JP5954732B2 - Omnidirectional image acquisition device and image information providing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus and an image information providing system that can acquire omnidirectional image information more useful than image information in a limited visual field at a time.

It is useful to acquire image information in all surrounding directions at once for monitoring or the like. For this reason, conventionally, various apparatuses that acquire omnidirectional image information have been used (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5).
Patent Document 1 describes a panoramic image apparatus including a hyperbolic convex mirror, a camera, and a computer for the purpose of conveniently and effectively taking an image having a 360-degree field of view.
In Patent Document 2, for the purpose of eliminating blind spots without using a mechanical part, 360-degree visual field information is captured by an optical system using a hyperboloid mirror, and a moving object is captured from the captured image information by image processing technology. A moving object tracking device that detects and tracks is described.

  Patent Document 3 discloses radiation from a large part of space for the purpose of realizing a monitoring system that uses a single camera having a panoramic field of view that can be displayed on a single monitoring screen without moving the camera. A surveillance system is described that includes a dome-shaped convex mirror having a contour that reflects on the image plane of the camera.

  In Patent Document 4, for the purpose of solving the problem that the inner surface reflected light of a transparent cylindrical body connecting the convex mirror and the camera is condensed and photographed on the camera lens, the tip side of the convex mirror is the axis of the convex mirror. There is described an omnidirectional photographing apparatus provided with a rod-like body for preventing reflection on the inner surface of a cylindrical body extending on the extension line in the camera direction.

  In Patent Document 5, for the purpose of preventing damages caused by pirates and the like and reducing the burden on ship crew, images from an omnidirectional camera with two units as one set are projected on a monitor screen, A ship security system is described that issues a visual audible alarm when it is detected.

JP 2000-206635 A JP 2002-64812 A Japanese National Patent Publication No. 9-505447 JP 11-174603 A Utility Model Registration No. 3148609

The inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 both use hyperboloid mirrors. The hyperboloidal mirror has the problem that it is difficult to focus on and manufacture the entire area.
When the surveillance system using the dome-shaped convex mirror described in Patent Document 3 is used outdoors, it is necessary to cover the space between the dome-shaped convex mirror and the camera with a transparent cylinder. If a transparent cylinder is used in this way, the light reflected from the inner surface of the transparent cylinder will be collected by the camera lens and photographed. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, the omnidirectional photographing apparatus of Patent Document 4 is provided with a rod-like body for preventing reflection on the inner surface of the cylinder. However, it is necessary that the rod-like body is fixed to a support body that supports the convex mirror, passes through the convex mirror, and is provided so that its tip side extends in the camera direction on the axial extension of the convex mirror. For this reason, the structure of the omnidirectional photographing apparatus becomes complicated, which causes an increase in manufacturing cost.
In addition, when used outdoors, there is a problem that water that has entered from the support fixing part of the rod-shaped body and internal condensed water fall on the camera, and when mounted on a moving body, there is a problem of image blur due to vibration of the rod-shaped body. There was a concern about the contamination of the bird's droppings in the transparent cylinder.

  The ship security system of Patent Document 5 uses a fisheye lens instead of a spherical mirror. Moreover, although the said ship security system is equipped with the housing protected from a wind and rain etc., the problem at the time of using it continuously at the above seas is not considered at all.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an omnidirectional image acquisition device and an image information providing system suitable for continuous use under severe conditions such as at sea using a spherical mirror that can be manufactured more easily than a hyperboloid mirror. It is an object.

The omnidirectional image acquisition device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an image acquisition unit that acquires an image, a spherical mirror that is disposed on the opposite side of the lens of the image acquisition unit, and the periphery of the image acquisition unit and the spherical mirror. transparent cylindrical body provided, comprising a flat or curved shootings light incidence prevention means provided so as to cover the surface of the apex portion near the spherical mirror, to lower the image acquisition means and said A spherical mirror is arranged on the upper side, and a visual field limiting plate that protrudes like a bowl on the upper part of the spherical mirror is further provided .
By covering the surface in the vicinity of the apex of the spherical mirror with planar or curved irregular reflection light incidence preventing means, it is possible to block the light that is directly incident on the lens from the vicinity of the apex of the spherical mirror. As a result, an omnidirectional image having no practical problem can be obtained with a simpler configuration than in the past.
The flat or curved irregularly reflected light incident preventing means is cut in the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the central axis) of the cylindrical body, and when viewed in cross section, the dimensions in the height direction (thickness, center) It is assumed that the direction parallel to the axis is smaller than the maximum dimension in the lateral direction (direction perpendicular to the central axis).
In addition, by providing a field limiting plate that protrudes above the ridge, it is possible to prevent light in the sky from directly entering the image acquisition means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the omnidirectional image acquisition device according to the first aspect, the irregular reflection light incidence preventing means has a circular planar projection shape and a dark color including black. Features.
With the above configuration, it is possible to effectively block light that directly enters the lens from the vicinity of the apex of the spherical mirror.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the omnidirectional image acquisition device according to the first or second aspect , the color of the lower surface of the field limiting plate is a dark color including black.
With the above configuration, it is possible to clarify the boundary between the image that has entered the image acquisition unit from the spherical mirror and the visual field limiting plate.

The present invention described in claim 4 is the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus as recited in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the field limiting plate had a rod-like member protruding upward on an upper surface thereof It is characterized by that.
With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent a bird from staying on the view restriction plate.

The present invention of claim 5 is the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus as recited in one of claims 1 to 4, the lower portion of the tubular body, which is connected to the base which functions as a radiator It is characterized by that.
With the above configuration, the heat of the omnidirectional image acquisition device can be released from the base that functions as a radiator.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the omnidirectional image acquisition device according to the fifth aspect , the color of the base is a light color including white.
With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce an increase in the temperature of the base due to sunlight, and when used on a ship, it is possible to prevent a ship operator from mistaking the base as a red light or a blue light of a navigation light.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the omnidirectional image acquisition device according to the fifth or sixth aspect , the base has an attachment plate with an opening to which the image acquisition means is attached. It is characterized by that.
With the above configuration, a natural draft (air circulation) is generated by the upward flow generated from the image acquisition means that has become high temperature, and the azimuth image acquisition device can be circulated and cooled by the air cooled in the base that functions as a radiator. .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the omnidirectional image acquisition device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the omnidirectional image acquisition device further includes an air supply unit that sends air into the cylindrical body from the lower side of the mounting plate through the opening. It is characterized by that.
With the above configuration, the omnidirectional image acquisition device can be cooled by forcibly circulating the air inside the base portion whose temperature has been lowered by heat radiation.

An image information providing system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention provides an omnidirectional image acquisition device according to one of the first to eighth aspects, and an omnidirectional image acquired by the omnidirectional image acquisition device. An image processing means for processing is provided.
With the above configuration, an omnidirectional image can be processed into an image suitable for use, and convenience can be improved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image information providing system according to the ninth aspect , the image processing means performs a mirror correction of the omnidirectional image obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device. And
With the above configuration, it is possible to correct an omnidirectional image obtained with the left and right sides reversed.

The present invention described in claim 11 is the image information providing system according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the image processing means adjusts the luminance of the omnidirectional image obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device. It is characterized by that.
With the above configuration, the luminance of the obtained omnidirectional image can be adjusted to make it easy to see.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image information providing system according to one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, an omnidirectional image processing region and display method obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device It is characterized by comprising setting means for setting the above.
With the above configuration, an omnidirectional image area including necessary information can be displayed by a method according to the purpose.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image information providing system according to the twelfth aspect , panorama development display of a predetermined area is set by the setting means, and panorama development processing is performed and displayed by the image processing means. It is characterized by.
With the above configuration, information obtained as an omnidirectional image can be easily understood as a panoramic developed image.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image information providing system according to the ninth to twelfth aspects, the image information providing system includes a recording unit that records the omnidirectional image.
With the above configuration, the recorded omnidirectional image can be used later.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image information providing system according to one of the ninth to fourteenth aspects, the omnidirectional image acquisition device and the image processing means are mounted on a ship. It is characterized by being.
With the above configuration, the voyage can be performed using the omnidirectional image.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image information providing system according to the fifteenth aspect , an omnidirectional image signal acquired by the omnidirectional image acquisition device or a processed image signal processed by the image processing means is inboard. It is characterized by being transmitted over a LAN.
With the above configuration, an image can be used anywhere on the ship where the inboard LAN passes.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image information providing system according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect , the omnidirectional image acquisition device or the image processing means is a distortion of the omnidirectional image accompanying the inclination of the ship. It has the inclination countermeasure means which reduces this.
With the above configuration, for example, when the omnidirectional image acquisition device is used for a ship, distortion of the omnidirectional image due to inclination caused by rolling, pitching, or the like can be reduced.

Since the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus of the present invention uses the spherical mirror and the planar or curved irregular reflection light incident preventing means provided so as to cover the surface near the apex, for example, the irregular reflection light incident preventing means is spherical. The mirror can be attached only to the apex of the mirror or fixed to the spherical mirror, and can be realized with a simpler configuration than the conventional one. In addition, since the irregularly reflected light incident preventing means has a flat or curved shape, for example, even if internal condensation occurs, it is possible to prevent water droplets from falling on the lens from being concentrated at one point like a rod-shaped body. It becomes possible. In addition, it is possible to prevent image blurring due to vibration of the rod-shaped body when mounted on a moving body.
In addition, when the color of the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means is a dark color including black, it effectively blocks light that is directly incident on the lens from the vicinity of the apex of the spherical mirror and easily increases the temperature. It is possible to evaporate early. For this reason, for example, it becomes possible to use continuously under severe conditions such as at sea.
In addition, if the configuration is provided with a field limiting plate projecting in a bowl shape, the outline of the image incident on the image acquisition means from the spherical mirror becomes clear. Further, for example, when used outdoors, it is possible to prevent the transparent cylindrical body from being soiled by bird droppings or falling objects, and the acquired image cannot be used.
If it has the structure which has the rod-shaped body which protrudes upwards in a visual field restriction board, it can prevent that a bird stays on a visual field restriction board. If it is set as the structure provided with the base part which functions as a heat radiator, the heat_generation | fever of an image acquisition means can be thermally radiated from a base part, for example, and a temperature rise can be prevented. When the color of the base is light, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the base from rising due to sunlight and misidentification as a navigation light.
If the image acquisition means is attached to an attachment plate with an opening, the image acquisition means can be cooled by heat radiation from the attachment plate or the base. If the air is forcibly circulated by the air supply means, the cooling efficiency of the image acquisition means can be improved. According to these structures, it can be set as the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus suitable for the use continuously used outdoors, especially in a ship.

The image information providing system of the present invention can improve the convenience of omnidirectional images and reduce the monitoring burden. In using the omnidirectional image, mirror correction and brightness adjustment may be performed, and a necessary area may be displayed by a method according to the purpose, for example, a panoramic method. With these configurations, the omnidirectional image becomes easier to use.
In addition, if the recording unit for recording the omnidirectional image is provided, the omnidirectional image can be read and used later. For example, marine accidents and pirate incidents can be reproduced later as images. Also, by recording an omnidirectional image, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the recording means (memory) by, for example, panoramic development later.
In addition, if you navigate using an omnidirectional image acquisition device, you can acquire marine information such as movements of other ships in the sea area around your ship at once, so you can reduce the monitoring burden and improve safety. . In this case, if the omnidirectional image or the like can be used anywhere on the ship via the shipboard LAN, the utility value as information is improved.
In addition, if the omnidirectional image is configured to reduce distortion, the omnidirectional image is easier to see in a ship that may be greatly inclined depending on the sea condition.

The front view of the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention Schematic diagram illustrating the optical system of the omnidirectional image acquisition device of FIG. Front view showing a modified example of the irregular reflection light incidence preventing means The front view which shows the modification of the planar projection shape of the irregular reflection light incidence prevention means which looked at the spherical mirror from the camera side Front view explaining natural draft in omnidirectional image acquisition device The perspective view which shows the camera of FIG. 5, and a mounting plate Drawing substitute photograph showing an example of an omnidirectional display image obtained when the omnidirectional image acquisition device of FIG. 1 is mounted on a ship The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image information provision system which is the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Drawing substitute photo showing an example (part 1) of panorama display of drawing substitute photo Drawing substitute photo showing an example (part 2) of panorama display of drawing substitute photo The flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the function of the image information provision system of FIG. The top view which shows an example of the screen structure of the image information provision system of FIG. Drawing substitute photo showing omnidirectional image acquisition device tilt and omnidirectional display image obtained

The ship operator needs to constantly monitor the area around the ship in order to safely navigate the sea. For many ships, information such as radar and automatic identification system (AIS) is used to obtain information such as movements of other ships in the waters around the ship, and safe navigation is achieved by visual confirmation. doing. If marine image information around the ship can be acquired at once, the image information is more useful than image information with a limited field of view. From this point of view, mirror-type omnidirectional cameras that can be used by attaching to the top of the bridge are used.
Therefore, hereinafter, a case where the present invention is implemented as an omnidirectional image acquisition device and an image information system used on a marine vessel will be described. In addition, although this invention can be used suitably on the ship at sea, it is not restricted to this, It can also be used for uses, such as monitoring on land.

(First embodiment)
First, an embodiment in which the present invention is implemented as an omnidirectional image acquisition device will be described below. FIG. 1 is a front view of the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, an omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 of this embodiment includes a camera (image acquisition means) 11, a spherical mirror 13, a cylindrical body 14, an irregular reflection light incident prevention means 15, a field limiting plate 16, and a rod-like body. 17, a base 18, a mounting plate 19, and an air supply means 20.

  The camera 11 is an image acquisition unit that acquires an omnidirectional image that is a surrounding image reflected on the spherical mirror 13. An omnidirectional image acquired by the camera 11 is taken into a computer through, for example, an inboard LAN (Local Area Network). As the camera 11, it is preferable to use a camera having a high number of effective pixels, for example, 2456 (H) × 2058 (V). Moreover, it is good also as a structure which uses a camera with a night-vision function together for night sea surveillance.

The spherical (spherical) mirror 13 is disposed on the opposite side of the lens 12 of the camera 11. Here, “facing the lens 12” refers to the side of the camera 11 facing the lens 12. The apex portion of the spherical mirror 13 is located on the optical axis of the lens 12. The spherical mirror 13 includes a hemispherical mirror, a dome-shaped mirror, and the like. Further, it is possible to include a spherical (spherical) type in which the inside is clogged, a hemispherical part, a part of a spherical surface, or a complete spherical surface slightly deformed.
By using the spherical mirror 13, it is possible to eliminate the drawback that it is difficult to focus on the entire region of a hyperboloidal mirror that is generally used in the past. Further, the spherical mirror 13 has an advantage that it is easier to manufacture than the hyperboloidal mirror in addition to the advantage that the imaging area is very wide and the focus is good in all areas.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical system of the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus of FIG. As shown in the figure, the light emitted from the object on the right side of FIG. 2 is reflected by the surface of the spherical mirror 13, passes through the lens 12 of the camera 11 below, and is recorded on the image sensor (CCD). . At this time, a clear omnidirectional image can be obtained by adjusting the focus of the lens 12 (setting of the depth of field) so as to be in a range including the virtual image point of the object in the spherical mirror 13.

  The cylindrical body 14 is provided so as to surround the camera 11 and the spherical mirror 13. That is, the camera 11 and the spherical mirror 13 are connected by the cylindrical body 14 so as to cover between the two. As the cylindrical body 14, for example, a transparent cylinder made of acrylic or glass can be used. The cylindrical cylindrical body 14 is provided such that its central axis coincides with the optical axis of the lens 12 of the camera 11 (Z axis in FIG. 2). By covering with the transparent cylindrical body 14, an omnidirectional image reflected on the spherical mirror 13 can be taken by the camera 11 while protecting the camera 11 and the spherical mirror 13. In order to obtain an omnidirectional image without distortion, the cylindrical body 14 is preferably a cylinder, but is not necessarily a complete cylinder. In the case of a cylinder, it is possible to use a cylindrical body that is a mass-produced cylinder industrially and can be provided at a low cost.

  3A to 3D are front views showing modifications of the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means. As the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means 15, the irregular reflection light having a curved surface along the spherical surface of the spherical mirror 13 shown in FIG. 3B and the planar (sheet-like) irregularly reflected light incident preventing means 15 A shown in FIG. The incidence preventing means 15B, the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means 15C that is warped on the opposite side to the spherical surface of the spherical mirror 13 shown in FIG. 3C, and the curvature more than the curvature of the spherical surface of the spherical mirror 13 shown in FIG. Can be used, such as irregular reflection light incidence preventing means 15D, which is formed large and part of which is floating from the spherical surface of the spherical mirror 13. Further, for example, a configuration in which the above shapes are combined such that the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means 15D is in contact with the spherical mirror 13 inside the end portion and the end portion is floated can be used. Hereinafter, when these irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means 15A to 15D are not distinguished, they are referred to as irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means 15.

  Further, the planar or curved irregular reflection light incidence preventing means 15 preferably has a height dimension (thickness) smaller than the lateral maximum dimension when the cross section is viewed. By forming the flat or curved surface in this way, the irregularly reflected light incident preventing means 15 can be easily attached to the spherical mirror 13 and can be easily manufactured. For example, the irregularly reflected light incident preventing means 15 can be easily attached to the spherical mirror 13 by being attached or attached with a back screw inside the spherical mirror 13.

  4A to 4C are plan views showing modifications of the planar projection shape of the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means when the spherical mirror 13 is viewed from the camera 11 side. 4A shows irregular reflection light incidence preventing means 15-R whose plane projection shape is circular, and FIG. 4B shows irregular reflection light incidence prevention means 15-O whose plane projection shape is octagonal, and FIG. ) Shows the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means 15-S whose planar projection shape is square. The shape of the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means 15 is not limited to these, and any shape that can prevent unwanted light directly reflected by the spherical mirror 13 from entering the camera 11 may be used.

  Conventionally, in order to prevent the light reflected by the inner surface of the cylindrical body 14 from entering the camera 11, the inner surface of the cylindrical body is prevented from reflecting at the top of the convex mirror and the tip side extends in the camera direction on the axial extension line of the convex mirror. A rod-shaped body was provided. However, the provision of such a rod-like body complicates the structure and causes an increase in cost. In addition, there are problems such as a drop of water droplets on the camera 11 when used outdoors, and a problem of blurring of the image due to the fine movement of the convex mirror caused by the vibration of the rod-shaped body when mounted on a moving body.

  In the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus 10 using the spherical mirror 13, the inventor of the present invention has no practical problem that the light reflected by the inner surface of the cylindrical body 14 enters the camera 11. It has been found that an omnidirectional image having no practical problem can be obtained as long as unnecessary light directly reflected by the light 13 is prevented from entering the camera 11. Therefore, based on this knowledge, in the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, in order to prevent light directly reflected by the spherical mirror 13 from entering the camera 11, the planar irregular reflection light incident preventing means 15 uses the spherical mirror. The structure which covers 13 apex part vicinity is employ | adopted. Here, “near the apex of the spherical mirror” means an area where the camera 11 moves to the surface of the spherical mirror 13.

  As the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing means 15, a sheet whose color is a dark color including black is used. Here, “dark color” refers to a color that is sufficient to prevent the light directly reflected by the spherical mirror 13 from entering the camera 11. System: Practical Color Co-ordinate System) with a brightness of 5.5 or less.

  The field limiting plate 16 is a disk-shaped plate provided at the end of the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 on the spherical mirror 13 side. That is, when the camera 11 is disposed on the lower side and the spherical mirror 13 is disposed on the upper side, the field-limiting plate 16 projects over the spherical mirror 13 with the same width as the bowl. The visual field restriction plate 16 can restrict the visual field of the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10. Thereby, when using the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus 10 on a ship, it can prevent that the upper sky which was not reflected on the spherical mirror 13 is image | photographed directly by the camera 11. FIG. Further, when the camera 11 is positioned on the upper side and the spherical mirror 13 is positioned on the lower side, the view restriction plate 16 can prevent the scene on the deck from being directly captured by the camera 11. Depending on the application, a configuration in which the center line passing through the camera 11 and the spherical mirror 13 is inclined from the vertical line or a configuration in which the center line is set horizontally can be taken. Moreover, the structure which has arrange | positioned the camera 11 on the upper side and the spherical mirror 13 on the lower side can also be taken.

  If the color of the lower surface of the field limiting plate 16, that is, the surface on the camera 11 side is a dark color including black, the boundary between the omnidirectional image on the spherical mirror 13 and the field limiting plate 16 can be clarified. Here, “dark color” refers to a color that is sufficient for the visual field limiting plate 16 to have a function of clarifying the boundary. Specifically, it is a PCCS (Practical Color Co-ordinate System). It means 5.5 or less in brightness.

  When the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is used on a ship, there is a problem that a bird staying on the upper surface of the view restriction plate 16 is contaminated by dropping or the like. Therefore, a rod-like body 17 that protrudes upward is provided on the surface (upper surface) opposite to the camera 11 of the view restriction plate 16. This rod-like body 17 prevents birds from staying on the field-of-view restriction plate 16, prevents feces from being damaged, and makes it possible to continuously acquire a good omnidirectional image at sea. In addition, the rod-shaped body 17 should just use the structure suitable in order to prevent a bird from staying. In addition, the upper surface of the view restriction plate 16 can be a shiny metallic color that birds dislike, or a light color including white in order to prevent a temperature rise due to sunlight.

  When the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is provided on a ship and continuously used on the sea, the camera 11 may be disturbed due to a temperature rise. Therefore, the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 includes a base 18 as a radiator (heat sink) connected to the end of the cylindrical body 14 on the camera 11 side. The base 18 has a hollow shape with a space inside. As the material of the base portion 18, a material having a weight and a large heat capacity is used as compared with a synthetic resin such as acrylic used as the material of the cylindrical body 14. For example, since metal has a high specific heat and a high thermal conductivity, if the metallic base 18 such as an aluminum casting is used, the heat of the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 can be efficiently radiated and cooled. . Thereby, the temperature in the cylindrical body 14 can be kept low, and the temperature of the camera 11 can be maintained in a range where the performance can be exhibited. In addition, since the base 18 should just fulfill | perform the function as a heat radiator, the material is not restricted to a metal, A ceramic, concrete, etc. can also be used.

  The omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is provided at a position that is easily visible from the outside. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent a ship from being mistaken for a color having a specific meaning such as red or blue. Therefore, when the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is used on a ship, the color of the base 18 is a light color including white. Here, “light color” refers to a light color that does not cause a misunderstanding of red or blue. Specifically, it is the brightness of PCCS (Practical Color Co-ordinate System). 5 or more.

The base 18 has a mounting plate 19 with an opening 21. The camera 11 is attached to the base 18 by attaching the camera 11 to the inside of the attachment plate 19 and attaching the attachment plate 19 to which the camera 11 is attached to the base 18.
An opening 21 is provided in the mounting plate 19. The space in the base 18 and the space in the cylindrical body 14 are communicated with each other through the opening 21. As described above, since the base 18 is made of a metal having high heat dissipation, a natural draft (natural air circulation) is generated through the opening 21. With this natural draft, the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 can be cooled. This natural draft will be described later with reference to FIGS.

In the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, as shown in FIG. 1, an air supply means 20 that sends air into the cylindrical body 14 from the lower side of the mounting plate 19 through the opening 21 is provided in the base 18. By the air supply means 20, the low temperature air in the base 18 can be sent to the cylindrical body 14 side, and the air can be forcibly circulated as shown by the arrows in the figure. As a result, the heat dissipation efficiency from the base 18 is improved, and the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 and the camera 11 can be efficiently cooled. As the air supply means 20, for example, a blower (fan) provided with rotating blades can be used.
The air in the base 18 is kept at a low humidity by the desiccant 22 provided in the base 18. For this reason, it can prevent that dew condensation arises in the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus 10.

Although FIG. 1 shows the case where the air supply means 20 is provided in the base 18, the position where the air supply means 20 is provided is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which provides the air supply means 20 in a ship and sends air to the base 18 through the space in a mast.
Moreover, although the case where the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is cooled by circulating the air in the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 has been described, a means for releasing the air in the cylindrical body 14 to the outside is provided, and the base portion It is good also as a structure which supplies air continuously from the downward direction of 18.

  FIG. 5 is a front view for explaining a natural draft in the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the camera and the mounting plate of FIG. In the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, the camera 11 has the highest temperature. For this reason, as indicated by arrows in these drawings, an upward flow is generated from the vicinity of the camera 11 and a downward flow is generated on the inner wall side of the cylindrical body 14. As a result, a natural draft is generated in the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, and the base 18 functions as a radiator, so that the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 can be cooled. Further, the camera 11 is cooled by being radiated from the base 18 through the mounting plate 29.

  In order to cool the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 by a natural draft, an installation plate 29 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 having an opening 21 on the inner side (center side) and the outer side (outer edge side). It is preferable to use it. By using the mounting plate 29 having such a configuration, an upward flow is generated in the inner opening 21 and a downward flow is generated in the outer opening 21, so that the heat dissipation efficiency by the base portion 18 is improved.

  FIG. 7 is a drawing-substituting photograph showing an example of an omnidirectional display image obtained when the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus of FIG. 1 is mounted on a ship. In the figure, an omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus 10 having a spherical mirror 13 having a diameter of 12 cm is arranged at the top of a radar mast above the bridge of a ship being docked, and is obtained by observation. A display image is shown. In addition, the captain of a ship is about 50 m, and the installation height of the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus 10 is about 18 m from the water surface. As shown in the figure, according to the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, useful omnidirectional image information of 360 degrees around the ship can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment)
The omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus of the present invention can also be implemented as an image information providing system that takes into account a function as an interface for information to a ship operator and a function as a marine image recording apparatus in addition to monitoring of an omnidirectional image at sea. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is implemented as an information providing system using an omnidirectional image acquisition device will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image information providing system of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image information providing system 30 according to the present embodiment performs image processing for processing the omnidirectional image acquired by the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 and the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 described as the first embodiment. Means 31, setting means 32 for setting the processing area and display method of the omnidirectional image obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, recording means 33 for recording the omnidirectional image, and display means 34.
When the image information providing system 30 is used for a ship, the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 and the omnidirectional image acquisition device 31 are mounted on the ship. As the display means 34, a high-resolution display or the like can be used.

As the image processing means 31, a personal computer or the like can be used. If a small box computer is used, the area required for installation can be minimized. The omnidirectional image obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is reflected by the spherical mirror 13. For this reason, in the image information providing system 30, the image processing means 31 performs mirror correction of the omnidirectional image.
The image processing means 31 also adjusts the luminance of the omnidirectional image obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10. The brightness adjustment is performed by, for example, GAIN adjustment of the omnidirectional image. This GAIN adjustment is automatically performed by the image processing unit 31 based on a preset value. However, the operator may make adjustments while viewing the image displayed on the display means 34. Note that the aperture adjustment (iris adjustment) of the camera 11 can be used as the means for adjusting the brightness, but it is preferable to use the GAIN adjustment because it can be realized with a simple configuration. By performing mirror surface correction and brightness adjustment by the image processing means 31, the obtained omnidirectional image can be easily used.

  The setting means 32 sets the processing area and display method of the omnidirectional image obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10. Although an image of a wide area can be obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, not all images are always necessary. Therefore, the processing unit and the display method are set by the setting means 32 and are extracted from the omnidirectional image according to the purpose of use. Thereby, the burden on the image processing means 31 can be reduced. Similarly to the image processing means 31, the setting means 32 can also be configured using a computer.

Examples of the processing area include a horizontal line and a predetermined area on the horizontal line. Here, the “predetermined range” can be appropriately set according to the situation so that useful information can be obtained as sea information around the ship at sea. For example, the predetermined range on the horizontal line may be narrow on the ocean, and the predetermined range on the horizontal line may be set wide in the bay.
In addition, as a display method, there is a method in which a distance or direction from the own ship is displayed on an image taken out from an omnidirectional image. By superimposing and displaying these, the convenience of the image can be improved.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are drawing substitute photos showing examples (part 1, part 2) of panorama display of drawing substitute photographs when the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is used in a ship. As shown in these figures, if the panorama development display of a predetermined area is set by the setting means 32, the panorama development processing is performed by the image processing means 31, and the display means 34 displays the situation, the situation around the ship can be changed. It becomes easy to grasp.

FIG. 9 shows an example in which panoramic display of 180 degrees for (a) front / rear and (b) left / right is performed as panoramic development display of an omnidirectional display image. For example, the panoramic display shown in FIG. 9A with the bow and stern in the center is performed in a state where the ship is normally navigating, and when the ship is in contact with the pier or wharf, the side of the berth side is in the center. ) Select the display.
FIG. 10 shows an example in which panoramic display at every 90 degrees of front, rear, left, and right is performed as panoramic development display of an omnidirectional display image. With the display shown in the figure, the situation of the front, rear, left and right of the ship can be captured separately for each small area, which makes it easier for the supervisor to determine where the ship's trunk is.
The image display as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 makes it easier for the supervisor to understand the situation around the ship, so that the convenience of the image can be improved, and it can contribute to the safe navigation of the ship.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of functions of the image information providing system of FIG. In the figure, an overview of the functions of the processing program of the image information providing system 30 is shown. In the main processing shown in dark gray in FIG. 11, the image processing unit 31 performs initial setting for capturing an image from the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 via the inboard LAN, and setting unit for the omnidirectional image captured from the camera 11. The processing area is set by 32, the display method is set by the display means 34, and the like. At this time, the image processing means 31 creates a coordinate conversion table suitable for the selected display method. Thereafter, the operation of capturing and displaying the image for each frame in the image information providing system 30 is repeated.
In the lower part of FIG. 11, in order to cope with the case where the acquired image is too bright or too dark, an automatic brightness adjustment function for saving the average brightness value of the image within the designated range, image storage / playback, and the like are provided. Indicates the optional processing to be performed.

  FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the screen configuration of the image information providing system of FIG. On the left side of the figure, an image is displayed by a method selected as an image display area, that is, an omnidirectional display method or a panorama development display method. Further, on the right side of the figure, selection buttons corresponding to initialization of processing, selection of an image display method, and the like are arranged.

  The image information providing system 30 includes a recording unit 33 that records the omnidirectional image acquired from the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10. As the recording means 33, various recording media can be used. The omnidirectional image can be used to reproduce the situation at the time of some marine accident by monitoring and recording the omnidirectional image at the same time during navigation. For example, the size of an image file to be recorded is about 200 KB / file when the image recording format is JPEG. When recording for one day at intervals of one second, a capacity of about 17 GB (gigabytes) is required. For this reason, if a 1 TB (terabyte) recording medium is prepared, an image of about two months can be stored at one-second intervals. If the recording unit for recording the omnidirectional image is provided, the omnidirectional image can be read and used later. Further, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the recording means (memory) by recording an omnidirectional image and using it after panoramic development or the like.

  In recent years, many pirate damages have occurred. Pirates often use ships with low height and high speed, and such ships cannot be detected by radar. However, by using the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, it becomes possible to detect a pirate using a ship that cannot be detected by a radar. Also, the omnidirectional image recorded in the recording means 33 can be used for proof of damage caused by pirates or for identifying pirates.

  When the image information providing system 30 is used for a ship, the omnidirectional image signal acquired by the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 or the processed image signal processed by the image processing means 31 may be transmitted by the inboard LAN. .

  When the image information providing system 30 is used for the purpose of monitoring around the ship, it is assumed that the hull is tilted and the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is tilted due to the influence of waves. Therefore, the image information providing system 30 includes an inclination countermeasure means 35 such as a gimbal that maintains the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus 10 vertically (see FIG. 8). For this reason, in the image information providing system 30, the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is prevented from being tilted due to the hull being tilted by the influence of waves.

  However, if the ship does not include the tilt countermeasure means 35, the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 tilts when tilted by the influence of waves. FIG. 13 is a drawing-substituting photograph showing the tilt of the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus and the obtained omnidirectional display image. FIG. 13A is an omnidirectional image when the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is vertical (inclination 0 degree), and a horizontal line can be seen concentrically. FIG. 13B is an omnidirectional image when the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is tilted by 10 degrees, and it can be seen that the entire image is slightly deviated to the left. FIG. 13C is an omnidirectional image in which the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10 is inclined by 30 degrees, and the bias of the entire image is large.

  Thus, with the inclination of the omnidirectional image acquisition device 10, the bias of the omnidirectional image changes. However, not all of the omnidirectional images are normally used, and if the processing area set by the setting unit 32 is included in the biased omnidirectional image, the processing area can be extracted from the omnidirectional image. it can. Therefore, when the inclination countermeasure unit 35 is not provided, the bias of the omnidirectional image may be corrected in the processing by the image processing unit 31. In this case, the inclination of the ship can be detected and the omnidirectional image acquired by the image processing means 31 can be corrected to perform the same function as the inclination countermeasure means 35.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used as an omnidirectional image acquisition device and an image information providing system that are always used for grasping the situation around a ship while staying in an engine room or a cabin for improving the safety of a ship. Further, it can be used not only for ships, but also for use on various moving bodies on land, for monitoring intruders and for various observations.

10 Omnidirectional image acquisition device 11 Camera (image acquisition means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Lens 13 Spherical mirror 14 Cylindrical body 15 Diffuse reflected light incidence prevention means 16 Field-of-view restriction board 17 Rod-shaped body 18 Base part 19, 29 Mounting plate 20 Air supply means 21 Aperture 30 Image information provision system 31 Image processing means 32 Setting means 33 Recording means 35 Inclination measures

Claims (17)

Image acquisition means for acquiring images;
A spherical mirror disposed on the opposite side of the lens of the image acquisition means;
A transparent cylindrical body provided around the image acquisition means and the spherical mirror;
A flat or curved irregular reflection light incidence preventing means provided so as to cover the surface near the apex of the spherical mirror ,
An omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus , further comprising: a field limiting plate that has the image acquisition means on the lower side and the spherical mirror on the upper side and projects in a bowl shape above the spherical mirror .   The omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irregularly reflected light incidence preventing unit has a circular planar projection shape and a dark color including black. 3. The omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a color of a lower surface of the field limiting plate is a dark color including black. 4. The view limiting plate, the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus as recited in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that had a rod-like member protruding upward on the upper surface thereof. Lower portion of the tubular body, the omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus as recited in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that connected to the base which functions as a radiator. The omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein a color of the base is a light color including white. The omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the base has an attachment plate with an opening to which the image acquisition means is attached. The omnidirectional image acquisition apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising an air feeding unit that sends air into the cylindrical body from below the mounting plate through the opening. An omnidirectional image acquisition device according to one of claims 1 to 8 ,
An image information providing system comprising image processing means for processing an omnidirectional image acquired by the omnidirectional image acquisition device. The image information providing system according to claim 9 , wherein the image processing unit performs mirror correction of an omnidirectional image obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device. Wherein the image processing means, image information providing system according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the performing brightness adjustment of the omnidirectional image obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device. Image information according to one of claims 11 claim 9, further comprising a setting means for setting the omnidirectional image processing area and a display mode obtained by the omnidirectional image acquisition device Offer system. 13. The image information providing system according to claim 12 , wherein panorama development display of a predetermined area is set by the setting means, and panorama development processing is performed and displayed by the image processing means. Image information providing system according to one of claims 9 claim 12, further comprising a recording means for recording the omnidirectional image. The omnidirectional image acquiring apparatus and the image processing means, image information providing system according to one of claims 14 claim 9, characterized in that mounted on a ship. 16. The image information providing system according to claim 15 , wherein an omnidirectional image signal acquired by the omnidirectional image acquisition device or a processed image signal processed by the image processing means is transmitted by an inboard LAN. The image information according to claim 15 or 16 , wherein the omnidirectional image acquisition device or the image processing means includes an inclination countermeasure means for reducing distortion of the omnidirectional image accompanying the inclination of the ship. Offer system.