JP2010146429A - Image collection device, server device, and image collection and distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image collection and distribution system, which collects and distributes an image in which a forward vehicle is unlikely to be seen. <P>SOLUTION: In the image collection and distribution system 10, an image collection device 20 transmits, together with an image of a predetermined point and a photographing condition including position information of the predetermined point, the advancing direction and the photographing time zone, visibility information composed of congestion information of the predetermined point in the photographing, vehicle class information, and speed information in the photographing to a server device 50. The server device 50 determines the degree of congestion as a score from the congestion information, estimates the mounting height of a photographing part as a score from the vehicle classification information, estimates an inter-vehicular distance as a score from the speed information, and calculates the total of each score. When the total score corresponding to the visibility information of the received image is higher than the total score corresponding to the visibility information of stored image, the server device updates the storage to the received image, the received photographing condition and the total score corresponding to the received visibility information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image collection device, a server device, and an image collection / distribution system including them.

  Techniques have been proposed in which an image taken by a camera mounted on a vehicle and information on a shooting location are managed and distributed by a server (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a camera mounted on a vehicle is used to perform efficient image collection or image distribution that reduces an uncomfortable feeling given to a user who browses a captured image captured by a vehicle and distributed by an image server. Shooting information of a shot image including information about the shot image of the vehicle around the shot vehicle and the shooting point is stored in a storage medium, and the shot image stored in the storage medium is distributed to a user who displays the received shot image. In the image server, a photographed image input from a vehicle is selected for each area to which the photographed spot of the photographed image belongs, and is stored in a storage medium.

Further, in Patent Document 2, the vehicle navigation device mounted on the vehicle captures the stored image by another vehicle based on the information on the position where the stored image in the storage medium of the vehicle is captured and the current vehicle position. If it is determined that the vehicle is in the same driving state (traveling position, traveling direction) as when the image was taken, the image is taken and the image of the facility in the stored image is the same as the image corresponding to the facility in the taken image If the determination result is affirmative, the currently captured image is wirelessly transmitted to the center. As a result, the comparison result information is transmitted to the center, so that the center or the device or person who has acquired the information via the center can update the facility information based on the comparison result information.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-6081 JP 2008-26253 A

  However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not consider the quality of captured images. For example, in a situation where most of the forward field of view is blocked by a forward vehicle due to traffic jams, the forward vehicle is reflected in the photographed image and is not suitable as an image to be distributed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image collection and distribution system that collects and distributes images with a low probability that a vehicle ahead is reflected. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image collection device and a server device that constitute the system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an imaging unit that images the front of the vehicle, a vehicle position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, and a transmission unit that transmits the captured image to the server device. The image collecting apparatus provided includes at least one of a traffic information acquisition unit that acquires traffic information, a vehicle classification acquisition unit that acquires vehicle classification information of the host vehicle, and a speed acquisition unit that acquires speed information of the host vehicle. In addition to the shooting conditions including the image of the predetermined point, the position information of the predetermined point, the traveling direction, and the shooting time zone, the traffic jam information at the time of shooting the predetermined point, vehicle classification information, speed information at the time of shooting Visibility information which is at least one piece of information is transmitted to the server device.

  The present invention also includes an imaging unit that captures the front of the vehicle, a vehicle position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, a transmission unit that transmits the captured image to the server device, and a storage unit. The image collecting apparatus includes at least one of a traffic information acquisition unit that acquires traffic information, a vehicle classification acquisition unit that acquires vehicle classification information of the host vehicle, and a speed acquisition unit that acquires speed information of the host vehicle. Traffic congestion degree calculation unit that points the degree of traffic congestion from information, shooting unit height estimation unit that estimates the mounting height of the shooting unit mounted on the image collection device from vehicle classification information, and estimates the inter-vehicle distance from speed information And at least one of the inter-vehicle distance estimation units to be scored, and a summation unit for calculating the total of each score, an image of a predetermined point, position information of the predetermined point, a traveling direction, and a shooting time Shooting conditions including belt Together, it acquires visibility information that is at least one of traffic information at the time of shooting at the predetermined point, vehicle classification information, speed information at the time of shooting, and calculates a total score corresponding to the acquired view information, If the information matching the shooting conditions is not stored, the shooting conditions and the total score are stored, and if the information matching the shooting conditions is stored, the total corresponding to the stored view information When the total score corresponding to the newly acquired view information is better than the score, the memory is updated to the newly acquired shooting condition and the total score corresponding to the newly acquired view information, and the newly acquired predetermined An image obtained by photographing a spot, photographing conditions, and a total score are transmitted to the server device.

  In addition, the present invention provides a congestion degree calculation unit for scoring the degree of congestion from the congestion information, vehicle classification information in a server apparatus that includes a communication unit for receiving an image and delivering an image and a storage unit. And at least one of a shooting unit height estimation unit for estimating the mounting height of the shooting unit mounted on the image acquisition device and scoring, and an inter-vehicle distance estimation unit for estimating the inter-vehicle distance from speed information and scoring And a summing unit for calculating the total number of points, together with shooting conditions including an image obtained by shooting a predetermined point, position information of the predetermined point, a traveling direction, and a shooting time zone, a traffic jam at the time of shooting the predetermined point Information, vehicle classification information, speed information at the time of shooting is received, and view information that is at least one information is calculated, a total score corresponding to the received view information is calculated, and an image that matches the shooting conditions is stored If not, the image, the shooting condition, and the total score are stored. If an image that matches the shooting condition is stored, the image is received more than the total score corresponding to the view information of the stored image. When the total score corresponding to the view information of the received image is good, the storage is updated to the received image, the received shooting condition, and the total score corresponding to the received view information.

  The present invention also provides an image obtained by photographing a predetermined point, position information of the predetermined point, and a traveling direction in a server device that includes a communication unit that receives the image from the image collection device and distributes the image, and a storage unit. And the shooting conditions including the shooting time zone, and the total score corresponding to the visibility information that is at least one of the traffic information at the time of shooting at the predetermined point, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting is received. If the image that matches the shooting condition is not stored, the image, the shooting condition, and the total score are stored. If the image that matches the shooting condition is stored, the stored image is stored. When the total score corresponding to the view information of the received image is better than the total score corresponding to the view information of the received image, the received image, the received shooting conditions, and the total score corresponding to the received view information are stored. Characterized in that the new to.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image collecting apparatus including a photographing unit that photographs the front of the host vehicle, a host vehicle position detecting unit that detects a current position of the host vehicle, and a transmission unit that transmits a photographed image to the server device In the image collection and delivery system including a communication device that receives the image collection device and distributes the image, and a server device that includes a storage unit, the image collection device obtains traffic jam information. An image obtained by photographing a predetermined point, and a position of the predetermined point, including at least one of an acquisition unit, a vehicle classification acquisition unit that acquires vehicle classification information of the host vehicle, and a speed acquisition unit that acquires speed information of the host vehicle View information that is at least one of traffic information at the time of shooting at the predetermined point, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting, together with shooting conditions including information, traveling direction, and shooting time zone What The server device is a traffic congestion degree calculation unit that scores the degree of traffic congestion from the traffic congestion information, and a shooting unit height estimation that estimates the mounting height of the shooting unit mounted on the image collection device from the vehicle classification information and scores it And at least one of the inter-vehicle distance estimation units for estimating the inter-vehicle distance from the speed information and converting it to a score, and a summing unit for calculating the total of the respective points, the image obtained by photographing the predetermined point, and the photographing Condition and the field of view information are received, the total score corresponding to the received field of view information is calculated, and if the image that matches the shooting condition is not stored, the image, the shooting condition, and the total score If the total score corresponding to the field of view information of the received image is better than the total score corresponding to the field of view information of the stored image when the image having the same shooting condition is stored. Images And updates the stored and the total number corresponding to the received image capturing conditions received visibility information.

  The present invention also includes an imaging unit that captures the front of the vehicle, a vehicle position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, a transmission unit that transmits the captured image to the server device, and a storage unit. In an image collection and delivery system that includes an image collection device, a server that includes a communication unit that receives an image from the image collection device and distributes the image, and a storage unit, the image collection device stores traffic jam information. At least one of a traffic information acquisition unit to acquire, a vehicle classification acquisition unit to acquire vehicle classification information of the own vehicle, and a speed acquisition unit to acquire speed information of the own vehicle, and the degree of traffic congestion is scored from the traffic information Congestion degree calculation unit, shooting unit height estimation unit that estimates the mounting height of the shooting unit mounted on the image collection device from the vehicle classification information, and points, inter-vehicle distance estimation that estimates the inter-vehicle distance from speed information Scrap out of the department Each of which includes at least one and a summing unit for calculating the total of each score, together with an image obtained by photographing the predetermined point, and the photographing conditions including the position information of the predetermined point, the traveling direction, and the photographing time zone. The view information, which is at least one of the traffic jam information at the time of shooting, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting, is acquired, the total score corresponding to the acquired view information is calculated, and the shooting conditions match If the information to be stored is not stored, the shooting conditions and the total score are stored, and if the information that matches the shooting conditions is stored, the score is newly set to be higher than the total score corresponding to the stored view information. When the total score corresponding to the acquired view information is good, the memory is updated to the newly acquired shooting condition and the total score corresponding to the newly acquired view information, and the newly acquired predetermined point is imaged. An image, a shooting condition, and a total score are transmitted to the server device, and the server device receives an image obtained by shooting the predetermined point, the shooting condition, and the total score, and an image in which the shooting conditions match. If the image, the shooting condition, and the total score are stored, and if the image that matches the shooting condition is stored, the total score corresponding to the view information of the stored image If the total score corresponding to the view information of the received image is better than that, the memory is updated to the received image, the received shooting condition, and the total score corresponding to the received view information.

  According to the image collection and distribution system of the present invention, it is possible to collect and distribute an image with a low probability that a vehicle ahead is reflected. As a result, the user can obtain an easy-to-view image with few obstacles.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image collection and distribution system. The image collection and delivery system 10 includes a navigation device 20 mounted on a vehicle 11, a base station 12 that communicates wirelessly with the navigation device 20, a server device 50, and a network 14 that connects the server device 50 and the base station 12. It is out. The navigation device 20 incorporates an image collection device. In order to improve convenience, the number of navigation devices 20 included in the image collection / distribution system 10 is preferably as many as possible.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the navigation device 20. The navigation device 20 is for mounting on a vehicle, identifies a vehicle position based on radio waves received from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, displays a guidance screen showing a map of the vicinity along with the vehicle position, The main function is to guide the vehicle to the destination along the guide route.

  The navigation device 20 includes a GPS unit 21, a gyro sensor 22, a vehicle speed sensor 23, a VICS unit 24, a wireless communication unit 25, an interface unit 26, a control unit 27, a recording medium 31, and a drive unit 32. , Camera 33, camera control unit 34, drawing unit 35, display control unit 36, display unit 37, sound source circuit unit 38, speaker 39, hard key 40, touch panel 41, and position detection unit 42. And an interface unit 43.

  The GPS unit 21 includes a receiving antenna, a tuner, and the like. The GPS unit 21 processes radio waves received from GPS satellites and extracts positioning data. The retrieved positioning data is sent to the control unit 27 via the interface unit 26. The control unit 27 specifies the current location of the vehicle based on the positioning data sent from the GPS unit 21. The navigation device 20 employs a so-called hybrid system, and also uses a gyro sensor 22 for detecting the direction of the vehicle and a vehicle speed sensor 23 for detecting the speed of the vehicle. Detection signals from the gyro sensor 22 and the vehicle speed sensor 23 are sent to the control unit 27 via the interface unit 26, and the control unit 27 specifies the direction and speed of the vehicle based on these signals.

  The VICS unit 24 includes a receiving antenna and a tuner, and receives road traffic information such as traffic jam information from the VICS center. The received information is sent to the control unit via the interface unit 26. The control unit 27 obtains traffic jam information based on the road traffic information sent from the VICS unit 24.

  The wireless communication unit 25 includes a transmission / reception antenna and a tuner, and communicates with the server device 50 via the base station 12 and the network 13. The data to be communicated is image data to be described later.

  In addition, the control unit 27 performs overall control of the navigation device 20 and executes various operations and processes such as vehicle position specification and route search. The control unit 27 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and is read from a CPU 28 that executes various programs in which control and operation procedures are described, data used by the CPU 28, and a recording medium 31 to be described later, and the CPU 28. A RAM 29 for temporarily storing the program executed in the above, and a ROM 30 for storing a program in which basic control relating to startup, input / output, and the like, font data, and the like are stored. In addition, the CPU 28 includes a traffic information acquisition unit that acquires traffic information from the VICS unit 24, a vehicle classification acquisition unit that acquires vehicle classification information of the own vehicle registered in advance by the user, and the speed information of the vehicle from the vehicle speed sensor 23. A speed acquisition unit is provided. The CPU 28, RAM 29, ROM 30 and the like are connected via a bus (not shown).

  The recording medium 31 can be a hard disk, a memory card, an optical disk, or the like. The recording medium 31 stores a map database necessary for display of a guidance screen, route search, and the like, and a program describing various operations of the navigation device 20. Then, the control unit 27 reads this program from the recording medium 31 via the drive unit 32 and executes it. The map database contains map data including information on roads, facilities, backgrounds, drawing parameters referenced when drawing maps and guidance screens based on map data, index data referenced in various searches, route guidance Audio data used to generate audio for use and other purposes. And the control part 27 takes out data required for operation | movement to perform partially from a map database, and refers it.

  The camera 33 is provided at a position where the front of the host vehicle can be photographed. For example, in the case of a portable navigation device, the camera 33 can be provided on the back of the device. The camera 33 is controlled by the camera control unit 34. The camera control unit 34 is controlled to perform shooting when a shooting instruction is received from the control unit 27.

  The drawing unit 35 is an IC chip that includes a drawing-dedicated CPU and the like, and creates image data for a guidance screen, image data for an operation screen, and the like based on an instruction from the control unit 27. The image data created by the drawing unit 35 is sent to the display control unit 36 and stored in a RAM included in the display control unit 36. The display control unit 36 sends an image display signal to the display unit 37 based on the stored image data, and causes the display area of the display unit 37 to display a screen related to the image data. For the display unit 37, an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like is used.

  The sound source circuit unit 38 generates an analog audio signal for route guidance and other uses based on the audio data sent from the control unit 27. The generated analog audio signal is reproduced by the speaker 39.

  The hard key 40 includes a power key for turning on / off the power, a volume adjusting key, and the like. When one of the keys constituting the hard key 40 is pressed, a signal notifying that the key is pressed is sent to the control unit 27 via the interface unit 43.

  The touch panel 41 is, for example, a pressure-sensitive panel having transparent electrodes arranged in a grid pattern, and is disposed on the display area of the display unit 37. When the touch panel 41 is pressed, the position detection unit 42 generates a signal for notifying the coordinate information of the pressed position based on the voltage signal sent from the touch panel 41. This signal is sent to the control unit 27 via the interface unit 43.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the server device 50. The server device 50 includes a communication unit 51, an interface unit 52, a control unit 53, a recording medium 57, and a drive unit 58.

  The communication unit 51 includes a transmission / reception antenna and a tuner, and communicates with the navigation device 20 via the network 13 and the base station 12. The data to be communicated is image data to be described later. The received information is sent to the control unit 53 via the interface unit 52.

  The control unit 53 performs overall control of the server device, and also determines whether or not the image sent from the navigation device 20 is necessary. The control unit 53 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and is read from a CPU 54 that executes various programs in which control and operation procedures are described, data used by the CPU 54, and a recording medium 57 to be described later, and the CPU 54. A RAM 55 for temporarily storing programs and tables executed in the above, and a ROM 56 for storing programs, font data, and the like describing basic controls relating to startup and input / output. Further, the CPU 54 has a traffic degree calculation unit for scoring the degree of traffic jam from the traffic jam information, a shooting unit height estimation unit for estimating the mounting height of the camera 33 mounted on the navigation device 20 from the vehicle classification information, and scoring. An inter-vehicle distance estimation unit that estimates the inter-vehicle distance from the speed information and converts it to a score, and a summation unit that calculates the total of the respective points are provided. The CPU 54, RAM 55, ROM 56, etc. are connected via a bus (not shown).

  The recording medium 57 can be a large-capacity medium such as a hard disk. The recording medium 57 stores an image sent from the navigation device 20 and its additional information, various tables for determining the necessity of the image, a program describing various operations of the server device 50, and the like. Then, the control unit 53 reads these from the recording medium 57 via the drive unit 58 and uses them.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation related to image collection in the image collection / distribution system. Operations of the navigation device 20 and the server device 50 described below are controlled by the respective control units 27 and 53.

  First, in the navigation device 20, it is determined in step S10 whether or not the current position of the host vehicle has reached a shooting point suitable for shooting a predetermined point. Actually, in order to shoot a predetermined point, it is necessary to shoot from a point several tens of meters before that, so whether or not the current position has reached a suitable point for shooting several tens of meters before the predetermined point Determine whether. Since the information (latitude / longitude) of the predetermined point is stored in advance in the storage unit such as the recording medium 31, by reading it and comparing it with the current position, it has reached a shooting point several tens of meters before the predetermined point It can be determined whether or not.

  As the predetermined point, it is sufficient to cover a point where a user can see the scenery that the user wants to check in advance. For example, a corner, an intersection such as a branch point, a destination, a complicated point of road shape, or a road name changes. Locations and major facilities along the road (for example, famous buildings and tourist attractions) can be considered.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the shooting point has been reached, the process proceeds to step S11, and the predetermined point is shot by the camera 33. The captured image is temporarily stored in the RAM 29 or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining how the navigation device 20 captures an intersection. The current position of the host vehicle has reached an appropriate shooting point several tens of meters before the intersection 60. At this time, the camera 33 captures the scenery of the intersection 60 and an image 61 is obtained.

  Then, it progresses to step S12 and an imaging condition is acquired. The shooting conditions include at least the position information (latitude / longitude) of the predetermined point, the traveling direction of the vehicle (for example, 16 directions), and the shooting time zone (for example, the date and time unit of several hours). It is information to include.

  Then, it progresses to step S13 and visual field information is acquired. Visibility information is information that is used as a basis for estimating how much the vehicle ahead is reflected in the photographed image. Traffic information at the time of photographing at the predetermined point, vehicle classification information of the own vehicle, and at the time of photographing. Vehicle speed information.

  Then, it progresses to step S14 and transmits the image which image | photographed the predetermined point, imaging | photography conditions, and visual field information to the server apparatus 50. FIG.

  Correspondingly, the server device 50 receives the image, the shooting condition, and the view information transmitted from the navigation device 20 in step S20. And it progresses to step S21 and calculates the total score corresponding to the received visual field information. The calculation of the total score is performed based on a table that is created for each traffic jam information, vehicle classification, and vehicle speed and converted to the score.

  6 is a congestion degree table, FIG. 7 is a vehicle classification table, and FIG. 8 is a speed table. In these tables, the score is set lower as the condition that the front field of view is estimated to be better. That is, the total score becomes lower as conditions are estimated to have better visibility. In this case, it can be said that the lower the total score, the better the total score.

  When the visibility is estimated from the traffic jam information, it can be estimated that the prospect of the front becomes worse as the traffic congestion level increases. Therefore, in FIG. 6, the score is increased as the traffic congestion level increases. In addition, when the field of view is estimated from the vehicle classification, it can be estimated that the mounting position of the camera 33 increases as the size of the vehicle increases. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the score is decreased as the size of the vehicle increases. . Further, when the field of view is estimated from the vehicle speed, it can be estimated that the slower the speed, the smaller the inter-vehicle distance becomes and the worse the forward view, so in FIG. 8, the score is increased as the vehicle speed decreases.

  For example, when the contents of the received field-of-view information are “congested”, “ordinary vehicle”, and “20-30 km / h”, 5 + 7 + 8 = 20 (points) based on FIGS. Note that, on the contrary, there is no problem even if the score is set higher as the condition that the field of view is estimated to be better. In this case, it can be said that the higher the total score, the better the total score.

  Next, the process proceeds from step S 21 to step 22, where it is determined whether or not an image having a shooting condition that matches the received shooting condition is already stored in the recording medium 57. In step S22, if an image with the same shooting condition is not stored, the image is left for distribution, so that the process proceeds to step S23, and the currently received image, the shooting condition, and the total score are stored.

  On the other hand, if the image having the same shooting condition is stored in step S22, the process proceeds to step S24, and the total corresponding to the view information of the received image is larger than the total score corresponding to the view information of the stored image. It is determined whether the score is low. That is, it is determined whether the received image has better visibility.

  In step S24, if the total score corresponding to the field of view information of the received image is lower, the process proceeds to step S25 to leave this image for distribution, and the currently received image, shooting conditions, and total score are displayed. , Update it by overwriting existing information.

  On the other hand, if the total score corresponding to the field-of-view information of the received image is higher in step S24, the process proceeds to step S26, and the currently received image, shooting conditions, and total score are discarded. By such an operation, when the shooting conditions are the same, only an image that is assumed to have good visibility remains. As a result, the server device 50 can distribute an image with a low probability that the vehicle ahead is shown.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a state of image distribution in the image collection / distribution system. When the vehicle 11 is traveling toward the intersection 70, the navigation apparatus 20 displays an image 71 in which the current position is superimposed on the map at a point far from the intersection 70. At a point where the vehicle 11 approaches the intersection 70 and guides the intersection 70, the navigation device 20 requests the server device 50 for an image of the intersection 70 (transmits the latitude / longitude of the intersection 70 and the traveling direction of the host vehicle). The image 73 matching the current time zone of the intersection 70 is received from the server device 50, and the image 72 in which the current position and the image 73 are superimposed on the map is displayed.

  Since the user can know the state of the intersection 70 ahead by the image 73, the added value of the navigation device is improved.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tables shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are provided on the navigation device side, and the total score of the visibility information is calculated on the navigation device side. Since the other configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment will be described in detail below, and the detailed description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be described below. Omitted.

  Since the configuration of the navigation device is the same as the block diagram of FIG. 2, the configuration of the navigation device 20 'will be described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, since the configuration of the server device is the same as the block diagram of FIG. 3, the configuration of the server device 50 'will be described with reference to FIG.

  The CPU 28 of the navigation device 20 ′ has a configuration provided in the CPU 54 of FIG. 3, which is a traffic degree calculation unit for scoring the degree of traffic jam from the traffic jam information, and a camera 33 mounted on the navigation device 20 ′ from the vehicle classification information. An imaging unit height estimation unit for estimating the mounting height of the camera and scoring it, an inter-vehicle distance estimation unit for estimating the inter-vehicle distance from the speed information and scoring, and a summing unit for calculating the total of each score are provided. The above components are omitted from the CPU 54 of the server device 30 '. Accordingly, the tables shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are also stored in the recording medium 31 instead of the recording medium 57.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to image collection in the image collection / delivery system of the second embodiment. Operations of the navigation device 20 ′ and the server device 50 ′ described below are controlled by the respective control units 27 and 53.

  First, in the navigation device 20, it is determined in step S30 whether or not the current position of the host vehicle has reached a shooting point suitable for shooting a predetermined point. Actually, in order to shoot a predetermined point, it is necessary to shoot from a point several tens of meters before that, so whether or not the current position has reached a suitable point for shooting several tens of meters before the predetermined point Determine whether. Since the information (latitude / longitude) of the predetermined point is stored in advance in the storage unit such as the recording medium 31, by reading it and comparing it with the current position, it has reached a shooting point several tens of meters before the predetermined point It can be determined whether or not.

  As the predetermined point, it is sufficient to cover a point where a user can see the scenery that the user wants to check in advance. For example, a corner, an intersection such as a branch point, a destination, a complicated point of road shape, or a road name changes. Locations and major facilities along the road (for example, famous buildings and tourist attractions) can be considered.

  If it is determined in step S30 that the shooting point has been reached, the process proceeds to step S31, and the camera 33 takes a picture of the predetermined point. The captured image is temporarily stored in the RAM 29 or the like. The figure explaining how the navigation device 20 captures an intersection is the same as FIG.

  Then, it progresses to step S32 and an imaging condition is acquired. The shooting conditions include at least the position information (latitude / longitude) of the predetermined point, the traveling direction of the vehicle (for example, 16 directions), and the shooting time zone (for example, the date and time unit of several hours). It is information to include.

  Then, it progresses to step S33 and visual field information is acquired. Visibility information is information that is used as a basis for estimating how much the vehicle ahead is reflected in the photographed image. Traffic information at the time of photographing at the predetermined point, vehicle classification information of the own vehicle, and at the time of photographing. Vehicle speed information.

  Then, it progresses to step S34 and the total score corresponding to visual field information is calculated. The calculation of the total score is performed based on a table (see FIGS. 6 to 8) that is created for each traffic jam information, vehicle classification, and vehicle speed and that is converted into the score. Since the specific description regarding this is the same as in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S35, and it is determined whether or not a shooting condition that matches the current shooting condition is already stored in the recording medium 31. If it is determined in step S35 that an image having the same shooting condition is not stored, the shooting condition and the total score are stored in order to leave the shooting condition and the total score, and the current shooting condition and the total score are stored.

  On the other hand, in step S35, when shooting conditions that match the current shooting conditions are already stored, the process proceeds to step S37, and the total corresponding to the current view information is more than the total score corresponding to the stored view information. It is determined whether the score is low. That is, it is determined whether the image captured this time has a better field of view.

  In step S37, if the total score corresponding to the current view information is lower, in order to keep the shooting conditions and the total score, the process proceeds to step S38, and the current shooting conditions and the total score are already stored. Overwrite existing information and update.

  On the other hand, in step S37, if the total score corresponding to the current view information is higher, the process proceeds to step S39, and the currently captured image, the imaging condition, and the total score are discarded.

  From step S36, S38, and S39, the process proceeds to step S40, and an image obtained by photographing the predetermined point this time, the photographing condition, and the total score are transmitted to the server device 50 '. With such an operation, when the shooting conditions are the same, the image is transmitted to the server device 50 ′ only when it is estimated that the field of view is better than the images shot up to the previous time. As a result, the amount of information transmitted to the server device 50 ′ is reduced, so that the load on the server device 50 ′ can be reduced.

  Correspondingly, in step S50, the server device 50 'receives the image, shooting conditions, and total score sent from the navigation device 20'. Then, the process proceeds to step S51 to determine whether or not an image having a shooting condition that matches the received shooting condition is already stored in the recording medium 57. In step S51, if an image with the same shooting condition is not stored, the image is left for distribution, so that the process proceeds to step S52 to store the currently received image, the shooting condition, and the total score.

  On the other hand, if the image having the same shooting condition is stored in step S51, the process proceeds to step S53, and the total corresponding to the view information of the received image is larger than the total score corresponding to the view information of the stored image. It is determined whether the score is low. That is, it is determined whether the received image has better visibility.

  In step S53, if the total score corresponding to the field of view information of the received image is lower, in order to leave this image for distribution, the process proceeds to step S54, and the currently received image, shooting conditions, and total score are displayed. , Update it by overwriting existing information.

  On the other hand, if the total score corresponding to the field of view information of the received image is higher in step S53, the process proceeds to step S55, and the currently received image, shooting conditions, and total score are discarded. By such an operation, when the shooting conditions are the same, only an image that is assumed to have good visibility remains. As a result, the server device 50 can distribute an image with a low probability that the vehicle ahead is shown.

  A diagram for explaining a state of image distribution in the image collection and distribution system of the second embodiment is the same as FIG.

  In the above two embodiments, the traffic jam information, the vehicle classification information, and the speed information are listed as the visibility information. However, the effect of the present invention can be obtained as long as at least one of these information is included. And according to the information to handle, a traffic jam information acquisition part, a vehicle classification acquisition part, and a speed acquisition part are employ | adopted suitably.

  Further, in the above two embodiments, when calculating the total score of the view information, the calculation is made based on the three tables. However, an imaging date table as shown in FIG. 11 may be additionally used. In this table, the score is set higher as the shooting date becomes older. This is because an old image is likely to be different from the current state, so that a new image is kept as much as possible. The shooting date may be transmitted together with the image from the navigation device, or may be acquired from a clock in the server device when the server device receives the image.

  Further, in the above two embodiments, the scoring is made according to the vehicle speed at the time of shooting, but when the vehicle already has a sensor for measuring the inter-vehicle distance, the inter-vehicle distance obtained from the sensor is used instead of the vehicle speed. May be used as one of the visual field information.

  In the above two embodiments, only one image having the same shooting condition is left in the server device, but two or more images may be left. For example, if the server device already stores two images with the same shooting conditions, the next time an image with the same shooting conditions is received, a noise removal technique is used from the difference between the three images (difference between frames). Then, an image in which the vehicle ahead is reflected in the image is removed, and the image may be stored and distributed. Thereby, it is possible to provide an image with a low probability that the vehicle ahead is shown.

  The image collection device of the present invention can be incorporated into various devices such as a portable information terminal or a mobile phone equipped with a guidance guidance function using a map, as well as a vehicle-mounted or portable navigation device.

It is the schematic of an image collection delivery system. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of a navigation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of a server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement regarding the image collection in the image collection delivery system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining a mode that a navigation apparatus image | photographs an intersection. It is a congestion degree table. It is a vehicle division table. It is a speed table. It is a figure explaining the mode of the image delivery in an image collection delivery system. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement regarding the image collection in the image collection delivery system of 2nd Embodiment. This is a shooting date table.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image collection delivery system 11 Vehicle 20, 20 'Navigation apparatus (image collection apparatus)
50, 50 'server device 21 GPS unit (own vehicle position detection unit)
25 Wireless communication unit (transmission unit)
31, 57 Recording medium (storage unit)
33 Camera (shooting unit)
51 Communication Department

Claims (6)

In an image collection device comprising an imaging unit that images the front of the vehicle, a vehicle position detection unit that detects a current position of the vehicle, and a transmission unit that transmits a captured image to the server device.
At least one or more of a traffic information acquisition unit for acquiring traffic information, a vehicle classification acquisition unit for acquiring vehicle classification information of the own vehicle, and a speed acquisition unit for acquiring speed information of the own vehicle,
At least of the traffic conditions information, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting, together with the shooting conditions including the image of the predetermined point, the position information of the predetermined point, the traveling direction, and the shooting time zone. An image collecting apparatus that transmits view information as one or more pieces of information to the server apparatus. In an image collecting device including an imaging unit that images the front of the vehicle, a vehicle position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, a transmission unit that transmits a captured image to the server device, and a storage unit,
At least one or more of a traffic information acquisition unit for acquiring traffic information, a vehicle classification acquisition unit for acquiring vehicle classification information of the own vehicle, and a speed acquisition unit for acquiring speed information of the own vehicle,
A traffic congestion degree calculation unit that scores the degree of traffic congestion from traffic information, a shooting unit height estimation unit that estimates the mounting height of the shooting unit mounted on the image collection device from vehicle classification information, and a distance between vehicles from speed information At least one inter-vehicle distance estimation unit that estimates and scores, and a summation unit that calculates the total of each score,
At least of the traffic conditions information, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting, together with the shooting conditions including the image of the predetermined point, the position information of the predetermined point, the traveling direction, and the shooting time zone. Get visibility information that is one or more pieces of information,
Calculate the total score corresponding to the acquired view information,
If the information that the shooting conditions match is not stored, the shooting conditions and the total score are stored,
When storing information that matches the shooting conditions, when the total score corresponding to the newly acquired view information is better than the total score corresponding to the stored view information, Image collection characterized by updating the memory to the total score corresponding to the newly acquired view information and transmitting the newly acquired image, the imaging condition, and the total score to the server device apparatus. In a server device that includes a communication unit that receives an image collection device and distributes an image, and a storage unit,
A traffic congestion degree calculation unit that scores the degree of traffic congestion from traffic information, a shooting unit height estimation unit that estimates the mounting height of the shooting unit mounted on the image collection device from vehicle classification information, and a distance between vehicles from speed information At least one inter-vehicle distance estimation unit that estimates and scores, and a summation unit that calculates the total of each score,
At least of the traffic conditions information, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting, together with the shooting conditions including the image of the predetermined point, the position information of the predetermined point, the traveling direction, and the shooting time zone. Receive visibility information, which is one or more pieces of information,
Calculate the total score corresponding to the received visibility information,
If the image that matches the shooting condition is not stored, the image, the shooting condition, and the total score are stored,
When storing images that match the shooting conditions, when the total score corresponding to the view information of the received image is better than the total score corresponding to the view information of the stored image, A server apparatus, wherein the storage is updated to received shooting conditions and a total score corresponding to received view information. In a server device that includes a communication unit that receives an image collection device and distributes an image, and a storage unit,
At least of the traffic conditions information, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting, together with the shooting conditions including the image of the predetermined point, the position information of the predetermined point, the traveling direction, and the shooting time zone. Receive the total score corresponding to the visibility information that is one or more information,
If the image that matches the shooting condition is not stored, the image, the shooting condition, and the total score are stored,
When storing images that match the shooting conditions, when the total score corresponding to the view information of the received image is better than the total score corresponding to the view information of the stored image, A server apparatus, wherein the storage is updated to received shooting conditions and a total score corresponding to received view information. An image collecting device including a photographing unit that photographs the front of the host vehicle, a host vehicle position detecting unit that detects a current position of the host vehicle, and a transmission unit that transmits a photographed image to the server device;
In an image collection and delivery system that includes a communication device that performs reception from the image collection device and distributes an image, and a server device that includes a storage unit.
The image collecting device includes:
At least one or more of a traffic information acquisition unit for acquiring traffic information, a vehicle classification acquisition unit for acquiring vehicle classification information of the own vehicle, and a speed acquisition unit for acquiring speed information of the own vehicle,
At least of the traffic conditions information, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting, together with the shooting conditions including the image of the predetermined point, the position information of the predetermined point, the traveling direction, and the shooting time zone. Sending visibility information that is one or more pieces of information to the server device;
The server device
A traffic congestion degree calculation unit that scores the degree of traffic congestion from traffic information, a shooting unit height estimation unit that estimates the mounting height of the shooting unit mounted on the image collection device from vehicle classification information, and a distance between vehicles from speed information At least one inter-vehicle distance estimation unit that estimates and scores, and a summation unit that calculates the total of each score,
Receiving an image of the predetermined point, the shooting condition, and the field of view information;
Calculate the total score corresponding to the received visibility information,
If the image that matches the shooting condition is not stored, the image, the shooting condition, and the total score are stored,
When storing images that match the shooting conditions, when the total score corresponding to the view information of the received image is better than the total score corresponding to the view information of the stored image, An image collection / distribution system, wherein the memory is updated to the received photographing condition and the total score corresponding to the received view information. An image collection device including an imaging unit that images the front of the vehicle, a vehicle position detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle, a transmission unit that transmits the captured image to the server device, and a storage unit;
In an image collection and delivery system that includes a communication device that performs reception from the image collection device and distributes an image, and a server device that includes a storage unit.
The image collecting device includes:
At least one or more of a traffic information acquisition unit for acquiring traffic information, a vehicle classification acquisition unit for acquiring vehicle classification information of the own vehicle, and a speed acquisition unit for acquiring speed information of the own vehicle,
A traffic congestion degree calculation unit that scores the degree of traffic congestion from traffic information, a shooting unit height estimation unit that estimates the mounting height of the shooting unit mounted on the image collection device from vehicle classification information, and a distance between vehicles from speed information At least one inter-vehicle distance estimation unit that estimates and scores, and a summation unit that calculates the total of each score,
At least of the traffic conditions information, vehicle classification information, and speed information at the time of shooting, together with the shooting conditions including the image of the predetermined point, the position information of the predetermined point, the traveling direction, and the shooting time zone. Get visibility information that is one or more pieces of information,
Calculate the total score corresponding to the acquired view information,
If the information that the shooting conditions match is not stored, the shooting conditions and the total score are stored,
When storing information that matches the shooting conditions, when the total score corresponding to the newly acquired view information is better than the total score corresponding to the stored view information, The memory is updated to the total score corresponding to the newly acquired view information, and an image obtained by capturing the newly acquired predetermined point, the imaging condition, and the total score are transmitted to the server device,
The server device
Receiving an image of the predetermined point, the shooting condition, and the total score;
If the image that matches the shooting condition is not stored, the image, the shooting condition, and the total score are stored,
When storing images that match the shooting conditions, when the total score corresponding to the view information of the received image is better than the total score corresponding to the view information of the stored image, An image collection / distribution system, wherein the memory is updated to the received photographing condition and the total score corresponding to the received view information.

Images