WO2000072598A1

WO2000072598A1 - Video surveillance system

Info

Publication number: WO2000072598A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/013596
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig Marshak
Original assignee: Securityvillage.Com, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-05-20
Filing date: 2000-05-18
Publication date: 2000-11-30
Also published as: IL130073A0; AU5273900A

Abstract

A method of remote video surveillance includes receiving surveillance images captured from a plurality of different premises (22) via communication lines (50, 52) of a public network (28). The images are distributed to a plurality of client computers (24, 36, 38, 40), so that each of the computers displays images captured from a different one of the plurality of premises.

Description

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to surveillance and security systems, and specifically to video-based systems for remote surveillance of premises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of video in surveillance systems is well known in the art. One or more video cameras are positioned at selected locations to capture images an area that is to be monitored. The cameras are wired to a central station, having a display on which the images are observed. Automated image processing functions are sometimes used in this regard.

The use of telephone lines in remote surveillance is also known in the art. Homes or business premises under surveillance are equipped with intrusion alarm systems, which are coupled to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) . When intrusion is detected, the alarm system automatically dials a computer at a central station and identifies itself to the computer by means of an assigned code. The computer notifies a human operator in the central station, typically by posting a message on a computer terminal screen notifying the operator of the location of the alarm and prompting the operator to take suitable action, for example, to dispatch a patrol to the premises or notify police. In video teleconferencing, as is known in the art, two or more parties at mutually remote sites transmit digitized sound and images over telephone and/or packet-switched network connections linking the sites. A video camera at each site captures images of the teleconference participants and of items that they wish to show the participants at other sites. The parties are then able both to see and hear one another, substantially in real time. Similarly, computer-linked video cameras are commonly used to capture images of a selected location or event in real time, and to transmit the images over the Internet to remote viewers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus and methods for remote video surveillance.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, surveillance apparatus in a residential or business premises comprises one or more video cameras, which capture images of the premises. The cameras are coupled to a console, which digitizes and compresses the images and transmits them via modem over telephone lines to a video server.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the video server is associated with or forms a part of a Web server, to which the surveillance apparatus transmits the images via the Internet. An authorized occupant of the premises can log onto the server via the Internet using any suitable computer and can then receive and view images of the premises from any desired location. Preferably, both the occupant and the surveillance apparatus connect to the Internet via local Internet Service Providers, so that the images are made available to the occupant conveniently and at low cost.

In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the video server is associated with or forms a part of a central monitoring station, where the images are viewed by an operator. Preferably, the operator uses the server to intermittently dial up to the console on the premises via the telephone lines and/or Internet, so as to observe and monitor images captured at many different premises. Alternatively or additionally, the console is coupled to an intrusion alarm. When an intrusion is detected on the premises, the console dials into the central monitoring station to give notification of the alarm and to transmit images of the premises to the video server, which are viewed by the operator. There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of remote video surveillance, including: receiving surveillance images captured from a plurality of different premises via communication lines of a public network; and distributing the images to a plurality of client computers, so that each of the computers displays images captured from a different one of the plurality of premises. Preferably, receiving the surveillance images includes receiving an image responsive to an event sensed in one of the premises. Further preferably, receiving the surveillance images includes placing a telephone call to one of the premises, and receiving an image responsive to the call. Alternatively or additionally, receiving the surveillance images includes receiving an image conveyed from the premises to an image server over a packet-switched network, wherein the image server distributes the image to one of the client computers. Preferably, distributing the images includes forwarding the image conveyed from the premises to the client computer over the packet-switched network.

In a preferred embodiment, distributing the images includes conveying an image over the Internet to a subscriber who enters a Web site associated with a server that receives the images.

In another preferred embodiment, distributing the images includes passing an image to one of a plurality of operator terminals in a central monitoring station. Preferably, passing the image includes passing an image together with data relating to the premises from which the image is received, wherein distributing the images most preferably includes conveying an image to one of the client computers in a digital format .

There is also provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for remote video surveillance, including a video server, which receives surveillance images captured from a plurality of different premises via communication lines of a public network and distributes the images to a plurality of client computers, so that each of the computers displays images captured from a different one of the plurality of premises.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a video console in one of the plurality of the premises, which transmits the images to the video server responsive to an event sensed in one of the premises. Further preferably, the video server places a telephone call to the video console, which transmits the images responsive to the call. Alternatively or additionally, the video server and video console communicate over a packet-switched network, and the video server also communicates with the client computer over the packet-switched network. In a preferred embodiment, the client computer receives the images from the video server by entering a Web site associated with the server.

In another preferred embodiment, the plurality of client computers include a plurality of operator terminals in a central monitoring station. Preferably, the operator terminals display the images together with data relating to the premises from which the images are received, wherein the images are conveyed to the client computers in a digital format . The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a video surveillance system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating premises under surveillance using the system of Fig. 1, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates a method for remote video surveillance, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a video surveillance system, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system 20 for remote surveillance of premises 22, typically a home or business facility, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Premises 22 are equipped with a video capture console 80 (shown and described in greater detail in Fig. 2, below), which is coupled to capture, digitize and transmit video images of the premises via one or more telephone lines 50, 52 over a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 28. A video server 32 receives the images, preferably over a trunk group line 62 coupled to PSTN 28, through a bank of modems 30. The server, which preferably comprises a suitable PC server platform running Windows-NT operating system software, stores the images and makes them available for viewing, as described in greater detail hereinbelow.

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing details of premises 22 and console 80, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of imaging devices 82, 84 and 86, which typically comprise standard RS-170 or CCIR video cameras, are positioned to capture images in desired locations on the premises. The images are received by a video processor 90 in console 80, which digitizes and compresses the images, as is known in the art. The compressed images are transmitted over line 50 by a modem 96. Preferably, the images are compressed in accordance with JPEG or ME-JPEG standards, so that when a sequence of images is sent by modem 96, only between 0.2 and 12 Kbytes of data are required for each image update. The images may then be updated at 15 frames/sec with modem 96 operating at 33.6 Kbit/sec.

A controller 94 regulates the functions of console 80. The controller can be programmed so that the console autonomously initiates a call and transmits captured images to server 32 spontaneously, i.e., when a given event occurs, and/or on a preprogrammed schedule. Alternatively or additionally, the controller can be programmed to transmit images when an incoming call is received, preferably a call placed by server 32 at the request of a user, as described further hereinbelow. The images may comprise real-time images, or they may comprise images captured earlier and stored by a memory (not shown) associated with controller 94.

Preferably, console 80 further comprises an audio/alarm unit 92, coupled to a microphone 88. The audio/alarm unit is used to capture audio signals and transmit them, in parallel with the video signals, over line 52. (Although console 80 is shown in the figures to be coupled to PSTN 28 via two parallel lines 50 and 52, it will be understood that the functions of the lines may also be accomplished by multiplexing a single line, as is known in the art.) Unit 92 also comprises an intrusion and/or emergency alarm, as is known in the art. When the alarm is triggered, unit 92 notifies controller 94, which automatically dials in to system 20 to give notice of the alarm and begins transmission of images over line 50 to server 32. Optionally, such an alarm and consequent image transmission may also be initiated by controller 94 when unexpected motion is detected in an image captured and processed by video processor 90.

Further preferably, controller 94 is coupled to a bank of switches 98, preferably three such switches, which are used to control aspects of the surveillance of premises 22. For example, the switches may be used to control lighting, camera tilt, pan and/or zoom, or access control equipment on premises 22. Returning to Fig. 1, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, images of premises 22 are transmitted to a remote computer 24, typically a desktop or portable personal computer operated by a subscriber, who is typically an owner or occupant of premises 22. Computer 24 preferably includes a suitable adapter card 26, typically a standard modem, so that the images can be transmitted over a line 54 from PSTN 28. Although it is possible for computer 24 to receive the images over a direct connection to console 80 through PSTN 28, as well as to convey commands to the console, this mode of communication can be costly when the computer is far away from the premises. Therefore, in a preferred mode of operation, console 80 conveys images to video server 32 via a packet-switched network, such as the Internet, and computer 24 receives the images in a similar manner. Both computer 24 and console 80 are connected to the Internet by respective, local Internet service providers (ISPs) 100, so that any telephone calls that must be placed over PSTN 28 are local calls. Although for the sake of simplicity, only one ISP 100 is shown in Fig. 1, it will be understood that generally the computer and console are connected to different, respective ISPs. Server 32 may also be connected to the Internet through an ISP, or it may comprise or be coupled to its own, dedicated Web server (not shown separately in the figures) .

Fig. 3 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates a method by which computer 24 is used to view images captured by console 80, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A user of computer 24, who is authorized to receive the images, uses a browser program running on the computer to open a Web site maintained by server 32 (or by the associated Web server, as mentioned above) . In the Web site, the user logs on by entering a subscriber ID and password for the site. This Web site is configured to server many users, having many different premises to observe. Each such user has a unique ID and password so that a given user can view only his or her own premises. Following the log-on, the user asks to receive an image or images of the premises.

In response to the user's request, video server 32, or a telephone communications server associated with the video server, places a call over telephone line 52 to console 80. Controller 94 receives the call through modem 96. Once the controller has picked up, the server sends a command code to the console, instructing the controller to connect to the Web site. Alternatively, the server may send a command to the console to capture and transmit images to the server via the telephone line but, as noted above, this mode of transmission may entail costly long-distance calls of long duration. Therefore, controller 94 preferably hangs up line 52 after receiving the call, and then dials into ISP 100 and connects to server 32 via the Internet. Once connected in this manner, console 80 can transmit to the server, and computer 24 can receive, either a single image or a stream of images for as long as desired, at the relatively small expense of the local dial-up calls of computer 24 and console 80 to their respective ISPs. The images are uploaded from console 80 to server 32 and from server 32 to computer 24 using any suitable protocols known in the art, such as FTP or HTTP. Computer 24 can also convey commands to console 80, either through the Web site of server 32 or directly via the telephone lines. These commands include, for example, selecting one of cameras 82, 84 or 86 to transmit images, and operating switches 98. The Web site and telephone connections may also be configured so that computer 24 can receive and play back audio signals captured in premises 22 by microphone 88. Furthermore, if audio/alarm unit detects an intrusion or other emergency situation in premises 22, it can notify the user of computer 24 either by a direct telephone call or through server 32.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, console 80 and system 20 are used to provide on-line, centralized security monitoring of premises 22 and of other premises under video surveillance. This further embodiment is illustrated by Fig. 1, as well, using elements of system 20 that are generally not used in the context of the embodiment described previously. It will be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention, including both surveillance by the subscriber and centralized monitoring, can operate either independently or in combination, using certain common hardware and software elements. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that principles of the present invention may be implemented using other combinations and sub-combinations of elements, not shown in the figures or described explicitly herein, and that features described herein in regard to one embodiment may generally be used, muta tis mutandis, in other embodiments. All such combinations, sub-combinations and alternative configurations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. When system 20 is used for centralized monitoring, telephone signals from console 80 on premises 22 come over a trunk group line 68 to a PBX switchboard 42, which is programmed to route the calls in a manner well known in the art. Calls originated by audio/alarm unit 92 are routed to a receiver 44 or 46. These calls include a code that identifies premises 22, which the receiver deciphers and passes on to an automation computer 48, typically via a suitable data link, such as an RS-232 serial connection.

Computer 48 stores information in a database regarding subscribers to the monitoring services, and retrieves the appropriate information in response to the identifying code sent by console 80. This information generally includes the subscriber's identification, address and other details, as well as telephone numbers to contact in case of emergency. Computer 48 routes this information via lines 35, which typically comprise RS-232 or twin-ax connections, as are known in the art, to one of terminals 36, 38 and 40. Each such terminal preferably comprises a personal computer (PC) , which is attended by a respective operator. Each terminal 36, 38, 40 is also associated with a respective telephone 56, 58, 60, which the operator uses to dial into console 80 and listen in to sounds captured by microphone 80 on premises 20. Of course, the operator can also use the telephone to call the subscriber or emergency services. Video server 32 is connected to a video recorder 34, which records video images captured by whichever one of cameras 82, 84 and 86 is selected by video processor 90 to send images to the server. The recorder preferably records the images in digital format, wherein each image recorded is identified as to the premises at which it was captured. Recorder 34 has multiple distribution ports, which are connected by a local area network (LAN) 72 to terminals 36, 38 and 40, as well as to server 32. When one of the terminals receives an alarm from premises 22, it sends a request over LAN 72 to recorder 34, which request is preferably passed back to server 32, to convey real-time images of the premises to the terminal. Preferably, the request is issued by the terminal autonomously, in response to the information received from automation computer 48 over line 35. Alternatively or additionally, the request is invoked by a user of the terminal. The operator then sees two windows on the terminal's display screen: a data window with information regarding premises 22 conveyed from automation computer 48, and a video window showing images conveyed in real time from the premises via video server 32. In addition to receiving and viewing images from premises 22 when an alarm is triggered, system 20 is preferably also used to view and monitor the premises intermittently, even when no alarm occurs. In this case, the operator of one of terminals 36, 38 or 40 signals server 32 from time to time, preferably in response to a reminder from automation computer 48, that images of the premises are desired for viewing. The video server then dials into console 80 on the premises, downloads a command to controller 94 to capture the images, and then receives and conveys the images to the terminal for display.

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system 120 for remote video surveillance of premises 22, in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. Most of the features of this embodiment are substantially similar to those of system 20, and are marked with the same reference numbers as those shown in Fig. 1. System 120 differs from system 20 in that instead of automation computer 48 being linked to terminals 36, 38, 40 by lines 35, the automation computer is connected to video server 32 by a data bus 70. In this case, when an alarm is received from console 80, automation computer 48 notifies video server 32, rather than one of the terminals. The video server then passes both the notification information and images captured of premises 22 to one of the terminals. The information passed from computer 48 and the captured images are preferably displayed in two panes of a common window on the terminal display, making the data easier to absorb and work with than in the embodiment of Fig. 1. Audio input from unit 92 of the console is preferably routed by switchboard 42 directly to telephones 56, 58, 60, rather than through the video server. In addition, system 120 comprises additional premises 22' , with its own console 80' , served by communication lines 50' and 52' . An additional remote computer 24' accesses the system via a line 54'. The users of computers 24 and 24' are thus both able to access video images of their respective premises 22 and 22' . Although only two such computers and premises are shown in Fig. 4, it will be understood that larger numbers of premises and computers may be accommodated in like manner.

It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiments described above are cited by way of example, and the full scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A method of remote video surveillance, comprising: receiving surveillance images captured from a plurality of different premises via communication lines of a public network; and distributing the images to a plurality of client computers, so that each of the computers displays images captured from a different one of the plurality of premises.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the surveillance images comprises receiving an image responsive to an event sensed in one of the premises.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the surveillance images comprises placing a telephone call to one of the premises, and receiving an image responsive to the call.

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein receiving the surveillance images comprises receiving an image conveyed from the premises to an image server over a packet-switched network, wherein the image server distributes the image to one of the client computers.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein distributing the images comprises forwarding the image conveyed from the premises to the client computer over the packet- switched network.

6. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein distributing the images comprises conveying an image over the Internet to a subscriber who enters a Web site associated with a server that receives the images.

7. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein distributing the images comprises passing an image to one of a plurality of operator terminals in a central monitoring station.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein passing the image comprises passing an image together with data relating to the premises from which the image is received.

9. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein distributing the images comprises conveying an image to one of the client computers in a digital format.

10. Apparatus for remote video surveillance, comprising a video server, which receives surveillance images captured from a plurality of different premises via communication lines of a public network and distributes the images to a plurality of client computers, so that each of the computers displays images captured from a different one of the plurality of premises .

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, and comprising a video console in one of the plurality of the premises, which transmits the images to the video server responsive to an event sensed in one of the premises.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the video server places a telephone call to the video console, which transmits the images responsive to the call.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the video server and video console communicate over a packet-switched network.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the video server communicates with the client computer over the packet-switched network.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the client computer receives the images from the video server by entering a Web site associated with the server.

16. Apparatus according to any of claims 10-13, wherein the plurality of client computers comprise a plurality of operator terminals in a central monitoring station.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the operator terminals display the images together with data relating to the premises from which the images are received.

18. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the images are conveyed to the client computers in a digital format.