic wave video data into monochrome electromagnetic wave video data, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the image processing engine 36 of the electromagnetic wave video camera 30 may convert the electromagnetic wave video data into monochrome electromagnetic wave video data.

[0080] Next, a description will be given of an electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to Example 2. As shown in Fig. 11 , the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to Example 2 is configured as a device capable of detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter, specifically, a bugging device, installed in a space to be detected, such as a room.

[0081] The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to the second embodiment includes an imaging device 102 that captures an image of a space to be detected, and a PC 150 that is connected by wire to the imaging device 102. In this embodiment, the imaging device 102 and the PC 150 are connected by wire, but it goes without saying that the imaging device 102 and the PC 150 may be connected wirelessly.

[0082] The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which the visible light video camera 10 and the electromagnetic wave video camera 30 are replaced with a video camera 110, and accordingly the visible light video acquisition unit 61 and the electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62 are replaced with a video acquisition unit 161, and the video conversion unit 63 and the video synthesis unit 64 are deleted (note that, as will be described later, the configuration may include the video conversion unit 63 and the video synthesis unit 64). In order to avoid redundant explanation, the components of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to the second embodiment that correspond to the components of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 12 , the video camera 110 of Example 2 has a lens 112, an image sensor 114 having a filter 113, an image processing engine 116 electrically connected to the image sensor 114, a video output terminal 118 electrically connected to the image processing engine 116, a recording medium 120, and an audio receiving unit 122, and a camera body 124 that houses these components.

[0084] The filter 113 has a configuration in which visible light transmitting materials (e.g., red, green, and blue color resists) that can transmit wavelengths of visible light components, for example, in the range of 360 nm to 830 nm (equivalent to 361 THz to 833 THz in frequency), and electromagnetic wave transmitting materials that can transmit wavelengths of the frequencies of electromagnetic waves emitted by the bugging device, for example, in the range of 145 MHz to 430 MHz, are arranged in a pattern. The filter 113 may also have a configuration in which electromagnetic wave transmitting materials that can transmit wavelengths of the frequencies of electromagnetic waves emitted by the bugging device, in the range of 800 MHz to 2 GHz, are arranged in a pattern.

[0085] In this embodiment, the image sensor 114 is configured to use a CMOS semiconductor light receiving element, although the semiconductor light receiving element included in the image sensor 114 may be a CCD.

[0086] The image sensor 114 has optical sensitivity (in other words, electromagnetic wave reception sensitivity) in the wavelength range of visible light components, for example, 360 nm to 830 nm (equivalent to 361 THz to 833 THz in frequency), and in the frequency range of electromagnetic waves emitted by the bug, for example, 145 MHz to 430 MHz. This allows the image sensor 114 to capture an image (video) of the space to be detected, and also to receive and capture the electromagnetic waves emitted by the bug. As a result, the location of the bug can be detected. The image sensor 114 may also have optical sensitivity (in other words, electromagnetic wave reception sensitivity) in the frequency range of electromagnetic waves emitted by the bug, 800 MHz to 2 GHz.

[0087] The image processing engine 116 converts the video data generated by the image sensor 114 into a file that can be viewed as a video. The image processing engine 116 also outputs the images and videos converted into the viewable file to the PC 150 via the video output terminal 118 and to the recording medium 120. The video output terminal 118 and the PC 150 are connected by a cable 82 via an adapter 80 (see FIG. 11 ).

[0088] The video camera 110 corresponds to the "camera" of the present invention, and the image sensor 114 is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "imaging element" of the present invention.

[0089] Note that the video camera 110 of Example 2 may also have an audio receiving unit 22, similar to the visible light video camera 10 of Example 1. The images and videos converted into visible files in the image processing engine 116 may be associated with audio signals received by the audio receiving unit 22 and output to the PC 150 via the video output terminal 118 and also to the recording medium 120. In this case, the information associated with the images and videos converted into visible files in the image processing engine 116 is not limited to audio (specifically, audio signals) but may also be, for example, temperature information measured by a temperature sensor, or may be various information that can be sensed by various sensors, etc.

[0090] Here, the range of electromagnetic frequencies / frequency bands corresponding to the wavelengths / wavelength bands of electromagnetic waves emitted by the bugging device, which are transmitted through the electromagnetic wave-transmitting material of filter 113 of video camera 110 and received / received by image sensor 114, is not limited to the ranges of 145 MHz to 430 MHz or 800 MHz to 2 GHz, but may be at least a portion of the range of 1 Hz to 1 PHz. The range of electromagnetic waves transmitted through the electromagnetic wave-transmitting material of filter 113 of video camera 110 and received / received by image sensor 114 may be appropriately set to include, for example, the wavelengths / wavelength bands / frequency / frequency bands of electromagnetic waves transmitted (or assumed to be transmitted) by an electromagnetic wave transmitter serving as a device to be detected. Note that the range of electromagnetic waves received / received by image sensor 114 may include the wavelengths / wavelength bands / frequency / frequency bands of visible light components. In addition, electromagnetic wave frequency bands that are restricted for general use, infrared electromagnetic wave frequency bands, ultraviolet electromagnetic wave frequency bands, 2.4 GHz, 100 MHz, 200 MHz, 300 MHz, 400 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and 1200 MHz may be excluded.

[0091] The PC 150 of Example 2 is configured as a microprocessor centered around a CPU (not shown), and includes a ROM (not shown) for storing various processing programs, a RAM (not shown) for temporarily storing data, a GPU (not shown) for performing calculations and matrix operations required for image processing, a hard disk (HDD) (not shown) that is a large-capacity memory for storing various application programs (simply referred to as applications) including the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program according to the present invention, and various data including image data and video data, and an input / output interface (I / F) (not shown) for inputting and outputting data to and from external devices. The PC 150 also includes input devices (not shown), such as a keyboard and mouse, through which a user inputs various commands, and a display 52 for displaying various information. The CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, HDD, I / F, input device, and display 52 are electrically connected by a bus (not shown) and are configured to exchange various control signals and data with each other.

[0092] In the PC 150, the above-mentioned hardware resources, such as the CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, HDD, I / F, input device, and display 52, and software, such as various applications and programs, work in cooperation with one or both of them to form functional blocks, such as a video acquisition unit 161, a location identification unit 65, a storage unit 66, an output unit 67, and a display unit 68, as shown in Fig. 13. In other words, it can be said that the functions of these units (the video acquisition unit 161, the location identification unit 65, the storage unit 66, the output unit 67, and the display unit 68) are realized by the individual or cooperative operation of each component (the CPU, ROM, RAM, GPU, HDD, I / F, input device, display 52, etc.) in response to instructions from the CPU that executes an application deployed from the HDD to the RAM. The video acquisition unit 161, location identification unit 65, storage unit 66, output unit 67, display unit 68, etc. are electrically connected by bus lines (not shown) such as an address bus and a data bus.

[0093] The video acquisition unit 161 acquires video data captured by the video cameras 110 (see FIG. 11 ) arranged on each surface of the housing 4, and supplies the acquired video data to the location identification unit 65, storage unit 66, output unit 67, etc. in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six video cameras 110 captured the video data. The video data is an example of an embodiment corresponding to "image" in the present invention.

[0094] The video (image) is an image that targets visible light and also targets the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves emitted by an electromagnetic wave transmitter (e.g., a bugging device), in other words, an image that represents the detection situation of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, and may be a color image or a grayscale image.

[0095] The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to the second embodiment may also include a video conversion unit 63 and a video synthesis unit 64. The video conversion unit 63 of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to the second embodiment acquires video data from the video acquisition unit 161, converts the video data into monochrome video data, and supplies the converted monochrome video data to the video synthesis unit 64, the location identification unit 65, and the storage unit 66. The monochrome video data is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "monochrome converted image" of the present invention.

[0096] The monochrome moving image (monochrome converted image) is an image obtained by converting the moving image (image) supplied from the moving image acquisition unit 161 into a monochrome image. The monochrome moving image (monochrome converted image) is a moving image (image) having the same characteristics as the monochrome electromagnetic wave moving image (third image) in the first embodiment.

[0097] The video synthesis unit 64 of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 of Example 2 synthesizes the video data from the video acquisition unit 161 and the monochrome video data from the video conversion unit 63, and supplies each synthesized video data to the memory unit 66 and the output unit 67 in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six video cameras 110 captured the video data.

[0098] The location determination unit 65 of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 of Example 2 uses video data from the video acquisition unit 161 or monochrome video data from the video conversion unit 63 to determine whether the video data or monochrome video data includes a frame in which a bug (specifically, electromagnetic waves emitted from the bug as an electromagnetic wave transmitter) is captured, and if a frame in which a bug is captured is found, the location (i.e., place, position) of the bug is determined in that frame.

[0099] Specifically, the location determination unit 65 determines whether or not there is a white-lighted portion in each frame of the video data or monochrome video data through image processing, and if there is a white-lighted portion, identifies the white-lighted portion as the location of a bug.The location determination unit 65 then supplies the location of the bug identified in a frame of the video data or monochrome video data to the display unit 68 as position information for that frame.

[0100] When determining whether or not there is a white light part in each frame of monochrome video data (i.e., a part where the electromagnetic waves emitted from a bug as an electromagnetic wave transmitter are captured), in other words, when determining whether or not there is a pixel corresponding to the white light part in each frame of monochrome video data, a threshold value for the monochrome intensity of each pixel may be set, and a threshold value related to the degree of pixel grouping may also be set.

[0101] The video synthesis unit 64 of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 of Example 2 synthesizes video data (images) and monochrome video data (monochrome converted images), for example, by superimposing (in other words, overlaying) a monochrome video (monochrome converted images; specifically, each frame of monochrome video data) on a video (image; specifically, each frame of video data) to generate a composite image.

[0102] The composite image is an image obtained by combining a video (image) supplied from the video acquisition unit 161 with a monochrome video (monochrome converted image), and is, for example, an image in which a color image (image supplied from the video acquisition unit 161) is superimposed with a monochrome image (monochrome converted image) in which the parts where the intensity of the sensed electromagnetic waves is zero (or below a predetermined threshold) are transparent and the color increases according to the intensity of the sensed electromagnetic waves.

[0103] The storage unit 66 stores the video data, monochrome video data, and composite video data in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six video cameras 110 captured the video data.

[0104] The output unit 67 outputs the moving image data and the composite moving image data to the display unit 68 in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six video cameras 110 captured the moving image data.

[0105] The display unit 68 displays the video data and composite video data from the output unit 67 on the display 52 in a manner that makes it possible to identify which of the six video cameras 110 captured the video data. Furthermore, when the video data or composite video data contains a frame containing a bug, the display unit 68 displays the location of the bug identified by the location identification unit 65 in a manner that allows visual confirmation. In this embodiment, the location of the bug is displayed by enclosing it in a frame (see FIG. 10 ).

[0106] Next, the operation of the thus configured electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100, particularly the operation when detecting a bug, will be described. To detect a bug, first, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 is installed in the space to be detected, such as a room where a bug is suspected to have been installed.

[0107] Once the installation of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 in the space to be detected is complete, the imaging device 102 is started up and the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program of the present invention is executed by operating the PC 150. This causes the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program of the present invention stored in memory including the ROM to be read by the CPU, and information is processed according to the steps instructed by the program, thereby executing the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention.

[0108] When the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program is executed, first, the video acquisition unit 161 executes a process of acquiring video data from each of the six video cameras 110, and the location determination unit 65 executes a process of using the video data or monochrome video data to determine whether the video data or monochrome video data contains a frame in which a bug (specifically, electromagnetic waves emitted from the bug as an electromagnetic wave transmitter) is captured.

[0109] Here, the determination of whether a frame in which a bug is captured is made by the location determination unit 65 performing image processing on each video data or monochrome video data to determine whether each frame of the video data or monochrome video data contains a white-lighted portion. If it is determined that either the video data or monochrome video data contains a frame in which a bug is captured, the location (i.e., place, position) of the bug is identified in that frame. Specifically, the white-lighted portion in that frame is identified as the location of the bug. The location determination unit 65 then supplies the location of the bug identified in the frame of the video data or monochrome video data to the display unit 68 as position information for that frame.

[0110] Finally, the display unit 68 executes a process of displaying each piece of video data or each piece of composite video data on the display 52. ​​At this time, if any of the monochrome video data constituting each piece of video data or each piece of composite video data includes a frame in which a bug is captured, the display unit 68 displays the location of the bug by surrounding it with a frame on the corresponding video data or composite video data.

[0111] The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to the second embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as those achieved by the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, specifically, the effect of being able to reliably detect whether or not a bug is installed and its location, even if the bug transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing, the effect of being able to simultaneously detect all directions in the space to be detected, the effect of being able to detect the bug in a short time, the effect of being able to easily know the location of the bug, etc. Furthermore, according to the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to the second embodiment, only one video camera 110 is disposed on each side of the housing 4, which can reduce the number of parts.

[0112] Next, a detection device 200 according to a third embodiment will be described. The detection device 200 according to the third embodiment is configured as a device capable of detecting electromagnetic wave reflecting objects, specifically landmines, installed underground as a detection target. However, the "electromagnetic wave reflecting objects" in the present invention are not limited to landmines, but broadly include various devices and objects that can reflect electromagnetic waves. The detection device 200 is an example of an embodiment corresponding to the "electromagnetic wave reflecting object detection device" in the present invention.

[0113] The detection device 200 according to Example 3 has a configuration that includes a mechanism for emitting electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic wave transmitter) in addition to the configuration of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 according to Example 1 or the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to Example 2. The detection device 200 transmits electromagnetic waves as transmission waves into the ground using the electromagnetic wave transmitter, and acquires underground data by receiving / receiving response waves (i.e., electromagnetic waves) that are reflected by electromagnetic wave reflectors, which are the detection targets present underground. In other words, the detection device 200 is configured as a mechanism for detecting underground conditions in the depth direction. Note that the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter into the ground may be pulsed electromagnetic waves.

[0114] The operation of detection device 200 is the same as that of electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 according to Example 1 and electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to Example 2, except that, when electromagnetic waves transmitted as transmission waves underground are received as response waves (i.e., electromagnetic waves) that are reflected back by an electromagnetic wave reflecting object that is the object to be detected underground, visible light video acquisition unit 61 and electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 62 execute processing to acquire visible light video data and electromagnetic wave video data from visible light video camera 10 and electromagnetic wave video camera 30, respectively (in the case of a configuration corresponding to electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 according to Example 1), and video acquisition unit 161 executes processing to acquire video data from video camera 110 (in the case of a configuration corresponding to electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to Example 2).

[0115] The camera angles of the visible light video camera 10 and the electromagnetic wave video camera 30 (in the case of a configuration corresponding to the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 1 according to Example 1) and the video camera 110 (in the case of a configuration corresponding to the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device 100 according to Example 2) are adjusted to camera angles that can receive response waves (i.e., electromagnetic waves) that are returned after being transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter into the ground and reflected by an electromagnetic wave reflecting object that is the detection target present underground. Specifically, for example, the camera angle is adjusted to face the ground (ground surface).

[0116] When the detection device 200 detects underground mines as electromagnetic wave reflectors, the wavelength / wavelength band / frequency / frequency band range of the electromagnetic waves emitted into the ground (and the electromagnetic waves as response waves reflected by underground mines and returning) is not limited to a specific wavelength / wavelength band / frequency / frequency band, and since there are various types of underground mines made of plastic or metal, the wavelength / wavelength band / frequency / frequency band range is set appropriately taking into consideration the materials that are likely to be used in the mines and the composition of the soil on the surface where the mines are buried.

[0117] The detection device 200 may be configured to detect water leaks in underground water pipes as electromagnetic wave reflectors, and when detecting a water leak, the wavelength / wavelength band / frequency / frequency band range of the electromagnetic waves emitted into the ground (and the electromagnetic waves as response waves reflected by underground water pipes or water leaking from the water pipes and returning) is not limited to a specific wavelength / wavelength band / frequency / frequency band. When the detection device 200 detects water leaks from underground water pipes or water pipes, the wavelength / wavelength band / frequency / frequency band range of the electromagnetic waves emitted into the ground (and the electromagnetic waves as response waves reflected by underground water pipes or water and returning) is set appropriately, for example, taking into consideration whether the electromagnetic waves are reflected by the water pipes or the water, the material used in the water pipes, and the composition of the soil in the land where the water pipes are buried.

[0118] In the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection devices 1, 100 of Examples 1 and 2 and the detection device 200 of Example 3, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection devices 1, 100 and the detection devices 200 are configured to include the image capture device 2, 102 and the PC 50, 150, but this is not limiting. The electromagnetic wave transmitter detection devices 1, 100 and the detection devices 200 may be configured such that the image capture device 2, 102 has the functions of the PC 50, 150. In other words, the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection devices 1, 100 and the detection devices 200 do not have to be configured such that the image capture device 2, 102 and the PC 50, 150 are separate devices, but may be configured such that the image capture device 2, 102 and the PC 50, 150 are integrated into a dedicated device.

[0119] (Effects) According to the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection devices 1 and 100 of Examples 1 and 2 (embodiments), a frame in which it is assumed that the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter have been captured is identified from the image converted to monochrome, making it possible to reliably detect the presence and location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter. Also, according to the detection device 200 of Example 3 (embodiment), a frame in which it is assumed that the electromagnetic waves reflected by an electromagnetic wave reflecting object have been captured is identified from the image converted to monochrome, making it possible to reliably detect the presence and location of the electromagnetic wave reflecting object.

[0120] Although examples (embodiments) of the present invention have been described above, the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and the present invention also includes forms in which modifications and changes are made to the above examples within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0121] (Note) A preferred embodiment of the first electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device according to the present invention includes a housing, at least one first camera disposed in the housing, at least one second camera disposed in the housing so as to have a camera position and angle substantially equal to those of the first camera, an image conversion unit, an image synthesis unit, and an output unit. The first camera includes a first image sensor having a light sensitivity to wavelengths of visible light components. The second camera includes a second image sensor having a light sensitivity to wavelengths of infrared components or higher. The image conversion unit is capable of converting a second image captured by the second camera into a monochrome third image. The image synthesis unit generates a composite image by combining the first image captured by the first camera with the third image. The output unit is capable of outputting the composite image generated by the image synthesis unit. Here, the "housing" in the present invention typically refers to a box-shaped container, but preferably also includes a frame-shaped structure (frame body). Furthermore, the "image" in the present invention preferably includes not only still images but also moving images.

[0122] According to the present invention, since the second imaging element has light sensitivity to the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter can be captured by the second camera. The second image capturing the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter is converted into a monochrome third image, and a composite image is output by combining the first image captured by the first camera positioned at approximately the same camera position and camera angle as the second camera with the third image. Therefore, even if the electromagnetic wave transmitter is an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing, it is possible to reliably detect not only whether it is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is located.

[0123] According to a further aspect of the first electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention, at least the second image is a moving image.

[0124] According to this embodiment, it is more suitable for application to the detection of electromagnetic wave transmitters such as bugging devices that transmit electromagnetic waves corresponding to sounds at random timing.

[0125] According to a further aspect of the first electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention, the device further includes a frame identification unit capable of identifying a frame in which the electromagnetic wave transmitter is presumed to have been captured from the second image, and an image conversion unit converts the frame into a monochrome image to generate a third image.

[0126] This aspect is also applicable to cases where the first image is a still image.

[0127] According to a further aspect of the first electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention, the housing is a polyhedron having a plurality of faces, and the first and second cameras are disposed on each of the faces.

[0128] According to this embodiment, images can be simultaneously taken in all directions in the space to be detected, so that the presence or absence and location of an electromagnetic wave transmitter can be detected simply, reliably, and in a short time.

[0129] According to a further aspect of the first electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention, the device further includes a display unit capable of displaying the composite image and a location identification unit that identifies the location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter based on the third image, and the display unit notifies the user of the location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter identified by the location identification unit in a manner that allows the user to visually confirm the location.

[0130] According to this embodiment, the presence or absence of an electromagnetic wave transmitter and its location can be more reliably notified.

[0131] According to a preferred embodiment of the second electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention, the device comprises at least one camera and an output unit capable of outputting an image captured by the camera. The camera has a filter in which a visible light transmitting material capable of transmitting wavelengths of visible light components and an electromagnetic wave transmitting material capable of transmitting wavelengths of electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter are arranged in a pattern, and an image sensor having a light receiving sensitivity equal to or greater than the wavelength of the visible light components. In the present invention, the term "image" preferably includes not only still images but also moving images.

[0132] According to the present invention, the camera has a filter in which a visible light transmitting material that can transmit the wavelengths of visible light components and an electromagnetic wave transmitting material that can transmit the wavelengths of electromagnetic waves transmitted by an electromagnetic wave transmitter are arranged in a pattern, and an image sensor having a light receiving sensitivity equal to or greater than the wavelengths of visible light components, so that the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter can be captured in the image of the space to be detected captured by the camera. As a result, even if an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing is present in the space to be detected, it is possible to reliably detect not only whether the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present.

[0133] According to a further embodiment of the second electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention, the image is a moving image.

[0134] According to this embodiment, it is more suitable for application to the detection of electromagnetic wave transmitters such as bugging devices that transmit electromagnetic waves corresponding to sounds at random timing.

[0135] According to a further embodiment of the second electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention, the device further comprises a housing capable of supporting a camera, the housing being a polyhedron having a plurality of faces, and a camera being disposed on each of the faces.

[0136] According to this embodiment, images can be simultaneously taken in all directions in the space to be detected, so that the presence or absence and location of an electromagnetic wave transmitter can be detected simply, reliably, and in a short time.

[0137] According to a further aspect of the second electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of the present invention, the device further comprises a display unit capable of displaying an image, and a location identification unit that identifies the location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter based on the image, and the display unit notifies the location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter identified by the location identification unit in a manner that allows the location to be visually confirmed.

[0138] According to this embodiment, the presence or absence of an electromagnetic wave transmitter and its location can be more reliably notified.

[0139] A preferred embodiment of the first electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method according to the present invention includes the steps of: (a) arranging at least one first camera having a first image sensor having sensitivity to wavelengths of visible light components and at least one second camera having a second image sensor having sensitivity to wavelengths of electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter so that the camera positions and camera angles are approximately equal; (b) capturing an image of the space to be detected using the first and second cameras; (c) converting the second image captured by the second camera into a monochrome third image; (d) generating a composite image by combining the first image captured by the first camera and the third image; and (e) outputting the generated composite image. Here, the term "image" in the present invention preferably includes not only still images but also moving images.

[0140] According to the present invention, since the second imaging element has a light receiving sensitivity to the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter can be captured by the second camera. The second image capturing the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter is converted into a monochrome third image, and a composite image is output by combining the first image captured by the first camera positioned at approximately the same camera position and camera angle as the second camera with the third image. Therefore, even if an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing is present in the space to be detected, it is possible to reliably detect not only whether the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is located.

[0141] According to a further embodiment of the first electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention, step (b) includes the step of capturing at least the second image as a moving image.

[0142] According to this embodiment, it is more suitable for application to the detection of electromagnetic wave transmitters such as bugging devices that transmit electromagnetic waves corresponding to sounds at random timing.

[0143] According to a preferred embodiment of the second electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: (f) capturing an image of the space to be detected using at least one camera equipped with a filter in which a visible light transmitting material capable of transmitting the wavelengths of visible light components and an electromagnetic wave transmitting material capable of transmitting the wavelengths of electromagnetic waves transmitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter are arranged in a pattern, and an image sensor having a light receiving sensitivity equal to or greater than the wavelengths of the visible light components; and (g) outputting the image of the space to be detected captured by the camera. Here, the term "image" in the present invention preferably includes not only still images but also moving images.

[0144] According to the present invention, a camera having a filter in which a visible light transmitting material that can transmit the wavelengths of visible light components and an electromagnetic wave transmitting material that can transmit the wavelengths of electromagnetic waves transmitted by an electromagnetic wave transmitter are arranged in a pattern, and an image sensor having a light receiving sensitivity equal to or greater than the wavelengths of visible light components, is used to image the space to be detected, so that the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter can be imaged in the image of the space to be detected. This makes it possible to reliably detect not only whether an electromagnetic wave transmitter, such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing, is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is located.

[0145] According to a further embodiment of the second electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention, step (f) includes at least the step of capturing the image as a moving image.

[0146] According to this embodiment, it is more suitable for application to the detection of electromagnetic wave transmitters such as bugging devices that transmit electromagnetic waves corresponding to sounds at random timing.

[0147] According to a preferred embodiment of the first electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program of the present invention, a computer is caused to execute at least steps (b) to (e) of any of the above-described electromagnetic wave transmitter detection methods of the present invention. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a hard disk, ROM, SSD, flash memory (such as a USB memory or an SD card), floppy disk, CD, or DVD, or may be distributed from one computer to another via a transmission medium, such as a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN, or may be transmitted in any other manner.

[0148] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those achieved by the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention described above, such as the effect of being able to reliably detect not only whether an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present.

[0149] According to a preferred embodiment of the second electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program of the present invention, a computer is caused to execute any one of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection methods of the present invention described above. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a hard disk, ROM, SSD, flash memory (such as a USB memory or SD card), floppy disk, CD, or DVD, or may be distributed from one computer to another via a transmission medium, such as a communication network such as the Internet or a LAN, or may be transmitted in any other manner.

[0150] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those achieved by the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method of the present invention described above, such as the effect of being able to reliably detect not only whether an electromagnetic wave transmitter such as a bug that transmits electromagnetic waves at random timing is present in the space to be detected, but also where in the space to be detected the electromagnetic wave transmitter is present.

[0151] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device (electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of Example 1) 2 Image capture device 4 Housing (housing) 6 Support leg 10 Visible light video camera (first camera) 12 Lens 13 Color filter 14 Image sensor (first image capture element) 16 Image processing engine 18 Video output terminal 20 Recording medium 22 Audio receiving unit 24 LCD monitor 26 Viewfinder 28 Camera body 30 Electromagnetic wave video camera (second camera) 32 Lens 34 Image sensor (second image capture element) 36 Image processing engine 38 Video output terminal 44 Camera body 46 Bandpass filter 50 PC 52 Display 61 Visible light video acquisition unit 62 Electromagnetic wave video acquisition unit 63 Video conversion unit (image conversion unit) 64 Video synthesis unit (image synthesis unit) 65 Location identification unit (frame identification unit, location identification unit) 66 Memory unit 67 Output unit (output unit) 68 Display unit (display unit) 80 Adapter 82 Cable 100 Electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device (electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device of Example 2) 102 Imaging device 110 Video camera (camera) 112 Lens 113 Filter (filter) 114 Image sensor (imaging element) 116 Image processing engine 118 Video output terminal 120 Recording media 122 Audio receiving unit 124 Camera body 161 Video acquisition unit 200 Detection device (electromagnetic wave reflecting object detection device of Example 3)

Claims

1. An electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device for detecting electromagnetic wave transmitters, comprising: a housing; at least one first camera disposed on the housing and equipped with a first imaging element having light sensitivity to wavelengths of visible light components; at least one second camera disposed on the housing and equipped with a second imaging element having light sensitivity set to match the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, and at a camera position and angle substantially equal to that of the first camera; an image conversion unit capable of converting a second image taken by the second camera into a monochrome third image; an image synthesis unit that generates a composite image by synthesizing the first image taken by the first camera and the third image; and an output unit that can output the composite image generated by the image synthesis unit.

2. An electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a display unit capable of displaying the composite image; and a location determination unit that determines the location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter based on the third image, wherein the display unit notifies the location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter determined by the location determination unit in a manner that allows the location to be visually confirmed.

3. An electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device for detecting electromagnetic wave transmitters, comprising: at least one camera having a filter in which visible light transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths of visible light components and electromagnetic wave transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths set to match the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter are arranged in a pattern; and an image sensor having light receiving sensitivity to the wavelengths that pass through the filter; an image conversion unit that can convert an image captured by the camera into a monochrome converted image; an image synthesis unit that generates a composite image by synthesizing the image captured by the camera and the monochrome converted image; and an output unit that can output the composite image generated by the image synthesis unit.

4. An electromagnetic wave transmitter detection device as described in claim 3, further comprising: a display unit capable of displaying the composite image; and a location determination unit that determines the location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter based on the monochrome converted image, wherein the display unit notifies the location of the electromagnetic wave transmitter determined by the location determination unit in a manner that allows the location to be visually confirmed.

5. A method for detecting electromagnetic wave transmitters, comprising: (a) arranging at least one first camera equipped with a first imaging element having light sensitivity to wavelengths of visible light components, and at least one second camera equipped with a second imaging element having light sensitivity set to match the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter, so that the camera positions and camera angles are approximately equal; (b) capturing images of the space to be detected using the first and second cameras; (c) converting the second image captured by the second camera into a monochrome third image; (d) generating a composite image by combining the first image captured by the first camera and the third image; and (e) outputting the generated composite image.

6. The method for detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter according to claim 5, wherein step (b) includes a step of capturing at least the second image as a video.

7. An electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program for detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter, which causes a computer to execute at least steps (b) to (e) of the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method described in claim 5 or 6.

8. A method for detecting electromagnetic wave transmitters, comprising: (f) a step of capturing an image of the space to be detected using at least one camera equipped with a filter in which visible light transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths of visible light components and electromagnetic wave transmitting material that can transmit wavelengths set to match the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the electromagnetic wave transmitter are arranged in a pattern, and an imaging element having light receiving sensitivity to the wavelengths that pass through the filter; (g) a step of converting the image captured by the camera into a monochrome converted image; (h) a step of generating a composite image by combining the image captured by the camera and the monochrome converted image; and (i) a step of outputting the generated composite image.

9. The method for detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter according to claim 8, wherein step (g) includes at least a step of capturing the image as a video.

10. An electromagnetic wave transmitter detection program for detecting an electromagnetic wave transmitter, which causes a computer to execute the electromagnetic wave transmitter detection method according to claim 8 or 9.

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