JP2561707Y2 - In-vehicle wireless device addition device for still image transmission - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applied to a wireless device mounted on a moving body such as an automobile, and enables the wireless device to be used for still image transmission. It relates to an additional device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the case of sudden incidents or accidents, a mobile radio vehicle is often dispatched immediately to a site and a headquarters is set up at a place where executives wait. In such a case, it is most important to grasp the situation at the site by the countermeasures headquarters, but it is difficult to convey details in detail by wireless communication. So, take a picture of the site with a still camera and send it as a transmission photograph, or image information taken with a video camera,
The still image is sent via a public telephone line or a dedicated line.

[0003]

Since the conventional still image transmission is performed exclusively through a wired line, it is not useful when there is no wired line terminal near the site, and it is not useful even if it is nearby. Is a fixed installation type, so even if it is an extraordinary installation, it often takes time to install, connect, etc., and it is often not possible to exert a sufficient effect when fighting for an instant. So we installed it on a mobile radio car going straight to the site,
The emergence of a wireless device addition device that can start transmission of image information in a short time upon arrival is expected. However, none of these expectations has been met. In addition, there is a problem that even if the conventional image transmission apparatus using a wired line is modified for a wireless line, it is expensive.

The purpose of the present invention is to solve such problems.
To adapt to the press talk wireless transmission line,
Another object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle wireless communication device for still image transmission which is convenient to carry and can respond to sudden incidents and accidents anytime and anywhere.

In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle-mounted wireless device addition device for transmitting a still image according to the present invention includes, as an image transmission-side addition device , an imaging device 21 or an imaging device that outputs an analog signal as image information. 22, an a / D converter 23 for converting the output of the image pickup device 21 (22) into a digital signal, the a / D
Transmission image memory 2 for storing the image information output of converter 23
4 and information read from the transmission image memory 24
1 / (50) to 1 / (30) and the image compression means 25 for compressing the row signal processing necessary for image transmission communication receives the output of the image compression unit 25 Utotomoni, peer receiver side additional device
Receiving the ready signal sent from
The signal for activating the transmission unit of the wire machine and the processed signal
And transmission processing means 26 for outputting a transmission control means 27 for controlling the transmission processing unit 26 image compressing unit 25, as well as connecting the output of the transmission processing unit 27 to the in-vehicle radio 2, prior
Ready for reception from the additional device on the other side
And a transmitting serial interface 28 for inputting a signal to the transmission processing means, the image compressing unit 25 and the transmission processing unit 26 to the transmission control unit 27, the outer dimension of the maximum side
Personal with a flat case whose law is almost A4 or less
The A / D converter 23, the transmission image memory 24, and the transmission serial interface 28 are formed by a built-in circuit of the computer 20 and are integrated into a case of the personal computer 20 .

[0006] As the image receiving side additional device, a partner transmitting side is used.
Notifies the additional device that image reception preparation is complete
Signal for activating the transmitting unit of the in-vehicle wireless device 3 and receiving
Outputs the ready signal, the received signal processing necessary for image transmission communication corresponding to the transmission processing unit of the counterpart sender
A reception processing unit 34 for performing error correction of the received information, an image expansion unit 35 for expanding the image information output from the reception processing unit 34, a reception control unit 36 for controlling the reception processing unit 34 and the image expansion unit 35, and , Reception processing means 34
With connecting Input the in-vehicle radio 3, the opponent
The reception preparation completion signal sent from the
Receive serial interface 3 to output to onboard radio 3
3, a received image memory 37 for storing the output of the image decompressing means 35, a D / A converter 38 for converting the output read from the received image memory 37 into an analog signal, and a still image by the output of the D / A converter 38. Image display device 3 for displaying images
Comprising 1 or 32, a reception processing unit 34 and the image expanding unit 35 a reception control means 36, the outer dimension of the maximum side is substantially
Personal computer with flat case of A4 size or less
The receiving serial interface 33, the receiving image memory 37, and the D / A converter 38 are integrally incorporated in a case of the personal computer 30 .

[0007] The image information transmitting / receiving additional device includes an image pickup device that outputs an analog signal as image information, an image memory that stores image information as digital data, and an image signal that converts the output of the image pickup device into a digital signal and outputs the image signal. An A / D converter that outputs a signal to be stored in a memory; and an output of the A / D converter that is stored in the image memory. The data is read from 1 / (50) to 1 / (30).
An image compression means for compressing the row signal processing necessary for image transmission communication receives an output of the image compressor Utotomoni,
Receiving preparation completion signal sent from the receiving side additional device
And a signal for activating a transmission unit of the on-vehicle wireless device in response to the
And transmission processing means for outputting the processed signal, the other party transmits
Informs the side additional device that image reception preparation is complete.
A signal for activating the transmitting unit of the on-board radio and receiving
Outputs the ready signal, the received signal processing necessary for image transmission communication corresponding to the transmission processing unit of the counterpart sender
Receiving processing means for correcting the error of the data obtained, image expanding means for expanding the image information output from the receiving processing means and outputting a signal to be stored in the image memory, the image compressing means and the transmitting processing means Transmission / reception control means for controlling the reception processing means and the image decompression means; a D / A converter for reading an output of the image decompression means stored in the image memory and converting the output to an analog signal; An image display device for displaying a still image by the output of the converter, and connecting the output of the transmission processing means to the on-vehicle radio and connecting the on-vehicle radio output to the reception processing means, and The car
Output or input the image reception ready signal from the radio
A serial interface for allowing the image compression means, the transmission processing means, the reception processing means, the image decompression means, and the transmission / reception control means to have outer dimensions of a maximum side surface.
Has a flat case of almost A4 size or smaller.
The image memory, the D / A converter, the A / D converter, and the serial interface are formed by a built-in circuit of a computer , and are integrated into a case of the personal computer .

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a transmission-only addition device added to a transmission unit of a wireless device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving-only addition device added to the reception unit of the wireless device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a wireless relay station, and reference numerals 2 and 3 denote in-vehicle wireless devices capable of communicating with each other via the wireless relay station 1. Reference numeral 20 denotes a main body of an additional device for transmitting a still image to the wireless device 2, which is a portable small personal computer generally called a notebook personal computer. 21 is a video camera, 22 is a still camera.

Reference numeral 23 denotes an A / D converter for converting an analog signal into a digital signal. Reference numeral 24 denotes a transmission image memory for recording data of still image information to be transmitted. Reference numeral 25 denotes image compression means for compressing input image information data. Reference numeral 26 denotes a transmission processing unit that performs signal processing necessary for advancing a communication procedure for transmitting a still image via wireless lines such as the wireless devices 2 and 3. Reference numeral 27 denotes a transmission control unit that controls the image compression unit 25 and the transmission processing unit 26. 28
Is a serial interface for performing connection and matching between the transmission processing means 26 and the wireless device 2.

The image compression means 25, the transmission processing means 26, and the transmission control means 27 each utilize the conventional functions of the portable small personal computer 20, and incorporate an image compression program, a transmission communication program, and a transmission control program, respectively. It is realized by. The A / D converter 23, the transmission image memory 24, and the serial interface 28 are built in the case of the portable small personal computer 20 as hardware.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a main body of an additional device for receiving a still image added to the wireless device 2, which is a portable small personal computer generally called a notebook personal computer.
Reference numeral 31 denotes a video monitor for displaying a received still image on a cathode ray tube. Reference numeral 32 denotes a video plotter that outputs a still image on paper. 33 is a wireless device 3 and reception processing means 34
This is a serial interface for performing connection and matching with. 34 performs signal processing necessary for advancing a communication procedure for receiving a still image and corrects an error in received image information.
This is a reception processing unit that performs correction. The reception processing means 34
Starts the transmission processing means of the other side of the transmission-side additional device
A function of outputting a reception preparation completion signal for causing the signal to be received.
Reference numeral 35 denotes an image expansion unit for expanding the input image data. 36 is a reception processing unit 34 and an image decompression unit 35
And reception control means for controlling the above. Reference numeral 37 denotes a received image memory for storing data of the received still image information. 3
Reference numeral 8 denotes a D / A converter for converting a digital signal into an analog signal.

The reception processing means 34, the image decompression means 35, and the reception control means 36 all utilize the conventional functions of the portable small personal computer 30, and incorporate a reception communication program, an image decompression program, and a reception control program, respectively. It is realized by. The serial interface 33, the received image memory 37, and the D / A converter 38 are built in the case of the portable small personal computer 30 as hardware. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line is a portion which is newly incorporated into a conventional portion of each portable small personal computer.

Next, a description will be given of an apparatus in which the functions of the transmitting side additional apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the receiving side additional apparatus shown in FIG. 2 are integrated. Such a device is one additional device,
In some cases, it can be used as an additional device for transmitting a still image on the transmitting side and sometimes on the receiving side. Although a block diagram in this case is not particularly shown, the image memory shares one memory, and the serial interface is a communication serial interface having functions necessary for transmission and reception,
The hardware consists of this serial interface and A /
The image input / output board including the D conversion circuit, the D / A conversion circuit, and one image memory may be incorporated in one portable small personal computer. The image compression means, transmission processing means, and transmission control means required for transmission, and the reception processing means, image decompression means, and reception control means required for reception are provided by the conventional personal computer. You can incorporate each program using the function of.

FIG. 3 is a reference diagram (block diagram) showing an example of a communication serial interface in such a case. In the figure, the left side from the alternate long and short dash line is the computer side, and the right side is the communication board side connected to the wireless device. The operation of each unit in the figure is the same as that of the prior art, and the description is omitted. FIG. 4 is a reference diagram (block diagram) showing an example of an image input / output board used with the communication serial interface of FIG. In the figure, the left side from the alternate long and short dash line is the computer side, and the right side is the board side. NTSC IN at the right end is a terminal to which an image signal from a video camera (or still camera) in the case of image transmission is input, and NTSC OUT is a terminal to a video monitor (or video plotter) in the case of image reception. This terminal outputs an image signal. The operation of each unit in the figure is the same as that of the prior art, and the description is omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to an example. Now, it is assumed that the number of pixels constituting one screen is 4
Assuming that about 220,000 pixels of 30 × 512 pixels, to encode this image signal with 24 bits per pixel (8 bits for each of the three primary colors), the total data amount for one screen is 2
20,000 × 24 = 5.28 Mbits are required. It takes about 6 minutes to transmit this data as it is via the in-vehicle wireless communication line. Therefore, the use of the wireless line is limited in the time during which radio waves can be continuously emitted, making it impractical. It is possible. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the data is converted to about 1/50 to 1/3 using an image compression program.
By compressing to 0, one screen can be transmitted in a short time.

On the transmitting side, as shown in FIG. 1, a video signal photographed by a video camera 21 (or still camera 22) or the like is encoded by an A / D converter 23 and fetched as a still image into an image memory 24. This image data is divided into about 1 / in accordance with the compression program (by the image compression means 25).
Compressed 1/50 / 30 (by transmission processing means 26) in accordance with the communication program electrostatic assigned to the radio device 3
It is transmitted in a short time within the continuous wave launch time . Figure 2 on the receiving side
As shown in (2), the data was transmitted by the wireless line according to the communication program (by the reception signal processing means 34).
After the error correction of the received data is performed, the compressed image data is restored in accordance with the expansion program (by the image expansion means), written into the image memory 37, and displayed on the video monitor 31 (or recorded on the video plotter 32). ). In FIGS. 1 and 2, solid arrows indicate the flow of image signals . Dotted arrows indicate the flow of control signals, and in the case of FIG.
When the image preparation is completed in
A reception ready signal is output from the
To the wireless device 3 via the network 33. This reception ready signal
Is a wireless connection from the wireless device 3 via a wireless transmission line such as the relay station 1.
It is sent to the hand-held wireless device (for example, the wireless device 2 in FIG. 1).
In the case of FIG.
The received reception completion signal is sent to the serial interface.
The data is input to the transmission processing means 26 via the source 28. In addition, this
Based on the input of the reception preparation completion signal of
6 is a serial interface for processed image information
The image data is transmitted to the wireless device 2 via the wireless communication device 28. Ma
The transmission processing means 25 shown by the solid line in FIG.
In the arrow reaching the wireless device 2 through the face 28, there is an image.
A signal that activates the transmission unit of the wireless device 2 immediately before image transmission is included.
Only one of the other radios is shown in the dotted arrow in FIG.
(Not shown), and the wireless device 2 is in the receiving state.
An input of a signal indicating that there is is included. This signal
While inputting, the operator is required to
Even if the image transmission start operation is performed with the operation unit (not shown),
Is not possible and does not interfere with other communications on the same line.
Has become.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation when still image transmission is performed using the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. 51 to 62 are steps of each operation, and 51 to 56 and 59 are transmitting side steps. 57 and 60 to 62 are steps on the receiving side. Solid arrows indicate the flow of processing, and dotted arrows indicate the flow of data. Steps 51, 54, 56, 57,
Reference numeral 58 denotes an operation by a handling person on the transmitting and receiving side.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are reference diagrams showing an example of a use situation of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a usage situation on the transmission side, and shows the video camera 2 connected to the additional device main body 20.
1 is shooting the distress scene of a train. The additional device main body 20 is connected to a wireless device mounted on an automobile (not shown) by a cable. If the wireless device can be used by removing it from the automobile, it may be removed and carried on site. FIG. 7 shows a situation in which the image taken as shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted as a still image, and the situation of the site is displayed on a video monitor arranged at a security headquarters or the like via a relay station or directly receiving radio waves. is there. Although not shown in this figure, the additional device main body connected to the terminal of the wireless device fixedly arranged in the room may be placed beside the wireless device or may be housed in other equipment on the desk. Good.

When a test was conducted on the radio link under various conditions using the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image restoration rate on the receiving side was 1 when the link status was 1 × 10 ^-4.
At a bit error rate of 5 × 10 ⁻⁴ , the image restoration rate is 95%, at a bit error rate of 1 × 10 ⁻³ , the image restoration rate is 82%, and at a bit error rate of 3 × 10 ⁻³ . The image restoration rate was 41%. Therefore, the bit error rate is 1 × 10
^{If the value} is lower than ^-3, it can be practically used.

[0020]

The present invention as described above in detail, according to the invention] as devices to be added to the wireless device, the soft parts necessary for image transmission, using a mobile-type compact personal computers that are mass-produced conventional press Talk type wireless transmission line
Image transmission for use in a particularly limited time
The hard part having the required functions in that, by incorporating into the case of the personal computer, convenient to carry, sudden incidents, accidents, at any time anywhere vehicle wireless for still image transmission is constructed to support There is an effect that the machine addition device can be provided at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a transmitting-side additional device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a receiving-side additional device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a reference diagram (block diagram) showing an example of a serial interface incorporated in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a reference diagram (block diagram) showing an example of an image input / output board incorporated in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure example when still image transmission is performed using the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a reference diagram showing an example of use of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a reference diagram showing an example of use of the embodiment of FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 wireless relay station 2, 3 wireless device 20 transmitter-side additional device body 21 video camera 22 still camera 23 A / D converter 24 transmission image memory 25 image compression means 26 communication processing means 27 transmission control means 28 transmission-side serial interface 30 reception Side additional device main body 31 video monitor 32 video plotter 33 reception side serial interface 34 reception processing means 35 image decompression means 36 reception control means 37 reception image memory 38 D / A converter 51-62 Operation procedure steps

Claims (3)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. A device to be added to the in-vehicle radio for sending image information, an imaging device for outputting an analog signal as an image information, A / D converting the output into a digital signal of the imaging device a converter, a transmission image memory for storing image information output of the a / D converter, the information read from the transmission image memory 1 /
(50) to an image compression means for compressing the 1 / (30) is sent a signal processing necessary for image transmission communication receives an output of the image compressor line Utotomoni, from the other receiving-side additional device
The on-board radio is transmitted in response to the received ready signal.
Transmission processing means for outputting a signal for activating the unit and the processed signal, transmission control means for controlling the image compression means and the transmission processing means, and an output of the transmission processing means. When you connect to the vehicle-mounted radio
In both cases, the reception sent from the above-mentioned additional device
A transmission serial interface for inputting a communication preparation completion signal to the transmission processing means , wherein the image compression means, the transmission processing means, and the transmission control means are connected to each other by a flat cable having a maximum side surface dimension substantially equal to or less than A4 size.
Formed by internal circuitry of the personal computer with over scan, still image transmission, wherein the transmission image memory and the transmission serial interface and A / D converter, and wherein the incorporated integrally into the case of the personal computer For vehicle-mounted wireless equipment. 2. A device which is added to an on-vehicle wireless device for receiving image information and which is ready to receive an image with respect to an additional device on the partner transmitting side.
To activate the transmitter of the on-board radio
No. and it outputs the received ready signal, and the signal processing necessary for image transmission communication corresponding to the transmission processing unit of the transmitting side
A reception processing unit that performs error correction of received data; an image expansion unit that expands image information output from the reception processing unit; a reception control unit that controls the reception processing unit and the image expansion unit; connecting the input of the reception processing unit to the onboard radio
Both output the reception ready signal to the onboard radio
A reception serial interface, a reception image memory for storing an output of the image expansion unit, a D / A converter for converting an output read from the reception image memory into an analog signal, and an output of the D / A converter. An image display device for displaying a still image, wherein the reception processing means, the image decompression means, and the reception control means are each provided with a flat casing having a maximum side surface dimension of approximately A4 or less.
Formed by internal circuitry of the personal computer with over scan, still image transmission the D / A converter and said received serial interface and the received image memory, characterized in that incorporated integrally into the case of the personal computer For vehicle-mounted wireless equipment. 3. An apparatus added to an in-vehicle wireless device, comprising: an imaging device that outputs an analog signal as image information; an image memory that stores image information as digital information; An A / D converter that outputs a signal to be converted and stored in the image memory; and reads the output of the A / D converter stored in the image memory and processes the data from 1 / (50) to 1 /
(30) and an image compression means for compressing said row signal processing necessary for image transmission communication receives the output of the image compression unit Utotomoni, sent from the peer receiver side additional device
The on-board radio is transmitted in response to the received ready signal.
And feeding <br/> signal processing means for starting signal section and outputting the processed signal of said, this the image receiving preparation is completed to the counterpart transmission side additional device
To activate the transmitter of the on-board radio
Outputs the received ready signal and No., a reception processing unit for performing error correction of the data and the received signal processing necessary for image transmission communication corresponding to the transmission processing unit of the counterpart transmitter side, an output from the reception processing unit Image decompression means for decompressing image information to be output and outputting a signal to be stored in the image memory; transmission / reception control means for controlling the image compression means, the transmission processing means, the reception processing means, and the image decompression means, A D / A converter that reads an output of the image decompression means stored in the image memory and converts the output into an analog signal; an image display device that displays a still image based on the output of the D / A converter; together when connecting the vehicle radio output to the reception processing means connected to the output means to the vehicle radio
To the on-board radio or from the on-board radio
Comprising a serial <br/> Le interface for output or input image reception preparation completion signal, and the image compressing means and the transmission processing means and said reception processing means and the image decompression unit the transmission and reception control means, the maximum side
It has a flat case where the outer dimensions of the surface are almost A4 or less.
Formed by internal circuitry of the personal computer, and the image memory and the D / A converter and the A / D converter the serial interface, the personal con
An in-vehicle wireless communication device for transmitting still images, which is integrated into a computer case.