JP2003111059A - Camera unit, image data communication system using it, and electric device control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that the conventional camera unit has needed to install a new communication line for transmission of image data and has caused possibility of leakage of image data outside or possibility of loss of normal transmission due to an external distribution radio wave or the like in wireless transmission. SOLUTION: The electric lamp line communication camera unit is provided with an electric lamp line communication means to transmit an image captured by an imaging means through an existingly installed electric lamp line. It is not required to install a new communication line and the image captured by the imaging means of the electric lamp line communication camera unit can be sent to other device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power line communication camera unit suitable for transmitting an image captured by a camera by power line communication using power lines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an outdoor or indoor surveillance system, generally, an image is captured by a tubular surveillance camera,
When displaying the image, the image was transmitted from the surveillance camera to the display device using a dedicated communication line.

In this case, the image data taken by the surveillance camera is transferred to the controller via a dedicated communication line,
Here, operations such as image data accumulation and transfer to an external network are performed. Further, when a personal computer is used, it is possible to connect a camera unit compatible with a personal computer communication interface such as a USB interface to the personal computer. Also in this case, the method of sending the image data to the outside via the Internet or LAN by a personal computer has been adopted.

[0004]

In the conventional system using the surveillance camera, it is necessary to newly install a communication line for transmitting image data. In the case of wireless transmission, there is a risk that image data may leak outside, or that normal transmission may not be possible due to interference waves from the outside.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the first camera unit of the present invention comprises a power line communication means for transmitting an image taken by the image pickup means using an existing power line. It is characterized by that. With such a configuration, it is possible to transmit an image taken by the imaging means of the power line communication camera unit to another device without laying a new communication line.

The second camera unit of the present invention according to the present invention is provided with a communication restraining means, and controls transmission of an image taken by the image pickup means to the power line by the power line communicating means based on the setting of the communication restraining means. . With such a configuration, it becomes impossible to take image data from the outside due to the setting of the communication inhibiting unit, and the privacy of the place where the power line communication camera unit is installed can be protected.

Further, the third camera unit of the present invention is provided with an image backup means inside, and the image saved in the backup means is saved even if the supplied power is cut off. To do. With this configuration, even if the power is suddenly cut or the power is intentionally turned off, the image immediately before that is stored in the backup means, so that the state before the power cut can be confirmed after the power is restored.

The fourth camera unit of the present invention is characterized by further comprising control interface means for controlling an external device in addition to the image pickup means, the power line communication means and the control means. With such a configuration, it is possible to directly control the device based on the image data taken by the image pickup means, or to directly control the device by a signal sent from the outside to the power line communication camera unit through the power line.

A fifth camera unit of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the power line communication means, a communication interface means to another communication medium is provided. With such a configuration, the power line communication camera unit can be used as a connection device for power line communication and another communication medium, and a necessary communication medium can be selected and communicated according to the situation.

Further, the image data communication system of the present invention controls the image pickup means for photographing an image, the power line communication means for performing data processing for the power line communication, the image pickup means and the power line communication means. And a camera unit for transmitting an image taken by the image pickup unit to an electric power line by the electric power line communication unit, and capable of wired or wireless communication with an outdoor communication unit which is connected to the camera unit by the electric power line. Image data of the image taken by the image pickup means is transmitted to the communication means when an image data request signal is received from the outdoor communication means. With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to see the indoor state from the outside.

The image pickup means is provided with an image pickup means for picking up an image, a power line communication means for performing data processing for power line communication, and a control means for controlling the image pickup means and the light line communication means. And an interface for connecting the camera unit and an electric device, and controls the operation state of the electric device according to the imaging result of the camera unit. With such a configuration, it is possible to control the operation of an electric device, such as an air conditioner or a rice cooker, depending on the presence or absence of people inside the room.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 10
Indicates a camera unit for power line communication. The power line communication camera unit 10 includes a power line communication unit 1 connected to the power line 8 and an image pickup unit 2 including a CCD.
It is composed of control means 8 for variously controlling the power line camera unit 10.

From a control device (not shown) such as a display device that is profitable in a room or the like, or a gateway that performs an interface function with a wireless portable communication terminal, a public telephone connected to a telephone line, etc. (neither is shown). The image data request signal sent through the power line 8 is the power line communication means 1
Is converted into data and sent to the control means 3. Control means 3
Then, an image request signal is sent to the image pickup means 2 based on the image request signal. The imaging means 2 captures an image, sends the image data to the control means 3, the control means 3 converts the image data, and sends the data to the power line communication means 1. The power line communication means 1 sends the converted image data sent to the power line 8. The image data transmitted to the power line 8 is displayed on a display device in the room, or transferred to a display of a mobile communication terminal device or a public telephone via a control device and displayed as an image.

The operation of the power line communication camera unit configured as described above will be described.

The power line communication means 1 receives an image data request signal transmitted from another device such as a controller connected to the power line 8. As a transmission method used by the power line communication means 1 to use the power line 8 as a transmission medium,
In the present embodiment, the spread spectrum method is used.
The power line communication means 1 converts the received spread spectrum signal into a serial signal of a logic level that can be recognized by the control means 3 and transmits it to the control means 3. The logic level refers to a digital signal having a high level of 2V, 3V, 3.3V, 5V, 12V or the like. The control means 3 receives the sent image request serial signal, understands that it is an image request signal, and sends an image request signal for capturing an image to the image pickup means 2. The image pickup means 2 responds to the image request signal from the control means 3, fetches an image, and sends the fetched image data to the control means 3. The control means 3 compresses the image data sent from the imaging means 2, reduces the data size, processes it into a size that facilitates power line communication, and sends it to the power line communication means 1. In the power line communication means 1, the compressed image data is spread spectrum and sent to the power line 8.
The image data is transmitted to a display device in the room that requested the image data, or is transmitted to a mobile communication terminal or a public telephone via a control device. In addition, even if there is a request from a device such as other home electric appliances indoors, it is delivered via the power line 8.

In the above embodiment, the example of compressing the image data has been described, but the image data may be a still image or a moving image, and need not be compressed by the control means 3. Not only images but also voice data can be communicated by providing recording means in addition to imaging means. The image taken by the image pickup means 2 may be directly sent to the power line communication means 1 without passing through the control means 3.

Although the power line communication means 1 has been described as an example having both a transmission function and a reception function, the power line communication means 1 has a transmission function,
Even if it is divided into the receiving functions, the same effect can be obtained, and the communication method has been described with the example of the spread spectrum method, but it can be applied to other methods. Power line communication means 1 and control means 3
Although the description has been made by using the example of the logic level serial signal between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, if the signal can be transmitted and received between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, the logic level, serial communication / parallel communication, analog / digital communication. The difference doesn't matter.

As a system, a series of operations has been described in which an image request signal from another device connected to the power line 8 is used as a trigger. However, the power line communication camera unit can be operated without a request signal from the outside. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a device such as a switch for transmitting the image data is provided and the transmission switch is operated to capture the image data and transmit the data to another device connected to the preset power line 8. .

By adopting the above-mentioned configuration, the electric power line stretched around the house is used without laying a new communication line, and the image taken by the image pickup means 2 of the electric power line communication camera unit is used by another device. Can be transmitted to.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention except that the control means 3 is provided with the switch means 4, so that the same symbols are used and the description thereof is omitted.

It is possible to select permission / non-permission of image transfer by the switch means 4, and when the image transfer is permitted, the power line 8 is used.
In response to an image request signal from another device connected to, the image data is transferred to the other device that requested the image via the power line 8, but if the image transfer is not permitted, the power line 8 is transmitted. Even if there is an image request signal from another connected device, the image is not transferred.

The operation of the power line communication camera unit configured as described above will be described.

The power line communication means 1 receives an image data request signal transmitted from another device such as a controller connected to the power line 8. A spread spectrum method is used as a transmission method used by the power line communication means 1 to use the power line 8 as a transmission medium. The power line communication means 1 converts the received spread spectrum signal into a logic level serial signal which can be recognized by the control means 3, and the control means 3
Send to. Logic level means high level is 2V, 3
Refers to digital signals such as V, 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. The control means 3 receives the sent image request serial signal and understands that it is an image request signal. If the state of the switch means 4 is image transfer not permitted, this image request signal is ignored and the standby state is continued.

When the switch means 4 is in the image transfer permission state, an image request signal for capturing an image is sent to the image pickup means 2. The switch means 4 is set so that the image transfer is not permitted while at home, and the image transfer is permitted when the user is out.
When the user is at home, the security function can be provided against unauthorized access from the outside by setting the switch means to prohibit image transfer. For example, even when a third party requests image information from a mobile communication terminal (not shown) through a control device such as a gateway without permission,
This third party cannot obtain the image information.

The image pickup means 2 responds to the image request signal from the control means 3, fetches an image, and sends the fetched image data to the control means 3. The control means 3 compresses the image data sent from the imaging means 2, reduces the data size, processes it into a size that facilitates power line communication, and sends it to the power line communication means 1. In the power line communication means 1, the compressed image data is spread spectrum and sent to the power line 8.
The image data is delivered to the device requesting the image data via the power line 8.

In the above embodiment, the example of compressing the image data has been described, but the image data may be a still image or a moving image, and need not be compressed by the control means 3. Not only images but also voice data can be communicated by providing recording means in addition to imaging means. The image taken by the image pickup means 2 may be directly sent to the power line communication means 1 without passing through the control means 3.

Although the power line communication means 1 has been described as an example having both a transmission function and a reception function, the power line communication means 1 has a transmission function,
Even if it is divided into the receiving functions, the same effect can be obtained, and the communication method has been described with the example of the spread spectrum method, but it can be applied to other methods. Power line communication means 1 and control means 3
Although the description has been made by using the example of the logic level serial signal between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, if the signal can be transmitted and received between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, the logic level, serial communication / parallel communication, analog / digital communication. The difference doesn't matter.

As the system, a series of operations have been described using the image request signal from another device connected to the power line 8 as a trigger, but the power line communication camera unit can be operated without a request signal from the outside. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a device such as a switch for transmitting the image data is provided and the transmission switch is operated to capture the image data and transmit the data to another device connected to the preset power line 8. .

When the image transfer is not permitted, the standby state is entered. Even in this standby state, the image transfer by the transmission switch of the power line communication camera unit itself is possible, or when the image transfer is not permitted. However, instead of ignoring the image requests from all the devices connected to the power line 8, it is also possible to accept a preset image request signal from a specific device.

In the case where the image transfer is not permitted, the example in which after the image request signal is received and before the image request signal is transmitted to the image pickup means 2 is held in the standby state, the image request signal is received and the image is picked up. An image request signal is sent to the means 2, and the image pickup means 2
The state of the switch means 4 is checked at the stage of sending the image data obtained in step 3 to the control means 3, and if the image transfer is permitted, the image data is transmitted to the power line communication means 1 as it is, and if not, the image data is transmitted there. It is also possible to adopt a configuration of entering a standby state.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the electric power line extended in the house is used without laying a new communication line, and the image taken by the image pickup means 2 of the electric power line communication camera unit is used by another device. It is possible to realize a power line communication camera unit having a security function against unauthorized access from outside at home.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention.

The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention except that the control means 3 is provided with the backup means 5, so that the same symbols are attached and the description thereof is omitted.

The backup means 5 is connected to the control means 3, and the backup means 5 has a function of storing at least one image data, and this image data is erased even when the power of the power line communication camera unit is cut off. Stored without.

The operation of the power line communication camera unit configured as above will be described.

The power line communication means 1 receives an image data request signal transmitted from another device such as a controller connected to the power line 8 or an outdoor portable communication terminal.
A spread spectrum method is used as a transmission method used by the power line communication means 1 to use the power line 8 as a transmission medium. The power line communication means 1 converts the received spread spectrum signal into a serial signal of a logic level that can be recognized by the control means 3 and transmits it to the control means 3. Logic level means high level is 2V, 3V, 3.3V, 5V, 12V
Refers to digital signals such as.

The control means 3 receives the sent image request serial signal, understands that it is an image request signal, and sends an image request signal for capturing an image to the image pickup means 2. The image pickup means 2 responds to the image request signal from the control means 3, fetches an image, and sends the fetched image data to the control means 3. The control means 3 compresses the image data sent from the imaging means 2, reduces the data size, processes it into a size that facilitates power line communication, and sends it to the power line communication means 1. The backup means 5 connected to the control means 3 stores at least one image data. The backup means 5 may be a storage element such as a memory having a backup power supply such as a battery, or a non-volatile memory. The power line communication means 1 spreads the compressed image data on the spectrum and sends it to the power line 8, and the image data is delivered to the device requesting the image data via the power line 8.

Although the above embodiment has been described by taking the example of compressing the image data, the image data may be a still image or a moving image, and need not be compressed by the control means 3. Not only images but also voice data can be communicated by providing recording means in addition to imaging means. The image taken by the image pickup means 2 may be directly sent to the power line communication means 1 without passing through the control means 3.

The power line communication means 1 has been described as an example having both a transmitting function and a receiving function.
Even if it is divided into the receiving functions, the same effect can be obtained, and the communication method has been described with the example of the spread spectrum method, but it can be applied to other methods. Power line communication means 1 and control means 3
Although the description has been made by using the example of the logic level serial signal between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, if the signal can be transmitted and received between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, the logic level, serial communication / parallel communication, analog / digital communication. The difference doesn't matter.

As a system, a series of operations has been described in which an image request signal from another device connected to the power line 8 is used as a trigger. However, the power line communication camera unit can be operated without a request signal from the outside. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a device such as a switch for transmitting the image data is provided and the transmission switch is operated to capture the image data and transmit the data to another device connected to the preset power line 8. .

The same effect can be obtained whether the data stored by the backup means 5 is before compression or after compression.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the electric power line extended in the house is used without laying a new communication line, and the image taken by the image pickup means 2 of the electric power line communication camera unit is used by another device. Therefore, it is possible to construct a system with enhanced security that can clearly confirm the immediately preceding image even when there is a power failure.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

By providing the control means 3 with the control interface means 6 for the air conditioner and connecting the air conditioner to the control interface means 6, the control means 3 can control the air conditioner.

The operation of the power line communication camera unit configured as described above will be described.

The power line communication means 1 receives an image data request signal transmitted from another device such as a controller connected to the power line 8. A spread spectrum method is used as a transmission method used by the power line communication means 1 to use the power line 8 as a transmission medium.

The power line communication means 1 converts the received spread spectrum signal into a serial signal of a logic level which can be recognized by the control means 3 and transmits it to the control means 3. High level means 2V, 3V, 3.3V, 5
Refers to digital signals such as V and 12V. The control means 3 receives the sent image request serial signal, understands that it is an image request signal, and sends an image request signal for capturing an image to the image pickup means 2.

The image pickup means 2 responds to the image request signal from the control means 3, fetches an image, and sends the fetched image data to the control means 3. The control means 3 compresses the image data sent from the imaging means 2, reduces the data size, processes it into a size that facilitates power line communication, and sends it to the power line communication means 1. In the power line communication means 1, the compressed image data is spread spectrum and sent to the power line 8.
The image data is delivered to the device requesting the image data via the power line 8.

In addition to the above, when a control request signal for controlling the air conditioner is sent from another device connected to the power line 8, the power line communication means 1 converts the signal and sends it to the control means 3. The control means 3 controls the air conditioner based on the sent air conditioner control request signal. For example, when an air conditioner operation start request signal is sent, the air conditioner is activated, and when an air conditioner stop request signal is received, the air conditioner operation is stopped.

Further, based on the image data obtained by the image pickup means 2, the air conditioner can be controlled from the control means 3 through the control interface means 6 if the image data satisfies a certain condition. For example, if a person is not included in the image data acquired by the image pickup means 2, the control interface 6
If the human is reflected in the image data, the operation of the air conditioner can be started by the command of the control interface 6. It is also possible to provide a control interface specific to the air conditioner and issue an ON / OFF command of the air conditioner from the camera unit 10 to the control interface dedicated to this air conditioner. Furthermore, the presence / absence of a person is confirmed on the display of the wireless mobile communication terminal, a command to turn ON / OFF the air conditioner is transmitted from this wireless mobile communication terminal, and a control interface is used by a power line via a control device such as a gateway. The air conditioner can be turned on / off.

Although the example of controlling the air conditioner has been described, if the control interface means 6 is adapted to other devices, devices other than the air conditioner can be controlled.

Although the above embodiment has been described by taking the example of compressing image data, the image data may be a still image or a moving image, and need not be compressed by the control means 3. Not only images but also voice data can be communicated by providing recording means in addition to imaging means. The image taken by the image pickup means 2 may be directly sent to the power line communication means 1 without passing through the control means 3.

The power line communication means 1 has been described as an example having both a transmitting function and a receiving function, but the power line communication means 1 has a transmitting function,
Even if it is divided into the receiving functions, the same effect can be obtained, and the communication method has been described with the example of the spread spectrum method, but it can be applied to other methods. Power line communication means 1 and control means 3
Although the description has been made by using the example of the logic level serial signal between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, if the signal can be transmitted and received between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, the logic level, serial communication / parallel communication, analog / digital communication. The difference doesn't matter.

As the system, a series of operations has been described in which an image request signal from another device connected to the power line 8 is used as a trigger. However, the power line communication camera unit can be operated without a request signal from the outside. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a device such as a switch for transmitting the image data is provided and the transmission switch is operated to capture the image data and transmit the data to another device connected to the preset power line 8. .

With the above-mentioned configuration, the electric power line extended in the house is used without laying a new communication line, and the image taken by the image pickup means 2 of the electric power line communication camera unit is used by another device. Can be transmitted to the air conditioner and can control other equipment such as an air conditioner by a control request signal from the other equipment connected to the power line 8 without adding a new device. Other devices such as an air conditioner can be controlled according to the state of the image data acquired in 2.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a structure of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Since the control means 3 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment of the present invention except that the control means 3 is provided with the communication interface means 7 for communication media other than the power line, the explanation will be given with the same symbols. Is omitted.

The control means 3 has a communication interface means 7 to another communication medium, and the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to an image request signal sent via another communication medium in addition to the power line. Similarly, the communication medium for transmitting image data in response to the image request signal can be sent to at least one of the power line and other communication media.

The operation of the power line communication camera unit configured as described above will be described.

The power line communication means 1 receives an image data request signal transmitted from another device such as a controller connected to the power line 8. A spread spectrum method is used as a transmission method used by the power line communication means 1 to use the power line 8 as a transmission medium. The power line communication means 1 converts the received spread spectrum signal into a logic level serial signal which can be recognized by the control means 3, and the control means 3
Send to. Logic level means high level is 2V, 3
Refers to digital signals such as V, 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. Even when the image data request signal is sent to the communication interface means 7 via another communication medium instead of the power line 8, the communication interface means 7 is the same as in the case of the power line.
The image data request signal received by the control means 3 is converted into a logic level serial signal which can be recognized by the control means 3, and the control means 3
Send to.

The control means 3 receives the sent image request serial signal, understands that it is an image request signal, and sends an image request signal for capturing an image to the image pickup means 2. The image pickup means 2 responds to the image request signal from the control means 3, fetches an image, and sends the fetched image data to the control means 3. The control means 3 compresses the image data sent from the image pickup means 2 to reduce the data size. It is transmitted to the power line communication means 1 or the communication interface means 7 for transmission to at least one of the power line and other communication media. When communicating using a power line, the power line communication means 1 spreads the spectrum of the compressed image data and sends it to the power line 8, and the image data is delivered to necessary equipment via the power line 8 and other When communication is performed using a communication medium, the communication interface means 7 performs necessary processing, and another communication medium is used to send image data to a required device.

As an application example, this power line communication camera unit can be used as a gateway between a power line and another communication medium, and can also be used as a connection device between the power line and another communication medium. In this case, a device connected to the power line can control a device of another communication medium, or conversely, a device connected to another communication medium can control a device connected to the power line. It will be possible.

Although the above embodiment has been described by taking the example of compressing the image data, the image data may be a still image or a moving image, and need not be compressed by the control means 3. Not only images but also voice data can be communicated by providing recording means in addition to imaging means. The image taken by the image pickup means 2 may be directly sent to the power line communication means 1 without passing through the control means 3.

The power line communication means 1 has been described as an example having both a transmitting function and a receiving function.
Even if it is divided into the receiving functions, the same effect can be obtained, and the communication method has been described with the example of the spread spectrum method, but it can be applied to other methods. Power line communication means 1 and control means 3
Although the description has been made by using the example of the logic level serial signal between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, if the signal can be transmitted and received between the power line communication means 1 and the control means 3, the logic level, serial communication / parallel communication, analog / digital communication. The difference doesn't matter.

As a system, a series of operations has been described in which an image request signal from another device connected to the power line 8 is used as a trigger, but the power line communication camera unit can be operated without a request signal from the outside. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a device such as a switch for transmitting the image data is provided and the transmission switch is operated to capture the image data and transmit the data to another device connected to the preset power line 8. .

By adopting the above-mentioned configuration, the electric power line stretched around the house is used without laying a new communication line, and the image taken by the image pickup means 2 of the electric power line communication camera unit is used by another device. Can be transmitted to, and can also respond to image data request signals from other communication media,
In addition, it is possible to realize a device having a gateway function for connecting the power line to another communication medium.

[0069]

According to the power line communication camera unit of the first aspect, the power line communication camera unit is used without using a new communication line and using the power line that has been stretched in the home in advance. Images can be sent to devices in remote locations.

According to the power line communication camera unit of the second aspect, an image captured by the power line communication camera unit is used without laying a new communication line and using the power line that has been stretched in the home in advance. Can be sent to a device in a distant place, and in addition, a system that protects privacy against unauthorized image data request signals from the outside can be constructed.

According to the power line communication camera unit of the third aspect, an image captured by the power line communication camera unit is used without laying a new communication line and using the power line that has been set up in the home in advance. Can be sent to a device in a distant place, and in addition, a system with enhanced security can be constructed so that the previous image can be checked when power is restored even if a power failure occurs.

According to the power line communication camera unit of the fourth aspect, an image captured by the power line communication camera unit is used without laying a new communication line and using the power line that has been stretched in the home in advance. Can be sent to a device in a distant place, and in addition, the connected device can be controlled according to the situation of the image, and the device can be controlled in response to a control request from the outside. Can be expanded.

According to the power line communication camera unit of the fifth aspect, an image captured by the power line communication camera unit is used without laying a new communication line and using the power line that has been stretched in the home in advance. Can be sent to a device in a remote place, and in addition, a plurality of communication interfaces enables easy system networking.

Further, according to the image data communication system of the present invention, it is possible to see the indoor condition from the outside.

Further, according to the electric equipment control system of the present invention, it is possible to control the operation of the electric equipment such as the air conditioner and the rice cooker depending on the presence / absence of a person indoors.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a power line communication camera unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a power line communication camera unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a power line communication camera unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a power line communication camera unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a power line communication camera unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 light line communication means 2 Imaging means 3 control means 4 switch means 5 Backup means 6 Control interface means 7 Communication interface means 8 power lines 10 Power line communication camera unit

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hirofumi Kawaguchi             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5C022 AA01 AB65 AC42 AC69 AC73                       AC75                 5C054 AA01 DA06 EA01 EA03 HA00                 5K046 AA03 BB05 BB06 PS31

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means comprising: an image pickup means for photographing an image; a power line communication means for performing data processing for power line communication; and a control means for controlling the image pickup means and the power line communication means. A camera unit for transmitting the image taken in step 1 to the power line by the power line communication means. 2. The camera unit according to claim 1, further comprising a communication restraint means, wherein transmission of an image taken by the image pickup means to the power line by the power line communication means is controlled based on the setting of the communication restraint means. 3. The camera unit according to claim 1, further comprising a backup unit for storing an image taken by the image pickup unit, wherein the image stored by the backup unit is not erased even when the power source supplied is shut off. 4. The camera unit according to claim 1, further comprising a control interface means capable of connecting another device. 5. The electric power line according to claim 1, further comprising a communication interface unit to another communication medium, wherein the image taken by the imaging unit can be transmitted not only by the electric power line but also by another communication medium. Communication camera unit. 6. An image pickup means comprising: an image pickup means for photographing an image; a power line communication means for performing data processing for power line communication; and a control means for controlling the image pickup means and the light line communication means. The camera unit that transmits the image taken by the above to the power line by the power line communication unit, and the control device that is connected to the camera unit by the power line and can communicate with the outdoor communication unit in a wired or wireless manner. The image data communication system in which the image data of the image captured by the image capturing unit is transmitted to the communication unit when there is a request signal for the image data from the communication unit. 7. An image pickup means comprising: an image pickup means for photographing an image; a power line communication means for performing data processing for power line communication; and a control means for controlling the image pickup means and the power line communication means. The camera unit that transmits the image taken by the power line communication means to the power line and the interface that connects the camera unit and the electric device, and controls the operation state of the electric device according to the imaging result of the camera unit. Electrical equipment control system.