JP7242464B2 - Camera system and live image delivery method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a camera system and live image delivery method.

A method of distributing live images from a remote monitoring camera via a web server is known (see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5354070 specification

Video sharing services such as YouTube (registered trademark) may be used for live image distribution of surveillance cameras using a Web server. Using a video sharing service to distribute live images from surveillance cameras is advantageous in terms of data communication volume and cost, and is easy for users to use. On the other hand, since it takes time to upload live images to the server provided by the video sharing service, it takes time from the client terminal requesting live image distribution to displaying the live images. For this reason, a delay occurs in the live image displayed on the client terminal with respect to the actual image, and the live image becomes meaningless. For example, even if the user tries to pan or tilt the camera remotely while viewing the live image displayed on the client terminal, the camera cannot be driven at the appropriate timing due to the delay in the live image. .

In view of the above-described viewpoints, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a camera system and live image distribution method capable of distributing live images of cameras that meet user needs.

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a camera system is a camera system capable of distributing and displaying live images from a plurality of cameras, comprising: a plurality of cameras that generate live images; and one or more client terminals capable of displaying live images provided via a network. The client terminal can selectively execute the first delivery mode or the second delivery mode. In the first distribution mode, a live image distributed through a dedicated communication channel formed between a specified camera among a plurality of cameras and the client terminal is displayed. In the second distribution mode, live images distributed without passing through the dedicated communication channel are displayed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a live image distribution method is a live image distribution method for distributing live images from a plurality of cameras and displaying them on a client terminal, wherein the client terminal performs the first distribution mode or the second distribution mode. Selectively execute modes. When executing the first distribution mode, the client terminal displays a live image distributed through a dedicated communication channel formed between a specified camera among the plurality of cameras and the client terminal. When executing the second distribution mode, the live image distributed without passing through the dedicated communication channel is displayed on the client terminal.

According to the camera system and live image distribution method according to the present disclosure, it is possible to distribute live images of cameras that meet user needs.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a camera system connected via a network in one embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a client terminal according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a camera according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the camera system according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an example of a display screen of a client terminal according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen in the first delivery mode of the client terminal according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing operations during camera driving in the camera system according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation when audio is output from the camera in the camera system according to one embodiment.

1. Embodiment Hereinafter, the configuration and functions of a camera system according to one embodiment will be described.

1-1. Configuration 1-1-1. Configuration of Camera System 1 The camera system 1 shown in FIG. 1 delivers a live image taken by a camera 30 arranged remotely to the client terminal 10 and displays it. The camera system 1 includes a plurality of cameras 30 and a client terminal 10 connected to the plurality of cameras 30 via servers 20, 50, 60 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, between the client terminal 10 and the camera 30, a dedicated communication path is formed by a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or the like according to the selection of a distribution mode, which will be described later. In the present disclosure, a dedicated communication channel means a communication channel that does not pass through the video sharing server 60, which will be described later.

Although not shown, the client terminal 10 may be connected to each server on the Internet via a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). Similarly, the camera 30 may also be connected to a LAN or WAN, and connected to each server on the Internet via these networks.

1-1-2. Configuration of Client Terminal 10 FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the client terminal 10 . The client terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smart phone, or a personal computer such as a desktop type, a laptop type, a tablet type, or the like. The client terminal 10 is connected to one or more cameras 30 via LAN, WAN, and/or the Internet. The client terminal 10 includes a CPU 11 , RAM 12 , storage section 13 , ROM 14 , display section 16 , communication section 17 , input operation section 18 and microphone 19 .

The CPU 11 controls each part of the client terminal 10 by reading application programs stored in the ROM 14 and the storage part 13 into the RAM 12 and executing them.

The storage unit 13 is configured by a semiconductor memory, HDD, etc., and stores a VPN application 131 and a web browser 133 .

The display unit 16 is an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like that displays information acquired or generated by the CPU 11 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the display unit 16 displays a screen 16a including a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for live image distribution, which will be described later. Note that the GUIs shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

The communication unit 17 is an interface for connecting to a network (NW), and is, for example, a wireless communication antenna or a wired network card. The communication unit 17 is connected to the servers 20, 50, 60 via a network.

The input operation unit 18 is means for receiving an operation input by a user, and includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a switch, a touch panel arranged on the display unit 16, and the like.

The microphone 19 receives the user's voice, converts it into a voice signal by the A/D conversion circuit, and transmits it to the designated camera 30 via the communication unit 36 .

The client terminal 10 receives an input operation for selecting the first distribution mode and the second distribution mode, as will be described later. In the first distribution mode, a live image distributed via VPN (an example of a dedicated communication channel) is displayed between the designated camera 30 and the client terminal. In the second distribution mode, a live image acquired via a video sharing server 60, which will be described later, is displayed without passing through a dedicated communication channel.

1-1-3. Configuration of Camera 30 FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of the camera 30 . The camera 30 is installed inside a building or outdoors as a monitoring camera, for example. The camera 30 includes a CPU 31 , a RAM 32 , a storage section 33 , a ROM 34 , an imaging section 35 , a communication section 36 , a lens driving section 37 , a lens unit 38 and a speaker 39 .

The CPU 31 controls each part of the camera 30 by reading control programs stored in the ROM 34 and the storage part 33 into the RAM 32 and executing them.

The storage unit 33 is composed of a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an SD memory card. The storage unit 33 can store image data for a predetermined time according to the frame rate of the image of the camera 30 .

The imaging unit 35 includes an imaging device such as a CMOS or CCD, and generates image data by converting light obtained through the optical system of the lens unit 38 into electrical signals.

The communication unit 36 is an interface for connecting to a network, such as an antenna for wireless communication. The communication unit 36 connects to a server on the Internet according to a predetermined wireless communication standard (eg, LTE or Wi-Fi (registered trademark)).

The lens driving section 37 is composed of a plurality of motors that drive each section of the lens unit 38 according to drive commands from the CPU 31 . The drive command for the lens unit 38 includes panning, tilting, zooming, focusing, and other driving of the camera 30 .

The speaker 39 D/A converts the audio signal received from the client terminal 10, amplifies it, and outputs it as audio.

1-1-4. Other Configurations The servers 20 , 50 , 60 are computer devices including CPUs and memories, and provide services and functions to the client terminals 10 .

In FIG. 1 , the VPN server 20 manages VPN connections between the client terminal 10 and the camera 30 .
The web server 50 acquires the live image of the camera 30 via the video sharing server 60 and provides the live image in a displayable manner in response to a request from the client terminal 10 for which login authentication has been performed. The web server 50 manages position information and operation information of each camera 30 . The web server 50 also maps the position information and operation information of each camera 30 and outputs them.
The video sharing server 60 can be accessed by an unspecified number of users, and distributes the uploaded live images of the camera 30 via the Internet. When the moving image sharing server 60 receives the live image from the camera 30 , the received live image is buffered by a certain amount (a certain period of time) according to the specific specifications of the moving image sharing server 60 . In parallel with this, when receiving a live image distribution request signal from the client terminal 10 , the moving image sharing server 60 transmits (distributes) the buffered live image to the client terminal 10 that is the source of the request.

Note that the network configuration between the client terminal 10 and the camera 30 is not limited to that described in this embodiment, and may further pass through one or a plurality of relay servers. Also, some or all of the servers may be multiple devices that implement cloud computing.

1-2. Operation 1-2-1. Live Image Distribution Operation The operation of the camera system 1 including the client terminal 10 and the camera 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the client terminal 10, the web browser 133 (FIG. 2) is started, the web page of the web server 50 is accessed, and the login operation is executed by entering the ID and password (S101). When logged in, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a live image display screen 16a is provided and displayed on the display unit 16 of the client terminal 10 (S102).

The screen 16a displays information about the cameras 30 that the logged-in user is permitted to view. The camera 30 that is permitted to be viewed is, for example, a camera contracted by the user or a camera under the control of the user. As shown in FIG. 5, the screen 16a of the display unit 16 includes, for example, a live image display area 16a-1, a camera position information display area 16a-2, and a camera detail display area 16a-3.

The live image display area 16a-1 displays a live image from the designated camera 30. FIG. The camera position information display area 16a-2 displays the position information of the cameras 30 accessible by the logged-in user as icons on a map, for example. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, the identification information of the camera 30 may be displayed as a popup together with the icon. The displayed map can vary from the relatively small scale map shown in FIG. 5 to the large scale map shown in FIG. The camera detail display area 16a-3 displays, for example, detailed information about the camera (the name of the facility where the camera is installed, the name of the camera, the operating status, etc.).

The screen 16a further displays a first distribution mode button 161 for VPN connection with the specified camera 30 and a second distribution mode button 162 for distributing live images using the video sharing server 60. FIG. Note that these buttons may be displayed on the initial screen after login, or may be displayed when the icon of the camera 30 displayed in the camera position information display area 16a-2 is selected.

When the user operates the input operation unit 18 of the client terminal 10 to select an icon on the map, the CPU 11 generates a request signal for a live image of the camera corresponding to the selected icon (designated camera). Live images are distributed according to the distribution mode described in .

The user selects either the first distribution mode or the second distribution mode by selecting either the first distribution mode button 161 or the second distribution mode button 162 displayed on the screen 16a via the input operation unit 18. (S103).

The first distribution mode displays live images distributed through the VPN formed between the specified camera 30 and client terminal 10 . The VPN, for example, activates the installed VPN application 131 ( FIG. 2 ) in the client terminal 10 and forms a dedicated communication path with the camera 30 or a LAN configured by a plurality of cameras 30 . On the dedicated communication path, a VPN gateway (not shown) packetizes a live image from the camera 30 in the LAN, encapsulates and encrypts it with the VPN protocol, and transmits the packet to the destination client terminal 10 . When the client terminal 10 side configures a LAN, a dedicated communication path may be formed between the VPN gateway on the camera 30 side and the VPN gateway on the client terminal 10 side.

Formation of a dedicated communication path is not limited to VPN. For example, a global IP address may be assigned to the camera 30, and the client terminal 10 may be directly connected to the camera 30 to acquire live images.

Also, the connection in the first distribution mode is not limited to connecting the client terminal 10 and the camera 30 entirely by VPN. For example, a relay server such as the Web server 50 and the camera 30 are connected via VPN, and a normal Web connection is established between the client terminal 10 and the relay server. Encapsulation/encryption between the client terminal and the camera 30 can be simulated via the relay server, and a secure dedicated communication path is substantially formed between the client terminal 10 and the camera 30 . According to this method, there is no need to install a VPN application on the client terminal 10 side.

The second distribution mode displays live images acquired via the video sharing server 60 without passing through a dedicated communication channel. Specifically, the web server 50 connected to the client terminal 10 connects to the video sharing server 60 and acquires the live image of the camera 30 uploaded there. Live image delivery is likely to be delayed due to buffering in the video sharing server 60, but compared to a dedicated communication path in which the client terminal 10 is directly connected to the camera 30, the amount of data communication per unit time on the camera 30 side is reduced. It can be suppressed, and communication can be used at a low cost.

When the first distribution mode is selected, the client terminal 10 requests the camera 30 to connect via a dedicated communication channel, here VPN (S104). The client terminal 10 transmits a live image request signal to the designated camera 30 via the VPN, and displays the acquired live image on the display unit 16 (S105).

On the other hand, if the second distribution mode is selected, the client terminal 10 similarly requests the camera 30 to connect via VPN (S106). Next, the client terminal 10 generates a request signal for the live image of the designated camera 30 and transmits the same request signal to the designated camera 30 via VPN. In response to this request signal, the camera 30 starts transmitting (uploading) the live image to the predetermined video sharing server 60 (S107). The address of the video sharing server 60, which is information specifying the video sharing server 60, may be included in, for example, a live image request signal from the client terminal 10 to the camera 30, or may be stored in the camera 30 in advance. may be The client terminal 10 instructs the camera 30 to start transmitting a live image (S107). At the same time, the client terminal 10 transmits a live image request signal via the web server 50, and displays the acquired live image on the display unit. 16 (S108)

If there is an operation to change the delivery mode in the client terminal 10 (Yes in S109), the processing from S103 to S108 is executed. If there is no operation to change the distribution mode (No in S109) and a logout operation is performed (Yes in S110), the process ends.

Note that the live image distribution may be ended by operating a stop button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 16 of the client terminal 10 . Further, the delivery of live images may be stopped after a predetermined period of time by a timer (not shown) provided in the camera 30 or the client terminal 10 .
At the end of distribution in the second distribution mode, the client terminal 10 transmits a live image distribution end request signal to the designated camera 30 via the VPN. In response to this delivery end request, uploading of live images from the same camera 30 to the video sharing server 60 is stopped.

Live image distribution in the first distribution mode and the second distribution mode has the following differences. The time from when the client terminal 10 issues a live image distribution request to when the live image is displayed is shorter in the first distribution mode than in the second distribution mode. The reason for this is that in the second distribution mode, a live image from the camera 30 is once uploaded to the video sharing server 60, which causes a delay. More specifically, the moving image sharing server 60 buffers the live image transmitted from the camera 30 for a certain amount or for a certain period of time and then distributes it to the client terminal 10 according to its own specifications. On the other hand, in the first distribution mode, the client terminal 10 receives live images from the camera 30 via VPN with little or at least much less buffering than the video sharing server 60. View live images. As a result, the delay in displaying the live image is smaller in the first distribution mode than in the second distribution mode.
For the above reasons, a delay of several tens of seconds may occur in the live image via the video sharing server 60 . On the other hand, in the first delivery mode, a delay that is inconvenient for the user is less likely to occur. However, since the second distribution mode can reduce the amount of data communication per unit time compared to the first distribution mode, it is particularly suitable for a large number of client terminals 10 requesting distribution of the same live image at the same time. Therefore, there is a need to use it. Therefore, in the camera system 1 according to the present disclosure, it is possible to select a live image distribution method according to the user's needs.

In particular, the delay of the live image makes it difficult to operate the camera 30 remotely from the client terminal 10 for pan/tilt, audio output, and the like. Therefore, as described below, in the camera system 1 according to the present embodiment, remote control and audio output of the camera 30 are enabled only when the first distribution mode with no live image delay is selected.

1-2-2. Camera Drive FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of camera drive during remote operation when the first delivery mode is selected in the delivery mode selection (S103) of FIG.

If the user has selected the first distribution mode (Yes in S1031), the screen 16a of the display unit 16 of the client terminal 10 displays an operation screen 16a-5 for driving the camera, as shown in FIG. (S1032). The operation screen displays, as examples of the input operation unit 18, buttons for operating the pan and tilt of the camera 30 and buttons for operating the zoom. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the user can tilt the camera 30 upward by operating the button T1, and tilt the camera 30 downward by operating the button T2. The user can pan the camera 30 leftward by operating the button P1, and pan the camera 30 rightward by operating the button P2. The user can zoom in the camera 30 by operating the button Z1, and zoom out the camera 30 by operating the button Z2. A button for operating the focus of the camera 30 may also be displayed on the operation screen.

When the user operates the input operation unit 18 of the client terminal 10 while viewing the live image displayed in the live image display area 16a-1 (S1033), the CPU 11 generates and transmits a drive command signal to the camera 30. (S1034). For example, when the button P2 in FIG. 6 is operated, a drive command for instructing the camera 30 to pan to the right is generated and transmitted.

The drive command signal is transmitted to the camera 30 via VPN in the first distribution mode. Upon receiving the drive command signal, the camera 30 drives the lens driving section 37 to move the lens unit 38 under the control of the CPU 31 (S1035). For example, the pan driving motor is driven to move the lens unit 38 rightward.

On the other hand, if the first distribution mode is not selected (No in S1031), that is, if the second distribution mode is selected, the operation screen 16a-5 for driving the camera shown in FIG. 6 is not displayed, and the user can Remote control of the camera 30 cannot be performed.

As described above, the user can remotely operate the camera 30 only when the live image distributed by communication with little delay is being displayed.

1-2-3. Camera Audio Output FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart for audio output from the camera 30 when the first delivery mode is selected in the delivery mode selection (S103) of FIG. The user can input sound from the microphone 19 of the client terminal 10 and output sound from the speaker 39 of the remote camera 30 while watching the live image displayed in the live image display area 16a-1.

If the user has selected the first distribution mode (Yes in S1131), when voice is input from the microphone 19 of the client terminal 10 (S1132), the CPU 11 transmits the A/D converted voice signal ( S1133). The audio signal is transmitted to the camera 30 via VPN according to the first delivery mode.

Under the control of the CPU 31, the camera 30 outputs the received audio signal as D/A-converted audio from the speaker 39 (S1134).

On the other hand, if the first distribution mode is not selected (No in S1131), that is, if the second distribution mode is selected, the client terminal 10 does not accept voice input from the microphone 19, Can't send audio to

As described above, the user can output sound from the remote camera 30 only when the live image distributed in the first distribution mode is displayed.

In the above example, information indicating whether the input from the microphone 19 is valid or invalid may be displayed on the operation screen 16a-5 (FIG. 6) for driving the camera. For example, when the first distribution mode is selected, information indicating that the input of the microphone 19 is valid is displayed, and when the second distribution mode is selected, the information indicating that the input of the microphone 19 is invalid is displayed. to display information about

1-3. Features, etc. In the camera system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the client terminal 10 can accept an operation to select the first distribution mode or the second distribution mode. In the first distribution mode, the client terminal 10 displays live images distributed through a dedicated communication channel (for example, VPN) formed between the designated camera 30 and the client terminal 10 . On the other hand, in the second distribution mode, live images distributed without passing through a dedicated communication channel (VPN) are displayed.

Therefore, the live image distribution method can be selected according to the user's usage. That is, the time from when the client terminal 10 issues a live image distribution request to when the live image is displayed is shorter in the first distribution mode than in the second distribution mode. Therefore, particularly when the camera 30 is driven by remote control from the client terminal 10, such as panning/tilting, audio output, etc., by selecting the first distribution mode in which delays are unlikely to occur, the user can select the delivery mode at an appropriate timing. Remote operation of the camera 30 and voice output can be performed.

Furthermore, by selecting the first distribution mode via the dedicated communication path, communication security is higher than in the second distribution mode. It is possible to select the mode.

On the other hand, when the user does not need to perform remote operation or voice output of the camera 30, or when displaying a live image with low confidentiality, the user can reduce the amount of data communication per unit time and use it at a low cost. Delivery mode can be selected.

2. Other Embodiments As described above, each embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. Further, it is also possible to combine the constituent elements described in the above embodiment to form a new embodiment.

(1) In the above embodiment, either the first distribution mode or the second distribution mode is selected by the user's operation, but the distribution mode may be automatically selected according to the priority.

In this case, the client terminal 10 sets the priority of the first distribution mode and the second distribution mode in advance. For example, the priority of the first distribution mode that enables remote control of the camera 30 is set higher than the priority of the second distribution mode. In principle, the client terminal 10 is connected to the camera 30 specified in the first distribution mode. However, if another client terminal 10 is previously connected to the designated camera 30 in the first distribution mode, the client terminal 10 executes the second distribution mode. Alternatively, when the number of other client terminals 10 connected to the specified camera 30 in the first distribution mode reaches the upper limit, the client terminal 10 may execute the second distribution mode.

The priority may be set according to the type of user ID. For example, if the logged-in user has an administrator ID, the camera 30 specified in the first distribution mode may be preferentially connected.

(2) In the above embodiment, even if the second distribution mode is selected, if the delay of the live image exceeds the predetermined time, the first distribution mode may be automatically executed. good. Also, the second distribution mode may be executed when the delay of the live image becomes less than a predetermined time.

(3) In the above embodiment, the client terminal 10 may specify and connect to a plurality of cameras 30 at the same time to display a plurality of live images.

(4) In the above embodiment, even when the second distribution mode is selected, the client terminal 10 may allow part or all of the remote control of the camera 30 or audio output. In this case, the drive command signal for the camera 30 from the client terminal 10 is transmitted via VPN.
Specifically, when the second distribution mode is determined in step S1031 of FIG. 7 or step S1131 of FIG. and VPN connection (S106 in FIG. 4). The camera 30 starts uploading the live image to the video sharing server 60 in response to the request signal from the client terminal 10 (S107), and the live image is distributed to the client terminal 10 via the video sharing server 60 ( Same S108). In parallel with this, the client terminal 10 transmits a drive command signal (pan, tilt, zoom, etc.) to the designated camera 30 via the established VPN to drive the camera 30 (step S1033 to S1035). The client terminal 10 also transmits audio signals to the designated camera 30 via the established VPN and outputs audio from the camera 30 (similar to steps S1132 to S1134 in FIG. 8).

(5) The CPU in the client terminal 10 or the camera 30 may include a processor composed of dedicated electronic circuits designed to implement predetermined functions. Also, it may be realized by various processors such as MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, and ASIC. A processor may consist of one or more processors.

(6) The execution order of the processes of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4, 7, 8, etc. is not necessarily limited to the description of the above embodiments, and the execution order can be changed without departing from the gist of the invention. or run in parallel. Furthermore, when one step includes a plurality of processes, the plurality of processes included in the one step can be executed by one device or shared by a plurality of devices.

(7) A live image distribution method executed by the camera 30 and/or the client terminal 10, a computer program for executing the method, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the computer program are included in the scope of the present disclosure. . A computer program may be acquired via an electric communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, or the like.

(8) Each device or camera system 1 according to the present disclosure can have a cloud computing configuration in which one function is shared by a plurality of devices via a network and processed jointly. In this specification, the term "device" includes the case where it means a set of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether or not all the components are in the same housing. A plurality of devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housing a plurality of modules in one housing, are both referred to as a system. In some cases.

The present disclosure is applicable as a monitoring camera system used in buildings and outdoors.

1: camera system 10: client terminal 11: CPU
12: RAM
13: storage unit 14: ROM
16: Display unit 16a: Screen 16a-1: Live image display area 16a-2: Camera position information display area 16a-3: Camera details display area 16a-5: Operation screen 17: Communication unit 18: Input operation unit 19: Microphone 20: VPN server 30: Camera 31: CPU
32: RAM
33: storage unit 34: ROM
35 : Imaging unit 36 : Communication unit 37 : Lens drive unit 38 : Lens unit 39 : Speaker 50 : Web server 60 : Video sharing server 161 : First distribution mode button 162 : Second distribution mode button

Claims (8)

A camera system capable of distributing and displaying live images from a plurality of cameras,
a plurality of cameras that generate live images;
one or more client terminals capable of displaying the live image provided via a network;
with
The client terminal
selectively capable of executing a first delivery mode or a second delivery mode,
In the first distribution mode, displaying the live image distributed through a dedicated communication path formed between a camera designated from among the plurality of cameras and the client terminal,
In the second distribution mode, displaying the live image distributed without passing through the dedicated communication channel;
camera system. When the first distribution mode is executed, the client terminal is capable of accepting an operation of the specified camera, and instructs the specified camera to drive via the dedicated communication path according to the operation. and send
the specified camera is driven in accordance with the drive command;
A camera system according to claim 1 . The client terminal
In the second distribution mode, receiving a live image from the specified camera via a video sharing server,
receiving a live image from the specified camera without going through the video sharing server in the first distribution mode;
The video sharing server is a server capable of simultaneously distributing live images from the plurality of cameras to a plurality of client terminals.
3. A camera system according to claim 1 or 2. In the first distribution mode, the client terminal receives the live image of the specified camera by transmitting a live image request signal via the dedicated communication channel,
In the second distribution mode, the client terminal transmits a live image of the specified camera to the moving image sharing server by transmitting a transmission request signal to the moving image sharing server via the dedicated communication path. and receive the live image of the specified camera by transmitting a request signal for the live image via the communication path established with the video sharing server;
4. A camera system according to claim 3. A predetermined buffering time for the video sharing server to distribute the same live image after receiving it is longer than a predetermined buffering time for the client terminal to display the live image after receiving it.
5. A camera system according to claim 3 or 4. The client terminal
preferentially executing the first delivery mode;
If another client terminal is receiving the live image of the specified camera in the first distribution mode, execute the second distribution mode;
A camera system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When executing the first distribution mode, the client terminal receives the live image via the dedicated communication path and transmits input audio to the designated camera via the dedicated communication path. , outputting the audio at the specified camera;
7. A camera system according to any one of claims 1-6. A live image distribution method for distributing live images from a plurality of cameras and displaying them on a client terminal,
selectively executing a first distribution mode or a second distribution mode at the client terminal;
When executing the first distribution mode, the client terminal displays the live image distributed through a dedicated communication path formed between a camera designated from the plurality of cameras and the client terminal. death,
When executing the second distribution mode, displaying the live image distributed without passing through the dedicated communication channel on the client terminal;
Live image delivery method.

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