JPH0746557A - Video signal transmission / reception system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To efficiently exchange a large amount of video information via a network and build an optimal surveillance system. A transmission processing device 2 includes: a still image transmitting device for transmitting still image data; a moving image transmitting device for transmitting moving image data; and an input / output of the transmitting processing device connected to the still image transmitting device. The transmission processing device 5 has a transmission switching device that switches whether to connect to the transmission device and a transmission switching control device that performs this switching control. The reception processing device 5 receives a still image receiving device and a moving image data. A moving image receiving device, a reception switching device that switches whether the input / output of the reception processing device is connected to the still image receiving device or the moving image receiving device, and a reception switching control device that performs this switching control.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmission system of video and audio signals converted into digital data, and relates to a transmission / reception system via a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of optical fiber technology, it has become possible to exchange a large amount of information such as video and audio signals via a network. Video by network
Specific applications of voice information exchange include a videophone and a video conference.

[0003] On the other hand, there has been remote monitoring and the like in a field that conventionally requires an image. The remote monitoring system is used for a place such as a nuclear power plant where people cannot enter, or for monitoring an unmanned place in the plant. In such a monitoring system, video cameras and the like are arranged in various places in the plant, video signals are collected through dedicated video signal lines, and switched by a switcher or the like as required to be displayed on a monitor.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned prior art, when the number of video cameras is increased or the distance between the video cameras and the surveillance monitor is increased, the cost for laying the dedicated line for the video signal becomes enormous. Will end up.

Therefore, it is conceivable to use an existing network such as an already laid LAN or public network. In general, LAN is mainly used for computer data transmission, etc., and it is not a protocol that can transmit video signals such as moving images in real time. Therefore, the video signals are digitized and then converted into a file, and the file is transferred. Means are taken. This has been announced as video mail. As a result, it is possible to transmit and receive moving images and the like using a LAN or the like, although there is some time delay.

However, when there are many sources of information, such as in a surveillance system, the traffic of the network increases rapidly. Therefore, transmitting the information unnecessarily reduces the utilization efficiency of the network and reduces the necessary information. There is a risk that the performance of the surveillance system will be significantly degraded due to the extremely delayed arrival of the system, and the system will even go down.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and selects video information to be transmitted from a large number of video information sources by still image / moving image switching means based on an abnormality occurrence signal. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a video signal transmission / reception system capable of suppressing a rapid increase in network traffic.

[0008]

A typical video signal transmitting / receiving system according to the present invention includes at least a video signal input device for inputting a video signal, a transmission processing device for converting the video signal into digital data, and the digital signal. An interface device for sending data to a network, an interface device for receiving the digital data from the network, a reception processing device for converting digital data output of the interface device into a video signal, and a video signal output device for outputting the video signal. In the video signal transmission / reception system provided with the transmission processing device, the still image transmission device for transmitting still image data, the moving image transmission device for transmitting moving image data, and the input / output of the transmission processing device to the still image transmission device. Transmission that switches between connection and connection to the video transmission device A switching device and a transmission switching control device for controlling switching of the transmission switching device, wherein the reception processing device includes a still image receiving device for receiving still image data, a moving image receiving device for receiving moving image data, A reception switching device that switches whether the input / output of the reception processing device is connected to the still image receiving device or the moving image receiving device, and a reception switching control device that controls switching of the reception switching device. It was done.

The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to the present invention is
In addition to this configuration, various configurations can be adopted, as will be described in detail in Examples described later.

[0010]

According to the present invention, even when there are many video information sources, it is possible to suppress a decrease in network utilization efficiency and operate a surveillance system efficiently.

That is, in the video signal transmission processing device, still image data is transmitted, for example, at regular intervals in the steady state according to the output of an external sensor or in accordance with the degree of change of the image. It can be sent automatically. Whether or not there is an abnormality is determined by, for example, whether or not the output signal from the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, or by detecting the correlation value between frames of the video signal. This can be done by judging whether or not the degree of change is a predetermined degree or more.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to transmit and receive the required video without increasing the transmission data on the network more than necessary.

[0013]

1 shows a first embodiment of the transmitting / receiving system of the present invention.

The transmission / reception system of FIG. 1 is provided with an input device 1, a transmission processing device 2, a network interface 3a and a sensor 7 on the transmission side, and a network interface 3b, a reception processing device 5 and an output device 6 on the reception side. , The transmitting side and the receiving side are mutually connected via the network 4.

An arbitrary number of transmission systems, each of which includes the input device 1, the transmission processing device 2, the network interface 3a, and the sensor 7, and the reception system including the network interface 3b, the reception processing device 5, and the output device 6, can exist. Here, there are a plurality of each.

The outline of the operation of the system shown in FIG. 1 is as follows.

A video signal (or a video signal and an audio signal) is input from the input device 1. The input device 1 may be, for example, a video camera, a VTR for recording images, or an optical disk device.

Here, although expressed as a video signal, VT
An audio signal is usually recorded along with the video signal in R and the like, and the audio signal is also included in this specification unless otherwise specified.

As to the video signal input from the input device 1, as will be described later, the transmission processing device 2 selects whether or not information should be transmitted. The output of the transmission processing device 2 is sent to the network 4 via the network interface 3a.

On the other hand, the reception processing device 5 inputs data from the network 4 via the network interface 3b and performs reception processing in accordance with the selection operation performed at the time of transmission. The output device 6 receives the output signal of the reception processing device 5 and outputs a video signal and an audio signal. The output device 6 may be, for example, a CRT display or a speaker.

Next, details of the transmission processing device 2 and the reception processing device 5 will be described.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the transmission processing device 2.

The first transmission processing device 2 includes a still image transmitting device 8, a moving image transmitting device 9, a switching control device 10, a switching device 11,
It consists of 12.

As shown in FIG. 29, the switching control device 10 has a CPU 1A, a RAM 2A and a ROM 3A in this embodiment.
And the like, and interface I / Fs 4A, 5A, etc., and are switched by software control. The I / F 4A is an interface for capturing the output signal of the sensor 7 as data, and may be composed of an A / D converter or the like. The I / F 5A includes the switching devices 11 and 12
Is an interface for switching between. The switching controller 10 functions by processing software written in the RAM 2A, ROM 3A, etc. by the CPU 1A. The device configuration of FIG. 29 is common to known information processing devices, and is used not only for the switching control device 10 but also for the hardware configuration of the transmission processing device 2 and the reception processing device 5.

The operation is as follows.

The video signal from the input device 1 is sent to the switch 1
Outputs 1 and 12 are output via the still image transmission device 8 or the moving image transmission device 9. The switching control of the switching devices 11 and 12 is performed by the switching control device 10. The still image transmitting device 8 converts only an arbitrary frame of the input video signal into digital data in a file format (hereinafter referred to as a still image file) and transmits it. The moving picture transmitting device 9 converts the input video signal into digital data (hereinafter referred to as a moving picture file) and transmits it. Of course, the digital data at this time may be compressed. The switching control device 10 selects whether to transmit a still image or a moving image based on the output of the sensor 7.

As the sensor 7, there are various types such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acoustic sensor and a motion sensor, and any sensor can be used as long as it informs an abnormality in the monitoring area.
As a motion sensor or the like, a video camera may be used as the input device 1 and the output thereof may be used. To detect motion, an existing motion adaptive scanning line interpolation circuit or the like used in EDTV (Extended Definition Television) or the like may be used. The motion sensor can detect a value indicating the degree of correlation between frames of the input video signal. In addition, a change in the brightness level or color of the video signal may be detected as a changeover trigger used by the changeover control device 10.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the switching control device 10. This process is activated periodically. At the time of startup, first, sensor data is input from the I / F 4A (S1), and it is determined whether or not the value exceeds a threshold value indicating abnormality (S2). Of course, the threshold value needs to be set to an appropriate value according to the monitoring target.
If it is determined that the sensor data exceeds the threshold, I /
The switches 11 and 12 are switched to the moving image transmitting device 9 via F5A (S3). After that, the moving image file is transmitted (S4). The switching control device 10 sends the moving image file.
From the switch controller 10 to the moving picture transmitting device 9 for execution (the command transmission path from the switching control device 10 to the moving picture transmitting device 9 is not particularly shown).

After transmitting the moving image file, the I / F 5A is again displayed.
The selectors 11 and 12 are switched to the still image transmitting device 8 via the switch to enter the state of waiting for sensor data input (S
5).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the sensor data does not exceed the threshold value, there is no abnormality, and therefore the still image file is sent only at regular intervals.
That is, it is determined whether or not it is the still image transmission time (S6). If true, the still image file is transmitted (S7). If false, the sensor data input waiting state is set.

The transmission of a still image file is executed by sending a command from the switching control device 10 to the still image transmitting device 9 as in the case of moving images (the command transmission path from the switching control device 10 to the still image transmitting device 9 is also shown). No).

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the reception processing device 5.

The reception processing device 5 includes a still image reception device 13,
Video receiving device 14, switching control device 15, switching device 16, 1
It consists of 7. The configuration of the switching control device 15 is similar to the configuration of the switching control device doctor 10 shown in FIG. The operation is as follows.

The digital data from the network interface 3b is output via the still image receiving device 12 or the moving image receiving device 13 by the switches 16 and 17. The switching control of the switching devices 16 and 17 is performed by the switching control device 15.
The still image receiving device 13 converts the still image file into a video signal and outputs it. The video receiver 14 converts the video file and outputs a video signal. At this time, if the input digital data is compressed, it is expanded. The switching control device 15 selects reception of a still image file or a moving image file, and switches 16 and 1 based on a still image / moving image identifier (described later in FIG. 5) added to input digital data.
Control 7 As a result, the receiving process corresponding to the transmitting process can be performed, and the still image or the moving image selected on the transmitting side can be output.

FIG. 31 shows a flowchart of the processing of the switching control device 15. First, when digital data is input from the network interface (S11), it is determined based on the identifier data whether the file transmitted on the network 4 is a moving image file or a still image file (S11).
12). If it is determined to be a moving image file, the switch 16 or 1
7 is switched to the moving picture distrust device 14 (S13), the moving picture file is converted and the moving picture is output (S14). The conversion output from the video file to the video is output from the switching control device 15.
A command is sent to the moving image receiving device 14 and executed (a command transmission path therefor is not shown). After outputting the moving image, the switches 16 and 17 are again switched to the still image receiving device 13 to wait for input of digital data from the network interface (S15).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 12 that the image is a still image file, the still image file is converted and a still image is output (S16). Similarly to moving images, conversion output from a still image file to a still image is also executed by sending a command from the switching control device 15 to the still image receiving device 13 (a command voltage path therefor is not shown).

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the concept of transferring still images and moving images. It should be noted that the numerical values in FIG. 4 are an example for explaining the concept in an easy-to-understand manner, and here, the description will proceed based on the following numerical values.

(1) The total number of input devices 1 is 80 (2) The input device 1 is a video camera (full color) (3) The resolution of the video camera is 320 × 240 pixels (4) The still image is of the video camera Transmission of 1 frame (5) Video compression (MPEG1 method 1.5 Mbps)
And transmit for 15 seconds (6) The capacity of the still image file is 320 x 240 x RGB
× 8bit≈1.8Mbit (7) Video file capacity 1.5Mbps × 15s≈2
2.5Mbit (8) Transmission speed of network 4 is 100Mbps (9) Transmission time of one still image file is 0.018 seconds (10) Transmission time of one moving image file is 0.225 seconds (11) Output device CRT Display Therefore, the concept of transferring still images and moving images will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the uppermost part shows the image captured by the video camera, the middle part shows the still image or moving image file on the network, and the lower part shows the image displayed on the CRT display.

First, a still image is taken in from a video camera every normal time (0 o'clock, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock ...) During normal times without any abnormalities. The figure shows transfer of still images at 0:00 and 1:00. The captured 80 still images are converted into files and sent to the network as still image files.
The transmission time of 80 still image files is calculated as 1.44 seconds. The transmitted still image file is the still image receiving device 1
It is processed in 3 and output to the CRT display as a still image. If the confirmation time for one still image is 3 seconds, 80
It takes 4 minutes for one sheet.

On the other hand, when the output signal of the sensor is received due to some abnormality, that is, when the abnormality occurs, the output signal is used as a trigger to capture a moving image from the video camera,
It is sent to the network as a movie file. The transmission time of a moving image file is 0.225 seconds per file. The transmitted moving image file is processed by the moving image receiving device 14 and output as a moving image on the CRT display. Of course, the display time is the same as the captured length, 15
Seconds.

As described above, the moving image is transmitted only when the abnormality is detected by the sensor 7, and the still image is transmitted at regular intervals during normal times.

Although moving image files and still image files are mixed on the network, the user data portion of the packet of each file contains image data other than image data P1 as shown in FIG. Check data P2 for correcting an error, identifier data P3 for identifying whether the image data is a still image or a moving image, date / time data P4 when the image data is taken in, which sensor has operated when an abnormality has occurred, or whether an abnormality has occurred. Since the sensor data P5 indicating the urgency level, the source address P6, the transfer destination address P7, and the like are added, the received data can be processed accurately without making a mistake. Further, as will be described later, it becomes easy to construct an image database by using these additional data.

As described above, it is possible to suppress an increase in network traffic by selecting a large amount of video information, and to efficiently operate a surveillance system or the like.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The configuration of the entire system is the same as that in FIG. 1, and the portion corresponding to the transmission processing device 2 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 6 as the second transmission processing device 102.

The transmission processing device 102 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a still image transmission device 8, a moving image transmission device 9, a temporary storage device 20, a switching control device 21, and switching devices 22 and 23.

The feature of this embodiment is that by storing the video signal and the like in the temporary storage device 20, not only the current video but also the past video can be transmitted. The operation is as follows.

The video signal input to the input terminal 24 is applied to the still image transmitting device 8, the switch 22 and the temporary storage device 20. The output of the temporary storage device 20 is also applied to the switch 22. That is, the switch 22 can select the present video signal or the past video signal as the video signal to be input to the moving image transmitting device 9. The switch 23 can select one of the output of the still image transmitting device 8 and the output of the moving image transmitting device 9 as the digital data applied to the output terminal 25. The switching control of the switching devices 22 and 23 is performed by the switching control device 21. As in the first embodiment, the switching control device 21 controls the switching devices 22 and 23 based on the output signal of the sensor 7.

In normal times without any abnormality, the switching control device 21 connects the switching device 23 to the output of the still image transmitting device 8 and outputs a still image file to the output terminal 25.

In the event of an abnormality, the switching control device 21 switches the switching device 2
2 is controlled to input the past image or the current image to the moving image transmission device 9, and the switching device 23 is controlled to output a moving image file from the output terminal 25. Since the receiving side may be the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

Here, the extraction of past images by the temporary storage device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The configuration of FIG. 7 is for explaining the concept in an easy-to-understand manner.

The temporary storage device 20 of FIG. 7 comprises an analog / digital converter 26, a ring memory 18, a data write head 19-1, a data read head 19-2, and a digital / analog converter 27. The operation is as follows.

The input of the video signal to the temporary storage device 20 is as follows.
It is converted into a digital signal by the analog / digital converter 26 and written in the ring memory 18 via the data write head 19-1. This writing is always performed. On the other hand, the data written in the ring memory 18 is read via the data read head 19-2, converted into an analog signal by the digital / analog converter 27, and output. The ring memory 18 is in a state where video signals are being written and read simultaneously. The read position is delayed from the write position by an arbitrary amount. That is, this temporary storage device 20 functions as a kind of delay means for reading the written video data after delaying it by an arbitrary time.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing this time delay. The upper part of FIG. 8 shows the ring memory input and the lower part shows the ring memory output, and the hatched part is the data in the memory. In this way, a time delay can be created. By using this time delay, it becomes possible to transmit the situation from the time immediately before the moment when the abnormality is determined as a moving image file. For example, assume that an abnormality occurs at a position indicated by an arrow in FIG. At this time, the switching control device 21 of FIG. 6 may be used to tilt the switching device 22 toward the moving image transmission device 9 side to start transmitting the moving image file.

The state of the file output from the transmission processing device 102 of FIG. 6 of the second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, an abnormality has occurred and a moving image file is mixed while a still image file is being transmitted at fixed time intervals T. In the moving image file, past data and current data at the time of occurrence of an abnormality are mixed.

In FIG. 9, when an abnormality occurs in the real space at time "0" (indicated by an arrow), the switch 22 is set to the temporary storage device 2.
By switching to the 0 side, data from the past time "-t1" in the temporary storage device 20 to the time "0" when the abnormality occurred and the time "0" when the abnormality occurred to the arbitrary time "t2" Are sending data. In other words,
This is to send the moving image file back to t2 hours from the time when the abnormality occurs until the time t2 including the abnormality itself.

On the other hand, in FIG. 10, writing and reading of the temporary storage device 20 are stopped at the time when an abnormality occurs in the real space, and the switching device 22 is switched to the input terminal 24 side so that the current video data is displayed for t2 hours. Send. Immediately thereafter, the switch 22 is switched to the temporary storage device 20 side and the temporary storage device 20 is reproduced, so that the time "-t1" before the abnormality occurs until the time "0" until the abnormality occurs. The image is taken out from the temporary storage device 20 and transmitted as a moving image file.

Further, by switching the switch 22 of FIG. 6 at high speed, the current image and the temporary storage device 2
The video stored in 0 can be simultaneously encoded by the moving image transmission device 9. Of course, at this time, the current encoded video,
For each of the images stored in the temporary storage device 20,
Since additional data such as an identifier is attached, each image can be reproduced on the receiving side by decoding based on the additional data.

As described above, by having the temporary storage device 20, it is possible to take out the decisive moment of abnormality occurrence and enhance the value of the contents of the moving image file. In addition, the moving image file can be used for elucidating the mechanism of the occurrence of abnormality, and the capability of the monitoring system can be significantly improved.

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The configuration of the entire system is the same as that in FIG. 1, and the portion corresponding to the reception processing device 5 is the second reception processing device 105 in FIG.
Take the configuration as shown in.

FIG. 11 has a configuration in which a data storage device 30 is added to the reception processing device 5 shown in FIG. 3, and a video signal is output to the output terminal 32 and a video signal is also sent to the data storage device 30. Output and save. Of course, the stored image or the like can be read from the data storage device 30. The other operations are the same as those in FIG.

In this way, by storing in the data storage device 30 still images and moving images that are sent momentarily,
A database of recorded images can be constructed. As described above, since the image file has additional data, the data storage device 30 includes this additional data.
Needless to say, the file can be searched and edited efficiently by saving it in.

The data storage device 30 may be mainly composed of a storage device such as a hard disk device or a magneto-optical disk device. Further, the data storage device 30 of course includes a function for analog / digital conversion or digital / analog conversion of a video signal at the time of writing and reading.

On the other hand, in the embodiment (third reception processing device 205) of FIG. 12, the data storage device 130 is arranged at the input part of the reception processing device 205 in FIG. 11 (second).
Reception processing device 105). With the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the data to the data storage device 130 can be stored as it is, such as a moving image file or a still image file on the transmission path. , A function for analog / digital conversion or digital / analog conversion of a video signal becomes unnecessary. Other operations are basically the same as those in FIG.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the reception processing device 5 of FIG. 1 is omitted, and an output device 106 is inserted in place of the output device 6 to configure the system.
Note that the description is omitted because it is the same as FIG. 1 except for the output device 106.

FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the output device 106. The output device 106 includes the still image receiving device 13 and the moving image receiving device 1.
4, a switching control device 15, switching devices 16 and 17, a drive device 40 for driving a display element, and a display element 41.

The feature of this embodiment is that the reception processing device 5 of FIG.
The display device 106 has a portion corresponding to. The configuration is the same as that of FIG. 3 except for the drive device 40 and the display element 41. That is, the display device 41 is driven by the output of the switching device 17 via the drive device 40 to display an image. The display element 41 may be, for example, a CRT, a liquid crystal panel, a plasma display or the like. It goes without saying that the drive device 40 is a device corresponding to the display element 41.

In this way, the output device (display device) 1
The use of 06 eliminates the need for a reception processing device and simplifies the system configuration. Furthermore, by incorporating the network interface 3 in the output device 106, the output device 106 can be directly connected to the network, and a simpler system can be configured.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The configuration of the entire system is the same as in FIG. 1, and the portion corresponding to the transmission processing device 2 is the third transmission processing device 202 in FIG.
become that way.

The transmission processing device 202 in FIG. 15 comprises a still image transmitting device 8, a moving image transmitting device 9, a buffer 50, a switching control device 51, and switching devices 11 and 12. A feature of this embodiment is that the output data of the still image transmitting device 8, that is, the still image file is transmitted via the buffer 50. For example, it is assumed that the switching control device 51 receives the output signal of the sensor 7 at the moment when the still image transmission device 8 tries to transmit a still image file, as in the first embodiment. At this time, the switching control device 51 switches the switching devices 11 and 12 to the moving image transmission device 9
Since the moving image file is transmitted after switching to, the still image file that the still image transmitting apparatus 8 tries to transmit cannot be transmitted. Therefore, the output of the still image transmitting device 8 is temporarily stored in the buffer 50, and while the moving image file is being transmitted,
The still image file is kept waiting in the buffer 50. After the transmission of the moving image file is completed, the still image file is transmitted from the buffer 50. The switching controller 51 controls the instruction to wait for a still image file in the buffer 50 and the transmission of a still image file from the buffer 50 after the transmission of the moving image file. The switching control device 51, of course, also interlocks with the control of the switching devices 11 and 12.

The structure other than the buffer 50 is the same as that shown in FIG.

With the above arrangement, it is possible to smoothly switch and transmit a moving image file and a still image file.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The entire system configuration is the same as that of FIG. 1, and the part corresponding to the transmission processing device 2 is the fourth transmission processing device 30 of FIG.
2, and the portion corresponding to the reception processing device 5 becomes the fourth reception processing device 305 in FIG.

A feature of this embodiment is that the still picture file and the moving picture file are transmitted by the variable coding rate coding device 60. The variable coding rate coding device 60 includes
The coding rate is controlled by the coding rate control device 61. For example, when the coding rate control device 61 receives the output signal of the sensor 7 as in the first embodiment, the coding rate control device 61 determines the coding rate of the variable coding rate coding device 60 based on the signal. With a moving image transmission mode in which image data equivalent to one frame is controlled every 1/30 second and a time interval longer than 1/30 second such as tens of minutes or every several hours,
Quasi-video transmission mode that sends image data equivalent to one frame,
Alternatively, it is possible to switch the still image transmission mode in which image data corresponding to one frame is transmitted at fixed time intervals.

Further, a high-speed moving image transmission mode for transmitting image data corresponding to one frame at high speed at a speed of 1/30 second or less is provided, and based on information (not shown) from the network interface 3a, It can be used when the traffic of the network 4 has a margin. Of course, at this time, it goes without saying that the reproduction speed of the VTR or the like serving as the input source needs to be increased according to the encoding speed.

On the other hand, the fourth reception processing unit 305 decodes the digital data encoded by the fourth transmission processing unit 302 to reproduce the image data. A variable decoding speed decoding device 62 is used corresponding to the variable coding speed coding device 60, and the decoding speed control device 63 controls the decoding speed of the variable decoding speed decoding device 62. is doing. The decoding speed control device 63 detects information such as the coding speed from the additional data of the received image file, and controls the decoding speed of the variable decoding speed decoding device 62 based on the information. Needless to say, in this case, at the time of encoding, it is necessary for the variable encoding rate encoding device 60 to add additional data relating to the encoding rate and the like to the encoded image data.

On the other hand, it is possible to temporarily store the decoded data in the variable decoding speed type decoding device 62, and by doing so, the coding speed is changed every moment depending on the use condition of the network and transmitted. Since even the image data in the moving image mode that has been generated can absorb the fluctuation in the encoding speed, the output device 6 can output one frame every one thirtieth of a second, for example, and a smooth moving image display can be obtained. It is possible.

The variable coding rate coding device 60,
As the variable decoding speed decoding device 62, for example, M
PEG (Moving Picture Experts Group), H261, or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
An image compression device or image expansion device such as the above may be used.

As described above, it is possible to suppress an increase in network traffic and smoothly exchange information via the network.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The feature of this embodiment lies in the configurations of the fifth transmission processing device 402 and the fifth reception processing device 405. Other configurations are shown in FIG.
Since it is the same as, the explanation is omitted.

The fifth transmission processing device 402 comprises a temporary storage device 120, a file generation device 71, and a control device 70. The operation is as follows.

The video signal from the input device 1 is input to the temporary storage device 120. The temporary storage device 120 has basically the same configuration as the temporary storage device 20 described above. The difference is that the data read position can be controlled externally. The output of the temporary storage device 120 is the file generation device 71.
Is input to generate a still image file or video file. The file generation device 71 may be configured by, for example, a CPU or the like to realize file generation by the software.

The file generation device 71 can be controlled by the control device 70. That is, the control device 70
Is a temporary storage device 120 based on the output signal of the sensor 7.
And the file generation device 71. The control method is such that, when there is no output signal from the sensor 7, that is, in normal times, for example, the read position of the temporary storage device 120 is changed every hour.
At the same position as the writing position, 1 in the file generation device 71.
A data file for frames, that is, a still image file is generated, and the network 4 is transmitted via the interface 3.
Send it to.

On the other hand, when the output signal from the sensor 7 is generated, the control device 70 determines that there is an abnormality and, for example, delays the read position of the temporary storage device 120 from the write position,
The past moving image including the moment of abnormality is taken out, the moving image file is generated by the file generating device 71, and the moving image file is transmitted to the network 4 via the interface 3.
Needless to say, the still image file and the moving image file described here also have various additional data as in the first embodiment. This additional data is attached by the file generator 71.

The fifth reception processing device 405 comprises a file expansion device 72. This is to expand a still image file or a moving image file based on their additional data and output a still image signal or a moving image signal. Similarly to the file generating device 71, the file expanding device 72 may be configured by a CPU or the like to realize the file expanding by the software.

With the above arrangement, the transmission process and the reception process can be performed with a simpler configuration than that of FIG.

In FIG. 19, in the sixth transmission processing device 502, the compression device 73 is arranged in the front stage of the temporary storage device 220, and in the sixth reception processing device 505, the decompression device 74 is arranged in the latter stage of the file expansion device 172. It is arranged. As a result, the amount of data written to the temporary storage device 220 is reduced, and the memory capacity can be reduced. Of course, since the transfer capacity is also reduced, the traffic on the transmission line is also reduced. The compression device 73 includes, for example, MPEG or JPE.
An image compression technique such as G or H261 which is a standard for a videophone may be used. Of course, the expansion device 74
Uses a device corresponding to the compression device 73.

As the structure of the temporary storage device 220,
The input is made to correspond to the output of the compression device 73, for example, it is made to correspond to the digital input, and the file decompression device 172 is used.
It goes without saying that, for example, the output of is matched with the input of the decompressing device 74 to be compatible with digital output.

The other structure and the like are the same as those in FIG.

As described above, the increase in network traffic can be suppressed, and the monitoring system can be operated efficiently.

FIG. 20 shows the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

The feature of this embodiment is that the file storage device 75
And an output file control device 76, and I / F for still image files or moving image files on the network 4
Once stored in the file storage device 75 via 3c, I /
By sending a still image file or a moving image file to the receiving system including the fifth reception processing device 405 and the output device 6 according to the instruction command of the output file control device 76 via F3d, an accurate output state can be realized. is there.

For example, when many abnormalities occur and a large number of moving image files have been sent, they are once stored in the file storage device 75 and their additional data are compared and examined by the output file control device 76, which is important. Items can be displayed on the output device 6 or only important items can be displayed on the output device 6.

The output file controller 76 may be a computer such as a workstation, and a human may give an instruction from a keyboard or the like, or a software program may automatically give an instruction.

The file storage device 75 and the output file control device 76 may be connected to each other without passing through the network 4.

FIG. 21 shows an example in which the sixth transmission processing device 502 and the sixth reception processing device 505 described in FIG. 19 are used. Details are as described above.

By compressing the image data, traffic on the network can be reduced, and the amount of image data stored in the file storage device 75 can be increased. As described above, the monitoring system and the like can be efficiently operated.

FIG. 22 shows the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

The feature of this embodiment is that the seventh transmission processing device 6
02 has a function of not only transmitting information but also receiving information, whereby the transmission processing device 602 and the input device 101 can be controlled from the outside. The seventh transmission processing device 602 includes a temporary storage device 120 and a file generation device 7.
1. Control device 170. The control device 170 can exchange information with the outside via the network interface 3, and can control the input device 101, the temporary storage device 120, and the file generation device 71.

Thus, for example, when a video camera is used as the input device 101, it is possible to instruct zooming and panning via a network. Further, although no particular abnormality has occurred, if a moving image file is desired to be transferred, the moving image file can be forcibly transferred. These instructions are based on the instructions issued from a computer or the like connected to the network 4.

Next, an example of important usage when external control is possible will be given.

(1) If a moving image file is excessively generated in the event of frequent occurrence of abnormalities, network traffic increases and transmission efficiency decreases. Also, even if video files are sent, if there are too many, you will be confused as to which one to watch, and your monitoring ability will decline.

Therefore, for example, the above-mentioned output file control device 76 determines the additional data of the moving image file, and the control device 170 changes the threshold level for determining the sensor output to generate the moving image file. Suppress excess.

(2) When the same state as (1) is reached,
When generating a video file according to instructions from the outside,
Limit the number of frames. That is, the amount of information to be transmitted is suppressed by thinning out the frames.

(3) When it is desired to continuously monitor a certain monitoring point for a long period of time, the temporary storage device 1 is instructed by instructing the control device 170 to continuously transfer moving image files.
It is possible to continuously view a long-time moving image without interruption, as compared with moving image data that can be stored in 20 at a time.

As described above, the monitoring system and the like can be operated efficiently.

Incidentally, except for the seventh transmission processing device 602,
Since it is the same as the eighth embodiment, its explanation is omitted.

FIG. 23 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

The feature of this embodiment is that the eighth transmission processing device 7
02 monitors and judges the traffic condition of the network,
Limit the number of frames when creating a movie file. That is, the amount of information to be transmitted can be suppressed by thinning out the frames.

FIG. 24 shows an example of control characteristics. The horizontal axis is the network traffic volume, and the vertical axis is the video frame rate. In this example, when the traffic volume is a or less, it is constant at 30 frames / sec, and when the traffic volume is a or more, the frame rate is decreased according to the increase.
The traffic volume becomes 1 frame / second at b.

As described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in network utilization efficiency due to an increase in traffic, and
It is possible to prevent the functional breakdown of the network system and build and operate a highly reliable monitoring system.

Incidentally, except for the eighth transmission processing device 702,
Since it is the same as that of the seventh embodiment, its explanation is omitted.

The eleventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 shows the fifth reception processing device 4 of FIG.
05 is omitted, and the output device 206 is inserted in place of the output device 6 to configure the system. Note that the description is omitted because it is the same as FIG. 18 except for the display device 206.

The output device 206 is the file expansion device 7
1, a video drive device 80, a display element 81, an audio drive device 82, and an audio output element 83.

The display element 81 may be, for example, a CRT, a liquid crystal panel, a plasma display or the like. It goes without saying that the video drive device 80 is a device corresponding to the display element 81. The audio output device 83 is driven by the audio drive device 82 and outputs audio and the like.

In this way, by using the output device 206, the reception processing device is unnecessary and the system configuration is simplified. Further, by incorporating the network interface 3 in the display device 206, the display device can be directly connected to the network, and a simpler system can be configured.

The twelfth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 is characterized in that the network 104 for real-time transmission is provided.

The ninth transmission processing device 802 has a switching device 85 controlled by the control device 370, and outputs the output signal of the compression device 73 from the network interface 103.
Via the network to the network 104 for real-time transmission. On the other hand, the seventh reception processing device 605 also has a switch 86 controlled by the control device 470, and inputs a signal from the network 104 for real-time transmission to the decompression device 74 via the network interface 103. The other detailed description is omitted because it has been described in the above embodiments.

As described above, real-time transmission is possible.

The following is an example of how to use the embodiment shown in FIG. For example, an abnormality occurred, a moving image file was transferred, and when the contents were confirmed, an abnormality was found in the monitored device (not shown). Therefore, in order to operate the device by remote control, the control device 370 is used to switch the switches 85 and 86 to the real-time display state.
And 470 to monitor the real time image on the output device 6 and remotely control the monitored device. Although not shown, the remote control device is of course connected to the network 4.

By doing so, a monitoring system or the like having a high utility value can be constructed.

The network 104 for real-time transmission can be realized by an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) type network. Further, in FIG. 26, the network 104 for real-time transmission and the network 4 are shown separately, but they may be physically the same network as long as they are ATM type networks.

A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
The feature of this embodiment lies in the tenth transmission processing device 902.

The tenth transmission processing device 902 has a configuration in which the storage device 90 is added to the input section of the fifth transmission processing device 405 in FIG. 18, and other configurations are the fifth transmission processing device 405. Is the same as. The operation is as follows.

The video signal from the input device 1 is input to the temporary storage device 120 and also to the storage device 90. The storage device 90 may be a recording device such as a VTR or an optical file device, and the storage device 90 is the temporary storage device 1.
Longer recording than 20.

By including the storage device 90, it is possible to store an image including a moving image in the transmission system, and it is possible to reliably prevent a moving image file transfer error or the like when an abnormality occurs. Further, although it is not particularly abnormal, if the past moving images are required to reconfirm the monitoring area, the contents of the storage device 90 are
The image file of the input device 1 may be transferred in the same manner as it is transmitted. At this time, rewind the storage device 90,
The control device 470 controls reproduction and the like. Since other operations are the same as those in FIG. 18, detailed description will be omitted.

When a file is generated by the file generation device 171, image compression by MPEG, H261 or JPEG may be performed. Of course, in response to this, the file decompression device 372 of the eighth reception processing device 705 needs the image decompression process at the time of file decompression, and has the function.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, the file storage device 75 and the output file control device 7 are added to the configuration shown in FIG.
6 is added.

With the configuration shown in FIG. 28, it is possible to request the transfer of the past moving image for reconfirmation within the monitoring area described with reference to FIG.
The instruction may be given to the tenth transmission processing device 902. Further, the moving image file can be stored in the file storage device 75. The file storage device 75 and the output file control device 76 are as described in FIG.

As described above, the monitoring system and the like can be operated efficiently.

Although the detailed description of the network interface 3 is omitted in the above description, it is connected to the network, for example, by transmitting the data transmitted from the first transmission processing device 2 while observing the line status of the network 4. Having an interface function for
Needless to say.

[0134]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to select information by switching and transmitting a moving image and a still image appropriately, and to exchange information remotely via a network. In addition, even if there are many sources of information, it is possible to efficiently operate a monitoring system and the like by suppressing a decrease in network utilization efficiency.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the transmission processing device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the reception processing device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a transfer method of still image files and moving image files in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a user data part of a packet in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the temporary storage device of FIG.

8 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the temporary storage device of FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a transmission data format example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a transmission data format example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a reception processing device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission processing device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an output device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission processing device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission processing device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a reception processing device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a system configuration diagram of a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a system configuration diagram of an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission processing device according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission processing device according to the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an operation explanatory diagram of the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a system configuration diagram of the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a system configuration diagram of the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a system configuration diagram of the thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a system configuration diagram of the thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a configuration diagram of a switching control device according to the first embodiment.

30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the switching control device of FIG.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the operation of the switching control device of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Input device, 2 ... 1st transmission processing device, 3 ... Network interface, 4 ... Network, 5 ... 1st reception processing device, 6 ... Output device, 7 ... Sensor device, 8 ... Still image transmission device, 9 ... video transmitting device, 10, 15 ... switching control device, 13 ... still image receiving device, 14 ... video receiving device, 2
0 ... Temporary storage device, 30 ... Data storage device, 40 ... Driving device, 41 ... Display device, 50 ... Buffer device, 60 ... Coding rate variable type coding device, 61 ... Coding rate control device, 62 ... Decoding Variable speed decoding device, 63 ... Decoding speed control device, 71 ... File generation device, 70 ... Control device, 72 ... File decompression device, 73 ... Compression device, 74 ...
Decompression device, 75 ... File storage device, 76 ... Output file control device, 80 ... Video drive device, 81 ... Display element,
Reference numeral 82 ... Audio drive device, 83 ... Audio output element, 102 ...
Second transmission processing device, 202 ... Third transmission processing device, 3
02 ... fourth transmission processing device, 402 ... fifth transmission processing device, 502 ... sixth transmission processing device, 602 ... seventh transmission processing device, 702 ... eighth transmission processing device, 802 ... ninth
Transmission processing device, 902 ... Tenth transmission processing device 105
... second reception processing device, 205 ... third reception processing device,
305 ... Fourth reception processing device, 405 ... Fifth reception processing device, 505 ... Sixth reception processing device, 605 ... Seventh reception processing device, 705 ... Eighth reception processing device.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Nobuaki Ko, 6-6 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Hitachi Systems Co., Ltd.

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A video signal input device for inputting at least a video signal, a transmission processing device for converting the video signal into digital data, an interface device for sending the digital data to a network, and an interface for receiving the digital data from the network. Device,
In a video signal transmission / reception system including a reception processing device for converting digital data output of the interface device into a video signal, and a video signal output device for outputting the video signal, the transmission processing device transmits still image data. A still image transmitting device, a moving image transmitting device for transmitting moving image data, a transmission switching device for switching the input / output of the transmission processing device to the still image transmitting device or the moving image transmitting device, A transmission switching control device that controls switching of the transmission switching device, wherein the reception processing device includes a still image receiving device that receives still image data, a moving image receiving device that receives moving image data, and a receiving processing device of the receiving processing device. A reception switching device that switches whether the input / output is connected to the still image receiving device or the moving image receiving device, and a reception switching device that controls switching of the reception switching device. Video signal transmitting and receiving system, comprising a switching control device. 2. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the output data of the transmission processing device is data in which still image data and moving image data are mixed. 3. The transmission processing device has means for adding, to the output data, additional data for identifying whether the output data is still image data or moving image data, and the reception switching control device is the 3. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the switching control is performed by recognizing additional data. 4. The video signal transmission / reception system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission switching control device performs the transmission switching control in response to an output of a sensor provided outside. 5. The transmission switching control device monitors a video signal input from the video signal input device, and when the degree of change of the video exceeds a predetermined level,
The video signal transmission / reception system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the transmission switching device is switched to a moving image transmission device side. 6. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the still image transmitting device transmits the still image data at predetermined constant time intervals. 7. The transmission processing device switches a video signal temporary storage device for temporarily storing a video signal from the video signal input device, and an output of the video signal temporary storage device and a video input of the transmission processing device. 7. A second transmission switching device for inputting to the moving image transmission device, wherein the transmission switching control device also performs switching control of the second transmission switching device. The video signal transmission / reception system according to any one. 8. The transmission switching control device, at a time point t0 when the degree of change of the video is equal to or more than the predetermined degree,
From the time point-t1 a certain time before the time point to the time point t0
8. The video according to claim 7, wherein the second transmission switching device and the video signal temporary storage device are controlled so that the video signal is output from the video signal temporary storage device up to a time point t2 after a certain time. Signal transmission / reception system. 9. The transmission switching control device, at a time point t0 when the degree of change of the video is equal to or more than the predetermined degree,
After outputting a real-time video signal from that time point to a time point t2 which is a predetermined time before, a time point before the predetermined time from the time point t0
8. The video signal transmission / reception system according to claim 7, wherein the second transmission switching device and the video signal temporary storage device are controlled so that the video signal from t1 to time t0 is output from the video signal temporary storage device. . 10. The reception processing device comprises a data storage device, which stores the still image data or the moving image data received by these devices, at a stage subsequent to the still image receiving device or the moving image receiving device. Item 10. A video signal transmission / reception system according to any one of Items 1-9. 11. The reception processing device comprises a data storage device for storing the received still image data or moving image data in front of the still image receiving device or the moving image receiving device. The video signal transmission / reception system according to any one of 1. 12. A display device having a display element and a display drive device for driving the display device, the display device comprising:
2. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1, further comprising a still image receiving device, a moving image receiving device, a reception switching device, and a reception switching control device built in the reception processing device. 13. The transmission processing device comprises a buffer for temporarily storing the output of the still image transmission device, and the transmission switching control device transmits the still image data to be transmitted at every predetermined time. When the transmission of the moving image data conflicts, the still image data to be transmitted is temporarily stored in the buffer, and after the transmission of the moving image data is completed, the still image data is read from the buffer and transmitted. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 6. 14. A video signal input device for inputting a video signal, a transmission processing device for converting the video signal into digital data, an interface device for sending the digital data to a network, and an interface for receiving the digital data from the network. A video signal transmission / reception system comprising a device, a reception processing device for converting digital data output of the interface device into a video signal, and a video signal output device for outputting the video signal, wherein the transmission processing device is an encoding device. A variable coding rate coding device for coding a video signal at a variable speed, and a coding speed control device controlling the coding speed of the variable coding speed image coding device. The processing device includes a variable decoding speed image decoding device that decodes a video signal by changing the decoding speed. When the video signal transmission and reception system, characterized in that it comprises a decoding rate of 該復 Goka variable speed image decoding apparatus, and decoding speed control device that controls based on the input data. 15. The encoding mode of the variable encoding rate image encoding device and the decoding mode of the variable encoding rate image decoding device are a mixture of a moving image mode and a still image mode. 15. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 14. 16. A video signal input device for inputting at least a video signal, a transmission processing device for converting the video signal into digital data, a first interface device for sending the digital data to a network, and the digital data from the network. In a video signal transmitting / receiving system, comprising: a second interface device for receiving a video signal; a reception processing device for converting digital data output of the interface device into a video signal; and a video signal output device for outputting the video signal. The processing device includes a temporary storage device that temporarily stores a video signal, a file generation device that generates a still image file or a moving image file based on the output of the temporary storage device, and outputs the file to the first interface device; With the device read control and the file generator And a control device that controls whether to generate a still image file or a moving image file based on a sensor output signal from the outside, wherein the reception processing device is obtained via the second interface device. A video signal transmitting / receiving system having a file expanding device for outputting a still image or a moving image based on the data of the file. 17. A control device in the transmission device device has a function of controlling the input device, the temporary storage device, and the file generation device in accordance with data received via the first interface. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 16, wherein 18. The determination condition for the control device to generate a moving image file, the sensor output signal or the first
18. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 16, wherein the video signal transmitting / receiving system is changed according to the data received from the interface. 19. When the file generating device generates a moving image file, the control device changes the frame rate of the moving image file according to the sensor output signal or the data received from the first interface. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that. 20. The data received from the first interface is data relating to the traffic volume of the network, and the control device reduces the frame rate when the traffic exceeds a predetermined volume. 20. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to claim 19, wherein: 21. The video according to claim 17, wherein the control device controls the file generation device to continuously generate a plurality of moving image files in accordance with the data received from the first interface. Signal transmission / reception system. 22. The transmission processing device comprises a third interface device for transmitting data before being stored in the temporary storage device to the second network in real time,
18. The video signal transmission / reception system according to claim 16, wherein the reception processing device includes a fourth interface device that receives data transmitted in real time to the second network in real time. 23. The video signal transmission / reception according to claim 16, wherein the transmission processing device has a storage device for storing a larger amount of data in addition to the temporary storage device. system. 24. The transmission processing device has a compression device for compressing a video signal to be stored in the temporary storage device, and the reception processing device expands the compressed still image data or moving image data. And a decompression device for outputting a still image or a moving image.
3. The video signal transmitting / receiving system according to any one of 3 above. 25. A file storage device for storing at least one of a still image file and a moving image file transmitted from the transmission processing device on the network, and transmission of the file from the file storage device to the reception processing device. The video signal transmission / reception system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising an output file control device for controlling.