Patent Publication Number: US-9424655-B2

Title: Image processing apparatus, method, and storage medium for analyzing changes in video

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for analyzing changes in a video through image processing. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A known conventional imaging system detects changes in a video captured by a camera. To detect changes in a video captured by such an imaging system, a user needs to preset parameters for performing detection processing, such as a screen area subjected to detection processing, a position and size of an object to be detected in an area under detection, and a sensitivity of image processing. These parameters are set according to the position, size, color of the object to be detected, surrounding circumstances, and image-capturing conditions of the camera. 
     With a conventional imaging system, parameters for performing detection processing are set in the following way. A user captures the motion of an object to be detected and surrounding circumstances in advance, and stores the captured video in a storage unit in an operation terminal via a camera server. Then, the user sets parameters for detection processing while playing back the video stored in the storage unit in the operation terminal (for example, as discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-248090). 
     With a known image processing apparatus, a range subjected to detection processing is specified in a video captured by a camera. A user draws a graphic pattern on a display, on which the video is displayed, to set a detection range, and determines a result of range setting on the display (for example, as discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-16898). 
     To set parameters for performing detection processing, it is necessary to capture the state of an object to be detected as changes in a video and surrounding circumstances by using an imaging apparatus in advance, and verify whether detection processing is correctly performed based on the set parameters. Conventional imaging systems, when setting parameters for performing detection processing, have required manpower and operation for capturing the state of an object to be detected and surrounding circumstances by using a camera. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an image processing apparatus which requires less manpower and operation necessary to set parameters for performing detection processing than conventional imaging systems. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a video, a superimposition unit configured to superimpose an image onto the video acquired by the acquisition unit, and a detection unit configured to detect emergence of an object in a video in a detection area set on the video acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the superimposition unit superimposes an image corresponding to the size of the object to be detected when emerging by the detection unit onto the video in the detection area, and outputs the resultant video to the detection unit. 
     When setting parameters for performing processing for detecting changes in a video, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention superimposes an image onto a video within a range subjected to detection processing to demonstrate a state of an object to be detected. Therefore, it is not necessary that a person goes to a camera and move the object to be detected to produce a state of the object to be detected. This enables reducing manpower and operation necessary to set parameters for performing detection processing. 
     Further features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are block diagrams illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the image processing apparatus. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate exemplary images superimposed by a superimposition unit of the image processing apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a setting apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a setting screen of the setting apparatus. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are flow charts illustrating operations of the setting apparatus. 
         FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  illustrate states of a window displayed on the setting apparatus when performing verification. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Configurations illustrated in the following exemplary embodiments are to be considered as an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. 
     The image processing apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3A, and 3B .  FIG. 1A  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Upon reception of an image, an image processing apparatus  100  outputs a compressed image and an analysis result of the input image. 
     An acquisition unit  110  captures successive images as a video from an imaging apparatus  180  such as a video camera and a video recorder connected to the image processing apparatus  100 . The acquisition unit  110  performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion and size conversion according to an instruction from a control unit  160  (described below), and outputs the video to a superimposition unit  120 . The acquisition unit  110  achieves a function of acquiring a video in this way. 
     According to an instruction from the control unit  160  (described below), the superimposition unit  120  superimposes an image onto the video acquired by the acquisition unit  110 . The image to be superimposed onto the video is, for example, a character string indicating time information, a polygon or ellipse filled with a certain color, an image separately captured and stored, or a computer graphics image. 
     The superimposition unit  120  may be configured by an existing drawing function such as a superimposition function of superimposing a character or graphic pattern onto an image, and a privacy mask function of superimposing a mask image onto a predetermined image for privacy protection. 
     The superimposition unit  120  superimposes onto a video an image corresponding to the size of an object that is detected as emerging by a detection unit  131  (described below) in a preset area (hereinafter referred to as detection area) subjected to object detection by the detection unit  131 . The superimposition unit  120  transmits the video having the image superimposed thereon to an analysis unit  130  and a compression unit  150 . 
     The compression unit  150  compresses the image based on a compression method and a compression rate specified by an instruction from the control unit  160  (described below), and outputs the compressed image to the outside of the image processing apparatus  100  via an interface (I/F) unit  140 . The compression method is based on standards Motion JPEG, MPEG4, H.264, and JPEG. 
     The analysis unit  130  detects the emergence of an object in the preset area on the image by using the frame difference method or background difference method, and determines the state of the object. As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the analysis unit  130  includes the detection unit  131  and a determination unit  132 . The detection unit  131  detects the emergence of an object in a video in the detection area set on the video acquired by the acquisition unit  110 . Based on a result of detection by the detection unit  131 , the determination unit  132  determines the state of the object in the video in the detection area. 
     An exemplary object state “abandoning” is a state where an object emerges in the detection area and remains still at the same position for a preset duration or longer. Another exemplary object state “removing” is a state where the object under monitoring is removed and then a new object, such as a wall or floor surface that has been covered by the object under monitoring, emerges and remains still for a preset duration or longer. 
     The detection unit  131  detects the emergence of an object based on the inter-frame difference method and the background difference method. These techniques obtain a difference, for example, in luminance between frames and recognizes as an emerging object an area having a difference equal to or larger than a preset threshold value. 
     In a case where the object detected as emerging by the detection unit  131  remains still for a predetermined duration, the determination unit  132  determines that the object is in the “abandoning” state. In a case where an object in the detection area is removed and the detection unit  131  detects that a new object that has been covered by the object emerges, the determination unit  132  determines that the object is in the “removing” state. 
     As mentioned above, object detection is achieved by obtaining a difference in luminance between frames, and an area having a difference exceeding a preset threshold value is recognized as an emerging object. Therefore, even when there is actually no object emerging in the video, giving an artificial difference in luminance to a certain portion in the video enables the portion to be detected as an object. 
     The present exemplary embodiment uses this technique to perform verification of the object state analysis. Specifically, the control unit  160  instructs the superimposition unit  120  to superimpose a graphic pattern equivalent to an emerging object onto an input image to generate a difference in luminance. Then, the control unit  160  instructs the analysis unit  130  to detect the difference as the “abandoning” or “removing” state. Various settings stored in a storage unit  170  (described below) are used as conditions for detecting the “abandoning” or “removing” state. Thus, the analysis unit  130  determines whether the video containing the image superimposed by the superimposition unit  120  satisfies the conditions stored in the storage unit  170 . 
     Although the present exemplary embodiment will be described below based on a case where the analysis unit  130  analyzes “abandoning” and “removing”, the present invention is not limited thereto but may be based on any function of detecting an emerging object in a set area and analyzing the state of the object. For example, the present invention may analyze that an object under monitoring disappears for a predetermined duration because a camera is covered by a cloth or paint. The image processing apparatus  100  outputs an analysis result via the I/F unit  140 . 
     The storage unit  170  stores operation settings for the acquisition unit  110 , the superimposition unit  120 , the analysis unit  130 , and the compression unit  150 . The acquisition unit  110 , the superimposition unit  120 , the analysis unit  130 , and the compression unit  150  hold respective operation settings. The operation settings for the acquisition unit  110  include, for example, settings of a conversion magnification and a size after conversion in size conversion of the acquired image. 
     The operation settings for the superimposition unit  120  include, for example, settings of a shape, size, and range of a graphic pattern to be superimposed onto the input image, and a color and a pause duration of the graphic pattern to be superimposed thereon. 
     When the pause duration is t seconds, a graphic pattern is kept superimposed onto frames up to a frame t seconds. When detecting “abandoning” of an object, although a black image may be generally superimposed, a sufficient difference in luminance may not be obtained depending on a situation such as capturing a video outdoors during the night. Therefore, a color which is significantly different from the color (for example, opponent color) of the object may be set as the color of the image to be superimposed to ensure detection of abandoning. 
     On the other hand, when detecting “removing” of an object, a black graphic pattern may be generally superimposed. However, to increase the accuracy of verification, it is further desirable to set a color of a wall or floor surface emerging after the object under monitoring is abandoned as the color to be superimposed. Since a wall or floor surface often emerges around the detection area, the color of the outer edge the detection area or a similar color may be selected as the color to be superimposed. 
     The operation settings for the analysis unit  130  include, for example, settings of an object state analysis type (“abandoning” and “removing”), a screen area subjected to object detection, a size, a pause duration of an object under monitoring, and a detection sensitivity. However, the operation settings are not limited thereto. Further, not all of the above operation settings need to be set. 
     The pause duration refers to a time interval during which an object emerges in the detection area and remains still. When the object remains still for a preset duration, the determination unit  132  of the analysis unit  130  determines the occurrence of “abandoning” or “removing.” 
     The detection sensitivity will be described below. The detection unit  131  of the analysis unit  130  compares a difference in luminance between pixels at the same pixel position in adjacent video frames. When the difference is equal to or larger than the set detection sensitivity, the detection unit  131  of the analysis unit  130  determines that the relevant pixel has changed. Thus, the operation settings for the analysis unit  130  are used by the analysis unit  130  as conditions for detecting the emergence of an object in the video in the detection area and determining the object state. 
     The operation settings for the compression unit  150  include, for example, settings of a compression method and a compression rate of an image input to the compression unit  150 . 
     The control unit  160  receives an instruction from a user terminal via the I/F unit  140 , controls the operations of the acquisition unit  110 , the superimposition unit  120 , the analysis unit  130 , and the compression unit  150 , and returns a response to the user. These control operations are performed by a processor and a memory included in the control unit  160 . 
     The processor included in the control unit  160  is a computer which reads a program from the memory included therein and then executes it. The memory included in the control unit  160  is a recording medium storing the program so as to be read by the processor. The program will be described below with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     An instruction for verifying the operation of the analysis unit  130  and an instruction for holding settings will be described below as user instructions received by the control unit  160 . 
     The instruction for verifying the operation of the analysis unit  130  is an instruction to instruct the image processing apparatus  100  to verify whether the analysis unit  130  detects the “abandoning” and “removing” states based on the operation settings stored in the storage unit  170 . Upon reception of the instruction for verifying the operation of the analysis unit  130 , the control unit  160  performs control derived from the settings for the analysis unit  130  to the superimposition unit  120 . 
     The instruction for holding settings is an instruction to instruct the image processing apparatus  100  to hold the operation settings for the acquisition unit  110 , the superimposition unit  120 , the analysis unit  130 , and the compression unit  150 . Upon reception of the instruction for holding settings, the control unit  160  stores in the storage unit  170  the operation settings for the acquisition unit  110 , the superimposition unit  120 , the analysis unit  130 , and the compression unit  150 . The stored operation settings are used as default operations for each unit to be performed when no control instruction is received from the user. 
     The I/F unit  140  is connected with the user terminal via a network (not illustrated) to exchange information between the image processing apparatus  100  and the user and between the image processing apparatus  100  and a setting apparatus (described below) which sets various operation settings for each unit of the image processing apparatus  100 . The I/F unit  140  transfers a control instruction from the user to the control unit  160 , and returns to the user an analysis result from the analysis unit  130 , compressed data from the compression unit  150 , and a response from the control unit  160 . 
     Processing for verifying the operation of the analysis unit  130  performed by the thus-configured image processing apparatus  100  will be described below with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2  illustrates procedures of the program executed by the processor included in the control unit  160  when verifying the operation of the analysis unit  130 . 
     In step S 200 , upon reception of the instruction for verifying the operation of the analysis unit  130  from the user terminal, the control unit  160  reads the settings for the analysis unit  130  from the storage unit  170 . 
     For example, the control unit  160  reads settings such as an object state analysis type (“abandoning” and “removing”), a screen area subjected to object detection, a size of an object under monitoring, and a pause duration until a relevant state is determined. 
     In step S 201 , the control unit  160  determines the state (“abandoning” or “removing”) from the settings read from the storage unit  170 . The processing proceeds to step S 202  or S 203  corresponding to the detected state to set respective setting values to the analysis unit  130 . 
     In the case of the “abandoning” state (ABANDONING in step S 201 ), the processing proceeds to step S 202 . In step S 202 , the control unit  160  sets the superimposition unit  120  to superimpose an image corresponding to the size and color of the object subjected to detection of abandoning onto the video in the detection area. Specifically, the control unit  160  sets a position in the detection area read from the storage unit  170  as a position at which the image is to be superimposed, and sets a size read from the storage unit  170  as the size and color of the image to be superimposed. 
     On the other hand, in the case of the “removing” state (REMOVING in step S 201 ), the processing proceeds to step S 203 . In step S 203 , the control unit  160  sets the superimposition unit  120  to superimpose an image corresponding to the size of the detection area onto the video in the detection area. Specifically, the control unit  160  sets a size of the detection area as the position and size at which the image is to be superimposed, and sets a color read from the storage unit  170  as the color of the image to be superimposed. 
     In step S 204 , after setting values of the image to be superimposed are determined, the control unit  160  determines whether verification is possible. For example, verification cannot be started before the analysis unit  130  has generated a background image. The control unit  160  inquires of the analysis unit  130  whether the analysis unit  130  is activated. 
     When the analysis unit  130  is not activated, the control unit  160  may instruct the analysis unit  130  to be activated and wait until the analysis unit  130  generates a background image. Alternatively, the control unit  160  may wait until the analysis unit  130  generates a background image after the user instructs the analysis unit  130  to be activated. For example, user instructs the analysis unit  130  to be activated using a start analysis button which is displayed on a display unit of setting apparatus. Alternatively, the analysis unit  130  may have already been activated when starting the verification process shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As mentioned above, object detection is achieved by obtaining a difference in luminance between frames, and an area having a difference exceeding a preset threshold value is recognized as an emerging object. Therefore, when an actual object has already emerged in the detection area at the time of verification, the analysis unit  130  cannot distinguish between the image superimposed by the superimposition unit  120  and the actual object. Therefore, while the detection unit  131  is detecting whether an object has emerged in the video in the detection area, the superimposition unit  120  does not start superimposing the image. Before starting verification, the detection unit  131  can determine whether an object has emerged in the detection area from a result of analysis by the analysis unit  130 . 
     When verification can be started (YES in step S 204 ), the processing proceeds to step S 205 . In step S 205 , the control unit  160  instructs the analysis unit  130  to start analyzing an image input from the superimposition unit  120 . 
     In step S 206 , the control unit  160  controls the superimposition unit  120  to superimpose the image onto the video input from the acquisition unit  110  based on the setting values determined in step S 202  or S 203 . The image to be superimposed onto the video depends on the function of the superimposition unit  120 . 
     For example, when the superimposition unit  120  is configured by the privacy mask function, it draws a polygon or circle filled with a certain color. When the superimposition unit  120  is configured by the superimposition function, it superimposes a character string according to the drawing position and shape determined by the drawing parameters. 
     If a character or font can be changed in this case, it is further preferable to put in succession a Chinese character having a large stroke count or “I” (an alphabet capital letter) in the proportional font.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  each illustrate exemplary superimposition of an image. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates superimposition of a polygon  310  by using the privacy mask function in the case of the “abandoning” state.  FIG. 3B  illustrates superimposition of a character string  330  by using the superimposition function in the case of the “removing” state. A frame  300  is illustrated for description but not actually drawn. 
     In step S 207 , after the superimposition unit  120  starts superimposing an image, the control unit  160  determines whether the pause duration of the object to be superimposed read in step S 200  has elapsed. When the pause duration has elapsed (YES in step S 207 ), the processing proceeds to step S 208 . In step S 208 , the control unit  160  instructs the superimposition unit  120  to end superimposing the image. 
     In step S 209 , the control unit  160  controls the analysis unit  130  to notify to the user terminal via the I/F unit  140  an analysis result of the video having the image superimposed thereon by the superimposition unit  120 . 
     The control unit  160  controls the operations of the superimposition unit  120  and the analysis unit  130  in this way. 
     Although the image processing apparatus  100  and the imaging apparatus  180  are independent apparatuses in the present exemplary embodiment, the image processing apparatus  100  may be integrated with the video camera or video recorder, and receive from the acquisition unit  110  successive images captured by any of such imaging apparatuses. 
     The video camera may be a network camera located on a remote site, which enables remote video observation via a network. 
     The image processing apparatus  100  according to the present exemplary embodiment enables verifying the function of analyzing object state transition through image processing without moving the actual object under monitoring. Therefore, the image processing apparatus  100  eliminates the need of operation on a video capturing site, thus reducing manpower and time required for verification. 
     When the present exemplary embodiment is applied to a monitoring camera, the superimposition unit  120  can be achieved by the superimposition function and the privacy mask function of the monitoring camera, enabling configuring an image processing apparatus at lower cost than a case where these functions are separately implemented. 
     A second exemplary embodiment will be described below centering on a setting apparatus which sets various setting values to the image processing apparatus  100  described in the first exemplary embodiment and instructs the image processing apparatus  100  to detect the emergence of an object via the detection unit  131 . 
     The setting apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 4, 5, 6A, and 6B . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the setting apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A setting apparatus  400  is a terminal which receives settings and instructions from the user and outputs instructions to an image processing apparatus performing object state analysis, for example, the image processing apparatus  100  according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The object state analysis refers to, for example, analyzing whether an object is in the “abandoning” or “removing” state in an input video. 
     The I/F unit  410  is an interface between the setting apparatus  400  according to the second exemplary embodiment and the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis. The I/F unit  410  outputs to the setting apparatus  400  via a network (not illustrated) user-input settings and instructions related to verification of object state analysis as settings and instructions for functions of the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis. 
     An analysis setting control unit  420  determines an end of input of settings and instructions related to object state analysis by an analysis area setting unit  430  and an analysis variable setting unit  440  (described below), converts them into settings and instructions suitable for the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis, and outputs them to the outside of the setting apparatus  400  via the I/F unit  410 . 
     The settings related to object state analysis include, for example, settings of an object state analysis type, a size range of the object subjected to object state analysis, and a pause duration of the object until the occurrence of an object state transition is determined. 
     The instructions related to object state analysis include, for example, an instruction for completing settings for object state analysis and then transmitting the settings to the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis, and an instruction for ending the operation of the setting apparatus  400 . 
     These control operations are performed by a processor and a memory included in the analysis setting control unit  420 . The processor included in the analysis setting control unit  420  is a computer which reads a program from the memory included therein and then executes it. 
     The memory included in the analysis setting control unit  420  is a recording medium storing the program so as to be read by the processor. The program will be described below with reference to  FIG. 6A . The analysis setting control unit  420  may be integrated with a verification control unit  450  (described below). 
     The analysis area setting unit  430  provides a user interface for enabling the user to set a screen area subjected to object state analysis. 
     The analysis parameter setting unit  440  provides a user interface for enabling the user to set parameters related to object state analysis. The parameters related to the object state analysis include, for example, a parameter related to a size range of the object subjected to object state analysis, and a parameter related to a pause duration of the object until the occurrence of an object state transition is determined. 
     The verification control unit  450  determines an end of input of settings and instructions related to verification of object state analysis by a superimposition setting unit  460  and a verification parameter setting unit  470 , converts them into settings and instructions suitable for the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis, and outputs them to the outside of the setting apparatus  400  via the I/F unit  410 . 
     The settings related to verification of object state analysis include, for example, settings of an analysis area, a shape, size, and range of a graphic pattern to be superimposed as a pseudo object for verification, a color and a pause duration of the graphic pattern to be superimposed, and a selection of object state analysis for verification. 
     The instructions related to verification of object state analysis include, for example, an instruction for completing settings for verification of object state analysis and then transmitting the settings to the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis, and an instruction for detecting the emergence of an object based on the set conditions. 
     Specifically, instructions related to verification of object state analysis perform instruction to superimpose an image corresponding to the size of the object to be detected when emerging onto the video in the detection area as a pseudo object for verification, to output the resultant video to the detection unit  131  of the image processing apparatus  100 , and to detect the emergence of the object. 
     These control operations are performed by a processor and a memory included in the verification control unit  450 . The processor included in the verification control unit  450  is a computer which reads a program from the memory included therein and then executes it. 
     The memory included in the verification control unit  450  is a recording medium storing the program so as to be read by the processor. The program will be described below with reference to  FIG. 6B . The verification control unit  450  may be integrated with the analysis setting control unit  420 . 
     The superimposition setting unit  460  is a user interface for enabling the user to set a size, shape, superimposing position, and range of an image to be superimposed by the superimposition unit  120  of the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis for verification of object state analysis. 
     The verification parameter setting unit  470  is a user interface for enabling the user to set parameters for verification of object state analysis. The parameters for verification of object state analysis include, for example, a parameter related to a color and pause duration of an image to be superimposed. 
     The user uses a switching unit  480  to instruct the image processing apparatus  100  connected with the setting apparatus  400  to perform object state analysis or verification of object sate analysis. The verification of object state analysis refers to verifying whether, when the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis actually performs object state analysis based on the conditions set in the verification control unit  450 , a desired object state can be detected. 
     The present exemplary embodiment will be described below based on a case where the setting apparatus  400  includes a display unit  495  which displays a setting screen  500  for performing setting for instructing the detection unit  131  of the image processing apparatus  100  (described in the first exemplary embodiment) to detect the emergence of an object. 
     The setting screen  500  displayed on the display unit  495  serves as a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as GUI). The setting apparatus  400  includes a display control unit  490  which instructs the display unit  495  to display the setting screen  500 . The setting screen  500  is displayed by a processor and a memory included in the display control unit  490 . 
     The processor included in the display control unit  490  is a computer which reads a program from the memory included therein and then executes it. The memory included in the display control unit  490  is a recording medium storing the program so as to be read by the processor. 
     An exemplary screen configuration of the setting screen  500  (graphical user interface) displayed on the display unit  495  of the setting apparatus  400  according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     Radio buttons  505  are used to switch a target setting between object state analysis and verification of object state analysis. Depending on the setting of the radio buttons  505 , the switching unit  480  selects whether the image processing apparatus  100  will perform object state analysis or verification of object state analysis. 
     A graphic pattern input field  510  is used to set a screen area subjected to object state analysis (hereinafter this area is referred to as analysis area) and set a graphic pattern for verification of object state analysis. The target setting is selected according to the setting of the radio buttons  505 . Specifically, when the radio button  505  for object state analysis is selected, the user can set an analysis area in the graphic pattern input field  510 . 
     On the other hand, when the radio button  505  for verification of object state analysis is selected, the user can set an image or a pseudo object in the graphic pattern input field  510 . The set image or pseudo object is superimposed by the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis for verification of object state analysis. 
     A drawing tool selection palette  525  is used to select drawing tools (rectangle, ellipse, straight line, etc) and set a position and shape of the analysis area or pseudo object in the graphic pattern input field  510 . A polygon frame  515  is an exemplary analysis area, and a pseudo object  520  is an exemplary image to be superimposed. 
     When the radio button  505  for object state analysis is selected, the analysis area setting unit  430  sets a screen area subjected to object state analysis according to an input from the drawing tool selection palette  525 . 
     When the radio button  505  for verification of object state analysis is selected, the superimposition setting unit  460  sets a size, shape, superimposing position, and range of an image to be superimposed according to an input from the drawing tool selection palette  525 . 
     Thus, the drawing tool selection palette  525  functions as a specification unit for specifying an image corresponding to the size of the object to be detected when emerging by the detection unit  131  of the image processing apparatus  100  according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     A parameter input field  530  is used to input parameters for verification of object state analysis. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the user sets RGB values to the parameter input field  530  to specify the color of a graphic pattern to be drawn in the graphic pattern input field  510  by using the drawing tool selection palette  525 . 
     When performing verification of object state analysis, the user can adjust the color of the graphic pattern to be input by using the parameter input filed  530 . Thus, the user can verify what object color enables object state analysis. 
     Further, the user may set a pause duration of the graphic pattern input by using the parameter input field  530 . The user can verify object state analysis using a pause duration of the input graphic pattern as required. Thus, the user can verify what pause duration enables object state analysis, during which the object to be detected remains still. 
     The parameters input from the parameter input field  530  are not limited to parameters related to a color and pause duration of the input graphic pattern. The verification parameter setting unit  470  sets parameters for verification of object state analysis according to inputs from the parameter input field  530 . 
     The user uses an END button  535  to give an instruction to end the operation of the setting apparatus  400 . 
     The user uses a type selection button  540  to select a type of object state analysis, “ABANDONING” or “REMOVING.” 
     The user uses an object size input field  545  to specify a size range of an object subjected to object state analysis. The user uses a pause duration input field  550  to specify a duration during which the object subjected to object state analysis remains still until the occurrence of an object state transition (“abandoning” or “removing”) is determined. 
     The analysis parameter setting unit  440  sets parameters related to object state analysis according to inputs from the object size input field  545  and the pause duration input field  550 . 
     A store settings button  555  instructs the setting apparatus  400  to complete the settings of object state analysis, and then transmit the settings to the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis. 
     A start verification button  560  instructs the setting apparatus  400  to complete settings for verification of object state analysis, and then transmit the settings to the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis, to instruct the image processing apparatus  100  to start verification. The start verification button  560  functions as a starting unit for instructing the superimposition unit  120  of the image processing apparatus  100  according to the first exemplary embodiment to start superimposing the image specified by the drawing tool selection palette  525  onto the video in the detection area and then outputting the resultant video to the detection unit  131 . 
     The operation flow of processing performed by the thus-configured setting apparatus  400  will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B .  FIG. 6A  illustrates a procedure of the program executed by the processor included in the analysis setting control unit  420 .  FIG. 6B  illustrates a procedure of the program executed by the processor included in the verification control unit  450 . 
     Processing performed by the analysis setting control unit  420  will be described below with reference to  FIG. 6A . In step S 600 , after the setting apparatus  400  is activated, the analysis setting control unit  420  determines whether the analysis area setting unit  430  receives setting of a screen area subjected to object state analysis and, when a relevant setting is input, performs necessary input processing such as conversion into internal values. 
     In step S 601 , the analysis setting control unit  420  further determines whether the analysis parameter setting unit  440  receives an analysis parameter and, when a relevant setting is input, performs necessary input processing such as conversion into internal values. The analysis setting control unit  420  repeats the above-mentioned processing until the user completes the setting process. Specifically, in step S 602 , the analysis setting control unit  420  determines whether, for example, the user presses the store settings button  555 . 
     When the user completes the setting process (YES in step S 602 ), the processing proceeds to step S 603 . In step S 603 , the analysis setting control unit  420  transmits via the I/F unit  410  the settings to the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis so as to be stored as setting values. Then, the analysis setting control unit  420  enables an interface related to verification setting. In step S 604 , the analysis setting control unit  420  determines whether the user gives an instruction to end the setting process, for example, the user presses the END button  535 . When the user gives an instruction to end the setting process (YES in step S 604 ), the processing ends. 
     When the user does not give an instruction to end the setting process (NO in step S 604 ), the processing proceeds to step S 605 . In step S 605 , the analysis setting control unit  420  instructs the verification control unit  450  to determine whether the target setting is object state analysis or verification of object state analysis. 
     Processing performed by the verification control unit  450  will be described below with reference to  FIG. 6B . In step S 606 , upon reception of the instruction from the analysis setting control unit  420 , the verification control unit  450  checks the setting of the radio buttons  505  to determine whether the target setting is object state analysis or verification of object state analysis. 
     When the target setting is object state analysis (NO in step S 606 ), the processing proceeds to step S 607 . In step S 607 , the verification control unit  450  disables the interface related to the verification setting. Then, the processing returns to step S 600 . In step S 600 , the verification control unit  450  instructs the analysis setting control unit  420  to input the setting of object state analysis. 
     On the other hand, when the target setting is verification of object state analysis (YES in step S 606 ), the processing proceeds to step S 608 . In step S 608 , the verification control unit  450  determines whether the superimposition setting unit  460  receives a setting of the shape of a graphic pattern to be superimposed and, when a relevant setting is input, performs necessary input processing such as conversion into internal values. Then, the verification control unit  450  repeats the above-mentioned processing until the user completes the setting process. Specifically, in step S 609 , the verification control unit  450  determines whether, for example, the user presses the start verification button  560 . 
     When the user completes the setting process (YES in step S 609 ), the processing proceeds to step S 610 . In step S 610 , the verification control unit  450  transmits via the I/F unit  410  the settings to the image processing apparatus  100  performing object state analysis as an image superimposition instruction. Then, the image processing apparatus  100  connected to the setting apparatus  400  starts verification by superimposing a graphic pattern (pseudo object). Upon completion of superimposition, the processing returns to step S 606 . The verification control unit  450  repeats processing from step S 606 . 
     When the image processing apparatus  100  starts verification, the verification state is displayed on the display unit  495 . An exemplary verification state will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 7A to 7C . A display window  600  displays an image output from the image processing apparatus  100 . The display window  600  is displayed on the display unit  495  of the setting apparatus  400 . 
     When the image processing apparatus  100  starts verification, a frame  515  indicating an analysis area is displayed in the display window  600 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7A . However, the frame  515  does not necessarily need to be displayed. 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the display window  600  displays a state where the pseudo object  520  set in the setting apparatus  400  is superimposed onto a captured image by the superimposition unit  120  of the image processing apparatus  100 . 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the display window  600  displays a state where the image output from the superimposition unit  120  is analyzed by the analysis unit  130  and then detected as an object state transition. When an object state transition is detected, the display window  600  displays a thick frame  610  around the detected object. 
     The display window  600  also displays a message  615  to indicate that an object state transition is detected. Although  FIG. 7C  illustrates a state where the object with object state transition is enclosed by the thick frame  610 , the frame is not limited thereto but may be a color frame. 
     The message  615  does not necessarily need to be displayed. For example, the image processing apparatus  100  may notify the user of an E-mail message indicating the detection of an object state transition. 
     As mentioned above, the image processing system according to the present invention enables verifying the detection of object state transition. 
     Although the image processing apparatus  100  and the setting apparatus  400  are independent apparatuses in the exemplary embodiments, both apparatuses may be integrated as one apparatus. 
     The setting apparatus  400  according to the present exemplary embodiment enables verifying the function of analyzing object state transition through image processing while changing a graphic pattern (pseudo object) in diverse ways. The setting apparatus  400  eliminates the need of preparing a number of actual objects under monitoring. It enables repeating verification while immediately changing analysis settings even when state transition cannot be analyzed, thus reducing manpower and time required for extensive verification. 
     Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out and executes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments, and by a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments. For this purpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via a network or from a recording medium of various types serving as the memory device (e.g., computer-readable medium). In such a case, the system or apparatus, and the recording medium where the program is stored, are included as being within the scope of the present invention. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions. 
     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-108783 filed May 10, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.