JP2007086858A - Vehicle inquiry system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle inquiry system for quickly and accurately uncovering a vehicle in connection with a crime such as a stolen vehicle or a searched vehicle, and for cracking down on the owner of a vehicle who repeats the violation of traffic regulation such as the violation of vehicle parking or stopping. <P>SOLUTION: A portable telephone 2 acquires vehicle information including a license plate number from a smart plate 3 attached to a vehicle. This portable telephone 2 makes the inquiry request of a vehicle to a center device 1. The center device 1 acquires the license plate number of the vehicle from the vehicle information transmitted with the inquiry request of the vehicle from the portable telephone 2, and performs inquiry processing for retrieving the database. The center device 1 transmits the inquiry result to the portable telephone 2 or an affiliate institute or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle inquiry system that can inquire about attributes, history, and the like of a vehicle to which a smart plate is attached.

  Conventionally, when a police officer, etc. discovers a suspicious vehicle while traveling around the area, he / she checks whether the found vehicle is a vehicle involved in a crime such as a stolen vehicle or an arranged vehicle, and the confirmation result Acting accordingly. This confirmation is considered to have been performed as follows.

  First, a police officer or the like communicates with the center operator requesting confirmation of the history of the vehicle, such as whether or not the found suspicious vehicle is a vehicle involved in a crime, by telephone or wireless. At this time, the police officer or the like informs the center operator of the number of the license plate attached to the suspicious vehicle. The center is provided with a device (terminal device) capable of accessing a database in which a license plate number and the like are registered for each vehicle involved in a crime such as a stolen vehicle or a arranged vehicle. This database is installed at the center or a place other than the center. When the center operator receives a request for confirmation of a suspicious vehicle from a police officer or the like, it operates the terminal device to determine whether the license plate number notified this time is a vehicle related to a crime registered in the database, etc. Confirm and confirm the result of confirmation by telephone or radio to the police officer who has requested confirmation of the suspicious vehicle.

  Police officers or the like act according to the confirmation result transmitted from the operator. For example, if the detected suspicious vehicle is not a vehicle involved in a crime such as a stolen vehicle or a wanted vehicle, it is judged whether the vehicle is a traffic violation vehicle such as parking violation, and if it is a traffic violation vehicle, a violation ticket is issued Etc. to perform the work to give the relevant award punishment to the violator (work related to the control of traffic violating vehicles). On the other hand, if the discovered suspicious vehicle is a vehicle involved in a crime such as a stolen vehicle or a wanted vehicle, the vehicle is secured and the driver of this vehicle (the driver at this time, not the owner of this vehicle) In some cases, work related to securing personality is performed. At this time, if it is determined that the police officers or the like need assistance for securing the vehicle or securing the driver's personality, it is presumed that the police officers request assistance from the police station in charge. The support request in this case is also considered to be made by telephone or wireless.

  In addition, the camera installed on the road network captures the license plate of the running vehicle, processes the captured image of the camera to recognize the license plate number, and uses the recognized license plate number to There is also a system for automatically confirming whether the vehicle is involved in the vehicle. In this type of system, when a vehicle involved in a crime is detected, it can be inferred that the location where the vehicle was traveling, the time, etc. are communicated to the police station in charge. It is considered that the police station or the like in charge of the jurisdiction conducts an inspection or the like near the place where the vehicle was traveling in order to secure the vehicle and the driver's personality.

Recently, smart plates (electronic license plates) have been put into practical use, and various systems using smart plates have been tested in various places. Here, the smart plate will be briefly described. The smart plate is sometimes called an electronic license plate. The smart plate includes a storage unit (IC chip) that stores vehicle information such as a license plate number of a vehicle and vehicle specification information described in an automobile inspection certificate, and a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication. Yes. Making the smart plate mandatory for the vehicle is currently under consideration. The smart plate performs transmission of vehicle information stored in the storage unit and reception of information stored in the storage unit by the wireless communication unit. As a system using this smart plate, for example, there is a system that detects whether or not an ETC in-vehicle device is illegally used (see Patent Document 1). To put it simply, this system lists the vehicle numbers (number plate numbers) read from the smart plate by the reader installed before the entrance to the expressway, and the vehicle numbers read from the ETC in-vehicle device at the entrance to the expressway. Based on whether (number plate number) is in the list, the system controls the opening and closing of the gate at the highway entrance (opens the gate if it is in the list, closes the gate if it is not in the list).
JP 2004-355237 A

  However, when a police officer or the like discovers a suspicious vehicle while traveling around the area, as described above, the center operator is notified of the license plate number of the suspicious vehicle or the like discovered by telephone or wireless, etc. The terminal device is operated to confirm whether or not the suspicious vehicle is a vehicle involved in a crime such as a stolen vehicle or an arrangement vehicle. For this reason, it takes a long time for the center operator to notify the police officer of the confirmation result, and there is a problem that the vehicle involved in the crime cannot be detected quickly (securing the vehicle or securing the driver's personality). there were.

  Further, when a police officer or the like requests confirmation of the vehicle from the center, the police officer or the like waits beside the vehicle until the confirmation result is obtained. As mentioned above, since it takes a long time for a police officer to discover a suspicious vehicle and to obtain a confirmation result for that vehicle, the time required to stand by a suspicious vehicle discovered by a police officer, etc. become longer. Therefore, there has been a problem that the work efficiency of police officers traveling around the area is not good.

  Furthermore, an operator who receives a request for confirming the history of a suspicious vehicle from a police officer must be placed in the center, and the center side is also manpowered, and it is not possible to efficiently detect a vehicle involved in a crime. There was also.

  The system proposed in Patent Document 1 detects whether or not an ETC in-vehicle device is illegally used by using a smart plate. A stolen vehicle or a wanted vehicle using the smart plate. A system for quickly and accurately detecting a vehicle involved in a crime such as the above has not been proposed so far.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle inquiry system that can quickly and accurately detect a vehicle involved in a crime and control a vehicle owner who has repeatedly violated traffic such as parking and parking violations.

  The vehicle inquiry system of the present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.

(1) A portable terminal provided with vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring the vehicle information stored in the smart plate by wireless communication with the smart plate that stores vehicle information including the license plate number of the attached vehicle, and ,
For each target vehicle, it has a center device comprising storage means for storing a target vehicle database in which detailed information of the vehicle is registered in association with a license plate number,
The portable terminal acquires the vehicle information acquisition means from the smart plate attached to the vehicle, together with a vehicle inquiry request for inquiring whether the vehicle to which the smart plate is attached is a target vehicle. Inquiry request transmission means for transmitting the vehicle information to the center device,
The center device includes a reference request receiving means for receiving a reference request for a vehicle transmitted from the portable terminal;
When the inquiry request receiving means receives a vehicle inquiry request, the target vehicle stored in the storage means using the license plate number included in the vehicle information transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request An inquiry means for searching the database and inquiring whether the vehicle of this license plate number is a target vehicle;
Inquiry result notifying means for notifying the inquiry result of the inquiry means to the portable terminal that has transmitted the inquiry request of the vehicle this time.

  In this configuration, the vehicle information acquisition unit of the mobile terminal performs wireless communication with the smart plate attached to the vehicle, and acquires the vehicle information stored in the smart plate. The smart plate stores, as vehicle information, vehicle specification information such as a license plate number of an attached vehicle, an owner, a registration date, and the like described in the automobile inspection certificate. The inquiry request transmission means of the portable terminal transmits the vehicle information acquired from the smart plate together with the vehicle inquiry request to the center device.

  The center device stores the target vehicle database in which the license plate number is registered for each target vehicle in the storage means. When the inquiry request receiving means receives the vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the portable terminal, the inquiry means The database is searched using the license plate number included in the vehicle information transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request as a key, and it is inquired whether the vehicle of this license plate number is the target vehicle. Then, the inquiry result notifying unit notifies the portable terminal of the inquiry result by the inquiry unit. The inquiry result includes detailed information on the vehicle inquired this time, for example, information on a stolen vehicle, an arrangement vehicle, and the like.

  Therefore, the police who possess this portable terminal by registering the vehicles involved in crimes such as stolen vehicles and wanted vehicles in the database of the center device while possessing this portable terminal by police officers who patrol the area When officials find a suspicious vehicle during a patrol in the area, they use the mobile terminal they own to obtain vehicle information from the smart plate attached to the suspicious vehicle, and request vehicle inquiry for this vehicle information. In addition, only by performing an operation to transmit to the center device, an inquiry result such as whether the vehicle to which the smart plate that has acquired the vehicle information is attached is a vehicle involved in a crime such as a stolen vehicle or a wanted vehicle is obtained. Can do. In this vehicle inquiry, the manual operation is only an operation for acquiring vehicle information from the smart plate in the portable terminal and an operation for transmitting a vehicle inquiry request to the center device. It is possible to reduce the time required to obtain the inquiry result of the vehicle or the like. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly and accurately detect a vehicle involved in a crime. Furthermore, there is no need to place an operator at the center, and manpower at the center can be reduced.

  In addition, if the license plate number of a vehicle that has repeatedly violated traffic is registered in the database, it can be used to control traffic violators, and traffic violators can be controlled quickly and accurately.

(2) The portable terminal includes an imaging unit that images a license plate attached to the vehicle,
The inquiry request transmission means is means for transmitting a picked-up image of a license plate imaged by the imaging means to the center device together with the vehicle inquiry request.
When the inquiry request receiving means receives the vehicle inquiry request, the center device processes the picked-up image of the license plate transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time, and is described in the license plate. Image recognition means for recognizing a license plate number;
When the license plate number described in the license plate recognized by the image recognition means does not match the license plate number included in the vehicle information transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time And a plate counterfeit vehicle determination means for determining that at least one of the smart plate or the license plate is a counterfeited plate counterfeit vehicle,
The inquiry result notifying means is a means for notifying the inquiry result by the inquiry means and the determination result by the plate counterfeit vehicle determining means to the mobile terminal that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request this time.

  In this configuration, the license plate of the vehicle to which the smart plate that has acquired the vehicle information is attached is imaged by the imaging means of the mobile terminal. The inquiry request transmission means transmits the captured image obtained by imaging the license plate to the center apparatus together with the vehicle inquiry request. The center device processes the picked-up image of the license plate transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request in the image recognition means, and recognizes the license plate number written on the license plate. When the plate counterfeit determination means is not the same as the license plate number included in the vehicle information acquired from the smart plate and the license plate number described in the license plate, at least the smart plate or the license plate It is determined that one is a counterfeit plate forged. The center device 1 also notifies the portable terminal of the determination result as to whether or not the plate is a counterfeit vehicle.

  Therefore, it is possible to quickly and accurately control a plate counterfeit vehicle in which at least one of the smart plate and the license plate is counterfeited.

  (3) The inquiry means of the center device, for the vehicle that the plate counterfeit vehicle determination means determines to be a plate counterfeit vehicle, the license plate number described in the license plate recognized by the image recognition means, and It is means for inquiring whether each of the license plate numbers included in the vehicle information transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time is a target vehicle.

  In this configuration, for plate counterfeit vehicles, refer to the license plate number included in the vehicle information obtained from the smart plate and the license plate number indicated on the license plate. To your mobile device. Therefore, in the portable terminal, an appropriate inquiry result can be obtained for a plate counterfeit vehicle in which either the smart plate or the license plate is counterfeited.

  (4) The vehicle inquiry request transmitting means of the mobile terminal is means for transmitting the vehicle inquiry request to the center device using a mobile phone network.

  In this configuration, when the mobile terminal is in a position where the mobile phone network can be used, it is possible to obtain an inquiry result about the found suspicious vehicle or the like in substantially real time, and the detection of the vehicle involved in the crime can be performed quickly and accurately. .

  (5) The vehicle information acquisition unit of the portable terminal is a unit that acquires vehicle information from the smart plate in conjunction with the imaging of the license plate in the imaging unit.

  In this configuration, the mobile terminal can acquire vehicle information from the smart plate simply by performing an operation for imaging the license plate. Therefore, the operability can be improved, and the vehicle inquiry result can be obtained from the mobile terminal. The time until it is obtained is also shortened.

(6) The portable terminal includes position detection means for detecting a current position of the terminal itself,
The vehicle inquiry request transmission means is means for transmitting the position of the terminal detected by the position detection means to the center device together with a vehicle inquiry request.
The center device determines whether or not it is necessary to contact the related organization based on the inquiry result by the target vehicle inquiry means, and receives this time when determining that the contact to the related organization is necessary. A related institution specifying means for specifying a related institution to which an inquiry result is communicated based on the current position of the mobile terminal transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request;
Contact means for transmitting an inquiry result by the target vehicle inquiry means to a related organization specified by the related organization specifying means.

  In this configuration, the portable terminal transmits the position of the terminal detected by the position detection means to the center device together with the vehicle inquiry request. Further, the center device determines whether or not it is necessary to contact the related organization based on the determination result by the target vehicle determination unit and the determination result by the plate counterfeit vehicle determination unit. For example, when it is determined that the vehicle is a target vehicle by the target vehicle determination unit, or when it is determined that the plate is a counterfeit vehicle by the plate counterfeit vehicle determination unit, for example, securing the vehicle that was inquired this time or securing the driver If it is necessary to contact the relevant institution, it is determined that it is necessary. Further, the related organization specifying means specifies the related organization to be contacted according to the position of the mobile terminal when it is determined that the contact with the related organization is necessary. For example, a police station or police box near the position of the mobile terminal is specified as a related organization to be contacted. Then, the contact means is contacted to the specified related organization.

  Therefore, it is not necessary for a police officer or the like who finds a suspicious vehicle during a patrol as in the past to make a request for support from related organizations, and it is possible to detect a vehicle involved in a crime more efficiently. Further, since it is possible to contact the police station or police box close to the position of the mobile terminal, that is, the position where the vehicle discovered this time is parked or stopped, an appropriate support request can be made to the related organizations.

  (7) The storage means of the center device is means for storing a plurality of types of target vehicle databases classified by vehicle attributes.

  In this configuration, since the target vehicle database is stored in the storage means and classified by vehicle attributes such as stolen vehicles, arranged vehicles, and parking violation customary vehicles, it is also possible to make inquiries by specifying vehicle attributes. .

  (8) The inquiry result notifying means of the center device notifies the portable terminal that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request received this time, the license plate number recognized by the image recognition means by processing the picked-up image of the license plate. It is means to do.

  In this configuration, the center device notifies the mobile terminal of the license plate number described in the license plate recognized by the image recognition means, so it is confirmed whether there is no error in the recognition of the license plate number in the center device in the mobile device. Can be done.

(9) The portable terminal includes display means for displaying a finder image in the imaging means,
The display means is a means for displaying a guide frame indicating an appropriate size of the license plate in the captured image together with the finder image.

  In this configuration, the guide frame displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal is used to set the appropriate size of the license plate in the captured image of the vehicle, that is, the size suitable for recognizing the license plate number by image processing. Can be recognized by those who possess Therefore, the operator of the portable terminal can be guided so that the license plate is imaged with an appropriate size.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly and accurately perform detection of vehicles involved in crimes such as stolen vehicles and arranged vehicles, and control of vehicle owners who repeatedly violate traffic such as parking violations.

  In addition, it is possible to quickly and accurately crack down on unauthorized vehicles that are counterfeiting license plates or smart plates.

  Hereinafter, a vehicle inquiry system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle inquiry system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle inquiry system according to this embodiment includes a center device 1 installed in a center and a plurality of mobile phones 2 that make vehicle inquiry requests to the center device 1. The vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment includes an inquiry about registration information, an inquiry about whether the vehicle is involved in a crime such as a stolen vehicle or an arrangement vehicle, a parking violation, a speed, etc. It is a system that can inquire whether it is a vehicle (blacklist vehicle) that repeatedly repeats traffic violations such as violations, and whether it is a counterfeit vehicle in which at least one of the license plate or smart plate is counterfeit. is there. As is well known, a license plate is attached to both the front side and the rear side of a vehicle. In addition, the current mainstream idea is that the smart plate is attached to the back of a license plate attached to the front side of the vehicle. Details of the smart plate will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of terminal devices 5 are connected to a center device 1 installed in the center via a network such as a LAN. Each terminal device 5 can perform an input operation related to update or search of the database stored in the center device 1. The center device 1 stores a plurality of databases in which target vehicles are registered for each vehicle attribute. For example, the center device 1 repeats traffic violations regularly, a registered vehicle information database in which registration information is registered for each vehicle, a stolen vehicle database in which stolen vehicles are registered, an arranged vehicle database in which arranged vehicles are registered. A black list database in which the owner's vehicle is registered as a black list vehicle, a VIP database in which VIP vehicles used by important customers and key persons are registered, and a plate counterfeit vehicle in which at least one of a license plate or a smart plate is forged The registered plate counterfeit vehicle database and the like are stored. The center device 1 also stores an image processing character database that is used when a picked-up image of a license plate is processed to recognize a license plate number.

  The mobile phone 2 can perform data communication with the center device 1 via a mobile phone network (not shown). The mobile phone 2 is widely used and is a camera-equipped mobile phone having a digital camera function for capturing an image. In addition, the mobile phone 2 is provided with a wireless communication function for performing data communication by a smart plate attached to the vehicle and dedicated narrow range communication (DSRC). DSRC is a wireless communication method used for data communication between an ETC in-vehicle device and a roadside device in an ETC system, and uses a radio wave of 5.8 GHz band and has a limited area of several meters to several tens of meters. It is a wireless communication system that can perform bidirectional communication at a maximum of 4 Mbps. In addition, the mobile phone 2 stores an application program for operating in the vehicle inquiry mode for making a vehicle inquiry request to the center device 1.

  Further, the center device 1 stores an identification code of the mobile phone 2 that accepts a vehicle inquiry request or the like. For example, for the mobile phone 2 that accepts a vehicle inquiry request or registration request, the phone number of the mobile phone 2 is stored as an identification code. The cellular phone 2 in which the center device 1 stores the identification code is possessed by a police officer or the like having the authority to detect stolen vehicles, arranged vehicles, or control traffic violation vehicles that violate traffic rules. . In this embodiment, the center device 1 ignores an inquiry request or the like from the mobile phone 2 that does not store the identification code.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center device in the vehicle inquiry system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The center device 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls the operation of the main body, a storage unit 11 that stores a plurality of databases in which target vehicles are registered for each attribute of the vehicle, such as the above-described registered vehicle information database, and a character database for image processing. , The communication unit 12 that controls data communication with the mobile phone 2 and devices installed in related organizations, the license plate image transmitted from the mobile phone 2 is processed, and the license plate number described And an interface unit 14 (I / F unit 14) that controls input / output of data between the terminal device 5 connected via a network such as a LAN. . The control unit 10 stores an identification code of the mobile phone 2 that receives a vehicle inquiry request in a memory (not shown). The center device 1 ignores a vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2 having an identification code that is not stored in the memory of the control unit 10. The storage unit 11 stores the registered vehicle information database, the arranged vehicle database, the black list database, the VIP database, the plate counterfeit vehicle database, the image processing character database, and the like. In the registered vehicle information database, vehicle information such as a license plate number, an owner, an address of the owner, a vehicle type, a model year, and a color is registered for each registered vehicle. In the stolen vehicle database, the license plate number, the owner, the owner's address, the vehicle type, the model year, the color, the date and place of the theft, and the like are registered in association with each stolen vehicle. In the arranged vehicle database, vehicle information such as a license plate number, an owner, a vehicle type, a model year, and a color is registered in association with each arranged vehicle. In the black list database, vehicle information such as a license plate number, an owner, a vehicle type, a model year, and a color is registered in association with each black list vehicle. In the VIP database, vehicle information such as a license plate number, an owner, a vehicle type, a model year, and a color is registered in association with each VIP vehicle. In the plate counterfeit vehicle database, for each plate counterfeit vehicle, the license plate number (hereinafter referred to as the first license plate number) written on the license plate attached to the vehicle is attached to the vehicle. A license plate number (hereinafter referred to as a second license plate number) stored in the smart plate is registered in association with each other.

  In addition, the 1st number plate number described in the number plate attached to the vehicle and the 2nd number plate number contained in the vehicle information which a smart plate memorize | stores are the same numbers originally. That is, the vehicle in which the first license plate number and the second license plate number do not match is a plate counterfeit vehicle in which at least one of the license plate or the smart plate is counterfeited.

  Thus, the memory | storage part 11 memorize | stores the some database which registered the object vehicle for every attribute of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the identification code of the mobile phone 2 that accepts a vehicle inquiry request is stored in the memory of the control unit 10. However, it may be stored in the storage unit 11 as a database.

  The communication unit 12 receives a vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2, and is installed in a related organization such as the mobile phone 2 that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request or a police station in charge. Inquire result (not shown) is transmitted. The communication unit 12 communicates with other devices using a mobile phone network, a public line network, and the Internet. The center device 1 also has a function of specifying a related organization that transmits the inquiry result according to the position of the mobile phone 2 that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request. The image processing unit 13 processes the captured image of the license plate transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request from the mobile phone 2 and performs image processing for recognizing the first license plate number. In this image processing, the first license plate number is recognized using an image processing character database stored in the storage unit 11. The I / F unit 14 accepts an input related to a database search request or database update transmitted from the terminal device 5 connected via a network such as a LAN, and sends the database search result to the terminal. Output to device 5.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile phone in the vehicle inquiry system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The mobile phone 2 includes a control unit 20 that controls the operation of the main body, a communication unit 21 that controls data communication with the counterpart station, an operation unit 22 that performs input operations on the apparatus main body, and an imaging unit 23 that captures images. An image processing unit 24 that processes an image captured by the imaging unit 23, a display unit 25 that displays a finder image, a captured image, and the like in the imaging unit 23, and a position detection unit 26 that detects the current position of the terminal by GPS. And a DSRC communication unit 27 that communicates with the smart plate attached to the vehicle by DSRC. The mobile phone 2 has a function of accessing a page published on the Internet, for example, an i-mode (registered trademark) function. The control unit 20 has a clock function for measuring the current time. The communication unit 21 controls communication with a partner station using a wireless base station or a mobile phone network. The partner station referred to here includes not only the center device 1 described above but also other devices (such as other mobile phones 2 and servers that publish pages on the Internet). The operation unit 22 is provided with a plurality of keys, and the operator operates these keys to input to the main body. The imaging unit 23 is a so-called digital camera that images an imaging area using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD. The image processing unit 24 performs processing for cutting out a part from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 23, processing for processing the captured image, such as rotation of the captured image, and the like. The display unit 25 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a finder image, a captured image, and the like in the imaging unit 23 on the display screen.

  Here, the license plate and the smart plate attached to the vehicle will be briefly described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a license plate. As shown in FIG. 4, the license plate includes a first license plate number including a region display, a classification number, a usage display, and a series of designated numbers. The area display is a character, such as Naniwa, Yokohama, or Shinagawa, that displays the transportation branch office that registered the vehicle. The classification number is a two-digit or three-digit number indicating the type and use of the vehicle, and indicates an ordinary cargo vehicle, an ordinary passenger vehicle, an ordinary passenger vehicle, or the like. The usage display is a single hiragana character that indicates business use, private use, rental car, or the like. The series designation number is a four-digit number. As is well known, the license plate is attached to the front side and the rear side of the vehicle.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the smart plate. The smart plate 3 includes a control unit 30 that controls the operation of the main body, a storage unit 31 that stores vehicle information including a license plate number, and a wireless communication unit 32 that performs wireless communication with other devices using DSRC. ing. The storage unit 31 is configured by a nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 31 includes a second license plate number (region display, classification number, usage display, serial designation number), vehicle specification information (vehicle weight, vehicle height, vehicle width, vehicle length, etc.), vehicle type ( Route buses, ambulances, fire engines, police cars, private cars, etc.) are stored as vehicle information. The smart plate 3 is provided with a battery (not shown) that supplies operating power. The smart plate 3 normally operates the wireless communication unit 32 so that polling from other devices can be received, but power supply to the storage unit 31 is stopped. When the wireless communication unit 32 receives polling from another device, the smart plate 3 starts supplying power to the storage unit 31. Further, when the wireless communication with the other device is completed, the power supply to the storage unit 31 is stopped. As described above, the current mainstream idea is that the attachment position of the smart plate 3 is the back of the license plate attached to the front side of the vehicle.

  At present, there are relatively few vehicles to which the smart plate 3 is attached, but at present, the legalization of attaching the smart plate 3 to the vehicle is being studied. When it is legal to attach the smart plate 3 to the vehicle, it is considered that the smart plate 3 is attached to the vehicle at the time of vehicle inspection or purchase of a new vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle to which the smart plate 3 is attached spreads quickly.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment will be described. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the operation of the mobile phone in the vehicle inquiry mode, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the inquiry operation in the center apparatus. A mobile phone 2 that can make an inquiry request to the center device 1 (a mobile phone 2 in which an identification code is stored in the center device 1) is a police officer who has the authority to detect vehicles involved in crimes and to control traffic violation vehicles. Etc. are possessed. When a police officer or the like who possesses the mobile phone 2 finds a suspicious vehicle during a patrol in the area, the operation unit 22 performs an input operation related to selection of the vehicle inquiry mode. When an input operation related to selection of the vehicle inquiry mode is performed, the mobile phone 2 starts an application program stored in the control unit 20 in advance and starts operation in the vehicle inquiry mode shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. .

  The cellular phone 2 first activates the camera function of the imaging unit 23 (s1). In addition, the display unit 25 displays a finder image (an image of the imaging area captured by the imaging unit 23) on the display screen, and displays a guide frame indicating an appropriate size of the vehicle license plate in the captured image. (S2). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display screen on which a guide frame is displayed in s2. FIG. 9 is an image in which the finder image on the display screen is omitted. The guide frame displayed in s2 is adjusted to a size that allows one pixel to have a resolution of about 2 mm square when the license plate is imaged in accordance with the frame. The cellular phone 2 has a function of adjusting the size of the guide frame displayed on the display screen in accordance with the number of pixels of the imaging unit 23, and the size of the guide frame displayed in s2 is adjusted by this function. .

  In this state, the mobile phone 2 waits for the shutter button provided on the operation unit 22 to be operated (s3). An operator such as a police officer who possesses the mobile phone 2 performs an operation of imaging the license plate of the found suspicious vehicle. Specifically, while looking at the finder image displayed on the display screen of the display unit 25, the mobile phone 2 body held by the hand is moved, and the license plate of the suspicious vehicle becomes approximately the same size as the guide frame. As described above, the imaging area of the imaging unit 23 is adjusted, and the shutter button provided on the operation unit 22 is operated. The cellular phone 2 captures the image captured by the imaging unit 23 when the shutter button is operated as a captured image in the memory of the main body (s4). In addition, the display on the display screen of the display unit 25 is switched from the finder image to the captured image captured in the current memory (s5). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen on which the current captured image is displayed in s5. As shown in FIG. 10, a guide frame is also displayed on the display screen at this time.

  In addition, the mobile phone 2 executes a vehicle information acquisition process in which the DSRC communication unit 27 acquires vehicle information from the smart plate 3 attached to the vehicle that has captured the current license plate in conjunction with the operation of the shutter button. Specifically, in conjunction with the operation of the shutter button, the DSRC communication unit 27 polls the smart plate 3 to request transmission of vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 (s6). As described above, since the smart plate 3 is attached to the back of the license plate, the smart plate 3 attached to the vehicle in which the imaging unit 23 images the license plate can be polled. When the smart plate 3 receives polling from the mobile phone 2 that requests transmission of the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 by the wireless communication unit 32, the smart plate 3 transmits the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 to the wireless communication unit 32. Send from. Communication between the mobile phone 2 and the smart plate 3 is performed by DSRC. When the mobile phone 2 receives the vehicle information from the smart plate 3 (s7), the mobile phone 2 stores the vehicle information received this time in association with the image captured in the memory at s4 (s8).

  As is clear from the above description, the processes related to s4 and s5 and the processes related to s6 to s8 are processes performed in parallel.

  The mobile phone 2 sends an inquiry request to the center device 1 regarding the vehicle to which the number plate picked up this time is attached, in other words, the vehicle to which the smart plate 3 from which the vehicle information has been acquired is attached, or the number It waits for an input of whether to re-image the plate (re-shoot) (s9, s10). A police officer or the like who possesses the mobile phone 2 confirms a captured image displayed on the display screen of the display unit 25, and determines whether the license plate is captured in substantially the same size as the guide frame. It is determined whether or not the image has been captured properly. Here, if it is determined that the license plate cannot be properly imaged, an input operation is performed to redo the imaging of the license plate. When an input operation for redoing the imaging of the license plate is performed, the mobile phone 2 returns the display on the display screen of the display unit 25 from the captured image to the finder image, and the captured image data captured in the memory in s4, and The vehicle information captured in the memory at s8 is discarded (s11, s12), and the process returns to s3 to repeat the above-described processing.

  In this embodiment, the mobile phone 2 is configured to discard the vehicle information received from the smart plate 3 when the input for re-taking the license plate is performed. It is good also as a structure which discards only the picked-up image of a license plate, without discarding. In this case, when the number plate is re-taken, the processing relating to s6 to s8 becomes unnecessary.

  Further, when the mobile phone 2 receives vehicle information from the smart plate 3 at s7, the license plate number included in the vehicle information is displayed on the display unit 25, and the processing after s8 may be executed. . In this way, the police officer who possesses the mobile phone 2 is a vehicle in which at least one of the license plate or the smart plate is forged when the license plate number is displayed on the display unit 25. You can judge whether or not.

  On the other hand, when the mobile phone 2 performs an input operation for transmitting the inquiry request of the vehicle that has captured the license plate to the center apparatus 1, the mobile phone 2 determines the license plate portion from the captured image captured in the memory in s4 in the image processing unit 24. Is cut out (s13), and the position detection unit 26 uses the GPS function to acquire the current position of the terminal (s14). The cellular phone 2 sends the vehicle information captured in the memory in s8, the image of the license plate part cut out in s13, the current location of the terminal detected in s14, and the identification code of the terminal to the center apparatus 1 together with the vehicle inquiry request. Transmit (s15). When the mobile phone 2 transmits a vehicle inquiry request to the center device 1, it waits for an inquiry result for the vehicle inquiry request to be transmitted (s16).

  As described above, in the vehicle inquiry system according to this embodiment, before the mobile phone 2 transmits a vehicle inquiry request to the center device 1, the operator determines whether or not the license plate is properly imaged. Therefore, the center device 1 side, such as a captured image in which the license plate is blurred due to out-of-focus or the like, or a captured image in which the license plate is small in the captured image, will be described later (the first license plate number from the captured image of the license plate is It is possible to reduce the transmission of a vehicle inquiry request to the center apparatus 1 using a captured image that is likely not to be properly performed. In addition, the mobile phone 2 is configured not to transmit the captured image captured by the imaging unit 23 to the center device 1 as it is, but to transmit the license plate portion image cut out from the captured image to the center device 1. The amount of data related to a vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the center device 1 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the communication time required for transmitting the vehicle inquiry request from the mobile phone 2 to the center device 1 and to reduce the communication cost.

  When the center device 1 receives the vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2 by the communication unit 12, the center device 1 starts the inquiry operation shown in FIG. The center device 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 2 is a mobile phone 2 that accepts a vehicle inquiry request by using the identification code of the mobile phone 2 transmitted together with the inquiry request received this time (s21). If the center device 1 determines in s21 that the mobile phone 2 does not accept a vehicle inquiry request, the center device 1 ends this processing. On the other hand, if the center device 1 determines that the mobile phone 2 accepts the vehicle inquiry request in s21, the image processing unit 13 processes the image of the license plate portion transmitted together with the inquiry request received this time. The license plate number is recognized (s22). In s22, the image processing character database stored in the storage unit 11 is used. The center device 1 has the same first license plate number recognized in s22 and the second license plate number included in the vehicle information acquired from the smart plate 3 transmitted together with the inquiry request received this time. It is determined whether it has been done (s23). As described above, the first license plate number described in the license plate attached to the same vehicle, and the second license plate number included in the vehicle information stored in the smart plate 3 Are essentially the same number. If the center apparatus 1 determines that the first license plate number and the second license plate number are not the same in s23, the center apparatus 1 determines that the vehicle that has received the current vehicle inquiry request is a plate counterfeit vehicle ( s24). When the center device 1 determines that the vehicle is a plate counterfeit vehicle, the center device 1 searches whether or not the vehicle that has received the vehicle inquiry request this time is registered in the plate counterfeit vehicle database (s25). If the center apparatus 1 determines that it is unregistered in s25, the first license plate number and the second license plate number of this vehicle are associated with each other and registered in the plate counterfeit vehicle database (s26).

  If the center device 1 determines in s24 that the plate is a counterfeit vehicle, the registered vehicle information database, the arranged vehicle database, the black list vehicle database, the VIP vehicle stored in the storage unit 11 using the first license plate number as a key. Vehicle inquiry processing for searching the database and the like is performed (s27). In addition, the registered vehicle information database, the arranged vehicle database, the black list vehicle database, the VIP vehicle database, etc. stored in the storage unit 11 are stored using the second license plate number transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time as a key. Inquiry processing for each vehicle to be searched is performed (s28). In s27, for the vehicle with the first license plate number, it is determined whether the vehicle is a stolen vehicle (search for the stolen vehicle database), whether it is an arranged vehicle (search for the arranged vehicle database), customary Whether or not the vehicle is a blacklist vehicle that repeatedly has traffic violations (blacklist database search), whether or not the vehicle is a VIP vehicle used by an important customer or key person (VIP database search), Acquisition of registration information (information on owner, vehicle type, model year, etc.) (search of registered vehicle information database) and the like are performed. In s28, for the vehicle of the second license plate number, it is determined whether the vehicle is a stolen vehicle (search for the stolen vehicle database), whether it is an arranged vehicle (search for the arranged vehicle database), Determining whether the vehicle is a blacklist vehicle that regularly repeats traffic violations (searching the blacklist database), determining whether the vehicle is a VIP vehicle used by important customers or key persons (searching the VIP database), Acquisition of vehicle registration information (information on owner, vehicle type, year, etc.) (search of registered vehicle information database) and the like are performed.

  When the center apparatus 1 completes the vehicle inquiry process for s27 and s28, the center apparatus 1 transmits the inquiry result of the first license plate number and the inquiry result of the second license plate number to the vehicle that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request this time. It transmits to the telephone 2 (s29). In s29, the fact that the vehicle is a first license plate number, a second license plate number, and a plate counterfeit vehicle is also transmitted to the mobile phone 2 as an inquiry result. When the center device 1 transmits the inquiry result to the mobile phone 2 in s29, the center device 1 identifies the related organization that transmits the current inquiry result based on the current position of the mobile phone 2 transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time. (S30). In s30, a police station or police box near the current position of the mobile phone 2 is specified as a related organization. The center device 1 transmits the inquiry result transmitted to the mobile phone 2 in s29 to the equipment installed in the related organization identified in s30 (s31), and ends this process.

  As described above, when the center device 1 determines that the plate is a counterfeit vehicle in s24, the center device 1 transmits the current inquiry result to the related organizations. Therefore, it is possible to promptly request related organizations to secure plate counterfeit vehicles and to support the security of the driver of the plate counterfeit vehicles without manpower.

  If the center device 1 determines in s23 that the first license plate number and the second license plate number match, the registered vehicle information stored in the storage unit 11 using this license plate number as a key. Vehicle inquiry processing for searching the database, theft vehicle database, the arranged vehicle database, the black list vehicle database, the VIP vehicle database, etc. is performed (s32). The processing related to s32 is the same processing as s27 and s28 described above. The center device 1 transmits the inquiry result of the vehicle inquiry process in s32 to the mobile phone 2 that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request this time (s33). Further, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to notify the related organization of the inquiry result of the current vehicle inquiry process (s34). In s34, if the vehicle inquired this time is a stolen vehicle, an arrangement vehicle, or the like, it is determined that it is necessary to notify the related organization of the inquiry result. If the center apparatus 1 determines that it is not necessary to communicate the inquiry result to the related organization in s34, the center apparatus 1 ends this processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in s34 that the inquiry result needs to be communicated to the related organization, the current inquiry result is transmitted based on the current location of the mobile phone 2 transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time. An institution is specified (s35). The process related to s35 is the same process as the process related to s30. The center device 1 transmits the inquiry result transmitted to the mobile phone 2 in s33 to the equipment installed in the related organization identified in s35 (s36), and ends this process.

  Thus, even if the center device 1 is not a plate counterfeit vehicle, if the vehicle is an arrangement vehicle or the like, the center device 1 transmits the current inquiry result to the related organizations. Therefore, it is possible to promptly request related organizations for securing a stolen vehicle or an arrangement vehicle, securing a driver's personality, etc. without manpower. Also, when a request for support is not required from the related organizations. There is no need for unnecessary support requests.

  When the mobile phone 2 receives the inquiry result for the vehicle inquiry request transmitted to the center device 1 in s16, the display unit 25 displays the inquiry result received this time on the display screen (s17). FIG. 11A shows an example in which the inquiry result in the center device 1 is not a plate counterfeit vehicle but a stolen vehicle. FIG. 11B shows a case where the plate is a counterfeit vehicle, and the first number plate number is a vehicle with no particular problem, but the second number plate number is a stolen vehicle. A police officer or the like looks at the inquiry result displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 2, confirms the inquiry result for the vehicle, and acts. For example, when the vehicle is an arrangement vehicle, the driver and the related person are searched. If the vehicle is a blacklist vehicle, the vehicle owner is instructed. In addition, since the inquiry result includes the first license plate number described in the license plate recognized by the center device 1, whether or not the center device 1 has properly recognized the captured image of the license plate. You can also check whether.

  When the mobile phone 2 displays the inquiry result transmitted from the center device 1 in s17, the input operation related to the inquiry of another suspicious vehicle is performed (s18), or the input operation related to the end of the vehicle inquiry mode is performed. Wait for it to come (s19). When the input operation related to the inquiry of another suspicious vehicle is performed, the mobile phone 2 returns to s2 and repeats the above processing. Further, when an input operation related to the end of the vehicle inquiry mode is performed, this process is ended.

  Thus, in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment, it is determined whether the suspicious vehicle found is a stolen vehicle, an arrangement vehicle, or the like by using the license plate attached to the vehicle and the smart plate 3. It is possible to determine whether the vehicle is a counterfeit vehicle. Moreover, since it is set as the structure which acquires the vehicle information from the smart plate 3 in connection with imaging of the license plate of a suspicious vehicle, an operator's operativity is not reduced. That is, the operator can acquire vehicle information from the smart plate 3 only by performing an operation for imaging the license plate. Further, since the center does not need to arrange an operator for receiving a vehicle inquiry request from a police officer or the like at the site, it is possible to reduce manpower. Furthermore, since the manpower required for the vehicle inquiry is only the operation for imaging the license plate attached to the vehicle in the mobile phone 2 and the operation for transmitting the vehicle inquiry request to the center apparatus 1, the police officer It is possible to shorten the time required to obtain the inquiry result of the suspicious vehicle etc. discovered by the etc. Accordingly, it is possible to quickly and accurately detect a vehicle involved in a crime.

  Further, since the mobile phone 2 transmits the current location of the terminal itself together with the inquiry request to the center device 1, the center device 1 obtains the current location of the mobile phone 2, that is, the location where the vehicle inquired in the current database is imaged. be able to. Then, the center device 1 transmits the inquiry result to a police station or police box near the place where the vehicle inquired in the database is imaged. Therefore, a support request can be made to an appropriate related organization. For example, when the vehicle inquired this time is an arrangement vehicle, a request is made to a related organization such as the nearest police station to search for a driver or a person concerned and to arrange a wrecker to move the vehicle. In addition, if the vehicle inquired this time is a VIP vehicle, it is possible to request nearby security agencies, traffic control, etc. from the nearest related organizations. Further, if the vehicle is parked, a request for cleaning a vehicle window, inspecting the vehicle, or the like can be made.

  In the vehicle inquiry system of the above embodiment, the vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2 having an unregistered identification code is ignored. However, the vehicle inquiry request may also be accepted. Good. However, in this case, the inquiry result concerning the received vehicle inquiry request is transmitted only to the related organizations, and is not transmitted to the mobile phone 2 that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request this time. Thereby, it becomes possible to receive information on the suspicious vehicle from the general public, and the personal information of the owner of the suspicious vehicle is not leaked to the general person who made the inquiry request.

  In the above embodiment, when the inquiry request is transmitted from the mobile phone 2, the registered vehicle information database, the arranged vehicle database, the black list database, the VIP database, and the like are respectively searched. It may be possible to specify whether a query is requested. In this way, it is possible to shorten the time required for vehicle inquiry in the center device 1.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the communication between the mobile phone 2 and the center device 1 is performed by data communication via the mobile phone network has been described as an example. However, the page published by the center device 1 on the Internet. It is good also as a structure which receives the inquiry request | requirement of a vehicle.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment also has the configuration shown in FIG. The vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment is different from the vehicle inquiry system of the above embodiment in that the captured image of the license plate of the suspicious vehicle is not included in the vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the center device 1. In other words, in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment, the mobile phone 2 transmits to the center device 1 a vehicle inquiry request that does not include the captured image of the license plate. For this reason, the center apparatus 1 applied to the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment may have a configuration that does not include the image processing unit 13 shown in FIG. 2, and the mobile phone 2 takes the imaging shown in FIG. 3. The configuration may be such that the unit 23 and the image processing unit 24 are not provided. Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment will be described.

  12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the operation of the mobile inquiry system of this embodiment in the vehicle inquiry mode of the mobile phone, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the inquiry operation in the center apparatus. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, when the vehicle inquiry mode is selected, the mobile phone 2 starts an application program stored in the control unit 20 in advance, and in the vehicle inquiry mode shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Start operation. When a police officer or the like carrying the mobile phone 2 finds a suspicious vehicle or the like, the operation unit 22 performs an input operation for selecting a vehicle inquiry mode. Thereby, the mobile phone 2 starts operation in the vehicle inquiry mode.

  The mobile phone 2 waits for an input operation related to acquisition of vehicle information from the smart plate 3 attached to the vehicle (s41). A police officer or the like performs an input operation related to acquisition of vehicle information from the smart plate 3 with the antenna of the DSRC communication unit 27 facing the license plate of the vehicle. As described above, the smart plate 3 is attached to the back surface of the license plate. When an input operation related to acquisition of vehicle information from the smart plate 3 is performed, the mobile phone 2 executes a vehicle information acquisition process of acquiring vehicle information from the smart plate 3 attached to the vehicle. Specifically, the DSRC communication unit 27 polls the smart plate 3 to request transmission of vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 (s42). When the smart plate 3 receives polling from the mobile phone 2 that requests transmission of the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 by the wireless communication unit 32, the smart plate 3 transmits the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 to the wireless communication unit 32. Send from. Communication between the mobile phone 2 and the smart plate 3 is performed by DSRC as in the above-described embodiment. When the mobile phone 2 receives the vehicle information from the smart plate 3 (s43), the mobile phone 2 captures the vehicle information received this time into the memory of the control unit 20 and stores it (s44). In addition, the mobile phone 2 detects the current position of the terminal itself using the GPS function in the position detection unit 26 (s45). The cellular phone 2 transmits the vehicle information captured in the memory in s44, the current location of the own terminal detected in s45, and the identification code of the own terminal to the center device 1 together with a vehicle inquiry request (s46). When the mobile phone 2 transmits a vehicle inquiry request to the center apparatus 1 in s46, the cellular phone 2 waits to receive an inquiry result for the vehicle inquiry request (s47).

  As described above, the vehicle inquiry system according to this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that the captured image of the license plate is not transmitted to the center apparatus 1 together with the vehicle inquiry request. The amount of data required for the inquiry request can be further reduced. Therefore, the communication time required for transmitting the vehicle inquiry request from the mobile phone 2 to the center device 1 can be further shortened, and the communication cost can be further reduced.

  Further, when the mobile phone 2 receives vehicle information from the smart plate 3 at s43, the license plate number included in the vehicle information is displayed on the display unit 25, and the processing after s44 may be executed. . In this way, the police officer who possesses the mobile phone 2 is a vehicle in which at least one of the license plate or the smart plate is forged when the license plate number is displayed on the display unit 25. You can judge whether or not.

  When the center device 1 receives the vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2 by the communication unit 12, the center device 1 starts the inquiry operation shown in FIG. The center device 1 determines whether or not the mobile phone 2 is a mobile phone 2 that accepts a vehicle inquiry request by using the identification code of the mobile phone 2 transmitted together with the inquiry request received this time (s61). If the center device 1 determines in s61 that the mobile phone 2 does not accept a vehicle inquiry request, the center device 1 ends this processing. On the other hand, when the center device 1 determines that the mobile phone 2 accepts the vehicle inquiry request in s61, the center device 1 is included in the vehicle information acquired from the smart plate 3 transmitted together with the inquiry request received this time. The vehicle reference process for searching the registered vehicle information database, the stolen vehicle database, the arranged vehicle database, the black list vehicle database, the VIP vehicle database, etc. stored in the storage unit 11 is performed using the license plate number of the vehicle as a key (s62). . The process related to s62 is the same process as the process related to s28 of the above-described embodiment. The center device 1 transmits the inquiry result of the inquiry process of s62 to the mobile phone 2 that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request this time (s63).

  When the mobile phone 2 receives the inquiry result for the vehicle inquiry request transmitted to the center device 1 in s47, the cellular phone 2 displays the inquiry result transmitted from the center device 1 on the display screen of the display unit 25 (s48). FIG. 15 shows an example when the inquiry result in the center device 1 is a general vehicle. In s48, even if the inquiry result is not a general vehicle but a stolen vehicle, a wanted vehicle, a VIP vehicle, etc., as shown in FIG. 15, the license plate number (second number) of the vehicle stored in the smart plate 3 is shown. Number plate number) is displayed. Police officers possessing the mobile phone 2 agree that the displayed second license plate number matches the first license plate number written on the license plate attached to the vehicle. If they do not match, the operation unit 22 of the mobile phone 2 inputs that the plate is a counterfeit vehicle. On the other hand, if they agree with each other, an input to the effect that the plate is not a counterfeit vehicle is performed on the operation unit 22 of the mobile phone 2.

  When an input indicating that the mobile phone 2 is a plate counterfeit vehicle is received, the mobile phone 2 receives an input of the first license plate number (s49 → s51). A police officer or the like performs an input operation to input a license plate number written on a license plate attached to the vehicle at the operation unit 22. When the mobile phone 2 receives the input of the first license plate number in s51, the mobile phone 2 notifies the center device 1 that the vehicle that has made the inquiry request for the current vehicle is a plate counterfeit vehicle (s52). This notification includes the first license plate number received in s51. On the other hand, when an input indicating that the vehicle is not a plate counterfeit vehicle is performed, the mobile phone 2 notifies the center apparatus 1 that the vehicle that has made the current vehicle inquiry request is not a plate counterfeit vehicle (s49 → s53). .

  When the center device 1 is notified from the mobile phone 2 that the vehicle is a plate counterfeit vehicle, the first license plate number and the second license plate number of the vehicle are associated with each other and registered in the plate counterfeit vehicle database. (S64 → s65). Further, the center device 1 uses the first license plate number notified this time as a key, a registered vehicle information database, a stolen vehicle database, a arranged vehicle database, a blacklist vehicle database, a VIP vehicle database, etc. stored in the storage unit 11. The vehicle is searched for each of them (s66). s66 is the same processing as s27 of the above-described embodiment. When the center apparatus 1 completes the vehicle inquiry process in s66, the inquiry result by the first license plate number (inquiry result in s66) and the inquiry result by the second license plate number (inquiry result in s62) This is transmitted to the mobile phone 2 that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request this time (s67). When the center apparatus 1 transmits the inquiry result to the mobile phone 2 in s67, the center apparatus 1 transmits the current inquiry result based on the current position of the mobile phone 2 transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time. (S68), the inquiry result transmitted to the mobile phone 2 in s67 is transmitted to the equipment installed in the related organization identified here (s69), and this process is terminated. The processing related to s68 and s69 is the same processing as the processing related to s30 and s31 of the above-described embodiment.

  Further, when the center device 1 is notified from the mobile phone 2 that the plate is not a counterfeit vehicle, the center device 1 determines whether or not it is necessary to notify the related organization of the inquiry result of the inquiry process of the vehicle this time (s64 → s70). . The process related to s70 is the same process as the process related to s34 described above. If the center apparatus 1 determines that it is not necessary to communicate the inquiry result to the related organization in s70, the center apparatus 1 ends this processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in s70 that it is necessary to communicate the inquiry result to the related organization, the inquiry result is transmitted based on the current position of the mobile phone 2 transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time. The institution is identified (s71), the inquiry result transmitted to the mobile phone 2 in s63 is transmitted to the devices installed in the related institution identified here (s72), and this process is terminated. The processing related to s71 and s72 is the same processing as the processing related to s35 and s36 of the above-described embodiment.

  Thus, also in this embodiment, regardless of whether or not the center device 1 is a plate counterfeit vehicle, if the vehicle is an arrangement vehicle or the like, the center device 1 transmits the current inquiry result to the related organizations. Therefore, it is possible to promptly request related organizations to secure the arrangement vehicle and to support the arrangement of the driver of the arrangement vehicle without manpower. Moreover, in this embodiment, since it is the structure which notifies whether it is a plate forgery vehicle from the mobile telephone 2 to the center apparatus 1, registration of the plate forgery vehicle to a plate forgery vehicle database can be performed easily.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment, the picked-up image of the license plate is not included in the vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the center device 1, so the mobile phone 2 in the vehicle inquiry request from the center device 1 Since the amount of data transmitted to the mobile phone 2 is suppressed, the communication time and communication cost between the mobile phone 2 and the center device 1 can be suppressed. Further, since it is not necessary to process the picked-up image of the license plate in the mobile phone 2 and the center device 1, the processing load on the mobile phone 2 and the center device 1 is suppressed, and the mobile phone 2 makes an inquiry from the center device 1. Time until results are obtained is shortened. For this reason, it is possible to quickly and efficiently detect a crime-related vehicle or the like, control a traffic violation vehicle, or provide a guard or service for a VIP vehicle.

  Moreover, you may combine two embodiment mentioned above. Specifically, the mobile phone 2 is provided with a function for selecting whether or not to include the license plate captured image in the vehicle inquiry request, and when the selection to include the license plate captured image is performed, FIGS. The operation shown in FIG. 12 and the operation shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be performed when the selection not to select the license plate is performed. Further, the center device 1 performs the operation shown in FIG. 8 if the pick-up image of the license plate is included in the vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2, and the pick-up image of the license plate must be included. For example, the configuration shown in FIG.

  In this way, it is possible for the police officer or the like to select whether or not to include the captured image of the license plate in the vehicle inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the center device 1 according to the situation at that time.

  A vehicle inquiry system according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, in the center apparatus 1 that has received the inquiry request from the mobile phone 2, a function for suppressing erroneous recognition of the license plate number from the captured image of the license plate is added to the system of the above-described embodiment. This is a system that can make the inquiry more accurate. The vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment is also configured as shown in FIG. 1, and the center device 1 and the mobile phone 2 are configured as shown in FIGS. Here, a different part from the vehicle inquiry system mentioned above is demonstrated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the center device in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment. The mobile phone 2 of the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment executes the processes of s1 to s15 shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. When the mobile phone 2 transmits a vehicle inquiry request to the center device 1 in s15, the mobile phone 2 waits for a license plate number recognition result confirmation request to be transmitted from the center device 1 (s81).

  When the center apparatus 1 receives the inquiry request transmitted from the mobile phone 2, the center apparatus 1 executes the processes related to s 21 and s 22 shown in FIG. At this time, the mobile phone 2 obtains a plurality of recognition candidates for the first license plate number in s22. Here, the case where four recognition candidates of the first candidate to the fourth candidate are obtained will be described as an example. The accuracy of the recognition candidates obtained in s22 is highest for the first candidate, and decreases in the order of the second candidate, the third candidate, and the fourth candidate. The center apparatus 1 transmits a confirmation request for the recognition result of the first license plate number together with the first to fourth recognition candidates obtained in s22 to the mobile phone 2 that has transmitted the inquiry request this time (s91). It waits to receive the confirmation result from the telephone 2 (s92).

  When the mobile phone 2 receives the recognition result confirmation request transmitted from the center device 1, as shown in FIG. 18, the license plate numbers (first to fourth) of the first to fourth candidates are displayed on the display screen of the display unit 25. 1 license plate number) is displayed (s82). Then, the cellular phone 2 accepts an input related to confirmation and correction of the first license plate number (s83). Here, a police officer or the like who possesses the mobile phone 2 is described in the license plate of the vehicle imaged this time among the first to fourth candidates displayed on the display screen of the display unit 25. If there is a first license plate number, an input operation for selecting and confirming the candidate is performed. Also, if the first candidate to the fourth candidate do not have the first license plate number described in the license plate of the vehicle picked up this time, an appropriate candidate is selected, and the first license plate of the candidate is selected. An input operation is performed to correct the number to the first license plate number of the vehicle imaged this time. The mobile phone 2 transmits the confirmed first license plate number or the corrected first license plate number to the center device 1 as a confirmation result (s84). When the cellular phone 2 completes the process related to s84, it performs the processes of s16 to s19 shown in FIG.

  Further, when the center apparatus 1 receives the confirmation result from the mobile phone 2 in s92, the center apparatus 1 performs the inquiry processing related to s23 to s36 shown in FIG. 8 using the first license plate number obtained from the confirmation result. Do. When the center apparatus 1 completes the process related to s31 or s36 shown in FIG. 8, the center apparatus 1 determines whether or not the first candidate is an appropriate first license plate number (s93). If the number plate number is 1, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the first candidate is not an appropriate first license plate number, it is stored in the storage unit 11 based on the recognition result of the current first license plate number and the appropriate first license plate number. Data output for updating the character database for image processing is performed (s94), and this processing ends. In s94, the captured image of the sought license plate and the recognition result are output in a report format as data used to identify the cause of erroneous recognition in the current license plate number recognition process. At this time, the center device 1 may be configured to update the image processing character database based on the image processing character database update data output in s94.

  Thus, in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment, the recognition result of the first license plate number in the center device 1 is transmitted to the mobile phone 2 so that the accurate first license plate number is obtained. The center device 1 does not make an inquiry about the vehicle having the wrong first license plate number. Therefore, the inquiry result inquired with the wrong first license plate number is sent to the mobile phone 2, or based on the inquiry result inquired with the wrong first license plate number, the support request etc. is sent to the related organizations. It is possible to prevent the situation of contact. Furthermore, when the first license plate number is incorrectly recognized, the image processing character database can be updated in s94, so that the license plate number recognition accuracy can be improved.

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle confirmation system of this embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 by the mobile phone 2, the license plate image captured by the imaging unit 23 and the vehicle acquired from the smart plate 3. A vehicle information storage unit 29 that stores information in an associative manner is provided (see FIG. 19). The vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment is not a vehicle that needs to respond promptly at the time of discovery, such as a stolen vehicle, a wanted vehicle, etc. A plate counterfeit vehicle in which a vehicle parked or stopped so as to cause trouble (hereinafter referred to as an annoying vehicle) is registered in a blacklist database or the like, or at least one of the license plate or the smart plate 3 is forged. It is a system for registering to the plate counterfeit vehicle database.

  In this embodiment, a mobile terminal such as a PDA that does not have a mobile phone function can be used instead of the mobile phone 2.

  The mobile phone 2 is possessed by a police officer or the like who patrols the area similarly to the above-described mobile phone. 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing the operation of the mobile phone of this embodiment. When a police officer or the like traveling around the area finds a traffic violation vehicle or an annoying vehicle, the police officer operates the mobile phone 2 in the vehicle inquiry mode. When the vehicle inquiry mode is selected, the mobile phone 2 starts the processes shown in FIGS. The mobile phone 2 first activates the camera function of the imaging unit 23 (s101), and the display unit 23 displays a finder image and a guide frame indicating an appropriate size of the vehicle license plate in the captured image on the display screen ( s102). The processing related to s101 and s102 is the same processing as the processing related to s1 and s2 in the above-described embodiment.

  In this state, the mobile phone 2 waits for the shutter button provided on the operation unit 22 to be operated (s103). A person who has the mobile phone 2 moves the mobile phone 2 body in his / her hand while looking at the viewfinder image displayed on the display screen of the display unit 25, and the license plate of the vehicle is abbreviated as a guide frame. The imaging area of the imaging unit 23 is adjusted so as to have the same size, and the shutter button of the operation unit 22 is operated. The cellular phone 2 captures the image captured by the imaging unit 23 when the shutter button is operated as a captured image in the memory of the main body (s104). Further, the display on the display screen of the display unit 25 is switched from the viewfinder image to the captured image captured in the memory this time (s105).

  In addition, the mobile phone 2 executes a vehicle information acquisition process in which the DSRC communication unit 27 acquires vehicle information from the smart plate 3 attached to the vehicle that has captured the current license plate in conjunction with the operation of the shutter button. Specifically, in conjunction with the operation of the shutter button, the DSRC communication unit 27 polls the smart plate 3 to request transmission of vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 (s106). As described above, since the smart plate 3 is attached to the back of the license plate, the smart plate 3 attached to the vehicle in which the imaging unit 23 images the license plate can be polled. When the smart plate 3 receives polling from the mobile phone 2 that requests transmission of the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 by the wireless communication unit 32, the smart plate 3 transmits the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 31 to the wireless communication unit 32. Send from. Communication between the mobile phone 2 and the smart plate 3 is performed by DSRC. When the mobile phone 2 receives the vehicle information from the smart plate 3 (s107), the mobile phone 2 stores the vehicle information received this time in association with the image captured in the memory of the main body in s104 (s108).

  The cellular phone 2 waits for an input to store the captured image of the vehicle that has been captured this time or to recapture the vehicle (recapture) (s109, s110). The person who has the mobile phone 2 confirms the captured image displayed on the display screen of the display unit 25, and is the vehicle license plate imaged from substantially the front and approximately the same size as the guide frame? Check whether the license plate of the vehicle has been properly imaged. Here, if it is determined that the vehicle license plate is not properly imaged, the operation unit 22 performs an input operation related to re-imaging of the vehicle. When an input operation related to re-imaging of the vehicle is performed, the cellular phone 2 returns the display on the display screen of the display unit 25 from the captured image to the finder image, and also captures the captured image captured in the main body memory in s104, and s108 The vehicle information captured in the memory of the main body is discarded (s111, s112), and the process returns to s103.

  On the other hand, when an input operation for storing the captured image of the vehicle that has been captured this time is performed, the mobile phone 2 uses the image captured by the image processing unit 24 in the main body memory in s104 to capture the license plate image. In step S113, the position detection unit 26 acquires the current position of the terminal using the GPS function. In addition, the mobile phone 2 accepts an input of a traffic violation type (parking / stopping violation, speed over, etc.) and annoying behavior type for the vehicle imaged this time (s115). The mobile phone 2 captures the image of the license plate section cut out at s113, the vehicle information acquired from the smart memory 3 at s108, the current position of the terminal detected at s114 (the location where the vehicle was imaged), the current time (the image of the vehicle was captured) Time) and the traffic violation type or the nuisance type accepted in s115 are stored in the captured image storage unit 29 (s116).

  Note that the current time can be obtained from a clock function provided in the mobile phone 2.

  When the process related to s116 is completed, the cellular phone 2 returns the display on the display screen of the display unit 25 from the captured image to the finder image and displays the guide frame (s117). Then, the cellular phone 2 waits for the shutter button to be operated or for an input operation to end the vehicle inquiry mode (s118, s119). When the shutter button is operated, the cellular phone 2 repeats the processes after s104. On the other hand, when an input operation related to the end of the vehicle inquiry mode is performed, the present process ends.

  Thus, the mobile phone 2 of this embodiment associates the image of the imaged license plate portion of the vehicle, the location where the vehicle was imaged, the time when the vehicle was imaged, and the type of traffic violation or nuisance. The image is stored in the captured image storage unit 29. In addition, each time the above-described processing is performed, the captured image storage unit 29 captures the image of the license plate portion of the captured vehicle, the location where the vehicle is captured, the time when the vehicle is captured, and the type of traffic violation or annoying The information in which the types are associated is stored in the captured image storage unit 29 cumulatively.

  The captured image of the vehicle, the location where the vehicle was captured, the time when the vehicle was captured, and the type of traffic violation or the type of nuisance are associated and stored in the captured image storage unit 29 without performing the processing in s113. However, in order to efficiently use the storage capacity of the captured image storage unit 29, the process according to s113 described above is performed.

The center device 1 takes in information stored in the captured image storage unit 29 by the mobile phone 2. For example, when a specific input operation is performed, the mobile phone 2 displays, for each vehicle stored in the captured image storage unit 29, an image of the number plate portion of the captured vehicle, the location where the vehicle is captured, and the vehicle. The imaging time and the type of traffic violation or the type of nuisance are transmitted from the communication unit 21 to the center device 1. The center device 1 sequentially takes in information transmitted from the mobile phone 2. In this case, since the amount of data transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the center device 1 may increase, communication time and communication cost increase. Therefore, it is desirable to connect the center apparatus 1 and the mobile phone 2 so that high-speed data communication can be performed without using a public network. In this case, the connection may be wired or wireless. Alternatively, the mobile phone 2 may transmit to the center device 1 via the terminal device 5 or the like connected to the center device 1. In this case, the connection between the mobile phone 2 and the terminal device 5 or the like may be a connection that can perform high-speed data communication without using the public line network.

  When the center device 1 captures information stored in the captured image storage unit 29 by the mobile phone 2, the center device 1 updates a black list database, a plate counterfeit vehicle database, and the like based on this information. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing operations related to update processing of a black list database, a plate counterfeit vehicle database, and the like in the center device. The center device 1 processes the captured image of the license plate portion of the vehicle captured from the mobile phone 2 and recognizes the first license plate number (s121). In s121, the image processing character database stored in the storage unit 11 is used. The center device 1 has the same first license plate number recognized in s121 and the second license plate number included in the vehicle information acquired from the smart plate 3 transmitted together with the inquiry request received this time. It is determined whether it has been done (s122). If the center apparatus 1 determines that the first license plate number and the second license plate number are not the same in s122, the center apparatus 1 determines that this vehicle is a plate counterfeit vehicle (s123), and already has a plate counterfeit vehicle database. (S124). If the center apparatus 1 determines that it is unregistered in s124, the first license plate number and the second license plate number of this vehicle are associated with each other and registered in the plate counterfeit vehicle database (s125).

  If the center apparatus 1 determines in s122 that the first license plate number and the second license plate number match, the first license plate number recognized this time is already registered in the black list database. It is determined whether or not (s126). If it is determined in s126 that the license plate number is not registered in the black list database, the imaging location, imaging time, traffic violation type, nuisance type, etc. are recognized in s122 for the first license plate number recognized this time. In association with the license plate number, new registration for registration in the black list database is performed (s127).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in s126 that the license plate number has already been registered in the blacklist database, the imaging location, imaging time, traffic violation type, nuisance type, etc. are determined for the first license plate number recognized this time. Then, additional registration is performed in association with the license plate number (s128). When the center apparatus 1 repeats the processes of s121 to s128 and processes all the information fetched for each vehicle from the mobile phone 2 (s129), the process is terminated.

  Thus, in this embodiment, a police officer or the like images a traffic violation vehicle or a nuisance vehicle with the mobile phone 2, and the center device 1 captures information related to the vehicle from the mobile phone 2 to update the blacklist database. . Therefore, traffic violation vehicles and nuisance vehicles can be easily registered in the black list database, and management of vehicles that repeatedly repeat traffic violations and nuisance acts can be easily performed.

  If there is a plate counterfeit vehicle, the first license plate number and the second license plate number of the plate counterfeit vehicle can be associated with each other and registered in the plate counterfeit vehicle database.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the image of the license plate part of the vehicle by which the mobile phone 2 was imaged, the location where the vehicle was imaged, the time when the vehicle was imaged, and the type of traffic violation or the type of nuisance action Although it was stored in the storage unit 29, the mobile phone 2 recognizes the license plate plate number, the license plate number of the imaged vehicle, the location where the vehicle was imaged, the time when the vehicle was imaged, and the type or nuisance of traffic violation These types may be associated with each other and stored in the captured image storage unit 29. In this way, the captured image storage unit 29 can be used more efficiently. In this case, a process of recognizing the first license plate number from the captured image of the vehicle may be added after the process of s113 shown in FIG.

  In this case, it is necessary to add a function of recognizing characters by image processing to the mobile phone 2.

  In addition, the system can be used to handle traffic accidents. For example, a person near the traffic accident occurrence site takes an image of the accident vehicle with the mobile phone 2 and notifies the center device 1 of the traffic accident occurrence mode. Along with this traffic accident occurrence mode notification, the center device 1 is transmitted with an image of the number plate portion of the accident vehicle and the current position of the mobile phone 2 that has captured the accident vehicle. When the center device 1 receives the traffic accident occurrence notification, the center device 1 identifies the traffic accident occurrence site from the current position of the mobile phone 2 that has imaged the accident vehicle, and informs related organizations such as police stations near the traffic accident occurrence site of the traffic accident occurrence. Notify the occurrence. As a result, the accident handling team can be dispatched to the traffic accident occurrence site. In addition, it is possible to judge the type of vehicle from the license plate number of the accident vehicle, give instructions to rush ambulances and tow trucks to the traffic accident occurrence site, and notify the occurrence of traffic accidents to insurance companies, etc. .

  It should be noted that not only the image of the number plate part of the accident vehicle but also the image that can determine the accident situation may be transmitted together.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the vehicle inquiry system which is embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the center apparatus in the vehicle inquiry system which is embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system which is embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a number plate. It is a figure which shows the structure of a smart plate. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the center apparatus in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen in the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen in the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen in the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the center apparatus in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen in the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the center apparatus in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen in the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system which is embodiment of another invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile telephone in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the center apparatus in the vehicle inquiry system of another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1-center device 2-mobile phone 3-smart plate 10-control unit 11-storage unit 12-communication unit 13-image processing unit 14-I / F unit 20-control unit 21-communication unit 22-operation unit 23-imaging Unit 24-image processing unit 25-display unit 26-position detection unit 27-DSRC communication unit 29-captured image storage unit

Claims (9)

A portable terminal provided with vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring the vehicle information stored in the smart plate by wireless communication with the smart plate storing the vehicle information including the license plate number of the mounted vehicle; and
For each target vehicle, it has a center device comprising storage means for storing a target vehicle database in which detailed information of the vehicle is registered in association with a license plate number,
The portable terminal acquires the vehicle information acquisition means from the smart plate attached to the vehicle, together with a vehicle inquiry request for inquiring whether the vehicle to which the smart plate is attached is a target vehicle. Inquiry request transmission means for transmitting the vehicle information to the center device,
The center device includes a reference request receiving means for receiving a reference request for a vehicle transmitted from the portable terminal;
When the inquiry request receiving means receives a vehicle inquiry request, the target vehicle stored in the storage means using the license plate number included in the vehicle information transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request An inquiry means for searching the database and inquiring whether the vehicle of this license plate number is a target vehicle;
A vehicle inquiry system comprising: inquiry result notification means for notifying the portable terminal that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request this time, the inquiry result by the inquiry means. The portable terminal includes an imaging unit that images a license plate attached to a vehicle,
The inquiry request transmission means is means for transmitting a picked-up image of a license plate imaged by the imaging means to the center device together with the vehicle inquiry request.
When the inquiry request receiving means receives the vehicle inquiry request, the center device processes the picked-up image of the license plate transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time, and is described in the license plate. Image recognition means for recognizing a license plate number;
When the license plate number described in the license plate recognized by the image recognition means does not match the license plate number included in the vehicle information transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request received this time And a plate counterfeit vehicle determination means for determining that at least one of the smart plate or the license plate is a counterfeited plate counterfeit vehicle,
2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry result notifying means is a means for notifying the inquiry result obtained by the inquiry means and the determination result obtained by the plate counterfeit vehicle determining means to the portable terminal that has transmitted the inquiry request for the vehicle this time. Inquiry system.   The inquiry means of the center device has received the license plate number described in the license plate recognized by the image recognition means and the current time, for the vehicle that the plate counterfeit vehicle determination means determines to be a plate counterfeit vehicle The vehicle inquiry system according to claim 2, which is means for inquiring whether each of the license plate numbers included in the vehicle information transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request is a target vehicle.   The vehicle inquiry system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the vehicle inquiry request transmission means of the portable terminal is means for transmitting the vehicle inquiry request to the center device using a cellular phone network.   5. The vehicle inquiry system according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle information acquisition unit of the portable terminal is a unit that acquires vehicle information from the smart plate in conjunction with imaging of a license plate in the imaging unit. . The portable terminal includes a position detection unit that detects a current position of the terminal,
The vehicle inquiry request transmission means is means for transmitting the position of the terminal detected by the position detection means to the center device together with a vehicle inquiry request.
The center device determines whether or not it is necessary to contact the related organization based on the inquiry result by the target vehicle inquiry means, and receives this time when determining that the contact to the related organization is necessary. A related institution specifying means for specifying a related institution to which an inquiry result is communicated based on the current position of the mobile terminal transmitted together with the vehicle inquiry request;
6. The vehicle inquiry system according to claim 2, further comprising: a contact unit configured to transmit an inquiry result obtained by the target vehicle inquiry unit to a related organization specified by the related organization specifying unit.   The vehicle inquiry system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the storage means of the center device is means for storing a plurality of types of target vehicle databases classified by vehicle attributes.   The inquiry result notifying means of the center device is means for notifying the license plate number recognized by the image recognition means by processing the picked-up image of the license plate to the mobile terminal that has transmitted the vehicle inquiry request received this time. The vehicle inquiry system according to any one of claims 2 to 7. The portable terminal includes display means for displaying a finder image in the imaging means,
The vehicle inquiry system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the display means is a means for displaying a guide frame indicating an appropriate size of a license plate in a captured image together with a finder image.

Images