Intruding object monitoring method and intruding object monitoring system

An intruding object monitoring method for use in an intruding object monitoring system having a first intruding object monitoring apparatus having a view field covering a monitor area and at least one second intruding object monitoring apparatus having as a monitor area a partial area of the view field of the first intruding object monitoring apparatus, comprising:

• a first image input step of inputting images of the monitor area by the first intruding object monitoring apparatus;
• a first detection step of acquiring first information of an intruding object from the images input by said first image input step;
• a second image input step of capturing the intruding object by controlling the second intruding object monitoring apparatus according to said first information and inputting images of the monitor area;
• a second detection step of acquiring second information of the intruding object in the monitor area with the second intruding object monitoring apparatus;
• and
• a step of performing a following of the intruding object by controlling the second intruding object monitoring apparatus in accordance with said second information acquired at said second detection step.

An intruding object monitoring system comprising:

• a plurality of intruding object monitoring apparatus each for monitoring a predetermined monitor area;
• and
• a communication apparatus for transmitting information relating to an intruding object between said plurality of intruding object monitoring apparatuses,
• wherein a plurality of said intruding object monitoring apparatuses are switchably operable among a plurality of monitoring modes including at least a detecting mode having an intruding object detecting function for performing a tracking of said intruding object and a following mode for performing a following of said intruding object.

An intruding object monitoring apparatus comprising:

• a camera having a zoom lens;
• an image processing unit for detecting an intruding object from image signals supplied from said camera;
• a pan/tilt head of said camera;
• a pan/tilt controller;
• a zoom controller;
• a communication unit for communication with at least another intruding object monitoring apparatus;
• a display for displaying an intruding object monitoring result;
• and
• a control unit for controlling to switch among a plurality of monitoring modes of the intruding object monitoring apparatus and said another intruding object monitoring apparatus.