JP4742909B2 - Video surveillance system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a video surveillance system, and can be applied to a video surveillance system that collects and displays digital video related to imaging by a surveillance camera located at a remote location, for example.

  FIG. 13 shows a configuration diagram of a system in which a conventional video monitoring system and a call system are constructed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the video surveillance system 1, on the store side, a digital video recorder (DVR) 11 to which a surveillance camera 12 is connected is connected to a network 16 via a network device 14 for connection to the network. The On the other hand, on the center side, a video monitoring device 13 that displays video data from the digital video recorder 11 is connected to a network 16 via a network device 15 for connecting to the network. The video monitoring device 13 includes a storage device (not shown) that stores a store number (or store name) and an autophone number in advance.

  In the video surveillance system 1, the digital video recorder 11 converts the camera video of the surveillance camera into digital data and performs recording, and transmits this video data to the video surveillance device 13 through the network 16, and the video surveillance device 13 transmits the video data. indicate.

  On the other hand, in the call system 2, an autophone 21 having a telephone function used by a customer is connected to the network 25 on the store side, and an autophone 22 having a telephone function used by an operator and a display device 24 are provided on the center side. The connected control device 23 is connected to the network 25. The display device 24 includes a database (not shown) in which store numbers and autophone numbers are associated with store names.

  In the call system 2, when there is an incoming call from the autophone 21, the control device 23 connects (establishes) a line between the autophone 21 and the autophone 22 and transmits incoming information to the display device 24 for display.

  The monitoring camera 12 images a device operated by a customer such as an automatic teller machine (ATM) as a monitoring target. Further, the autophone 21 is disposed in the vicinity of a device operated by a customer such as an automatic teller machine (ATM).

  Next, the processing operation of the above-described system will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, when a malfunction occurs during operation of an automatic teller machine (ATM), the customer makes an inquiry to the center by operating (sending operation) the autophone 21.

  In the call system 2, when the control device 23 receives an incoming call from the autophone 21 due to the outgoing operation by the customer in this way, the autophone 21 automatically uses the tone signal (DTMF) to identify the identification information (ID Information). This identification information is information including a store number, an autophone number, and the like.

  When receiving the identification information from the autophone 21, the control device 23 connects the line between the autophone 21 and the autophone 22 and simultaneously transmits the received identification information to the display device 24. The display device 24 displays the corresponding store name and autophone number based on the received identification information and a database (not shown) in the display device.

Meanwhile, the operator performs a conversation with the customer using Otohon 22. Then, the customer can solve the problem by talking with the operator.

  When the video monitoring system 1 is constructed and the store video can be viewed at the center, the operator uses the video monitoring device 13 based on the store name and the autophone number displayed on the display device 24. By operating, the store name or the autophone number is selected from the list of the store name (or store number) or the autophone number, and a request for transmitting a camera video is given. These pieces of information are transmitted to, for example, the digital video recorder 11 corresponding to the store name (or store number) and the autophone number.

  When the digital video recorder 11 that has received each piece of information from the video monitoring device 13 transfers, for example, the camera image of the monitoring camera 12 corresponding to the autophone of the autophone number to the video monitoring device 13, the video monitoring device 13 has been transferred. Display the camera image.

  The operator can handle the customer while watching the video, that is, can talk with the customer using the autophone 22 while watching the displayed camera image.

  However, since the video monitoring system 1 and the call system 2 are independent from each other in the above-described conventional technology, the operator located at the center starts the conversation with the customer through the call system 2 and then the video. It is necessary to operate the monitoring device 13 to display the corresponding camera image on the video monitoring device 13.

  Therefore, while the operator is performing an operation for displaying the corresponding camera image, the conversation with the customer using the call system 2, that is, the customer response is neglected. In other words, there is a problem that customer service is degraded. In addition, since a long time is required from when the conversation between the operator and the customer is started until the camera image is displayed on the video monitoring device 13, the camera image cannot be effectively used.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a video surveillance system that can improve customer service.

In order to solve this problem, a video monitoring system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a video providing apparatus that provides video information captured by a surveillance camera and a video monitoring apparatus having a display unit that are connected to each other via a communication line. Information is transmitted and received, and the video monitoring apparatus displays video information provided from the video providing apparatus on the display means, and a connection form other than one-to-one as a connection form between the monitoring camera and the video providing apparatus. a video surveillance system that allows, the video monitoring system, the located base for the first communication device and the video monitoring equipment located in locations where the monitoring cameras are arranged is located Acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying the call device transmitted from the first call device by a call operation by a user, from a call system that makes a call with two call devices; Storage means for storing in association with information indicating information and the image providing apparatus according to the identification information and the monitoring camera identifying the first communication device, the identification information and the storage means said acquisition means acquires The specifying means for specifying the video providing apparatus and the monitoring camera based on the stored information indicating the monitoring camera and the information indicating the video providing apparatus, and the specifying means for the video providing apparatus specified by the specifying means Control means for making a request for transmission of video information related to the imaging of the specified surveillance camera and causing the display means to display predetermined video information transferred from the specified video providing apparatus in response to the transmission request It is characterized by that.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video monitoring system in which a video providing apparatus that provides video information captured by a surveillance camera and a video monitoring apparatus having display means transmit and receive predetermined information via a communication line, and The apparatus displays video information provided from the video providing apparatus on the display means, and permits a connection form other than one-to-one as a connection form between the monitoring camera and the video providing apparatus. A call system for making a call between a first call device located at a site where the surveillance camera is located and a second call device located at a location where the video monitoring device is located. And the call system receives the identification information for identifying the call device transmitted from the first call device by a transmission operation by the user, the identification information is transmitted to the video monitor. A control device to be transferred to the device, the video monitoring system, storage means for storing in association with information indicating information and the image providing apparatus according to the identification information and the monitoring camera identifying the first communication device And specifying means for identifying the video providing device and the monitoring camera based on the identification information transferred from the control device, the information indicating the monitoring camera stored in the storage means , and the information indicating the video providing device. The video providing device specified by the specifying unit is requested to transmit video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera specified by the specifying unit, and transferred from the specified video providing device in response to the transmission request. Control means for displaying predetermined video information on the display means.

  According to the video surveillance system of the present invention, customer service can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

(A) First Embodiment (A-1) Configuration of the First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a video surveillance system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The video monitoring system 100 shown in FIG. 1 replaces the video monitoring device 13 with the video monitoring device 200 and the control device 23 with the control device 300 in the configuration of the conventional system shown in FIG. And the control device 300 are connected. In FIG. 1, parts having the same functions as those of the components shown in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In this embodiment, the video monitoring system 100 in a broad sense includes the video monitoring system 101 in a narrow sense corresponding to the video monitoring system 1 of the conventional system and the call system 102 corresponding to the call system 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the video monitoring apparatus 200 is connected to the network device 16 via the LAN line 261 and also connected to the control apparatus 300 via the LAN line 262. Note that the LAN line 261 and the LAN line 262 may be physically the same line as long as they can be logically distinguished from each other and connected to the network device 16 and the control device 300.

The control device 300 transmits the identification information from the autophone 21 received via the network 25 to the display device 24 and to the video monitoring device 200.

  One store is provided with one or more digital video recorders that provide video information captured by one or more surveillance cameras. That is, the digital video recorder and the surveillance camera are arranged with a “one-to-one” or “one-to-multiple” relationship.

  The store-side autophone is arranged in the vicinity of an operation target device such as an automatic teller machine (ATM) that is operated by a customer, and the monitoring camera images the operation target device as a monitoring target. Therefore, when a surveillance camera is installed in the store, the store-side autophone and the surveillance camera are assumed to correspond to each other.

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the video monitoring apparatus 200.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the video monitoring apparatus 200 includes a processor (CPU) 210 that controls the entire apparatus, a storage device 220 such as a RAM (temporary writing / reading memory) that temporarily stores software and various types of information, and software. And a hard disk 230 for storing various types of information, a display 240 for displaying video, a keyboard 250 for man-machine interface, and a LAN device 260 for controlling an external interface.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram of software stored in the hard disk 230.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the software is mainly composed of four application programs: digital video recorder interface software (hereinafter referred to as DVR interface software) 231, image display software 232, autophone cooperation software 233, and database 234.

  The DVR interface software 231 serves as an interface for communication with the digital video recorder 11 and is a program corresponding to a function for performing communication control according to a predetermined communication protocol.

  The image display software 232 is a program corresponding to a function for displaying video data (image) acquired from the digital video recorder 11 via the DVR interface software 231 on the display 240.

  The autophone cooperation software 233 is a program that controls an interface with the control device 300 and corresponds to a function that instructs the image display software 232 of video data (display contents) obtained based on the identification information acquired from the control device 300.

  The database 234 stores information such as camera information of each store (information such as how many surveillance cameras are installed). An example of the database 234 is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, a database 234 includes identification information (autophone ID information) 410 for identifying an autophone, identification information (store number) 420 for identifying a store, identification information (DVR ID) 430 for identifying a digital video recorder, and monitoring cameras. Each item includes identification information (camera ID) 440 to be identified.

  Note that “DVR ID” is information (identification information) indicating which store is a digital video recorder, and includes store information indicating a store where the digital video recorder is installed. The “camera ID” is information (identification information) indicating which surveillance camera in the store.

  In such a database 234, the DVR ID and the camera ID are extracted using the autophone ID information as a key.

  FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of the CPU 210.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 210 executes a DVR interface software 231 to realize a function corresponding to the software, and a function corresponding to the software by executing the image display software 232. An image display function unit 212 that realizes the function, and an autophone cooperation function unit 213 that realizes a function corresponding to the software by executing the autophone cooperation software 233.

  In addition, the autophone cooperation function unit 213 obtains identification information for identifying the autophone that is transmitted from the autophone (first call device) 21 by a calling operation by a customer (user), and the obtaining means obtains the identification information. Based on the identification information and the stored contents of the database (storage means) 234, the digital video recorder (image providing apparatus) and the specifying means for specifying the surveillance camera are fulfilled.

  The image display function 212 and the autophone cooperation function unit 213 cooperate to send a transmission request for video information (video data) related to imaging by the monitoring camera specified by the specifying unit to the digital video recorder specified by the specifying unit. And a control means for displaying on the display 240 predetermined video information transferred from the specified digital video recorder in response to the transmission request.

  FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of the digital video recorder 11.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the digital video recorder 11 includes a video processing unit 111, a file generation unit 112, a file storage unit 113, a communication unit 114, and a main control unit 115.

  The main control unit 115 is responsible for the overall control function of the digital video recorder 11, and is composed of, for example, a non-volatile writable memory such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, and EEPROM. Is used as a working memory, and the function of the digital video recorder 11 is realized by executing a processing program stored in the ROM using fixed data stored in the ROM or temporary data stored in the RAM. . In the present embodiment, the main functions of the digital video recorder 11 include a video data temporary storage function and a function of transferring video data when a video information transmission request is received from the video monitoring apparatus.

  The video processing unit 111 receives a video signal based on the camera video captured by the monitoring camera 12, converts the received video signal into video data according to a predetermined encoding process, and performs predetermined video processing on the converted video data. I do. In addition, the video processing unit 111 gives the video data subjected to the video processing to the file generation unit 112.

  The file generation unit 112 receives the video data of the monitoring camera 12 from the video processing unit 111, and converts the video data of the monitoring camera 12 into a transfer file according to a predetermined conversion method. At this time, the file generation unit 112 converts the video data into a file, for example, for each monitoring camera or each imaging date / time. Thereby, the camera image | video for every monitoring camera can be made into a file. Alternatively, the file generation unit 112 gives the video file of the monitoring camera 12 to the file storage unit 113 for temporary storage.

  The file storage unit 113 temporarily stores the transfer file of the monitoring camera 12 given from the file generation unit 112. Here, the file storage unit 113 may store the video files in the order received from the file generation unit 112, for example, or provide a storage area for each monitoring camera and store the video files for each monitoring camera. May be. Alternatively, when receiving a video information transmission instruction from the main control unit 115, the file storage unit 113 gives the stored video file to the communication unit 114 in accordance with the instruction.

  The communication unit 114 transmits and receives information to and from the video monitoring apparatus 110 through the network 16 according to a predetermined communication method. For example, when the communication unit 114 receives a signal transmitted from the video monitoring apparatus 110 via the network 16, the communication unit 114 gives the received signal to the main control unit 115. Here, when the main control unit 115 determines that the received signal is a transmission request for video file data, the communication unit 114 transmits the video file data received from the file storage unit 113 to the network under the control of the main control unit 115. 16 to send.

  The digital video recorder 11 having such a configuration accumulates the camera video from the monitoring camera 12 in the file storage unit 113 sequentially, and when there is a video information transmission request from the video monitoring device 200, the predetermined video information For example, real-time camera video (video data) related to imaging by the monitoring camera is transferred to the video monitoring device 200, and at the same time, the camera video is stored in the file storage unit 113. Of course, when there is a request for transmission of past video information, the digital video recorder 11 extracts past desired video data from the video data stored in the file storage unit 113 and transfers it to the video monitoring apparatus 200. To do.

(A-2) Operation of the First Embodiment Next, the processing operation of the video monitoring system 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, when a transmission signal from the autophone 21 arrives at the control device 300 via the network 25, the autophone 21 transmits identification information (ID information) to the control device 300 using a tone signal.

  The control device 300 that has received the identification information (hereinafter referred to as “autophone ID information”) from the autophone 21 connects the line between the autophone 21 and the autophone 22 so that the operator in the center uses the autophone 22 through the autophone 21. It is possible to start a call with a customer.

  At the same time, when the control device 300 transfers the autophone ID information from the autophone 21 to the display device 24, the display device 24, based on the received autophone ID information and a database (not shown) in the display device. The corresponding store name is displayed.

  The processing so far is the same processing operation as the call system 2 shown in FIG.

  By the way, in 1st Embodiment, when the control apparatus 300 receives the autophone ID information from the autophone 21, it transfers the autophone ID information to the display device 24 and the video monitoring apparatus 200. Yes.

  In the video monitoring device 200, when the CPU 210 receives the autophone ID information via the LAN device 260, the CPU 210 specifies the monitoring camera of the corresponding store based on the autophone ID information and the database 234, and the camera video of the specified monitoring camera. Are collected via the LAN device 260, and the collected camera images are displayed on the display 240.

  Through the above processing, at the same time as the incoming call to the autophone 22, an image of the operation target area of the store where the autophone 22 is installed, for example, an automatic teller machine (ATM) is displayed on the display 240 of the video monitoring apparatus 200. . The autophone 22 and the video monitoring device 200 are installed in the vicinity so that the same operator can use them.

  Next, video information collection processing and display processing based on autophone ID information by the video monitoring device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation (autophone cooperation processing operation) of the video monitoring apparatus 200, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the video monitoring apparatus 200.

  First, the CPU 210 reads each software (program) of the DVR interface software 231, the image display software 232 and the autophone cooperation software 233 from the hard disk 230 to the storage device 220 as necessary, and executes the read software (program). To do.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the CPU 210, when the autophone cooperation function unit 213 (autophone cooperation software 233) receives the autophone ID information via the LAN device 260 (see step S <b> 11, D <b> 1 in FIG. 8), the database 234. And the DVR ID and camera ID corresponding to the autophone ID information are extracted (see step S12, D2 in FIG. 8).

  For example, when the autophone ID information is “100-01”, DVR ID = 100 and camera ID = 01 are extracted from the database 234 shown in FIG. 4 using the ID information “100-01” as a key. .

  The autophone cooperation function unit 213 that has extracted the DVR ID and the camera ID in this way activates the Viewer software (the image display software 232 and the DVR interface software 231) (step S13).

  Thereafter, the autophone cooperation function unit 213 transmits the extracted information, that is, the DVR ID (for example, 100) and the camera ID (for example, 01) to the image display function unit 212 (the image display software 232), and the digital video recorder A video information transmission request is instructed (see step S14, D3 in FIG. 8).

  In the first embodiment, a transmission request for video information means a transmission request for video data corresponding to a real-time camera video related to imaging by a surveillance camera. The meaning of the transmission request for the video information is recognized in advance by the video monitoring apparatus 200 and the digital video recorder 11.

  The image display function unit 212 passes the received DVR ID and camera ID to the DVR interface function unit 211 (DVR interface software 231) in accordance with an instruction from the autophone cooperation function unit 213, and requests a transmission request for the corresponding video information. To do.

  The DVR interface function unit 211 transmits each ID and video information transmission request from the image display function unit 212 to, for example, the digital video recorder 11 corresponding to the DVR ID through the LAN device 260 (see D4 in FIG. 8).

  These pieces of information are received by the digital video recorder 11 via the network device 15, the network 16, and the network device 14.

  When the digital video recorder 11 receives the transmission request for each ID and video information from the DVR interface function unit 211, the digital video recorder 11 converts the real-time camera video related to imaging by the monitoring camera 12 corresponding to the camera ID (for example, camera ID = 01). The corresponding video data is transferred to the video monitoring device 200.

  The real-time video data (camera image) is received by the LAN device 260 via the network device 14, the network 16, and the network device 15, and further input to the DVR interface function unit 211 (see D5 in FIG. 8).

  When the DVR interface function unit 211 transmits the input video data to the image display function unit 212, the image display function unit 212 transmits and displays the received video data on the display 240 (step S15, D6 in FIG. 8). reference). As a result, real-time video data (camera image) is displayed on the display 240.

  Then, the autophone cooperation software 233 (autophone cooperation function unit 213) ends the viewer software (the image display software 232 and the DVR interface software 231) that is being activated when the customer service is finished (step S16), and the next camera. Wait for video collection and display processing.

  Here, as the point of time when the customer service is completed, for example, when the information corresponding to the call end signal notified from the control device 300 (indicating that the call is ended) is received, the call between the autophone 21 and the autophone 22 is the most complete. Even in the middle, for example, when an instruction to indicate the end of screen display is given by the operation of the keyboard 250 by the operator who has finished dealing with the customer with reference to the camera image.

(A-3) Effects of the First Embodiment As described above, according to the first embodiment, the video monitoring apparatus is based on identification information from an autophone that is transmitted and operated by a user (customer). A monitoring camera or the like corresponding to the autophone can be specified, and a video (camera image) related to imaging by the specified monitoring camera can be displayed. Therefore, the operator can concentrate on dealing with the customer without performing the operation for displaying the camera image as in the conventional case, so that the customer service can be improved. In addition, at the same time as the incoming call from the store, that is, the autophone operated by the user, the corresponding surveillance camera is identified and the video (camera image) related to the imaging by the surveillance camera is displayed. From the beginning of the conversation with the customer (the first customer service), it is possible to handle the customer using the camera image.

(B) Second Embodiment (B-1)) Configuration of Second Embodiment The video monitoring system according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the video monitoring system of the first embodiment. However, the functions of the video monitoring apparatus 200 are slightly different. Next, the difference will be described.

  In the video monitoring apparatus 200, the autophone cooperation function unit 213 (autophone cooperation software 233) (see FIGS. 3 and 5) transmits the DVR ID and the camera ID to the image display function unit 212 (image display software 232). A transmission request for video information (real-time video information) to the digital video recorder is instructed, and a transmission request for predetermined video information, for example, past video information, to the digital video recorder is instructed.

  The image display function unit 212 (image display software 232) has a function of displaying display contents such as a camera image on a plurality of screens such as one screen, two screens, and four screens.

  The digital video recorder 11 outputs a real-time camera image to the outside, and simultaneously stores (records) the camera image in the inside, that is, the file storage unit (recording unit) 113. At this time, the recorded image is stored in a file that saves the recording contents for the predetermined time every predetermined time. The recorded image can be reproduced by reproducing the file.

  Specifically, in the file storage unit 113 (see FIG. 6), the video data (camera image) is stored in, for example, the file configuration (five files corresponding to the five file names) shown in FIG. In general, for example, an imaging date, a camera ID, and an imaging time are used for the file name so that the file can be easily searched.

  Here, a folder is created for each imaging date, and a file with a file name including a camera ID and imaging time is created under the folder. Note that an expression for specifying a file, which is a combination of a folder name and a file name, is referred to as a path name. In this specification, for convenience, the path name and the file name are referred to as a file name.

  In FIG. 9, “¥ year / month / day ¥ camera ID−start time−end time” indicates an item of a file name. Specifically, for example, “¥ 010101 ¥ 01-1015-1025” is the file name. By referring to the file name, the time series of the file can be identified.

  In FIG. 9, the files are renewed in order from the uppermost file name to the lowermost file name. Incidentally, the file with the file name “¥ 010101 ¥ 01-1015-1025” is the oldest file, and the file with the file name “¥ 010101 ¥ 01-1055-1105” is the latest file.

  In the digital video recorder 11, the main control unit 115 and the communication unit 114 function as first transfer means and second transfer means described later.

  The first transfer means transmits video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera corresponding to the identification information (autophone ID information) of the autophone (first call device) transmitted from the video monitoring device 200 and operated to be transmitted by the user. When a transmission request is received, real-time video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera is transferred to the video monitoring device 200.

  The second transfer means is a past video related to imaging by the monitoring camera that is transmitted from the video monitoring device 200 and corresponds to the identification information (autophone ID information) of the autophone (first call device) that is transmitted by the user. When an information transmission request is received, the past video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera is read from the file storage unit (recording unit) 113 and the read video information is transferred to the video monitoring device 200.

(B-2)) Operation of Second Embodiment Next, the processing operation of the video monitoring system 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing operation of the video monitoring apparatus 200, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the video monitoring apparatus 200.

  First, as in the case of the first embodiment, when the autophone 21 makes a call, the call is received by the autophone 22 and a call can be made between the autophone 21 and the autophone 22. At the same time as the incoming call to the autophone 22, an image of the operation part of the monitoring target area of the store where the autophone 22 is installed, for example, an automatic teller machine (ATM) is displayed on the display 240 of the video monitoring apparatus 200.

  That is, in the video monitoring apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. 10, in the same manner as steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 7, real-time camera video collection processing and display related to imaging by the monitoring camera obtained based on the autophone ID information. Processing is performed (see steps S21 to S25, D1 to D6 in FIG. 11). At this time, real-time video data (camera image) is displayed on the display 240 in one screen display.

  When the real-time video data (camera image) is displayed in this manner, the autophone cooperation function unit 213 (autophone cooperation software 233) further corresponds to the DVR ID, for example, the digital video recorder 11 (the file storage unit 113 thereof). The latest recorded image (file) is searched from the recorded images (files) stored in (step S26).

  That is, the autophone cooperation function unit 213 instructs the image display function unit 212 (image display software 232) to transmit a predetermined video information, for example, past video information, to the digital video recorder (see D7 in FIG. 11).

  In the second embodiment, the past video information transmission request is the latest video information transmission request among the past time-series video information, in other words, the latest stored (recorded) in the file storage unit 113. This means a transmission request for video data (camera image). Also, the meaning of the transmission request for the past video information is recognized in advance by the video monitoring device 200 and the digital video recorder 11.

  By the way, the image display function unit 212 sends a past video information transmission request from the autophone cooperation function unit 213 through the DVR interface function unit 211 (DVR interface software 231) in accordance with an instruction from the autophone cooperation function unit 213 in step S24. For example, the digital video recorder 11 corresponding to the received DVR ID is transmitted (see D8 in FIG. 11).

  The digital video recorder 11 that has received the transmission request for the past video information searches for the latest recorded image (file) among the recorded images (files) stored in the file storage unit 113.

  That is, since the file storage unit 113 stores the files having the file configuration shown in FIG. 9, that is, five files corresponding to the five file names, the digital video recorder 11 receives the files from the file storage unit 113. The file name corresponding to the latest file is searched from the name, the latest corresponding file is read, and the read latest file (video data) is transferred to the video monitoring apparatus 200.

  Incidentally, in the file configuration example shown in FIG. 9, the file having the file name “¥ 010101 ¥ 01-1055-1105” is read.

  The latest file (video data) is received by the LAN device 260 via the network device 14, the network 16, and the network device 15, and further input to the DVR interface function unit 211 (see D9 in FIG. 11).

  When the latest file input by the DVR interface function unit 211 is transmitted to the image display function unit 212, the image display function unit 212 transfers the received latest file (video data) to the display 240 (step S27, FIG. 11). D10). At this time, a real-time camera image is still displayed on the display 240.

  When the collection of the latest corresponding file is completed, the autophone cooperation function unit 213 sends a screen display switching instruction to the image display function unit 212 (see step S28, D11 in FIG. 11).

  The image display function unit 212 switches the one-screen display to the two-screen display according to the instruction from the autophone cooperation function unit 213 (step S28), and causes the display 240 to display the image in the two-screen display. An example of the two-screen display is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 12, a real-time camera image that has been displayed so far is displayed on a screen 241, and a latest recorded image (latest camera image) that has been collected is displayed on the screen 242 (step S 29).

  Then, the autophone cooperation software 233 (autophone cooperation function unit 213) ends the viewer software (the image display software 232 and the DVR interface software 231) that is being activated when the customer service is finished (step S30), and the next camera. Wait for video collection and display processing.

  In the second embodiment, the latest file (video data) is used as past video information, and the latest video data (camera image) is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, it may be as follows.

  That is, the past video information is not simply the most recent file, but a file in which video data (camera image) of a camera video before a predetermined time from the current time is saved, and the camera image is displayed. Good.

  In this case, time information indicating a predetermined time before the current time, for example, “time information indicating one minute” is transmitted from the video monitoring apparatus 200 to the digital video recorder 11. The digital video recorder 11 searches the file storage unit 113 based on the received time information, for example, “time information indicating 1 minute”, and transfers the corresponding file to the video monitoring apparatus 200. Then, the video monitoring apparatus 200 displays the transferred file, that is, video data (camera image) one minute ago on the display 240.

  In this way, for example, by displaying video data (camera image) one minute ago, a more recent camera image will be displayed. It is effective when such as Note that the file may be the same as the file currently being recorded, but at that time, it is only necessary to start playback from the already recorded part.

  In the above display example, how many minutes ago video data (camera image) should be referred to depends on the situation of the customer's trouble, so what the operator interviewed from the customer after the call with the customer started It is desirable to be able to specify the time according to the situation. In that case, an area for designating the time to return is provided on the operator screen displayed on the display 240, and playback is started (collected and displayed) from the file corresponding to the designated time each time a predetermined time is designated in the area. Start).

  In the second embodiment, a real-time camera image and a past recorded image (camera image) are simultaneously displayed by a two-screen display or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following You may do as follows.

  That is, the operator screen displayed on the display 240 is provided with, for example, a screen switching instruction section for switching between a real-time image display screen and a past image display screen. Either a camera image or a past recorded image (camera image) may be displayed. That is, the display format is not limited as long as the real-time camera image and the past recorded image (camera image) are displayed on the display 240.

(B-3) Effects of Second Embodiment As described above, according to the second embodiment, the current real-time image (camera image) and the previous recorded image (camera image) are displayed simultaneously. As a result, the operator can see the process up to the current state by the past video immediately before the call operation, along with the current status of the customer who made the call using the autophone, and can deal with the customer finely. Thereby, the operator can further improve the customer service as compared with the case where only the real-time camera image is displayed.

(C) Other Embodiments By the way, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the video monitoring system 100 in a broad sense, that is, the phone call system 102 is included in the video monitoring system 101 and the call system 102 in a narrow sense. Although the video monitoring system 100 is used, the present invention is not limited to this and may be as follows.

  That is, the video monitoring system 101 and the call system 102 are constructed as shown in FIG. 1 without adopting the video monitoring system 100 in a broad sense, and the control device 300 of the call system 102 changes to the video monitoring device 300 of the video monitoring system 101. Then, the identification information of the call device (autophone) that is transmitted by the user is transmitted, and the video monitoring device 200 performs the collection processing and display processing of the camera video based on the identification information from the control device 300. Also in this case, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

  The present invention can be applied to a system in which another call system having a call device such as an emergency call device or a radio other than a call system having an autophone is combined with a system that handles video.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video surveillance system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video monitoring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a software block diagram which shows the structure of the software stored in the hard disk of the video monitoring apparatus of FIG. It is a figure explaining the content of the database stored in the hard disk of the video monitoring apparatus of FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the processor (CPU) of the video monitoring apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital video recorder which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process (autophone cooperation process) operation | movement of the video monitoring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the process of the video monitoring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the file structure of the file accumulate | stored in the file storage part of the digital video recorder which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process (autophone cooperation process) operation | movement of the video monitoring apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the process of the video monitoring apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2 screen display example of the display of the video monitoring apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system by which the conventional video surveillance system and the telephone system are built.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Digital video recorder (video provision apparatus), 12 ... Surveillance camera, 14, 15 ... Network equipment, 21 ... Autophone (1st call apparatus), 22 ... Autophone (2nd call apparatus), 100 ... Video monitoring system 101 ... Video monitoring system in a narrow sense, 102 ... Call system, 111 ... Video processing unit, 112 ... File generation unit, 113 ... File storage unit (recording unit), 114 ... Communication unit (first transfer unit, second transfer unit) (Transfer means), 115 ... main control section (first transfer means, second transfer means), 200 ... video monitoring device, 210 ... processor, 211 ... digital video interface function section, 212 ... image display function section (control means) 213... Autophone cooperation function unit (acquisition means, identification means, control means), 231... Digital video interface software, 23 ... Image display software, 233 ... Autophone cooperation software, 234 ... Database (storage means), 220 ... Storage device, 230 ... Hard disk, 240 ... Display (display means), 250 ... Keyboard, 260 ... LAN device, 261,262 ... LAN Line, 300 ... control device.

Claims (9)

A video providing apparatus that provides video information captured by the surveillance camera and a video monitoring apparatus having display means transmit and receive predetermined information via a communication line, and the video monitoring apparatus provides video information provided from the video providing apparatus. Is displayed on the display means, and the video surveillance system allows a connection mode other than one-to-one as a connection mode between the monitoring camera and the video providing device ,
The video surveillance device
By a user from a call system that makes a call between the first call device located at the site where the surveillance camera is located and the second call device located at the site where the video monitoring device is located. Obtaining means for obtaining identification information for identifying the call device transmitted from the first call device by a call operation;
Storage means for storing identification information for identifying the first call device, information indicating the monitoring camera, and information indicating the video providing device in association with each other;
Identification means for identifying the video providing device and the monitoring camera based on the identification information acquired by the acquisition means, the information indicating the monitoring camera stored in the storage means , and the information indicating the video providing device;
A request for transmission of video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera specified by the specifying means is made to the video providing apparatus specified by the specifying means, and the predetermined information transferred from the specified video providing apparatus in response to the transmission request And a control means for displaying the video information on the display means. A video providing apparatus that provides video information captured by the surveillance camera and a video monitoring apparatus having display means transmit and receive predetermined information via a communication line, and the video monitoring apparatus provides video information provided from the video providing apparatus. Is displayed on the display means, and the video surveillance system allows a connection mode other than one-to-one as a connection mode between the monitoring camera and the video providing device ,
A call system for making a call between a first call device located at a site where the surveillance camera is located and a second call device located at a location where the video monitoring device is located;
The above call system
A control device for transferring the identification information to the video monitoring device when receiving identification information for identifying the calling device transmitted from the first calling device by a calling operation by a user;
The video surveillance device
Storage means for storing identification information for identifying the first call device, information indicating the monitoring camera, and information indicating the video providing device in association with each other;
Identifying means for identifying the video providing device and the monitoring camera based on the identification information transferred from the control device and the information indicating the monitoring camera stored in the storage means and the information indicating the video providing device;
A request for transmission of video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera specified by the specifying means is made to the video providing apparatus specified by the specifying means, and the predetermined information transferred from the specified video providing apparatus in response to the transmission request And a control means for displaying the video information on the display means.   The control means causes the display means to display the predetermined video information simultaneously with the start of a call between the first call device and the second call device in the call system. Item 3. The video surveillance system according to Item 1 or 2.   4. The predetermined video information is real-time video information related to imaging by a monitoring camera corresponding to the first call device that is transmitted and operated by a user. Video surveillance system.   The control means makes a transmission request for past video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera corresponding to the identification information acquired by the acquisition means to the video providing apparatus specified by the specifying means, and in response to the transmission request 3. The video monitoring according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays past video information transferred from the specified video providing device and real-time video information as the predetermined video information. system.   The control means displays the past video information and the real-time video information on the display means simultaneously with the start of a call between the first call device and the second call device in the call system. The video surveillance system according to claim 5, wherein   7. The video monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein the past video information is the latest video information among past time-series video information.   7. The video monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein the past video information is video information of a predetermined time before the present time among past time-series video information. The video providing apparatus is
Recording means for recording video information related to imaging by the surveillance camera;
When a transmission request for video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera corresponding to the identification information of the first call device transmitted from the video monitoring apparatus and operated by the user is received, imaging by the monitoring camera is performed. A first transfer means for transferring real-time video information relating to the video monitoring device;
When a request for transmitting past video information related to imaging by the monitoring camera corresponding to the identification information of the first call device transmitted from the video monitoring device and operated by the user is received, the monitoring camera 9. A second transfer means for reading past video information related to imaging by the recording means from the recording means, and transferring the read video information to the video monitoring device. The video surveillance system described in 1.

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