Patent Publication Number: US-9852608-B2

Title: Monitoring system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a monitoring system which performs data input and output between a mobile phone terminal and a camera. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the related art, as an example of a monitoring system in which data input and output are performed between a mobile phone terminal and a camera, there is a monitoring camera system which easily performs remote monitoring even from a remote location and monitors a monitoring target by using bidirectional communication of video and sound (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2007-323533) 
     The monitoring system disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2007-323533 includes a controller which is a monitoring server installed at an indoor distribution board in a predetermined house lot (within a house), a first camera unit which is an interphone master device installed at an entrance door, a second camera unit which is installed in a dining room, a third camera unit which is installed in a bedroom, an indoor unit which is an interphone master device installed in a living room, and one or more mobile phones present at remote places. For example, in a case where a dweller is out, when each camera unit detects an intruder, the controller switches and transmits a captured video signal and a collected audio signal to the mobile phone so as to capture the intruder. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, in the above-described configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2007-323533, since a video signal and an audio signal from each camera unit are appropriately switched and transmitted to the mobile phone so as to capture motions and sound of the intruder, a configuration of the controller is complex, and this inevitably leads to an increase in cost, and it is difficult to implement a monitoring system including the controller at low cost. 
     In order to solve the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system which realizes data input and output between a mobile phone terminal and a camera without damaging user&#39;s convenience by using an existing fixed telephone which is connected to a fixed telephone network and can perform calls to other fixed telephones. 
     According to the present invention, there is a provided a monitoring system including a sensor; a camera that includes an image capturing unit, is provided in correlation with the sensor, and has a call function; a master device that communicates with the camera, and is connected to a fixed telephone network so as to perform calls to other fixed telephones; and a mobile phone terminal that includes a display/input unit, performs wireless communication with the master device by using a wireless router, and is connected to other mobile phones via a mobile phone network, in which the master device stores setting information indicating a detection area of a target detected by the sensor in a storage unit, and transmits the setting information to the sensor so as to set a detection parameter including the detection area therein, in which, when a predetermined state set by the detection parameter is detected inside the detection area by the sensor, the master device transmits detection notification information to the mobile phone terminal, and in which the mobile phone terminal displays a detection information screen based on the detection notification information transmitted from the master device on the display/input unit. 
     According to the present invention, it is possible to realize data input and output between a mobile phone terminal and a camera without damaging user&#39;s convenience by using an existing fixed telephone which is connected to a fixed telephone network and can perform calls to other fixed telephones. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a monitoring camera system of the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a master device; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a cordless slave device; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a camera; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a sensor; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a smartphone; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection information screen displayed on a display/operation unit of the smartphone; 
         FIG. 8A  is a diagram illustrating an example of a sub-menu screen displayed on a monitoring screen; 
         FIG. 8B  is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection setting screen on the monitoring screen; 
         FIG. 8C  is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection area setting screen on the monitoring screen; 
         FIG. 9A  is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection information screen displayed on a display/operation unit of the smartphone; 
         FIG. 9B  is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring screen of the home security application; 
         FIG. 10  is a sequence diagram illustrating a first example of an operation procedure of the monitoring camera system; and 
         FIG. 11  is a sequence diagram illustrating a second example of an operation procedure of the monitoring camera system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to the drawings, a description will be made of an embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as “the present embodiment”) of a monitoring camera system related to the present invention. In the following present embodiment, as an example of a monitoring camera system related to the present invention, an exemplary monitoring camera system used for home security will be described. The present invention is not limited to a monitoring camera system, and may be represented as each of devices constituting the monitoring camera system, a method for each device, and a program. 
     A monitoring camera system of the present embodiment includes a sensor; a camera that includes an image capturing unit, is provided in correlation with the sensor, and has a call function; a master device that communicates with the camera, and is connected to a fixed telephone network so as to perform calls to other fixed telephones; and a mobile phone terminal that includes a display/input unit, performs wireless communication with the master device by using a wireless router, and is connected to other mobile phones via a mobile phone network, in which the master device stores setting information indicating a detection area of a target detected by the sensor in a storage unit, and transmits the setting information to the sensor so as to set a detection parameter including the detection area therein, in which, when a predetermined state set by the detection parameter is detected inside the detection area by the sensor, the master device transmits detection notification information to the mobile phone terminal, and in which the mobile phone terminal displays a detection information screen based on the detection notification information transmitted from the master device on the display/input unit. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of monitoring camera system  5  of the present embodiment. Monitoring camera system  5  is mainly provided in house  8 , and includes master device  10 , two cordless slave devices  20 A and  20 B (hereinafter, simply referred to as “slave devices”), a plurality of cameras (specifically, indoor camera  30 A, monitoring camera  30 B, baby monitoring camera  30 C, . . . ), various sensors (specifically, human sensors  40 A and  40 B, smoke sensor  40 C, and opening/closing sensor  40 D), smartphone  50 , and wireless router  60 . A configuration of monitoring camera system  5  is only an example and may be modified in various aspects. 
     Master device  10  functions as a gateway in monitoring camera system  5 . Master device  10  is a control device which controls the entire operation of monitoring camera system  5 , and is connected to the slave devices, the cameras, the sensors, and the like in a communicable manner by using a communication method such as digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT). Master device  10  is connected to the Internet  65  (network) via wireless router  60  using a wireless LAN. Master device  10  is connected to fixed telephone network  85  in a wired manner and can perform a call to fixed telephone  80 . Master device  10  has a function of charging slave device  20 A which is inserted into an insertion port  10   a.    
     Slave devices  20 A and  20 B are connected to master device  10  in the DECT communication method and can perform a call to master device  10 . Particularly, in a case where two slave devices  20 A and  20 B are not required to be differentiated from each other, the slave devices are collectively referred to as slave device  20 . 
     Various sensors  40  (specifically, human sensors  40 A and  40 B, smoke sensor  40 C, opening/closing sensor  40 D, . . . ) are connected to master device  10  in the DECT communication method. Herein, as sensors, opening/closing sensor  40 D which detects opening and closing of a window, smoke sensor  40 C which detects smoke, and human sensors  40 A and  40 B which detect a person with infrared rays are used. Particularly, in a case where the sensors are not required to be differentiated from each other, the sensors are collectively referred to as sensor  40 . As will be described later, an infrared sensor  313  (refer to  FIG. 4 ) built into camera  30  is also used as a human sensor. 
     A plurality of cameras (specifically, indoor camera  30 A, monitoring camera  30 B, baby monitoring camera  30 C, . . . ) have a call function and are connected to master device  10  in the DECT communication method. Herein, as cameras, monitoring camera  30 B which captures an image of an outdoor environment, indoor camera  30 A which captures an image of house  8 , and baby monitoring camera  30 C which captures an image of a sleeping location of an infant (for example, a baby bed (not illustrated) or the vicinity thereof), are used. Particularly, in a case where the cameras are not required to be differentiated from each other, the cameras are collectively referred to as camera  30 . 
     Smartphone  50  is provided as an example of a mobile phone terminal. Smartphone  50  is connected to master device  10  via wireless router  60  using a wireless LAN, and is connected to mobile phone  70  or other smartphones via mobile phone network  75  using a communication method such as the third generation (3G) method, a high speed package access (HSPA) method, or a long term evolution (LTE) method. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of master device  10 . Master device  10  includes control unit  109 , storage unit  103 , an operation unit  105 , and display unit  106 . Master device  10  receives various input operations and displays information such as an image on display unit  106 . Control unit  109  has call control portion  110  and an audio stream processing portion  112  built thereinto, and performs call control during calling, processing of audio data, and the like. 
     Master device  10  includes an image memory control unit  115  and an image memory  116 , and stores image data or the like captured by camera  30  in image memory  116 . 
     Master device  10  includes wireless LAN control unit  121  and wireless LAN communication I/F unit  122 , and transmits and receives image data and audio data to and from smartphone  50 , camera  30 , and the like via wireless router  60  connected over a wireless LAN. 
     Master device  10  includes DECT protocol control unit  108  and DECT wireless I/F unit  107 , and performs wireless connection to slave device  20 , sensor  40 , and camera  30  by using a wireless method such as digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT). 
     Master device  10  includes audio bus  117 , sound input/output control unit  104 , speaker  129 , and microphone  128 , and performs input and output of sound to and from an external device. 
     Master device  10  includes fixed telephone line I/F unit  101 , and can perform a call to external fixed telephone  80  connected to fixed telephone network  85 . 
     Master device  10  includes slave device/portable terminal charging unit  126  and charges slave device  20  or smartphone  50  inserted into insertion port  10   a.    
     Master device  10  includes USB communication I/F unit  127 , and transmits and receives data to and from an apparatus, a memory, or the like having an interface of a universal serial bus (USB) standard. 
     Master device  10  registers pairs of various sensors  40  and the plurality of cameras  30  in storage unit  103  in correlation with each other. For example, human sensor  40 B and monitoring camera  30 B are installed at close locations outdoors and are thus registered in correlation with each other. Monitoring camera  30 B, as will be described later, integrally has infrared sensor  313  (refer to  FIG. 4 ) which is a human sensor and is built thereinto, and is thus also registered in correlation with infrared sensor  313 . Human sensor  40 A, smoke sensor  40 C, and opening/closing sensor  40 D are all installed inside house  8  and are thus registered in correlation with either indoor camera  30 A or baby monitoring camera  30 C. As baby monitoring camera  30 C, a camera which has a temperature sensor or the like built thereinto may be used, and, in this case, the built-in sensor is registered in correlation with baby monitoring camera  30 C. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of (cordless) slave device  20 . Slave device  20  includes control unit  247 , storage unit  242 , an operation unit  244 , and display unit  245 . Slave device  20  receives various input operations and displays information such as an image on display unit  245 . 
     Slave device  20  includes DECT protocol control unit  249  and DECT wireless I/F unit  248 , and performs wireless connection to master device  10 , sensor  40 , and camera  30  by using a wireless method such as DECT. 
     Slave device  20  includes audio bus  255 , sound input/output control unit  243 , speaker  252 , and microphone  251 , and performs input and output of sound to and from an external device. 
     Slave device  20  includes secondary battery  250  which is rechargeable, and, in a case of being used as a cordless slave device, each unit of slave device  20  is supplied with power from secondary battery  250  so as to perform an operation. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of camera  30 . Indoor camera  30 A, monitoring camera  30 B, and baby monitoring camera  30 C as examples of cameras  30  have substantially the same configuration as each other. Camera  30  includes control unit  309 , storage unit  303 , and an operation unit  305 . Camera  30  performs an operation related to image capturing and also receives input operations. 
     Camera  30  includes DECT protocol control unit  317  and DECT wireless I/F unit  318 , and performs wireless connection to master device  10  by using a wireless method such as DECT. 
     Camera  30  includes wireless LAN control unit  321  and wireless LAN communication I/F unit  322 , and transmits and receives image data and audio data to and from master device  10 , smartphone  50 , and the like via wireless router  60  connected over the wireless LAN. 
     Camera  30  includes audio bus  307 , sound input/output control unit  304 , speaker  329 , and microphone  328 , and performs input and output of sound to and from an external device. 
     Camera  30  includes an image capturing unit  312 , an image memory control unit  316 , and an image memory  315 , and stores image data captured by image capturing unit  312  in image memory  315 . Image capturing unit  312  has a lens and an imaging element (for example, an image sensor such as a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)). 
     Camera  30  integrally has infrared sensor  313  which is a passive infrared (PIR) sensor as a human sensor built thereinto. Infrared sensor  313  detects the presence of a person by detecting a change in heat (infrared rays) generated by the person. However, infrared sensor  313  illustrated in  FIG. 4  is not provided in baby monitoring camera  30 C illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Camera  30  may have motion sensor  331  which detects a motion in an image captured by image capturing unit  312 , temperature sensor  332  which detects an ambient temperature, volume sensor  333  which detects a volume level of sound collected by microphone  328 , and the like built thereinto. Herein, it is assumed that motion sensor  331 , temperature sensor  332 , and volume sensor  333  are built into baby monitoring camera  30 C. Camera  30  includes power source unit  314  which is constituted by a commercial AC power source, and each unit of camera  30  is supplied with power from power source unit  314  so as to perform an operation. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of sensor  40 . Sensor  40  includes control unit  447 , storage unit  442 , display lamp  445 , and sensor unit  453 . Sensor  40  performs a predetermined detection operation, such as turning on display lamp  445 , in a case where a target (for example, an intruder which is also the same for the following description) is detected by sensor unit  453 . Sensor  40  includes DECT protocol control unit  449  and DECT wireless I/F unit  448 , and performs wireless connection to master device  10  by using a wireless method such as DECT, and sends sensor detection information to master device  10  when a target is detected. 
     Sensor unit  453  differs depending on the kind of sensor  40 . For example, in a case of human sensors  40 A and  40 B, sensor unit  453  is a PIR sensor which detects a person through a change in infrared rays. In a case of opening/closing sensor  40 D which detects opening and closing of a front door, a window, or the like, sensor unit  453  is a reed switch which switches between turned-on and turned-off states due to opening and closing. In a case of smoke sensor  40 C, sensor unit  453  is a light emitting/receiving unit which detects smoke when emitted light is blocked by the smoke. Sensor unit  453  may be a temperature sensor which can detect an ambient temperature. 
     Sensor  40  includes secondary battery  450  which is rechargeable, and each unit of sensor  40  is supplied with power from secondary battery  450  so as to perform an operation. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of smartphone  50 . Smartphone  50  as an example of a mobile phone terminal includes control unit  506 , storage unit  504 , and display/operation unit (for example, touch panel)  503 . Smartphone  50  receives various input operations and displays information such as an image on display/operation unit  503 . Control unit  506  includes a processor and realizes a predetermined function by the processor executing a predetermined program. Monitoring function control portion  514  which can set various functions during an operation of monitoring camera system  5 , such as a function of camera  30 , is built into control unit  506 . 
     As a program for realizing monitoring function control portion  514 , an application for home security (hereinafter, referred to as a “home security application”) is installed in smartphone  50  and is held in storage unit  504 . Display/operation unit  503  constituted by a touch panel or the like, which is a display/input unit in which a display unit and an operation unit are integrally formed, displays information such as an image or an icon on a screen and receives a tap operation (or a touch operation) which is performed on the screen by a user of smartphone  50  (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “user”). 
     Smartphone  50  includes 3G protocol control unit  502  and 3G wireless I/F unit  501 , and performs wireless connection to mobile phone  70  or other smartphones connected to mobile phone network  75 , by using a third generation (3G) wireless communication method. Smartphone  50  may include a protocol control unit and a wireless I/F unit corresponding to a wireless communication method (for example, HSPA or LTE) other than the 3G method. 
     Smartphone  50  includes audio bus  515 , sound input/output control unit  505 , speaker  513 , and microphone  512 , and performs input and output of sound to and from an external device. 
     Smartphone  50  includes wireless LAN control unit  507  and wireless LAN communication I/F unit  508 , and transmits and receives image data and audio data to and from master device  10 , camera  30 , and the like via wireless router  60  connected over the wireless LAN. 
     Smartphone  50  includes USB communication I/F unit  511 , and transmits and receives data to and from an apparatus, a memory, or the like having an interface of a universal serial bus (USB) standard. Smartphone  50  includes secondary battery  550  which is rechargeable, and each unit of smartphone  50  is supplied with power from secondary battery  550  so as to perform an operation. 
     A description will be made of an operation of monitoring camera system  5  having the above-described configuration. 
     First, descriptions will be made of an operation of smartphone  50 , display of a screen and an input operation by using display/operation unit  503  during the operation. A description will be made of a case where the home security application installed in smartphone  50  is activated by the user. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen of the home security application displayed on display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50 . In smartphone  50 , when the home security application is activated, an initial screen is displayed on display/operation unit  503 . Menu FN indicating a plurality of respective functions executed by the home security application is displayed on the initial screen. A plurality of menu items including an icon and a function name corresponding to each function are arranged and disposed in the menu FN. The menu items of menu FN includes camera FN 1 , a sensor, a power source plug, a phone, a smart control, and settings FN 2 . 
     If the user performs a tap operation on the icon of camera FN 1  so as to perform an instruction operation, a monitoring screen which displays an image of a monitoring target captured by camera  30  is displayed on display/operation unit  503 . If the user performs a tap operation on the icon of settings FN 2  so as to perform an instruction operation, a setting screen for performing various settings of the home security application is displayed on display/operation unit  503 . If the user taps a sub-menu icon on a monitoring screen so as to perform an instruction operation for calling sub-menu functions for performing various settings and operations, a sub-menu screen including a pop-up screen or the like of a box window is displayed on display/operation unit  503 . 
       FIG. 8A  is a diagram illustrating an example of a sub-menu screen displayed on a monitoring screen of display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50 ,  FIG. 8B  is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection setting screen, and  FIG. 8C  is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection area setting screen. As illustrated in  FIG. 8A , if the user performs an instruction operation of calling a sub-menu function on the monitoring screen which displays image MV 1  of a monitoring target captured by camera  30  (Baby monitoring camera 1 ), sub-menu screen SB is displayed in a pop-up form. Sub-menu screen SB includes, as menu items, camera speaker volume, indoor camera settings SB 1 , alter log, and logout. 
     If the user performs a tap operation on the icon of indoor camera settings SB 1  so as to perform an instruction operation on the sub-menu screen SB of  FIG. 8A , a detection setting screen as illustrated in  FIG. 8B  is displayed on display/operation unit  503 . The detection setting screen of  FIG. 8B  is a screen for performing setting of detection performed by a sensor or the like related to indoor camera  30 A or baby monitoring camera  30 C. Herein, a description will be made of an example of performing detection setting related to baby monitoring camera  30 C. 
     A plurality of setting items corresponding to detection conditions of various sensors  40  are arranged and disposed on the detection setting screen of  FIG. 8B . The setting items include motion detection sensitivity (Motion Sensitivity) PA 1 , detection area selection (Select Detection Area) PA 2 , detection brightness (Brightness) PA 3 , detection temperature (Temperature Alert) PA 4 , and detection volume (Sound Detection Alert) PA 5 . 
     Motion detection sensitivity PA 1  is a parameter of motion detection sensitivity in a case where a motion in an image captured by camera  30 . Detection area selection PA 2  is a parameter of a detection target area in which a motion is detected. Detection brightness PA 3  is a parameter of a brightness level corresponding to a predetermined value in a case of giving a warning when brightness around camera  30  exceeds the predetermined value. Detection temperature PA 4  is a parameter of a normal temperature range corresponding to a predetermined value in a case of giving a warning when a temperature around camera  30  exceeds the predetermined value. Detection volume PA 5  is a parameter of a volume level corresponding to a predetermined value in a case of giving a warning when volume of sound around collected by camera  30  exceeds the predetermined value. In a case where such detection parameters are set by the user, and a predetermined state satisfying the detection condition occurs, the detection setting screen is displayed on display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50 , and the user is notified thereof A warning is not limited to screen display using a detection setting screen or the like, and various notification means such as sound, light, and vibration may be used. 
     If the user performs a tap operation on the icon of detection area selection PA 2  so as to perform an instruction operation on the detection setting screen of  FIG. 8B , a detection area setting screen as illustrated in  FIG. 8C  is displayed on display/operation unit  503 . Detection area image MV 2  indicating a plurality of area sections divided by matrix frames in a monitoring target image is displayed on the detection area setting screen of  FIG. 8C . If the user performs a tap operation on a desired area section so as to perform an instruction operation on detection area image MV 2 , the designated area is displayed highlighted or gray for differentiation and is then is set as non-detection area DE 1 . The illustrated example is an example in which non-detection area DE 1  is designated and set, and detection is not performed in non-detection area DE 1 . 
     For example, in a case of performing motion detection, a monitoring target child generally moves on a bed, and thus a central area is set as a non-detection area so that motion detection is not performed in baby monitoring camera  30 C. In a case where baby monitoring camera  30 C captures an image of the entire baby bed, an area of the baby bed portion is set as a non-detection area, an outer portion of the baby bed is set as a detection area, and, when a motion is detected outside the baby bed, a notification of the occurrence of an abnormality is sent. 
     By performing the icon of settings FN 2  on the initial screen of  FIG. 7 , a setting screen having the same setting items as those of the above-described detection setting screen may be displayed, and a setting operation related to a detection operation of the camera or the sensor may be performed. Regarding setting of detection parameters, a plurality of parameters may be collectively set on the detection setting screen of  FIG. 8B  or a setting screen which shifts from the initial screen. Regarding setting of detection parameters, a parameter may be individually set in each camera, or may be collectively set in a plurality of cameras. Regarding screen display, a sub-menu screen or a setting screen may be displayed through predetermined operation such as a menu selection operation, an icon indication operation, a gesture input operation, and a shaking operation of shaking a casing of smartphone  50 . 
       FIG. 9A  is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection information screen displayed on display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50 , and  FIG. 9B  is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring screen of the home security application. If a state (here, a motion of a monitoring target in a captured image) corresponding to a predetermined detection condition is detected by camera  30  or sensor  40  in a state in which smartphone  50  is in a standby state, when the home security application is executed, or when other applications are executed, a detection information screen is displayed on display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50 . 
     A detection notification AL indicating a location, content, and the like of a target whose state corresponding to a predetermined detection condition is detected is displayed on the detection information screen illustrated in  FIG. 9A . Detection notification AL of the illustrated example indicates that a predetermined detection condition state (for example, a motion in the image and the like) is detected in living room  2  (Living  2 ) and an image of living room  2  is captured by baby monitoring camera  30 C. 
     If the user performs a tap operation on the icon of detection notification AL so as to perform a monitoring display instruction operation, the home security application is activated, and a monitoring screen which displays moving image MV 3  of a monitoring target captured by camera  30  (baby monitoring camera  30 C) at a location corresponding to the detection information is displayed on display/operation unit  503  as illustrated in  FIG. 9B .  FIG. 9B  is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring screen which displays moving image MV 3  of the monitoring target captured by baby monitoring camera  30 C (Baby monitor camera 1 ). If the user performs a tap operation on an icon of monitoring stop IC 5  so as to perform an instruction operation on the monitoring screen of  FIG. 9B , display of the monitoring screen is stopped, and the screen returns to original screen display. 
     A description will be made of an operation of master device  10  related to the above-described operation of smartphone  50 . In monitoring camera system  5 , in a case where a display operation of a monitoring screen is performed, master device  10  receives an instruction from smartphone  50  and transmits display screen information of a monitoring screen which will be displayed on display/operation unit  503  to smartphone  50 . At this time, master device  10  transmits an image data transmission request (image transmission request) to camera  30 , and receives image data transmitted from camera  30 . Master device  10  transmits the image data acquired from camera  30  to smartphone  50 . If a state satisfying a predetermined detection condition is detected by camera  30  or sensor  40 , master device  10  receives a detection notification from camera  30 , and transmits the detection notification to smartphone  50  so as to display a detection information screen on display/operation unit  503 . 
     Next, a description will be made of a flow of an operation of monitoring camera system  5 .  FIG. 10  is a sequence diagram illustrating a first example of an operation procedure of monitoring camera system  5 . Herein, a description will be made of an operation in a case where a detection area for detecting a motion is set in baby monitoring camera  30 C, and a motion is detected in a captured image. The first example is an example in which a detection area and a non-detection area are determined in camera  30  (baby monitoring camera  30 C). 
     If smartphone  50  receives an input operation of a detection area setting instruction from the user through a touch operation or the like on display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50  (step S 11 ), smartphone  50  transmits a detection area setting image request to master device  10  (step S 12 ). If the setting image request is received from smartphone  50 , master device  10  transmits an image data request of the area setting image to baby monitoring camera  30 C (step S 13 ). 
     If the image data request is received from master device  10 , baby monitoring camera  30 C transmits image data of a still image of the monitoring target captured thereby to master device  10  (step S 14 ). Master device  10  creates image information of a detection area setting screen as a detection area setting image by using the image data of a still image acquired from baby monitoring camera  30 C (step S 15 ). Master device  10  transmits the image data of a detection area setting screen to smartphone  50  as the area setting image (step S 16 ). 
     Smartphone  50  receives the area setting image transmitted from master device  10  and displays a detection area setting screen on display/operation unit  503 . If smartphone  50  receives an input operation of setting a detection area from the user through a touch operation or the like on display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50  (step S 17 ), smartphone  50  transmits an instruction for setting a detection area to master device  10  (step S 18 ). At this time, the setting instruction including setting information (coordinates of the area, identification number, and the like) of the detection area is transmitted. If the instruction for setting the detection area is received from smartphone  50 , master device  10  preserves the setting information of the detection area in storage unit  103  (step S 19 ), and sets a detection parameter including the detection area in baby monitoring camera  30 C (step S 20 ). At this time, also regarding other detection parameters for defining detection conditions such as a threshold value of motion detection, a setting operation from the user is received from smartphone  50 , and master device  10  preserves setting information of a detection parameter therein and sets a detection parameter in baby monitoring camera  30 C. 
     For example, if baby monitoring camera  30 C detects a motion which is equal to or higher than a predetermined level outside the detection area in an image of the monitoring target (step S 21 ), the position where the motion is detected is located outside the detection area, and thus baby monitoring camera  30 C does not send a notification of the motion detection. For example, if baby monitoring camera  30 C detects a motion which is equal to or higher than a predetermined level inside the detection area in the image of the monitoring target (step S 22 ), the position where the motion is detected is located inside the detection area, and thus baby monitoring camera  30 C sends a notification of the motion detection to master device  10  (step S 23 ). 
     If the motion detection notification is received from baby monitoring camera  30 C, master device  10  creates image information of a detection information screen as detection notification information of the motion in the detection area (step S 24 ), and transmits the detection notification information to smartphone  50  (step S 25 ). If the detection notification information of baby monitoring camera  30 C is received from master device  10 , smartphone  50  displays the detection information screen indicating the detection content on display/operation unit  503  (step S 26 ). If smartphone  50  receives an input operation of a monitoring display instruction from the user through a touch operation or the like on display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50  in this state (step S 27 ), smartphone  50  transmits an image data transmission request to master device  10  (step S 28 ). 
     If the image data transmission request is received from smartphone  50 , master device  10  transmits the image data transmission request to baby monitoring camera  30 C (step S 29 ). If the image data transmission request is received from master device  10 , baby monitoring camera  30 C transmits image data of the monitoring target captured thereby to master device  10  (step S 30 ). The image data includes at least one of video data of a moving image and image data of a still image. Master device  10  transmits the image data acquired from baby monitoring camera  30 C to smartphone  50  (step S 31 ). Smartphone  50  receives the image data transmitted from master device  10  and displays a monitoring screen including a moving image or a still image on display/operation unit  503  (step S 32 ). 
       FIG. 11  is a sequence diagram illustrating a second example of an operation procedure of monitoring camera system  5 . The second example is an example in which a detection area and a non-detection area are determined in master device  10 . Setting of a detection area is performed in the same manner as in the first example illustrated in  FIG. 10  (steps S 11  to S 20 ). In the second example, a detection area setting information may not be transmitted to baby monitoring camera  30 C, and a detection parameter of a detection area may not be set in baby monitoring camera  30 C. 
     If baby monitoring camera  30 C detects a motion which is equal to or higher than a predetermined level in an image of the monitoring target (step S 21   a ), baby monitoring camera  30 C transmits information on a position where the motion is detected and a motion detection notification to master device  10  (step S 23 ). If the motion detection notification is received from baby monitoring camera  30 C, master device  10  determines whether or not the detection position is located inside the detection area on the basis of the information on the position where the motion is detected. Here, if the detection position is located outside the detection area, a notification of the motion detection is not sent (step S 24 ). 
     If baby monitoring camera  30 C detects another motion in the image of the monitoring target (step S 22   a ), baby monitoring camera  30 C transmits information on a position where the motion is detected and a motion detection notification to master device  10  in the same manner as described above (step S 23   a ). If the motion detection notification is received from baby monitoring camera  30 C, master device  10  determines whether or not the detection position is located inside the detection area on the basis of the information on the position where the motion is detected. Here, if the detection position is located inside the detection area, image information of a detection information screen is created as motion detection notification information (step S 24   b ). Master device  10  transmits the detection notification information to smartphone  50  (step S 25 ). If the detection notification information of baby monitoring camera  30 C is received from master device  10 , smartphone  50  displays the detection information screen indicating the detection content on display/operation unit  503  (step S 26 ). In the same manner as in the first example, if smartphone  50  receives an input operation of a monitoring display instruction from the user, master device  10  acquires image data from baby monitoring camera  30 C and transmits the image data to smartphone  50 , and smartphone  50  displays a monitoring screen including a moving image or a still image on display/operation unit  503  (steps S 27  to S 32 ). 
     As mentioned above, monitoring camera system  5  of the present embodiment includes sensor  40 ; camera  30  which includes image capturing unit  312 , is provided in correlation with sensor  40 , and has a call function; master device  10  which performs communication with camera  30  and is connected to fixed telephone network  85  so as to perform calls to another fixed telephone  80 ; and smartphone  50  which has display/operation unit  503 , performs wireless communication with master device  10  by using wireless router  60 , and is connected to another mobile phone  70  via mobile phone network  75 . 
     Monitoring camera system  5  of the present embodiment can implement a monitoring system which is convenient to use at low cost by using a communication function of an existing fixed telephone. 
     In monitoring camera system  5  of the present embodiment, master device  10  stores setting information indicating a detection area of a target detected by sensor  40  in storage unit  103 , and transmits the setting information to sensor  40  so as to set a detection parameter including the detection area therein; in a case where a predetermined state which is set by the detection parameter is detected inside the detection area by sensor  40 , master device transmits detection notification information to smartphone  50 ; and smartphone  50  displays a detection information screen based on the detection notification information transmitted from master device  10  on display/operation unit  503 . 
     In monitoring camera system  5  of the present embodiment, if a predetermined state which is set by a detection parameter is detected, sensor  40  determines whether or not a detection position is located inside a detection area, and transmits a detection notification to master device  10  in a case where the detection position is located inside the detection area; and if the detection notification is received from sensor  40 , master device  10  transmits detection notification information to smartphone  50 . Alternatively, if a predetermined state which is set by a detection parameter is detected, sensor  40  transmits a detection notification to master device  10 ; and if the detection notification is received from sensor  40 , master device  10  determines whether or not a detection position is located inside the detection area, and transmits detection notification information to smartphone  50  in a case where the detection position is located inside the detection area. 
     In monitoring camera system  5  of the present embodiment, if a monitoring display instruction is received from smartphone  50  in a state in which the detection information screen is displayed on display/operation unit  503  of smartphone  50 , master device  10  transmits an image transmission request to camera  30  correlated with sensor  40 ; camera  30  transmits image data acquired by image capturing unit  312  to master device  10  in response to the image transmission request from master device  10 ; master device  10  transmits the image data from camera  30  to smartphone  50 ; and smartphone  50  displays a monitoring screen of the image transmitted from master device  10  on display/operation unit  503 . 
     In monitoring camera system  5  of the present embodiment, master device  10  transmits an image transmission request to camera  30 ; camera  30  transmits image data acquired by image capturing unit  312  to master device  10  in response to the image transmission request; master device  10  generates a detection area setting screen by using the image data acquired from camera  30  and transmits image data of the detection area setting screen to smartphone  50 ; smartphone  50  displays the detection area setting screen transmitted from master device  10  on display/operation unit  503 ; and master device  10  receives a detection area setting instruction for designating a detection area from smartphone  50 . 
     As mentioned above, in a case where a detection operation such as motion detection is performed by camera  30  or sensor  40 , a detection area is set, and a notification of only a detection result in the detection area is sent. Therefore, it is possible to reduce an unnecessary detection notification sent to a user and thus to improve ease of use. For example, in a case where the present embodiment is applied to baby monitoring camera  30 C, since an infant moves while sleeping, an area of a baby bed portion is set as a non-detection area, and thus a motion of the infant such as turning over while sleeping can be caused not to be detected. It is possible to give a warning to a user only in circumstances in which an abnormality notification is originally required to be sent, such as an intruder into a house. 
     In a case where a motion or the like in a detection area is detected, smartphone  50  is notified of motion detection and displays detection information, and thus it is possible to instantly easily understand circumstances of a monitoring target even at a remote location. Since smartphone  50  is notified of detection information, and then an image captured by camera  30  correlated with sensor  40  is transmitted to smartphone  50  so as to be displayed, it is possible to instantly understand the present circumstances of a monitoring target from which an abnormality or the like is detected. 
     A detection area setting screen is displayed on smartphone  50  and a detection area is set and input, and thus a user can easily perform a detection area setting operation while viewing an image of a target. 
     Although the various embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, needless to say, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope recited in the claims, and thus it is understood that they naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. The respective constituent elements in the embodiment may be arbitrarily combined with each other within the scope without departing from the spirit of the present invention.