JP3701963B2 - Information supply system using communication line - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention uses a communication line that enables a specific area where a monitoring terminal is installed using a communication line to be monitored from an outside location using an information terminal such as a telephone or a personal computer owned by the user. Related to the information supply system.

  Traditionally, if you leave your home, you have to worry about the intrusion of the thief and the cleanup of the fire, and with the deterioration of the security situation like today, such concerns are increasing. Therefore, in recent years, contracts with security companies have increased the number of private homes, companies, etc. that perform security agency work to prevent thieves from entering and fires.

  As a current security system, when a thief enters a house or the like where a predetermined sensor or the like is deployed, there is a system in which a security company's security staff rushes to the house by reporting to the security company due to a sensor reaction.

  However, in such a system that uses manpower, personnel costs for guards account for a very high proportion, so the subscription fee becomes enormous for the general public, and it is not possible to expect a rapid increase beyond this. Is the current situation.

  For this reason, using communication lines (including wired and wireless), not only when it is necessary or anxious, but also in a specific area such as in the home can be monitored frequently and intermittently. There is a demand to do.

  However, in these monitoring systems, if a person other than a specific person can access the monitoring terminal via a communication line and obtain monitoring information such as an image of the monitoring area, privacy is not protected. There has been a problem that a third party other than the specific person cannot obtain monitoring information from the monitoring terminal.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and it is extremely difficult for a third party other than the specific person to obtain monitoring information from the monitoring terminal even though the connection line is always used. An object of the present invention is to provide an information supply system using a communication line that is capable of supplying necessary monitoring information very quickly to difficult and registered users.

In order to achieve the above object, an information supply system of the present invention is an information supply system using a communication line in a management computer installed in a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network,
On the management computer side, monitoring terminal information including an IP address and a monitoring terminal ID assigned to the monitoring terminal side having monitoring means appropriately selected according to the monitoring purpose is associated with the user ID. Comprising a registered user database, the monitoring terminal being connectable to the management computer side via the communication line network;
The management computer side
This is a user ID consisting of at least one of the telephone number, ID number, address data, password, and authentication data such as encryption of the user who accesses using the communication line network including the Internet and the telephone network. A means of obtaining specific information;
Means for performing a search as to whether or not the acquired specific information corresponds to the monitoring terminal information registered in advance in the user database;
When there is monitoring terminal information corresponding to the specific information, using a communication line network consisting of the Internet and a telephone network, a means to work on the control unit of the monitoring terminal based on the extracted monitoring terminal information;
Means for obtaining information obtained by the monitoring terminal via a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network;
Means for supplying the information obtained from the monitoring terminal to a user who has accessed and transmitted the specific information using a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network;
Means for accepting an IP address registration request from the monitoring terminal side that can be specified at the time of line reconnection between the management computer side and the monitoring terminal side, and registering an IP address that is the monitoring terminal information of the user database; With
The monitoring terminal side
A self-connection function for processing connection to the global IP address of the management computer stored in the memory,
Means for sending the registered monitoring terminal ID to the management computer using the self-connection function and requesting to register the IP address of the monitoring terminal;
It is characterized by having.
(Related aspects)
As an aspect of the information supply system of the present invention, an information supply system using a communication line in a management computer installed in a communication line network consisting of the Internet and a telephone network,
There is provided a user database in which monitoring terminal information including an IP address assigned to a monitoring terminal appropriately selected according to a monitoring purpose such as a monitoring camera and a monitoring video is registered in association with a user ID. ,
This is a user ID consisting of at least one of the telephone number, ID number, address data, password, and authentication data such as encryption of the user who accesses using the communication line network including the Internet and the telephone network. Obtaining specific information;
A step of searching whether or not the acquired specific information corresponds to the monitoring terminal information registered in advance in the user database;
When there is monitoring terminal information corresponding to the specific information, the management computer uses a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network, and works on the control unit of the monitoring terminal based on the extracted monitoring terminal information. Step to go,
The management computer obtaining information obtained by the monitoring terminal via a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network;
Supplying the information obtained from the monitoring terminal to a user who accesses the management computer by transmitting the specific information using a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network;
The management computer accepts an IP address change request from the monitoring terminal side that can be specified, and changes the IP address that is the monitoring terminal information registered in the user database;
The system is characterized by an information supply system using a communication line consisting of: a user database that can be updated quickly according to the situation, and can be instantly adapted to the next access of the user.
Here, when accepting an IP address change request from a monitoring terminal, it has a step of accepting a monitoring terminal ID registered in the user database and responding to the IP address change request only when the monitoring terminal ID is appropriate. In this way, the user database can be managed more reliably.
When the monitoring terminal necessary for this system is always connected and the IP address is changed, the monitoring terminal determines the difference between the old IP address and the newly given IP address. It has a self-connection function that can make a connection process to the global IP address of the management computer stored in the memory and request to update and register a new IP address based on its own monitoring terminal ID. Preferably, as another example, when the monitoring terminal can newly connect to or reconnect to the Internet, the monitoring terminal is provided with a function of performing connection processing for the global IP address of the management computer stored therein. Self-connection function that can request to update and register the IP address assigned at that time based on its own monitoring terminal ID As another example, when the IP address is changed while the monitoring terminal is always connected or when the Internet can be reconnected, the monitoring terminal is stored in the memory. A self-connection function is provided that can handle connection to the global IP address of the management computer, and can request that the IP address assigned at that time be updated and registered based on the old IP address of the management computer. It is preferable. In the case of this example, an old IP address corresponding to the monitoring terminal already exists in the user database, so that the monitoring terminal can be authenticated.
Furthermore, when a user accesses the management computer, the user can access the user when there are a plurality of monitoring terminals or monitoring units corresponding to the user by searching for the monitoring terminal ID in the user database. The type and menu of the monitoring terminal or monitoring unit is displayed to prompt the user to select the desired information. The management computer does not need to collect information on all registered monitoring terminals, only the specified monitoring terminal Can be used, so that unnecessary waiting time is not given to the user.
When there is monitoring terminal information corresponding to the specific information, the management computer uses a communication network consisting of the Internet or a telephone network, and works on the control unit of the monitoring terminal based on the extracted monitoring terminal information, When the management computer obtains information obtained by the monitoring terminal via a communication line network including the Internet or a telephone network, the management computer cannot connect to the monitoring terminal or information from the monitoring terminal It is preferable that when a state that has not been transmitted to the computer is confirmed by the management computer, a predetermined abnormality notification can be transmitted to the accessing user. In other words, by setting the waiting time for data on the management computer as a predetermined time and managing the session, when data cannot be obtained within the waiting time, information cannot be obtained without making the accessing user wait indefinitely The service can be improved by sending the message.
When the management computer obtains information obtained by the monitoring terminal via a communication line network such as the Internet or a telephone network, the transmitted information is compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. The management computer temporarily stores the compressed data in a storage device, and stores the compressed data in accordance with the data transmission rate of the communication line to the information terminal of the accessing user. It is preferable that data is transmitted, and any type of user terminal can be supported.
At least the information supply monitoring terminal of the present invention is a monitoring terminal applied to an information supply system using a management computer installed in a communication network consisting of the Internet or a telephone network,
For a management computer configured to accept an IP address change request from the monitoring terminal side that can be specified, and to execute a step of changing the IP address that is the monitoring terminal information registered in the user database A monitoring terminal used,
The monitoring terminal that requests the management computer to change the IP address has functions such as a monitoring camera and a monitoring video,
The IP address of the management computer is stored in the memory on the monitoring terminal side, and the IP address assigned at that time is updated to the stored management computer IP address based on the own monitoring terminal ID It is characterized by having a function that can be requested to register.
At least the information supply monitoring terminal of the present invention is a monitoring terminal applied to an information supply system using a management computer installed in a communication network consisting of the Internet or a telephone network,
There is provided a user database in which monitoring terminal information including an IP address assigned to a monitoring terminal appropriately selected according to a monitoring purpose such as a monitoring camera and a monitoring video is registered in association with a user ID. ,
This is a user ID consisting of at least one of the telephone number, ID number, address data, password, and authentication data such as encryption of the user who accesses using the communication line network including the Internet and the telephone network. Obtaining specific information;
A step of searching whether or not the obtained specific information corresponds to the monitoring terminal information registered in advance in the user database;
Further, at least the step of accepting an IP address change request from the monitoring terminal side that can be specified and changing the IP address that is the monitoring terminal information registered in the user database is executed. A monitoring terminal used for the management computer,
A monitoring terminal that requests the management computer to change an IP address,
The IP address of the management computer is stored in the memory on the monitoring terminal side, and the IP address assigned at that time is updated to the stored management computer IP address based on the own monitoring terminal ID It is characterized by having a function that can be requested to register.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 are block diagrams showing the configuration of a specific area monitoring system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a monitoring terminal used in the specific area monitoring system according to the present embodiment. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring terminal used in the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management computer used in the present embodiment, and FIG. It is an external view which shows the mobile telephone which the user who enabled output of the monitoring image and audio | voice from the management computer of a present Example can carry.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, the specific area monitoring system of the present embodiment is a place where a large number of registered users (ABC ... Z ...) want to individually monitor, for example, Monitoring terminal 4 (4a, 4b, 4c,... 4z,...) Installed in a monitored area (abc,..., Z,. A management computer 3 owned by a service provider that is connected to an information terminal owned by the operator via a communication line network 5 and an Internet service provider (ISP) that is basically always connected to each monitoring terminal. And the relay server 6 and information terminals such as the personal computer 14, the notebook personal computer 15, and the mobile phone 11 operated by the user of the monitoring service.

  In addition, the monitoring terminal 4 (4a.4b.4c... 4z...) Used in the present embodiment is mainly owned by the service provider via the communication network 5 as shown in FIG. In principle, the management computer 3 is always connected. According to this example, the monitoring terminals 4a to 4c are connected to the management computer 3 via the network by ADSL (DSL), which is a so-called asymmetric digital subscriber line system, and the monitoring terminals 4a to 4c are connected to each other. The set-top box 2 is a communication device that performs transmission and reception of data, and the monitoring unit 1 that is connected to the set-top box 2 and collects monitoring information such as images and sounds in a specific area. FIG. 2 is an example of a communication configuration using radio.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the monitoring unit 1 used in this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has a transparent dome-shaped cover 68 formed on the lower surface of a box-like housing 50 that can be placed on the ceiling or the like. The cover 68 includes a monitoring CCD camera 55 as monitoring means, and a direction changing device 58 capable of changing the monitoring direction of the monitoring CCD camera 55 left and right and up and down. A communication cable 51 connected to the set top box 2 is led out from the side surface of the housing 50, and a sound collecting microphone 53 capable of collecting sound in the monitoring area is provided on the other side surface. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the internal configuration of the housing 50 of the monitoring unit 1 is used as a work memory in control performed by a communication unit 71 that performs data communication and an MPU 65 described later. An SRAM 70 for temporarily storing image data or audio data compressed by a digital signal processor (DSP) 56, and an A / D converter connected to the sound collection microphone 53 for converting input sound into digital data A monitoring CCD camera 55 having a built-in charge coupled device (CCD) 54 capable of outputting an image formed by a lens inside as a digital data string, the PCM codec 52 and the charge coupling The audio data and image data output from the element (CCD) 54 are subjected to a predetermined compression algorithm (MPEG, JPEG, etc.). A digital signal processor (DSP) 56 that performs compression processing, a direction changing device 58 that moves in the photographing direction of the monitoring CCD camera 55, a driver 59 that lights a pilot lamp (LED) 69, and each of these parts 4 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. 4, and the MPU 65 is configured to perform processing such as control of each part. Inside the MPU 65, the monitoring CCD camera 55, the direction changing device 58, and the collection unit implemented by the MPU 65 are arranged. It has an internal ROM 66 that stores monitoring means such as the sound microphone 53 and a control program in which control contents such as activation and stop of peripheral devices of the monitoring means are described. In FIG. 4, white arrows indicate control signals, and black arrows mainly indicate data signals.

  In addition, the monitoring unit 1 of the present embodiment is equipped with a battery 67 as a power means, and is operable with the battery, so that the monitoring unit 1 can be easily installed in a place where power cannot be obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these electric powers may be used by converting an alternating current obtained from an outlet or the like into a predetermined direct current.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the DSP 56 is used to compress the image data and the audio data by a method such as MPEG and transmit them to the relay server 6 and the management computer 3 side. It is preferable because the transmission load can be reduced by reducing the data capacity to be transmitted, the communication capacity required in the management computer 3 can be reduced, and the line cost can be reduced. Is not limited to this.

  In this embodiment, the monitoring CCD camera 55 and the sound collecting microphone 53 are provided as monitoring means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and animals such as animals are emitted as these monitoring means. An infrared sensor that can detect infrared rays, a temperature monitoring sensor that can measure the ambient temperature of the installation site (including a fire monitoring sensor based on temperature), a smoke monitoring sensor, etc. may be used. It may be selected appropriately according to the monitoring purpose.

  As the installation location of the monitoring unit 1, it is only necessary to select a suitable location for checking the image of the area and temperature, sound, or smoke that the user particularly wants to monitor. It is preferable that a more precise monitoring can be performed by using a ceiling with few obstacles, etc., and allowing the monitoring direction to be appropriately moved.

    Next, a set top box is connected to the monitoring unit 1 and is connected to the communication line network 5 (ADSL line) and is a communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the management computer 3. As shown in FIG. 10, the configuration of 2 is provided with a monitoring terminal as the monitoring unit 1, an ADSL transceiver for connecting a personal computer, and a terminal for connecting an analog telephone, which are telephone lines connected to an exchange station. Connected through a filter. Here, in the switching center, it is distributed to a telephone exchange or an ADSL transceiver based on a frequency band through a filter. As described above, in this embodiment, since ADSL is used, a always-on connection service is possible at a fixed charge, and new image information is sequentially transmitted to the management computer 3.

  Moreover, since the monitoring unit 1 of the present embodiment has the communication unit 71 as described above, an IP address is assigned to the monitoring unit 1 side, and is always connected to the management computer 3. This IP address is used for specifying the monitoring area.

  Next, the compressed images (and sound data) from the monitoring terminals 4 (4a.4b.4c... 4z...) Composed of the monitoring unit 1 and the set top box 2 are relayed to the relay server 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the configuration of the management computer 3 that transmits and receives the data via the Internet via the data bus 30 is a data bus 30 that transmits and receives data at a relatively high speed inside the computer. In addition, the authentication process by the connection from the user, the process of searching the IP address (global IP) of the monitoring terminal registered corresponding to the user ID, and the received image and sound data are used. A central processing unit (CPU) 31 with excellent computing power capable of performing data transfer processing to be transmitted to a mobile phone 11, for example, an information terminal of a person, a work memory of the CPU 31, etc. RAM 32 used, display device 34 such as a display, input device 36 such as a keyboard and mouse, current time information used for registration of connection service implementation history, day of the week, etc. Real-time clock (RTC) 37 capable of outputting calendar information, and a communication line board for a monitoring terminal capable of connecting a line capable of performing data communication with the set-top box 2 constituting the monitoring terminal at a relatively high speed 38, a communication line substrate 33 for a user to which a communication line capable of performing data communication with a mobile phone 11 or the like which is a user information terminal at a relatively high speed is connectable, and a magnetic disk or a magneto-optical disk The user's personal identification number is associated with an identification code (ID) that can identify the user, and is given to the monitoring terminal installed at the location that the user wants to monitor User database (DB) based on the above-mentioned IP address (Note that the data on which the ID is also based is the phone number, ID number, address data, password of the user, further encryption, and part of the human body) And a storage device 35 in which a data transfer program in which the data transfer processing content is described is stored, is connected to a computer having relatively high processing capability.

  The communication line board 33 used in the present embodiment is based on the digital data registered in the storage device 35 when accessed from the mobile phone 11 or the like which is an information terminal possessed by the user. Guidance that prompts the user to input a user ID and a personal identification number is transmitted. If the ID (global IP address, user ID) possessed by the mobile phone or PC is sent to the access signal, the management computer 3 can receive this data when accessing the management computer 3. Thus, the user's authority and the monitoring terminal corresponding to the user can be searched without burdening the user. In addition, a predetermined guidance can be transmitted as audio to a user who is a caller. In this case, an A / D converter (not shown) that converts digital audio data into analog audio and transmits it. ) Should be provided.

  The communication line board 33 can be provided with a call ID detecting unit (not shown) as a telephone information receiving means for retrieving the telephone number data of the accessor. The user ID can also be confirmed by outputting to the central processing unit (CPU) 31.

  An information terminal used by a user in the present invention is one that can access the management computer 3 to receive compressed image data and sound data, decompress the compressed data, and reproduce and output it. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the user accesses the management computer 3 from any of the personal computer 14, the notebook personal computer 15, and the mobile phone 11 to display an image from the monitoring terminal 1. Data and sound data can be obtained and monitored, and the mobile phone 11 used in this embodiment has a relatively large display screen 16 on which a monitoring image can be displayed as shown in FIG. And having a microcomputer capable of performing decompression processing of the compressed data. By connecting an earphone to the earphone terminal port 17, the screen can be viewed. It has to be able to hear sound.

  Hereinafter, the flow of the monitoring process in the monitoring system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7. First, the user A is uneasy about the state of the home where the monitoring terminal 1 is installed in the place of going out. In such a case, for example, the user accesses the management computer 3 owned by the monitoring service provider from the mobile phone 11 that he / she owns, and operates the mobile phone 11 with his / her user ID and password according to the guidance. And input. If an ID (global IP address, user ID) possessed by a mobile phone or PC is sent on an access signal and this data is delivered to the management computer 3 when accessing the management computer 3, special guidance is provided. Authentication processing according to is not required on the user side.

  On the management computer 3 side, the user ID and personal identification number transmitted from the mobile phone 11 of the user A are compared with the registration data of the user DB stored in the storage device 35, and the comparison is made. When it is determined that the user is an authorized user, the management computer searches whether there are a plurality of monitoring terminals or monitoring units corresponding to the user. The type or menu of the terminal or the monitoring unit is displayed to prompt the user to select information to be obtained. In this case, it is not necessary for the management computer to obtain information on all registered monitoring terminals, and only the specified monitoring terminal can be accessed, so that unnecessary waiting time and the like can be prevented from being given to the user. . Next, a search engine is used to perform a search using the user DB, and the IP address on the monitoring terminal side (address assigned by the always-connected ISP) registered in the user DB in association with the user ID is used. For example, when the monitoring terminal 4a corresponds to the user A, the monitoring terminal 4a constituting the corresponding monitoring terminal 4a is connected to the monitoring terminal 1 using the normally always connected Internet line. A special control signal (command data) is transmitted to the IP address. This control signal may be any request signal that instructs to acquire information such as an image and send it to the management computer side, but it is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access and decrypted at the monitoring terminal side. It is preferable to perform the treatment. That is, it is sufficient that the system can communicate with the management computer 3 and the communication control unit on the monitoring terminal 4a side, that is, the MPU 65 in FIG. When there are a plurality of monitoring terminals corresponding to the user A, the type and menu of the monitoring terminal accessible to the user are displayed to prompt the user to select information to be obtained. As will be described later, a plurality of monitoring terminals may be connected to one communication unit.

  The monitoring unit 1 that receives the control signal (command data) and determines that the request is from a regular management computer, the image data captured by the monitoring CCD camera 55 in the activated state, and the sound collection microphone 53. The sound data collected by the PCM codec 52 is converted into compressed data by the DSP 56 by a MPEG method (JPEG method or the like) which is a predetermined data compression method, and the compressed data is received from the communication unit 60. It is sent to the set top box 2 and sent to the management computer 3 through the monitoring communication line board 38 via the Internet network.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is preferable to start the monitoring means such as the monitoring CCD camera 55 by receiving the start command data because the power consumption of the monitoring unit 1 can be greatly reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the power consumption of these monitoring means is low, or when sufficient power can be supplied as the operating power of the monitoring unit 1, the monitoring unit 1 Make sure that the monitoring means is always operating. However, if image data or the like is constantly transmitted to the management computer, a large load is imposed on the management computer, so that the data is transmitted only when necessary.

  In this example, the monitoring unit 1 and the management computer are connected via the relay server 6. This is because there is no fixed IP address on the monitoring unit side. As an always-connected ISP service, a specific IP address is guaranteed on the monitoring unit side to enable communication with the address of the management computer, that is, the IP address, toward the Internet network. The monitoring terminal communication line board 38 and the CPU 31 on the management computer 3 side identify each connected monitoring terminal 4 and the management computer 3 transmits a control signal which is command data. Image information transmitted from each monitoring terminal 4 is processed using a user database (DB) in which an IP address assigned to the monitoring terminal and a predetermined ID are registered. Note that communication is rejected for information that is not specified by the monitoring terminal.

  In other words, the image information from the predetermined monitoring terminal 4a originally called by the management computer 3 in the above is the corresponding accessor (user A) based on the IP address assigned to the monitoring terminal or the predetermined ID. ) Is sent. Since the management computer and the monitoring terminal are always connected via the Internet and are in communication with each other through communication, it is obvious that various commands can be exchanged following the command data.

  The compressed data including the image and sound transmitted from the monitoring terminal 4a is temporarily stored (accumulated) in the storage device 35, and the model information (mobile phone, PC) of the information terminal accessed via the communication line infrastructure 33 Etc.), and image frame adjustment is performed in accordance with the model information (mobile phone, PC, etc.) of the information terminal of the user (user A in this case) who accesses based on the obtained information. , The temporarily stored (accumulated) compressed data is converted to an appropriate file format, for example, C-HTML for a mobile phone, HTML for a personal computer, etc., and transmitted to the user's information terminal. .

  Further, when the management computer obtains information obtained by the monitoring terminal 4 via a communication line network such as the Internet or a telephone network, the transmitted information is compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. The management computer 3 temporarily stores the compressed data in a storage device and matches the data transmission speed of the communication line to the information terminal of the accessing user such as the mobile phone 11. Thus, the temporarily stored compressed data is transmitted.

  The converted data including the compressed data transmitted to the mobile phone 11 which is the user's information terminal is appropriately decompressed and the image data is displayed on the display screen 16 and the sound data is D / A converted. It can also be output from the earphone terminal port 17.

  When the line connection between the management computer 3 and the monitoring terminal 4 is first performed, the monitoring terminal communication line board 38 on the management computer 3 side has an IP address transmitted from the monitoring terminal side or a predetermined value. The ID is received, and a search is performed by the CPU 31 using a user database (DB) in which an IP address assigned to the monitoring terminal and a predetermined ID are registered, and this transmission content is sent from the regular monitoring terminal 4a. Check if it is correct and complete the line connection.

  Here, as described above, the IP address is allocated from the ISP on the monitoring terminal side. However, if the ISP is out of service, a power failure, a temporary line disconnection, or the like occurs, the ISP provider is next in a state of being always connected. In many cases, a new IP address is reassigned to the monitoring terminal. In such a situation, it is necessary to change the IP address that is the address of the monitoring terminal already registered in the user DB on the management computer side. Therefore, the MPU 65 in the monitoring unit 1 basically controls the communication unit 71, but also manages the IP address (function as the IP address management unit shown in FIG. 7). Currently assigned IP addresses are always stored in memory.

  At the time of temporary disconnection, this MPU 65 always connects itself to the global IP address of the management computer 3 stored in the internal ROM 66 when reconnecting to the Internet, as in the case of the above connection start. A function is provided, and it has a self-connection function that can request to register a new IP address.

  That is, when the IP address is changed, the new IP address is stored in memory and an update process is performed. Subsequently, it starts connection processing for the global IP address of the management computer 3 itself. In this connection processing, a predetermined ID registered together with the IP address assigned to the monitoring terminal recorded in the user database (DB), that is, the monitoring terminal ID is sent to the management computer as a connection parameter. , Request to register a new IP address.

  When the IP address is changed in the connected state, the MPU 65 determines the difference between the current IP address and the newly given IP address, and when there is a difference, the global address of the management computer 3 stored in the internal ROM 66 is determined. It has a self-connection function that can perform connection processing for an IP address and request to register a new IP address.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, as a function of the MPU 65, it is determined whether or not a change has occurred in the IP address. When there is no change, the standby state is maintained. If it has been changed, the new IP address is stored in memory and an update process is performed. Subsequently, it starts connection processing for the global IP address of the management computer 3 itself. In this connection processing, a predetermined ID registered together with the IP address assigned to the monitoring terminal recorded in the user database (DB), that is, the monitoring terminal ID is sent to the management computer as a connection parameter. , Request to register a new IP address.

    As shown in FIG. 9, the management computer side determines whether or not there is a connection parameter that is a monitoring terminal ID at the time of connection. If connection parameters are not sent, access is denied. When connection parameters are sent and this monitoring terminal ID is registered in the user database (DB), connection processing is performed. Subsequently, the target monitoring terminal is searched and extracted from the user database (DB). Further, a new IP address is updated in place of the old IP address in the user database (DB).

  In addition, when the monitoring terminal changes its IP address while being always connected, or when the Internet can be reconnected, the monitoring terminal performs connection processing for the global IP address of the management computer stored therein. A function is provided, and it is possible to provide a self-connection function that can request to update and register an IP address that has been given at that time based on its own old IP address. In the case of this example, the old IP address corresponding to the monitoring terminal is already stored in the user database (DB), so that it is possible to authenticate the connected monitoring terminal. The address may be responded to an update registration request.

  The management computer 3 may perform a service centering on processing for connecting an information terminal connected via the Internet and a monitoring terminal, such as a mobile phone that is a user's information terminal. 11 and the like, and a data transfer process for mediating and connecting predetermined command data and image (and sound) data respectively transmitted from the monitoring terminal and the information terminal of the user is performed. Here, the management computer 3 provides a guidance service regarding the operation regarding the connection between them. For example, when a user is given an allowable time for Internet connection, a guide for the remaining time, an announcement when the monitoring terminal becomes poorly connected, and the like are given.

  When there is a monitoring terminal ID corresponding to the user ID, the management computer uses a communication network such as the Internet or a telephone network to act on the control unit of the monitoring terminal based on the extracted monitoring terminal information. When the management computer obtains information obtained by the monitoring terminal 4 via a communication network consisting of the Internet or a telephone network, the management computer cannot connect to the monitoring terminal 4 or the monitoring computer 4 When the management computer 3 confirms that no information has been transmitted to the management computer, a predetermined abnormality notification “for example, data cannot be acquired” or the like without disconnecting communication with the user for a certain period of time. Message (for example, the reason for not being able to acquire is that the internet communication environment is bad, the power input is forgotten, or the intruder disconnects. Which is to be sent to the user who has access can be considered).

  The converted data including the compressed data transmitted to the mobile phone 11 which is the user's information terminal is appropriately decompressed and the image data is displayed on the display screen 16 and the sound data is D / A converted. Although output from the earphone terminal port 17, the user A connected to the monitoring terminal via the Internet is provided in the mobile phone 11 in order to change the monitoring direction in which the image is taken. When a cross key or the like is operated, the operation data is transmitted to the monitoring terminal 4a via the management computer 3 and the relay server 6, and control instruction data for the direction changing device 58 based on the transmission is created, which the user wants to see. The photographing direction can be moved up, down, left, and right as appropriate. Also, by expanding the hardware and software of the monitoring terminal, various functions can be added, such as camera zoom operation, audio amplification, and audio from the user terminal being played through the speaker from the monitoring terminal side. Alternatively, only the Internet connection between the accessor and the monitoring terminal may be performed in the management computer, and after the connection is completed, the accessor may instruct the monitoring terminal to receive the monitoring information.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. .

  For example, in the embodiment, the monitoring terminal 4 has a shape that can be installed on the ceiling, but the present invention is not limited to this, and these monitoring terminals are wall-mounted or adapted to other installation locations. Needless to say, an appropriate shape may be used.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the monitoring unit was comprised from the monitoring terminal 1 and the set top box 2, you may make it accommodate these in one housing | casing and comprise a monitoring terminal.

  In the above embodiment, one monitoring terminal 1 is connected to the set top box 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the monitoring units 1 is connected to the same set top box 2. You may make it connect by addressing. Further, the monitoring CCD camera 55 incorporating the charge coupled device (CCD) 54 is used as one monitoring camera unit, and addresses are assigned to a plurality of such monitoring camera units, and the monitoring unit 1 connected to the set top box 2 is connected. A plurality of surveillance camera units (4aa.4ab.4ac.4ba etc.) are connected to each other, and information of each surveillance camera unit (4aa.4ab.4ac.4ba etc.) is selectively sent to the monitoring unit 1 side. You may make it give.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the set top box 2 and the monitoring unit 1 are connected with the communication cable 51, this invention is not limited to this, These set top box 2 and the monitoring unit 1 are connected. It may be connected by wireless communication, for example, a wireless LAN. The “connection” used here includes all wired and wireless connections.

  Here, although the monitoring unit 1 and the management computer 3 are connected using an ADSL line, a CATV line, a communication line for transmitting / receiving data to / from the management computer 3, Furthermore, it can be used in a constantly connected state via a dedicated line or a wireless Internet network.

  In the embodiment, the monitoring terminal communication line board 38 and the user communication line board 33 are individually provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a number of lines are connected instead. The same possible communication line substrate may be used.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the monitoring system of the specific area | region in the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the monitoring system of the specific area | region in the Example of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the monitoring unit used in the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the monitoring terminal used in the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the management computer used in the Example of this invention. It is an external view which shows the mobile telephone as an information terminal which the user used in the Example of this invention carries. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the monitoring process in the specific area | region monitoring system of Example 1 of this invention. It is a processing flow figure by the side of the monitoring terminal in the Example of this invention. It is a processing flow figure by the side of the management computer in the Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of DSL which is a communication means used in the Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Monitoring unit 2 Set-top box (communication means)
3 management computer 4a monitoring terminal (monitoring area a)
4b Monitoring terminal (monitoring area b)
4c Monitoring terminal (monitoring area c)
5 Communication network 11 Mobile phone 14 Personal computer 15 Notebook computer 16 Display screen 17 Earphone terminal 30 Data bus 31 Central processing unit (CPU)
32 RAM
33 Communication circuit board 34 Display device 35 Storage device 36 Input device 37 Real-time clock (RTC)
38 Communication Terminal Board for Monitoring Terminal 50 Case 51 Communication Cable 52 PCM Codec 53 Sound Collecting Microphone 55 Monitoring CCD Camera 56 Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
58 Direction change device 59 Driver 65 MPU
66 Internal ROM
67 Battery 68 Cover 69 Pilot lamp (LED)
70 SRAM
71 Communication Department

Claims (1)

An information supply system using a communication line in a management computer installed in a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network,
On the management computer side, monitoring terminal information including an IP address and a monitoring terminal ID assigned to the monitoring terminal side having monitoring means appropriately selected according to the monitoring purpose is associated with the user ID. Comprising a registered user database, the monitoring terminal being connectable to the management computer side via the communication line network;
The management computer side
This is a user ID consisting of at least one of the telephone number, ID number, address data, password, and authentication data such as encryption of the user who accesses using the communication line network including the Internet and the telephone network. A means of obtaining specific information;
Means for performing a search as to whether or not the acquired specific information corresponds to the monitoring terminal information registered in advance in the user database;
When there is monitoring terminal information corresponding to the specific information, using a communication line network consisting of the Internet and a telephone network, a means to work on the control unit of the monitoring terminal based on the extracted monitoring terminal information;
Means for obtaining information obtained by the monitoring terminal via a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network;
Means for supplying the information obtained from the monitoring terminal to a user who has accessed and transmitted the specific information using a communication line network including the Internet and a telephone network;
Means for accepting an IP address registration request from the monitoring terminal side that can be specified at the time of line reconnection between the management computer side and the monitoring terminal side, and registering an IP address that is the monitoring terminal information of the user database; With
The monitoring terminal side
A self-connection function for processing connection to the global IP address of the management computer stored in the memory,
Means for sending the registered monitoring terminal ID to the management computer using the self-connection function and requesting to register the IP address of the monitoring terminal;
An information supply system using a communication line.

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