JP2007249566A - Information processor and processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To identify and record information. <P>SOLUTION: An object information acquisition part 44 acquires an object image and accompanying information relating to the object image as object information, and an object identification part 102 identifies an object, on the basis of identification information for identifying a desired object. An object information storage part 103 stores the object image and an identified result made to be associated and stores them so as to inhibit erasure of the object image identified as the desired object, on the basis of the identification result, and thus the information can be identified and recorded. The present invention can be applied to an on-vehicle system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and program, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus, method, and program that can identify and record information.

  In recent years, with the development of information processing functions using IT technology, the functionality of automobiles has been increasing. Along with this, for example, the types of in-vehicle devices provided in automobiles such as navigation devices, audio devices, communication devices, ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) terminals, etc. are increasing, and the enhancement of the functions of these individual devices is also remarkable.

  In addition, with the widespread use of surveillance systems using cameras, there are also vehicles that are equipped with such surveillance systems. In the vehicle front monitoring system, for example, a road in front of the vehicle and its ancillary objects, automobiles, obstacles, surrounding buildings, and other objects are identified, whereby a road area, a traveling vehicle, a stopped vehicle, a pedestrian, Detect obstacles. And after performing the operation | movement corresponding to monitoring of a driving | running | working state or driving | running | working assistance, those images and the information acquired from the image are erase | eliminated.

  Furthermore, there has been proposed an electronic pictorial book generation method that provides information related to the subject of a captured image based on a registered image similar to the image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-341939 A

  However, since the amount of information that can be recorded is limited, it is necessary to delete such information as appropriate. However, there is a possibility that necessary information exists in the deleted information, and it is deleted when it is desired to use it. However, there was a problem that the information could not be used.

  For example, if you try to record a large amount of information obtained from a vehicle and a camera, it may overflow beyond the storage capacity of the recording means for recording information. Information cannot be recorded. However, some of these old information may be useful information later even if it is unnecessary at the time of deletion, and the old information obtained from the vehicle and camera is simply deleted. If you do, you may not be able to use it when you want to use it.

  In addition, in the electronic pictorial book generation method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-341939, information related to a subject of a captured image is provided based on a registered image similar to the image. Information that may be useful may be erased.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to identify and record information.

  An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus for identifying an object, in order to identify an acquisition unit that acquires first information about a certain object and a desired object in the acquired first information Based on the second information, a storage means for associating and storing the identification information for identifying the target, the first information, and the identification result of the target, wherein the storage means Based on the identification result, the erasure of the first information related to the object identified as the desired object is prohibited.

  In the information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, first information about a certain target is acquired, and the target is identified based on second information for identifying a desired target in the acquired first information. The first information and the target identification result are stored in association with each other, and based on the target identification result, erasure of the first information related to the target identified as the desired target is prohibited.

  Thus, information obtained from the subject can be identified and recorded, and information identified as useful can be left without being erased.

  The information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is configured as, for example, an object identification apparatus mounted on a vehicle. Further, the vehicle is constituted by, for example, various automobiles, motorcycles, and the like. In addition, the information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the in-vehicle apparatus, and includes, for example, a computer, a server, and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) equipped with a means for acquiring information about a target and software for identifying the target An information processing device such as a mobile phone, a vehicle, or a control device may be used. These information processing apparatuses may be configured as a single apparatus or a plurality of apparatuses. For example, it can be configured as a mobile phone including a camera, a 0.85-inch hard disk, a liquid crystal display unit, an operation unit, and a communication unit. The mobile phone can be configured to further include means for acquiring information related to the object, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) and a temperature sensor. Furthermore, the mobile phone can be configured to be connected to a sensor that acquires information about an object via a network and use the information acquired by the sensor.

  For example, the acquisition unit includes a target information acquisition unit that acquires an image of a subject captured by an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The target information acquisition unit acquires an image as information about a certain target, for example. That is, it is possible to acquire a target image using an image sensor as an acquisition unit. Then, by performing predetermined image processing on the acquired image, information included in the image, such as the appearance and shape of the target, can be acquired. For example, information on the distance to the target can be acquired by using a radar device such as a laser radar or a radio wave radar. Then, based on the distance to the target and the size of the target in the image, information regarding the size of the target can be acquired. By using the object sensor, it is possible to acquire information regarding the presence state of the object and the state of the object. By using an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, the target ID can be acquired. By using the weather sensor, it is possible to acquire weather information of the area where the object is located.

  Further, by using a means for obtaining information via the network as the obtaining means, information obtained from a device connected to the network regarding the object can be obtained. For example, information can be acquired from a device connected to a communication line by using a wired network as the network. Further, by using a wireless network as a network, information can be acquired from a device at a remote location. Information about the object can be acquired from a database device or a search device connected to the network.

  The identification unit is configured by a target identification unit included in a program executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, for example. The target identifying unit identifies the target based on the second information for identifying the desired target in the acquired image. The identifying means identifies, for example, the type of animal or plant, the type of car, and the like using a feature amount obtained from the target image by predetermined image processing. The identification unit may identify the target using information other than the image acquired by the acquisition unit. For example, by using the distance to the target, the information about the size of the target can be used for identification. Alternatively, the temperature of the object can be detected using an infrared sensor and can be identified using information about the temperature of the object. Furthermore, it can identify using the information regarding the distance and direction to the position where the target exists, which is obtained using the laser radar.

  The identification means identifies an individual using, for example, biometric information such as a human face feature, fingerprint, palm print, retinal pattern, vein pattern, and the like. The identification means can identify an individual object such as an apparatus such as an animal, a plant, or an automobile. Furthermore, the identification means can identify the position from, for example, an image of a landscape.

  The information regarding the object includes information acquired by the acquisition unit regarding the object and a result of identifying the object by the identification unit.

  The storage means is configured by a target information storage unit configured by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The target information storage unit stores the image and the target identification result in association with each other, and stores the target image identified as the desired target based on the target identification result so as to prohibit the deletion of the target image. .

  As a result, it is possible to accumulate information related to objects that are of interest to the user and may be needed later.

  The acquisition unit is further configured to acquire third information related to the target, and the identification unit is configured to identify the target based on the second information and the third information. be able to.

  The acquisition unit may acquire information related to position, time, temperature, or weather as the third information.

  As a result, more information related to the target can be acquired, and erasure of information related to the required target can be prohibited based on the acquired information.

  An input means for inputting the second information can be further provided, and the identification means can be made to identify the object based on the input second information.

  As a result, the user can instruct information related to the object that he / she wants to keep and prohibit the erasure of necessary information.

  A receiving unit that receives the second information transmitted from another information processing apparatus may be further provided, and the identification unit may include the target based on the received second information. Can be identified.

  As a result, the user can remotely instruct information related to the object that he / she wants to keep and prohibit the deletion of the necessary information.

  Search means for searching for the first information and provision means for providing the searched first information can be further provided based on an instruction from the user.

  As a result, information related to a target that is of interest to the user and may be necessary later is accumulated, so that when the user wants to use the information, the user can search for information related to the necessary target from the accumulated information. it can.

  A receiving unit that receives the instruction transmitted from another information processing apparatus may be further provided, and the search unit may search the first information based on the received instruction. The providing unit may provide the searched first information.

  The instruction may be information indicating content related to the object.

  As a result, information related to objects that are of interest to the user and may be needed later is accumulated, so that the user can specify the conditions from the remote location and use the necessary information from the accumulated information. Information about the object can be searched.

  An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for an information processing apparatus that knows an object. An identification step for identifying the object based on second information for identifying the first object, and a storage step for storing the first information and the identification result of the object in association with each other. And erasing the first information related to the object identified as the desired object based on the identification result of the object.

  In the information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention, first information about a certain target is acquired, and the target is identified based on second information for identifying a desired target in the acquired first information. The first information and the target identification result are stored in association with each other, and based on the target identification result, erasure of the first information related to the target identified as the desired target is prohibited.

  Thus, information obtained from the subject can be identified and recorded, and information identified as useful can be left without being erased.

  This acquisition step includes an acquisition step of acquiring first information related to a certain object, and the identification step is based on the second information for identifying a desired object in the acquired first information. An identification step for identifying a target, and the storage step stores the first information and the identification result of the target in association with each other, and identifies the desired target based on the identification result of the target The storage step stores information so as to prohibit the erasure of the first information regarding the target.

  The program according to one aspect of the present invention is based on an acquisition step of acquiring first information relating to a certain object, and second information for identifying a desired object in the acquired first information. An identification step for identifying, a storage control step for controlling storage so as to store the first information and the identification result of the object in association with each other, and the storage control step is based on the identification result of the object And storing the first information related to the object identified as the desired object to be prohibited.

  Thus, information obtained from the subject can be identified and recorded, and information identified as useful can be left without being erased.

  The program according to one aspect of the present invention is recorded on a predetermined recording medium, read by a drive, for example, and installed in the information processing apparatus. Recording media include magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks, optical disks including CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk), MD (Mini Disk) (registered trademark), etc. And a removable medium such as a semiconductor memory.

  As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, information can be identified and recorded. In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, information obtained from an object can be identified and recorded, and information identified as useful can be left without being erased.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an object identification device 11 as an information processing device to which the present invention is applied.

  The in-vehicle system 1 is a system provided in vehicles such as various automobiles (for example, private cars, trucks, buses, etc.), motorcycles, etc., and controls the operation of the vehicle and provides various functions to drivers and passengers. The in-vehicle system 1 is configured to include a target identification device 11 and in-vehicle devices 13-1 to 13-N. These are connected to each other via the in-vehicle LAN 12. Hereinafter, an example in which the in-vehicle system 1 is provided in an automobile will be described.

  The object identification device 11 identifies an image including a certain object based on a predetermined condition, and continues to store information regarding the identified object when it matches the predetermined condition without being erased.

  The object identification device 11 can further identify the object using information on the object obtained from an apparatus connected via the in-vehicle LAN 12. These identification methods can be performed using, for example, the methods described below. For example, the target can be identified by detecting the distance from the image to the target identified by the shape using a laser radar 71, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, and obtaining the size of the target. Thereby, the identification accuracy can be further increased. In addition, a driver or a passenger who is acquired by the indoor image monitoring device 72, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, is identified, and an object is identified using an identification package described later according to the user. Can do. Furthermore, by using the state of the engine such as information indicating that the vehicle is accelerating, which is obtained from the engine control device 73, which will be described later with reference to FIG. The object can be identified by determining that the vehicle approaches at a speed corresponding to the change and using it for predetermined image processing for identifying information indicating that the image gradually increases.

  Further, from the power steering control device 74, for example, information that the steering is operated by the driver and the vehicle is in a turning state is obtained, and a front image captured by the CCD camera 35 described later with reference to FIG. 2 is obtained. The object can be identified by utilizing the predetermined image processing for identifying the lateral flow. Further, depending on the state of the transmission obtained from the transmission control device 75, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, for example, information on the degree of forward, backward, acceleration, and deceleration is used for predetermined image processing for identifying the target. can do. In addition, by using information on the speed of the vehicle obtained from the speed sensor 76, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Can be used. Furthermore, by using the information on the speed of the own vehicle and the information on the change in the relative distance between the obstacle and the vehicle traveling around, which is acquired by the laser radar device 71, for example, The relative speed of the vehicle traveling on the vehicle can be obtained and used for predetermined image processing for identifying the target.

  Furthermore, the temperature of the road surface can be measured using a temperature sensor 77, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, and can be used for predetermined image processing for identifying whether the road surface is a frozen road surface. Other sensors connected to the in-vehicle LAN 12 other than the speed sensor 76 and the temperature sensor 77 may be used. Further, instead of the CCD camera 35, a far-infrared image having a wavelength corresponding to the temperature of a subject to be photographed is used from a far-infrared image acquired by using a far-infrared camera, so that an object (for example, a human body) at a predetermined temperature is used. Etc.) and can be used to identify the temperature of the object.

  The object identification device 11 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the in-vehicle device 13-1 to the in-vehicle device 13-N via the in-vehicle LAN 12, and information detected by the in-vehicle device 13-1 to the in-vehicle device 13-N. To get.

  The in-vehicle device 13-1 to the in-vehicle device 13-N are devices provided in the vehicle in order to control the operation of the vehicle and to provide various functions to drivers and passengers. The in-vehicle devices 13-1 to 13-N are configured by, for example, an engine control device, a power steering control device, a transmission control device, and the like. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the in-vehicle device 13-1 to the in-vehicle device 13 -N, the on-vehicle device 13 will be simply referred to as the in-vehicle device 13.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the object identification device 11 as an information processing device to which the present invention is applied.

  The object identification device 11 is mounted on, for example, a passenger car, a bus, and other vehicles, and identifies target information.

  The object identification device 11 includes a CPU 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a CCD camera 35, an image input unit 36, a flash memory 37, a touch panel operation unit 38, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit. 39, a voice operation unit 40, a voice output unit 41, a drive 42, a target information acquisition unit 44, an in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) connection unit 45, and a communication unit 46. These are connected to each other by a CPU bus 34.

  The CPU 31 controls the operation of each unit of the target identification device 11. The ROM 32 appropriately stores application programs to be executed by the CPU 31, data necessary for executing the application programs, and the like. The RAM 33 appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 31 to execute various processes.

  Based on the control of the CPU 31, the CCD camera 35 and the image input unit 36 perform various types of processing relating to imaging according to user operations. The CCD camera 35 includes, for example, an optical system such as a lens, an image sensor such as a CCD or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), a video signal circuit that processes video signals, and the like. The CCD camera 35 converts the captured image into image data, and supplies the converted image data to the image input unit 36.

  The image input unit 36 performs processing such as converting the image data supplied from the CCD camera 35 into a method suitable for processing by the target information acquisition unit 44, and the target information acquisition unit via the CPU bus 34. 44.

  Further, the image input unit 36 performs processing such as converting the image data supplied from the CCD camera 35 into a method suitable for recording in the flash memory 37, and supplies it to the flash memory 37 via the CPU bus 34. And record. Further, the image input unit 36 performs processing such as converting the image data supplied from the CCD camera 35 into a method suitable for display on the screen of the LCD display unit 39, and displays it on the LCD via the CPU bus 34. An image corresponding to the captured image data is displayed on the screen of the LCD display unit 39.

  The flash memory 37 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can be rewritten and does not lose data even when the power is turned off, and stores image data and various data supplied from the image input unit 36 or the target information acquisition unit 44.

  The touch panel operation unit 38 is configured to pass through the LCD display unit 39. The touch panel operation unit 38 receives a user operation for selecting a button on the operation screen displayed on the screen of the LCD display unit 39, and sets the position of the operation position. A signal (hereinafter referred to as an operation signal) is supplied to the CPU 31. The CPU 31 executes various processes based on operation signals supplied from the touch panel operation unit 38. The LCD display unit 39 displays an image corresponding to the image data supplied from the image input unit 36 or the target information acquisition unit 44 based on the control of the CPU 31.

  The voice operation unit 40 supplies an operation signal for instructing the operation of each unit of the target identification device 11 to each unit of the target identification device 11 via the CPU 31 based on a voice instruction from the user. The audio output unit 41 includes a speaker, and outputs audio such as a message to the user based on the control of the CPU 31.

  A removable medium 43 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately installed in the drive 42, and a computer program read from the removable medium 43 is read out from the drive, for example, a ROM 32, a flash memory 37, or the like. To be installed.

  The target information acquisition unit 44 is image data of a subject (target) captured by the CCD camera 35 and is supplied from the image input unit 36 via the CPU bus 34 (hereinafter referred to as target image data, An image corresponding to the target image data is referred to as a target image). Accordingly, for example, target image data captured by the CCD camera 35 is acquired as target information by the target information acquisition unit 44. In addition to the image acquired from the CCD camera 35, the target information acquisition unit 44 is acquired by the CCD camera 35 such as an image of a subject from another external device or an image of a subject captured by itself. An image other than the obtained image may be acquired as the target image.

  Further, the target information acquisition unit 44 acquires accompanying information, which is information indicating the characteristics of the target image, from the in-vehicle LAN connection unit 45 via the CPU bus 34 as target information. The in-vehicle LAN connection unit 45 is connected to the in-vehicle LAN 12 in FIG. 3 described later, and is connected to various in-vehicle devices 13 through the in-vehicle LAN 12. That is, the target information acquisition unit 44 acquires accompanying information from the in-vehicle device 13 connected to the in-vehicle LAN 12 via the CPU bus 34 and the in-vehicle LAN connection unit 45. Details of the accompanying information acquired by the target information acquisition unit 44 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Note that the target information is information related to a certain target including a target image and accompanying information attached to the target image. The target information includes, for example, information from the in-vehicle device 13 connected to the in-vehicle LAN 12 such as the target image captured by the CCD camera 35, the distance to the target included in the target image, and the shape and size of the target. Is associated information associated with the target image, that is, information combining a target image and information indicating the characteristics of the target.

  The communication unit 46 is connected to a network such as the Internet or a wireless telephone communication network by wired or wireless, and controls the exchange of information with the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the in-vehicle LAN connection unit 45 in FIG. 2 is connected to various in-vehicle devices 13 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 including a CAN (Controller Area Network). As the in-vehicle device 13, for example, a laser radar device 71, an indoor image monitoring device 72, an engine control device 73, a power steering control device 74, and a transmission control device 75 are connected to each other via the in-vehicle LAN 12. In addition to the device 13, sensors such as a speed sensor 76, a temperature sensor 77, and a calendar clock 78 are connected to each other via the in-vehicle LAN 12. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, sensors such as the speed sensor 76, the temperature sensor 77, and the calendar clock 78 are also referred to as the in-vehicle device 13.

  Each of the laser radar device 71 to the calendar clock 78 acquires target information (accompanying information) related to a target, and sends the target information to the target information acquisition unit 44 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 and the in-vehicle LAN connection unit 45. Supply.

  The laser radar device 71 emits laser light in front of the vehicle, for example. The laser radar device 71 detects the distance between the direction in which the reflected wave from the laser beam returns and the direction of the target existing ahead based on the elapsed time, and information related to the distance (hereinafter referred to as the target distance). (Referred to as information) is supplied to the target information acquisition unit 44 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 or the like.

  The indoor image monitoring device 72 has a camera (not shown) and images the interior of the vehicle with the camera. The indoor image monitoring device 72 uses the captured image to monitor indoor conditions such as a driver, a passenger, and the state of luggage, and information related to the conditions (hereinafter referred to as indoor condition information). ) Is supplied to the target information acquisition unit 44 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 or the like.

  The engine control device 73 controls the engine mechanism. For example, the engine control device 73 acquires information (hereinafter referred to as engine information) such as a throttle state and engine speed, and supplies the engine information to the target information acquisition unit 44 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 or the like. .

  The power steering control device 74 assists the driver's force by the action of hydraulic pressure or a motor, and controls the power steering that is a steering mechanism finished so as to be lightly operated. The power steering control device 74 acquires, for example, information on the steering state and the operation state of the steering wheel of the driver (hereinafter referred to as power steering information), and the power steering information is obtained via the in-vehicle LAN 12 or the like. This is supplied to the target information acquisition unit 44.

  The transmission control device 75 controls the transmission mechanism. For example, the transmission control device 75 acquires information (hereinafter referred to as transmission information) such as the state of the transmission and the number of revolutions, and supplies the transmission information to the target information acquisition unit 44 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 or the like.

  For example, the speed sensor 76 detects the rotation speed and speed of the vehicle, and supplies information related to these speeds (hereinafter referred to as speed information) to the target information acquisition unit 44 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 or the like.

  For example, the temperature sensor 77 detects the temperature of the target and supplies information related to the temperature (hereinafter referred to as temperature information) to the target information acquisition unit 44 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 or the like.

  For example, the calendar clock 78 generates information such as date and time (hereinafter referred to as calendar information) and supplies the calendar information to the target information acquisition unit 44 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 or the like.

  Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and a part of the configuration may be omitted, or another device that can acquire target information related to the vehicle may be added. It is. The target information related to the vehicle may be information that can be acquired by an imaging element such as a CCD or a sensor such as weather.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the object identification device 11.

  Note that the same parts as those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. That is, the target identification device 11 of FIG. 4 includes the identification package input unit 101, the target identification unit 102, the target information storage unit 103, the search unit 104, and the target information provision unit 105 in addition to the target information acquisition unit 44 described above. It is configured to include.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the target identification device 11 has the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2 described above, and therefore, the identification package input unit 101, the target identification unit 102, the search unit 104, and the target information provision unit 105. Is realized, for example, by the CPU 31 of FIG. 2 that executes software (computer program). The target information storage unit 103 corresponds to the flash memory 37 in FIG.

  However, the identification package input unit 101, the target identification unit 102, the search unit 104, or the target information providing unit 105 can be configured as hardware, or can be configured as a combination of software and hardware. In FIG. 2, the target information acquisition unit 44 has been described as being configured as hardware, but of course, it may be realized by the CPU 31 in FIG. 2 that executes software, or a combination of software and hardware. You may make it comprise as.

  The target information acquisition unit 44 acquires various types of target information. The target information acquisition unit 44 supplies the acquired target information to the target identification unit 102 and the target information storage unit 103.

  The target information acquisition unit 44 is configured to include a target image acquisition unit 111 and an accompanying information acquisition unit 112.

  The target image acquisition unit 111 acquires, for example, target image data of a subject (target) captured by the CCD camera 35 and supplied from the image input unit 36 via the CPU bus 34.

  The accompanying information acquisition unit 112, for example, sends accompanying information such as target distance information, room condition information, engine information, power steering information, transmission information, speed information, temperature information, or calendar information via the in-vehicle LAN connection unit 45. Obtained from various in-vehicle devices 13 connected to the in-vehicle LAN 12.

  The target information acquisition unit 44 supplies the target image data acquired by the target image acquisition unit 111 and the accompanying information acquired by the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 to the target identification unit 102 and the target information storage unit 103 as target information. .

  The identification package input unit 101 supplies the identification package to the target identification unit 102 based on an instruction from the user. Specifically, the identification package input unit 101 reads identification package information from a removable medium 43 or the like attached to the drive 42 and supplies the information to the target identification unit 102.

  Here, the identification package is a collection of identification information for identifying a certain object in a package. That is, when the identification package is set by the user, the object identification device 11 identifies the object based on the identification package, and does not delete the record of the identified object.

  The identification information is, for example, an identification program for identifying a target executed by the CPU 31, or an identification parameter used for identification by the identification program executed by the CPU 31. The identification information may be information that combines an identification program and an identification parameter.

  Here, the identification parameter is information used by the identification program to identify the target. The identification parameter is, for example, information related to the characteristics of the target image. That is, for example, by using an image as an identification parameter, it is possible to identify an object similar to the image used as the identification parameter. Further, for example, it is possible to identify using information specifying conditions used for identification such as “white wagon car”.

  The identification information can be made up of information for identifying information other than images in combination. By using this identification information, for example, “a white wagon that travels at approximately the same speed as the vehicle ahead” or “a license plate that travels near Kita-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, "45 cars" can be identified.

  For example, the identification package may be, for example, a vehicle driving support such as a traffic sign, a risk factor such as an obstacle or a disaster, a vehicle type, an animal or a plant (animal picture book or plant picture book), a drive guide, Consists of identification information such as celebrity, arranged vehicle, or wanted person. In addition, these identification packages are recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM and sold at a store such as a bookstore. Therefore, the user picks up (purchases) the product by holding the product by looking at the display describing what the identification package described in the case of the product is to be identified, and the identification package. Can be used by being set in the object identification device 11.

  In other words, when the user purchases the identification package and sets the identification package in the target identification device 11, the target identification device 11 identifies and records the target that the user is interested in. As a result, the recorded information can be used efficiently. For example, when a driver purchases a drive guide package, a target is identified under conditions (identification information) specified in the drive guide, information in the guide, a target image captured by the CCD camera 35, and related information Accompanying information and information acquired from other devices via the network are provided.

  That is, at this time, the identification information is, for example, information such as “a gas station along National Route 176”, “a sightseeing spot near Kita-ku, Kyoto”, “a restaurant on the Zhoushan Road”, and the like. When the user drives, the object identification device 11 is acquired from, for example, a vehicle or a vehicle-mounted camera, a digital still camera connected via wireless or wired or memory card, a mobile phone with a built-in camera, or the like. The target image to be processed is stored in association with the identification result identified by the identification information. This makes it possible, for example, to visit, refueling gas stations, shops that visited, parked places, major intersections, bridges, characteristic buildings, branch points, branch direction indication boards at intersections, or traffic jam related information (traffic information) , Time, elapsed time, etc.) are identified, and erasure of information recorded in association with them is prohibited.

  Therefore, even after a lapse of time since the information was recorded, the target identification device 11 can search for the information using the identified result and provide it to the user. For example, when the user inputs a search condition such as “a restaurant that was performed after crossing a bridge a year ago” by voice command via the voice operation unit 40 during driving, the object identification device 11 is Because unnecessary information does not remain, the image of the route to the restaurant, the map and the restaurant image, and the comment input about the restaurant are displayed on the screen of the LCD display 39 instantly from the recorded information. Let Thereby, the user can acquire necessary information instantly.

  Moreover, as an identification package, for example, when a user subscribes to a vehicle insurance, the accident prediction package is set in the target identification device 11 so that the accident prediction package suddenly jumps out or travels ahead. It identifies events that may cause an accident, such as a sudden approach due to a sudden deceleration of the vehicle, and prohibits deletion of information related to them. In addition, for example, when a child is interested in a sports car, an object identification device 11 is purchased by purchasing an identification package (picture book) for identifying the sports car and setting the identification package on the object identification device 11. And erasure of the information is prohibited. As a result, even if the child asks "What is the red car you just passed?", Since the information related to the sports car is recorded in the object identification device 11, the object identification device 11 is, for example, The image of the sports car that passed by 10 minutes ago can be displayed on the screen of the LCD display unit 39.

  Note that a part of the identification package includes a moving image explaining the usage method, so that the user can easily know the usage method of the identification package in a short time. In addition, by including a computer program as part of the identification package, the user can specify search conditions using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen of an identification device, personal computer, mobile phone, etc. (not shown). Can be performed.

  The identification package may be distributed from a dedicated server connected to a network such as the Internet. In this case, the user selects a desired identification package from among the identification packages distributed from the dedicated server, and causes the target identification device 11 or another device to receive the selected identification package. At this time, by setting the received identification package in the target identification device 11, the target identified by the identification information of the identification package can be dynamically changed from the outside. Further, the addition or update of the identification package may be notified by a web server or notified by e-mail.

  Furthermore, the link information set on the page of the web server that provides the identification package or the link information described in the e-mail is used to access the web server, download the identification package, and download the downloaded identification package. It may be set in the object identification device 11. As a result, the user can acquire a new identification package with a simple operation and set it in the target identification device 11.

  Further, by allowing the user to confirm the contents of the set identification package, it is possible to avoid using the identification package that the user does not want. Specifically, for example, when the identification package is set in the target identification device 11, the content of the identification package is displayed on the screen of the LCD display unit 39, so that the user confirms the content and undesired content. If so, the identification package should not be used.

  Furthermore, for example, by using the identification package information protection means such as encrypting the identification package or allowing only authenticated devices to access the identification information, The identification information of the identification package can be protected so that problems such as leakage of information to be concealed do not occur. At this time, even if the identification information of the identification package is protected, if the user is a legitimate user, the target can be identified by setting the identification package in the target identification device 11.

  Therefore, for example, when it is necessary to conceal identification information for identifying a target such as a kidnapping case, the identification information for identifying the target information necessary for investigation of the case is not disclosed to the general public. It becomes possible to identify the target and prevent erasure of information, and to leave information necessary later.

  The target identification unit 102 is supplied with target information from the target information acquisition unit 44, and is supplied with identification information included in the identification package from the identification package input unit 101. The target identifying unit 102 identifies the target based on the target information and the identification information, for example, by performing predetermined image processing. The target identification unit 102 supplies the identification result to the target information storage unit 103.

  The target information is supplied from the target information acquisition unit 44 and the identification result is supplied from the target identification unit 102 to the target information storage unit 103. The target information storage unit 103 stores the target information and the identification result in association with each other. Then, the target information storage unit 103 erases the stored target information based on the identification result associated with the target information. Accordingly, the target information storage unit 103 corresponds to, for example, the flash memory 37 in FIG. 2 and has a limited storage capacity. Therefore, the target information storage unit 103 stores, for example, when a predetermined time such as 6 hours elapses. Although it is necessary to secure the capacity by erasing the stored information, it is possible to leave the target information identified as necessary based on the identification result without being erased.

  The search unit 104 searches the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 based on a condition instructed by the user (hereinafter referred to as a search condition). The search unit 104 supplies the searched target information to the target information providing unit 105. The search condition is information for searching for target information such as an identification result or target information.

  The target information providing unit 105 provides the target information supplied from the search unit 105 to other devices such as the LCD display unit 39, for example. Thereby, for example, the LCD display unit 39 displays predetermined target information retrieved from the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 on the screen.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the principle configuration of the object identification device 11 to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  The target information acquisition unit 44 targets the target image as the target image and the target information that is the accompanying information related to the target, for example, the target image of the vehicle traveling ahead and the accompanying information that is the target distance information. The data is supplied to the identification unit 102 and the target information storage unit 103.

  The target identification unit 102 is supplied with the target image of the vehicle traveling ahead and the accompanying information that is target distance information from the target information acquisition unit 44, and the identification package input unit 101 is “running near”. When the identification package containing the identification information “gray passenger car” is supplied, the “gray passenger car traveling 20m ahead” is identified from the accompanying information and the object included in the object image, and the identification result is The information is supplied to the target information storage unit 103. As a result, target information (target image and accompanying information) that matches the identification information is identified.

  The target information storage unit 103 is, for example, a target image of a vehicle traveling ahead and target information that is accompanying information (target distance information), and “traveling 20 m ahead identified by the target identification unit 102. The identification result of “gray passenger car” is stored in association with each other. Thereby, for example, when the identification information indicates “a gray passenger car running in the vicinity”, the target information storage unit 103 determines that the “gray passenger car running in the vicinity” based on the identification result. The target information that matches the condition "" is stored as it is without being erased (for example, the target information to be left without being erased is indicated by the "erase inhibit signal" in the figure).

  The search unit 104 searches the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 when, for example, a search condition of “gray passenger car traveling in the vicinity” is instructed as a search condition by the user. The target information (target image) of “a gray passenger car traveling 20 m ahead” is acquired, and the target information is supplied to the target information providing unit 105.

  The target information providing unit 105 supplies, for example, target information (target image) of “a gray passenger car traveling 20 m ahead” from the search unit 104 to the LCD display unit 39. As a result, the LCD display unit 39 displays an image of “a gray passenger car traveling 20 m ahead” retrieved from the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 on the screen.

  Next, the operation of the object identification device 11 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the object recognition process by the object identification device 11 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1, the target information acquisition unit 44, the identification package input unit 101, the target identification unit 102, and the target information storage unit 103 perform target information storage processing for storing target information. Specifically, in the process of accumulating the target information, the target identification unit 102 relates to the identification information from the target information acquired by the target information acquisition unit 44 based on the identification information from the identification package input unit 101. Identify the subject. Then, the target information storage unit 103 stores the target information acquired by the target information acquisition unit 44 and the identification result by the target identification unit 102 in association with each other.

  Thus, in the target information storage unit 103, the target information is stored in a manner distinguished from information prohibited from being deleted and information that may be deleted based on the identification result. Details of the target information accumulation process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 2, the target information storage unit 103, the search unit 104, and the target information providing unit 105 perform target information search processing for searching for target information, and perform target recognition processing by the target identification device 11 of FIG. 4. Ends. Specifically, in the target information search process, the search unit 104 searches the target information storage unit 103 for target information based on a search condition specified by the user. The target information providing unit 105 provides the searched target information based on the search result by the search unit 104.

  Thereby, since the target information distinguished by the identification result, that is, the target information prohibited to be deleted is stored in the target information storage unit 103, the search unit 104 stores the stored target information. The target information that matches the search condition is searched from the information. Details of the target information search process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In this way, in the object identification process, the object identification device 11 accumulates the object information that is prohibited from being erased from the acquired object information based on the identification result based on the identification information, When an information search is instructed, target information that matches the search condition is provided from the stored target information (that is, target information prohibited from being deleted).

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the details of the target information accumulation process by the target identification device 11 of FIG. 4 corresponding to the process of step S1 of FIG. 6 will be described.

  For example, when the vehicle on which the object identification device 11 is provided starts running, the CPU 31 causes each unit to execute the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S11, the target information acquisition unit 44 performs target information acquisition processing for acquiring target information. Specifically, the target information acquisition unit 44 acquires the target image and accompanying information as target information, and supplies the target information to the target identification unit 102 and the target information storage unit 103.

  Here, the details of the target information acquisition process by the target information acquisition unit 44 in step S11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 31, the target image acquisition unit 111 is, for example, target image data of a subject (target) captured by the CCD camera 35 and supplied from the image input unit 36 via the CPU bus 34. The target image data is acquired and supplied to the target identification unit 102 and the target information storage unit 103.

  In step S32, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires, for example, accompanying information such as target distance information from the in-vehicle device 13 connected to the in-vehicle LAN 12 via the in-vehicle LAN connection unit 45, and identifies the accompanying information as a target. To the unit 102 and the target information storage unit 103.

  Here, the accompanying information acquisition process by the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 of FIG. 4 in step S32 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S51, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires target distance information from the laser radar device 71 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 as target information. Specifically, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires, for example, information indicating a distance from a target existing ahead from the laser radar device 71 as target distance information, such as 10 m.

  In step S <b> 52, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires room condition information from the indoor image monitoring device 72 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 as target information. Specifically, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires, as room condition information, information indicating the state of a person existing in the vehicle from the indoor image monitoring device 72, such as a driver, a passenger, and the state of luggage.

  In step S53, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires engine information from the engine control device 73 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 as target information. Specifically, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires, as engine information, information related to the engine from the engine control device 73, such as the state of the throttle and the engine speed.

  In step S54, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires power steering information from the power steering control device 74 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 as target information. Specifically, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires, for example, information indicating a steering state or an operation state of a driver's steering wheel as power steering information.

  In step S55, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires transmission information from the transmission control device 75 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 as target information. Specifically, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires transmission information from the transmission control device 75 such as the state of the transmission and the number of rotations.

  In step S <b> 56, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires speed information from the speed sensor 76 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 as target information. Specifically, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires speed information from the speed sensor 76 such as information on the number of rotations of the wheel and speed.

  In step S57, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires temperature information from the temperature sensor 77 through the in-vehicle LAN 12 as target information. Specifically, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires temperature information from the temperature sensor 77 such as information related to the target temperature.

  In step S58, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires calendar information from the calendar clock 78 via the in-vehicle LAN 12 as target information. Specifically, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 acquires, for example, calendar information such as calendar information and time information from the calendar clock 78, and the accompanying information acquisition process by the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 in FIG. 4 ends. .

  In steps S51 to S58, the accompanying information acquisition unit 112 supplies the acquired target information to the target identification unit 102 and the target information storage unit 103.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, in step S <b> 12, the identification package input unit 101 supplies the target identification unit 102 with an identification package input according to a user instruction. Specifically, the identification package input unit 101 reads, for example, identification package identification information from the removable medium 43 attached to the drive 42 and supplies the identification package identification information to the target identification unit 102.

  In step S <b> 13, the target identification unit 102 performs target identification processing for identifying a target based on the target information from the target information acquisition unit 44 and the identification information included in the identification package from the identification package input unit 101.

  Here, details of the object identification processing by the object identification unit 102 in FIG. 4 in step S13 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S <b> 71, the target identification unit 102 acquires target information from the target information acquisition unit 44. In step S <b> 72, the target identification unit 102 acquires identification information included in the identification package from the identification package input unit 101.

  In step S73, the target identifying unit 102 identifies the target based on the acquired target information and identification information. Specifically, the target identification unit 102 is supplied with the target image of the vehicle traveling ahead as the target information and the accompanying information that is the target distance information. In the case where an identification package including identification information of “passenger car” is supplied, “a gray passenger car traveling 20 m ahead” is identified from the accompanying information and the target included in the target image.

  In step S74, the target identification unit 102 supplies the identification result obtained by the target identification process to the target information storage unit 103, and the target identification process by the target identification unit 102 in FIG. 4 ends.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, in step S <b> 14, the target information storage unit 103 stores the target information from the target information acquisition unit 44 and the identification result from the target identification unit 102 in association with each other and stores the target identification of FIG. 4. The process of accumulating the target information by the device 11 ends. At this time, the target information storage unit 103 erases the stored target information based on the identification result associated with the target information. For example, the target information storage unit 103 associates a target image of a vehicle traveling ahead and target information that is accompanying information with an identification result that is “a gray passenger vehicle traveling forward 20 m”. Thus, based on the identification result, the target information storage unit 103 stores the target information that matches the condition of the “gray passenger car traveling in the vicinity” without being erased. .

  In this way, when there is target information identified by the identification information, it is possible to keep accumulating information that is of interest to the user and may be required later by leaving the target information without deleting it. Become.

  In addition, identification information is specified before erasing the target information and the target information including the identification information is not erased. Therefore, if the identification information is designated before erasing the target information, In many cases, the target information may be designated before or after the event occurs.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, the details of the target information search process by the target identification device 11 of FIG. 4 corresponding to the process of step S2 of FIG. 6 will be described.

  For example, when a search condition for searching for target information is instructed by the user, the CPU 31 causes each unit to execute the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11. That is, the target identification device 11 continues to store target information until a search condition is instructed by a user operation.

  In step S91, the search unit 104 receives a search condition instructed by the user via the touch panel operation unit 38, for example. For example, the search unit 104 receives a search condition “gray passenger car traveling in the vicinity”, which is instructed by a user operation.

  In step S <b> 92, the search unit 104 searches the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 based on the search condition instructed by the user, and supplies the searched target information to the target information providing unit 105. For example, the search unit 104 searches the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 when the search condition “gray car traveling in the vicinity” is instructed as a search condition by the user. The target information (target image) which is “a gray passenger car traveling 20 m ahead” is acquired, and the target information is supplied to the target information providing unit 105.

  In step S93, the target information providing unit 105 provides the target information from the search unit 104 to another device, and the target information search process by the target identification device 11 in FIG. 4 ends. For example, the target information providing unit 105 supplies the target information (target image) that is “a gray passenger car traveling 20 m ahead” from the search unit 104 to the LCD display unit 39 and displays it on the screen.

  In this way, target information identified by identification information that is of interest to the user and may be needed later is accumulated, so that the user needs to use it from the accumulated target information. The target information can be searched.

  Incidentally, the identification information for identification by the object identification unit 102 may be input from another external device without being input from the package input unit 101. Therefore, a case where identification information is designated from another external device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the object identification device 11 as an information processing device to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 12, the target identification devices 11-1 to 11 -N and the information providing device 152 are connected to each other via a network 151.

  The object identification device 11-1 has the same hardware configuration as that of the object identification device 11 described with reference to FIG. 2, and transmits / receives information to / from the information providing device 152 via the network 151 such as the Internet. I do. The target identification device 11-2 transmits and receives information to and from the information providing device 152 via the network 151, as with the target identification device 11-1.

  Each of the target identification devices 11-3 to 11-N transmits and receives information to and from the information providing device 152 via the network 151, like the target identification device 11-1. In the following description, the object identification device 11-1 to the object identification device 11-N are simply referred to as the object identification device 11 when it is not necessary to distinguish them.

  The network 151 is connected to the object identification devices 11-1 to 11-N and the information providing device 152. The network 151 includes a network or a communication line connected to each other such as the Internet. For example, according to a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), the object identification device 11-1 to the object identification are performed. The device 11-N and the information providing device 152 are caused to communicate with each other.

  The information providing device 152 is a device that provides various types of information to the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N provided in the vehicle. The information providing device 152 transmits / receives information to / from each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N via the network 151.

  Note that FIG. 12 shows an example in which one information providing device 152 is provided for the sake of simplicity, but it is of course possible to provide two or more.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the object identification device 11.

  The object identification device 11 in FIG. 13 has basically the same function as the object identification device 11 described with reference to FIG. 4 described above. Reference numerals are given, and the description thereof will be repeated, and will be omitted as appropriate. That is, the object identification device 11 of FIG. 13 is provided with a communication unit 46 instead of the identification package input unit 101, as compared with the object identification device 11 of FIG. Of course, the communication unit 46 corresponds to the communication unit 46 of FIG.

  The communication unit 46 controls transmission / reception of information to / from the information providing apparatus 152 via a network 151 such as the Internet, for example, by wire or wirelessly.

  Specifically, the communication unit 46 receives identification information transmitted from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151. The communication unit 46 supplies the received identification information to the target identification unit 102. Then, the target identification unit 102 identifies the target based on the target information from the target information acquisition unit 44 and the identification information from the communication unit 46, and supplies the result to the target information storage unit 103. That is, the target identifying unit 102 identifies a target based on the identification information from the communication unit 46, similarly to the identification information from the identification package input unit 101 in FIG.

  In addition, the communication unit 46 receives a search condition transmitted from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151. The communication unit 46 supplies the received search condition to the search unit 104. Then, the search unit 104 searches the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 based on the search condition from the communication unit 46, and supplies the searched target information to the target information providing unit 105. That is, the search unit 104 searches for the target information based on the search condition from the communication unit 46 as in the case where the search condition is instructed by the user. Further, the target information providing unit 105 supplies the target information from the search unit 104 to the communication unit 46. Then, the communication unit 46 transmits the target information from the target information providing unit 105 to the information providing apparatus 152 that has transmitted the search condition via the network 151. Thereby, the information providing apparatus 152 can receive target information that matches the search condition from the target identification apparatus 11 by transmitting the search condition to the target identification apparatus 11.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information providing apparatus 152.

  The information providing apparatus 152 is configured to include an input unit 171, an identification information generation unit 172, a communication unit 173, a search condition generation unit 174, a target information storage unit 175, and an output unit 176.

  The input unit 171 supplies an operation signal corresponding to a user's predetermined operation to the identification information generation unit 172 or the search condition generation unit 174.

  The identification information generation unit 172 generates identification information based on an operation signal corresponding to a user's predetermined operation. The identification information generation unit 172 supplies the generated identification information to the communication unit 173. Then, the communication unit 173 controls the exchange of information with the target identification device 11 via the network 151. Specifically, the communication unit 173 transmits the identification information supplied from the identification information generation unit 172 to the target identification device 11 via the network 151.

  The search condition generation unit 174 generates a search condition based on an operation signal corresponding to a user's predetermined operation. The search condition generation unit 174 supplies the generated search condition to the communication unit 173. And the communication part 173 transmits the search conditions supplied from the search condition production | generation part 174 to the object identification apparatus 11 via the network 151 similarly to identification information. In addition, the communication unit 173 receives target information (target image) that matches the search condition and is transmitted from the target identification device 11 via the network 151, and supplies the target information to the target information storage unit 175.

  The target information storage unit 175 stores target information (target image) supplied from the communication unit 173. Thereby, in the target information storage unit 175, target information (target image) that matches the search conditions from the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N provided in each of the plurality of vehicles. Will be accumulated. The target information storage unit 175 supplies the stored target information to the output unit 176 based on an instruction from the user.

  The output unit 176 includes a display such as an LCD, for example, and displays target information (target image) supplied from the target information storage unit 175 on the screen. As a result, the target image corresponding to the search condition specified by the user is displayed on the screen of the output unit 176 formed of an LCD or the like.

  Note that the information providing apparatus 152 is provided with a block having the same function as the identification package input unit 101 in FIG. 4 so that the identification information of the identification package acquired by the block is transmitted to the communication unit 173. Also good.

  Next, operations of the object identification device 11 and the information providing device 152 of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, the operation of the object identification device 11 of FIG. 13 will be described first with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 to 17, and then, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19, FIG. The operation of the information providing apparatus 152 will be described.

  First, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, the details of the process of storing target information by the target identification device 11 of FIG. 13 corresponding to the process of step S1 of FIG. 6 will be described.

  The process of step S111 is the same as the process of step S11 of FIG. 7, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S <b> 112, the target identification unit 102 uses the target information from the target information acquisition unit 44 and the identification information received from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151 and the identification information supplied from the communication unit 46. Based on this, object identification processing for identifying the object is performed.

  Here, details of the object identification processing by the object identification unit 102 in FIG. 13 in step S112 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  The processing in step S131 is the same as the processing in step S71 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 132, the target identification unit 102 acquires identification information that is transmitted from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151 and is supplied from the communication unit 46. Specifically, the target identification unit 102 acquires identification information that is a “white vehicle” received from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151, for example.

  In step S <b> 133, the target identifying unit 102 identifies the target based on the target information and the identification information received from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151. Specifically, as target information, a target image of a vehicle traveling ahead and accompanying information as target distance information are supplied, and when “white vehicle” is supplied as identification information, the accompanying information and target A “white vehicle” is identified from objects included in the image.

  The process of step S134 is the same as the process of step S74 of FIG.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 15, in step S113, the target information storage unit 103 stores the target information from the target information acquisition unit 44 and the identification result from the target identification unit 102 in association with each other, and stores the target identification of FIG. The process of accumulating the target information by the device 11 ends. At this time, the target information storage unit 103 erases the stored target information based on the identification result associated with the target information. For example, in the target information storage unit 103, the identification result identified by the target image of the vehicle traveling ahead and the target information that is the accompanying information, and the identification information that is the “white vehicle” from the information providing device 152 Thus, the target information storage unit 103 stores the target information that matches the condition of the “white vehicle” without erasing it based on the identification result.

  As described above, the target identification device 11 may identify the target from the target information based on the identification information included in the identification package supplied from the identification package input unit 101, as illustrated in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the target may be identified from the target information based on the identification information received from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151. Thereby, based on identification information, a target can be identified from target information. As a result, when there is target information identified by the identification information, it is possible to keep accumulating information that is of interest to the user and may be required later by leaving the target information without deleting it. .

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17, the details of the target information search process by the target identification device 11 of FIG. 13 corresponding to the process of step S2 of FIG. 6 will be described.

  For example, when receiving a search condition for searching for target information from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151, the CPU 31 causes each unit to execute the process illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the target identification device 11 continues to accumulate target information until receiving a search condition for searching for target information from the information providing device 152 via the network 151.

  In step S <b> 151, the communication unit 46 receives the search condition transmitted from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151 and supplies the search condition to the search unit 104. Specifically, for example, the communication unit 46 receives a search condition “white vehicle” from the information providing apparatus 152 and supplies the search condition to the search unit 104.

  In step S152, the search unit 104 searches the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 based on the search condition received from the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151, and sets the searched target information as the target. The information is supplied to the information providing unit 105. For example, when the search unit 104 receives the search condition “white vehicle” from the information providing device 152, the search unit 104 searches the target information stored in the target information storage unit 103 to search for target information (“white vehicle”) ( Target image) and the target information is supplied to the target information providing unit 105.

  In step S <b> 153, the target information providing unit 105 supplies the target information searched by the search unit 104 to the communication unit 46 in order to provide the information to other devices connected to the network 151.

  In step S <b> 154, the communication unit 46 transmits the target information that is the search result from the target information providing unit 105 to the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151. Specifically, the communication unit 46 provides, for example, information from the target information providing unit 105 that has transmitted the search information that is “white vehicle” to the target information (target image) including “white vehicle”. To device 152. Thereby, the information providing device 152 transmits, for example, a search condition such as “white vehicle” to the target identification device 11, and the target information that matches the search condition “white vehicle” from the target identification device 11. Can be received.

  In this way, target information identified by identification information that is of interest to the user and may be needed later is accumulated, so that the user needs to use it from the accumulated target information. The target information can be searched.

  Next, the operation of the information providing apparatus 152 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 18 and 19.

  First, the identification information designation process by the information providing apparatus 152 in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S171, the input unit 171 determines whether a condition for identifying the target information is instructed by a user operation. If it is determined in step S171 that the condition for identifying the target information is not instructed, the process returns to step S171 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, a condition for identifying the target information is instructed by the user, and the process in step S171 is repeated until it is determined in step S171 that the condition has been instructed by a user operation.

  If it is determined in step S171 that the condition for identifying the target information has been instructed, in step S172, the identification information generation unit 172 identifies the target information instructed by the user from the input unit 171. Based on the conditions, identification information is generated, and the identification information is supplied to the communication unit 173. Specifically, the identification information generation unit 172 generates identification information that is “white vehicle”, for example, when the user instructs a condition for identifying target information that is “white vehicle”.

  In step S173, the communication unit 173 transmits the identification information from the identification information generation unit 172 to the target identification device 11 via the network 151, and performs identification information designation processing by the information providing device 152 of FIG. finish. Specifically, the communication unit 173 transmits, for example, identification information that is a “white vehicle” generated by the identification information generation unit 172 to the target identification device 11 via the network 151. Thereby, the information providing apparatus 152 in FIG. 14 specifies the target information stored in the target identifying apparatus 11 in FIG. As a result, the target identification device 11 in FIG. 13 does not delete the target information that is “white vehicle” based on the identification information that is “white vehicle” transmitted from the information providing device 152 in FIG. 14, for example. It will continue to accumulate.

  Next, target information search processing by the information providing apparatus 152 of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S191, the input unit 171 determines whether a condition for searching for target information is instructed by a user operation. If it is determined in step S191 that the condition for searching for target information is not instructed, the process returns to step S191 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, the conditions for searching for the target information are instructed by the user, and the process of step S191 is repeated until it is determined in step S191 that the conditions are instructed by the user's operation.

  If it is determined in step S191 that a condition for searching for target information has been instructed, in step S192, the search condition generating unit 174 searches for target information instructed by the user from the input unit 171. Based on the condition, a search condition is generated, and the search condition is supplied to the communication unit 173. Specifically, the search condition generation unit 174 generates a search condition that is “white vehicle”, for example, when a user instructs a condition for searching for target information that is “white vehicle”.

  In step S193, the communication unit 173 transmits the search condition from the search condition generation unit 174 to the target identification device 11-1 to the target identification device 11-N via the network 151. Specifically, the communication unit 173 includes, for example, an object identification device provided with a search condition that is a “white vehicle” generated by the search condition generation unit 174 in each of a plurality of vehicles via the network 151. It transmits to 11-1 thru | or object identification apparatus 11-N.

  In step S194, the communication unit 173 determines whether target information that matches the search condition is received from the target identification device 11-1 to the target identification device 11-N via the network 151. If it is determined in step S194 that the target information has not been received, the process returns to step S194 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, until the target information that matches the search condition is transmitted from the target identification device 11-1 to the target identification device 11-N via the network 151 and it is determined in step S194 that the target information has been received. The process of S194 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S194 that the target information has been received, the target information storage unit 175 stores the target information supplied from the communication unit 173 in step S195. That is, for example, by repeating the processing of step S194 and step S195, the target information storage unit 175 causes the “white vehicle” from the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N provided in each of the plurality of vehicles. The target information (target image) that matches the search condition “” is received, and the target information (target image) is accumulated.

  In step S196, the output unit 176 outputs the target information (target image) stored in the target information storage unit 175. Specifically, the output unit 176 matches the search condition “white vehicle” received from each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N stored in the target information storage unit 175. The target information (target image) to be displayed is displayed on a screen such as an LCD. Thereby, the user can confirm the target image that is displayed on the screen of the output unit 176 and that is transmitted from the plurality of target identification devices 11 and includes, for example, an image of “white vehicle”. Become.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 20, as an example of more specific processing by the object identification device 11-1 to 11-N and the information providing device 152 of FIG. The target information accumulation process will be described.

  In FIG. 20, the processing from step S211 to step S213 is executed by the information providing device 152, the processing from step S221 to step S229 is executed by the target identification device 11-1, and the processing from step S231 to step S239 is performed. Is executed by the object identification device 11-2, and the processes of steps S241 to S249 are executed by the object identification device 11-N. Further, the processing executed by each of the target identification devices 11-3 to 11-N-1 is the same as that of the target identification device 11-1, the target identification device 11-2, and the target identification device 11-N. The description is omitted.

  Here, when each of the object identification devices 11-1 to 11-N continues to store object information, an incident occurs and a certain vehicle is arranged by the police. Then, when it is found that as a characteristic of the arranged vehicle as time passes, it is a “white car”, in step S211, the information providing device 152 determines that the “white car” is based on an instruction from the user. Certain identification information is transmitted to each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N via the network 151.

  In step S <b> 221, the target identification device 11-1 receives identification information that is a “white car” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151. In step S222, the target identification device 11-1 that has received the identification information that is a “white car” identifies the “white car” from the target information based on the received identification information that is the “white car”, and step S223. , Prohibition of deletion of the target information identified by the identification information of “white car”.

  In steps S231 to S233, the object identification device 11-2 receives the identification information that is the “white car” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151, like the object identification device 11-1. The “white car” is identified from the target information, and erasure of the target information identified by the identification information of “white car” is prohibited.

  In step S241 to step S243, the object identification device 11-N receives the identification information that is a “white car” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151, like the object identification device 11-1. It is received, “white car” is identified from the target information, and deletion of the target information identified by the identification information of “white car” is prohibited.

  Accordingly, each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N uses the identification information (target image) identified by the identification information that is a “white car”, for example, after a predetermined time has passed. Even if there are certain conditions for erasing information, the information is stored without being erased.

  Then, when the investigation of the case proceeds and it is found that the arrangement vehicle is a “wagon car”, in step S212, the information providing device 152 determines that the “wagon car” is based on the instruction from the user. Certain identification information is transmitted to each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N via the network 151.

  In step S <b> 224, the target identification device 11-1 receives identification information that is a “wagon car” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151. In step S225, the target identification device 11-1 that has received the identification information that is the “wagon car”, based on the received identification information that is the “wagon car”, uses the “white wagon car” (that is, “white wagon car”). Vehicle "and" wagon car "), and in step S226, erasure of the target information identified by the identification information of" white wagon car "is prohibited.

  In step S234 to step S236, the object identification device 11-2 receives the identification information which is a “wagon car” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151, like the object identification device 11-1. The “white wagon car” is identified from the target information, and the deletion of the target information identified by the identification information of the “white wagon car” is prohibited.

  In step S244 to step S246, the object identification device 11-N receives the identification information that is a “wagon car” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151, similarly to the object identification device 11-1. It is received, the “white wagon car” is identified from the target information, and the deletion of the target information identified by the identification information that is the “white wagon car” is prohibited.

  Thereby, each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N has received identification information (target image) identified by identification information that is a “white wagon car”, for example, for a predetermined time. Even if there is a certain condition for erasing information, it is stored without erasing.

  Further, when the investigation of the case proceeds and it is found that “the last two digits of the number is“ 45 ”” as a characteristic of the arrangement vehicle, in step S213, the information providing apparatus 152 instructs the user to Based on the above, identification information “the last two digits of the number is“ 45 ”” is transmitted to each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N via the network 151.

  In step S227, the target identification device 11-1 receives the identification information “the last two digits of the number is“ 45 ”” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151. In step S228, the target identification device 11-1 that has received the identification information whose digit is “45” is based on the received identification information in which the last two digits of the number are “45”. The white wagon car whose last two digits are “45” (that is, “white car”, “wagon car”, “the last two digits of the number is“ 45 ””) is identified. The erasure of the target information identified by the identification information that is “45” white wagon car with the last two digits being “45” is prohibited.

  In steps S237 to S239, the object identification device 11-2 transmits “the last two digits of the number is“ 45 ”” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151, like the object identification device 11-1. The identification information is “white wagon car whose last two digits are“ 45 ”” and “white wagon car whose last two digits are“ 45 ”” from the target information. The deletion of the target information identified by is prohibited.

  Further, in steps S247 to S249, the object identification device 11-N, like the object identification device 11-1, has the last two digits “45” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151. ”” Is received, “white wagon car whose last two digits are“ 45 ”” is identified from the target information, and “white wagon car whose last two digits are“ 45 ””. The deletion of the target information identified by the identification information is prohibited.

  As a result, each of the object identification devices 11-1 to 11-N is identified by identification information (object image) that is “white wagon car whose last two digits are“ 45 ””. Is stored without being erased even if a certain condition for erasing the information is satisfied, for example, a predetermined time has passed.

  Thus, for example, when information relating to the arranged vehicle increases with time, such as an arranged vehicle, the information is sequentially transmitted to each of the target identifying devices 11-1 to 11-N as identification information. Thus, each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N accumulates target information by sequentially narrowing down the conditions. As a result, the object identification devices 11-1 to 11-N can instruct to leave necessary information before the information accumulated in the initial stage is overwritten and deleted. In addition, the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N can narrow down target information by increasing the number of identification information, and conversely, can delete unnecessary information more actively. The storage capacity of many recording means can be secured.

  In addition, for example, it is possible to further specify the arrangement vehicle by transmitting, for example, the letters of the license plate “A” as identification information.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21, the target information search process related to the arranged vehicle, which searches the target information accumulated by the target information accumulation process related to the arranged vehicle of FIG. 20, will be described.

  Here, when each of the target identification devices 11-1 to 11-N continues to store the target information based on the predetermined identification information, for example, “the last two digits of the number are“ 45 ”. Since the arrangement vehicle is narrowed down by the identification information that is “white wagon car”, when the police confirms the image of the arrangement vehicle, in step S251, the information providing device 152, based on the instruction from the user, The search condition that is “white wagon car whose lower two digits are“ 45 ”” is transmitted to each of the object identification devices 11-1 to 11 -N via the network 151.

  In step S <b> 261, the object identification device 11-1 receives the search condition “white wagon car whose last two digits are“ 45 ”” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151. In step S262, the target identification device 11-1 that has received the search condition that the last two digits of the number is “45” is the white wagon car “45”. The target information that becomes “white wagon car” is searched, and in step S263, the target information that becomes “white wagon car whose last two digits are“ 45 ”” is transmitted to the information providing device 152.

  In step S271 to step S273, the object identification device 11-2 transmits “the last two digits of the number“ 45 ”transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151, similarly to the object identification device 11-1. The search condition “white wagon car” is received, and the target information “white wagon car with the last two digits of the number“ 45 ”” that matches the search condition is transmitted to the information providing device 152.

  Further, in steps S281 to S283, the object identification device 11-3, like the object identification device 11-1, has the last two digits “45” transmitted from the information providing device 152 via the network 151. The search condition “white wagon car” is received, and the target information “white wagon car with the last two digits of the number“ 45 ”” that matches the search condition is transmitted to the information providing device 152.

  In step S 252, the information providing apparatus 152 becomes a “white wagon car whose last two digits are“ 45 ”” transmitted from the object identification apparatus 11-1 to 11 -N via the network 151. The target information is received, and the received target information is accumulated in step S253, whereby the information providing device 152 stores the last two digits of the “number” from the target identification device 11-1 to the target identification device 11-N. The target information that becomes “45” white wagon car ”is accumulated.

  In step S254, the information providing apparatus 152 displays the target information that becomes the accumulated “white wagon car with the last two digits of the number“ 45 ”” on a screen such as an LCD. Display and confirm images containing a plurality of “white wagon cars whose last two digits are“ 45 ”” transmitted from the object identification devices 11-1 to 11-N. Therefore, for example, a police investigator can identify the arranged vehicle by using these images and can resolve the case more quickly.

  The processing described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 and 21 is performed by, for example, investigating information before an accident of a vehicle that has caused an accident when an accident occurs in an insurance company vehicle. It can be applied when you want to.

  That is, when it is desired to acquire information before the accident of the vehicle that caused the accident, if the target information is requested to all the vehicles provided with the target identification device 11-1 to the target identification device 11-N, it is enormous. Processing amount occurs. Therefore, the information providing apparatus 152 uses the information before the accident related to the accident vehicle such as the accident occurrence time, the accident occurrence location, and the route acquired from the accident vehicle based on the user's instruction as the identification information. It transmits to the apparatus 11-1 thru | or the object identification apparatus 11-N.

  As a result, in vehicles that record target information related to the accident in the vicinity of the accident vehicle, overwriting of information including identification information is prohibited based on identification information such as the accident occurrence time. The vehicle retains information related to the vehicle that caused the accident. And in an insurance company, the information provision apparatus 152 searches and accumulate | stores the target information relevant to an accident from the target identification apparatus 11 provided in the vehicle which has recorded the information relevant to the vehicle which caused the accident. As a result, for example, employees of insurance companies use the target information related to those accidents to analyze the accident, and the accident identification based on the information acquired by the target identification device in the event of the accident. Processing can be performed.

  As described above, information can be identified and recorded. In particular, the information obtained from the vehicle can be identified and recorded and the information identified as useful can be left without being erased.

  Further, since the target information identified by the identification information can be continuously recorded, potentially necessary information can be accumulated and used later.

  In the present embodiment, the communication unit 46 provided in the target identification device 11 has been described as communicating with the information providing device 152 via the network 151. However, a communication device for communicating with other devices is described. By connecting to the in-vehicle LAN 12, the communication apparatus may communicate with the information providing apparatus 152 via the network 151.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  This recording medium is distributed to provide a program to the user separately from the computer, including a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD) on which the program is recorded, optical 2 includes not only the removable medium 43 shown in FIG. 2 made of a magnetic disk (including MD) or a semiconductor memory but also a program provided to the user in a state of being preinstalled in a computer. ROM 32, flash memory 37, and the like.

  The program for executing the above-described series of processing is installed in a computer via a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. You may be made to do.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

  Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the object identification device as an information processing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the object identification apparatus as an information processing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the vehicle-mounted apparatus connected to vehicle-mounted LAN. It is a block diagram explaining the functional structural example of a target identification apparatus. It is a figure explaining the principle structure of the object identification device to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart explaining the process of target object recognition by the target identification apparatus of FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining details of processing for storing target information by the target identification device of FIG. 4. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of target information acquisition by the target information acquisition part of FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining details of an accompanying information acquisition process by an accompanying information acquisition unit in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of object identification by the object identification part of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process of object information search by the object identification apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the object identification device as an information processing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram explaining the functional structural example of a target identification apparatus. It is a block diagram explaining the functional structural example of an information provision apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of object information accumulation | storage by the object identification apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of object identification by the object identification part of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process of an object information search by the object identification apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process of identification information specification by the information provision apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process of target information search by the information provision apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process of object information accumulation related to the arrangement vehicle. It is a flowchart explaining the process of the target information search relevant to an arrangement vehicle.

Explanation of symbols

1 In-vehicle system 11 Target identification device 13 In-vehicle device 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
35 CCD camera 36 Image input unit 37 Flash memory 38 Touch panel operation unit 39 LCD display unit 30 Audio operation unit 41 Audio output unit 42 Drive 43 Removable media 44 Target information acquisition unit 45 In-vehicle LAN connection unit 46 Communication unit 101 Identification package input unit 102 Target identification unit 103 Target information storage unit 104 Search unit 105 Target information provision unit 111 Target image acquisition unit 112 Accompanying information acquisition unit 152 Information provision device 171 Input unit 172 Identification information generation unit 173 Communication unit 174 Search condition generation unit 175 Target information storage Part 176 Output part

Claims (10)

In an information processing device that knows the subject,
Obtaining means for obtaining first information on a target;
Identification means for identifying the object based on second information for identifying a desired object in the acquired first information;
Storage means for storing the first information and the identification result of the object in association with each other,
The storage means stores information so as to prohibit erasure of the first information related to the target identified as the desired target based on the identification result of the target. The acquisition means further acquires third information related to the object,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the target based on the second information and the third information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information related to a position, time, temperature, or weather as the third information. An input means for inputting the second information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the target based on the input second information. A receiving means for receiving the second information transmitted from another information processing apparatus;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the target based on the received second information. Search means for searching for the first information based on an instruction from a user;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: providing means for providing the searched first information. A receiving means for receiving the instruction transmitted from another information processing apparatus;
The search means searches for the first information based on the received instruction,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the providing unit provides the searched first information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the instruction is information indicating content related to the target. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus for understanding an object,
An obtaining step for obtaining first information relating to an object;
An identification step for identifying the object based on second information for identifying a desired object in the acquired first information;
Storing the first information and the identification result of the object in association with each other, and
The storage step stores information so as to prohibit erasure of the first information related to the target identified as the desired target based on the identification result of the target. In a program that causes a computer of an information processing device that knows an object to perform information processing,
An obtaining step for obtaining first information relating to an object;
An identification step for identifying the object based on second information for identifying a desired object in the acquired first information;
A storage control step of controlling storage so as to store the first information and the identification result of the object in association with each other;
The storage control step stores the program so as to prohibit erasure of the first information related to the target identified as the desired target based on the identification result of the target.

Images