JP2022104716A - Image recording device, server device, program, etc. - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of efficiently transmitting a necessary image among recorded images while suppressing a data communication amount.SOLUTION: An image recording device 11 sequentially records a photographed image in a recording medium 23, creates a list formed of consecutive number data distributed for each time unit in recording, wirelessly transmits the created list to the server device 100 via a communication unit 25, and does not transmit the image at this time. The server device displays the received list, and transmits a transmission request of one or a plurality of images of the consecutive number data designated from the list to the image recording device. The image recording device transmits the image for which the transmission request has been received to the server device. Consequently, a data communication amount can be reduced by transmitting the necessary image without transmitting all the recorded images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to, for example, an image recording device, a server device, a program, and the like.

Patent Document 1 discloses an image transmission device for vehicle monitoring that transmits a camera image of a generated vehicle together with driving information by a single 2-core shielded wire and displays it on a monitor screen when a door opening abnormality or the like is issued. ing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-346261

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a technique for transmitting or receiving data related to an image taken by a moving body.

The above-mentioned problems are described as independent, and the present invention does not necessarily have to be able to solve all of the described problems. The object of the invention of the present application is not limited to this, and the intention is to acquire the right of the configuration for the purpose of obtaining the effect of the configuration disclosed in the present specification, drawings, etc. by divisional application, amendment, or the like. .. For example, the present specification discloses a problem in which the part described as "can be" is replaced with "is a problem" in the present specification. The issues are described as independent, and we intend to independently acquire the rights to the structure for solving this issue by divisional application, amendment, etc. Even if the subject matter is implicitly grasped from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to make a part of the structure described in the specification amended or to make the claims in the divisional application. It also discloses issues that combine these independent issues.

(1) An image recording device provided on a moving body and communicating with an external device via a predetermined communication line, and recording means for recording image data indicating an image taken by a shooting means provided on the moving body. Image recording having a control unit that performs a process of recording in, a process of generating specific information for specifying the image data recorded in the recording means, and a process of transmitting the specific information to the apparatus. Provide the device. It is possible to provide a technique relating to transmission or reception of data relating to an image taken by a mobile body. For example, by generating specific information for specifying the image data recorded in the recording means and transmitting the specific information, it is possible to reduce the chance of transmitting the image data that does not need to be transmitted. By making the amount of specific information smaller than the image data, the increase in the amount of data transmitted through the communication line is suppressed, and as a result, the increase in communication line usage charges (that is, communication charges) is reduced. You can also expect the effect of making it.

(2) The control unit may perform a process of transmitting the specific information to the apparatus prior to transmitting the image data recorded in the recording means. Since the specific information is transmitted prior to the transmission of the image data, it is possible to reduce the chance of transmitting the image data that does not need to be transmitted based on the specific information.

(3) When the control unit receives an image transmission request generated based on the specific information from an external device, the control unit obtains the image data specified by the image transmission request recorded in the recording means. It is advisable to perform a process of transmitting to the device. When an image transmission request based on the specific information is received from an external device that has acquired the specific information, the image data recorded in the recording means can be transmitted as a response to the request.

(4) The image data is data indicating a plurality of images arranged on a predetermined time axis, and the specific information is information for specifying the position of each image of the plurality of images on the time axis. Should be included. When an image transmission request specifying a position on the time axis is received from an external device that has acquired the specific information, the image data corresponding to the position can be transmitted.

(5) The specific information may include information for specifying at least one of a time zone in which the image data is recorded and a time zone in which the image data is not recorded in the recording means. It is possible to enable an external device that has acquired the specific information to identify at least one of the time zone in which the image data is recorded in the recording means and the time zone in which the image data is not recorded.

(6) The moving body is a vehicle traveling on a determined route, and the specific information may include identification information assigned to the vehicle. It is possible to enable an external device that has acquired the specific information to identify which vehicle the image data recorded in the recording means indicates the image taken.

(7) The moving body is a vehicle configured by connecting a plurality of vehicles, and the specific information may include identification information of the vehicle in which the image was taken. An external device that has acquired the specific information can enable the image data recorded in the recording means to identify which vehicle among a plurality of vehicles in the vehicle indicates the image.

(8) When the control unit satisfies the condition indicating that a predetermined event has occurred in the moving body, the control unit records the image data showing the image taken during the period including the time when the event occurs. It is advisable to perform the process of recording in. When a predetermined event occurs in the moving body, image data showing an image taken during the period including the time when the event occurs can be recorded.

(9) The condition may include a condition relating to at least one of the position of the moving body and the state of the moving body. Necessary image data can be recorded from the position of the moving body and the state of the moving body.

(10) The condition may include a condition relating to the vehicle traveling in a section of a curve on the route. When the vehicle is traveling on a curve, it is considered that there is a relatively high possibility that an event to be photographed such as an accident will occur compared to when traveling on other sections, but the image data at that time is recorded. can do.

(11) A track on which the vehicle travels is installed on the route, and the conditions may include conditions relating to the vehicle traveling on a railroad crossing on the route. When a vehicle travels on a railroad crossing, it is considered that there is a relatively high possibility that an accident or other event to be photographed will occur compared to when traveling on other sections, but the image data at that time should be recorded. Can be done.

(12) A boarding / alighting place for the vehicle is provided at a predetermined position on the route.
The conditions may include conditions for the vehicle to approach, arrive at, or depart from the boarding / alighting location. When a vehicle approaches, arrives, or departs from the boarding / alighting place, it is considered that there is a relatively high possibility that an event to be photographed such as an accident will occur compared to other cases, but the image data at that time is recorded. can do.

(13) The condition may include the door provided on the moving body being opened. When the door provided on the vehicle opens, people may get on and off, so it is considered that there is a relatively high possibility that an event to be photographed such as an accident or trouble will occur, but the image data at that time is recorded. can do.

(14) The condition may include a condition relating to information acquired from the system for controlling the running of the vehicle or the system for detecting the running state of the vehicle. The system that controls the running of the vehicle or the system that detects the running state of the vehicle collects and manages information on the situation of the vehicle, and in cooperation with such a system, it is possible to record image data at an appropriate timing. can.

(15) The control unit is composed of a first frame representing an image acquired from the photographing means and a second frame representing an image captured by the photographing means by a difference from the first frame. When the moving image data is recorded in the recording means and the image transmission request generated based on the specific information is received, the first frame of the image data specified by the image transmission request is received. It is advisable to perform the process of transmitting the image data of. When the image data is moving image data including a plurality of frames, if the data of the first frame representing the image data acquired from the shooting means is extracted and transmitted, the amount of data transmitted is reduced due to the decrease in the number of frames. At the same time, the external device can display the image taken by the photographing means based on the first frame.
can.

(16) When the vehicle is located within a predetermined section on the route, the control unit performs a process of transmitting image data recorded in the recording means, and the vehicle is a predetermined route on the route. When it is located outside the section, it is preferable to suppress the transmission of the image data recorded in the recording means. Image data can be transmitted when the vehicle is located within a predetermined section of the route.

(17) The predetermined section may be a section in which the communication charge is low or the communication speed is high as compared with the section outside the predetermined section. Image data can be transmitted at the timing of traveling in a section where the communication charge is low or the communication speed is high, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the communication charge or realize efficient transmission of image data.

(18) The control unit may perform a process of transmitting the specific information even when the vehicle is located outside a predetermined section on the route. Normally, the amount of specific information is smaller than the amount of image data, so the information for specifying what kind of image data the image data recorded in the recording means is is promptly externalized with a small amount of data. Can be sent to the device of.

(19) As the photographing means, there is a photographing device having a lens that collects light from the front of the vehicle and an image pickup element that forms an image circle by the collected light. It is preferable that the size of the diameter corresponds to the length of the image sensor in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal direction of the image sensor faces the left-right direction in the posture in which the image pickup device is installed. Images in the left-right direction of the moving body can be captured and recorded in a wide range, and for example, the driver of the vehicle can be prevented from being captured.

(20) A server device that communicates with any of the above image recording devices via the communication line, and transmits an image transmission request to the image recording device based on the specific information received from the image recording device. Provided is a server device including a control unit that performs processing and processing for acquiring image data specified by the image transmission request from the image recording device. It is possible to provide a technique for transmitting or receiving data related to an image taken by a moving object. It is possible to reduce the chance of receiving even image data that does not need to be received. By making the amount of specific information smaller than the image data, it is possible to specify what kind of image data is recorded in the image recording device while suppressing an increase in the amount of data received. In addition, the effect of reducing the increase in communication line usage charges (that is, communication charges) can be expected.

(21) The control unit of the server device has a process of displaying an instruction input image on the display device based on the specific information received from the image recording device, and a process of receiving an instruction input using the instruction input image. And, based on the instruction that received the input, it is preferable to perform the process of transmitting the image transmission request to the image recording device. Necessary image data can be acquired based on the specific information received from the image recording device.

(22) The image data is data indicating a plurality of images arranged on a predetermined time axis, and the control unit of the server device records a period during which the image data is recorded on the time axis. It is advisable to perform a process of displaying the instruction input image that clearly indicates the period that has not been performed. The user who uses the server device can easily visually grasp the period in which the image data is recorded and the period in which the image data is not recorded.

(23) The control unit of the server device may perform a process of transmitting the image transmission request in response to the input of the instruction to the element indicating the period in which the image data is recorded. The image data can be acquired from the image recording device while allowing the user to easily specify the required image data.

(24) There are a plurality of the image recording devices, and the control unit of the server device shares the process of acquiring the specific information from the plurality of image recording devices and the time axis that defines the shooting time, and the plurality of the image recording devices. It is preferable to perform a process of displaying an element indicating the period in which the image data is recorded for each image recording device of the image recording device. It is possible to visually grasp the recording status of image data in a plurality of image recording devices.

(25) Provided is a program for realizing the function of the image recording system according to any one of (1) to (19) in a computer.

(26) Provided is a program for realizing the function of the management system according to any one of (20) to (24) in a computer.

The inventions shown in (1) to (26) above can be arbitrarily combined. For example, the configuration may be such that at least a part of the configuration of at least one invention after (2) is added to all or part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1). In particular, the invention shown in (1) may be an invention in which at least a part of at least one of the inventions after (2) is added. Further, any configuration may be extracted from the inventions shown in (1) to (26) and the extracted configurations may be combined. The applicant of the present application intends to acquire rights to the invention including these configurations. Further, even if there is a description of "when" or "when", it is not described as a configuration limited to that case or at that time. These show examples of better configurations and are willing to acquire rights in these cases and in occasional configurations. In addition, the places where the description is accompanied by an order are not limited to this order. It also discloses a configuration in which some parts have been deleted or the order has been changed, and has the intention of acquiring rights.

It is a figure which shows an example which applies the image recording apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention to a train. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image recording apparatus and the server apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the internal structure of the recording medium of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the constant recording process of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the continuous recording list of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the event recording process of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the event record list of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the constant recording processing performed by the image recording apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the event recording processing performed by the image recording apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the list transmission processing performed by the image recording apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the image transmission processing performed by the image recording apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the server apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen which displays on a server apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of installation of the image recording apparatus in the driver's cab of a train. It is a figure which shows another embodiment. The relationship between the image circle and the imaging range will be explained. The relationship between the image circle and the imaging range will be explained. It is a figure which shows another embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that may be employed in the present invention. The configuration, shape, etc. of the apparatus described are merely explanatory examples, and the present invention is not construed as being limited thereto, and is based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art as long as it does not deviate from the scope of the present invention. , Various changes, corrections and improvements can be made. In the following description, labeling using numerical values of first, second, ... Is for identifying each element, and does not determine the number of elements. The following embodiment is an example of an embodiment for solving such a problem.

For example, under the configuration of the invention described in Patent Document 1, image data showing an image taken by a photographing device provided on a train or other moving body is recorded in an image recording device, and the recorded image data is moved. When transmitting to a device outside the body, it is conceivable to transmit an image by using wireless communication instead of wired communication using a 2-core shielded wire. In this case, if all the recorded image data is to be transmitted, the amount of data transmitted is large and the communication time may become excessive. For example, when trying to transmit 32 gigabytes or 64 gigabytes of image data, it may take about 2 to 4 hours of communication time. Further, when the communication line is charged as a communication line usage charge (communication charge) according to the amount of communication, for example, when the communication line is a public line of a communication carrier, the communication charge may increase. Further, when the communication line is a low-speed line, it may not be possible to quickly transmit image data having a high degree of necessity to be transmitted to an external device.

One embodiment of the invention described below proposes techniques relating to the transmission or reception of data relating to images taken with a moving object, which can solve this type of problem.

[1. Constitution]
Hereinafter, a case where a moving body provided with an image recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a train, which is an example of a vehicle, will be described. A train is a vehicle composed of one vehicle or a plurality of vehicles connected together. The vehicle is not limited to a train, but may be a linear motor car, a monorail, or any other vehicle configured by connecting one vehicle or a plurality of vehicles. Such a vehicle travels on a determined route according to a timetable (timetable) managed by the vehicle operating company. In the present embodiment, the determined route is provided with a track (more specifically, a rail) on which the vehicle travels. Further, such a vehicle is a vehicle that an unspecified person (for example, an unspecified number of people) may ride as a passenger.

FIG. 1A shows an external view of a train 1 provided with an image recording device 11 or the like according to the present embodiment. 1 (b) and 1 (c) are views of the inside of one vehicle 2 of the train 1 provided with the image recording device 11 and the like as viewed from the side. FIG. 1D is a diagram showing a two-dimensional layout inside the one vehicle 2.

In the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of doors (an example of doors) 3 for people such as passengers to enter and exit are provided on both side surfaces of each vehicle 2 constituting the train 1. Of the plurality of vehicles 2, the leading vehicle and the rearmost vehicle are provided with a crew room 4 (for example, a driver's cab, a conductor's room, etc.) on one end side thereof. A crew door 5 for the crew to enter and exit is provided on the side surface of the crew room 4.

A display device 10 (for example, a digital signage for a vehicle) and an image recording device 11 are provided on a wall surface (for example, called a curtain plate) above the door 3. The image recording device 11 is provided with an imaging means (an imaging device 27 described later), and records image data showing an image captured by the imaging means. The image recording device 11 is provided on either the left or right side of the display device 10.

Three doors 3 are provided on each of the side surfaces of each vehicle 2. The display device 10 is attached to the curtain plate above all the doors 3 and displays an image. The image recording device 11 is provided on a curtain plate on one of the left and right doors 3 arranged at the same position in the traveling direction. On the right wall surface (upper side surface in FIG. 1 (d)), the image recording device 11 is provided on the odd-numbered door 3, and on the left wall surface (lower wall surface in FIG. 1 (d)). An image recording device 11 is provided on the even-numbered door 3. The image recording device 11 is provided so as to photograph the inside of the vehicle, and the image recording device 11 installed on the plurality of doors 3 can photograph almost the entire interior of the vehicle.

[2. Configuration of image recording device 11 and server device 100]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the image recording device 11 and the server device 100. Although only one image recording device 11 is shown in FIG. 2, there are a plurality of image recording devices 11 that communicate with the server device 100. For example, the train 1 is provided with a plurality of image recording devices 11. Each vehicle 2 of the train 1 is provided with one or a plurality of image recording devices 11. An image recording device 11 is also provided on a train other than the train 1 shown in FIG. The image recording device 11 and the server device 100 are managed and operated by a railway company, a security company, and other businesses.

The image recording device 11 and the server device 100 are communicably connected to an external device via a predetermined communication line NW. The communication line NW is a public line corresponding to, for example, LTE, 5G, and other communication methods, although the communication method and other configurations are not limited unless otherwise specified. In the case of a public line, a communication fee may be charged to the operator who manages the image recording device 11 or the train 1 according to the data transmission amount (communication amount). The communication line NW may include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (for example, Wi-Fi with password (registered trademark)) and other LAN (Local Area Network). When using a LAN, compared to using a public line, there are advantages that there is no or cheap communication charge according to the amount of communication, the communication speed is high, and problems due to congestion are less likely to occur. You may be able to enjoy it. The communication line NW may be a dedicated line or the like that is physically or logically isolated from the public line.

The image recording device 11 can further communicate with the system 300. The system 300 is a system for controlling the running of the vehicle or a system for detecting the running state of the vehicle. As an example of the system 300, there are an automatic train stop (ATS: Automatic Train Stop) and a centralized traffic control device (CTC: Centralized Traffic Control).

(2-1) Configuration of Image Recording Device 11 The image recording device 11 includes a control unit 21, a reader / writer 22, a recording medium 23, a data output terminal 24, a communication unit 25, a position information acquisition unit 26, and the like. It has a photographing device 27, a microphone 28, and an internal clock 29. Each of these components may be implemented in one case, or may be implemented in a plurality of cases separately. When the image recording device 11 is composed of a plurality of cases, the plurality of cases may be directly connected or integrated via a predetermined connecting member, or may be separated and arranged as a separate type for wired communication or wireless communication. It is advisable to send and receive data by.

The control unit 21 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and a memory. The arithmetic processing circuit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other arithmetic processing circuits. The memory includes, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory. The arithmetic processing circuit performs various controls by temporarily reading data into a memory and performing arithmetic processing. This data includes the program. The control unit 21 executes each control described later based on this program. The control unit 21 has, for example, a function of exchanging data with the photographing device 27, a function of controlling the reader / writer 22 to record and read data on the recording medium 23, and a communication unit 25. It also has a function of sending and receiving data and the like to and from an external server device 100 and the like.

The reader / writer 22 is configured so that the recording medium 23 can be attached and detached, and reads and writes data to and from the attached recording medium 23. The recording medium 23 is an example of recording means. The recording medium 23 is an SD card in this embodiment, but may be a recording medium such as a USB memory or a hard disk device. The recording method and form of the recording medium 23 are not limited. The recording medium 23 may be a recording means built in the image recording device 11 and not removable from the image recording device 11.

A cable for communicating with a predetermined external device is connected to the data output terminal 24, for example. The control unit 21 outputs data from the data output terminal 24.

The communication unit 25 communicates with an external device. The communication unit 25 includes, for example, a communication circuit and an antenna. The communication unit 25 communicates with the server device 100 via the communication line NW. The communication unit 25 may further communicate with the system 300. The server device 100 is, for example, a server device installed in a data center, and collects and manages data related to images taken by each of a plurality of vehicles 2 of a train 1 and receives various notifications.

The position information acquisition unit 26 acquires position information indicating the current position. Since the position information acquisition unit 26 is provided in the image recording device 11, the position information of the image recording device 11 may be regarded as the position information of the train 1 or the vehicle 2. The position information acquisition unit 26 may acquire the position (latitude / mild) of the vehicle based on a signal from GPS (Global Positioning System), which is one of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), for example. .. The position information acquisition unit 26 may also use Michibiki as a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System). Further, the position information acquisition unit 26 may acquire position information based on a signal from the base station.

The photographing device 27 is an example of an imaging means, and includes a camera unit for photographing an imaging area having a predetermined angle of view. Although not shown specifically, the camera unit includes a lens, an image pickup element such as a CMOS sensor that captures the light collected by the lens, and a circuit section that processes an output signal from the image pickup element. As the lens, for example, a wide-angle lens, a fisheye lens, a hemispherical lens, or the like having a wide angle of view may be used. Further, the hemispherical lens is not limited to a lens having an angle of view of 180 degrees, and includes a lens having an angle of view of 180 degrees or more.

The camera unit is provided, for example, with respect to the case constituting the image recording device 11 in a state where the direction of the angle of view is fixed, and when the case is attached to a predetermined position of the vehicle 2, the shooting area by the camera unit is fixed. If you do so, the configuration will be simple. Considering the state of the installation location and the like, it is preferable to configure the case so that the shooting area of the camera unit becomes a desired location while the case is provided in the vehicle 2. For example, in the case of the image recording device 11 installed above the door 3 as shown in the figure, it is preferable that the central axis of the angle of view of the camera unit faces diagonally downward in the interior of the vehicle 2. Further, in the case of the image recording device 11 installed above the door 3, the photographing area of the camera unit on the door 3 side may include the installation area of the door 3 so that the outside of the vehicle 2 can be photographed. By doing so, passengers entering and exiting the door 3 and people existing outside the door 3 can be photographed. For example, when a contact accident with the vehicle 2 or an accident between the door 3 occurs, the occurrence situation can be captured. You can shoot.

Further, it is preferable to provide a support mechanism that allows the direction of the camera unit to be changed and adjusted with respect to the case and holds the direction of the camera unit in a state of facing a predetermined direction. By doing so, the photographable area can be changed to an appropriate position by changing the direction of the camera unit while the case is attached to the predetermined installation location of the vehicle 2. Therefore, for example, even if the angle of the mounting surface of the vehicle 2 is different, it can be dealt with and the versatility is enhanced.

The microphone 28 collects, for example, ambient sounds. The microphone 28 collects, for example, the voice of a person riding in the vehicle 2 and other sounds generated in the vehicle 2.

The internal clock 29 is, for example, a real-time clock driven by a crystal oscillator. In the present embodiment, since the train 1 is provided with a plurality of image recording devices 11, it is preferable to have a function of adjusting the time of the internal clock 29 of each image recording device 11. When the time is adjusted in this way, each image recording device 11 takes a picture at the same timing, and the recorded image data can be easily collected. Further, the time adjustment process may be performed when the control unit 21 is not performing the recording process of a series of image data being photographed on the recording medium 23. For example, if the time is adjusted while the image data is being continuously recorded by the event recording process or the continuous recording process described later, the time information recorded before and after the time adjustment is skipped and becomes discontinuous. .. Then, before the time adjustment, the recording timing of the image data recorded by each image recording device 11 is deviated. Therefore, when the power of the image recording device 11 is turned on and started, the control unit 21 may perform a time adjustment process after performing a predetermined initial process or as a part of the initial process. The control unit 21 may be able to start recording image data after the time adjustment process is completed. The control unit 21 may perform the time adjustment process when receiving the power off command, and may turn off the power after the time adjustment process is completed. The control unit 21 may perform time adjustment processing when it is determined that the train 1 is located in a predetermined area where it is not necessary or necessary to record image data such as a garage. For the correct time when the time adjustment process is performed, for example, the time information included in the GPS signal received by the position information acquisition unit 26 may be used.

Based on the above configuration, the control unit 21 has a function of accessing the recording medium 23 and performing each of the continuous recording processing, the event recording processing, the list transmission processing, and the image transmission processing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the recording medium 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the recording medium 23 has a constant recording area 231 and an event recording area 232. Further, the recording medium 23 stores the constant recording list L1 and the event recording list group L2. The event record list group L2 includes the event record lists L21, L22, L23, and L24.

(2-1-1) Constant recording process FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating a continuous recording process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method of recording image data by continuous recording processing. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the continuous recording list L1. In FIG. 4, "n" is assigned as serial number data to the image data recorded at the nth (n is a natural number) th from the start time of the constant recording process. This image data is referred to as "image data Vn". Each square in FIG. 4 corresponds to the image data, and the internal numerical value means the value of the serial number data. The image data is moving image data in this embodiment. The moving image data is, for example, in the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format (for example, MPEG2, MPEG4), but may be in an AVI, MOV, WMV or other format.

The continuous recording process includes a process of recording image data indicating an image captured by the photographing apparatus 27 in the continuous recording area 231 and a process of generating information for specifying the recorded image data (specific information described later). ,including. In the present embodiment, the process of generating the information for specifying the image data to be recorded is the process of recording the data in the constant recording list L1. As a general rule, the continuous recording process is always (continuously) performed during the period when the power of the image recording device 11 is turned on.

In the continuous recording process, as a general rule, the image is divided every predetermined period (3 minutes in the present embodiment), and the image data is recorded in the continuous recording area 231. The delimiter method may be a method of dividing files for each predetermined period, or one file corresponding to a plurality of periods, but may be logically delimited by inserting chapters or the like. In this embodiment, the former will be described. In FIG. 4, the period from “9:05:30” to “9:20:30” is the “non-recording period T” in which no image data is recorded. In this example, the period between the recording end time of the image data V62 and the recording start time of the image data V63 is the non-recording period T. The reason why the image data is not recorded in the non-recording period T is, for example, that the power of the image recording device 11 is turned off. For example, when the train 1 is out of business hours, or when the need for shooting is low or unnecessary, such as when the train 1 is placed in a garage, the power of the image recording device 11 is turned off. Other possible causes include replacement of the recording medium 23, temporary malfunction, and the like. It should be noted that the present embodiment is not premised on the existence of a non-recording period, and is configured to behave like an abnormality if an image recording period occurs.

In FIG. 4, the image recording time of each period arrives every 3 minutes from "00 minutes" of each time. Therefore, "9:21:00" is the recording start time of the image data V64 after the non-recording period T. However, the time length of the image data V63 may be 3 minutes.

As shown in FIG. 5, specific information, which is information for specifying image data recorded on the recording medium 23, is written in the continuous recording list L1. It is assumed that one specific information is created corresponding to one image data, and in FIG. 5, one line of data corresponds to one specific information. The "always-on record list" is a list of these specific information. The specific information includes at least information for specifying the position of the image data recorded on the recording medium 23 on the time axis. In the present embodiment, the position on the time axis is specified by the above-mentioned serial number data and time information. In the present embodiment, the specific information is data in which serial number data assigned to one image data, recording start time, recording end time, and position information are associated with each other. The position information is the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 26. The position information is information indicating the position of the train 1 when the continuous recording process is performed. The position information may be, for example, the position information at the start of the continuous recording process, or may be determined at an intermediate point during the period in which the continuous recording process is performed. The specific information is text data using a character code. The constant recording list L1 which is a specific information or a set thereof generally has a smaller amount of data than the image data recorded by the constant recording process.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the continuous recording list L1, the “recording end time” (9:05:30) corresponding to the serial number data “62” and the “recording start time” (9) corresponding to the serial number data 63. : 20:30) There is a divergence from this, and it can be seen that there is a non-recording period. Therefore, it can be said that the continuous recording list L1 contains information for specifying at least one of the time zone in which the image data is recorded in the recording medium 23 and the time zone in which the image data is not recorded.

The information recorded in the continuous recording list L1 further includes a train ID and a vehicle ID. The train ID is identification information assigned to the train 1. In this example, the train ID is "T001". The train ID is different for each train. The vehicle ID is identification information of the vehicle 2 photographed by the photographing device 27. In this example, the vehicle ID is "C0001". The vehicle ID is different for each of the plurality of vehicles 2 of the train 1. The train ID and the vehicle ID may be used to specify whether the image data indicates an image taken by which vehicle 2 of which train 1.

(2-1-2) Event recording process FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an event recording process. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a method of recording image data by event recording processing. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the event record list group L2. In FIG. 6, the image data “VA-n” is image data generated by the event recording process by the nth curve event. The image data "VB-n" is image data generated by the event recording process by the nth railroad crossing event. The image data "VC-n" is image data generated by the event recording process by the nth boarding / alighting event. The image data "VD-n" is image data generated by the event recording process by the nth door event. The types of events will be described in detail later. Each square in FIG. 6 corresponds to the image data, and the numerical value inside means the value of the serial number data.

The event recording process is performed on an image taken by the photographing device 27, which is performed when a condition indicating that a predetermined event (an example of the event) has occurred in the train 1 or the vehicle 2 (hereinafter referred to as “event condition”) is satisfied. It includes a process of recording the indicated image data in the event recording area 232 and a process of generating information for specifying the recorded image data. In the present embodiment, the process of generating the information for specifying the recorded image is the process of recording the data in the event recording list group L2. The event recording process is performed when the event conditions are satisfied during the period when the power of the image recording device 11 is turned on. The image data is moving image data in the present embodiment, and may be data in the same format as the constant recording process. In the recording of the image data by the event recording process, the image data indicating the image taken during the period including the time when the event occurs is recorded. The period is preferably a period including before and after the event occurs (for example, several minutes before and after), but it may be only one of the front and back periods. The image data recorded in the event recording process may be appropriately acquired from the constant recording area 231. In the event recording process of the present embodiment, a new file is created and image data is recorded each time an event occurs.

In the process of recording data in the event record list group L2, the serial number data, the start time of the event record process, the end time of the event record process, and the position information are stored in the event record lists L21, L22, L23, and L24. It is a process to record in either. The event record list L21, L22, L23, and L24 each have a different type of corresponding event. The event record list L21 corresponds to a curve event relating to the train 1 traveling on a curved route. The event record list L22 corresponds to a railroad crossing event related to the train 1 traveling on the railroad crossing. The event record list L23 corresponds to a boarding / alighting event relating to whether train 1 approaches, arrives at, or departs from the boarding / alighting place. If the vehicle is a train, monorail, linear motor car, etc., the boarding / alighting place is the station (more specifically, the platform of the station). If the vehicle is a bus, the boarding / alighting place is a bus stop. It can be said that the place where these events occur is a place where there is a relatively high possibility that an event to be photographed such as an accident occurs, and this is an example of a section in which special attention should be paid to the operation of the train 1. The event record list L24 corresponds to a door event in which the door 3 of the train 1 is opened. Since passengers get on and off when the door 3 is opened, it is based on the idea that there is a relatively high possibility that an event to be photographed such as an accident or trouble will occur.

As shown in FIG. 7, the event recording list group L2 includes specific information for specifying the image data recorded on the recording medium 23. It is assumed that one specific information is created corresponding to one event (in other words, image data corresponding to one event), and in FIG. 7, one line of data corresponds to one specific information. The event record list is a list of these specific information. The specific information includes at least information for specifying the position of each image recorded on the recording medium 23 on the time axis. The position on the time axis is the same as the above-mentioned continuous recording process, and is specified by the serial number data and the time information. In the present embodiment, the specific information is data in which serial number data corresponding to one image data, recording start time, and recording end time are associated with each other. The specific information is text data using a character code. The specific information generally has a smaller amount of data than the image data recorded by the event recording process.

As the serial number data, the serial number data numbered in the order of recording the image data is also recorded for each event type. The position information is information indicating the position of the train 1 when the event occurs. The position information is information indicating the position of one of the trains 1 that existed when the constant recording process was performed. For example, the position information at the start of the continuous recording process may be used, or the continuous recording process is performed. It may be decided at an intermediate point of the section. The information recorded in the event record list further includes a vehicle ID and a vehicle ID, but the meaning and use of the vehicle ID and the vehicle ID are the same as in the case of the constant recording process.

By the way, in the constant recording process and the event recording process, the position information acquired from the position information acquisition unit 26 by the control unit 21 is obtained by communicating with the system 300 in place of or in addition to writing the position information in each list. You may. The system 300 exemplified by the system for controlling the running of the vehicle or the system for detecting the running state of the vehicle collects information on the situation of the vehicle. This is because it may be managed. The image recording device 11 may determine whether or not it is a predetermined location in cooperation with the system 300.

Here, an example of the contents of each event will be described in detail. The event recording process of the present embodiment is executed when the event conditions based on at least one of the position of the train 1 and the state of the train 1 are satisfied.

(A) Curve event Since there is a possibility of derailment when traveling at a certain speed or higher, the curve section may be set to travel at a predetermined speed or lower. It is preferable not to perform all event recording processing when traveling in a curve section, but to perform event recording processing when traveling beyond the threshold value, and not to perform event recording processing when traveling below the threshold value. In this way, regardless of whether or not an actual accident has occurred, it can be used to photograph, reflect on, and verify dangerous driving based on the recorded data. When traveling below the threshold value, the event recording process is not performed, so that the memory capacity can be reduced. The threshold value may be changed depending on the interval.

(B) Railroad crossing event The railroad crossing section can be said to have a relatively high possibility of an accident because there is a possibility that people or cars may enter the railroad crossing section. Therefore, it is advisable to perform event recording processing with at least one of approaching the railroad crossing and traveling on the railroad crossing as an event.

(C) Boarding / alighting event The event condition may be at least one of the fact that the vehicle has approached the boarding / alighting place, arrived at the boarding / alighting place, and departed from the boarding / alighting place. When a vehicle approaches the boarding / alighting place, arrives at the boarding / alighting place, or departs from the boarding / alighting place, it is relatively more likely that an accident or other event to be photographed will occur than in other cases. Recording can be done at such timing. For example, as described above, when a person or the like comes into contact with or collides with the front surface of the vehicle 2, for example, a person at the platform other than a person who is in front of the vehicle such as a person who has entered the track from a railroad crossing or the like. In some cases, it may enter from the side of the vehicle. Therefore, with the image recording device 11 installed in the driver's cab 6, it is preferable to cover the shooting area by the shooting device 27 to the outside of the side surface of the vehicle 2, so that the angle of view in the left-right direction becomes wider. It is good to do it. For example, the photographing device 27 may use, for example, a wide-angle camera.

(D) Door event Further, for example, the image recording function may have an event condition that the door 3 provided in the train 1 is opened. For example, the occurrence of an event is not based on the location of the train 1 as described above, but the state of the vehicle, for example, the state in which the door 3 is open is regarded as the occurrence of the event, and a predetermined period including the time when the door 3 is open. It is advisable to record the image data taken in. By doing so, the state of passengers getting on and off the vehicle 2 can be photographed and recorded. If the door 3 is closed, it is not possible to get on and off the vehicle, and image data necessary for verification of an accident or the like at the time of getting on and off can be recorded without excess or deficiency. Further, when the door 3 provided in the vehicle 2 is opened, there is a relatively high possibility that a person gets on and off the moving body and an event to be photographed such as a trouble occurs. Event recording processing can be performed at such timing.

The opening and closing of the door 3 may be determined, for example, by providing a separate sensor in the image recording device 11 or receiving a signal from the vehicle. Further, when the vehicle is driving dangerously such that the traveling speed or the acceleration exceeds a predetermined value, the event may be generated when the driving speed or the acceleration exceeds the predetermined value. For example, a sensor or the like for detecting them may be used for the traveling speed and the acceleration, but it is preferable to obtain the traveling speed and the acceleration based on the change of the current position acquired from the position information acquisition unit 26.

In the present embodiment, the event record list is divided for each event type, but specific information about a plurality of types of events may be described in the list in a common event. In this case, it is desirable that the specific information includes information indicating the type of event.
It may be obtained based on the change in the current position obtained from 26.

(2-1-3) List transmission process The list transmission process is a process of transmitting each list of the list generated by the image recording device 11, that is, the constant recording list L1 and the event recording list group L2, to the server device 100. be.

(2-1-4) Image transmission processing In the image transmission processing, the image data recorded by the image recording apparatus 11 on the recording medium 23, that is, the image data recorded by the constant recording process and the image data recorded by the event recording process are used. , Is a process of transmitting to the server device 100.

(2-2) Configuration of Server Device 100 As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an input device 104, and a display device 105. The server device 100 is an example of a device that communicates with the image recording device 11 via the communication line NW to transmit or receive data related to the image. The control unit 101 controls each unit of the server device 100. The server device 100 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and a memory. The arithmetic processing circuit includes, for example, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or another arithmetic processing circuit. Memory includes, for example, RAM or other volatile memory. The arithmetic processing circuit performs various controls by temporarily reading data into a memory and performing arithmetic processing. This data includes the program. The control unit 101 executes various controls described later based on this program. The storage unit 102 stores data. The storage unit 102 is a hardware disk or other auxiliary storage device. The communication unit 103 communicates with the image recording device 11 via a communication line. The communication unit 103 has, for example, a modem or other communication circuit. The input device 104 is a device for the user to input an instruction. The input device 104 is a device for inputting information such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor, and a microphone. The display device 105 displays an image. The display device 105 is a liquid crystal display or other type of display device.

Based on the above configuration, the control unit 101 of the server device 100 transmits the image transmission request to the image recording device 11 based on the list received from the image recording device 11, and the image specified by the image transmission request. The process of acquiring data from the image recording device 11 is performed. The process of acquiring from the image recording device 11 includes a process of displaying an instruction input image on the display device based on the list received from the image recording device 11, a process of accepting an instruction input using the instruction input image, and an input process. It is preferable to include a process of transmitting an image transmission request to an image recording device based on the instruction received.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
[3. Operation of image recording device 11]
Each process described below is executed in parallel by the multitask process while the power of the image recording device 11 is turned on.

<3-1. Continuous recording processing>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a continuous recording process performed by the image recording device 11. While the power of the image recording device 11 is turned on, the control unit 21 repeatedly executes the process of FIG.

First, the control unit 21 writes the serial number data and the recording start time in the continuous recording list L1 (step S11). The control unit 21 creates a new record next to the existing record (row) in the continuous recording list L1 and writes the serial number data and the recording start time. If the serial number data of the latest record in the existing record is "n", the serial number data to be issued next is "n + 1". The recording start time may be the current time measured by the internal clock 29.

Next, the control unit 21 writes the image data indicating the image taken by the photographing device 27 into the constant recording area 231 (step S12). Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the power of the image recording device 11 has been turned off (step S13). If it is determined as "NO" in step S13, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the predetermined period has elapsed (step S4). The predetermined period is the elapsed time from the recording start time recorded in the immediately preceding step S11, and is 3 minutes in the present embodiment. If it is determined as "NO" in step S14, the control unit 21 returns to step S12 and continues recording the image data of the current serial number data. If "YES" is determined in step S14, the control unit 21 writes the recording end time and position information in the continuous recording list L1 (step S15). In step S15, the recording end time and the position information are written in association with the serial number data and the recording start time written in the immediately preceding step S11. Then, the control unit 21 returns the process to step S11. In step S11, the control unit 21 creates a new record in the continuous recording list L1, writes the serial number data and the recording start time, and performs the processing after step S12.

If it is determined as "YES" in step S13, the control unit 21 will end the constant recording process before the elapse of a predetermined period. In this case, the control unit 21 writes the recording end time in the continuous recording list L1 (step S16). In step S16, the recording end time is written in association with the serial number data and the recording start time written in the immediately preceding step S11. Then, the operation of the image recording device 11 is terminated.

<3-2. Event recording processing>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an event recording process performed by the image recording device 11. While the power of the image recording device 11 is turned on, the control unit 21 repeatedly executes the process of FIG.

The control unit 21 determines whether or not the event condition is satisfied (step S21). Here, the control unit 21 determines whether or not any of a curve event, a railroad crossing event, a boarding / alighting event, and a door event has occurred. The control unit 21 waits until any of the event conditions is satisfied (step S21; NO), and when it is determined that the event conditions are satisfied, the serial number data and the recording start time are generated in the event recording list group L2. Write to the event record list corresponding to the event (step S22). The control unit 21 creates a new record next to the existing record in the event record list, and writes the serial number data and the recording start time.

Next, the control unit 21 writes the image data indicating the image taken by the photographing device 27 into the event recording area 232 (step S23). Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the power of the image recording device 11 has been turned off (step S24). If "NO" is determined in step S24, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the event condition has ended (step S25). In step S25, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the situation in which the event has occurred has disappeared. If it is determined as "NO" in step S25, the control unit 21 returns to step S12 and continues recording image data about the current serial number data. If "YES" is determined in step S25, the control unit 21 writes the recording end time and position information in the event recording list (step S26). In step S26, the recording end time and the position information are written in association with the serial number data and the recording start time written in the immediately preceding step S22. Then, the control unit 21 returns the process to step S21.

If it is determined as "YES" in step S24, the control unit 21 is in the process of generating an event, but ends the process. In this case, the control unit 21 writes the recording end time in the event recording list (step S27). In step S27, the recording end time is written in association with the serial number data and the recording start time written in the immediately preceding step S22. Then, the operation of the image recording device 11 is terminated.

<3-3. List transmission process>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a list transmission process performed by the image recording device 11. While the power of the image recording device 11 is turned on, the control unit 21 repeatedly executes the process of FIG.

The control unit 21 determines whether or not to transmit any of the lists to the server device 100 (step S31). The list referred to here is at least one of the lists of the continuous recording list L1 and the event recording list group L2. When the control unit 21 determines that the predetermined transmission timing is satisfied, the control unit 21 determines "YES" in step S31. The control unit 21 determines that the constant recording list L1 and the event recording list group L2 at that time are periodically transmitted, for example, every time a predetermined period elapses. For example, for the event recording list group L2, the control unit 21 determines that the event recording list group L2 is transmitted at the timing when the corresponding event occurs and the event recording process is completed. As described above, the control unit 21 may transmit by push at a predetermined transmission timing, but may determine that the list according to the request is transmitted in response to the transmission request of the list from the server device 100. If "YES" is determined in step S21, the control unit 21 transmits the list to the server device 100 using the communication unit 25 (step S32).

<3-4. Image transmission process>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an image transmission process performed by the image recording device 11. While the power of the image recording device 11 is turned on, the control unit 21 repeatedly executes the process of FIG.

Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to transmit the image data (step S41). When the control unit 21 determines that the predetermined transmission timing is satisfied, it determines "YES" in step S41, and the image data stored in the recording medium 23 is stored in the recording medium 23 by the server device 100 using the communication unit 25. (Step S42).

The control unit 21 may at least reduce the frequency of image data transmission to be lower than the frequency of list transmission. The reason is that the capacity of the image data is usually larger than the capacity of the list, so that the viewpoint is to suppress an increase in the amount of communication and the communication charge associated therewith. The control unit 21 does not transmit the image data immediately after it is generated (for example, in real time), but stores it in the recording medium 23 and transmits it when a predetermined timing is reached. As the timing, in the present embodiment, the image transmission request from the server device 100 is received. In the image transmission request, what is the image data to be transmitted is specified by the serial number data, the time, etc. based on the transmitted list. Therefore, the control unit 21 reads out the serial number data included in the image transmission request and the image data specified from the time from the recording medium 23, and transmits the image data to the server device 100. The control unit 21 transmits the image data specified by the serial number data when the transmission of the image data is requested by the serial number data, and when the transmission of the image data is requested by the time (time zone), the control unit 21 transmits the image data specified by the serial number data. , It is advisable to send the image data taken at that time (time zone). In this way, the control unit 21 transmits a list prior to the image data, and when the image transmission request generated based on the list is received from the server device 100, the control unit 21 performs a process of transmitting the image data.

For example, to explain using the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, if the serial number data "1" to "3" are specified in the image transmission request, the control unit 21 will perform the image data V11, V2 and the image data V11 and V2 from the recording medium 23. V3 is read out and transmitted to the server device 100. When the time zone from "6:00:00" to "6:10" is specified in the image transmission request, the control unit 21 reads the image data V1, V2, and V3 from the recording medium and reads the image data V1, V2, and V3 from the recording medium to the server. It is transmitted to the device 100. The image data V3 includes image data up to "6:12:00", but the control unit 21 may transmit the image data V3 as it is, or "06:09: 00" to "06". Images up to ": 10:00" may be transmitted. The image data is not recorded in the time zone from "9:05:00" to "9:20:30", but if this period is specified in the image transmission request, the control unit 21 is the same. As for the time zone, it is preferable to transmit to the server device 100 that the image data does not exist. The server device 100 may be configured not to transmit an image transmission request in advance for this period based on the list, but this configuration will be described later.

[4. Operation of server device 100]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device 100. While the power of the server device 100 is turned on, the control unit 101 repeatedly executes the process of FIG. The control unit 101 determines whether or not the list has been received from the image recording device 11 (step S51). In step S51, when the control unit 101 receives the list transmitted from the image recording device 11 in step S32 via the communication unit 103, the control unit 101 records the list in the storage unit 102 (step S52). The control unit 101 may receive and store the list transmitted by the image recording device 11 by pushing, or may use the input device 104 to store the user of the server device 100 (for example, the administrator of the server device 100. Hereinafter, “management”. The image recording device 11 may be requested to transmit the list at the timing instructed by the person (), and the list sent in response to the request may be received and stored. If "NO" is determined in step S51, the control unit 101 proceeds to step S53.

Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to display the instruction input image on the display device 105 based on the instruction input to the input device 104 (step S53). If "YES" is determined in step S53, the control unit 101 calls a predetermined list stored in the storage unit 102, and causes the display device 105 to display the instruction input image based on the called list (step S54). For example, the administrator specifies a train ID and instructs which train 1 the instruction input image is to be displayed. The control unit 101 reads out a list including the train ID and displays an instruction input image. If "NO" is determined in step S53, the control unit 101 ends the process of FIG. 12.

The instruction input image will be described. The instruction input image represents the user interface displayed based on the list. The control unit 101 of the server device 100 causes the display unit 105a of the display device 105 to display the instruction input image in a manner of clearly indicating the portion where the recorded image data exists. The instruction input image is displayed on the display unit 105a of the display device 105 in a manner in which the portion where the image data exists is easy to understand and specify. The control unit 101 may generate and display a table or a graph based on, for example, the serial number data of the acquired list, the recording start time, and the recording end time.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an instruction input image displayed based on the constant recording list L1. In this example, the instruction input image is an image in the form of a horizontal bar graph in which the horizontal axis is the time axis and the bar-shaped image (hereinafter, simply referred to as “bar”) bar 111 is displayed in the portion where the image data is recorded. Is. The time axis is a time axis that defines the shooting time. In this example, as the portion where the image data is recorded, the train 1 and the vehicle 2 on which the image data is recorded (“A vehicle”, “B vehicle”, “C vehicle”, ... As shown in FIG. 13). In addition, the time can be visually grasped.

In the example of FIG. 13, for each vehicle 2, the rod 111 is displayed corresponding to the period in which the image data is recorded, and the rod 111 is interrupted in the region G corresponding to the non-recording period, resulting in discontinuity. There is. Further, for example, if the event occurrence status is different for each vehicle 2, the time zone in which the bar 111 in which the image data exists is also different. Therefore, the administrator can visually grasp each of the period in which the image data is recorded and the non-recording period. The rods 111 corresponding to each vehicle 2 of "A vehicle", "B vehicle", "C vehicle", ... Shown in FIG. 13 are displayed with a common time axis. Therefore, it is possible to visually grasp the recording status of the image data in the plurality of vehicles 2. Although the rod 111 is used here, the element that clearly indicates the period in which the image data of each image recording device 11 of the plurality of image recording devices 11 is recorded is not limited to this. For example, another type of graph, such as a pie chart, may be used. Further, a bar graph may be displayed in units of 11 image recording devices.

In the present embodiment, one vehicle 2 may be provided with a plurality of image recording devices 11. Therefore, among the plurality of image recording devices 11, some image recording devices 11 may record image data, and all image recording devices 11 may not have image data. In such a case, if the image data is recorded by at least one image recording device 11 at each time, the control unit 101 may display the bar 111 on the portion. Further, the control unit 101 may change the display mode such as the color and shading of each position on the time axis according to the number of image recording devices 11 on which image data is recorded.

The administrator may specify the time (which may be the date and time) and the train ID. Since trains generally operate according to a timetable, the position of each train at a certain time is uniquely specified when the train runs according to the timetable. Therefore, for example, when an event such as an accident or an incident occurs on a certain train, if the train and the occurrence time of those events are indicated, the control unit 101 may display an instruction input image corresponding to the instruction. The manager may specify the train ID and the vehicle ID, and in this case, the control unit 101 may display an instruction input image for the vehicle 2 of the train 1 specified by the train ID and the vehicle ID.

It will be described back to FIG.
The control unit 101 determines whether or not the input of the instruction is accepted by using the instruction input image (step S55). The control unit 101 determines, for example, whether or not the input for specifying the serial number data or the time has been accepted as the information for specifying the image data to be acquired from the image recording device 11. The specific operation of the administrator is not particularly limited, but for example, it is performed by designating a predetermined position of the bar 111 of the displayed graph according to the input information from a pointing device such as a mouse constituting the input device 104. It is good. The method of designation may include, for example, pinpoint designation performed by clicking one point, range designation from the start to the end (see the double-headed arrow 115 in FIG. 13B), and the like. In the case of pinpoint specification, for example, the serial number data or time specified by the pointing device or the like may be selected, or a predetermined number of serial number data before or after including the specified serial number data, or the specified time. The start and end times of a predetermined time zone including the above may be collectively selected. FIG. 13B shows an image of selecting serial number data belonging to the range of the circle 113 centered on the designated serial number data.

Upon receiving the instruction, as shown in FIG. 13B, the control unit 101 presses a confirmation button 114 such as "Is it okay to receive by communication?" In a predetermined area below the display screen of the display device 105, for example. Display or activate what was originally displayed. Further, it is preferable that a plurality of locations can be selected from those displayed on the instruction input image until the confirmation button 114 is operated by clicking or the like.

When the operation for selecting the confirmation button 114 (for example, the click operation) is performed, the control unit 101 determines “YES” in step S55. Next, the control unit 101 transmits an image transmission request to the target image recording device 11 (step S56). Specifically, the control unit 101 generates an image transmission request (for example, a transmission command) to the image recording device 11 that records the image data to be acquired based on the selected serial number data or the time. The communication unit 103 is used to transmit data to the target image recording device 11. Since a plurality of image recording devices 11 of one vehicle are provided, the control unit 101 may request all the image recording devices 11 of the vehicle to transmit images in the same time zone.

The control unit 21 of the image recording device 11 receives (acquires) the image data sent from the server device 100 as a response to the image transmission request by using the communication unit 103 (step S57). This image data is image data transmitted by the image recording device 11 in response to an image transmission request in step S42.

The control unit 101 causes the display unit 105a to display the image indicated by the received image data (step S58). The control unit 101 displays an image indicated by the image data in association with information that identifies the image data recorded by which vehicle 2 and when, such as information that identifies the image recording device 11, serial number data, and shooting time. It is good.

For example, the administrator specifies image data to be acquired based on the displayed mark 112, information obtained from another operation management system or others. At this time, if the time when the incident occurs is clear, the amount of image data to be sent and received can be reduced by specifying pinpoint. In addition, when the specific time of occurrence of an incident is unknown and ambiguous, for example, around noon, it is advisable to select a relatively wide fixed time zone by specifying a range and acquire a lot of possible image data.
The above is a description of the operation of the server device 100.

In the server device 100, the control unit 101 also acquires image data from the image recording device 11 using the event recording list by the same method as in the case of the above-mentioned constant recording process for the image data recorded by the event recording process. And may be displayed. In this case, the instruction input image is displayed based on the event record list. The instruction input image may be divided for each type of event, or the input of instructions for a plurality of types of events may be accepted using a single instruction input image. Further, the control unit 101 may display information indicating the existence of image data stored by the event recording process on the instruction input screen corresponding to the constant recording process described with reference to FIG. For example, the control unit 101 may display an image (mark image) as a mark such as a predetermined mark at a position corresponding to the event occurrence time of the vehicle 2 in which the event has occurred in the instruction input image. When the marker image is selected by the administrator, the control unit 101 may acquire the image data of the corresponding event recording process from the image recording device 11 and display it. When the marker image is displayed in a manner in which the type of event can be visually grasped, the administrator can visually grasp what kind of event has occurred.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image recording device 11 transmits a list for identifying the recorded image data to the server device 100 prior to transmitting the image data captured and recorded on the recording medium 23. After that, the image data was sent. By doing so, the chances of transmitting image data that does not need to be transmitted based on the list are reduced, so that the amount of communication can be reduced and the communication time can also be reduced. Further, even when the communication line NW is charged a communication charge according to the communication amount, the increase in the communication charge can be suppressed. Further, even if the communication line NW is a low-speed line, the list is promptly transmitted so that the administrator of the server device 100 can grasp what kind of image data is recorded. On the other hand, the server device 100 can quickly acquire the image data having a high degree of necessity to be transmitted.

[4. Other embodiments]
The present invention can be carried out in a form different from the above-described embodiment. The present invention can also be implemented, for example, in the following embodiments. In addition, the forms shown below may be combined as appropriate.

(4-1) Display of instruction input image (4-1-1) Clarification of incident information The control unit 101 clearly indicates the existence of image data required by the administrator for the instruction input image (for example, image data). It is advisable to display it in an manner that makes it possible to understand the existence of. By doing so, the administrator can immediately select the required part from the displayed instruction input image. The control unit 101 may display, for example, the time when an accident, an incident, or other event (hereinafter referred to as "incident, etc.") occurs. Further, the control unit 101 may display, for example, which train 1 and which vehicle 2 the event occurred in addition to the occurrence time. For example, when the message "There was a pickpocket in vehicle C around 12 o'clock" is displayed, the administrator can see the serial number data around 12 o'clock from the list sent from the image recording device 11 installed in vehicle C. Can be easily selected.

In order to carry out such a function, for example, the storage unit 102 of the server device 100 may store information such as an incident related to the occurrence of an incident such as a molester, a fight, a pickpocket, or a trouble in the vehicle 2. The incident information may include information on the date and time of the incident, information identifying the train and vehicle in which the incident occurred, the content of the incident, and the like. Since this incident information may be grasped by the railway company or the like that manages the operation of the train 1, it is preferable that the incident information is registered in the memory of the server device 100. When the incident information is managed by another server or the like, the control unit 101 of the server device 100 may access the other server or the like to acquire the incident information.

When an incident or the like has occurred in the vehicle 2 being displayed based on the incident or the like information, the control unit 101 may display an instruction input image in a manner clearly indicating that fact. For example, the control unit 101 may display a message indicating the occurrence of an incident or the like, or display an image as a mark at a position corresponding to the occurrence time of the vehicle 2 in which the incident or the like has occurred.

(4-1-2) Display of Instruction Input Image for Each Image Recording Device 11 The control unit 101 may display an instruction input image for each image recording device 11. For example, when the list includes the identification information of the image recording device 11, the control unit 101 may display the instruction input image for each image recording device 11 based on the identification information. By doing so, the effect of making it easier to visually grasp the recording status of the image data in the image recording device 11 unit can be expected. For example, in the case of an incident such as pickpocketing or molestation, even if the victim or the like knows which vehicle 2 he / she was in, he / she is recorded in which image recording device 11 where he / she is in the vehicle 2. It is often difficult to identify whether it is. Therefore, it is preferable to specify a vehicle, make an image transmission request to a plurality of image recording devices 11 mounted on the vehicle, and have the plurality of image recording devices 11 transmit image data. The control unit 101 may perform processing for acquiring and displaying image data for each image recording device 11.

Further, the server device 100 may be configured so that the display of the instruction input image in the vehicle 2 unit and the display of the instruction input image in the image recording device 11 unit can be selected. For example, if the instruction input image is displayed in units of the image recording device 11, the number of image recording devices 11 provided there may be large even if the train is limited to a certain train, and the displayed instruction input image may be complicated and difficult to see. Therefore, for example, the control unit 101 first displays an instruction input image for each vehicle 2, and then designates one or a predetermined number (however, less than the total number of vehicles) of the vehicle 2 to perform a switching instruction. Upon receiving the message, it is preferable to display an instruction input image for the image recording device 11 provided in the designated vehicle 2. The designation of the vehicle 2 to be switched and displayed is, for example, an operation of the administrator when generating an image transmission request, that is, the vehicle 2 (in the illustrated example, "A vehicle", "B vehicle", "C vehicle" ... The operation may be different from the click on () or the specification of the serial number data for the part of the bar 111 displayed in the graph. The operations in different modes may be, for example, single-click (spot selection of serial number data) and double-click (display switching).

When the function of switching from the vehicle unit to the image recording device unit is provided in this way, for example, at what time and minute, which side of the D vehicle (for example, near the exit on the front side of the vehicle, the center of the vehicle interior, etc.) is inside the vehicle. If the specific location in is known, one or a plurality of image recording devices 11 for recording the image data obtained by photographing the area may be designated, and the image transmission request may be transmitted. By doing so, the number of image recording devices that transmit image transmission requests can be reduced, and the number and capacity of image data to be transmitted can also be reduced.

(4-2) Thinning transmission processing The image transmission processing may be performed by "thinning transmission processing", which is a processing of thinning out and transmitting a part of the image data among the image data specified by the image transmission request. The control unit 21 of the image recording device 11 has, for example, a first frame as image data indicating a moving image and a second frame representing an image taken by the photographing device 27 as a difference from the first frame. The included image data is recorded on the recording medium 23. Then, the control unit 21 may select the first frame from the image data specified by the image transmission request and perform a process of transmitting the first frame to the server device 100. When the control unit 21 selects and transmits the first frame, the amount of communication is reduced as compared with the case where the second frame is also transmitted, and the server device 100 is relatively based on the first frame. A beautiful image (movie) can be displayed.

A specific operation example will be described.
For example, when the moving image data is in the MPEG format, the first frame corresponds to an I frame and the second frame corresponds to a P frame. In this case, when the control unit 21 of the image recording device 11 transmits the image data Vn, the control unit 21 extracts and transmits the I frame constituting the image data Vn, and does not transmit the P frame. In this way, all the image data specified by the image transmission request may be transmitted, but for example, if some image data is read out from the recording medium 23 and transmitted to the server device 100 by performing appropriate thinning processing or the like. good. By transmitting a part of the image data in this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication and reduce the communication time and communication charge. When the frame rate is, for example, 30 frames per second, I frames are inserted at a rate of 3 to 4 frames. All I-frames may be transmitted every predetermined period (every 3 minutes), or some I-frames may be transmitted. In the latter case, the I frame at the beginning of the predetermined period (separation) may be used. By doing so, it is possible to transmit image data necessary and sufficient for grasping the content of the captured image while reducing the amount of communication. Further, the administrator may be able to select whether to use the former or the latter by using the input device 104.

(4-3) Installing the Image Recorder 11 in the Driver's Seat In the above-described embodiment, the image recording device 11 is installed near the door 3 of the vehicle 2. However, the image recording device 11 is installed. The position is not limited to this, and may be installed in the crew room 4, for example. As shown in FIG. 14, the crew room 4 is provided with a driver's cab 6, and for example, the image recording device 11 may be arranged on the driver's cab 6. The image recording device 11 mainly captures the scenery outside the train 1 in the direction along the traveling direction while being installed on the driver's cab 6. The direction along the traveling direction is ahead of the traveling direction of the train 1 in the image recording device 11 installed in the crew room 4 (driver's cab) of the leading vehicle, and is installed in the crew room 4 (conductor room) of the rearmost vehicle. In the image recording device 11, the train is located behind in the traveling direction. In the case of the image recording device 11 installed on the driver's cab 6 of the crew room 4 in this way, the central axis of the angle of view of the camera unit is the traveling of the train with the case of the image recording device 11 attached at a predetermined position. It is advisable to face the outside of the vehicle in the direction along the direction.

In this way, for example, the image recording device 11 installed in the driver's cab 6 captures the front and outer scenery in the traveling direction. Therefore, for example, when a collision accident with a person or another object occurs in the leading vehicle, for example. By obtaining the image data recorded at that time, it can be used to verify the accident. For example, in the case of a personal injury, for example, whether the person jumped in by himself, whether he was pushed by the people around him, or whether his belongings such as an umbrella got caught in the vehicle and involved the person. It will be useful information for analyzing and identifying the cause of the accident.

As described above, when a person or the like comes into contact with or collides with the front surface of the vehicle 2, for example, a person who is at the platform except when the person or the like is in front of the vehicle such as a person who has entered the track from a railroad crossing or the like. It may enter from the side of the vehicle. Therefore, with the image recording device 11 installed in the driver's cab 6, it is preferable to cover the shooting area by the shooting device 27 to the outside of the side surface of the vehicle 2, so that the angle of view in the left-right direction becomes wider. It is good to do it. For example, the photographing device 27 may use, for example, a wide-angle camera.

When the height of the driver's cab 6 on which the image recording device 11 is installed is low, it is preferable to place a predetermined mounting table 8 on the upper surface of the driver's cab 6 and mount the image recording device 11 on the mounting table 8. By doing so, the vertical range of the angle of view of the photographing device 27 of the image recording device 11 can be made appropriate. The mounting base 8 may be used as a power supply box.

Further, for example, the photographing device 27 includes, for example, a hemispherical lens (an example of a lens) having an angle of view of 180 degrees and an image pickup element such as a CMOS sensor, and the light passing through the hemisphere lens is converted into an electric signal by the image pickup element. .. Then, with the image recording device 11 installed, the central axis of the angle of view of the photographing device 27 may be oriented forward in the horizontal direction. For example, some drive recorders for automobiles are equipped with a hemispherical lens, and in such drive recorders for automobiles, for example, the central axis of the angle of view of the photographing device 27 is directly below the ceiling of the vehicle or above the windshield. There is one that is attached so that it faces.

In addition to being attached in this way, as shown in FIG. 15A, the length of the side in the lateral direction of the image pickup range 200 of the image pickup element such as a CMOS sensor is set to the length of the diameter of the image circle 201 of the light passing through the lens. If it corresponds to, the light coming from the hemispherical lens can be imaged in a wide range, and the entire circumference of 360 degrees in the horizontal plane can be photographed. In this case, the center of the image pickup range 200 is the area for photographing the interior of the vehicle, and the right side in the image circle 201 of the image pickup range 200 is the front image pickup area 202 for photographing the front of the vehicle. If it is installed in the driver's cab of train 1 in the same way, the driver's cab will be photographed as well as the scenery outside the front of the vehicle. In such a case, the region having an angle range of 180 degrees on the rear side in the traveling direction of the vehicle with respect to the image recording device 11 becomes the driver's cab, and the driver, the wall behind the driver's cab, or a glass window provided on the wall thereof is used. Since the inside of the passenger car will be photographed and the front image pickup area 202 is based on the light from the peripheral area deviated from the center of the hemispherical lens, distortion may occur, which is necessary for the verification and analysis of the cause of the accident described above. Information is difficult to obtain.

On the other hand, when the hemispherical lens is arranged toward the front in parallel with the horizontal direction as in the present embodiment, the front image pickup region 202 of the vehicle is the center of the image pickup range 200 as shown in FIG. 15 (b). You can take a good picture with the layout arranged in. Further, the image of the driver's cab, which is not so important for the verification of the cause of the accident such as the inside of the vehicle, is not recorded, and the necessary information outside the vehicle can be appropriately recorded. Furthermore, since the room including the driver is not recorded, privacy can be protected.

(4-4) Relationship between the image circle and the image pickup range of the image sensor As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 (a), the length of the side of the image pickup range 200 in the lateral direction is the diameter of the image circle (left figure). ), The light coming from the lens can be imaged in a wide range. However, the area of the image sensor that is not used for imaging is increased to about half, the image sensor cannot be effectively used, and the image is taken small, and the quality of the front image area corresponding to the actually desired image area deteriorates.

On the other hand, when the image circle 201 is outside the image pickup range 200 of the image pickup device as shown in FIG. 16C, a wide range of light enters the image pickup element. However, of the light from the wide-angle lens, the range outside the imaging range 200 cannot be photographed, and the peripheral image cannot be confirmed.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16B, it is advisable to make the length of the side in the longitudinal direction of the imaging range 200 correspond to the diameter of the image circle 201. As a result, the photographing device 27 can take a wider image in the longitudinal direction as compared with the case where the light passing through the hemispherical lens forms an image circle whose diameter is the lateral direction of the image sensor, and the portion where the image sensor is not used. It is possible to capture most of the light coming from the hemispherical lens while reducing the number of images.

When shooting with a hemispherical lens installed downward and the image sensor is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the image pickup range 200 of the image sensor is parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 17 (a). In addition, since the longitudinal direction of the image pickup range 200 corresponds to the front and rear of the vehicle, the front can be efficiently photographed. The shooting range is narrowed on the left and right of the vehicle. In the case of automobiles, even if the shooting range is narrower on the left and right than in the front and back, it does not matter so much. However, when it is mounted in the driver's cab of a train as in the present embodiment, it is not desirable if there is a situation in which it is not possible to sufficiently photograph a person jumping in from the left or right. Therefore, when taking a picture with a hemispherical lens installed toward the front, it is preferable to arrange the image pickup element so that the longitudinal direction of the image pickup range 200 of the image pickup element is parallel to the left-right direction of the vehicle 2. By doing so, for example, as shown in FIG. 17B, the front image pickup area 202 of the vehicle is located in the center of the image pickup range 200 and can take a clear and beautiful image, and also captures the light coming from the hemispherical lens in the left-right direction. can. For example, even if there is a diving from the left or right of the train, the situation at that time can be appropriately photographed and recorded. In addition, if this is done, it may not be possible to take a picture of the vertical end, but there is a railroad track below, the sky above, and the driver looks up at the installation position of the traffic light installed beside the railroad track. It is not so high because it is not in such a position. In this way, the vertical edges are not so important information, so even if they are cut, they have little effect on the analysis of the cause of the accident.

In this embodiment, the case where the image circle is applied to a train has been described, but the relationship between the image circle and the imaging range may be applied to automobiles and other vehicles. For example, collisions from the left and right can be captured firmly, the front can be firmly taken, and the interior including the driver is not recorded, so privacy can be protected. When such an effect is expected, it is suitable.

(4-5) Corresponding to LED traffic light The image recording device 11 which is directly or indirectly attached to the driver's cab 6 and has a photographing device 27 for photographing the front of the vehicle also photographs and records the signal installed on the side of the railroad track. Record on the medium 23. If the traffic light installed on the side of the railroad track is an LED traffic light, the light source is blinking, so if you take a picture when it is off, the emission color will not be captured. If the timing of shooting and the timing of turning off the blinking light source continue to match, all the LEDs of the traffic light will remain off, and various verifications and the like cannot be performed properly.

In order to solve this problem, for example, the shooting timing may be shifted by 1 to 2 Hz with respect to the blinking cycle of the LED. Then, for example, when 30 frames are taken in 1 second, some frames are shown and some are not. It can be seen that when the LED that is lit is reflected in a part of the frame in this way, it is in a blinking state and is reflected in the continuous reproduction.

Further, for example, if only one or a predetermined number of I frames are transmitted in response to a transmission request for image data based on serial number data as described above, one image data becomes important, and the I frame to be transmitted becomes If the image is taken at the timing when the LED is turned off, it becomes inappropriate for performing various verifications and the like. Therefore, since there must be data captured at the timing when even one image is turned off, the above-mentioned method of slightly shifting the cycle cannot be said to be a sufficient LED countermeasure.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the normal photographing apparatus 27 has one sensor per pixel, but has a first sensor and a second sensor per pixel. The first light receiving part of the first sensor has a second light receiving part larger than the second sensor. Then, the image sensor uses the first light receiving unit to perform imaging in the first cycle, and uses the second light receiving section to perform imaging in a cycle longer than the first cycle. This is because the second light receiving portion has a smaller light receiving portion (for example, a light receiving surface) than the first light receiving portion, so that more light can be taken in. Therefore, the light receiving period (also referred to as the exposure period) differs between the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit.

The first sensor having a small first light receiving unit is for obtaining a certain sensitivity or more like that mounted on a normal photographing apparatus 27, for example, and the exposure time for one imaging is set. It cannot be made very long, for example, it is about several msec. When the LED traffic light operates at, for example, 60 Hz of commercial power, the LED blinks at 16.6 ... msec. Then, an image may be taken at the timing when the LED is turned off. On the other hand, the second light receiving unit is exposed to a longer exposure time so that the blinking LED is lit so that the blinking LED is lit within the exposure time for one imaging. , It is possible to receive the light from the LED in the lit state and take an image.

In the image pickup device, the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit are configured such that the shutter opens during the period of receiving light and the shutter closes during the period of not receiving light, but switching between light receiving / non-light receiving is performed. The mechanism of is not limited to this. The image sensor synthesizes and outputs a signal indicating the light receiving result of the first light receiving unit and a signal indicating the light receiving result of the second light receiving unit for each pixel. Since the amount of light received between the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit is reflected in the combined signal, the control unit 21 generates an image in which the influence of blinking of the LED traffic light or the like is reduced. Can be remembered. When such an image sensor is used, the second light receiving unit receives light even during the period when the first light receiving unit does not receive light, so that the LED traffic light or the like blinks as compared with the configuration in which a single light receiving unit is provided for each pixel. It is possible to suppress the image pickup. Further, by using an image sensor having such a pixel structure and an exposure method, it can be expected to have an effect of capturing a high-quality image having a wide dynamic range even in a scene having a large difference in brightness such as an entrance / exit.

(4-6) Event type The event may be any other event. For example, the event may be the detection of a predetermined sound by the microphone 28. In the case of the image recording device 11 installed above the door 3, for example, the voice of a person at the platform near the door 3 while the train 1 is stopped at the platform of the station is collected. The control unit 21 may have a function of recording the sound data collected by the microphone 28 on the recording medium 23 in association with the image data, or starting the event recording process when a predetermined sound is generated. For example, if an event recording process for recording image data for a period including before and after the moment of yelling is performed, a fight or an event having some problem can be recorded as an image. In this case, the information is written in the event record list different from the event record lists L21 to L24.

(4-7) Data type to record (recording history information)
In the case of a moving body that travels on a route determined as above the track of a train or the like according to a timetable, the position of the moving body such as a train can be known based on the time. In addition, it is possible to identify where the vehicle is running from the image captured by the imaging device 27. As described above, in the case of a train or the like, time information is important, so in the above-described embodiment, the time information is associated with the recorded image data and stored. The control unit 21 may have a function of recording historical information other than time information in association with image data. The history information is information indicating the travel history of the train 1 or the vehicle 2, and is, for example, travel information such as speed and acceleration obtained based on the position information acquired from the position information acquisition unit 26 and the history of changes in the position information. This information should be recorded as text data. It may be recorded in the history information, the constant recording list L1 or each event recording list. With the history record, for example, verification of whether the train is operating on time, identification of the exact position when it is delayed, how many kilometers it was, the speed of the history information based on the position information acquisition unit 26, and the speed of the train It can be used to verify the deviation from the speed of the instrument and to investigate the cause when an accident occurs.

Further, the history information may include information on the state of the vehicle such as the open / closed state of the door 3. By doing so, for example, the relationship between running / stopping and the opening / closing timing of the door 3 such as the time from when the vehicle 2 is stopped until the door 3 is opened, and the situation where the vehicle is running with the door 3 open. It is possible to confirm the situation of passengers and the like at that time based on the image data. When the reception condition of GPS signals or the like is poor, for example, when the image recording device 11 is installed in a deep position such as the center of the ceiling of the vehicle 2, the position information acquisition unit 26 such as the GPS module is separated from the main body. It is preferable to make a type and arrange the position information acquisition unit 26 near the window or outside the vehicle. In addition to this, if the image recording device 11 can acquire information on the history of driving operations such as the accelerator and the brake, this information may be included in the history information. The history information may be transmitted to the server device 100 by a method included in the list or other methods.

(4-8) Image transmission request using history information The server device 100 may transmit an image transmission request using the history information described in (4-7) to the image recording device 11. On the server device 100 side, for example, a request is made to select and transmit image data taken while traveling in a specific position or section, or image data when dangerous driving such as traveling at high speed is performed. It is possible to obtain information for appropriate operation management by making a request to select and send.

When transmitting the history information, the image recording device 11 may do the following. When the image recording device 11 transmits history information in real time, for example, when an accident such as derailment is unlikely to occur, a function of issuing an alarm from the server device 100 in advance, for example, from the image recording device 11 installed in the driver's seat or the like. By providing, the driver can be notified. By using text data as the history information as in the list, the communication load can be reduced even if it is transmitted in real time. The transmission timing of the history information may also be set, for example, at a railroad crossing, a place where there are many accidents resulting in injury or death, a dangerous driving section such as a sharp curve, or the like. In addition, in this specification, transmitting information in real time means transmitting distribution information at the same time as when the information is acquired, or at least at a level at which reception delay is not felt.

(4-9) List transmission processing and image transmission processing The control unit 21 inputs image data recorded on the recording medium 23 when connected to a radio device whose communicable area is a predetermined section on the route of the train 1. You should send it. This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Consider a case where the train 1 travels on the route R with the right direction of FIG. 18 as the traveling direction (forward direction of the train 1). In the section R1, communication can be performed by wireless LAN communication within the communicable area Ar1 of the radio device AP1. The section R2 on the downstream side in the traveling direction from the section R1 is outside the communicable area Ar1 and is connected to the base station BS to perform wireless communication via a public line. The section R3 on the downstream side in the traveling direction from the section R2 can communicate by wireless LAN communication within the communicable area Ar2 of the radio device AP2.

In such a case, the control unit 21 may refer to the generated list regardless of whether the train 1 is present in any of the sections R1 to R3, that is, whether the image recording device 11 is the radio AP1, AP2, or the base station BS. Even if you connect to, send. On the other hand, regarding the image data, when the train 1 exists in the section R1 or R3, the control unit 21 connects to the radios AP1 and AP2 for transmission, while the train 1 exists in the section R2 and connects to the base station BS. If so, suppress the transmission. Suppressing transmission means not transmitting or reducing the frequency of transmission so that the amount of image data to be transmitted is at least lower than that in the case of not suppressing transmission. When the train 1 enters the communicable area Ar1 and is connected to the radio AP1, the control unit 21 transmits the image data corresponding to the image transmission request via the radio AP1 when the image transmission request is received. If transmission cannot be completed while connected to the radio AP1, the control unit 21 may enter the communicable area Ar2, although the image recording device 11 may be connected to the base station BS for transmission. The transmission may be suspended until it is connected to the radio AP2, and may be transmitted after being connected to the radio AP2. The former is advantageous in that the image data can be quickly transmitted to the server device 100, and the latter is advantageous in that the increase in communication charges is suppressed. For example, when it is not necessary to transmit image data in real time, the latter is used. The control unit 21 may be the latter for continuous recording and the former for event recording processing.

Further, when the train 1 goes out of the communicable area Ar1 and connects to the base station BS, the control unit 21 suspends the transmission of the image data at that time when the image transmission request is received, and the communicable area Ar2 It may be transmitted after entering the inside and connecting to the radio AP2. By doing so, the increase in communication charges is suppressed. The control unit 21 may suspend transmission of the event recording process until it is connected to the radio AP2, and may connect the event recording process to the base station BS for transmission.

Radios for LAN communication such as radio AP1 and radio AP2 may be installed anywhere, but on the above-mentioned curves, crossings, boarding / alighting places, and other routes where image data needs to be transmitted. It is recommended that the section be installed so as to include the section in the communicable area. By doing so, when the train 1 travels in the section where the image data should be transmitted quickly, the transmission can be realized with a simple configuration.

Regarding the image data transmitted by the image recording device 11, all the untransmitted image data may be transmitted, but all the image data such as the image data captured by the photographing device 27 may be transmitted in real time. You can also take a method that does not.

Even when the image recording device 11 is connected to the base station BS, the control unit 21 may transmit the image data captured by the imaging device 27 at that time in real time while traveling in the specific section Se. The specific section Se may be, for example, a section in which image data such as curves, railroad crossings, and places where an accident is likely to occur is likely to be transmitted immediately. By doing so, the image taken in the specific section Se can be quickly seen on the server device 100 side.

(4-9) Coordination with the system 300 The control unit 21 of the image recording device 11 is specified by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 26, and is specified by the status of the train 1 and the information acquired from the system 300. You may perform a process of outputting information according to the situation of the train 1. The output information is display data for displaying these in a comparable manner and information indicating the certainty of the situation of the train 1 specified by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 26. By using both the position information measured by the train 1 and the information acquired from the system 300, the reliability of the situation of the train 1 indicated by the information is improved as compared with the case where the information from one side is used.

(4-10) Image Data Recording Processing The image recording device 11 may include only one of a mode for performing event recording processing and a mode for performing constant recording processing. Even when the image recording device 11 includes both modes, the image recording device 11 may operate in only one mode depending on the setting of the administrator or another person.

(4-11) Mobile Vehicle The vehicle to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the vehicle described in the above-described embodiment. The vehicle may be a vehicle such as a taxi, a rental car, or a hire. The vehicle may be a vehicle other than a vehicle such as a ship or an airplane. In the case of these vehicles, the route on which the vehicle travels may not be provided with a track such as a rail, but it is preferable that a specific route to be traveled like a specific route is determined. The present invention may also be applied to a passenger car or other vehicle or moving object for which a specific route has not been determined.

It should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configuration explicitly described in the specification, but also includes a combination of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in the present specification. Of the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is sought is specified in the appended claims, but even if the configuration is not currently specified in the claims, it is disclosed in the present specification. We intend to make such a configuration the scope of claims in the future.

The invention of the present application is not limited to the configuration described in the above-described embodiment. The components of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Further, any component of each embodiment or modification, and any component described in the means for solving the invention or any component described in the means for solving the invention are embodied. It may be configured in any combination with. We also intend to acquire the rights to these in the amendment or divisional application of the present application. Even if there is a description of "when" and "when", it is not described as a configuration limited to that case or at that time. It also discloses these cases and untimely configurations, and intends to acquire the rights. In addition, the places where the description is accompanied by an order are not limited to this order. It also discloses a configuration in which some parts have been deleted or the order has been changed, and has the intention of acquiring rights.

In addition, by changing to a design registration application, we have the intention to acquire the right to the whole design or the partial design. Although the entire drawing of the device is drawn with a solid line, it is a drawing including not only the whole design but also the partial design requested for a part of the device. For example, it is a drawing which includes a part of the device as a partial design regardless of the member as well as a part of the member of the device as a partial design. The part of the device may be a part of the device or a part of the member. Not only the whole design, but also the partial design in which any part of the solid line part of the drawing is a broken line part is intended to be granted the right. In addition, regarding the modules, members, parts, images, etc. inside the housing of the device, those displayed in the drawings are all independently subject to transaction, and similarly, the application for design registration. It is intended to make a change to and acquire the right.

1: Train 2: Vehicle 3: Door 4: Crew room 5: Crew door 6: Driver's cab 8: Mounting base 10: Display device 11: Image recording device 20: Train 21: Control unit 22: Reader / writer 23: Recording medium 24: Data output terminal 25: Communication unit 26: Position information acquisition unit 27: Imaging device 28: Microphone 29: Internal clock 100: Server device 101: Control unit 102: Storage unit 103: Communication unit 104: Input device 105: Display device 105a: Display screen 111: Bar 112: Mark 113: Circle 114: Confirmation button 200: Imaging range 201: Image circle 202: Front imaging area 300: System

Claims (26)

An image recording device provided on a mobile body that communicates with an external device via a predetermined communication line.
A process of recording image data indicating an image taken by a shooting means provided on the moving body in a recording means, and a process of recording the image data.
A process of generating specific information for specifying the image data recorded in the recording means, and
The process of transmitting the specific information to the device and
An image recording device having a control unit for performing the above. The control unit
The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein a process of transmitting the specific information to the device is performed prior to transmitting the image data recorded in the recording means. The control unit
When an image transmission request generated based on the specific information is received from an external device, a process of transmitting the image data specified by the image transmission request recorded in the recording means to the device is performed. Item 2. The image recording apparatus according to Item 1. The image data is data showing a plurality of images arranged on a predetermined time axis.
The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the specific information includes information for specifying the position of each image of the plurality of images on the time axis. The specific information is described in any one of claims 1 to 4, which includes information for specifying at least one of a time zone in which the image data is recorded and a time zone in which the image data is not recorded in the recording means. Image recording device. The moving body is a vehicle that travels on a predetermined route.
The image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the specific information includes identification information assigned to the vehicle. The moving body is a vehicle configured by connecting a plurality of vehicles.
The image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the specific information includes identification information of the vehicle in which the image was taken. The control unit
Claimed to perform a process of recording the image data showing an image taken during the period including the time of occurrence in the recording means when the condition indicating that a predetermined event has occurred in the moving body is satisfied. The image recording apparatus according to 6 or 7. The image recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the condition includes a condition relating to at least one of the position of the moving body and the state of the moving body. The image recording apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the condition includes a condition for the vehicle to travel in a section of a curve in the route. A track on which the vehicle travels is installed on the route.
The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the condition includes a condition for the vehicle to travel a railroad crossing on the route. A boarding / alighting place for the vehicle is provided at a predetermined position on the route.
The image recording apparatus according to claim 8 or 11, wherein the conditions include conditions for the vehicle to approach, arrive at, and depart from the boarding / alighting place. The image recording apparatus according to claim 8 or 12, wherein the condition includes opening of a door provided in the moving body. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the condition includes a condition relating to information acquired from a system for controlling the traveling of the vehicle or a system for detecting the traveling state of the vehicle. The control unit
The recording is a moving image data composed of a first frame representing an image acquired from the shooting means and a second frame representing an image shot by the shooting means as a difference from the first frame. Perform the process of recording in the means,
Any of claims 1 to 14 for performing a process of transmitting the image data of the first frame among the image data specified by the image transmission request when the image transmission request generated based on the specific information is received. The image recording apparatus according to item 1. The control unit
When the vehicle is located within a predetermined section on the route, a process of transmitting image data recorded in the recording means is performed, and when the vehicle is located outside the predetermined section on the route, the process is performed. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which suppresses the transmission of image data recorded in the recording means. The image recording device according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined section is a section in which the communication charge is low or the communication speed is high as compared with the section outside the predetermined section. The image recording device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the control unit performs a process of transmitting the specific information even when the vehicle is located outside a predetermined section on the route. As the photographing means, there is a photographing device including a lens that collects light from the front of the vehicle and an image pickup element in which an image circle is formed by the collected light.
The size of the diameter of the image circle is made to correspond to the length in the longitudinal direction of the image pickup device.
The image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the image pickup device is oriented in the left-right direction in the posture in which the image pickup device is installed. A server device that communicates with the image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 via the communication line.
A process of transmitting an image transmission request to the image recording device based on the specific information received from the image recording device, and
A control unit that performs a process of acquiring image data specified by the image transmission request from the image recording device.
Server device with. The control unit of the server device is
A process of displaying an instruction input image on the display device based on the specific information received from the image recording device.
The process of accepting the input of instructions using the instruction input image,
A process of transmitting the image transmission request to the image recording device based on the instruction of receiving the input, and a process of transmitting the image transmission request to the image recording device.
The server device according to claim 20. The image data is data showing a plurality of images arranged on a predetermined time axis.
The server device according to claim 21, wherein the control unit of the server device performs a process of displaying the instruction input image that clearly indicates the period in which the image data is recorded and the period in which the image data is not recorded on the time axis. .. 21 or 22 according to claim 21, wherein the control unit of the server device performs a process of transmitting the image transmission request in response to the input of the instruction to the element indicating the period in which the image data is recorded. Server device. There are multiple image recording devices,
The control unit of the server device is
The process of acquiring the specific information from the plurality of image recording devices, and
21 to 23 of claims 21 to 23, wherein the time axis that defines the shooting time is shared, and an element that clearly indicates the period in which the image data is recorded for each image recording device of the plurality of image recording devices is displayed. The server device according to any one item. A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit of the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19. A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit of the server device according to any one of claims 20 to 24.

Images