JP2017182757A - Image collection device, image collection system, on-vehicle system, image collection method, image request processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image collection device and the like that can obtain an image in the vicinity of a travel route of a vehicle without requiring installation of a dedicated photographing device and makes a load relatively small on a device obtaining an image in the vicinity of the travel route of the vehicle.SOLUTION: An image collection device includes: a request transmission unit for simultaneously transmitting an image data request signal to request a vehicle to transmit image data at a place designated by the signal; a reception unit for receiving the image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal; and a display processing unit for having an image indicated by the image data received by the reception unit displayed on a display screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image collection device, an image collection system, an in-vehicle system, an image collection method, an image request processing method, and a program.

Several techniques for acquiring an image near the travel route of a vehicle have been proposed.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes a road information collection system for collecting information on road traffic conditions that do not cause any abnormality directly to vehicles such as road construction. This road information collection system specifies a point that deviates from a travel route with a high travel frequency when the current travel route of the vehicle deviates from a travel route with a high travel frequency for the vehicle. And a road information collection system collects the picked-up image of the circumference of the specified point with the imaging terminal which exists within the predetermined distance from the specified point.

  Patent Document 2 describes an information distribution device that confirms whether or not an event has occurred before distributing alert information for the event to a vehicle. This information distribution apparatus determines whether or not to request the vehicle to transmit image information based on vehicle information related to the behavior of the vehicle, weather information, or the like. When it is determined that image information is requested and the image information is acquired, this information distribution information is determined based on the acquired image information whether or not the alert information is to be distributed to the vehicle. , Deliver alert information to the vehicle.

JP 2013-254344 A JP 2012-14255 A

  If an image in the vicinity of the vehicle travel route can be obtained without the need to install a dedicated photographing device, the equipment cost and the maintenance cost can be reduced. In addition, it is preferable that the load on the device that acquires an image near the travel route of the vehicle is small.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image collection device, an image collection system, an in-vehicle system, an image collection method, an image request processing method, and a program that can solve the above-described problems.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image collection device includes a request transmission unit that simultaneously transmits an image data request signal that specifies a location and requests the vehicle to transmit image data of the location, and the image data request. A receiving unit that receives image data transmitted in response to a signal, and a display processing unit that displays an image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit on a display screen.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image collection system includes an image collection device and an in-vehicle system, and the image collection device receives the image data transmitted by the in-vehicle system, and the reception unit. A display processing unit that displays an image indicated by the image data received on the display screen. The in-vehicle system is mounted on a vehicle and images the surroundings of the vehicle, and an image captured by the imaging unit. The storage unit for storing the image data, and the specification of the condition including at least the specification of the location, the image data corresponding to the condition is read from the storage unit, and the image data corresponding to the condition is obtained An image data extraction unit for determining whether or not the image data extraction unit extracts the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit when the image data extraction unit determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained. And an image data transmission unit to be transmitted to the image acquisition device.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the in-vehicle system includes an imaging unit that is mounted on a vehicle and images the surroundings of the vehicle, a storage unit that stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit, and at least a place An image data extraction unit that receives the designation of the condition including the designation of the image, reads out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and determines whether the image data corresponding to the condition is obtained; And an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit to the image collection device when the image data extraction unit determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image collection method includes a request transmission step in which the image collection device simultaneously transmits an image data request signal for designating a location and requesting the vehicle to transmit image data at the location. A receiving step in which the image collecting device receives image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal; and an image indicated by the image data received in the receiving step by the image collecting device is displayed on a display screen. A display processing step.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an image request processing method includes an imaging unit that is mounted on a vehicle and images the surroundings of the vehicle, a storage unit that stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit, The vehicle-mounted system having at least a designation of a condition including designation of a location, reads out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and determines whether or not image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained And when the in-vehicle system determines that the image data corresponding to the condition is obtained in the image data extraction step, the image data extracted in the image data extraction step is transmitted to the image collecting device. An image data transmission step.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the program sends a request transmission step of simultaneously transmitting an image data request signal for requesting the vehicle to transmit image data at the location by designating the location to the computer, and the image collection. A receiving step in which the device receives image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal, and a display processing step in which the image collection device displays an image indicated by the image data received in the receiving step on a display screen. And a program for executing.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the program includes an imaging unit that is mounted on a vehicle and images the surroundings of the vehicle, and a storage unit that stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit. Whether the computer that controls the system receives the specification of the condition including at least the specification of the location, reads out the image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and whether or not the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained. An image data extracting step for determining, and an image data transmitting step for transmitting the image data extracted in the image data extracting step to the image collecting device when it is determined that the image data satisfying the condition is obtained in the image data extracting step And a program for executing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image near the travel route of the vehicle without the need to install a dedicated photographing device, and to relatively reduce the load on the device that acquires an image near the travel route of the vehicle. Can do.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the function structure of the image collection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process sequence which the drive recorder which concerns on the embodiment responds to an image data request signal. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the image collection apparatus according to the embodiment acquires image data from a drive recorder and displays an image. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the function structure of the image collection system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the image collection apparatus according to the embodiment acquires image data from a drive recorder and displays an image. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the function structure of the image collection system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the image collection apparatus according to the embodiment acquires image data from a drive recorder and displays an image. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the function structure of the image collection system which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the image collection apparatus according to the embodiment acquires image data from a drive recorder and displays an image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the minimum structure of the image collection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the minimum structure of the image collection system which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the minimum structure of the vehicle-mounted system which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, although embodiment of this invention is described, the following embodiment does not limit the invention concerning a claim. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image collection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the image collection system 1 includes a drive recorder 100 and an image collection device 200. The drive recorder 100 includes a first communication unit 110, a photographing unit 120, a position information acquisition unit 130, a first storage unit 180, and a first control unit 190. The first control unit 190 includes an image data extraction unit 191. The image collection device 200 includes a second communication unit 210, a display unit 220, an operation input unit 230, a second storage unit 280, and a second control unit 290. The second control unit 290 includes a display processing unit 291.

The image collection system 1 is a system that collects images taken by the in-vehicle drive recorder 100.
The drive recorder 100 is mounted on a vehicle and captures and stores an image around the vehicle. The drive recorder 100 corresponds to an example of an in-vehicle system.
The vehicle here is typically a vehicle traveling on a road, such as one or both of an automobile and a motorcycle. However, the image request target vehicle in the image collection system 1 is not limited to a vehicle traveling on a road. Various vehicles equipped with an in-vehicle system that captures and stores surrounding images can be image request targets in the image collection system 1.

The drive recorder 100 can be used as a general drive recorder such as taking and storing images for an accident. Thereby, it is not necessary to separately provide an in-vehicle system for the image collection system 1, and the equipment cost of the image collection system 1 can be reduced in this respect. Further, the number of devices provided in the vehicle can be reduced.
The number of drive recorders 100 included in the image collection device 200 (that is, the number of drive recorders 100 from which image data is to be acquired) may be one or more.

The first communication unit 110 corresponds to an example of a request reception unit, and receives an image data request signal from the image collection device 200. The image data request signal here is a signal for designating a place and requesting transmission of image data at the place. Further, the image data request signal may be a signal for designating a past time in addition to designation of a place and requesting transmission of image data at the place at the time.
The first communication unit 110 corresponds to an example of an image data transmission unit. When the image data extraction unit 191 extracts image data in response to an image data request signal, the image collection device that is the request source of the image data 200.

The photographing unit 120 includes a camera and photographs the surroundings of the vehicle such as the front of the vehicle. The imaging unit 120 may shoot a moving image, or may repeatedly shoot still images, for example, taking still images every second.
The position information acquisition unit 130 includes a positioning system such as a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, and acquires position information indicating the current position of the position information acquisition unit 130 itself. This position information is used as vehicle position information (position information of the vehicle including the position information acquisition unit 130).

The first storage unit 180 stores various data according to the control of the first control unit 190. In particular, the first storage unit 180 stores image data of an image captured by the image capturing unit 120. At that time, the first storage unit 180 stores image data, time information indicating the shooting time of the image, and position information indicating the location where the image was shot in association with each other. For example, the first storage unit 180 associates the image data of the image captured by the imaging unit 120, the time information of the current time, and the current position information (latest position information) acquired by the position information acquisition unit 130. Memorize in real time. Here, current time information is used as shooting time information, and current position information is used as shooting location information. The first storage unit 180 corresponds to an example of a storage unit included in the in-vehicle system.
The first storage unit 180 may be configured using a storage device built in the drive recorder 100, may be configured using a storage device externally attached to the drive recorder 100, or a combination of both. It may be constituted by.

The first control unit 190 controls each unit of the drive recorder 100 and executes various processes. The first control unit 190 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the drive recorder 100 reading and executing a program from the first storage unit 180.
The image data extraction unit 191 reads image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal from the first storage unit 180. The image data extraction unit 191 determines whether image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal has been obtained.

Specifically, the first storage unit 180 is searched using the location specified by the image data request signal as a search key, and the corresponding image data is extracted (read). When the corresponding image data cannot be obtained, the image data extraction unit 191 determines that there is no image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal.
When the image data request signal specifies a time in addition to a location, the image data extraction unit 191 extracts image data satisfying both using the combination of the designated location and time as a search key. Also in this case, if the corresponding image data cannot be obtained, the image data extraction unit 191 determines that there is no image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal.

In addition, the process regarding the drive recorder 100 may be described as a process regarding the vehicle on which the drive recorder 100 is mounted. For example, requesting the drive recorder 100 to transmit image data is also referred to as requesting the vehicle to transmit image data.
Similarly, a process related to the in-vehicle system may be described as a process related to a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle system. For example, requesting the in-vehicle system to transmit image data is also expressed as requesting the vehicle to transmit image data.

The image collection device 200 acquires image data from the drive recorder 100 and displays an image indicated by the image data.
The second communication unit 210 corresponds to an example of a request transmission unit, and broadcasts an image data request signal. That is, the second communication unit 210 transmits an image data request signal without specifying a vehicle, and determines whether there is corresponding image data on the vehicle side.

  This eliminates the need for the image collection device 200 to store a history of position information for each vehicle. In this respect, the storage capacity of the second storage unit 280 can be small. Further, since the image collection device 200 does not need to store a history of position information of each vehicle, it is not necessary to repeatedly receive position information from each vehicle. In this respect, the load of communication processing of the drive recorder 100 and the image collection device 200 can be reduced, and the consumption of the communication band can be suppressed.

Further, the processing load on the image collection device 200 can be reduced in that the image collection device 200 does not need to specify the drive recorder 100 that stores the image data corresponding to the condition.
These effects are particularly remarkable when the number of vehicles included in the image collection system 1 is large.
The second communication unit 210 corresponds to an example of a receiving unit, and receives image data transmitted by the drive recorder 100 in response to an image data request signal.

The display unit 220 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal panel or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel, and displays various images according to the control of the display processing unit 291. In particular, the display unit 220 displays an image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210 from the drive recorder 100.
The operation input unit 230 includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example, and receives user operations.

  The second storage unit 280 stores various data according to the control of the second control unit 290. For example, the second storage unit 280 stores the image data received by the second communication unit 210. The second storage unit 280 may be configured using a storage device built in the image collection apparatus 200, may be configured using a storage device attached to the image collection apparatus 200, or both. You may be comprised by the combination of these.

The second control unit 290 controls each unit of the image collection device 200 and executes various processes. The second control unit 290 is configured by, for example, a CPU included in the image collection device 200 reading and executing a program from the second storage unit 280.
The display processing unit 291 causes the display unit 220 to display an image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210. The display format in which the display processing unit 291 displays an image on the display unit 220 is not limited to a specific format. For example, when there are a plurality of images to be displayed on the display unit 220, the display processing unit 291 may display thumbnails of the images on the display unit 220. Alternatively, the display processing unit 291 may switch the image according to the user operation and display the image on the display unit 220.

  In addition, the target on which the display processing unit 291 displays an image is not limited to the display screen included in the image collection device 200. For example, the display processing unit 291 may transmit an image to be displayed as image data to another device via the second communication unit 210, and the device that has received the image data may display the image. The display processing unit 291 may display an image on a plurality of devices, such as displaying an image on a terminal device for an administrator and a personal computer for a viewer.

Next, the operation of the image collection system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in which the drive recorder 100 responds to the image data request signal. When the drive recorder 100 is activated upon receiving power supply, the drive recorder 100 starts the processing of FIG. Further, the drive recorder 100 captures an image by the photographing unit 120 and stores it in the first storage unit 180 in parallel with the processing of FIG.

In the process of FIG. 2, the image data extraction unit 191 determines whether the first communication unit 110 has received an image data request signal (step S101).
If it is determined that the image data request signal has not been received (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S101. That is, the image data extraction unit 191 waits for an image data request signal.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the image data request signal has been received (step S101: YES), the image data extraction unit 191 searches the first storage unit 180 using the condition indicated by the image data request signal as a search key. The corresponding image data is extracted (step S102).

Then, the image data extraction unit 191 determines whether there is image data that satisfies the condition (step S103). Specifically, the image data extraction unit 191 determines whether there is image data extracted in step S102.
If it is determined that there is no image data corresponding to the condition (step S103: NO), the process returns to step S101. In this case, the image data extraction unit 191 may transmit a response signal indicating that there is no corresponding image data to the image collection device 200 via the first communication unit 110.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S103 that the corresponding image data exists (step S103: YES), the image data extraction unit 191 sends the image data (the image data extracted in step S102) via the first communication unit 110. The image is transmitted to the image collection device 200 (step S104).
When there are a plurality of corresponding image data, the image data extraction unit 191 may transmit all the corresponding image data. Alternatively, the image data extraction unit 191 may transmit a part of the corresponding image data to the image collection device 200 such as transmitting only the latest one of the corresponding image data. In this case, the image data extraction unit 191 may select image data to be transmitted according to a predetermined condition. Alternatively, the image collection device 200 may include the image data selection condition in the image data request signal for transmission.
After step S104, the process returns to step S101.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the image collection apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment acquires image data from the drive recorder 100 and displays an image. For example, when the operation input unit 230 receives a user operation requesting display of an image, the image collection device 200 performs the process of FIG. Alternatively, the processing of FIG. 3 may be performed based on an event other than the user operation, such as the image collection device 200 periodically performing the processing of FIG.

In the process of FIG. 3, the second communication unit 210 transmits a data request signal all at once according to the control of the second control unit 290 (step S111).
Then, the second communication unit 210 receives image data transmitted by the drive recorder 100 in response to the data request signal (step S112). For example, the second control unit 290 waits for image data for a predetermined time after the second communication unit 210 transmits the data request signal in step S111, and acquires the image data received by the second communication unit 210.
Then, the display processing unit 291 causes the display unit 220 to display the image indicated by the image data obtained in step S102 (step S113).
After step S113, the process of FIG. 3 ends.

As described above, the second communication unit 210 transmits the image data request signal all at once. Then, the second communication unit 210 receives image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal. The display processing unit 291 causes the display unit 220 to display an image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210.
As described above, the image collection system 1 acquires the image data from the vehicle, so that the image of the drive recorder can be used, and there is no need to install a photographing device dedicated to the image collection system 1.

Further, since the second communication unit 210 transmits the image data request signal all at once, the image collection device 200 does not need to store a history of position information of each vehicle. In this respect, the storage capacity of the second storage unit 280 can be small. Further, since the image collection device 200 does not need to store a history of position information of each vehicle, it is not necessary to repeatedly receive position information from each vehicle. In this respect, the load of communication processing of the drive recorder 100 and the image collection device 200 can be reduced, and the consumption of the communication band can be suppressed.
Further, the processing load on the image collection device 200 can be reduced in that the image collection device 200 does not need to specify the drive recorder 100 that stores the image data corresponding to the condition.
These effects are particularly remarkable when the number of vehicles included in the image collection system 1 is large.

Further, the use of the image displayed by the image collecting apparatus 200 is not limited to the use for assisting vehicle travel such as detection of an accident. For example, the image collection system 1 may be used for fixed-point observation applications such as confirmation of garbage accumulation at a garbage station (household garbage collection place), monitoring of volcanoes, and monitoring of falling rocks in places where rockfalls may occur. it can.
For example, a user of the image collection system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a user) designates the location of the garbage station and instructs the image collection apparatus 200 to collect image data. Then, the user can check the amount of dust with reference to the obtained image and determine whether or not to collect (whether or not to send a collection vehicle).
By performing fixed-point observation using the image acquisition system 1, there is no need to provide dedicated equipment such as a fixed-point observation camera, and in this respect, the equipment cost and operation cost for observation can be kept relatively low.

  Alternatively, the image collection system 1 can be used for applications where the location cannot be specified in advance. For example, when searching for a lost child, the user designates a place where the child is thought to have been lost and instructs the image collection device 200 to collect image data. Then, the user can search for a lost child by referring to the obtained image. In addition, when a fire occurs, the user designates a place where the fire occurs and instructs the image collection apparatus 200 to collect image data. Then, the user can check the situation of the fire site such as the scale of the fire with reference to the obtained image, and can consider countermeasures.

Alternatively, the second communication unit 210 may designate a past time in addition to the location, and simultaneously transmit an image data request signal that requests the vehicle to transmit image data at the location at the time. As a result, the user can check the status of the designated place in the past.
For example, when time has elapsed since the child lost, the user designates a location and time at which the child is thought to be lost and instructs the image collection device 200 to collect image data. And the user can grasp the situation when the child is lost by referring to the obtained image, and can use it as a clue to search.

  In addition, after the fire has been extinguished, the user can use the image collection system 1 for the purpose of specifying the cause of the fire. In this case, the user designates a fire occurrence location and a fire occurrence time, and instructs the image collection device 200 to collect image data. Then, the user can grasp the situation at the time of the fire by referring to the obtained image, and can make a specific reference for the cause of the fire. Furthermore, when the cause of the fire is arson, the user can determine whether or not a suspicious person is reflected in the obtained image, and can be used as a reference for identifying the criminal.

In the drive recorder 100, the photographing unit 120 photographs the surroundings of the vehicle on which the photographing unit 120 is mounted. And the 1st memory | storage part 180 memorize | stores the image data of the image which the imaging | photography part 120 image | photographed. Further, the first communication unit 110 receives an image data request signal from the image collection device 200. The image data extraction unit 191 reads image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal from the first storage unit 180 and determines whether or not image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained. When the image data extraction unit 191 determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained, the first communication unit 110 transmits the image data to the image collection device 200.
As described above, the image data extraction unit 191 determines whether or not there is image data corresponding to the condition, so that the image collecting apparatus 200 does not need to specify a vehicle having image data corresponding to the condition. .

In the above description, the case where the drive recorder 100 acquires conditions for selecting image data (location conditions, etc.) using the image data request signal has been described as an example. However, the drive recorder 100 acquires the conditions. Is not limited to this.
For example, the drive recorder 100 may store the conditions in advance. Further, for example, the conditions may be stored in the first storage unit when the drive recorder 100 is manufactured, or the user of the image collection system 1 performs a user operation to input the conditions on the drive recorder 100. You may do it.
Alternatively, the condition may be input to the drive recorder 100 using a storage medium, such as inserting a memory card describing the condition into the drive recorder 100 to read the memory card.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image collection system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the image collection system 1 includes a drive recorder 100 and an image collection device 200. The drive recorder 100 includes a first communication unit 110, a photographing unit 120, a position information acquisition unit 130, a first storage unit 180, and a first control unit 190. The first control unit 190 includes an image data extraction unit 191. The image collection device 200 includes a second communication unit 210, a display unit 220, an operation input unit 230, a second storage unit 280, and a second control unit 290. The second control unit 290 includes a display processing unit 291 and a change amount calculation unit 292.
The image collection system 1 (FIG. 4) according to the second embodiment is different from the case of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in that the second control unit 290 includes a change amount calculation unit 292. The rest is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

  The change amount calculation unit 292 calculates a change amount from a predetermined reference state for the image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210. Accordingly, the change amount calculation unit 292 selects image data for displaying an image on the display unit 220 from the image data received by the second communication unit 210. Specifically, the display processing unit 291 causes the display unit 220 to display an image that shows a change greater than or equal to a predetermined change amount among the images indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210.

  For example, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates a change amount based on a difference between a plurality of images obtained by photographing the same place at different times. Alternatively, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates the change amount by a method other than a method for obtaining a difference between a plurality of images, such as calculating the lightness of an image and calculating a change amount from a predetermined reference lightness. Also good.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the image collection apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment acquires image data from the drive recorder 100 and displays an image. For example, when the operation input unit 230 receives a user operation requesting display of an image, the image collection device 200 performs the process of FIG. Alternatively, the processing of FIG. 5 may be performed based on an event other than the user operation, such as the image collection device 200 periodically performing the processing of FIG.

  Steps S121 to S122 in FIG. 5 are the same as steps S111 to S112 in FIG. After step S122, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates the change amount for each of the images indicated by the image data obtained in step S122 (step S123). As described above, the change amount calculation unit 292 may calculate a change amount based on a difference between a plurality of images taken at the same place at different times, or other than a method for obtaining a difference between a plurality of images. The change amount may be calculated by a method.

Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 selects an image showing a change greater than or equal to the predetermined change amount based on the change amount calculated in step S123 (step S124).
Then, the display processing unit 291 causes the display unit 220 to display the image selected by the change amount calculation unit 292 in step S124 (step S125).
After step S125, the process of FIG.

As described above, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates the change amount from the predetermined reference state for the image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210. Then, the display processing unit 291 causes the display unit 220 to display an image that shows a change greater than or equal to a predetermined change amount among the images indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210.
Accordingly, the change amount calculation unit 292 can automatically select image data on which the display unit 220 displays an image from among the image data received by the second communication unit 210.

For example, the second communication unit 210 receives image data of a road surface image. Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 determines whether the brightness of the road surface image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210 is brighter than a predetermined brightness reference value. Thereby, the variation calculation unit 292 can detect the possibility that there is snow on the road surface.
Alternatively, the second communication unit 210 may receive image data at a plurality of locations, and the change amount calculation unit 292 may select image data whose image is greater than or equal to a predetermined change amount from these image data.
For example, the second communication unit 210 receives image data of a plurality of road surface images. Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 selects an image in which the brightness of the image is brighter than a predetermined brightness reference value from among these image data. Thereby, the variation calculation unit 292 can select a candidate for a place where there is snow on the road surface.

Here, the change amount calculation unit 292 may calculate a change amount based on a difference between a plurality of images obtained by photographing the same place at different times. Accordingly, the change amount calculation unit 292 can detect a change in the situation at the shooting location with higher accuracy.
For example, the second communication unit 210 acquires image data of a garbage station image. Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates a difference between each of the images of the garbage station and an image when there is no dust in the garbage station, and whether or not the area of the difference image is larger than a predetermined area. Determine. Accordingly, the change amount calculation unit 292 can detect the possibility that dust is collected in the garbage station.

  Or the 2nd communication part 210 receives the image data of the image of the place (illegal dumping monitoring target point) predetermined as a place where possibility of illegal dumping of garbage is performed. Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates a difference between the image of the illegal dumping monitoring target point and an image in a state where no garbage is dumped at the illegal dumping monitoring target point, and the area of the difference image is a predetermined value. It is determined whether it is larger than the area. Thereby, the change amount calculation unit 292 can detect the possibility that the garbage has been illegally dumped.

  Or the 2nd communication part 210 receives the image data of the image of a volcano. Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates a difference between the image of the volcano and an image in a state where the volcano has not erupted, and determines whether the area of the difference image is larger than a predetermined area. . Thereby, the variation calculation unit 292 can detect the possibility that the volcano erupts.

  Or the 2nd communication part 210 receives the image data of the image of the place (falling stone monitoring object point) previously determined as a place with high possibility of falling rocks. Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates a difference between the image of the falling rock monitoring target point and the image of the falling rock monitoring target point in the absence of the falling rock, and whether or not the area of the difference image is larger than a predetermined area. Determine whether. Thereby, the variation calculation unit 292 can detect the possibility that a falling rock has occurred.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image collection system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the image collection system 1 includes a drive recorder 100 and an image collection device 200. The drive recorder 100 includes a first communication unit 110, a photographing unit 120, a position information acquisition unit 130, a first storage unit 180, and a first control unit 190. The first control unit 190 includes an image data extraction unit 191. The image collection device 200 includes a second communication unit 210, a display unit 220, an operation input unit 230, a second storage unit 280, and a second control unit 290. The second control unit 290 includes a display processing unit 291, a change amount calculation unit 292, and an image analysis unit 293.

The image acquisition system 1 (FIG. 6) according to the third embodiment is different from that of the second embodiment (FIG. 4) in that the second control unit 290 includes an image analysis unit 293. The rest is the same as in the second embodiment.
When the image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210 shows a change greater than or equal to a predetermined change amount, the image analysis unit 293 performs image analysis on the image taken at the place where the image was taken. .

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the image collection device 200 according to the third embodiment acquires image data from the drive recorder 100 and displays an image. For example, when the operation input unit 230 receives a user operation requesting display of an image, the image collection device 200 performs the process of FIG. Alternatively, the processing of FIG. 7 may be performed based on an event other than the user operation, such as the image collection device 200 periodically performing the processing of FIG.

Steps S131 to S134 in FIG. 7 are the same as steps S121 to S124 in FIG. After step S134, the image analysis unit 293 performs image analysis on the image indicated by the image data obtained in step S134 (step S135).
Then, the display processing unit 291 displays the image of the image data obtained in step S134 on the display unit 220, and also displays the result of the image analysis in step S135 on the display unit 220 (step S136).
After step S136, the process in FIG. 7 ends.

As described above, when the image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210 shows a change greater than or equal to the predetermined change amount, the image analysis unit 293 applies to the image taken at the place where the image was taken. Image analysis.
Accordingly, the image collection device 200 can present the features included in the image to the user.
For example, when an arson incident occurs, the user instructs the image collection apparatus 200 to collect image data by designating the location of the fire due to arson and the time zone before and after the fire occurrence time. When the second communication unit 210 receives the image data of the image of the place where the fire occurred, the image analysis unit 293 detects a face image from the obtained image, and performs matching processing with the data of the suspicious person's face image database.
Thereby, the image analysis part 293 can detect the suspicious person who was present at the fire occurrence place. The user can refer to the detection result of the suspicious person by the image analysis unit 293 and use it as a clue for identifying the arson.

In addition, when a pull-away event occurs, the user designates the event occurrence location and the event occurrence time, and instructs the image collection device 200 to collect image data. When the second communication unit 210 acquires the image data of the image of the incident occurrence location, the image analysis unit 293 detects the license plate image from the obtained image and searches the license plate database system.
Thereby, the image analysis part 293 can acquire the information regarding the vehicle which existed on the spot at the time of incident occurrence. The user can refer to the information acquired by the image analysis unit 293 and use it as a clue for identifying the escape runner.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image collection system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the image collection system 1 includes a drive recorder 100 and an image collection device 200. The drive recorder 100 includes a first communication unit 110, a photographing unit 120, a position information acquisition unit 130, a first storage unit 180, and a first control unit 190. The first control unit 190 includes an image data extraction unit 191. The image collection device 200 includes a second communication unit 210, a display unit 220, an operation input unit 230, a second storage unit 280, and a second control unit 290. The second control unit 290 includes a display processing unit 291, a change amount calculation unit 292, and an instruction information output processing unit 294.

The image collection system 1 (FIG. 8) according to the fourth embodiment is different from that of the second embodiment (FIG. 4) in that the second control unit 290 includes an instruction information output processing unit 294. The rest is the same as in the second embodiment.
When the image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210 indicates a change greater than or equal to a predetermined change amount, the instruction information output processing unit 294 outputs instruction information for instructing monitoring of a place where the image is captured. .

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which the image collection device 200 according to the fourth embodiment acquires image data from the drive recorder 100 and displays an image. For example, when the operation input unit 230 receives a user operation requesting display of an image, the image collection device 200 performs the process of FIG. Alternatively, the processing of FIG. 9 may be performed based on an event other than the user operation, such as the image collection device 200 periodically performing the processing of FIG.

Steps S141 to S145 in FIG. 9 are the same as steps S121 to S125 in FIG. After step S145, the instruction information output processing unit 294 outputs instruction information for instructing monitoring of the place where the image displayed on the display unit 220 is captured (step S146). For example, the instruction information output processing unit 294 may output the instruction information with a message around the image displayed on the display unit 220 (display on the display unit 220). Alternatively, the instruction information output processing unit 294 may notify the user of the instruction information by a method other than the screen display, such as outputting the instruction information by voice in addition to or instead of the screen display.
After step S146, the process of FIG. 9 ends.

As described above, when the image indicated by the image data received by the second communication unit 210 shows a change greater than or equal to the predetermined change amount, the instruction information output processing unit 294 instructs monitoring of the place where the image is taken. Output instruction information.
As a result, the image collection device 200 can notify the user of candidate locations that require continuous monitoring.

  For example, the second communication unit 210 acquires image data indicating a bridge image. Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates a difference image between the obtained image and an image in a state where no crack is generated in the bridge, thereby obtaining an image of a crack candidate (a crack image). Images with a relatively high probability). Then, the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates the length of a crack that may have occurred in the bridge from the length of the crack candidate image. When the change amount calculation unit 292 calculates the crack length equal to or longer than the predetermined length, the display unit 220 displays this image, and the instruction information output processing unit 294 monitors the bridge. The instruction information to be instructed is output.

  The user can determine whether or not to continuously monitor the bridge with reference to the image displayed on the display unit 220 and the instruction information output from the instruction information output processing unit 294. For example, when the user decides to continuously monitor the bridge, a user installs a fixed point camera for photographing the bridge and monitors the bridge by the photographed image. Alternatively, the user may periodically monitor the bridge, such as periodically taking a drone and taking a picture of the bridge.

Next, the minimum configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the minimum configuration of the image collecting apparatus according to the present invention. The image collection apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a request transmission unit 11, a reception unit 12, and a display processing unit 13.
With this configuration, the request transmission unit 11 simultaneously transmits an image data request signal that designates a location and requests the vehicle to transmit image data at the location. The receiving unit 12 receives image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal. Then, the display processing unit 13 displays the image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit 12 on the display screen.

As described above, since the image collection device 10 acquires image data from the vehicle, the image of the drive recorder and the like can be used, and there is no need to install a photographing device dedicated to the image collection device 10. In addition, since the request transmission unit 11 transmits the image data request signal all at once, the image collection device 10 does not need to store a history of position information of each vehicle. In this respect, the storage capacity required for the image collection device 10 can be small. Further, since the image collection device 10 does not need to store a history of position information of each vehicle, it is not necessary to repeatedly receive position information from each vehicle. In this respect, the communication processing load on the vehicle side and the image collecting apparatus 10 can be reduced, and the consumption of the communication band can be suppressed.
In addition, the processing load on the image collection device 10 can be reduced in that the image collection device 10 does not need to specify a vehicle storing image data corresponding to the conditions.
These effects are particularly noticeable when the number of vehicles from which image data is to be acquired is large.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the minimum configuration of the image collection system according to the present invention. The image collection system 20 shown in the figure includes an image collection device 30 and an in-vehicle system 40. The image collection device 30 includes a receiving unit 31 and a display processing unit 32. The in-vehicle system 40 includes an imaging unit 41, a storage unit 42, an image data extraction unit 43, and an image data transmission unit 44.

With this configuration, the receiving unit 31 receives image data transmitted by the in-vehicle system 40. Then, the display processing unit 32 displays the image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit 31 on the display screen.
Moreover, the imaging | photography part 41 is mounted in a vehicle and image | photographs the circumference | surroundings of a vehicle. The storage unit 42 stores image data of images captured by the imaging unit 41. The image data extraction unit 43 receives the specification of the condition including at least the specification of the location, reads the image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit 42, and determines whether the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained. To do. When the image data extraction unit 43 determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained, the image data transmission unit 44 transmits the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit 43 to the image collection device 30.

In this image collection system 20, a drive recorder or the like can be used as the in-vehicle system 40, and there is no need to install a photographing device dedicated to the image collection system 20. Moreover, since the vehicle-mounted system 40 determines the presence or absence of image data that meets the conditions, the image collection device 30 side selects a vehicle (specifically, selects the vehicle-mounted system 40 mounted on the vehicle). There is no need. Therefore, the image collecting device 30 does not need to store a history of position information of each vehicle. In this respect, the storage capacity required for the image collection device 30 can be small. Further, since the image collection device 30 does not need to store a history of position information of each vehicle, there is no need to repeatedly receive position information from each vehicle. In this respect, the communication processing load of the in-vehicle system 40 and the image collection device 30 can be reduced, and consumption of the communication band can be suppressed.
In addition, the processing load on the image collection device 30 can be reduced in that the image collection device 30 does not need to specify a vehicle storing image data corresponding to the conditions.
These effects are particularly remarkable when the number of in-vehicle systems 40 from which image data is to be acquired is large.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the minimum configuration of the in-vehicle system according to the present invention. The in-vehicle system 50 shown in the figure includes an imaging unit 51, a storage unit 52, an image data extraction unit 53, and an image data transmission unit 54.

With this configuration, the photographing unit 51 is mounted on the vehicle and photographs the surroundings of the vehicle. The storage unit 52 stores image data of images captured by the imaging unit 51. The image data extraction unit 53 receives the specification of the condition including at least the specification of the location, reads the image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit 52, and determines whether or not the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained. To do. When the image data extraction unit 53 determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained, the image data transmission unit 54 transmits the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit 53 to the image collection device.
As described above, the image data extraction unit 53 determines whether or not there is image data corresponding to the condition, so that it is not necessary to specify a vehicle having image data corresponding to the condition on the image collecting apparatus side.

A computer-readable program for realizing all or part of the functions of the first control unit 190, the second control unit 290, the display processing units 13 and 33, and the image data extraction units 44 and 54 The processing of each unit may be performed by recording on a recording medium, reading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system, and executing the program. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.
The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. The program may be a program for realizing a part of the functions described above, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

  A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

(Appendix 1)
A request transmission unit for simultaneously transmitting an image data request signal for requesting the vehicle to transmit image data of the location by designating the location;
A receiving unit for receiving image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal;
A display processing unit for displaying an image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit on a display screen;
An image collecting apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 2)
A change amount calculation unit that calculates a change amount from a predetermined reference state for an image indicated by the image data received by the reception unit;
The image collection apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the display processing unit causes an image showing a change greater than or equal to a predetermined change amount to be displayed on the display screen among images indicated by image data received by the receiving unit.

(Appendix 3)
The image collection device according to attachment 2, wherein the change amount calculation unit calculates the change amount based on a difference between a plurality of images obtained by photographing the same place at different times.

(Appendix 4)
(2) An image analysis unit that performs image analysis on an image captured at a place where the image is captured when the image indicated by the image data received by the reception unit exhibits a change greater than or equal to a predetermined change amount. Alternatively, the image collection device according to Appendix 3.

(Appendix 5)
(2) An instruction information output processing unit that outputs instruction information for instructing monitoring of a place where the image is taken when an image indicated by image data received by the receiving unit shows a change of a predetermined change amount or more. 5. The image collecting device according to any one of items 1 to 4.

(Appendix 6)
Any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the transmission unit specifies a past time in addition to the location, and simultaneously transmits an image data request signal for requesting the vehicle to transmit image data at the location at the time. The image collection device described in 1.

(Appendix 7)
An image acquisition device and an in-vehicle system,
The image collecting device includes:
A receiving unit for receiving image data transmitted by the in-vehicle system;
A display processing unit for displaying an image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit on a display screen;
With
The in-vehicle system is
A photographing unit mounted on a vehicle for photographing the surroundings of the vehicle;
A storage unit for storing image data of an image captured by the imaging unit;
An image data extraction unit that receives a designation of a condition including at least a designation of a location, reads out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and determines whether or not image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained; ,
When the image data extraction unit determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained, an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit to the image collection device;
An image collection system comprising:

(Appendix 8)
The image collecting device includes:
A request transmission unit for simultaneously transmitting an image data request signal for requesting the in-vehicle system to transmit image data of the location by designating a location;
The receiving unit receives the image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal;
The in-vehicle system is
A request receiving unit for receiving the image data request signal;
The image data extraction unit reads image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal from the storage unit;
The image collection system according to appendix 7.

(Appendix 9)
A photographing unit mounted on a vehicle for photographing the surroundings of the vehicle;
A storage unit for storing image data of an image captured by the imaging unit;
An image data extraction unit that receives a designation of a condition including at least a designation of a location, reads out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and determines whether or not image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained; ,
When it is determined that the image data extraction unit has obtained image data corresponding to the condition, an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit to an image collection device;
An in-vehicle system comprising

(Appendix 10)
A request receiving unit for receiving the image data request signal;
The image data extraction unit reads image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal from the storage unit;
The in-vehicle system according to appendix 9.

(Appendix 11)
A request transmission step in which the image collection device simultaneously transmits an image data request signal for requesting the vehicle to transmit image data at the location by designating the location;
A receiving step in which the image collection device receives image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal;
A display processing step in which the image collection device displays an image indicated by the image data received in the reception step on a display screen;
An image collecting method including:

(Appendix 12)
An in-vehicle system that includes an imaging unit that is mounted on a vehicle and captures the surroundings of the vehicle and a storage unit that stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit receives specification of conditions including at least specification of a location. An image data extraction step of reading out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit and determining whether or not image data corresponding to the condition is obtained;
When the in-vehicle system determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained in the image data extraction step, the image data transmission step of transmitting the image data extracted in the image data extraction step to the image collection device;
An image request processing method including:

(Appendix 13)
The in-vehicle system includes a request receiving step of receiving the image data request signal;
In the image data extraction step, the in-vehicle system reads image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal from the storage unit,
The image request processing method according to attachment 12.

(Appendix 14)
On the computer,
A request transmission step of simultaneously transmitting an image data request signal for requesting the vehicle to transmit image data of the location by designating a location;
A receiving step in which the image collection device receives image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal;
A display processing step in which the image collection device displays an image indicated by the image data received in the reception step on a display screen;
A program for running

(Appendix 15)
A computer that controls an in-vehicle system that includes an imaging unit that is mounted on a vehicle and captures the surroundings of the vehicle, and a storage unit that stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit.
An image data extraction step of receiving at least a condition specification including a location specification, reading out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and determining whether image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained; ,
If it is determined that the image data corresponding to the condition is obtained in the image data extraction step, the image data transmission step of transmitting the image data extracted in the image data extraction step to the image collection device;
A program for running

(Appendix 16)
A request receiving step of receiving the image data request signal is further executed,
In the image data extraction step, image data corresponding to the condition indicated by the image data request signal is read from the storage unit.
The program according to appendix 15.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,20 Image collection system 10, 30, 200 Image collection apparatus 11 Request transmission part 12, 31 Reception part 13, 32, 291 Display processing part 40, 50 In-vehicle system 41, 51, 120 Image pick-up part 42, 52 Storage part 43, 53, 191 Image data extraction unit 44, 54 Image data transmission unit 100 Drive recorder 110 First communication unit 130 Position information acquisition unit 180 First storage unit 190 First control unit 210 Second communication unit 220 Display unit 230 Operation input unit 280 Second storage unit 290 Second control unit 292 Change amount calculation unit 293 Image analysis unit 294 Instruction information output processing unit

Claims (10)

A request transmission unit for simultaneously transmitting an image data request signal for requesting the vehicle to transmit image data of the location by designating the location;
A receiving unit for receiving image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal;
A display processing unit for displaying an image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit on a display screen;
An image collecting apparatus comprising: A change amount calculation unit that calculates a change amount from a predetermined reference state for an image indicated by the image data received by the reception unit;
The image collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display processing unit displays an image showing a change greater than or equal to a predetermined change amount among images indicated by image data received by the receiving unit on the display screen.   The image collection device according to claim 2, wherein the change amount calculation unit calculates the change amount based on a difference between a plurality of images taken at the same place at different times.   4. The request transmission unit according to claim 1, wherein the request transmission unit simultaneously transmits an image data request signal that specifies a past time in addition to the location and requests the vehicle to transmit image data at the location at the time. The image collection device according to one item. An image acquisition device and an in-vehicle system,
The image collecting device includes:
A receiving unit for receiving image data transmitted by the in-vehicle system;
A display processing unit for displaying an image indicated by the image data received by the receiving unit on a display screen;
With
The in-vehicle system is
A photographing unit mounted on a vehicle for photographing the surroundings of the vehicle;
A storage unit for storing image data of an image captured by the imaging unit;
An image data extraction unit that receives a designation of a condition including at least a designation of a location, reads out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and determines whether or not image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained; ,
When the image data extraction unit determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained, an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit to the image collection device;
An image collection system comprising: A photographing unit mounted on a vehicle for photographing the surroundings of the vehicle;
A storage unit for storing image data of an image captured by the imaging unit;
An image data extraction unit that receives a designation of a condition including at least a designation of a location, reads out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and determines whether or not image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained; ,
When it is determined that the image data extraction unit has obtained image data corresponding to the condition, an image data transmission unit that transmits the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit to an image collection device;
An in-vehicle system comprising A request transmission step in which the image collection device simultaneously transmits an image data request signal for requesting the vehicle to transmit image data at the location by designating the location;
A receiving step in which the image collection device receives image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal;
A display processing step in which the image collection device displays an image indicated by the image data received in the reception step on a display screen;
An image collecting method including: An in-vehicle system that includes an imaging unit that is mounted on a vehicle and captures the surroundings of the vehicle and a storage unit that stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit receives specification of conditions including at least specification of a location. An image data extraction step of reading out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit and determining whether or not image data corresponding to the condition is obtained;
When the in-vehicle system determines that the image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained in the image data extraction step, the image data transmission step of transmitting the image data extracted in the image data extraction step to the image collection device;
An image request processing method including: On the computer,
A request transmission step of simultaneously transmitting an image data request signal for requesting the vehicle to transmit image data of the location by designating a location;
A receiving step of receiving image data transmitted in response to the image data request signal;
A display processing step for displaying an image indicated by the image data received in the receiving step on a display screen;
A program for running A computer that controls an in-vehicle system that includes an imaging unit that is mounted on a vehicle and captures the surroundings of the vehicle, and a storage unit that stores image data of an image captured by the imaging unit.
An image data extraction step of receiving at least a condition specification including a location specification, reading out image data corresponding to the condition from the storage unit, and determining whether image data corresponding to the condition has been obtained; ,
If it is determined that the image data corresponding to the condition is obtained in the image data extraction step, the image data transmission step of transmitting the image data extracted in the image data extraction step to the image collection device;
A program for running