WO2017099402A1

WO2017099402A1 - Network camera system and method of operating same

Info

Publication number: WO2017099402A1
Application number: PCT/KR2016/013845
Authority: WO
Inventors: 이준성
Original assignee: 한화테크윈주식회사
Priority date: 2015-12-10
Filing date: 2016-11-29
Publication date: 2017-06-15
Also published as: KR20170068957A; KR102369796B1

Abstract

A network camera system according to an embodiment, for solving the problem to be solved via the present invention, relates to a network camera system including a plurality of network cameras and a gateway, wherein a first network camera among the plurality of network cameras comprises: a battery for supplying power; a first camera module for capturing an image of a surveillance area; a sensor for detecting an event; a first camera processor for extracting the remaining battery charge of the battery, stopping the operation of the first camera module if the remaining battery charge is less than a reference remaining charge, generating event information corresponding to the event, and generating battery information indicating the remaining battery charge; and a first communication module for transmitting at least one from among the event information and the battery information to the gateway.

Description

Network Camera System and Its Operation Method

The present invention relates to a network camera system and a method of operating the same.

In recent years, the installation of the camera in the interior, exterior, street, etc. for a variety of purposes, such as security, security, store management is increasing. These cameras may be connected to each other via a network by wire or wirelessly to perform a function as a network camera.

In addition, an administrator who manages a place where a camera is installed may remotely manage a remote place such as a building or a store by accessing the camera through a personal computer.

An object of the present invention is to provide a network camera system and a method of operating the same in preparation for battery discharge.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network camera system including a plurality of network cameras and a gateway, wherein a first network camera of the plurality of network cameras is a power source. A battery for supplying it; A first camera module for photographing the surveillance area; A sensor for detecting an event; Extracting a battery remaining amount of the battery and stopping the operation of the first camera module when the remaining battery level is less than a reference remaining amount, generating event information corresponding to the event, and generating battery information indicating the remaining battery level; A first camera processor; And a first communication module configured to transmit at least one of the event information and the battery information to the gateway.

In the present embodiment, the first camera processor may periodically generate the battery information, and the first communication module may periodically transmit the battery information to the gateway.

In the present embodiment, the first camera processor may stop the power supply to the first camera module by controlling the battery to stop the operation of the first camera module.

In the present embodiment, the event information may include at least one of an event detection alarm and event occurrence location information.

In the present embodiment, the gateway receives the event information from the first network camera, transmits a shooting command corresponding to the event information to a second network camera, and corresponds to the shooting command from the second network camera. A gateway communication module configured to receive an image; And a gateway processor extracting an event occurrence region from the event information, generating a shooting command for the event occurrence region, and searching for the second network camera for photographing the event occurrence region among the plurality of network cameras. It may include.

In the present embodiment, the gateway may further include a network interface for transmitting the image to the monitor terminal through a network.

In this embodiment, the gateway communication module periodically receives the battery information from the first network camera, the gateway processor periodically generates a battery replacement alarm corresponding to the battery information, the gateway, the battery It may further include a network interface for periodically transmitting a replacement alarm to the monitor terminal via the network.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the second network camera may include: a second camera module performing at least one of panning, tilting, and zooming, and photographing a surveillance area; A second communication module which receives the photographing command from the gateway and transmits the image to the gateway; And a second camera processor configured to change the surveillance region of the second camera module to the event occurrence region in response to the photographing command, and to generate the image photographed by the event occurrence region through the second camera module. can do.

In the present embodiment, the first camera processor may extend the event check period of the sensor when the battery remaining amount is less than the reference remaining amount.

In the present embodiment, when the battery level is greater than the reference level, the first camera processor generates an image in which the surveillance region is captured by the first camera module in response to the event, and the first communication module generates the image. May be transmitted to the gateway.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a network camera system, the method including a plurality of network cameras and a gateway. Extracting, by a network camera, a battery level of a battery included in the first network camera; If the battery level is less than the reference level, the event detected by the sensor included in the first network camera is stopped by the first network camera, the operation of the first camera module included in the first network camera Generating event information corresponding to and generating battery information indicating the remaining battery level; And transmitting, by the first network camera, at least one of the event information and the battery information to the gateway.

In the present embodiment, the generation and transmission of the battery information may be periodically performed by the first network camera.

In the present embodiment, the reception of the battery information is periodically performed by the gateway, and periodically generating, by the gateway, a battery replacement alarm corresponding to the battery information; And periodically transmitting, by the gateway, the battery replacement alarm to a monitor terminal.

In the present embodiment, the power supply to the first camera module may be stopped by controlling the battery to stop the operation of the first camera module by the first network camera.

In the present embodiment, the step of extracting, by the gateway, an event occurrence region from the event information; Generating, by the gateway, a shooting command for the event occurrence area; Searching, by the gateway, a second network camera for capturing the event occurrence area of the plurality of network cameras; Sending, by the gateway, the shooting command to the second network camera; And receiving, by the gateway, an image corresponding to the photographing command from the second network camera.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the method may further include transmitting, by the gateway, the image to the monitor terminal through a network.

In the present embodiment, the second camera module included in the second network camera performs at least one of panning, tilting, and zooming, and by the second network camera, responds to the shooting command by the second network camera. Changing the surveillance area of the event occurrence area; And generating, by the second network camera, the image in which the event occurrence region is photographed.

In the present embodiment, if the battery remaining amount is less than the reference remaining amount, the step of extending the event check period of the sensor by the first network camera; may further include.

In the present exemplary embodiment, if the battery level is greater than a first reference level, generating an image of a surveillance region photographed by the first network camera through the first camera module in response to the event; And transmitting, by the first network camera, the image to the gateway.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the power consumption of the battery supplying power to the network camera can be reduced by changing the operation mode of the network camera according to the remaining battery capacity.

In addition, before the power supply to the network camera is stopped, the battery replacement may be induced by supplying the user with information about the remaining battery level.

Alternatively, when an event is detected from a network camera having a small amount of battery, monitoring of the corresponding area may be continued by causing another network camera to photograph an area where the event is detected.

1 is a diagram illustrating a network camera system according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network camera included in a network camera system according to an exemplary embodiment.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gateway included in a network camera system according to an exemplary embodiment.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a network camera system according to an exemplary embodiment.

5 is a diagram illustrating an operation mode of a network camera according to an exemplary embodiment.

6 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating a method of operating in an ultra low power mode of a network camera according to an embodiment.

9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating in a low power mode of a network camera according to an embodiment.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating in a normal mode of a network camera, according to an exemplary embodiment.

As the inventive concept allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, it should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be omitted. Shall be.

Referring to FIG. 1, a network camera system 10 according to an embodiment includes a network camera 100, a gateway 200, a network 300, and a monitor terminal 400.

When the network camera system 10 transmits the information of the network camera 100 collected by the gateway 200 to a server (not shown) through the network 300, the administrator uses the monitor terminal 400 to display a server (not shown). May provide a configuration for monitoring the information transmitted.

The network camera 100 captures a surveillance area to obtain an image of the surveillance area. The network camera 100 may capture a surveillance area in real time for the purpose of surveillance or security. The network camera 100 may be a PTZ camera that is capable of panning and tilting and whose zoom magnification of the lens is adjustable. One or more network cameras 100 may be provided. For example, the network camera 100 may include first network cameras 100a to n-th network cameras 100n.

The network camera 100 may be a low power camera driven by a battery. The low power camera maintains its normal sleep mode and periodically checks to see if an event has occurred. In this case, the low power camera may check whether an event occurs according to a predetermined event check period. The low power camera enters the active mode when an event occurs, and returns to the sleep mode when the event does not occur. As such, the low power camera may reduce power consumption by maintaining the active mode only when an event occurs.

The network camera 100 communicates with the gateway 200 using various communication methods such as wired / wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication. Can communicate. For example, the network camera 100 may communicate with the gateway 200 according to a low power wireless communication protocol using a radio frequency of the Industrial Scientific Medical band (ISM band). In this case, the plurality of network cameras 100, for example, the first network camera 100a to the n-th network camera 100n may communicate with the gateway 200, respectively.

The gateway 200 may recognize the state of the network camera 100 based on the information transmitted from the network camera 100, and may be another network camera 100 or a monitor terminal according to the recognized state of the network camera 100. The command or alarm may be sent to the 400.

The gateway 200 may transmit information to a server (not shown) or receive a command from the server (not shown) using various wired or wireless communication methods such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

The network 300 may include a wired network or a wireless network. The wireless network may be 2G (Generation) or 3G cellular communication system, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), 4G communication system, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), or the like.

The monitor terminal 400 may display or store information transmitted from a server (not shown). For example, the monitor terminal 400 may display an alarm transmitted from a server (not shown). The monitor terminal 400 may include at least one processor. The monitor terminal 400 may be driven in a form included in another hardware device such as a microprocessor or a general purpose computer system. The monitor terminal 400 may be a personal computer or a mobile terminal.

2, a network camera 100 according to an embodiment may include a battery 110, a sensor 120, a camera module 130, an encoder 140, a camera communication module 150, and a camera processor 160. ).

The battery 110 supplies power to the network camera 100. According to the operation mode of the network camera 100, the configuration of the network camera 100 to which the battery 110 supplies power may vary.

For example, when the network camera 100 operates in the sleep mode, the battery 110 may supply power to at least one of the sensor 120 and the camera processor 160. The battery 110 may include at least one of the sensor 120, the camera module 130, the encoder 140, the camera communication module 150, and the camera processor 160 when the network camera 100 operates in an active mode. Can supply power.

For example, when the network camera 100 operates in an ultra low power mode, the battery 110 may supply power to at least one of the sensor 120, the camera communication module 150, and the camera processor 160. . The battery 110 may include the sensor 120, the camera module 130, the encoder 140, the camera communication module 150, and the camera processor 160 when the network camera 100 operates in a low power mode or a normal mode. At least one of the power may be supplied.

Meanwhile, for example, when the network camera 100 operates in an ultra low power mode, the battery 110 may supply power to at least one of the sensor 120, the camera module 130, and the camera processor 160. have. The battery 110 may include the sensor 120, the camera module 130, the encoder 140, the camera communication module 150, and the camera processor 160 when the network camera 100 operates in a low power mode or a normal mode. At least one of the power may be supplied.

The sensor 120 detects an event. The sensor 120 may include an infrared sensor, an audio sensor, a motion sensor, a gas sensor, a leak sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a tactile sensor, a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, and the like.

Regardless of the operation mode of the network camera 100, the event check period of the sensor 120 may be constant. For example, the event check period of the sensor 120 may be 250 ms (millisecond) in the ultra low power mode, the low power mode, and the normal mode, respectively. Accordingly, the network camera system 10 capable of detecting an event regardless of the remaining amount of the battery 110 may be provided.

Meanwhile, the event check period of the sensor 120 may vary according to an operation mode of the network camera 100.

For example, the event check period of the sensor 120 may be shortened when the network camera 100 operates in the ultra low power mode than when the network camera 100 operates in the low power mode or the normal mode. At this time, when the network camera 100 operates in the low power mode or the normal mode, the event check period of the sensor 120 is 250ms, and the event of the sensor 120 when the network camera 100 operates in the ultra low power mode. The check period may be 100 ms. Accordingly, even when the battery 110 is insufficient, it is possible to provide the network camera system 10 that can check the event without exception.

For example, the event check period of the sensor 120 may be extended when the network camera 100 operates in the ultra low power mode than when the network camera 100 operates in the low power mode or the normal mode. At this time, when the network camera 100 operates in the low power mode or the normal mode, the event check period of the sensor 120 is 250ms, and the event of the sensor 120 when the network camera 100 operates in the ultra low power mode. The check period may be 500 ms. Accordingly, when the battery 110 is insufficient, the network camera system 10 may be provided to save power supplied to the sensor 120.

Depending on the operation mode of the network camera 100, the sensitivity or sensing distance of the sensor 120 may vary.

For example, when the network camera 100 operates in the ultra low power mode or the low power mode than when operating in the normal mode, the sensitivity of the sensor 120 may be lowered or the sensing distance may be reduced. Accordingly, when the battery 110 is insufficient, it is possible to provide a network camera system 100 that can further save power supplied to the sensor 120.

Sensitivity or sensing distance of the sensor 120 may vary according to user input. The user input may include at least one of the sensitivity or sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the normal mode, and the sensitivity or sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode or the low power mode.

The camera module 130 captures a surveillance area.

Whether to photograph the camera module 130 may be determined according to an operation mode of the network camera 100. For example, when the network camera 100 operates in the ultra low power mode, the camera module 130 stops the operation and when the network camera 100 operates in the low power mode or the normal mode, the camera module 130 Can shoot the surveillance area.

On the other hand, for example, when the network camera 100 operates in an ultra low power mode, the camera module 130 captures a still image, and the camera module when the network camera 100 operates in a low power mode or a normal mode. 130 may shoot a video.

The photographing speed of the camera module 130 may be determined according to an operation mode of the network camera 100. For example, when the network camera 100 operates in a low power mode, the camera module 130 captures an image at a first frame rate, and when the network camera 100 operates in a normal mode. The camera module 130 may capture an image at a second frame rate higher than the first frame rate.

The shooting speed of the camera module 130 may vary depending on a user input. The user input may include at least one of a shooting speed of the camera module 130 in the low power mode and a shooting speed of the camera module 130 in the normal mode.

The camera module 130 may be formed of an image sensor, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

The camera module 130 may perform at least one of panning, tilting, and zooming to change the surveillance area or enlarge the photographing target. For example, when an event is detected by the sensor 120, the camera module 130 may change a surveillance area to a region where an event is detected or enlarge an object to be photographed. For example, when the camera communication module 150 receives a shooting command for the event occurrence area, the camera module 130 may change the surveillance area to the event generation area or enlarge the shooting target.

The encoder 140 encodes an image obtained through the camera module 130 into a digital signal. The encoder 140 may encode an image at a high compression rate when the network camera 100 operates in a low power mode, and may encode an image at a low compression rate when the network camera 100 operates in a normal mode.

The camera communication module 150 transmits at least one of battery information, event information, and an image to the gateway 200. For example, when the network camera 100 operates in an ultra low power mode, the camera communication module 150 may transmit at least one of battery information and event information to the gateway 200. In this case, the camera communication module 150 may periodically transmit the battery information to the gateway 200. When the network camera 100 operates in the low power mode or the normal mode, the camera communication module 150 may transmit an image to the gateway 200.

On the other hand, for example, when the network camera 100 operates in the low power mode or the normal mode, the camera communication module 150 transmits a video to the gateway 200, and operates the camera communication module when operating in the ultra low power mode. 150 may transmit a still image to the gateway 200. Accordingly, the network camera system 10 capable of saving power of the battery 110 may be provided by adjusting the size of data transmitted by the camera communication module 150 according to the battery remaining amount.

The battery information may be information indicating a battery remaining amount. The event information may include at least one of an event detection alarm and event occurrence location information, but is not limited thereto.

The camera communication module 150 may receive a photographing command corresponding to the event information from the gateway 200. For example, when the network camera 100 operates in the low power mode or the normal mode, the camera communication module 150 receives a shooting command from the gateway 200 and transmits an image corresponding to the shooting command to the gateway 200. Can transmit

The camera communication module 150 may perform at least one communication function of a wired / wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication. .

The camera processor 160 controls the overall operation of the network camera 100.

The camera processor 160 extracts the remaining battery level and switches the operation mode of the network camera 100 according to the remaining battery level.

For example, the camera processor 160 extracts the battery remaining capacity of the battery 110, and when the remaining battery amount is less than the first reference remaining amount, the camera processor 160 operates the network camera 100 in an ultra low power mode, and the remaining battery amount is the first reference amount. If the amount is greater than the remaining amount and less than the second reference remaining amount, the network camera 100 may be operated in the low power mode. If the remaining amount is less than the second reference remaining amount, the network camera 100 may be operated in the normal mode. In this case, the first reference residual amount may be smaller than the second reference residual amount.

In detail, the camera processor 160 extracts the battery remaining amount of the battery 110, and stops the operation of the camera module 130 when the remaining battery amount is less than the first reference remaining amount, and is detected by the sensor 120. Event information corresponding to the event is generated, and battery information indicating a remaining battery level is generated.

That is, in the ultra low power mode, the camera processor 160 may generate battery information indicating the battery remaining amount. When an event is detected through the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode, the camera processor 160 may generate event information corresponding to the event. In this case, the camera processor 160 may control the battery 110 to stop supplying power to the camera module 130.

On the other hand, the camera processor 160 extracts the battery remaining amount of the battery 110, and if the remaining battery amount is greater than the first reference remaining amount, the monitoring area is controlled by the camera module 130 in response to an event detected by the sensor 120. The photographed image may be generated.

That is, in the low power mode, the camera processor 160 may control at least one of the camera module 130 and the encoder 140 to obtain a low quality image. For example, the camera processor 160 may control the camera module 130 in the low power mode to capture an image of the surveillance area at 15 frame rates, or control the encoder 140 to encode the image at a high compression rate. . An image encoded at a high compression rate may be in YUV 4: 0: 0 format.

That is, in the normal mode, the camera processor 160 may control at least one of the camera module 130 and the encoder 140 to obtain a high quality image. For example, the camera processor 160 may control the camera module 130 in the normal mode to capture an image of the surveillance area at 30 frame rates, or control the encoder 140 to encode the image at a low compression rate. . An image encoded with a low compression rate may be in YUV 4: 2: 2 format.

On the other hand, the camera processor 160 extracts the battery remaining capacity of the battery 110, and if the remaining battery amount is greater than the first reference remaining amount, the camera processor 160 generates an image in which the event occurrence region is captured by the camera module 130 in response to a shooting command. Can be.

The camera processor 160 extracts the remaining battery level of the battery 110, and when the remaining battery amount is greater than the first reference remaining amount, the camera processor 160 changes the surveillance area into an event occurrence area in response to a shooting command, and captures a surveillance area in response to an event. An image can be generated.

The camera processor 160 may periodically generate battery information.

On the other hand, the camera processor 160 extracts the battery remaining amount of the battery 110, and generates a still image through the camera module 130, if the remaining battery amount is less than the first reference remaining amount, the battery remaining amount than the first reference remaining amount In many cases, a video may be generated through the camera module 130.

Referring to FIG. 3, a gateway 200 according to an embodiment includes a gateway communication module 210, a gateway processor 220, a network interface 230, a user interface 240, and a memory 250.

The gateway communication module 210 may receive battery information, event information, an image, and the like from the network camera 100. The gateway communication module 210 may transmit a photographing command corresponding to the event information to the network camera 100.

For example, the gateway communication module 210 receives event information from the first network camera 100a, transmits a shooting command corresponding to the event information to the second network camera 100b, and the second network camera 100b. ) Can receive an image corresponding to the shooting command.

As such, the gateway communication module 210 uses at least one communication function of a wired / wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication. Communication with the network camera 100 may be performed.

The gateway processor 220 controls the overall operation of the gateway 200.

The gateway processor 220 may generate at least one of a battery replacement alarm corresponding to the battery information and an event detection alarm corresponding to the event information.

The gateway processor 220 receives event information from the first network camera 100a through the gateway communication module 210, extracts an event occurrence region from the event information, generates a shooting command for the event occurrence region, The second network camera 100b for capturing an event occurrence region among the network cameras 100 may be searched for. The gateway processor 220 captures an event generation area with at least one of the second network cameras 100b to n-th network camera 100n, except for the first network camera 100a among the plurality of network cameras 100. To search.

The second network camera 100b refers to a network camera 100 different from the first network camera 100a. At least a portion of the surveillance area of the second network camera 100b may overlap at least a portion of the surveillance area of the first network camera 100a. The gateway processor 220 may search for at least one of the second network camera 100b to the n-th network camera 100n having a surveillance area that overlaps at least a portion of the surveillance area of the first network camera 100a. .

The second network camera 100b may be a network camera 100 installed at the closest distance to the first network camera 100a among the plurality of network cameras 100. The gateway processor 220 may search for at least one of the second network camera 100b to the nth network camera 100n installed within a predetermined distance from the first network camera 100a.

The gateway processor 220 may transmit a photographing command to the second network camera through the gateway communication module 210.

The network interface 230 connects the gateway 200 to the network 300 so that the gateway 200 may connect the network camera 100 and the monitor terminal 400.

The network interface 230 may transmit a battery replacement alarm, an event detection alarm, or the like to the monitor terminal 400 through the network 300.

For example, the gateway communication module 210 periodically receives battery information from the first network camera 100a, the gateway processor 220 periodically generates a battery replacement alarm corresponding to the battery information, and generates a network interface ( 230 may periodically transmit a battery replacement alarm to the monitor terminal 400 through the network 300. The cycle of the battery replacement alarm may be determined according to a user input.

The network interface 230 may transmit the image received through the gateway communication module 2100 to the monitor terminal 400 through the network 300.

The user interface 240 may be used to control the operation of the gateway 200, register or delete the network camera 100 in the gateway 200, or control the network camera 100 through the gateway 200. .

The user interface 240 may receive a user input for determining a sensitivity or a sensing distance of the sensor 120.

The user interface 240 may receive a user input for determining a photographing speed of the camera module 130.

The user interface 240 may include an input module such as a touch screen, a keypad, a microphone, and an output module such as a display, a speaker, and an alarm lamp.

The memory 250 may store battery information, event information, an image, and the like received from the network camera 100. The memory 250 may store a battery replacement alarm, an event detection alarm, a shooting command, and the like generated by the gateway processor 220.

Referring to FIG. 4, the camera processor 160 of the network camera 100 extracts the remaining battery capacity of the battery 110 after the power is turned on (S101).

The camera processor 160 may compare the remaining battery level with at least one of the first reference remaining amount and the second reference remaining amount. For example, the first reference residual amount may be predetermined as 5%, and the second reference residual amount may be predetermined as 80%.

The first reference residual amount may be a battery residual amount required to generate a low quality image without error through the camera module 130 and the encoder 140, and the second reference residual amount may be without error through the camera module 130 and the encoder 140. The battery level may be required to generate a high quality image. At least one of the first reference remaining amount and the second reference remaining amount may be determined according to a user input.

When the battery remaining amount is less than the first reference remaining amount (S105), the camera processor 160 switches the network camera 100 to the ultra low power mode (S107). For example, the camera processor 160 switches the network camera 100 to the ultra low power mode when the battery level is 3%, and turns off the power of the network camera 100 when the battery level is low (S109).

In the ultra low power mode, the battery 110 may supply power to at least one of the sensor 120, the camera communication module 150, and the camera processor 160. That is, in the ultra low power mode, the battery 110 may stop supplying power to the camera module 130.

In the ultra low power mode, the camera processor 160 stops the operation of the camera module 130 when the remaining battery level is less than the first reference remaining amount, and generates event information corresponding to the event detected by the sensor 120. The battery information indicating the remaining battery power is generated. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the main operation of the ultra low power mode of the network camera 100 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the ultra low power mode, the network camera 100 periodically checks an event every 250 ms (millisecond), does not capture and compress an image, and performs an operation of an event detection alarm and a battery replacement alarm. have.

The network camera 100 may have an event check period of 250 ms, 100 ms, or 500 ms according to a user input in an ultra low power mode.

The network camera 100 may have the same sensitivity or sensing distance of the sensor 120 as in the low power mode in the ultra low power mode. The sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode may be lower than the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the normal mode. The sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode may be shorter than the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the normal mode.

Accordingly, the network camera 100 may reduce the power consumption of the battery 110 by changing the operation mode according to the battery remaining amount. In addition, the network camera 100 may induce a user to replace the battery by performing a battery replacement alarm before the power is off.

Referring back to FIG. 4, when the battery remaining amount is less than the first reference remaining amount or less than the second reference remaining amount (S111), the camera processor 160 switches the network camera 100 to the low power mode (S113). For example, the camera processor 160 switches the network camera 100 to the low power mode when the battery level is 50%.

In the low power mode, the battery 110 may supply power to the sensor 120, the camera module 130, the encoder 140, the camera communication module 150, and the camera processor 160, respectively.

In the low power mode, the camera processor 160 may generate an image of the surveillance area photographed through the camera module 130 and transmit the generated image to the gateway 200 in response to the event. Hereinafter, the main operation of the network camera 100 in the low power mode will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

Referring back to FIG. 5, in a low power mode, the network camera 100 periodically checks for events every 250 ms, captures images at half frame rate, for example 15 frame rate, or YUV 4: 0: The low quality image obtained by compressing the image in the 0 format may be transmitted to the gateway 200.

Accordingly, the network camera 100 may reduce the power consumption of the battery 110 by changing the image quality of the image acquired according to the battery remaining amount.

Meanwhile, in the low power mode, the network camera 100 may have the same sensitivity or sensing distance of the sensor 120 as the ultra low power mode. The sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the low power mode may be lower than the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the normal mode. The sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the low power mode may be shorter than the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the normal mode.

For example, the first network camera 100a operating in the ultra low power mode may set the sensitivity of the sensor 120 to be lower than the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the normal mode. The first network camera 100a operating in the ultra low power mode may set the sensing distance of the sensor 120 to be shorter than the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the normal mode.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode may be lower than the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the low power mode. In this case, the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode may be shorter than the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the low power mode. That is, when the remaining battery amount is less than the first reference remaining amount, at least one of the sensitivity and the sensing distance of the sensor 120 of the first network camera 100a may be decreased.

Referring back to FIG. 4, when the battery remaining amount is greater than or equal to the second reference remaining amount (S111), the camera processor 160 switches the network camera 100 to a normal mode (S115). For example, the camera processor 160 may switch the network camera 100 to the normal mode when the battery level is 90%.

In the normal mode, the battery 110 may supply power to the sensor 120, the camera module 130, the encoder 140, the camera communication module 150, and the camera processor 160, respectively.

In the normal mode, the camera processor 160 may generate an image captured by the surveillance region through the camera module 130 and transmit the generated image to the gateway 200 in response to the event. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the main operation in the normal mode of the network camera 100 will be described.

Referring back to FIG. 5, in the normal mode, the network camera 100 periodically checks the event every 250 ms (milliseconds), captures an image at a full frame rate, for example, a 30 frame rate, or YUV 4: 2: The high quality image obtained by compressing the image in two formats is transmitted to the gateway 200.

Accordingly, the network camera 100 outputs a high quality image only when the battery level is sufficient, thereby saving power of the battery 110.

Meanwhile, the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the normal mode may be higher than the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode or the low power mode. The sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the normal mode may be longer than the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode or the low power mode.

For example, the second network camera 100b operating in the normal mode may set the sensitivity of the sensor 120 higher than the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode. The second network camera 100b operating in the normal mode may set the sensing distance of the sensor 120 to be longer than the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the low power mode may be higher than the sensitivity of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode. In this case, the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the low power mode may be longer than the sensing distance of the sensor 120 in the ultra low power mode.

In addition, when receiving a shooting command for the event occurrence area, the second network camera 100b may increase the sensitivity of the sensor 120 provided in the second network camera 100b. In this case, the second network camera 100b may increase the sensing distance of the sensor 120 provided in the second network camera 100b. Accordingly, the second network camera 100b may reinforce the surveillance capability of the first network camera 100a operating in the ultra low power mode.

Referring to FIG. 6, the network camera 100 operates in a sleep mode after the power is turned on (S201). The network camera 100 may be installed and registered in the gateway 200 after the power is turned on. For example, the sleep mode may be an operation mode of the network camera 100 to which power is supplied only to at least one of the sensor 120 and the camera processor 160.

The camera processor 160 of the network camera 100 extracts the battery remaining amount in the sleep mode (S203).

When the remaining battery level is less than the first reference remaining amount (S205), the network camera 100 operates in an ultra low power mode, and the sensor 120 periodically checks an event (S207). The sensor 120 may check an event every 250 ms, for example. Alternatively, the sensor 120 may check an event every 100 ms, for example.

When an event is detected through the sensor 120 (S209), the camera processor 160 generates event information corresponding to the event and transmits it to the gateway 200 (S211). In this case, the event information may include at least one of an event detection alarm and event occurrence location information. Hereinafter, an operation of the gateway 200 that has received event information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the first network camera 100a operating in the ultra low power mode transmits event information to the gateway 200 (S301), the gateway 200 extracts an event occurrence region from the event information (S303). ). The event occurrence region may be at least one coordinate of the event occurrence region or at least one coordinate of the surveillance region of the first network camera 100a, but is not limited thereto.

In this case, the gateway 200 may generate a shooting command for the event occurrence area.

Subsequently, the gateway 200 searches for the second network camera 100b for capturing the event occurrence area (S305). The second network camera 100b is a network camera different from the first network camera 100a and may photograph at least a portion of the surveillance area captured by the first network camera 100a.

Subsequently, the gateway 200 transmits a shooting command for the event occurrence area to the second network camera 100b (S307).

The second network camera 100b changes the surveillance area to the event generation area in response to the photographing command received from the gateway 200 (S309).

Subsequently, the second network camera 100b photographs the event occurrence area (S311), and transmits an image of the event occurrence area to the gateway 200 (S313).

As described above, when an event is detected from a network camera having a small amount of battery, the network camera may allow another network camera to capture an area where the event is detected, thereby continuing to monitor the corresponding area. have.

Referring back to FIG. 6, when the remaining battery level is less than the first reference remaining amount (S205), the network camera 100 operates in an ultra low power mode, generates battery information related to the remaining battery level, and transmits the generated battery information to the gateway 200. (S213). Hereinafter, an operation of the gateway 200 that has received battery information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first network camera 100a operating in the ultra low power mode transmits battery information to the gateway 200 (S401). In this case, the first network camera 100a may periodically generate and transmit battery information. That is, the gateway 200 may periodically receive battery information.

The gateway 200 generates a battery replacement alarm corresponding to the battery information (S403), and transmits the battery replacement alarm to the monitor terminal 400 through the network 300 (S405). In this case, the gateway 200 may periodically generate a battery replacement alarm corresponding to the battery information, and periodically transmit the battery replacement alarm to the monitor terminal 400.

Meanwhile, the gateway 200 receives event information generated in response to step S209 of FIG. 2 from the first network camera 100a (S407).

The gateway 200 generates an event detection alarm corresponding to the event information (S409), and transmits the event detection alarm to the monitor terminal 400 through the network 300 (S411).

As described above, when an event is detected from the network camera 100 having a small battery level, an event detection alarm is provided to the user through the monitor terminal 400 to monitor the corresponding area. Can continue.

Referring back to FIG. 6, when the battery level is greater than or equal to the first reference level (S205), the network camera 100 performs step A. Hereinafter, the step A will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the battery level is greater than or equal to the first reference level and less than the second reference level (S505), the network camera 100 operates in a low power mode, and the sensor 120 periodically checks an event (S507). ). The sensor 120 may check an event every 250 ms, for example.

When an event is detected through the sensor 120 (S509), the network camera 100 operates in a low power active mode (S511).

In the low power active mode, the camera module 130 captures an image at a first frame rate (S513), and the encoder 140 encodes the image at a high compression rate (S515) to obtain a low quality image (S517). The first frame rate may be, for example, 15 frame rates, and the encoder 140 may compress the video in a YUV 4: 0: 0 format.

The network camera 100 may transmit the low quality image to the gateway 200, and the gateway 200 may transmit the low quality image to the monitor terminal 400.

As such, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing an image of the image quality according to the remaining battery capacity to the user, it can serve as a monitoring system.

On the other hand, when the battery remaining amount is more than the second reference remaining amount (S505), the network camera 100 performs step B. Hereinafter, step B will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the battery level is greater than or equal to the second reference level (S505), the network camera 100 operates in a normal mode, and the sensor 120 periodically checks an event (S607). The sensor 120 may check an event every 250 ms, for example.

When an event is detected through the sensor 120 (S609), the network camera 100 operates in a normal active mode (S611).

In the normal active mode, the camera module 130 captures an image at a second frame rate (S613), and the encoder 140 encodes the image at a low compression rate (S615) to obtain a high quality image (S617). The first frame rate may be, for example, 30 frame rates, and the encoder 140 may perform low compression encoding on the image in a YUV 4: 2: 2 format.

The network camera 100 may transmit a high quality image to the gateway 200, and the gateway 200 may transmit a high quality image to the monitor terminal 400.

As such, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when there is room in the battery remaining, the user may serve as a monitoring system by providing a user with a high quality image.

Meanwhile, the present invention can be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored.

Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, and the like. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. And functional programs, codes and code segments for implementing the present invention can be easily inferred by programmers in the art to which the present invention belongs.

So far I looked at the center with respect to the embodiment. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown not in the above description but in the claims, and all differences within the scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

It is likely to be used in various types of security systems.

Claims

In the network camera system including a plurality of network cameras and a gateway, the first network camera of the plurality of network cameras,

A battery for supplying power;

A first camera module for photographing the surveillance area;

A sensor for detecting an event;

Extracting a battery remaining amount of the battery and stopping the operation of the first camera module when the remaining battery level is less than a reference remaining amount, generating event information corresponding to the event, and generating battery information indicating the remaining battery level; A first camera processor; And

And a first communication module to transmit at least one of the event information and the battery information to the gateway.
The method of claim 1,

The first camera processor periodically generates the battery information,

And the first communication module periodically transmits the battery information to the gateway.
The method of claim 1,

And the first camera processor stops power supply to the first camera module by controlling the battery to stop the operation of the first camera module.
The method of claim 1,

The event information includes at least one of an event detection alarm and event occurrence location information.
The method of claim 1,

The gateway,

A gateway communication module which receives the event information from the first network camera, transmits a shooting command corresponding to the event information to a second network camera, and receives an image corresponding to the shooting command from the second network camera; And

A gateway processor extracting an event occurrence region from the event information, generating a photographing command for the event occurrence region, and searching for the second network camera for photographing the event occurrence region among the plurality of network cameras; Network camera system.
The method of claim 5,

The gateway,

And a network interface for transmitting the image to a monitor terminal through a network.
The method of claim 5,

The gateway communication module periodically receives the battery information from the first network camera,

The gateway processor periodically generates a battery replacement alarm corresponding to the battery information,

The gateway,

And a network interface for periodically transmitting the battery replacement alarm to a monitor terminal through a network.
The method of claim 5,

The second network camera,

A second camera module performing at least one of panning, tilting, and zooming, and photographing a surveillance area;

A second communication module which receives the photographing command from the gateway and transmits the image to the gateway; And

A second camera processor configured to change the surveillance region of the second camera module to the event occurrence region in response to the photographing command and to generate the image photographed by the event occurrence region through the second camera module; , Network camera system.
The method of claim 1,

And the first camera processor extends an event check period of the sensor when the battery level is less than the reference level.
The method of claim 1,

The first camera processor generates an image of a surveillance region photographed through the first camera module in response to the event when the battery remaining amount is greater than the reference remaining amount.

And the first communication module transmits the image to the gateway.
In the method of operating a network camera system comprising a plurality of network cameras and a gateway,

Extracting, by a first network camera of the plurality of network cameras, a battery remaining amount of a battery included in the first network camera;

If the battery level is less than the reference level, the event detected by the sensor included in the first network camera is stopped by the first network camera, the operation of the first camera module included in the first network camera Generating event information corresponding to and generating battery information indicating the remaining battery level; And

Transmitting, by the first network camera, at least one of the event information and the battery information to the gateway.
The method of claim 11,

And generating and transmitting the battery information periodically by the first network camera.
The method of claim 12,

By the gateway, reception of the battery information is periodically performed,

Periodically generating, by the gateway, a battery replacement alarm corresponding to the battery information; And

And periodically transmitting, by the gateway, the battery replacement alarm to a monitor terminal.
The method of claim 11,

And by the first network camera, stop the power supply to the first camera module by controlling the battery to stop the operation of the first camera module.
The method of claim 11,

The event information includes at least one of an event detection alarm and event occurrence location information.
The method of claim 11,

Extracting, by the gateway, an event occurrence region from the event information;

Generating, by the gateway, a shooting command for the event occurrence area;

Searching, by the gateway, a second network camera for capturing the event occurrence area of the plurality of network cameras;

Sending, by the gateway, the shooting command to the second network camera; And

And receiving, by the gateway, an image corresponding to the photographing command from the second network camera.
The method of claim 16,

And transmitting, by the gateway, the image to a monitor terminal via a network.
The method of claim 16,

The second camera module included in the second network camera performs at least one of panning, tilting, and zooming,

Changing, by the second network camera, the surveillance area of the second camera module to the event occurrence area in response to the shooting command; And

Generating, by the second network camera, the image captured by the event occurrence region;

How the network camera system works.
The method of claim 11,

And extending, by the first network camera, an event check period of the sensor if the battery remaining amount is less than the reference remaining amount.
The method of claim 11,

Generating, by the first network camera, an image in which a surveillance region is photographed through the first camera module in response to the event, when the battery remaining amount is greater than a first reference remaining amount; And

And transmitting, by the first network camera, the image to the gateway.