WO2008038333A1

WO2008038333A1 - Data recording device, data recording method, data recording program, and computer readable recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2008038333A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/318979
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kohei Ito; Ryujiro Fujita
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-09-25
Filing date: 2006-09-25
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Also published as: JP4917609B2; JPWO2008038333A1

Abstract

A detection section (101) detects a target vehicle for imaging located near a vehicle. An imaging section (102) images the target vehicle detected by the detection section (101). An image recognition section (103) recognizes a specific portion of image data including the target vehicle imaged by the imaging section (102). An image processing section (104) applies predetermined image processing to the specific portion recognized by the image recognition section (103). A recording section (105) records image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing section (104).

Description

Specification

Data recording device, data recording method, data recording program, and computer-readable recording medium

Technical field

The present invention relates to a data recording device for recording image data, a data recording method, a data recording program, and a computer-readable recording medium. However, the use of the present invention is not limited to the above-described data recording apparatus, data recording method, data recording program, and computer-readable recording medium.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, an in-vehicle camera installed in a vehicle can photograph a scenery or a person outside the vehicle. In recent years, when shooting a landscape or a person from outside the vehicle using a keyless controller for remote control with the on-vehicle camera, the remote control is used to shoot, and the on-board camera is used to photograph the operator or subject. There has been a proposal to notify that it has been made (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). O

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP 2005-199948

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, with the above-described conventional technology, the operator must operate during shooting, and when the vehicle is running, it is difficult to accurately capture and shoot the subject. An example of the problem is that the user cannot acquire an image containing a desired subject. In particular, if the driver operates the in-vehicle camera while the vehicle is running, it will hinder safe driving.

[0005] On the other hand, even when the vehicle is stopped, when shooting a dynamic subject such as an oncoming vehicle, it is difficult to capture the subject accurately because of blurring and the like, so the user can An example of this is the problem that an image containing can't be acquired.

[0006] Furthermore, even if an image contains a subject desired by the user, if the photographer is taken together with information that specifies the person image of the subject or the subject, an individual related to the subject An example is the problem of information being exposed to the risk of leakage.

Means for solving the problem

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a data recording apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 includes a detection unit that detects an imaging target vehicle that is an imaging target located around the vehicle, and the detection Imaging means for imaging the imaging target vehicle detected by the means, image recognition means for recognizing a specific part in image data including the imaging target vehicle imaged by the imaging means, and the image recognition means An image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on a specific part, and a recording unit that records image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit.

[0008] Further, the data recording method according to the invention of claim 8 includes a detection step of detecting an imaging target vehicle that is an imaging target located around the vehicle, and an imaging target vehicle detected by the detection step. An image recognition step of recognizing a specific part in image data including the imaging target vehicle imaged in the imaging step, and a predetermined image processing is performed on the specific part recognized in the image recognition step An image processing step, and a recording step for recording the image data subjected to the image processing in the image processing step.

[0009] A data recording program according to claim 9 causes a computer to execute the data recording method according to claim 8.

[0010] A computer-readable recording medium according to the invention of claim 10 records the data recording program according to claim 9.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a data recording apparatus that works according to the present embodiment.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the contents of processing of the data recording apparatus which is effective in the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an in-vehicle device that works on the present embodiment.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing image data recognized as an image according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing image data that has been subjected to image processing according to the present embodiment.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the in-vehicle device that is useful in the present embodiment.

[0012] 100 data recording apparatus

101 detector

102 Imaging unit

103 Image recognition unit

104 Image processing unit

105 Recording section

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] A data recording apparatus and a data recording method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Now, preferred embodiments of a data recording program and a computer-readable recording medium will be described in detail.

[0014] (Embodiment)

(Functional configuration of data recording device)

With reference to FIG. 1, the functional configuration of the data recording apparatus that is useful in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a data recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a data recording apparatus 100 includes a detection unit 101, an imaging unit 102, and an image recognition unit.

103, an image processing unit 104, and a recording unit 105.

[0016] The detection unit 101 detects an imaging target vehicle that is an imaging target located around the vehicle.

The vehicle to be imaged is detected by, for example, a sensor such as an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor (not shown) or vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

Specifically, for example, the detection unit 101 may detect a positional relationship between the vehicle and the imaging target vehicle, or may detect a relative speed of the imaging target vehicle with respect to the vehicle.

The imaging unit 102 images the imaging target vehicle detected by the detection unit 101. Imaging vs. The elephant vehicle may be imaged by, for example, an in-vehicle camera (not shown), and may be a movable in-vehicle camera that can image an arbitrary direction.

Specifically, for example, the imaging unit 102 may capture an imaging target vehicle when the positional relationship detected by the detection unit 101 reaches a predetermined distance. Further, a configuration having a drive unit that drives the imaging target vehicle to image in accordance with the relative speed detected by the detection unit 101 may be used. In other words, the imaging unit 102 may perform panning by driving the drive unit according to the relative speed of the imaging target vehicle.

More specifically, for example, the imaging unit 102 causes the drive unit to follow in accordance with the relative speed of the imaging target vehicle, and the rotation angle of the drive unit is such that the vehicle front force is a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees). It is also possible to take a picture in the case! /.

In addition, the imaging unit 102 causes the driving unit to follow in accordance with the relative speed of the imaging target vehicle, captures images at a predetermined interval (for example, 30 times per second), and is calculated by an image recognition unit 103 described later. In addition, when the ratio of the length of the bumper and the vehicle side surface of the imaging target vehicle is a predetermined value (for example, 1: 2), the imaging target vehicle may be imaged. In other words, by capturing the imaging target vehicle so that the ratio between the length of the bumper of the imaging target vehicle and the side surface of the vehicle becomes a predetermined value, the imaging target vehicle in the image data is projected at an appropriate angle. Become.

The image recognition unit 103 recognizes a specific part in image data including the imaging target vehicle imaged by the imaging unit 102. Specifically, for example, the image recognition unit 103 may recognize a passenger of the imaging target vehicle in the image data, or recognize a license plate of the imaging target vehicle in the image data.

[0023] Further, the image recognition unit 103 may recognize another vehicle different from the imaging target vehicle in the image data, for example. Further, the image recognition unit 103 may be configured to recognize the vehicle type of the imaging target vehicle in the image data, for example.

Furthermore, the image recognition unit 103 recognizes the length of the bumper and the side surface of the vehicle from the image data including the imaging target vehicle imaged by the imaging unit 102 by recognizing the length of the bumper and the vehicle side surface of the imaging target vehicle. It may be configured to calculate the ratio.

[0025] The image processing unit 104 performs predetermined image processing on the specific part recognized by the image recognition unit 103. Specifically, for example, the image processing unit 104 is operated by the image recognition unit 103. The recognized passenger may be subjected to image processing so as not to be discriminated, or the license plate recognized by the image recognition unit 103 may be subjected to image processing so that it cannot be discriminated.

[0026] Further, the image processing unit 104 performs image processing so as to erase the other vehicle from the image data, for example, by superimposing a background image as a background on the other vehicle recognized by the image recognition unit 103. Also good. Furthermore, the image processing unit 104 may perform image processing when the vehicle type power recognized by the image recognition unit 103 is a predetermined vehicle type.

[0027] The predetermined vehicle type is, for example, a vehicle type that the user desires to record as image data even in a configuration in which the user pre-registers.

The recording unit 105 records the image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 104. For example, the image data may be recorded on a recording medium (not shown), or may be configured to output to an external server by communication!

[0029] In the description of Fig. 1, the image recognition unit 103 is configured to recognize the vehicle type. However, when the vehicle to be imaged is detected by vehicle-to-vehicle communication, a blueprint related to the vehicle type is received by vehicle-to-vehicle communication. As you do.

In the description of FIG. 1, the image recognition unit 103 is configured to recognize the vehicle type with respect to the image data including the imaging target vehicle imaged by the imaging unit 102. The vehicle type may be recognized for the processed image data. In that case, the recording unit 105 may record the image data when the vehicle type recognized by the image recognition unit 103 is a predetermined vehicle type.

[0031] (Contents of processing of data recording device)

Next, the contents of the processing of the data recording apparatus 100 that is useful for the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the data recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, first, the detection unit 101 determines whether or not the force has detected the imaging target vehicle (step S201).

[0032] In step S201, waiting for detection of the imaging target vehicle and detecting it (step S201: Yes), the imaging unit 102 images the imaging target vehicle detected in step S201 (step S201: Yes). Step S202).

[0033] Next, the imaging target vehicle imaged in step S202 by the image recognition unit 103. A specific part in the image data including both is recognized (step S203).

[0034] Then, the image processing unit 104 performs predetermined image processing on the specific part recognized in step S203 (step S204).

[0035] Thereafter, the recording unit 105 records the image data subjected to the image processing in step S204 (step S205), and the series of processing ends.

Note that the data recording apparatus, the data recording method, the data recording program, and the computer-readable recording medium of the present invention have their functions realized by the data recording apparatus 100 shown in FIG. The apparatus is not limited to the data recording apparatus 100, and a plurality of apparatuses may be used as long as the configuration includes the functional unit shown in FIG. When connecting each functional unit as a different device, the connection between the devices may be established by performing communication using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) regardless of wired or wireless.

[0037] As described above, according to the data recording device, the data recording method, the data recording program, and the computer-readable recording medium according to the present embodiment, the user operates the data recording device. Even without it, the image data of the vehicle to be imaged can be collected automatically. In particular, since the driver can confirm the imaging target vehicle by image data after driving, it is not necessary to pay attention to the imaging target vehicle during driving, and safe driving can be achieved.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the drive unit can be driven in accordance with the relative speed of the imaging target vehicle to image the imaging target vehicle, so that accurate imaging of the imaging target vehicle is achieved. Can do.

[0039] Further, since the image data of the imaging target vehicle for a predetermined vehicle type is recorded, it is possible to optimize the collection of the image data without recording unnecessary image data. In addition, for vehicles other than the imaging target vehicle, the background image can be overlaid and erased from the image data, so that it is possible to optimize the image data so that an unintended vehicle does not enter the image data.

[0040] In addition, since the imaging target vehicle is configured to perform image processing that makes it impossible to discriminate passengers, license plates, and the like, personal information regarding the passenger and owner of the imaging target vehicle appropriately Can be protected. Example

[0041] Examples of the present invention will be described below. In the present embodiment, an example in which the data recording apparatus of the present invention is implemented by an in-vehicle device mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle (including a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle) will be described.

[0042] (Hardware configuration of in-vehicle device)

With reference to FIG. 3, the hardware configuration of the in-vehicle device that works on the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the in-vehicle device that works on the present embodiment.

In FIG. 3, an in-vehicle device 300 is mounted on a moving body such as a vehicle, and includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a magnetic disk drive 304, a magnetic disk 305, an optical disk drive 306, Optical disk 307, audio I / F (interface) 308, speaker 309, human power device 310, video I / F 311, display 312, camera 313, communication IZF 314, GPS unit 315, and various sensors 316 And. Each component 301 to 316 is connected by a bus 320.

First, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the in-vehicle device 300. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as a boot program, an image capturing program, an image recognition program, an image processing program, and a data recording program. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

[0045] For example, when a vehicle approaching a predetermined range from the own vehicle is detected by various sensors 316 described later, the image capturing program causes the approaching vehicle to be imaged by an after-mentioned camera 313 as an imaging target vehicle. .

Specifically, for example, the imaging target vehicle is an oncoming vehicle approaching the host vehicle, and the relative speed is calculated using the output values from the various sensors 316, and the camera 313 is driven (not shown). The part may be driven to cause panning. In this way, by driving the drive unit and capturing an image, it is possible to accurately capture the oncoming vehicle without blurring.

The image recognition program causes image recognition using, for example, image data captured by a camera 313 described later. Specifically, for example, in the image recognition, it is recognized whether the vehicle included in the image data is a vehicle of a predetermined vehicle type. The predetermined vehicle type is, for example, Even a configuration that can be registered in advance by the user, such as a car model that the user wants to collect as image data.

[0048] Further, the image recognition may be, for example, to recognize a vehicle occupant or a number plate included in the image data, or a vehicle other than the oncoming vehicle to be imaged.

[0049] Since it is a well-known technique, detailed description is omitted. Image recognition is performed after correction processing such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, etc. is performed on the digitalized image data force, excluding distortion and noise. Extraction is performed to obtain feature parameters or feature vectors. Then, a feature quantity that matches the standard pattern or a feature quantity close to the standard pattern is determined by identification from among the feature quantities such as the feature vector obtained, and is associated with a predetermined category. More specifically, for example, in image recognition, the power that has the same standard pattern as the input pattern in the input image data by pattern matching using feature quantities is close or near! It's also possible to detect if there is something!

[0050] The image processing program, for example, performs predetermined image processing on the image data recognized by the image recognition. The force described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The predetermined image processing is, for example, processing that makes it impossible to discern the vehicle occupant and license plate included in the image data, or the oncoming vehicle that is the subject of imaging. A background image may be superimposed on a vehicle other than the above.

[0051] The data recording program, for example, controls a magnetic disk drive 304 and an optical disk drive 306, which will be described later, to record data on a recording medium such as the magnetic disk 305 and the optical disk 307. Specifically, for example, the data to be recorded is image data subjected to image processing by an image processing program. In this way, by recording image data that has been subjected to image processing, the user can obtain image data with a desired vehicle type and personal information appropriately protected. In other words, after image data before image processing is recorded, image processing is performed and image data that is not protected by personal information is recorded once, and personal information cannot be properly protected. Can be prevented.

The magnetic disk drive 304 controls reading and writing of data to the magnetic disk 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The magnetic disk 305 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 304. As magnetic disk 305, For example, HD (node disk) and FD (flexible disk) can be used.

[0053] Examples of information recorded on the magnetic disk 305 include standard patterns used for image recognition and image processing, predetermined vehicle types, and image data subjected to image processing. In this embodiment, the standard pattern, the predetermined vehicle type, and the image data are recorded on the magnetic disk 305, but may be recorded on the optical disk 307 to be described later.

[0054] Further, the standard pattern, the predetermined vehicle type, and the image data may be provided outside the in-vehicle device 300, not limited to those recorded integrally with the hardware of the in-vehicle device 300. Good. In this case, for example, the in-vehicle device 300 acquires a standard pattern or a predetermined vehicle type or outputs image data via the network via the communication IZF314. The acquired standard pattern and the specified vehicle type are stored in RAM303 etc.

The optical disk drive 306 controls data reading / writing to the optical disk 307 according to the control of the CPU 301. The optical disk 307 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 306. As the optical disk 307, a writable recording medium can be used. Further, the removable recording medium may be a power MO of the optical disc 307, a memory card, or the like.

The audio IZF 308 is connected to an audio output speaker 309, and audio is output from the speaker 309.

[0057] Examples of the input device 310 include a remote controller, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel that are provided with a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like.

The video I / F 311 is connected to the display 312 and the camera 313. Specifically, the video I / F 311 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 312, a buffer memory such as VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic Based on the image data output from the controller, it is configured by a control IC that controls the display 312 display.

[0059] The display 312 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 312, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted. Display A plurality of vehicles 312 may be provided, for example, for a driver and for a passenger seated in a rear seat.

[0060] The camera 313 is installed on the dashboard or ceiling of the vehicle and captures images outside the vehicle. The video can be either a still image or a moving image. For example, the oncoming vehicle is imaged by the camera 313, and the captured image data is processed by an image recognition program or an image processing program, and then a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 305 or an optical disk 307. It may be output to. In addition, the camera 313 may be a movable type that can image the imaging direction determined by driving the driving unit.

The communication I / F 314 is connected to a network via radio and functions as an interface between the in-vehicle device 300 and the CPU 301. The communication I / F 314 is further connected to a communication network such as the Internet via wireless, and also functions as an interface between the communication network and the CPU 301.

[0062] Communication networks include LANs, WANs, public line networks, mobile phone networks, and the like. Specifically, the communication IZF314 is composed of, for example, an FM tuner, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) Z beacon resino, wireless navigation device, and other navigation devices. Get road traffic information such as traffic regulations. VICS is a registered trademark.

[0063] The GPS unit 315 receives radio waves from GPS satellites and outputs information indicating the current location of the vehicle. The output information of the GPS unit 315 is used when the CPU 301 calculates the current location of the vehicle together with output values of various sensors 316 described later. The information indicating the current location is information that identifies one point on the map information, for example, latitude'longitude, altitude, etc., and may be configured so that the location of the image data can be confirmed by associating it with the image data to be recorded. .

[0064] The various sensors 316 include a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and the like, and the output values of the various sensors 316 are used by the CPU 301 to calculate the current position of the vehicle and to measure changes in speed and direction. .

[0065] Further, the various sensors 316 may be configured to detect a vehicle located in the vicinity of the own vehicle, such as an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. In the description of FIG. Therefore, the surrounding vehicle may be detected using inter-vehicle communication by the force communication IZF 314 configured to detect a vehicle located around the own vehicle.

[0066] The detection unit 101, the imaging unit 102, the image recognition unit 103, the image processing unit 104, and the recording unit 105 included in the data recording device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 are the ROM 30 2 in the in-vehicle device 300 illustrated in FIG. The CPU 301 executes a predetermined program using the program data recorded in the RAM 303, the magnetic disk 305, the optical disk 307, etc., and controls each part in the in-vehicle device 300 to realize its function.

That is, the in-vehicle device 300 according to the present embodiment includes the data recording device 100 shown in FIG. 1 by executing various programs recorded in the ROM 302 as a recording medium in the in-vehicle device 300. The function can be executed by the procedure shown in FIG.

[0068] (Outline of image recognition and image processing)

Here, the outline of image recognition and image processing which are useful in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of image data that has been image-recognized according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 4, image data 400 is composed of an oncoming vehicle 401 imaged by a camera 313, a driver 402 driving the oncoming vehicle 401, and a number plate 403 installed in the oncoming vehicle 401. ing.

The oncoming vehicle 401 is detected by various sensors 316 and is imaged under the control of the CPU 301. Specifically, for example, the relative speed is calculated using output values of various sensors 316 by an image capturing program, and the image is captured by a panning shot in which the drive unit is driven in the camera 313, not shown. The oncoming vehicle 401 is recognized by the image recognition program as to whether or not it is a predetermined vehicle type registered by the user, and is assumed to be a predetermined vehicle type in the description of the present embodiment.

The driver 402 is imaged when the oncoming vehicle 401 is imaged, and is recognized by the image recognition program. Similarly, the license plate 403 is imaged when the oncoming vehicle 401 is imaged, and is recognized by the image recognition program. Although the description is omitted in FIG. 4, the image recognition program recognizes other vehicles that may include other vehicles in addition to the oncoming vehicle 401 in the image data 400. Become. Next, image processing that is useful in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing image data that has been subjected to image processing according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 5, image data 500 includes an oncoming vehicle 501, a light reflection image 502, a license plate mark 503, and a force.

The oncoming vehicle 501 is subjected to predetermined image processing, and the driver 402 and the license plate 403 shown in FIG. 4 cannot be discriminated. Specifically, for example, in the predetermined image processing, a light reflection image 502 representing a state in which light is reflected on the windshield is displayed by the image processing program on the driver 402 recognized by the image recognition program. Again, the driver's face disappears with a natural look.

In addition, in the predetermined image processing, for example, the number plate 403 recognized by the image recognition program is filled with a number to form a license plate mark 503.

As described above, the oncoming vehicle 501 that has been subjected to image processing appropriately protects personal information that identifies a user or the like, and stores the image data 500 that has been subjected to image processing, so The user of the device 300 can appropriately collect the image data 500 including the desired vehicle.

[0077] Although the description is omitted in the description of FIG. 5, when other vehicles different from the oncoming vehicle 401 are recognized by the image recognition program, background images such as guardrails and roads are superimposed on the other vehicles. The image data 500 including only the oncoming vehicle 501 may be obtained.

[0078] (Processing content of in-vehicle device 300)

Next, the contents of processing of the in-vehicle device 300, which is useful for the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the in-vehicle device that works on the present embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, it is determined by the various sensors 316 whether an oncoming vehicle has approached (step S601). For example, the approach of the oncoming vehicle may be configured to detect that the oncoming vehicle is located within a predetermined distance from the own vehicle.

[0079] More specifically, for example, the oncoming lane may be recognized by recognizing the center line on the road, and a vehicle having a vector in the opposite direction to the own vehicle in the oncoming lane may be used as the oncoming vehicle.

[0080] In step S601, waiting for the oncoming vehicle to approach and approaching (step In S601: Yes, the CPU 301 calculates the relative speed of the oncoming vehicle approaching in step S601 using the output values of the various sensors 316 (step S602).

Next, the oncoming vehicle is shot by controlling the driving unit of the camera 313 so that the oncoming vehicle can be imaged by the CPU 301 in accordance with the relative speed calculated in step S602 (step S603).

[0082] Then, the CPU 301 detects the license plate of the oncoming vehicle by recognizing the image data captured in step S603 (step S604), and deletes the license plate that also detected the image data force by performing image processing. (Step S605). For example, the number plate may be deleted so that the number is painted indefinitely.

[0083] Next, the CPU 301 detects an oncoming vehicle occupant by recognizing the image data captured in step S603 (step S606), and performs image processing to detect the occupant detected from the image data. Overwrite the light reflection image (step S607).

[0084] Then, the CPU 301 recognizes whether the image data picked up in step S603 is image-recognized, thereby determining whether or not there is a force other than the oncoming vehicle in the image data (step S608).

[0085] In step S608, if there is another vehicle (step S608: Yes), the CPU 301 superimposes the background image on the other vehicle determined in step S608 by performing image processing (step S608: Yes). S609).

In step S608, if there is no other vehicle (step S608: No), the process proceeds to step S610.

[0087] Then, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the oncoming vehicle is a predetermined vehicle type by recognizing the image data captured in step S603 (step S610). The predetermined vehicle type may be information that defines a category such as a plurality of sports cars.

Specifically, for example, the vehicle type may be determined by matching with an image of a predetermined vehicle type such as a user preference that has been registered in advance. More specifically, the vehicle type such as the tire diameter and interval may be determined. For example, the tire diameter is large and the interval is large. In this case, the track and tire diameter are large. Narrow, if sports First, when the tire diameter is small and the interval is narrow, it may be determined as a light vehicle. Alternatively, the external force of the opposite vehicle may be configured to determine the shape or color of a one-box car, sedan, jeep, etc., or to recognize a character that is added to the vehicle body.

[0089] In step S610, if the vehicle is a predetermined vehicle type (step S610: Yes), the CPU 301 records the image data processed in steps S605, S607, and S609 (step S611), Terminate the process.

[0090] If the vehicle is not a predetermined vehicle type in step S610 (step S610: No), the series of processing ends as it is. Although the description is omitted in the flowchart of FIG. 6, if the power of the predetermined vehicle type is strong (step S610: No), the image data may be deleted.

Note that the order of image recognition and image processing in steps S604 to S610 described in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, image recognition and image processing related to a passenger may be performed before image recognition and image processing related to a license plate. Alternatively, it may be configured to first determine whether or not a given vehicle has power.

[0092] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to capture an oncoming vehicle approaching the host vehicle, so that the user can collect image data without operating the camera. In particular, the driver can drive safely without gazing at the oncoming vehicle that he wants to capture while driving.

[0093] Furthermore, since the panning can be performed by driving the camera drive unit according to the relative speed of the oncoming vehicle approaching the host vehicle, the oncoming vehicle can be imaged without blurring. In addition, since it is possible to recognize the pick-up plate and the passenger and perform image processing that cannot be distinguished, appropriate personal information can be protected.

[0094] In addition, the panning may be performed by changing the shutter speed of the camera according to the relative speed of the oncoming vehicle approaching the host vehicle. Specifically, for example, the shutter speed can be changed by increasing the shutter speed when the relative speed of the oncoming vehicle is high and decreasing the shutter speed when the relative speed of the oncoming vehicle is slow !, . In this way, only the background that the oncoming vehicle does not shake is blurred, so It is possible to acquire certain image data.

[0095] Further, since image data of a predetermined vehicle type can be recorded, it is possible to optimize image data collection without storing anything other than the vehicle type desired by the user.

[0096] In the above description, the configuration is such that the image data of the oncoming vehicle is mounted on the vehicle, but the configuration may be such that the image data of the imaging target vehicle is captured without being mounted on the vehicle. Specifically, for example, image data of the imaging target vehicle may be captured and collected by a fixed point camera or the like. With a fixed-point camera, it is not necessary to take measures such as vibration when mounting on-vehicle, so an inexpensive system can be provided.

[0097] Although explanation is omitted in the present embodiment, the captured image of the oncoming vehicle may be displayed as an album. Specifically, for example, in an album, only the oncoming vehicles may be selectively extracted from the captured images and collected. By collecting them as an album in this way, you can check different cars later, use them for car model quizzes, use them as a reference when replacing vehicles, or record rare car models without fail.

[0098] In addition, when a part of the oncoming vehicle cannot be picked up due to a shield or the like, the interpolation process may be performed by using the fact that the vehicle is generally symmetrical. Furthermore, it is also possible to capture images of the front, side, and rear of the oncoming vehicle using a back camera that captures the rear of the vehicle. In this way, the vehicle structure can be understood accurately and a 3D model of the entire vehicle can be created.

[0099] In addition, a configuration for recording information of oncoming vehicles may be provided. Specifically, for example, as the information on the oncoming vehicle, an image of the leading vehicle in the traffic jam may be recorded, and an image of the leading vehicle or information such as an accident may be transmitted to the vehicle in the traffic jam. Alternatively, when there is a traffic jam, a configuration may be used in which information indicating that the traffic jam has occurred is transmitted when the vehicle passes an oncoming vehicle that is traveling alone. In this way, the vehicle user who has received the information can determine the power of waiting for a force signal because the cause of the traffic jam is an accident.

[0100] In addition, the information on oncoming vehicles may include information such as the number of oncoming vehicles and the results of vehicle type judgments such as trucks. This information can predict road congestion and dangers such as trucks. It can be judged whether there are many vehicles to be used. When crowded, If the opposite vehicle is not imaged, it is possible to prevent many oncoming vehicles from being detected and taking too many pictures.

[0101] In the present invention, the object to be imaged is a vehicle, but is not limited to a vehicle. For example

In addition, it may be possible to take images of airplanes, trains, etc. as moving objects, or images of buildings other than moving objects. In this way, it is possible to collect image data of a subject desired by a wide range of users.

Note that the data recording method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by reading the recording medium force by the computer. Further, this program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A detection unit that detects an imaging target vehicle that is an imaging target located in the vicinity of the vehicle, an imaging unit that images the imaging target vehicle detected by the detection unit, and an imaging target vehicle imaged by the imaging unit Image recognition means for recognizing a specific part in image data including

Image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the specific part recognized by the image recognition means;

A data recording apparatus comprising: recording means for recording image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means.

[2] The detection means includes

Detecting a positional relationship between the vehicle and the imaging target vehicle;

The imaging means includes

2. The data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging target vehicle is imaged when the positional relationship detected by the detection means reaches a predetermined distance.

[3] The detection means includes

Detecting a relative speed of the vehicle to be imaged with respect to the vehicle;

The imaging means includes

2. The data recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drive unit that drives the imaging target vehicle to image in accordance with a relative speed detected by the detection unit.

[4] The image recognition means includes

Recognizing a passenger of the imaging target vehicle in the image data,

The image processing means includes

2. The data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image processing is performed so that a passenger recognized by the image recognition means cannot be identified.

[5] The image recognition means includes:

Recognizing the license plate of the imaging target vehicle in the image data, The image processing means includes

2. The data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number plate recognized by the image recognition means is subjected to image processing so that the license plate cannot be distinguished.

[6] The image recognition means includes:

Recognizing another vehicle different from the imaging target vehicle in the image data, the image processing means,

The data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other vehicle is erased from the image data by superimposing a background image as a background on the other vehicle recognized by the image recognition means.

[7] The image recognition means includes

Recognizing the vehicle type of the imaging target vehicle in the image data;

The image processing means includes

2. The data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image processing is performed when the vehicle type recognized by the image recognition unit is a predetermined vehicle type.

[8] A detection step of detecting an imaging target vehicle that is an imaging target located in the vicinity of the vehicle, an imaging step of imaging the imaging target vehicle detected by the detection step, and an imaging target vehicle imaged by the imaging step An image recognition process for recognizing a specific part in image data including

An image processing step of performing predetermined image processing on the specific part recognized by the image recognition step;

And a recording step of recording the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing step.

[9] A data recording program causing a computer to execute the data recording method according to claim 8.

[10] A computer-readable recording medium on which the data recording program according to claim 9 is recorded.