JP7038522B2 - Axle image generator, axle image generation method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an axle image generation device, an axle image generation method, and a program.

A vehicle type discrimination device for discriminating the vehicle type classification of a traveling vehicle may be installed at a tollhouse on a toll road.
The vehicle type determination device is used between the time when the vehicle enters the lane of the toll booth and the time when it reaches the toll collection position (the position where the manned booth, automatic toll collection machine, etc. are installed) for collecting tolls. Vehicle characteristic information such as the number of axles, vehicle length, vehicle height, and vehicle width of the vehicle is acquired, and the vehicle type classification is specified based on the combination of these vehicle characteristic information. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for estimating the shape of a vehicle based on an image of the vehicle taken by a camera and obtaining vehicle feature information.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-184316

Depending on the location conditions of the tollhouse, it may not be possible to secure sufficient installation space to install the tollhouse, and the lane length for vehicle type discrimination processing and toll collection processing is longer than that of large vehicles such as trucks. It may be short. Then, it is assumed that the driver's seat position of the vehicle reaches the toll collection position before the rear end of the vehicle body of the large vehicle finishes passing through the vehicle type discrimination device, that is, before the vehicle type discrimination process is completed.
In such a case, for example, it is necessary for an observer who monitors the tollhouse in a remote place to go to the toll collection position and visually check the number of axles and the like to determine the vehicle type. In addition, in a large vehicle, the distance from the toll collection position to the rear end of the vehicle body becomes large, so it may be difficult to check the axle at the rear end of the vehicle body in an environment with poor visibility such as at night. ..

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and is an axle image generation device and an axle image generation method capable of improving the visibility of the axle of a vehicle arriving at a tollhouse and improving the accuracy of vehicle type discrimination. , And provide a program.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the axle image generator (30A) captures a vehicle entering the lane in a region including at least a height at which the axle can be detected as a photographing range (26A). The image was taken by the illumination unit (27A) that irradiates light on one side of the imaging range that is far from the imaging unit (26A) in the lane direction, and the imaging unit (26A). An image generation unit (220A) that generates an axle image capable of detecting the lane of the vehicle based on the image is provided.
By doing so, the lighting unit irradiates light in a range away from the photographing unit, so that the photographing unit clearly photographs the axle on the rear end side of the vehicle body even when the vehicle length is long. be able to. As a result, the visibility of the axle image can be improved, and the accuracy of vehicle type discrimination by the observer can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the axle image generation device (30A) according to the first aspect, the image generation unit (220A) causes the image distortion according to the characteristics of the imaging unit (26A). It has a correction unit (221A) for correction.
For example, when the photographing unit is arranged at an angle so that all the axles of the vehicle can be photographed, an image in which the axle on the rear end side of the vehicle is photographed small, that is, an image in which the subject (vehicle) is distorted is obtained. Be photographed. With such a distorted image, the visibility of the axle may be reduced. However, the correction unit can generate an axle image in which the axle on the rear end side of the vehicle can be clearly seen by correcting the image according to the characteristics of the photographing unit as described above.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the axle image generation device (30A) according to the first or second aspect further includes a vehicle feature detection sensor (21) for acquiring vehicle feature information of the vehicle, and said. The lighting unit (27A) irradiates light when the vehicle feature information is a predetermined value.
By doing so, the lighting unit irradiates light only under specific conditions, for example, when the vehicle length is long, so that unnecessary irradiation can be suppressed and power consumption can be reduced. The life of the lighting unit can be extended. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the axle image generator.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the axle image generation device (30A) according to any one of the first to third aspects, the illumination unit (27A) is from one side to the other side in the lane direction. Irradiate light toward.
By doing so, the lighting unit does not irradiate another vehicle arriving from one side in the lane direction with light, so that it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the operation of the other vehicle.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the axle image generator (30B) is arranged between two adjacent lanes, and the vehicle has entered at least each of the lanes with the optical axis facing upward. It is provided with a photographing unit (26B) having a fisheye lens capable of photographing an area including a height in which the axle of the vehicle can be detected.
By doing so, the photographing unit can take an image of the vehicle entering each of the two adjacent lanes. As described above, since it is possible to monitor two lanes by one photographing unit, it is not necessary to provide an imaging unit for each lane, and it is possible to reduce the cost required for manufacturing and maintenance of the axle image generation device.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the axle image generator (30B) according to the fifth aspect can detect the axle of the vehicle based on the image taken by the photographing unit (26B). An image generation unit (220B) for generating an image is further provided, and the image generation unit (220B) has a division unit (222B) for generating an axle image by dividing the image into lanes.
By doing so, the image generation unit can divide the image of the two lanes into lanes and generate an axle image in which the number of axles and the like can be confirmed for each lane. Therefore, it becomes easy for the observer to refer to these axle images and confirm the number of axles of the vehicle entering each lane.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the axle image generation device (30B) according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the image generation unit (220B) is a distance from the optical axis of the photographing unit (26B). It has a correction unit (221B) that generates the axle image by correcting the distance between the pixels of the image according to the above.
By doing so, the image generation unit can correct the image distorted by the fisheye lens of the photographing unit and generate an axle image that facilitates confirmation of the number of axles and the like. Therefore, it becomes easier for the observer to refer to these axle images and confirm the number of axles of the vehicle that has entered each lane.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the axle image generation method includes a shooting step of shooting a vehicle entering a lane by a shooting unit whose shooting range is at least a region including a height at which the axle can be detected. Based on the lighting step that irradiates light on one side of the shooting range in the lane direction that is far from the shooting unit, and the image taken in the shooting step, the axle of the vehicle is set. It has an image generation step, which produces a detectable axle image.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the axle image generation method is arranged between two adjacent lanes, and at least described above with the optical axis directed upward by a photographing unit (26B) having a fisheye lens. It has a shooting step of shooting a region including a height at which the axle of a vehicle entering each lane can be detected as a shooting range.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the program for operating the computer of the axle image generator has the computer as a shooting range including at least a height at which the axle can be detected for a vehicle entering the lane. The shooting step of shooting by the shooting unit, the lighting step of irradiating light on one side of the shooting range in the lane direction away from the shooting unit, and the shooting step. Based on the image, an image generation step of generating an axle image capable of detecting the lane of the vehicle is executed.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the program for operating the computer of the axle image generator is arranged in the computer between two adjacent lanes, and an optical axis is provided by a photographing unit (26B) having a fisheye lens. A shooting step is performed in which a region including a height including a height at which the axle of a vehicle entering at least each of the lanes can be detected is taken as a shooting range.

According to the axle image generation device, the axle image generation method, and the program according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the visibility of the axle of the vehicle arriving at the tollhouse and improve the accuracy of vehicle type discrimination.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the charge collection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the charge collection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows an example of the processing of the axle image generation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the image generation part which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a second flowchart which shows an example of the processing of the axle image generation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the charge collection system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the charge collection system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing of the axle image generation apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the image generation part which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the computer of the vehicle type discrimination apparatus which concerns on at least one Embodiment of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

(Overall configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The toll collection system 1A according to the present embodiment is provided at an entrance tollhouse or an exit tollhouse of a toll road, and is for collecting tolls according to the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A from the vehicle A using the toll road. It is a facility.
For example, FIG. 1 shows an example of a toll collection system 1A at an exit tollhouse on a toll road. When leaving the toll road, the vehicle A using the toll road travels in the toll lane (hereinafter referred to as "lane L") leading from the toll road side to the general road side. An island I is laid along the lane L on at least one side in the width direction of the lane L, and various devices constituting the toll collection system 1A are installed.

In the following description, the direction in which the lane L extends (± X direction in FIG. 1) is also described as the “lane direction”, and the direction horizontally orthogonal to the lane direction (± Y direction in FIG. 1) is also described. Also described as "lane width direction". Further, the expressway side (+ X direction side in FIG. 1) in the lane direction of the lane L is also described as the "upstream side" of the lane L or the "front side in the traveling direction" of the vehicle A. Further, the general road side (-X direction side in FIG. 1) in the lane direction of the lane L is also described as the "downstream side" of the lane L or the "back side in the traveling direction" of the vehicle A.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toll collection system 1A includes an automatic toll collection device 10, a vehicle type determination device 20, and a monitoring device 40.
The automatic toll collection machine 10 is provided on the island I at the toll collection position X1 on the downstream side (-X side) of the lane L. The automatic toll collection machine 10 executes a toll collection process for collecting tolls on the toll road from the vehicle A stopped at the toll collection position X1.

The vehicle type determination device 20 is provided on the upstream side (+ X side) of the lane L from the automatic toll collection machine 10. The vehicle type determination device 20 acquires vehicle characteristic information of the vehicle A that has entered the lane L by using the vehicle characteristic detection sensor 21 installed on the island I, and identifies the vehicle type classification based on the vehicle characteristic information.
Here, the vehicle feature information is various information based on the appearance and structural features of the vehicle A, and in the present embodiment, the detection signal capable of specifying the number of axles of the vehicle A and the license plate. Information that can be read from. Further, in the vehicle type discriminating device 20 according to the present embodiment, the vehicle A belongs to any of the five vehicle type categories of "light vehicle", "ordinary vehicle", "medium-sized vehicle", "large vehicle", and "extra-large vehicle". To identify.
The vehicle type classification of the vehicle A specified by the vehicle type discriminating device 20 is transmitted to the automatic toll collection machine 10 and used when calculating the toll of the vehicle A in the automatic toll collection machine 10.

The vehicle type discrimination device 20 includes a control unit 200A, a vehicle feature detection sensor 21, a photographing unit 26A, and a lighting unit 27A.
The control unit 200A is a processor that controls the entire operation of the vehicle type discrimination device 20. The details of the control unit 200A will be described later.

The vehicle feature detection sensor 21 has a first vehicle detector 22, a second vehicle detector 23, a tread plate 24, and a license plate (NP) reader 25, and the vehicle enters the lane L by these devices. The vehicle characteristic information of the vehicle A to be used is acquired.

The first vehicle detector 22 is installed at a predetermined position X0'on the upstream side (+ X side) of the lane L, and detects the passage of the vehicle body front end and the vehicle body rear end of the vehicle A at the predetermined position X0'.
The first vehicle detector 22 according to the present embodiment is a reflection type vehicle detector, and is on the island I on one side in the lane width direction (for example, the + Y side as shown in FIG. 1) in the height direction (for example). It extends in the ± Z direction). Further, on the surface of the first vehicle detector 22 facing the lane L, a plurality of light projecting elements (not shown) that project the detection light toward the lane L and an object on the lane L (vehicle body of the vehicle A, etc.) ), A plurality of light receiving elements (not shown) for receiving the reflected light reflected by the) are provided side by side along the height direction.
When the vehicle A enters the predetermined position X0'on the lane L, the detection light projected from the plurality of light projecting elements is reflected by the vehicle body of the vehicle A. Then, the detection light reflected by the vehicle A is received as reflected light by the light receiving element associated with each of the light projecting elements. The light receiving element controls a detection signal (vehicle detection signal and vehicle non-detection signal) capable of detecting the entry and exit (existence and non-existence) of the vehicle A at a predetermined position X0'based on the presence or absence of light reception of the reflected light. Output to 200A. That is, according to the first vehicle detector 22, it can be determined that the tip of the vehicle body of the vehicle A has reached the predetermined position X0'because the light receiving element receives the reflected light. Further, when the first vehicle detector 22 stops detecting the reflected light received by the light receiving element, it can be determined that the rear end of the vehicle body of the vehicle A has passed the predetermined position X0'.

The second vehicle detector 23 is installed at the vehicle detection position X0 on the downstream side of the predetermined position X0'where the first vehicle detector 22 is installed, and the vehicle body tip and the vehicle body rear of the vehicle A at the vehicle detection position X0. Detects the passage of the edge.
The second vehicle detector 23 has the same functional configuration as the first vehicle detector 22. That is, the second vehicle detector 23 extends in the height direction (± Z direction) on the island I on one side (for example, the + Y side as shown in FIG. 1) in the lane width direction, and depends on the light receiving element. A detection signal (vehicle detection signal and vehicle non-detection signal) capable of detecting the entry and exit (existence and non-existence) of the vehicle A at the vehicle detection position X0 is output to the control unit 200A based on the presence or absence of light reception of the reflected light.
Further, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle A is moving forward or backward based on the order of the detection signals output from the first vehicle detector 22 and the second vehicle detector 23. For example, after the first vehicle detector 22 outputs a detection signal (vehicle detection signal) indicating the presence of the vehicle A at the predetermined position X0', the second vehicle detector 23 outputs the vehicle detection signal at the vehicle detection position X0. In this case, it can be determined that the vehicle A is moving forward (moving toward the downstream side of the lane L). Further, when the first vehicle detector 22 and the second vehicle detector 23 output the vehicle detection signal, and then only the first vehicle detector 22 outputs a detection signal (vehicle non-detection signal) indicating the absence of the vehicle. , It can be determined that the vehicle A is moving further forward. On the other hand, if only the second vehicle detector 23 outputs the vehicle non-detection signal after the first vehicle detector 22 and the second vehicle detector 23 output the vehicle detection signal, the vehicle A moves backward (upstream of the lane L). It can be determined that it is moving toward the side).

The tread 24 is embedded on the road surface of the lane L extending in the lane width direction at the same position as the second vehicle detector 23, that is, at the vehicle detection position X0. The tread 24 outputs a stepping detection signal corresponding to the stepping by the tire of the vehicle A passing on the tread 24 to the control unit 200A through the pressure sensor built in the tread 24. The trampling detection signal may include information indicating a position in the lane width direction trampled by the tire.

The NP reading device 25 is provided at a position where the vehicle A that has reached the vehicle detection position X0 can be photographed from the front. The NP reading device 25 photographs the vehicle A at the timing when the detection signal indicating the presence of the vehicle A at the vehicle detection position X0 is output from the second vehicle detector 23, and acquires image data including the license plate of the vehicle A. do.
Then, the NP reading device 25 reads and controls the license plate information (license plate size, classification number written on the license plate, etc.) of the vehicle A by performing predetermined image processing on the acquired image data. Output to unit 200A.

The photographing unit 26A is installed in the vicinity of the automatic toll collection machine 10 (toll collection position X1), and photographs an area including at least a height at which the axle can be detected with respect to the vehicle A entering the lane L as the photographing range R1. ..
Specifically, the photographing unit 26A is a video camera that captures an image (video) of the vehicle A, and is a timing at which a detection signal indicating the presence of the vehicle A at the vehicle detection position X0 is output from the second vehicle detector 23. Then, the shooting of vehicle A is started. Further, the photographing unit 26A ends the photographing of the vehicle A at the timing when the automatic toll collection machine 10 completes the collection of the toll of the vehicle A. The captured image is transmitted to the monitoring device 40 via the automatic charge collector 10 and displayed on the display unit 41.
The photographing range R1 is set so as to include at least the axle (that is, the range from the road surface to the height of the axle) in the height direction (± Z direction). Further, in the lane direction (± X direction), the shooting range R1 is from at least the frontmost axle of the vehicle A stopped at the toll collection position X1 to the rearmost axle (that is, the toll collection position X1). (The range up to the upstream position by the maximum length of the vehicle assumed at the tollhouse) is set to be included.
The photographing unit 26A according to the present embodiment has a lens having a wide angle of view (a wide-angle lens such as a fisheye lens) so that a wide range can be photographed along the lane direction in this way.

The illumination unit 27A irradiates the irradiation range R2 on the upstream side (−X side) of the lane L, which is far from the imaging unit 26A, in the photographing range R1.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the lighting unit 27A is provided in the second vehicle detector 23, and is upstream of the lane L when the vehicle detection signal is output from the second vehicle detector 23. Light is emitted from the side (+ X side) to the downstream side (-X side).
In a vehicle A having a long vehicle length such as a "large vehicle" or an "extra-large vehicle", when the vehicle stops at the toll collection position X1, the rear end side of the vehicle body is provided with a light source of the toll collection position X1 (provided in the automatic toll collection machine 10). It is in a state away from the lighting). At this time, when the image of the vehicle A is taken by the photographing unit 26A, the rear end side of the vehicle body becomes darker, so that the visibility of the axle on the rear end side may deteriorate. Therefore, the illumination unit 27A improves the visibility of the image of the vehicle A by irradiating the irradiation range R2 with light.
In another embodiment, the lighting unit 27A may be provided on the first vehicle detector 22 or on the island I as a device independent of the first vehicle detector 22 and the second vehicle detector 23. It may be provided in.

The monitoring device 40 is installed in a remote monitoring station away from the tollhouse, and is used when a resident observer performs monitoring work of the tollhouse.
The monitoring device 40 is communicably connected to the automatic toll collector 10 via a network, and various information related to the toll collection process received from the automatic toll collector (vehicle type classification, toll, image of vehicle A, etc.) ) Is displayed on the display unit 41. The observer monitors the tollhouse by visually recognizing various information displayed on the display unit 41.
Further, if the vehicle type determination device 20 cannot specify the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A when the vehicle A reaches the toll collection position X1, the observer refers to the image of the vehicle A displayed on the display unit 41. The vehicle type classification of the vehicle A is specified. Then, the observer operates the monitoring device 40 to cause the automatic toll collection machine 10 to execute a process of collecting the toll according to the vehicle type category specified by the observer.

(Functional configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a toll collection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the functional configuration of the vehicle type discrimination device 20 (axle image generation device 30A) of the toll collection system 1A according to the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle type discriminating device 20 controls the first vehicle detector 22, the second vehicle detector 23, the tread 24, the NP reading device 25, the photographing unit 26A, and the lighting unit 27A. It is equipped with a unit 200A. The functions of the first vehicle detector 22, the second vehicle detector 23, the tread 24, the NP reading device 25, the photographing unit 26A, and the lighting unit 27A are as described above.
Further, the vehicle type discrimination device 20 according to the present embodiment also functions as an axle image generation device 30A. The axle image generation device 30A generates an axle image capable of detecting (visually recognizing) the axle of the vehicle A based on the image taken by the photographing unit 26A.

The control unit 200A is a processor that controls the entire operation of the vehicle type determination device 20, and by operating based on a predetermined program, functions as a vehicle type determination unit 210, an image generation unit 220A, and a lighting control unit 230A. Demonstrate.

The vehicle type determination unit 210 identifies the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A based on the vehicle feature information (stepping detection signal and license plate information) acquired from the vehicle feature detection sensor 21.
For example, the vehicle type determination unit 210 can measure the number of axles of the vehicle A by the number of times the stepping detection signal is output from the tread 24 while the second vehicle detector 23 detects the presence of the vehicle A. .. When the number of axles of the vehicle A is "4" or less, the vehicle type determination unit 210 determines that the vehicle type of the vehicle A is "light vehicle", "ordinary vehicle", "medium-sized vehicle", or "large vehicle". If the number of axles is "5" or more, it is determined that the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A is "extra large vehicle".
Further, when the license plate size included in the license plate information is "medium", the vehicle type determination unit 210 classifies the vehicle type of vehicle A as "light vehicle", "ordinary vehicle", or "medium-sized vehicle". If the license plate size is "large", it is determined that the vehicle type of the vehicle A is "medium-sized vehicle", "large-sized vehicle", or "extra-large vehicle". Further, when the classification number included in the license plate information is "1" or "2", the vehicle type determination unit 210 classifies the vehicle type of vehicle A as "medium-sized vehicle", "large-sized vehicle", or "extra-large vehicle". If the classification number is "3", it is determined that the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A is "ordinary vehicle".
In this way, the vehicle type determination unit 210 identifies the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A based on the trampling detection signal and the license plate information.

The image generation unit 220A generates an axle image capable of detecting the axle of the vehicle A based on the image taken by the photographing unit 26A. The axle image acquired by the image generation unit 220A is transmitted to the monitoring device 40 via the automatic toll collection machine 10, and is displayed on the display unit 41 by the monitoring device 40.
Further, the image generation unit 220A has a correction unit 221A that corrects the distance between the pixels of the image according to the distance of the photographing unit 26A from the optical axis O.

The lighting control unit 230A controls lighting and extinguishing of the lighting unit 27A.

(Processing flow of axle image generator)
FIG. 3 is a first flowchart showing an example of processing of the axle image generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the function of the image generation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, an example of a process in which the axle image generation device 30A generates an axle image of the vehicle A will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
First, as shown in FIG. 3, the photographing unit 26A determines whether or not the approach of the vehicle A is detected at the vehicle detection position X0 (step S100).
When the vehicle detection signal is not output from the second vehicle detector 23 (the vehicle non-detection signal is output) (step S100: NO), the photographing unit 26A waits until the vehicle detection signal is output.
On the other hand, when the vehicle detection signal is output from the second vehicle detector 23 (step S100: YES), the photographing unit 26A starts photographing in the predetermined shooting range R1 (step S101).

Next, the image generation unit 220A corrects the image captured by the photographing unit 26A (step S102).
The photographing unit 26A according to the present embodiment photographs the photographing range R1 using, for example, a fisheye lens. Therefore, as shown in the "original image" of FIG. 4, the image captured by the photographing unit 26A becomes more distorted as the distance from the optical axis O of the photographing unit 26A increases.
The correction unit 221A of the image generation unit 220A corrects (image processing) the original image captured by the photographing unit, so as to be taken from the side surface of the vehicle body as shown in the “corrected axle image” of FIG. Generate a pseudo-planar image.
Specifically, the correction unit 221A uses a known image processing technique (correction algorithm) based on, for example, the distortion characteristic formula of the fisheye lens, and between the pixels of the original image according to the distance from the optical axis O of the photographing unit 26A. The distance is corrected, and a "corrected axle image" is generated by expanding the original image into a plane image. When the correction unit 221A corrects the original image, a different conversion formula is adopted depending on the projection method of the fisheye lens used in the photographing unit 26A. Further, for example, when the photographing unit 26A uses a wide-angle lens, the correction unit 221A corrects the original image by using a conversion formula for correcting geometric distortion and lens aberration (distortion aberration, etc.) due to perspective projection. As described above, the correction unit 221A utilizes image correction technology according to the characteristics of the lens used in the photographing unit 26A, but since these techniques are known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Further, the "corrected axle image" generated by the correction unit 221A (image generation unit 220A) is transmitted to the monitoring device 40 via the automatic toll collection machine 10 and displayed on the display unit 41 of the monitoring device 40.
Note that FIG. 4 shows an example in which the entire vehicle body of the vehicle A is included in the original image and the corrected axle image, but these images do not necessarily include the entire vehicle body of the vehicle A. You may. The original image and the corrected axle image need only be able to confirm the number of axles of the vehicle A, and include only the lower part of the vehicle body of the vehicle A (for example, the area from the road surface of the lane L to the height where the axle is arranged). It may be an image that is used.

Next, the photographing unit 26A determines whether or not the charge collection process by the automatic charge collection machine 10 is completed (step S103).
If the automatic charge collection machine 10 has not completed the charge collection process (step S103: NO), the photographing unit 26A continues photographing and returns to step S102. The correction unit 221A continuously executes the correction process (step S102) of the original image while the photographing unit 26A is photographing the photographing range R1.
On the other hand, when the automatic charge collection machine 10 completes the charge collection process (step S103: YES), the photographing unit 26A ends the photographing (step S104).
The axle image generation device 30A repeatedly executes each of the above processes each time the vehicle A enters the vehicle detection position X0.

FIG. 5 is a second flowchart showing an example of processing of the axle image generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of a process in which the lighting control unit 230A of the axle image generation device 30A controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lighting unit 27A will be described. The lighting control unit 230A executes the process in parallel with the process of generating the axle image described above (FIG. 3).
First, as shown in FIG. 5, the lighting control unit 230A determines whether or not the approach of the vehicle A is detected at the vehicle detection position X0 (step S110).
When the vehicle detection signal is not output from the second vehicle detector 23 (the vehicle non-detection signal is output) (step S110: NO), the lighting control unit 230A waits until the vehicle detection signal is output. ..
On the other hand, when the vehicle detection signal is output from the second vehicle detector 23 (step S110: YES), the lighting control unit 230A proceeds to the next step.

Next, the lighting control unit 230A determines whether or not the vehicle characteristic information of the vehicle A indicates a "large vehicle" or an "extra large vehicle" (step S111).
Specifically, in the lighting control unit 230A, among the license plate information read by the NP reader 25, the license plate size and the classification number are values indicating "large vehicle" or "extra large vehicle" (for example, the size of the license plate). Is "large format" and the first digit of the classification number is "1" or "2"), it is determined that the vehicle A is a "large vehicle" or an "extra large vehicle" (step S111: YES). Proceed to the next step.
On the other hand, when the license plate information is other than the above value, the lighting control unit 230A determines that the vehicle A is neither a "large vehicle" nor an "extra large vehicle" (step S111: NO), and the lighting unit 27A The process of controlling lighting and extinguishing is terminated.

Next, the lighting control unit 230A determines whether or not the vehicle A is stopped at the toll collection position X1 (step S112).
For example, when the driver of the vehicle A performs an operation such as inserting a toll ticket into the automatic toll collection machine 10, the lighting control unit 230A determines that the vehicle A is stopped at the toll collection position X1 (step). S112: YES).
On the other hand, the lighting control unit 230A determines that the vehicle A is not stopped until the driver of the vehicle A operates the automatic toll collection machine 10 (step S112: NO). In this case, the lighting control unit 230A waits until the vehicle A stops.

In the lighting control unit 230A, when the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A is "large vehicle" or "extra large vehicle" (step S111: YES) and the vehicle A is stopped at the toll collection position X1 (step S112: YES). ), The lighting unit 27A is instructed to light so as to irradiate the predetermined irradiation range R2 with light (step S113).

Next, the lighting control unit 230A determines whether or not the charge collection process by the automatic charge collection machine 10 is completed (step S114).
If the automatic toll collection machine 10 has not completed the toll collection process, that is, if the toll has not been collected from the driver of the vehicle A, the lighting control unit 230A waits until the toll collection process is completed (step). S114: NO).
On the other hand, when the automatic toll collection machine 10 completes the toll collection process (step S114: YES), the lighting control unit 230A instructs the lighting unit 27A to turn off the lights (step S115).
The lighting control unit 230A repeatedly executes each of the above processes each time the vehicle A enters the vehicle detection position X0.

(Action effect)
As described above, the axle image generation device 30A according to the present embodiment includes a photographing unit 26A that photographs a region including at least a height at which the axle can be detected with respect to the vehicle A that has entered the lane L as a photographing range R1. Of the shooting range R1, the lighting section 27A that irradiates light on one side (upstream side, + X side in FIG. 1) in the lane direction away from the shooting section 26A, and the shooting section 26A took pictures. An image generation unit 220A that generates an axle image capable of detecting the axle of the vehicle A based on an image (original image) is provided.
By doing so, the lighting unit 27A irradiates the irradiation range R2 away from the photographing unit 26A, so that the photographing unit 26A is on the rear end side of the vehicle body even when the vehicle length of the vehicle A is long. The axle can also be clearly photographed. As a result, the visibility of the axle image can be improved, and the accuracy of vehicle type discrimination by the observer can be improved.
Further, the axle image generation device 30A according to the present embodiment transmits the generated axle image to the monitoring device 40 set in the remote monitoring station via the network. Then, the monitoring device 40 displays the received axle image on the display unit 41. By doing so, the tollhouse observer confirms the number of axles of vehicle A by referring to the axle image even when he / she is in a remote location (remote monitoring post), and determines the vehicle type classification. be able to. For example, even if the vehicle length of the vehicle A is long and the vehicle type determination unit 210 has not completed the determination of the vehicle type classification when the vehicle A reaches the toll collection position X1, the observer refers to the axle image. It is possible to determine the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and effort for the observer to go to the tollhouse and check.

Further, the image generation unit 220A has a correction unit 221A that corrects the distortion of the original image according to the characteristics of the photographing unit 26A.
For example, when the photographing unit 26A is arranged at an angle so that all the axles of the vehicle A can be photographed, the image in which the axle on the rear end side of the vehicle A is photographed small, that is, the subject (vehicle) is distorted. The image is taken. With such a distorted image, the visibility of the axle may be reduced. However, the correction unit 221A can generate an axle image in which the axle on the rear end side of the vehicle A can be clearly seen by correcting the original image according to the characteristics of the photographing unit as described above.

Further, the axle image generation device 30A according to the present embodiment further includes a vehicle feature detection sensor 21 (tread plate 24, NP reader 25) for acquiring vehicle feature information of the vehicle A, and the lighting unit 27A has vehicle feature information. Light is emitted when the value is a predetermined value (a value indicating a "large vehicle" or an "extra large vehicle").
By doing so, the lighting unit 27A irradiates light only under specific conditions, for example, when the vehicle A has a long vehicle length (the vehicle A is a "large vehicle" or an "extra large vehicle"). It is possible to suppress unnecessary irradiation, reduce power consumption, and extend the life of the lighting unit 27A. As a result, the cost related to the axle image generation device 30A can be reduced.

Further, the lighting unit 27A irradiates light when the vehicle A is stopped at the toll collection position X1.
By doing so, the lighting unit 27A irradiates light only during the period when the vehicle A is stopped at the toll collection position X1 and the observer confirms the number of axles of the vehicle A by referring to the axle image. be able to. As a result, the lighting unit 27A can further reduce the power consumption and extend the life of the lighting unit 27A.

Further, the illumination unit 27A irradiates light from one side (upstream side, + X side in FIG. 1) in the lane direction to the other side (downstream side, −X side in FIG. 1).
By doing so, the lighting unit 27A does not irradiate the other vehicle arriving from the upstream side in the lane direction with light, so that it is possible to suppress the hindrance to the operation of the other vehicle. ..

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the photographing unit 26A has a wide-angle lens such as a fisheye lens has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
In another embodiment, the photographing unit 26A has another lens (standard lens or the like) having a narrower angle of view than the wide-angle lens, provided that all the axles from the front end to the rear end of the vehicle body of the vehicle A can be photographed. You may be.
In this case, the correction processing (image processing) performed by the correction unit 221A may be appropriately changed according to the characteristics of the lens possessed by the photographing unit 26A.

Further, the photographing unit 26A may have a lens (shift lens) in which the optical axis O of the lens and the photographing range R1 are deviated from each other.
For example, when the vehicle A is photographed using a normal lens from the downstream side in the lane direction (-X side in FIG. 1) to the upstream side (+ X side in FIG. 1), the rear end side of the vehicle body (upstream side in the lane direction). ), A distorted image of the vehicle A is obtained. However, when the same image is taken using a shift lens, such distortion is optically corrected, and an image can be obtained in which the front end side and the rear end side of the vehicle body have substantially the same size.
As described above, when the photographing unit 26A has a shift lens, the image generation unit 220A omits the processing of the correction unit 221A (step S102 in FIG. 3), and the image captured by the photographing unit 26A is used as an axle image. , May be transmitted to the monitoring device 40.
Even in the case of having such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the toll collection system 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.
The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Overall configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a toll collection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the toll collection system 1B according to the present embodiment, the vehicle type discrimination device 20 acquires vehicle characteristic information of vehicles A1 and A2 that have entered the two adjacent lanes L1 and L2, respectively, and also obtains vehicle characteristic information. Identify the vehicle type classification based on the vehicle characteristic information.
The vehicle type discriminating device 20 includes a vehicle feature detection sensor 21 and a lighting unit 27B installed for each lane, and a photographing unit 26B commonly used for lanes L1 and L2.
Since the functional configurations of the vehicle feature detection sensor 21 and the lighting unit 27B of the vehicle type discrimination device 20 according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the vehicle feature detection sensor 21 and the lighting unit 27A according to the first embodiment. I will omit the explanation.
Further, the vehicle type determination device 20 also functions as the axle image generation device 30B, as in the first embodiment. The axle image generation device 30B generates an axle image capable of detecting (visually recognizing) the axle of the vehicle A based on the image taken by the photographing unit 26B.

The photographing unit 26B according to the present embodiment is installed on the island I located between the two adjacent lanes L1 and L2.
Further, the photographing unit 26B can photograph an area including a height in which the axles of the vehicles A1 and A2 that have entered at least the lanes L1 and L2 can be detected as the photographing range R3 with the optical axis O facing upward. Has a nice fisheye lens.
The photographing unit 26B uses, for example, a 360-degree omnidirectional lens as a fisheye lens capable of photographing a photographing range R3 including both lanes L1 and L2.

(Functional configuration of toll collection system)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a toll collection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 200B of the vehicle type discrimination device 20 (axle image generation device 30B) according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle type discrimination unit 210, an image generation unit 220B, and a lighting control unit 230B. ..
Since the vehicle type discrimination unit 210 and the lighting control unit 230B according to the present embodiment are the same as the vehicle type determination unit 210 and the lighting control unit 230A according to the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The image generation unit 220B generates an axle image capable of detecting the axles of the vehicle A1 that has entered the lane L1 and the vehicle A2 that has entered the lane L2, based on the images taken by the photographing unit 26B.
Further, the image generation unit 220B has a correction unit 221B and a division unit 222B.
The dividing unit 222B generates a divided image obtained by dividing the image captured by the photographing unit 26B into lanes.
The correction unit 221B corrects the distance between the pixels of each of the divided images according to the distance of the photographing unit 26B from the optical axis O, and generates an axle image for each lane.

(Processing flow of axle image generator)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the axle image generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the function of the image generation unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an example of a process in which the axle image generation device 30B generates an axle image of vehicles A1 and A2 that have entered lanes L1 and L2 will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 9, the photographing unit 26B determines whether or not the approach of at least one of the vehicles A1 and A2 is detected at the vehicle detection position X0 of at least one of the lanes L1 and L2 (step S200).
When the vehicle detection signal is not output from any of the second vehicle detectors 23 installed in the lanes L1 and L2 (the vehicle non-detection signal is output), the photographing unit 26B (step S100: NO). It waits until a vehicle detection signal is output from at least one of the second vehicle detectors 23.
On the other hand, when the vehicle detection signal is output from at least one of the second vehicle detectors 23 in the lanes L1 and L2 (step S200: YES), the shooting unit 26B starts shooting in the predetermined shooting range R3 (step S201). ).

Next, the division unit 222B of the image generation unit 220B generates a divided image obtained by dividing the image (original image) captured by the photographing unit 26B into lanes (step S202).
As described above, the photographing unit 26B according to the present embodiment photographs the photographing range R3 including both the adjacent lanes L1 and L2 by using a fisheye lens. Therefore, the image taken by the photographing unit 26B includes an image of the lane L1 and an image of the lane L2 as shown in the “original image” of FIG. In the example of FIG. 9, images of vehicles A1 and A2 entering the lanes L1 and L2, respectively, are shown.
The dividing unit 222B stores in advance which region of the original image includes the images of the lanes L1 and L2 from the arrangement (position in the lane direction, height, etc.) of the photographing unit 26B at the tollhouse. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the division unit 222B generates a "division image" for each of the lanes L1 and L2 by cutting out a preset area from the original image.

Next, the correction unit 221B of the image generation unit 220B corrects each of the divided images for each lane generated in step S202 (step S203).
Specifically, first, the correction unit 221B corrects the divided image taken upside down (in the example of FIG. 9, the divided image of the lane L1) upside down among the divided images for each lane. Then, the correction unit 221B performs known image processing on the divided image after the inversion regarding the lane L1 and the divided image regarding the lane L2, respectively, as shown in the “corrected axle image” of FIG. , Generates a pseudo-planar image taken from the side of the vehicle body for each lane.
Further, the "corrected axle image" generated by the correction unit 221B (image generation unit 220B) is transmitted to the monitoring device 40 via the automatic toll collection machine 10 and displayed on the display unit 41 by the monitoring device 40.

Next, the photographing unit 26B determines whether or not the charge collection process by the automatic charge collection machine 10 is completed (step S204).
If at least one of the automatic toll collection machines 10 in the lanes L1 and L2 has not completed the toll collection process (step S204: NO), the photographing unit 26B continues photographing and returns to step S202. Further, the division unit 222B and the correction unit 221B continuously execute the division processing (step S202) and the correction processing (step S203) of the original image while the photographing unit 26B is photographing the photographing range R3.
On the other hand, when the automatic toll collection machine 10 in both lanes L1 and L2 completes the toll collection process (step S204: YES), the photographing unit 26B ends the photographing (step S205).
The axle image generation device 30B repeatedly executes each of the above processes each time a vehicle enters at least one of the lanes L1 and L2.

In the present embodiment, when a vehicle enters the lane L1 or the lane L2, an example in which the correction unit 221B performs image processing on both the divided image of the lane L1 and the divided image of the lane L2 has been described. It is not limited to. In another embodiment, the correction unit 221B may independently perform the image correction processing in step S203 for each lane to generate the corrected axle image only for the lane in which the entry of the vehicle is detected. For example, when the entry of a vehicle is detected only in the lane L1, the correction unit 221B performs image correction processing only on the divided image of the lane L1. By doing so, it is possible to omit unnecessary image correction processing in the lane in which the vehicle has not entered.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mode in which the correction unit 221B generates an axle image by performing image correction processing on each of the divided images for each lane has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the division unit 222B may output the divided image obtained by dividing the original image into lanes as an axle image for each lane. Further, in still another embodiment, the correction unit 221B may output a pseudo-planar image generated by performing image correction processing on the original image as an axle image.

(Action effect)
As described above, the axle image generation device 30B according to the present embodiment is arranged between two adjacent lanes L1 and L2, and in a state where the optical axis O faces upward, at least in each of the lanes L1 and L2. A photographing unit 26B having a fisheye lens capable of photographing a region including a height in which the axles of the entered vehicles A1 and A2 can be detected is provided as a photographing range R3.
By doing so, the photographing unit 26B can acquire an image of the vehicles A1 and A2 that have entered the two adjacent lanes L1 and L2, respectively. In this way, since it is possible to monitor two lanes L1 and L2 by one photographing unit 26B, it is not necessary to provide an imaging unit for each lane, and the cost required for manufacturing and maintenance of the axle image generation device 30B is reduced. Can be made to.

Further, the axle image generation device 30B according to the present embodiment has an image generation unit 220B that generates an axle image capable of detecting the axles of the vehicles A1 and A2 based on the image (original image) taken by the photographing unit 26B. Further provided, the image generation unit 220B has a division unit 222B that generates an axle image by dividing the original image into lanes.
By doing so, the image generation unit 220A divides the image (original image) in which the two lanes L1 and L2 are taken into each lane, and generates an axle image in which the number of axles and the like can be confirmed for each lane. Can be done. Therefore, it becomes easy for the observer to refer to these axle images and confirm the number of axles of the vehicles A1 and A2 that have entered the lanes L1 and L2, respectively.

Further, the image generation unit 220B has a correction unit 221B that generates an axle image by correcting the distance between pixels of the image (original image or divided image) according to the distance of the photographing unit 26B from the optical axis O.
By doing so, the image generation unit 220B can correct the image distorted by the fisheye lens of the photographing unit 26B and generate an axle image that facilitates confirmation of the number of axles and the like. Therefore, it becomes easier for the observer to refer to these axle images and confirm the number of axles of the vehicle that has entered each lane.

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer of the vehicle type discriminating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.
The computer 900 includes a CPU 901, a main storage device 902, an auxiliary storage device 903, and an interface 904.
The vehicle type discrimination device 20 (axle image generation devices 30A and 30B) described above is mounted on the computer 900. The operation of each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 in the form of a program. The CPU 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 903, expands it to the main storage device 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. Further, the CPU 901 secures a storage area used by the control units 200A and 200B for various processes in the main storage device 902 according to the program.

Examples of the auxiliary storage device 903 include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic disk, optomagnetic disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only). Memory), semiconductor memory and the like. The auxiliary storage device 903 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 900, or an external medium connected to the computer 900 via the interface 904 or a communication line. When this program is distributed to the computer 900 by a communication line, the distributed computer 90 may expand the program to the main storage device 902 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 903 is a non-temporary tangible storage medium.

Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions.
Further, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that realizes the above-mentioned function in combination with another program already stored in the auxiliary storage device 903.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, they are not limited to these as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea of the present invention, and some design changes and the like are possible.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the monitoring device 40 is connected to the automatic toll collector 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The monitoring device 40 may be connected to the vehicle type discrimination device 20 and may receive the vehicle type classification of the vehicle A and the axle images generated by the axle image generation devices 30A and 30B from the vehicle type discrimination device 20.

1A, 1B Toll collection system 10 Automatic toll collection machine 20 Vehicle type discrimination device 200A, 200B Control unit 210 Vehicle type discrimination unit 220A, 220B Image generation unit 221A, 221B Correction unit 222B Division unit 230A, 230B Lighting control unit 21 Vehicle feature detection sensor 22 First vehicle detector 23 Second vehicle detector 24 Tread 25 Reader 25 License plate (NP) reader 26A, 26B Imaging unit 27A, 27B Lighting unit 30A, 30B Axle image generator 40 Monitoring device 41 Display unit

Claims (11)

An axle image generator provided in the toll collection system provided at the entrance tollhouse or exit tollhouse of the toll road.
When the presence of a vehicle is detected at the vehicle detection position in the lane of the entrance tollhouse or the exit tollhouse, a shooting unit that shoots at least an area including a height at which the axle can be detected as a shooting range.
In the shooting range, when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position on the downstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position, the optical axis is on the upstream side in the lane direction including the axle on the rear end side of the vehicle. The lighting unit that irradiates light toward
An image generation unit that generates an axle image capable of detecting the axle of the vehicle based on the image taken by the photographing unit, and an image generation unit.
Equipped with
The range of the shooting range in the lane direction is such that when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position, the shooting range includes the axle from the most front end side to the rearmost end side axle of the vehicle. It is set in the range from the position on the upstream side in the lane direction to the toll collection position from the vehicle detection position.
Axle image generator. The image generation unit has a correction unit that corrects distortion of the image according to the characteristics of the imaging unit.
The axle image generation device according to claim 1. Further equipped with a vehicle feature detection sensor that acquires vehicle feature information of the vehicle,
The lighting unit irradiates light when the vehicle characteristic information is a predetermined value and when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position.
The axle image generator according to claim 1 or 2. The lighting unit irradiates light from the upstream side to the downstream side in the lane direction.
The axle image generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An axle image generator provided in the toll collection system provided at the entrance tollhouse or exit tollhouse of the toll road.
A fisheye lens that is placed between two adjacent lanes and can shoot with the optical axis facing upward, with the area including the height that can detect the axle of the vehicle that has entered at least each of the lanes as the shooting range. Equipped with a shooting unit
The photographing unit photographs the photographing range when the presence of a vehicle is detected at the vehicle detection position in the lane of the entrance tollhouse or the exit tollhouse.
The range in the lane direction of the shooting range is the axle on the rearmost end side from the axle on the most front side of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position on the downstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position. Is set in the range from the toll collection position to the position on the upstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position so that up to is included in the shooting range.
Axle image generator. Further, an image generation unit for generating an axle image capable of detecting the axle of the vehicle based on the image captured by the photographing unit is provided.
The image generation unit has a division unit that generates an axle image by dividing the image into lanes.
The axle image generation device according to claim 5. The image generation unit has a correction unit that generates an axle image by correcting the distance between pixels of the image according to the distance from the optical axis of the photographing unit.
The axle image generation device according to claim 6. It is an axle image generation method using an axle image generator provided in a toll collection system provided at an entrance tollhouse or an exit tollhouse of a toll road.
When the axle image generator detects the presence of a vehicle at the vehicle detection position in the lane of the entrance tollhouse or the exit tollhouse, the photographing unit covers at least an area including a height at which the axle can be detected. Shooting steps to shoot with
When the vehicle stops at a toll collection position on the downstream side of the vehicle detection position in the lane direction, the axle image generation device includes the axle on the rear end side of the vehicle in the lane direction. A lighting step that directs the light axis to the upstream side of the
An image generation step in which the axle image generation device generates an axle image capable of detecting the axle of the vehicle based on the image taken in the shooting step.
Have,
The range of the shooting range in the lane direction is such that when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position, the shooting range includes the axle from the most front end side to the rearmost end side axle of the vehicle. It is set in the range from the position on the upstream side in the lane direction to the toll collection position from the vehicle detection position.
Axle image generation method. It is an axle image generation method using an axle image generator provided in a toll collection system provided at an entrance tollhouse or an exit tollhouse of a toll road.
The axle image generator is arranged between two adjacent lanes, and a photographing unit having a fisheye lens can detect at least the axles of a vehicle that has entered each of the lanes with the optical axis facing upward. It has a shooting step to shoot the area including the height as the shooting range.
In the shooting step, when the presence of a vehicle is detected at the vehicle detection position in the lane of the entrance tollhouse or the exit tollhouse, the shooting range is shot.
The range in the lane direction of the shooting range is the axle on the rearmost end side from the axle on the most front side of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position on the downstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position. Is set in the range from the toll collection position to the position on the upstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position so that up to is included in the shooting range.
Axle image generation method. A program that activates the computer of the axle image generator provided in the toll collection system provided at the entrance tollhouse or exit tollhouse of the toll road.
To the computer
When the presence of a vehicle is detected at the vehicle detection position in the lane of the entrance tollhouse or the exit tollhouse, the shooting step of shooting by the shooting unit whose shooting range is at least the area including the height at which the axle can be detected. ,
In the shooting range, when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position on the downstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position, the optical axis is on the upstream side in the lane direction including the axle on the rear end side of the vehicle. A lighting step that illuminates the light toward
An image generation step of generating an axle image capable of detecting the axle of the vehicle based on the image taken in the shooting step, and an image generation step.
To execute,
The range of the shooting range in the lane direction is the rearmost side from the axle on the most front side of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position on the downstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position. It is set in the range from the toll collection position to the position on the upstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position so that the axle is included in the shooting range.
program. A program that activates the computer of the axle image generator provided in the toll collection system provided at the entrance tollhouse or exit tollhouse of the toll road.
To the computer
An imaging unit located between two adjacent lanes and having a fisheye lens photographs an area including a height at which the axle of a vehicle entering at least each of the lanes can be detected with the optical axis directed upward. Execute the shooting step to shoot as a range,
In the shooting step, when the presence of a vehicle is detected at the vehicle detection position in the lane of the entrance tollhouse or the exit tollhouse, the shooting range is shot.
The range in the lane direction of the shooting range is the axle on the rearmost end side from the axle on the most front side of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped at the toll collection position on the downstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position. Is set in the range from the toll collection position to the position on the upstream side in the lane direction from the vehicle detection position so that up to is included in the shooting range.
program.

Images