Remote control system and access control method for information input apparatus

Abstract

When an access request (a request for transfer of video and audio information or a request for a camera operation) to a camera apparatus connected to a network via a terminal is issued via the network, a camera management server processes the access request on the basis of an access right set by a user (or a manager) using the terminal to which the camera apparatus is connected. That is, the camera management server refers to an access right set file and grants or denies permission to access for the user whose has issued the access request. The user to whom the access permission is granted requests a camera control server to permit a camera operation via a camera control client and thereby can receive an image taken by the camera apparatus and voices collected by the camera apparatus and can perform panning, tilting, and zooming of the camera apparatus. Accordingly, to protect the privacy of a user using a terminal to which a camera apparatus is connected, it is possible to realize fine setting meeting the demand of the user at all times. Also, in a location where a camera apparatus connected to a network is installed, it is possible to prevent a leak of confidential information through the camera apparatus.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 09 / 894,233 filed on Jun. 27, 2001 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 607,687 filed Feb. 26, 1996, now abandoned, which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 based on Japanese Patent Application No. 7-037913 filed on Feb. 27, 1995 and Japanese Patent Application No. 7-190345 filed on Jul. 26, 1995, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a remote control system and an access control method for an information input apparatus and, more particularly, to a remote control system and a remote control method of remotely operating a camera apparatus equipped with a video camera and a microphone for a TV conference, and an access control method of controlling access to a camera apparatus connected to a network. [0004] 2. Descrip...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an access control system and method for controlling access to an information input apparatus, such as a camera, connected to a computer network. The system allows a camera owner to set access rights to their camera and remotely operate it. The access control method includes steps for registering and managing access to the camera via the network. Additionally, the invention provides a remote control system that allows multiple users to remotely operate the camera without stopping the system and easily take part in or leave a TV conference. The system also includes different stages of access limiting modes that allow each user to set an appropriate imaging or photographing enable range including operation inhibition. The invention solves the conventional problems of conventional access control systems and provides a more efficient and flexible solution for controlling access to information input apparatuses connected to a network.

Problems solved by technology

However, the TV conference system is a dedicated system installed in a conference room, and so terminals capable of participating in the conference are usually limited.

It is unnatural and troublesome to draw a curtain in the background only for a TV conference.

However, this makes smooth conversions difficult and impairs the advantage that images of persons and materials can be taken and transmitted in proper sizes at proper locations any time.

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