JP2009094583A - Recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording system for reducing system cost by managing recorded video data in an off-line state while using a tape medium as a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: The recording system using a recording medium such as a magnetic tape cassette has: a video data acquiring section for acquiring video data from a monitoring camera; a tape managing information DB section for generating tape control information indicating the contents of the video data and storing the information; and a main control section for writing the tape managing information of the video data stored in the tape managing information DB section in the same magnetic tape cassette together with the acquired video data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording system, and more particularly to a recording system for recording image data of a video monitoring system.

  Roads where accidents and natural disasters may occur, as well as financial institutions, theatres, playgrounds, stores, corporate receptions, etc., as disaster prevention and crime prevention are becoming increasingly important in conducting social life Video monitoring systems are provided for various purposes and purposes, such as rivers and rivers. The video monitoring system uses a surveillance camera or the like to take a picture of a location related to a vast facility or facility management where security is not possible at all times, and distributes an image obtained by the shooting to a monitoring base. At each monitoring base, it is possible to visually check a plurality of monitoring images of various places such as a building entrance / exit and a parking lot simultaneously with video information.

  Such a video monitoring system generally includes a recording device or a recording system (hereinafter collectively referred to as a recording system) for recording and storing image data taken by an IP camera. Such a recording system writes image data to a replaceable recording medium, and when the recording medium is full of image data, the recording medium is removed and replaced with a new recording medium. In many cases, the recording medium is stored for a long period of time in preparation for the need for later verification.

As a storage medium used in such a recording system, a magnetic tape cassette (also referred to as a tape streamer) is often used.
(For example, Non-Patent Document 1).
[Search October 2, 2007], Internet <http://www.sony.jp/products/Professional/DataArchive/products/ait_lib/lib_series/index_lib162.html>

  In the recording system as described above, it is common to use a normal backup or a virtual disk mechanism such as HSM (Hierarchical Storage Management).

  However, in the case of such a recording system, it is not possible to manage when and on which tape video data is recorded, and it is necessary to manage the entire system. For this reason, when attempting to play back a recording medium on which data has been recorded by a recording system, to play the target video data, it is necessary to sequentially search for the target recording medium by brute force. Therefore, there is a problem that the target video data cannot be easily reproduced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a recording system capable of reducing the system cost by using a tape medium as a recording medium and enabling the recorded video data to be managed off-line.

As means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following features.
The present invention is proposed as a recording system using a recording medium such as a magnetic tape cassette. The recording system includes a video data acquisition unit (for example, a video data acquisition unit) that acquires video data from a surveillance camera, and a database unit (for example, tape management information) that generates and stores tape management information indicating the content of the video data. DB section) and control means (for example, main control section) for writing the video data tape management information stored in the database means together with the acquired video data to the same magnetic tape cassette. It is said.

  According to such a recording system, while using a recording medium like a tape medium, the recorded video data can be managed off-line, and the system cost can be reduced.

  In the above recording system, the control means uses one or a plurality of unit video files generated by concatenating a plurality of video files and a tape-side database file storing tape management information of each unit video file on the same magnetic tape. You may make it further memorize | store in a cassette.

  According to such a recording system, it is possible to easily and quickly access a desired unit video file by referring to the database file in the magnetic tape cassette.

According to the present invention, while using a tape medium as a recording medium, the recorded video data can be managed off-line, and the system cost can be reduced.
In addition, when reproducing a recording medium on which video data is recorded according to the present invention using a recording system or reproducing apparatus different from the recording system that recorded the recording medium, the duplication work to another recording medium is performed. Since it is not necessary, the operation cost can be reduced.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. Example of video monitoring system configuration]
First, a configuration example of a video monitoring system using a recording system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a video monitoring system.

[1.1. Video monitoring system]
The video monitoring system 1 is a system for monitoring video captured by a surveillance camera. The video monitoring system 1 shown in FIG. 1 receives and stores one or a plurality of surveillance cameras 10 and video data output by these surveillance cameras 10 via a local area network (hereinafter referred to as LAN) 30. Connected to the recording system 20, the monitoring camera 10 and the recording system 20 via the LAN 30, and the router 40, which is a network relay device connectable to the communication network 50, and the monitoring camera 10 or the recording system via the communication network 50. 20 includes a video receiving terminal 60 that can communicate with the terminal 20.

[1.1.1. Surveillance camera]
The surveillance camera 10 is a so-called network camera, which has a web server function, and is connected to the network so that images and still images can be confirmed from a remote location using a terminal device using the network. . The monitoring camera 10 outputs the captured image as image data, and transmits the image data to the video receiving terminal 60 via the LAN 30, the router 40, and the communication network 50.

[1.1.2. Recording system]
The recording system 20 is a system that receives video data transmitted from each surveillance camera 10 and records it. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the recording system 20. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the recording system 20.
The recording system 20 is a system that includes a recording medium management device 210 and a recording device 220 that is communicably connected to the storage medium management device 210.

[1.1.2.1. Recording medium management device]
The recording medium management device 210 has a function of causing the recording device 220 to record video data and its management data.
The recording medium management device 210 includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU), a main memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input / output device (I / O), and an external storage device such as a hard disk device if necessary. For example, a computer, a workstation, or the like. A program is stored in the ROM or the hard disk device, and the recording medium management device 210 is realized by loading this program on the main memory and executing it by the CPU. The recording medium management apparatus 210 may be configured as a single apparatus, or may be configured by combining a plurality of apparatuses via a network or the like.

  The recording medium management apparatus 210 includes a video data acquisition unit 211, a video data storage unit 212 connected to the video data acquisition unit 211, a main control unit 213 connected to the video data storage unit 212, and a main control unit 213. A connected tape management information database (hereinafter referred to as DB) unit 214, a main control unit 213, a GUI (graphical user interface) unit 215 connected to the tape management information DB unit 214, and a main control unit 213. A tape cassette operation control unit 216 and a tape drive control unit 217. Note that the term “connection” here includes not only physical connection by signal lines, wiring, cables, etc., but also includes cases in which software modules, components, etc. pass data and pass arguments. Used in meaning.

  The video data acquisition unit 211 has a function of receiving and collecting video data transmitted by each monitoring camera 10 via the LAN 30. The video data acquisition unit 211 includes, for example, a LAN board, a program that executes processing for receiving and collecting video data, and a CPU that executes the program.

  The video data storage unit 212 has a function of storing a video file from each surveillance camera 10 acquired by the video data acquisition unit 211. When the video data storage unit 212 stores the video file, the main control unit 213 associates the tape management information DB unit with the file name and information that can identify the contents of the file, for example, the ID of the surveillance camera and the shooting date and time. You may make it memorize. The video data storage unit 212 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk storage device.

  The main control unit 213 has a function of controlling the operation of each unit of the recording medium management apparatus 210. The main control unit 213 includes a program for realizing the recording medium management apparatus 210 and a CPU that executes the program.

The main control unit 213 executes the following processing.
(1) When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the video file recorded in the video data storage unit 212 is written on the magnetic cassette tape of the recording device 220 and is also written on the magnetic cassette tape. Tape management information related to the current video file.
(2) When the user requests browsing of recorded video via the GUI unit 215, the magnetic cassette tape on which video data corresponding to the video is recorded is taken out and played back by the recording device 220. The reproduced image is displayed on the unit 215.

  The tape management information DB unit 214 has a function of creating and storing a database for managing what video data is recorded in which magnetic tape cassette.

  The GUI unit 215 has a function of handling input / output as a user interface, and includes, for example, a keyboard as an input device, a pointing device, a display device as an output device, and the like.

  The tape cassette operation control unit 216 has a function of generating and transmitting a command for driving the tape cassette operation unit 221 of the recording apparatus 220.

  The tape drive control unit 217 generates and transmits a command for driving the tape drive unit 222 (in this embodiment, the two tape drive units 222 are provided) of the recording device 220, and the tape drive unit 222. Receives the video data read by playing back the tape, and outputs the video data to the GUI unit 215 to output the video.

[1.1.2.2. Recording device]
The recording device 220 is a recording device that uses a magnetic tape cassette as a recording medium, and automatically replaces, records, and reproduces the magnetic tape cassette. The recording apparatus 220 takes out a designated magnetic tape cassette from a rack for storing the magnetic tape cassette, and has a tape cassette operation unit 221 having a function of transporting the magnetic tape cassette to the tape drive unit 222, and video data and tape management. And a tape drive unit 222 for writing and reading information on the magnetic tape cassette.
The tape cassette operation unit 221 is driven and controlled by a control signal from the tape cassette operation control unit 216 of the recording medium management apparatus 210.

[1.1.3. Router]
Returning to FIG. 1, the description of the components of the video monitoring system 1 will be continued.
The router 40 is a network device that performs connection between networks. The router 40 is connected to a communication network 50 that is a WAN side network and the LAN 30. As long as it is a network device that can connect the LAN 30 and the communication network 50, it may be a device other than a router or a modem.

[1.1.4. Video receiving terminal]
The video receiving terminal 60 is a terminal device that receives, plays, and displays a video stream encoded by a video encoder, and is, for example, a PC (personal computer) having a network connection function. With this video receiving terminal 60, it is possible to remotely browse the video taken by the monitoring camera 10. Note that the video receiving terminal 60 may be connected to the LAN 30 or the recording system 20.

  The video receiving terminal 60 includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU), a main memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input / output device (I / O), and an external storage device such as a hard disk device if necessary. A device having a network communication function, such as a mobile communication terminal such as a computer or a mobile phone. A program is stored in the ROM or a hard disk device, and the video receiving terminal 60 is realized by loading this program on the main memory and executing it by the CPU.

[1.1.5. Communication network]
The communication network 50 can send and receive information between devices connected to the target device regardless of whether it is a wired / wireless, a dedicated line, or a switched line. Acts like The network may be realized by combining a plurality of networks via a gateway, such as the Internet. In addition, even if the connection is not directly connected to the so-called backbone, which is called a backbone, even if it is temporarily connected by a PPP connection or the like, information can be transmitted and received during the establishment of a session. I do not mind.

[3. Example of operation]
Next, an operation example of the recording system 20 will be described.
[3.1. Recording process]
First, a recording process in which the recording system 20 writes video data and tape management information to a magnetic tape cassette will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recording process of the recording system 20.

  In the recording process, the recording system 20, more specifically, the main control unit 213 determines whether or not a recording start time as a recording start condition has arrived (S10). Note that the recording start condition is not limited to the arrival of the predetermined time, and the present invention can be established by setting any recording start condition.

  When the main control unit 213 determines that the recording start condition is not satisfied (S10, No), the process returns to step S10 again, and the determination is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the recording start condition is satisfied, the main control unit 213 selects and determines a magnetic tape cassette to be recorded with reference to the recording contents of the tape management information DB unit 214 (S20). For example, when there is a capacity for writing in the magnetic tape cassette that has performed the most recent recording, the main control unit 213 selects the magnetic tape cassette. Otherwise, another magnetic field that has the capacity for writing remains. Select a tape cassette.

  Next, the main control unit 213 sends a command to the tape cassette operation control unit 216 to set the magnetic tape cassette selected in step S20 in the tape drive unit 222, and the tape cassette operation control unit 216 does so. 220 of the tape cassette operation unit 221 is controlled. The tape cassette operation unit 221 transports the designated magnetic tape cassette from a rack or the like and sets it in the tape drive unit 222 (S30).

  Next, the tape drive unit 222 in which the magnetic tape cassette is set checks the magnetic cassette tape, and prepares the tape for winding and writing to a writable location (S40).

  Next, the main control unit 213 connects the video data stored in the video data storage unit 212 to one continuous video file, and the data of the connected video file is transferred from the tape drive control unit 217 to the tape drive unit. 222, and the tape drive unit 222 writes to the magnetic tape cassette (S50).

  Next, the main control unit 213 reads the tape management information for the magnetic tape cassette from the tape management information DB unit 214, and further adds the tape management information of the video file written in step S50 to the tape management information. The added tape management information (referred to as integrated tape management information and corresponding to the tape-side database file of the present invention) is written into the magnetic tape cassette using the tape drive unit 222 (S60).

  Next, the main control unit 213 instructs the tape cassette operation control unit 216 to return the magnetic tape cassette in which the video file and the integrated tape management information have been written back to the rack, and the tape cassette operation control unit 216 receives the tape of the recording device 220. The cassette operation unit 221 is made to store the magnetic tape cassette. The magnetic tape cassette is returned to the storage position (for example, a tape rack in the recording device 220) again. At this time, a sticker on which the identification information of the magnetic tape cassette (for example, a serial number for distinguishing the magnetic tape cassette) and / or the contents of the integrated tape management information 407 is printed is attached to the magnetic tape cassette. Alternatively, the tape cassette operation unit 221 may be operated.

  Finally, the main control unit 213 stores the integrated tape management information generated in step S60 in the tape management information DB unit 214 and updates the database record (S80). By this processing, the integrated tape management information recorded in each magnetic tape cassette and the contents stored in the tape management information DB unit 214 are always kept in agreement.

  After step S80, the main control unit 213 returns the control to step S10, waits for the recording start condition to be satisfied again, and repeats the processing of steps S20 to S80.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of data stored in the magnetic tape cassette.
The magnetic tape cassette includes a tape start position information (BOT) 401, followed by unit video files 402 relating to a video file for one day, and contents of these unit video files 402 (for example, their shooting date, shot monitoring). Integrated tape management information 407 in which camera ID, capacity, recording start position on the tape, etc.) are described, tag information TM (tape mark) 408 for cuing up to that point, and the end of the recording location are shown. Recording end position information (EOD) 409 is written.

  Each unit video file 402 is data having the following contents. The unit video file 402 is an index 403 that is data indicating the contents of the unit video file 402 (for example, the shooting date, the shooting surveillance camera ID, and the capacity), the TM 404, and the video file connected in the above step S50. , TM404 are sequential data.

  That is, by reading the contents of the integrated tape management information 407, it is possible to immediately know what unit video file 402 is recorded in this magnetic tape cassette.

[3.2. Playback processing]
Next, a playback process in which the recording system 20 plays back a unit video file designated by the user will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a recording process of the recording system 20.
In the reproduction process, the recording system 20, more specifically the GUI unit 215, receives input of information for specifying a unit video file to be reproduced (S110). For example, the user inputs the shooting date and target surveillance camera ID of the unit video file that the user wants to browse from the search screen presented by the GUI unit 215.

  Receiving the input information from the GUI unit 215, the main control unit 213 searches the tape management information DB unit 214 to identify a magnetic tape cassette that matches the input information (S120).

  Next, the main control unit 213 causes the GUI unit 215 to display the tape name of the identified magnetic tape cassette (for example, the sequence number assigned to each magnetic tape cassette in advance) (S130).

  Next, the main control unit 213 instructs the tape cassette operation control unit 216 to insert the specified magnetic tape cassette into the tape drive unit 222 of the recording device 220, and the tape cassette operation control unit 216 instructs the tape cassette operation control unit 216 to The cassette operation unit 220 is controlled as such, and the tape cassette operation unit 220 sets the specified magnetic tape cassette in the tape drive unit 222 (S140).

  Next, the main control unit 213 instructs the tape drive control unit 217 to reproduce the unit video file 402 stored in the magnetic tape cassette set in the tape drive unit 222, which is specified in step S110.

  The tape drive control unit 217 first drives the tape drive unit 222 to read the integrated tape management information 407 of the magnetic tape cassette, reads the recording start position of the designated unit video file 402 from there, and moves the tape to that position. The tape drive unit 222 is caused to read the data of the unit video file specified by running (S150).

  Finally, the main control unit 213 transmits the unit video file 402 acquired in step S150 to the GUI unit 215, and the GUI unit 215 starts reproduction of the designated unit video file (S160).

Through the above processing, the user can find and play the desired unit video file 402 easily and quickly.
Even when a tape playback device other than the recording medium management device 210 that performed the recording is used, by referring to the integrated tape management information 407 recorded in each magnetic tape cassette, it is possible to select which one of the magnetic tape cassettes. Since such unit video files are recorded and the respective recording start positions are known, it is possible to reach a desired unit video file easily and quickly.

[4. advantage]
According to the recording system of the present invention, a magnetic tape cassette, which is a cheaper medium than a hard disk, is used, and offline management (management performed without referring to a database on a network) is enabled, thereby reducing the overall system. It can be realized at a cost.

Block diagram showing a configuration example of a video monitoring system Functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a recording system Flowchart showing an example of a recording process executed by the recording system The figure which shows the example of a data structure recorded on a magnetic tape cassette Flowchart showing an example of reproduction processing executed by the recording system

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Video monitoring system 20 ... Recording system 210 ... Recording medium management apparatus 220 ... Recording apparatus 211 ... Video data acquisition part 213 ... Main control part 214 ... Tape management information DB part

Claims (2)

Video data acquisition means for acquiring video data from a surveillance camera;
Database means for generating and storing tape management information indicating the content of the video data;
Control means for writing tape management information of the video data stored in the database means together with the acquired video data to the same magnetic tape cassette;
A recording system comprising:   The control means stores one or a plurality of unit video files generated by concatenating a plurality of video data and a tape-side database file storing tape management information of each unit video file in the same magnetic tape cassette. The recording system according to claim 1.

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