JP7352890B2 - Accident image acquisition system and accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an accident image acquisition system and an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system suitable for use in a vehicle equipped with at least two cameras.

In recent years, with the aim of preventing vehicle accidents, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that support human driving and self-driving cars, in which machines drive themselves, have become popular. Advanced driving support systems and self-driving vehicles are equipped with various sensors to achieve accident prevention technology that goes beyond human driving. In particular, the evolution of cameras that replace the human eye is remarkable. For example, there are detection cameras that can detect obstacles such as vehicles and people, and electronic mirrors that electronically replace mirrors. However, although such electronic cameras can help prevent accidents while driving, they have the disadvantage that if an accident occurs, the vehicle is damaged, and if the camera itself is broken, it will no longer function. There is.

When an accident occurs, information such as the circumstances at the time and images of the accident are important sources of information for determining the proportion of responsibility between the perpetrator and the victim of the vehicle accident. It can also be used as evidence in the event that the vehicle involved in the accident escapes. For this reason, there is a growing need for a system that can efficiently acquire accident images. Note that, as conventional accident image acquisition systems, there are systems described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, for example.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-098105 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-230579

By the way, in the accident image acquisition system described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 mentioned above, a first vehicle transmits information when an accident occurred to a data server, and the data server transmits information to the second vehicle. In response to this, an accident image related to the first vehicle is transmitted via wireless communication. However, since whether or not an accident image can be acquired depends on whether the second vehicle is present near the first vehicle, the accident image acquisition rate is low. In other words, since the system is established and the possibility of acquiring an accident image is determined by the presence of the second vehicle, the probability of acquiring an accident image is low.

Further, since the second vehicle always needs to transmit image information with a relatively large amount of data to the data server, it is necessary to secure a wide communication band. Furthermore, since a data area of the data server is required for each second number of vehicles, a large-capacity data server is required, which can be said to be difficult to implement.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an accident image acquisition system and an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system that can improve the accident image acquisition rate and reduce the amount of image information related to vehicle accidents. The purpose is to provide.

The accident image acquisition system of the present invention includes at least two cameras and a data transmission unit that transmits image data of each of the at least two cameras to a data server by wireless communication, , an accident image acquisition system in which a first camera and a second camera are placed apart from each other on the outer periphery of the own vehicle, and the first camera is configured to take advantage of distance from other vehicles or obstacles. the data transmission unit detects the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle by measuring the distance between the Starting from , image data of the first camera and/or image data of the second camera are transmitted to the data server.

According to the above configuration, the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle is measured and the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle is detected, so the possibility of acquiring accident images is improved. do. In addition, the image data of the first camera and/or the image data of the second camera may be used as a starting point when there is a possibility of an accident occurring (an "incident") or when an accident has occurred (an "accident"). Since image information is sent to a data server, it is possible to narrow the communication band compared to constantly sending image information, which has a relatively large amount of data, to a data server. Also, since the amount of image data related to vehicle accidents can be reduced, data It becomes possible to reduce the capacity of the server.

In the above configuration, when the first camera detects contact with the other vehicle or the obstacle based on the distance between the two, the output image area of the second camera is change.

According to the above configuration, an image acquired as an accident image can be made clearer.

In the above configuration, the first camera is provided at the rear of the host vehicle, the second camera is provided on either side of the host vehicle, and the second camera is located at the rear of the host vehicle. It is possible to photograph an area that partially overlaps with the image being photographed by the camera.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain images of the same area viewed from different angles with respect to the vehicle from behind, which can contribute to accident cause analysis.

In the above configuration, the first camera is provided at the front of the host vehicle, the second camera is provided on either side of the host vehicle, and the second camera is located at the front of the host vehicle. It is possible to capture an area that partially overlaps with the image captured by the camera.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain images of the same area viewed from different angles with respect to the vehicle in front, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of analyzing the cause of an accident.

In the above configuration, a vehicle proximity detection sensor is provided which detects the proximity of the other vehicle by emitting electromagnetic waves with a short wavelength and receiving the reflected waves to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle; The transmitter uses the vehicle proximity detection sensor to complement the time point at which the first camera detects the proximity of the other vehicle.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the starting point when an accident is likely to occur or when an accident occurs, so it is possible to improve the accuracy of analyzing the cause of the accident, and the amount of data to be sent to the data server. can be further reduced.

In the above configuration, the first camera includes image data when detecting the proximity of the other vehicle, including time and position information at that time.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to grasp the time when the accident occurred and the accident site.

In the above configuration, the second camera detects the vehicle number of the other vehicle, and the data transmission unit transmits the data to the data server when the vehicle number is detected by the second camera. Include the vehicle number in the data.

According to the above configuration, the vehicle number of the other vehicle can be confirmed.

In the above configuration, the first camera has a first communication unit that communicates with the second camera, and the second camera has a second communication unit that communicates with the first camera. has.

According to the above configuration, by mutually communicating between the first camera and the second camera, even if the first camera fails, the second camera can supplement and acquire the accident image. becomes possible.

The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system of the present invention includes at least two electronic mirror cameras, an on-vehicle camera, and a data transmitter that transmits image data of each of the at least two electronic mirror cameras to a data server by wireless communication. An accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system comprising: of the at least two electronic mirror cameras, the first electronic mirror camera and the second electronic mirror camera are arranged apart from each other on the outer periphery of the host vehicle. , the in-vehicle camera measures the distance to another vehicle or the distance to an obstacle to detect the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle, and the data transmission unit transmits the data to the in-vehicle camera. transmitting the image data of the first electronic mirror camera and/or the image data of the second electronic mirror camera to the data server starting from the time when the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle is detected. .

According to the above configuration, the in-vehicle camera measures the distance to another vehicle or the distance to the obstacle and detects the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle, so it is possible to acquire an accident image. Possibilities improve. In addition, when there is a possibility that an accident may occur ("incident") or when an accident has occurred ("accident"), the image data of the first electronic mirror camera and/or the second electronic mirror camera may be image data is sent to the data server, it is possible to narrow the communication band compared to constantly sending relatively large amounts of image data to the data server, and it is also possible to reduce the amount of image data related to vehicle accidents. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the data server.

In the above configuration, the in-vehicle camera detects a vehicle number of the other vehicle, and when the vehicle number is detected by the in-vehicle camera, the data transmission unit adds data to the vehicle to be sent to the data server. Include the number.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to check the vehicle number of another vehicle.

The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system of the present invention includes at least two electronic mirror cameras; an in-vehicle system that processes image information of at least one electronic mirror camera among the at least two electronic mirror cameras; a data transmission unit that transmits image data of each of the electronic mirror cameras to a data server by wireless communication, and of the at least two electronic mirror cameras, the first electronic mirror camera and the second electronic mirror camera are An accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system disposed at a distance on the outer periphery of the own vehicle, wherein the in-vehicle system uses image information of one electronic mirror camera among the at least two electronic mirror cameras, The data transmission section measures the distance to another vehicle or the distance to an obstacle to detect the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle, and the data transmitting unit is configured to use the in-vehicle system to detect the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle. The image data of the first electronic mirror camera and/or the image data of the second electronic mirror camera are transmitted to the data server starting from the time when the proximity of the obstacle is detected.

According to the above configuration, the in-vehicle system uses the image data of one electronic mirror camera to measure the distance to another vehicle or the distance to the obstacle, and measures the distance between the other vehicle or the obstacle. Detects the proximity of the vehicle, increasing the possibility of capturing accident images. In addition, when there is a possibility that an accident may occur ("incident") or when an accident has occurred ("accident"), the image data of the first electronic mirror camera and/or the second electronic mirror camera may be image data is sent to the data server, it is possible to narrow the communication band compared to constantly sending relatively large amounts of image data to the data server, and it is also possible to reduce the amount of image data related to vehicle accidents. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the data server.

The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system of the present invention irradiates electromagnetic waves with short wavelengths and receives reflected waves from at least two electronic mirror cameras to determine the distance between the vehicle and another vehicle or the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle. a vehicle proximity detection sensor that measures the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle; and an in-vehicle system that processes image information of at least one electronic mirror camera of the at least two electronic mirror cameras; a data transmitter configured to transmit image data of each of the at least two electronic mirror cameras to a data server by wireless communication; The mirror camera is an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system that is arranged at a distance on the outer periphery of the own vehicle, and the in-vehicle system collects image information of one electronic mirror camera among the at least two electronic mirror cameras. Based on this, the distance to another vehicle or the distance to an obstacle is measured to detect the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle, and the proximity detection result is used for proximity detection by the vehicle proximity detection sensor. Complementing the data with the results, the data transmission unit transmits the image data of the first electronic mirror camera and/or the first electronic mirror camera starting from the point in time when the in-vehicle system detects the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle. The image data of the second electronic mirror camera is transmitted to the data server.

According to the above configuration, the in-vehicle system measures the distance to another vehicle or the distance to the obstacle and detects the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle, so it is possible to acquire an accident image. Possibilities improve. In particular, when measuring the distance to a vehicle or the distance to an obstacle, it is complemented with the proximity result of the vehicle proximity detection sensor, so it is possible to measure the distance with higher accuracy. In addition, when there is a possibility that an accident may occur ("incident") or when an accident has occurred ("accident"), the image data of the first electronic mirror camera and/or the second electronic mirror camera may be image data is sent to the data server, it is possible to narrow the communication band compared to constantly sending relatively large amounts of image data to the data server, and it is also possible to reduce the amount of image data related to vehicle accidents. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the data server.

In the above configuration, the in-vehicle system detects the vehicle number of the other vehicle using image information of one electronic mirror camera among the at least two electronic mirror cameras;
The data transmitter includes the vehicle number in data transmitted to the data server when the vehicle number is detected by the in-vehicle system.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to check the vehicle number of another vehicle.

In the above configuration, the in-vehicle system transmits image information of the electronic mirror camera located at a physically distant position among the image information of the at least two electronic mirror cameras located apart from each other to the data transmitter. Output.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to complement the image data of the rear of the vehicle, which is hidden by an electronic mirror camera located physically far away due to the proximity of an obstacle, with the image data of the other electronic mirror camera. Images acquired as accident images can be made clearer.

In the above configuration, the first electronic mirror camera is provided at the rear of the own vehicle, the second electronic mirror camera is provided on either side of the own vehicle, and the second electronic mirror camera is provided on either side of the own vehicle. is capable of photographing an area that partially overlaps with the image photographed by the first electronic mirror camera.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain images of the same area viewed from different angles with respect to a vehicle approaching from behind, which can contribute to accident cause analysis.

In the above configuration, the data transmitting unit causes the image data obtained when the proximity of the other vehicle is detected to include time and position information at that time.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to confirm the time and position information when the proximity of another vehicle is detected.

In the above configuration, only the proximity detection function of the vehicle-mounted camera is operated while the vehicle is in operation.

According to the above configuration, the probability of detecting an accident can be increased.

In the above configuration, only the proximity detection function of the in-vehicle system is operated during vehicle operation.

According to the above configuration, the probability of detecting an accident can be increased.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accident image acquisition rate, reduce the amount of image data related to vehicle accidents, and reduce the capacity of the data server.

A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition system according to a first embodiment of the present invention Diagram for explaining the accident image acquisition system according to the first embodiment of the present invention A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition system according to a second embodiment of the present invention A diagram showing an example of image information of the second camera of the accident image acquisition system according to the second embodiment of the present invention A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition system according to a third embodiment of the present invention A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention Diagram for explaining an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention Diagram for explaining the first conventional accident image acquisition system that led to the embodiment of the present invention A block diagram showing the configuration of electronic devices installed in each of the first to third vehicles shown in FIG. 10, and an information processing device and a communication device installed in an information center having a database server. Diagram for explaining the conventional second accident image acquisition system that led to the embodiment of the present invention Diagram showing an example of an image acquired by the conventional second accident image acquisition system

First, the circumstances that led to the embodiment of the present invention will be explained.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the first conventional accident image acquisition system that led to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a conventional first vehicle 1010 is equipped with a conventional first accident image acquisition system. The first vehicle 1010 wirelessly communicates with the data server 1001 via the first wireless communication 1020, the second vehicle 1011 wirelessly communicates with the data server 1001 via the second wireless communication 1021, The third vehicle 1012 performs wireless communication with the data server 1001 via a third wireless communication 1022. Wireless communication in each of the first to third vehicles 1010, 1011, and 1012 is always performed. The first vehicle 1010 is equipped with at least one camera that constitutes a conventional first accident image acquisition system. In FIG. 10, a camera mounted on the front of the first vehicle 1010 is designated by the reference numeral 1030.

FIG. 11 shows the configuration of electronic equipment installed in each of the first to third vehicles 1010, 1011, and 1012 shown in FIG. FIG. Note that the drawing numbers shown in FIG. 11 are the same as those in FIG. 10. Although not labeled, each of the first to third vehicles 1010, 1011, and 1012 is equipped with a communication device, a car navigation system, an impact detection section, a camera, a storage section, and an on-vehicle CPU.

Here, if the second vehicle 1011 causes an accident, the time and position information at that time is transmitted from the second vehicle 1011 to the data server 1001 via the second wireless communication 1021. Further, from a nearby vehicle, for example, the first vehicle 1010, an accident image acquired by a camera 1030 mounted on the front of the first vehicle 1010 is transmitted to the data server 1001 via the first wireless communication 1020. be done. As a result, the accident image of the second vehicle 1011 is recorded on the data server 1001.

In this case, the accident image can be acquired when the first vehicle 1010 equipped with the conventional first accident image acquisition system is driving near the accident vehicle (second vehicle 1011 in the above case). Therefore, whether an accident image can be acquired depends on whether or not the conventional first vehicle 1010 equipped with the conventional in-vehicle device is present in the vicinity of the accident vehicle. Furthermore, even if a third vehicle 1012 is traveling near the second vehicle 1011 as the accident vehicle, if the second vehicle 1011 does not exist in the imaging area of the camera 1030, an accident image will be acquired. The probability of doing so is lower.

The acquisition rate of accident images is expressed by equation (1).
Accident image acquisition rate = Probability of accident occurrence × Probability that a vehicle equipped with the first conventional accident image acquisition system exists in the vicinity of the accident × Probability that the accident scene image is within the effective angle of view of the camera... (1)
From equation (1), it can be seen that the acquisition rate of accident images is extremely low.

Next, FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a second conventional accident image acquisition system that led to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a conventional fourth vehicle 1110 wirelessly communicates with a conventional second data server 1101 via a fourth wireless communication 1120, and a conventional fifth vehicle 1111 performs a fifth wireless communication 1121. A sixth conventional vehicle 1112 wirelessly communicates with the second data server 1101 through a sixth wireless communication 1122. These wireless communications are always performed. The fourth vehicle 1110 is equipped with at least one camera. In FIG. 12, a camera mounted on the front of the fourth vehicle 1110 is designated by the reference numeral 1140.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image acquired by the second accident image acquisition system. When the fifth vehicle 1111 and the sixth vehicle 1112 cause an accident, the fourth vehicle 1110 photographs an accident image with the camera 1140, and detects the accident image from the photographed image. If it is determined that an accident has occurred, the accident image data is transmitted to the second data server 1101 via the fourth wireless communication 1120. As a result, an accident image when the fifth vehicle 1111 and the sixth vehicle 1112 caused an accident is recorded in the second data server 1101. The accident image acquisition rate is expressed by equation (2) and is low because it depends on whether a vehicle equipped with the conventional second accident image acquisition system is located near the accident.

Accident image acquisition rate = Accident occurrence probability × Probability that a vehicle equipped with the conventional second accident image acquisition system exists around the accident...(2)

In addition, in order to improve the acquisition rate of accident images in the first accident image acquisition system and the second accident image acquisition system, it is easy to imagine that images are constantly acquired with a camera mounted on the vehicle. . In that case, the vehicle must always send images with a relatively large amount of data to the data server. Therefore, conventional accident image acquisition systems require a wide wireless communication band. Additionally, as the amount of data increases, the capacity of the data server must be increased. Therefore, a problem arises in that the cost increases.

The following describes an accident image acquisition system and an accident image acquisition electronic system that can improve the accident image acquisition rate, eliminate the need for a wide communication band for transmitting accident image data to a data server, and reduce the capacity of the data server. The mirror camera system will be explained.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the accident image acquisition system 1 of FIG. 1. The accident image acquisition system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is included in the first vehicle 101 (see FIG. 2). The accident image acquisition system 1 includes a first camera 10, a second camera 11, a third camera 12, a fourth camera 13, and a data transmitter 20. The first camera 10 is located at the rear of the first vehicle 101, the second camera 11 is located at one of both sides of the first vehicle 101, and the third camera 12 is located at the rear of the first vehicle 101. 101, respectively. Further, the fourth camera 13 is arranged at the front of the first vehicle 101.

The first camera 10 is provided with a first detection function for detecting obstacles. Note that the obstacles detected by the first detection function include vehicles. The second camera 11 and the third camera 12 are electronic versions of the side mirrors of the first vehicle 101, and can see far behind.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first vehicle 101 equipped with the accident image acquisition system 1 performs wireless communication with a data server 120 via wireless communication 110. Wireless communication with the data server 120 is performed by the data transmitter 20. The data transmitter 20 inputs image information of the first camera 10, image information of the second camera 11, image information of the third camera 12, and image information of the fourth camera 13, respectively. Furthermore, the data transmitter 20 transmits image data to the data server 120 via the wireless communication 110.

The first detection function of the first camera 10 mounted on the first vehicle 101 detects the distance between the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102, or the distance between the first vehicle 101 and an obstacle ( (not shown). The data transmitting unit 20 recognizes that the distance between the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102 has become narrower due to the first detection function of the first camera 10. Image information is transmitted to data server 120 via wireless communication 110. In addition to the image information of the first camera 10, the data transmitted via the wireless communication 110 may include information that can specify the time and location of the accident. Further, the first camera 10 may be provided with a second detection function for detecting the vehicle number of a vehicle located behind. Furthermore, the second to fourth cameras 11 to 13 may have the first detection function and/or the second detection function that the first camera 10 has. Note that the third vehicle 103 runs in the opposite lane with respect to the first vehicle 101 and the second vehicle 102.

According to the accident image acquisition system 1 of this embodiment, the first detection function of the first camera 10 mounted on the first vehicle 101 is activated only when the first detection function is activated (that is, when an accident occurs). Therefore, the probability of detecting an accident increases. The accident image acquisition rate can be expressed by equation (3).
Accident image acquisition rate = probability of accident occurrence...(3)

Furthermore, starting from an incident or accident detected by the first camera 10 mounted on the first vehicle 101, only the image information of the second camera 11 or the third camera 12 can be transmitted, and the image information is always The communication band of the wireless communication 110 can be narrower than that of a conventional accident image acquisition system that requires sending information.

Note that the first detection function installed in the first camera 10 can have the same function even when the distance between vehicles or the distance between an obstacle and the vehicle is less than a certain threshold (for example, 50 cm). . Further, even if the distance is 0 cm, that is, they are in contact, the same function can be achieved.

In addition, although the first camera 10 located at the rear of the first vehicle 101 and the second camera 11 located at one of both sides have been described as an example, the fourth camera 13 located at the front, A similar function can be achieved by combining it with a camera located on the side that can take pictures of the front.
Ru.

Further, the second camera 11 or the third camera 12 may be able to capture an area that partially overlaps with the image captured by the first camera 10. By doing so, it is possible to obtain images of the same area viewed from different angles with respect to the vehicle behind, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of analyzing the cause of the accident.

Furthermore, the second camera 11 or the third camera 12 may be able to capture an area that partially overlaps with the image captured by the fourth camera 13. By doing so, it is possible to obtain images of the same area viewed from different angles with respect to the vehicle in front, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of analyzing the cause of the accident.

As described above, according to the accident image acquisition system 1 according to the first embodiment, the first camera 10, the second camera 11, and the image data of the first and second cameras 10 and 11 are transmitted through wireless communication. The accident image acquisition system 1 includes a data transmission unit 20 that transmits data to a data server 120, and the first camera 10 and the second camera 11 are arranged apart from each other on the outer periphery of the own vehicle. The first camera 10 measures the distance to another vehicle and detects the proximity of the other vehicle, and the data transmitter 20 detects the proximity of the other vehicle by the first camera 10. Since the image data of the first camera 10 and/or the image data of the second camera 11 are transmitted to the data server 120 starting from the point in time, it is possible to improve the accident image acquisition rate and to transmit the image data to the data server 120. There is no need to use a wide communication band for sending data, and the capacity of the data server 120 can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)
Next, an accident image acquisition system 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition system 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the accident image acquisition system 2 shown in the figure, the first camera 14 has a first communication unit 141 that communicates with the second camera 15, and the second camera 15 has a It has a second communication unit 151 that performs communication. The first communication unit 141 and the second communication unit 151 transmit a first control signal 201 indicating that an accident has been detected by the first camera 14 to the second camera 15 via the data transmission unit 30. 2 as a control signal 202. The first camera 14 has a first detection function similarly to the first camera 10 described above. Note that the first camera 14 may be provided with a second detection function that detects the vehicle number of a vehicle located behind.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of image information of the second camera 15. In the figure, the second camera 15 has effective pixels 211 that can be used as a camera sensor, and outputs a first output image 210 with a limited range of use depending on the purpose. Here, when the first detection function of the first camera 14 is activated, that is, when a vehicle accident incident or accident occurs, the first control signal 201 is transmitted to the second camera 15. 2 control signal 202. The second camera 15 that has received the second control signal 202 changes the output image range of the first output image 210 to obtain a second output image 212 .

In this way, according to the accident image acquisition system 2 according to the second embodiment, by changing the first output image 210 to the second output image 212, the image acquired as an accident image can be made clearer. be able to. If the purpose of acquiring the accident image is to determine the proportion of responsibility between the perpetrator and the victim of the accident, then by leaving clearer accident images on the data server 120, the cause of the accident can be more easily understood.

Although the second output image 212 is made larger than the first output image 210, which is the original output image, it may be made smaller.

Furthermore, by mutually communicating between the first camera 14 and the second camera 15, even if the first camera 14 breaks down, the second camera 15 can supplement and acquire accident images. You can also do that.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an accident image acquisition system 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition system 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the accident image acquisition system 3 according to the third embodiment shown in the figure, the first camera 14 and the second camera 15 receive a first control signal 201 indicating that the first camera 14 has detected an accident. It is transmitted as a second control signal 202 to the second camera 15 via the data transmitter 31. Furthermore, an active sensor (vehicle proximity detection sensor) 40 is mounted on the first vehicle 101 and transmits a third control signal 401 to the data transmitter 31. Here, the active sensor 40 irradiates electromagnetic waves with short wavelengths, such as infrared rays, millimeter waves, lasers, etc., and measures the distance to an object by receiving the reflected waves.

As described above, according to the accident image acquisition system 3 according to the third embodiment, by supplementing the first detection function of the first camera 14 with the function of the active sensor 40, the first vehicle 101 and the second The accuracy of measuring the distance between the second vehicle 102 or the distance between the first vehicle 101 and an obstacle (not shown) can be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 4 of FIG. 6. 6 and 7, a first vehicle 121 includes an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 4 includes a first electronic mirror camera 105, a second electronic mirror camera 106, a third electronic mirror camera 107 (see FIG. 7), an on-vehicle camera 104, and a data transmitter. 114, a first in-vehicle system 111 that processes the output image from the first electronic mirror camera 105, a second in-vehicle system 112 that processes the output image from the second electronic mirror camera 106, A third in-vehicle system 113 that processes the output image of the camera 104 is provided.

Note that the in-vehicle system that processes the output image from the third electronic mirror camera 107 will be omitted. Further, although the third electronic mirror camera 107 is depicted in FIG. 7, it is omitted in FIG. Further, although the first in-vehicle system 111, the second in-vehicle system 112, the third in-vehicle system 113, and the data transmitter 114 are arranged separately, they may be arranged in one housing.

As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle-mounted camera 104 and the first electronic mirror camera 105 are arranged at the rear of the first vehicle 121. The second electronic mirror camera 106 is placed on one of both sides of the first vehicle 121. The third electronic mirror camera 107 is placed on the other of both sides of the first vehicle 121. The vehicle-mounted camera 104 has a first detection function of detecting obstacles. Note that the obstacles detected by the first detection function include vehicles. This first detection function irradiates electromagnetic waves with short wavelengths, such as infrared rays, millimeter waves, lasers, etc., receives the reflected waves, measures the distance to the object, and detects the proximity of the object. It is something. The first detection function (not shown) detects the proximity between the first vehicle 121 and the second vehicle 122 or the proximity between the first vehicle 121 and an obstacle (not shown).

The first electronic mirror camera 105, the second electronic mirror camera 106, and the third electronic mirror camera 107 are respectively electronic versions of the rear and both side mechanical mirrors of the first vehicle 121, or mechanical mirrors. It is a mirror that has some functions electronically, and can be seen over a wide range from the rear of the vehicle to both sides, and far away from the first vehicle (own vehicle) 121.

As shown in FIG. 7, a first vehicle 121 equipped with the accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 4 according to the present embodiment wirelessly communicates with a data server 120 via wireless communication 110. Wireless communication with the data server 120 is performed by the data transmitter 114 (see FIG. 6). The data transmitter 114 transmits image information of the first electronic mirror camera 105, image information of the second electronic mirror camera 106, image information of the third electronic mirror camera 107, and image information of the vehicle-mounted camera 104. Enter each. Furthermore, the data transmitter 114 transmits image data to the data server 120 via the wireless communication 110.

The data transmitting unit 114 recognizes that the distance between the first vehicle 121 and the second vehicle 122 has become narrower due to the first detection function of the in-vehicle camera 104, and transmits the second electronic mirror camera 106 or Image information from the third electronic mirror camera 107 is transmitted to the data server 120 via wireless communication 110. Note that the data transmitted through the wireless communication 110 includes image information from the second electronic mirror camera 106 or the third electronic mirror camera 107, as well as information that can identify the time and location of the accident. It's okay. Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted camera 104 may be provided with a second detection function for detecting the vehicle number of a vehicle located behind. Note that the third vehicle 127 travels in the opposite lane with respect to the first vehicle 121 and the second vehicle 122.

According to the accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 4 of this embodiment, only when the first detection function of the in-vehicle camera 104 mounted on the first vehicle 121 is activated (that is, when an accident occurs) This increases the probability of detecting an accident. The accident image acquisition rate can be expressed by the above-mentioned equation (3).
Accident image acquisition rate = probability of accident occurrence...(3)

Further, starting from an incident or accident detected by the on-vehicle camera 104 mounted on the first vehicle 121, only the image information of the second electronic mirror camera 106 or the third electronic mirror camera 107 can be transmitted, The communication band of the wireless communication 110 can be narrower than that of a conventional accident image acquisition electronic mirror system (not shown) that requires constant transmission of image information. Note that the first detection function of the vehicle-mounted camera 104 can have the same function even when the distance between vehicles or the distance between an obstacle and the vehicle is less than a certain threshold (for example, 50 cm). Further, even if the distance is 0 cm, that is, they are in contact, the same function can be achieved.

Furthermore, the second electronic mirror camera 106, the third electronic mirror camera 107, and the vehicle-mounted camera 104 may be capable of photographing an area that partially overlaps with the image photographed by the first electronic mirror camera 105. By doing so, it is possible to obtain images of the same area viewed from different angles with respect to the vehicle behind, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of analyzing the cause of the accident.

In addition, the angle of view 125 (see FIG. 6) of the first electronic mirror camera 105 and the angle of view 123 (see FIG. 6) of the second electronic mirror camera 106 are similar to or even more distant than mechanical mirrors. It is possible to see. On the other hand, the angle of view 124 (see FIG. 6) of the vehicle-mounted camera 104 is narrower than the angle of view of the second electronic mirror camera 106 or the third electronic mirror camera 107 in order to see the proximity of the vehicle. Therefore, when an incident or accident is detected within the range of the angle of view 124 of the in-vehicle camera 104, the angle of view 125 of the first electronic mirror camera 105 and/or the second electronic By transmitting image information within the field of view 123 of the mirror camera 106 to the data server 120, a clearer accident image can be obtained. The in-vehicle camera 104 can obtain similar effects by operating only the first detection function while the vehicle is running, and furthermore, the power consumption of the first vehicle 121 can be suppressed.

As described above, according to the accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the first electronic mirror camera 105, the second electronic mirror camera 106, the in-vehicle camera 104, and the first electronic mirror A data transmitting unit 114 that transmits image data of the camera 105, the second electronic mirror camera 106 (and/or the third electronic mirror camera 107), and the in-vehicle camera 104 to the data server 120 via wireless communication 110, The first electronic mirror camera 105, the second electronic mirror camera 106, or the third electronic mirror camera 107 is an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera that is arranged apart from each other on the outer circumference of the first vehicle (own vehicle) 121. In the system 4, the in-vehicle camera 104 measures the distance between the second vehicle (another vehicle) 122 or the distance between the obstacle (not shown), and measures the distance between the second vehicle 122 and the obstacle (not shown). The data transmission unit 114 has a first detection function that detects the proximity of an object, and the data transmission unit 114 starts from the time when the first detection function of the in-vehicle camera 104 detects the proximity of the second vehicle 122 or an obstacle. Since the image data of the first electronic mirror camera 105, the second electronic mirror camera 106, or the third electronic mirror camera 107 is sent to the data server 120, it is possible to improve the accident image acquisition rate and to improve the image data. There is no need to provide a wide communication band for sending data to the data server 120, and the capacity of the data server 120 can be reduced.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 5 shown in FIG. 114. The first in-vehicle system 301 has a detection function 302 that performs the same processing as the first detection function of the in-vehicle camera 104 described above based on the image data of the first electronic mirror camera 105. Detect incidents and/or accidents that occur. Note that the first in-vehicle system 301 and the second in-vehicle system 112 may be physically arranged in the same housing.

As described above, according to the accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 5 according to the fifth embodiment, the first in-vehicle system 301 is configured to monitor the distance between the second vehicle (another vehicle) 122 or the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle. The data transmission unit 114 includes a detection function 302 that measures the distance between the first electronic mirror camera 105 and the second electronic mirror camera 105 to detect the proximity of the second vehicle 122 or the obstacle. Using the image data of one electronic mirror camera among the mirror cameras 106, the distance between the second vehicle 122 and the obstacle is measured, and the distance between the second vehicle 122 and the obstacle is measured. Detecting the proximity, the data transmission unit 114 transmits the data to the first electronic mirror camera 105 starting from the point in time when the detection function 302 of the first in-vehicle system 301 detects the proximity of the second vehicle 122 or an obstacle. Since the image data and/or the image data of the second electronic mirror camera 106 is sent to the data server 120, it is possible to improve the accident image acquisition rate, and it is necessary to have a wide communication band for sending the image data to the data server 120. In addition, the capacity of the data server 120 can be reduced.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 6 according to the sixth embodiment shown in the figure includes a first electronic mirror camera 105, a second electronic mirror camera 106, an active sensor (vehicle proximity detection sensor) 410, The system includes a first in-vehicle system (in-vehicle system) 111, a second in-vehicle system 112, a third in-vehicle system 113, and a data transmitter 114. Active sensor 410 is arranged at the rear of first vehicle (own vehicle) 121.

The active sensor 410 in the sixth embodiment has the same function as the first detection function in the fourth embodiment and the detection function 302 in the fifth embodiment, and uses short wavelength electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays. , millimeter waves, laser, etc., and receive the reflected waves to measure the distance between the object and the object. Note that the difference between the active sensor 410 in the sixth embodiment, the first detection function in the fourth embodiment, and the detection function 302 in the fifth embodiment is that the active sensor 410 in the sixth embodiment exists alone. In contrast, the first detection function in the fourth embodiment is built into the in-vehicle camera 104, and the detection function 302 in the fifth embodiment is built into the first in-vehicle system 301.

The third in-vehicle system 113 detects the distance between the second vehicle (another vehicle) 122 or the obstacle (not shown) based on the distance between the second vehicle (another vehicle) 122 or the obstacle (not shown) measured by the active sensor 410. Detect proximity. The first in-vehicle system 111 processes the output image from the first electronic mirror camera 105. Furthermore, the first in-vehicle system 111 has a detection function similar to the first detection function possessed by the in-vehicle camera 104 in the fourth embodiment, and uses a second detection function based on the image information of the first electronic mirror camera 105. The second vehicle (other vehicle) 122 or the distance to an obstacle (not shown) is measured, and the proximity of the second vehicle (other vehicle) 122 or the obstacle is detected; The proximity detection result is complemented with the proximity detection result by the third in-vehicle system 113. The data transmission unit 114 transmits image data of the first electronic mirror camera 105 and the /or transmits the image data of the second electronic mirror camera 106 to the data server 120;

As described above, according to the accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 6 according to the sixth embodiment, the function of the first in-vehicle system 111 to detect the proximity of another vehicle or an obstacle is complemented by the function of the active sensor 410. By doing so, it is possible to improve the accuracy of measuring the distance to other vehicles or to obstacles.

In the accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 6 according to the sixth embodiment, the detection function in the first in-vehicle system 111 may also include a detection function for detecting the vehicle number of a vehicle located behind.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can increase the accident detection probability and also suppress the wireless communication band to the data server and the amount of data in the data server, and is suitable for in-vehicle applications.

1, 2, 3 Accident image acquisition system 4, 5, 6 Accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system 10, 14 First camera 11, 15 Second camera 12 Third camera 13 Fourth camera 20, 30, 31 Data transmitter 40, 410 Active sensor 101 First vehicle 102 Second vehicle 103 Third vehicle 104 In-vehicle camera 105 First electronic mirror camera 106 Second electronic mirror camera 107 Third electronic mirror camera 110 Wireless communication 111,301 First in-vehicle system 112 Second in-vehicle system 113 Third in-vehicle system 114 Data transmitter 120 Data server 121 First vehicle 122 Second vehicle 123 Viewing angle of second electronic mirror camera 124 In-vehicle camera angle of view 125 angle of view of first electronic mirror camera 127 third vehicle 141 first communication unit 151 second communication unit 201 first control signal 202 second control signal 210 first output image 211 valid Pixel 212 Second output image 302 Detection function 401 Third control signal

Claims (20)

at least two cameras;
a data transmitter that transmits image data of each of the at least two cameras to a data server by wireless communication;
Equipped with
Of the at least two cameras, the first camera and the second camera are an accident image acquisition system arranged apart from each other on the outer periphery of the own vehicle,
The first camera measures the distance to another vehicle or the distance to an obstacle to detect the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle;
The data transmission unit transmits the image data of the first camera and/or the image of the second camera starting from the point in time when the first camera detects the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle. transmitting data to said data server;
The first camera images the rear of the host vehicle,
the second camera captures an image of a rear part farther away than the rear part;
Accident image acquisition system. The first camera changes the output image area of the second camera when detecting contact with the other vehicle or the obstacle based on the distance between the two.
The accident image acquisition system according to claim 1. the first camera is provided at the rear of the host vehicle;
The second camera is provided on either side of the own vehicle,
The second camera is capable of photographing an area that partially overlaps with the image photographed by the first camera.
The accident image acquisition system according to claim 1 or claim 2. A vehicle proximity detection sensor that detects the proximity of another vehicle by emitting electromagnetic waves with a short wavelength and receiving the reflected waves to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle;
The data transmission unit uses the vehicle proximity detection sensor to complement the time point at which the first camera detects the proximity of the other vehicle.
The accident image acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first camera includes image data when detecting the proximity of the other vehicle, including time and position information at that time.
The accident image acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the second camera detects a vehicle number of the other vehicle;
The data transmission unit includes the vehicle number in data transmitted to the data server when the vehicle number is detected by the second camera.
The accident image acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The first camera has a first communication unit that communicates with the second camera,
The second camera has a second communication unit that communicates with the first camera.
The accident image acquisition system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. at least two cameras;
a data transmitter that transmits image data of each of the at least two cameras to a data server by wireless communication;
Equipped with
Of the at least two cameras, the first camera and the second camera are an accident image acquisition system arranged apart from each other on the outer periphery of the own vehicle,
The first camera measures the distance to another vehicle or the distance to an obstacle to detect the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle;
The data transmission unit transmits the image data of the first camera and/or the image of the second camera starting from the point in time when the first camera detects the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle. transmitting data to said data server;
The first camera changes the output image area of the second camera when detecting contact with the other vehicle or the obstacle based on the distance between the two.
Accident image acquisition system. the first camera is provided at the rear of the host vehicle;
The second camera is provided on either side of the own vehicle,
The second camera is capable of photographing an area that partially overlaps with the image photographed by the first camera.
The accident image acquisition system according to claim 8. the first camera is provided at the front of the host vehicle;
The second camera is provided on either side of the own vehicle,
The second camera is capable of photographing an area that partially overlaps with the image photographed by the first camera.
The accident image acquisition system according to claim 8 . A vehicle proximity detection sensor that detects the proximity of another vehicle by emitting electromagnetic waves with a short wavelength and receiving the reflected waves to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle;
The data transmission unit uses the vehicle proximity detection sensor to complement the time point at which the first camera detects the proximity of the other vehicle.
The accident image acquisition system according to any one of claims 8 to 10. The first camera includes image data when detecting the proximity of the other vehicle, including time and position information at that time.
The accident image acquisition system according to any one of claims 8 to 11. the second camera detects a vehicle number of the other vehicle;
The data transmission unit includes the vehicle number in data transmitted to the data server when the vehicle number is detected by the second camera.
The accident image acquisition system according to any one of claims 8 to 12. The first camera has a first communication unit that communicates with the second camera,
The second camera has a second communication unit that communicates with the first camera.
The accident image acquisition system according to any one of claims 8 to 13. at least two electronic mirror cameras;
an in-vehicle system that processes image information of at least one electronic mirror camera among the at least two electronic mirror cameras;
a data transmission unit that transmits image data of each of the at least two electronic mirror cameras to a data server by wireless communication;
Equipped with
Of the at least two electronic mirror cameras, the first electronic mirror camera and the second electronic mirror camera are an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system arranged apart from each other on the outer periphery of the host vehicle,
The in-vehicle system uses image information from one of the at least two electronic mirror cameras to measure the distance to another vehicle or the distance to an obstacle. detecting the proximity of a vehicle or the obstacle;
The data transmission unit transmits image data of the first electronic mirror camera and/or the second electronic mirror camera starting from a point in time when the in-vehicle system detects the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle. Send the image data of to the data server,
The in-vehicle system outputs image information of the electronic mirror camera located at a physically distant position among the image information of the at least two electronic mirror cameras located apart to the data transmitter.
Accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system. at least two electronic mirror cameras;
Vehicle proximity detection that irradiates short-wavelength electromagnetic waves and receives the reflected waves to measure the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle and detect the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle. sensor and
an in-vehicle system that processes image information of at least one electronic mirror camera among the at least two electronic mirror cameras;
a data transmission unit that transmits image data of each of the at least two electronic mirror cameras to a data server by wireless communication;
Equipped with
Of the at least two electronic mirror cameras, the first electronic mirror camera and the second electronic mirror camera are an accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system arranged apart from each other on the outer periphery of the host vehicle,
The in-vehicle system measures the distance to another vehicle or the distance to an obstacle based on the image information of one of the at least two electronic mirror cameras, and measures the distance to the other vehicle. Detecting the proximity of the vehicle or the obstacle, and supplementing the proximity detection result with the proximity detection result of the vehicle proximity detection sensor,
The data transmission unit transmits image data of the first electronic mirror camera and/or the second electronic mirror camera starting from a point in time when the in-vehicle system detects the proximity of the other vehicle or the obstacle. Send the image data of to the data server,
The in-vehicle system outputs image information of the electronic mirror camera located at a physically distant position among the image information of the at least two electronic mirror cameras located apart to the data transmitter.
Accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system. The in-vehicle system detects a vehicle number of the other vehicle using image information of one of the at least two electronic mirror cameras,
The data transmission unit includes the vehicle number in data transmitted to the data server when the vehicle number is detected by the in-vehicle system.
The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system according to claim 15 or 16. The first electronic mirror camera is provided at the rear of the own vehicle, the second electronic mirror camera is provided on either side of the own vehicle, and the second electronic mirror camera is:
It is possible to photograph an area that partially overlaps with the image being photographed by the first electronic mirror camera;
The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system according to any one of claims 15 to 17. The data transmitting unit causes image data obtained when the proximity of the other vehicle is detected to include time and position information at that time.
The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system according to any one of claims 15 to 18. operating only the proximity detection function of the in-vehicle system while the vehicle is operating;
The accident image acquisition electronic mirror camera system according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

Images