JP6413193B2 - Imaging device, automatic toll collector, imaging method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, an automatic toll collector, a photographing method, and a program used in a toll gate such as a toll road.

  Toll gates such as toll roads are equipped with automatic toll collectors for automatically collecting tolls. Such an automatic toll collector accepts payment of a fee from the driver of the vehicle, and further automatically pays out change, thereby eliminating the need for processing by an attendant such as a toll collector. Note that the automatic toll collector is equipped with a photographing device (camera) that is used when calling with an attendant or applying a discount for the disabled.

  Toll road usage fees may be discounted for users who meet certain conditions, such as those with a handicap certificate. In this case, the user is given a discount by presenting a certificate to a staff member such as a receipt person staying at the toll booth.

  A user who has a handicapped person's handbook directs the handicapped person's handbook to the lens of the photographing apparatus. The clerk confirms the driver's face and the contents of the disability certificate by visually recognizing the image displayed on the monitor installed at the tollgate office. This eliminates the need for staff to go to the vehicle to check whether discounts can be applied, so that users can pay smoothly and alleviate congestion at the tollgate exit. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-154725 A

  However, although the above-described automatic toll collector is equipped with a photographing device, the photographing range, focus, etc. are fixed, so that depending on the stop position of the vehicle, the face or body of the user (driver) In some cases, it is difficult to appropriately photograph a subject such as a handicap book. For this reason, the procedure for applying the discount is difficult, and the user may not be able to pay the fee smoothly.

  An object of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is an imaging apparatus, an automatic toll collection apparatus, an imaging method, and a program capable of facilitating a toll collection procedure that requires confirmation of an object to be photographed in a vehicle. Is to provide.

One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device (100) for imaging an imaging object in a vehicle (A) stopped on a lane (L), the imaging unit (101) for imaging the imaging object, Information related to the position of the object to be photographed is obtained based on the detection result of the characteristic detection device (20) that is provided upstream of the imaging unit and is capable of detecting the characteristics of the vehicle entering the lane. And an imaging condition changing unit (106) that changes imaging conditions of the imaging unit so that the imaging object can be imaged based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The information acquisition unit includes, as the information, stop position information indicating a stop position of the vehicle calculated based on a detection result of the characteristic detection device, and a lane direction between the axle and the window of the vehicle. Relative indicating relative distance Acquires the separated information, and the imaging condition changing unit is configured is an imaging range of the imaging unit based on the stop position information and the relative distance information is photographing apparatus to change the panning direction (100).
Usually, the position of the object to be photographed in the vehicle differs depending on the vehicle body shape and the stop position of the vehicle. However, according to the imaging device having the above-described configuration, the position of the imaging target in the vehicle stopped on the lane is grasped based on the information related to the position of the imaging target, and the imaging target The shooting condition of the shooting unit is changed so that can be shot. Then, it becomes easy for a receiver or the like resident in a remote place to visually recognize the user's face and the like through the photographing device, and the fee collection procedure that requires confirmation of the photographing object in the vehicle can be facilitated.
Further, according to the photographing apparatus having the above configuration, the photographing range of the photographing unit is changed to the pan direction so that the photographing target in the vehicle is included in the photographing range regardless of the stop position in the lane direction of the vehicle. Is done. Therefore, it becomes easy for a receiver or the like who is resident in a remote place to visually recognize the user's face or the like through the photographing apparatus, and the fee collection procedure that requires confirmation of the photographing object in the vehicle can be facilitated.
Furthermore, according to the imaging device having the above-described configuration, after determining the relative distance between the axle of the vehicle and the position of the window for each vehicle and estimating the stop position of the vehicle based on the axle, the axle of the axle at the stop position is further determined. By calculating the position of the window based on the position based on the relative distance information, it is possible to more accurately estimate the position in the lane direction of the photographing object. Thereby, the accuracy of adjustment of the shooting range in the pan direction is improved, and the shooting target is more easily included in the shooting range.

In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described imaging device, the information acquisition unit includes, as the information, window position information indicating a position of the vehicle window specified based on a detection result of the characteristic detection device. The imaging condition changing unit acquires the imaging range of the imaging unit in a tilt direction based on the window position information acquired by the information acquisition unit.
According to such a configuration, the photographing condition changing unit is configured so that the position of the window is included in the photographing range based on the position of the window in the height direction of the vehicle as the information related to the position of the photographing object. Then, the photographing range which is one of photographing conditions of the photographing unit is changed in the tilt direction. Generally, the position of the window of the vehicle corresponds to the position of the user's face that is one of the photographing objects. Therefore, the photographing object is likely to be included in the photographing range of the photographing unit.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described imaging device, the information acquisition unit acquires, as the information, vehicle type information of the vehicle specified based on a detection result of the characteristic detection device, and the imaging condition The changing unit changes the shooting range of the shooting unit in a tilt direction based on the vehicle type information acquired by the information acquisition unit.
According to such a configuration, the position of the photographing object with respect to the position of the window in the height direction is estimated based on the vehicle type information of the vehicle. Then, the shooting range is changed in the tilt direction so that the estimated position of the shooting target is included in the shooting range for the specified vehicle type. As a result, the shooting range is changed in the tilt direction according to the relative positional relationship between the position of the window and the position of the shooting target estimated for the vehicle type of the vehicle. More easily included.

In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described imaging device, the imaging unit can adjust a focus, and the imaging condition changing unit determines that the vehicle is included in an imaging range of the imaging unit. The focus adjustment of the photographing unit is started.
According to such a configuration, since the autofocus adjustment is not always started in a time zone in which the vehicle is not included in the shooting range of the shooting unit, the shooting condition changing unit may try to focus at infinity. Disappear. Then, when the vehicle enters, the time until the vehicle is focused is shortened. Therefore, the time until a receiver who is resident in a remote place can clearly see the user's face through the photographing apparatus is shortened.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described imaging device, the image data analysis unit (108) that analyzes the image data acquired by the imaging unit, and the acquired result of the analysis by the image data analysis unit. And an image data holding unit (109) for holding the image data when the contrast of the image data is equal to or higher than a determination threshold.
According to such a configuration, the image data analysis unit grasps the contrast of the image data, and the image data holding unit holds (holds) the image data determined to have the contrast equal to or higher than the predetermined determination threshold position. As a result, on the monitoring panel monitored by the receiver, the image data with high contrast and the readable contents of the certificate is displayed as a still image. Therefore, the receipt person can grasp the contents of the certificate only by visually recognizing the still image, and can quickly determine whether or not the discount for the physically disabled can be applied. Thereby, the time until the contents of the certificate are grasped through the photographing apparatus 100 is shortened.

One embodiment of the present invention is an image data analysis unit that analyzes image data acquired by the imaging unit, and the plurality of images acquired as a result of analysis by the image data analysis unit in the imaging device described above. An image data holding unit that selects and holds image data having the maximum contrast among the data.
According to such a configuration, image data having the maximum contrast within a range acquired within a certain time is displayed as a still image. Therefore, it is possible to provide a still image that makes it easy to discriminate the contents of the certificate to the receiver, and to shorten the time until the still image is provided.

Another aspect of the present invention is an automatic toll collector (10) that is provided on a side of a lane and collects tolls with a vehicle that is stopped on the lane, and includes the above-described photographing apparatus. It is a receiver (10).
According to such a configuration, the photographing apparatus is configured integrally with the automatic charge collector. Thereby, since the user can present the photographing object through the device that performs the fee collection processing, the convenience of the automatic fee collection device can be improved.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a photographing method for photographing a photographing object in a vehicle stopped on a lane using a photographing device including a photographing unit, which is provided on the upstream side of the lane from the photographing device. And acquiring information related to the position of the object to be imaged of the vehicle based on the detection result of the characteristic detection device capable of detecting the characteristic of the vehicle entering the lane, and based on the information, a step in which the object to change an imaging condition of the imaging device so as to be photographed, according to the imaging conditions, have a, a step of photographing the photographed object using the imaging device, acquires the information The step of performing as the information includes stop position information indicating the stop position of the vehicle calculated based on a detection result of the characteristic detection device, and a relative distance in the lane direction between the axle and the window of the vehicle. It acquires the relative distance information indicating a step of changing the photographing condition, the photographing method of changing the imaging range of the imaging unit in the panning direction, based on the acquired stop position information and the relative distance information is there.
Usually, the position of the object to be photographed in the vehicle differs depending on the vehicle body shape and the stop position of the vehicle. However, according to the above imaging method, it is possible to grasp the position of the object to be imaged in the vehicle stopped on the lane based on the information related to the position of the object to be imaged and to photograph the object to be imaged. The shooting conditions of the shooting unit are changed so that Then, it becomes easier for a receipt person or the like resident in a remote place to visually recognize the user's face or the like through the photographing apparatus, and the fee collection procedure that requires confirmation of the photographing object in the vehicle can be facilitated.
Moreover, according to the imaging method, regardless of the stop position in the lane direction of the vehicle, the imaging range of the imaging unit is changed in the pan direction so that the imaging object in the vehicle is included in the imaging range. Therefore, it becomes easy for a receiver or the like who is resident in a remote place to visually recognize the user's face or the like through the photographing apparatus, and the fee collection procedure that requires confirmation of the photographing object in the vehicle can be facilitated.
Further, according to the above photographing method, after determining the relative distance between the vehicle axle and the window position for each vehicle, estimating the stop position of the vehicle based on the axle, and further determining the axle position at the stop position as a reference. By calculating the position of the window based on the relative distance information, it is possible to estimate the position of the object to be photographed in the lane direction more accurately. Thereby, the accuracy of adjustment of the shooting range in the pan direction is improved, and the shooting target is more easily included in the shooting range.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a photographing unit, a computer image capturing apparatus for capturing a photographed object in the vehicle stopped on the lane, provided upstream of the lane than the imaging device, on the lane Based on the detection result of the characteristic detection device capable of detecting the characteristic of the vehicle entering, information acquisition means for acquiring information related to the position of the object to be photographed, based on the information acquired by the information acquisition means, The information acquisition unit is calculated based on a detection result of the characteristic detection device as the information, and functions as a shooting condition changing unit that changes a shooting condition of the shooting device so that a shooting target can be shot. The stop position information indicating the stop position of the vehicle and the relative distance information indicating the relative distance in the lane direction between the axle of the vehicle and the window, and the photographing condition changing means A program to change the imaging range of the imaging unit in the panning direction based on the stop position information and the relative distance information.
Usually, the position of the object to be photographed in the vehicle differs depending on the vehicle body shape and the stop position of the vehicle. However, according to the above program, the position of the object to be photographed in the vehicle stopped on the lane is grasped based on the information related to the position of the object to be photographed, and the object to be photographed can be photographed. Thus, the shooting condition of the shooting unit is changed. Then, it becomes easier for a receipt person or the like resident in a remote place to visually recognize the user's face or the like through the photographing apparatus, and the fee collection procedure that requires confirmation of the photographing object in the vehicle can be facilitated.
Further, according to the program, regardless of the stop position in the lane direction of the vehicle, the shooting range of the shooting unit is changed in the pan direction so that the shooting target in the vehicle is included in the shooting range. Therefore, it becomes easy for a receiver or the like who is resident in a remote place to visually recognize the user's face or the like through the photographing apparatus, and the fee collection procedure that requires confirmation of the photographing object in the vehicle can be facilitated.
Further, according to the above program, after determining the relative distance between the vehicle axle and the window position for each vehicle, estimating the stop position of the vehicle based on the axle, and further using the axle position at the stop position as a reference. By calculating the position of the window based on the relative distance information, it is possible to estimate the position of the object to be photographed in the lane direction more accurately. Thereby, the accuracy of adjustment of the shooting range in the pan direction is improved, and the shooting target is more easily included in the shooting range.

  According to the above-described photographing apparatus, automatic toll collector, photographing method, and program, it is possible to facilitate a toll collection procedure that requires confirmation of a photographing object in a vehicle.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the fee collection facility which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the toll collection machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging | photography part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the vehicle type discrimination | determination apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows functional structures, such as an imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the vehicle detector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the window position information acquisition part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the imaging condition change part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows functional structures, such as an imaging device which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the imaging condition change part which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows functional structures, such as an imaging device which concerns on the other modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the fee collection facility which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows functional structures, such as an imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the stop position information acquisition part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the relative distance information acquisition part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the imaging condition change part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows functional structures, such as an imaging device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the auto-focus control part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the imaging device etc. which concern on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the function of the image data holding part which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
(overall structure)
The fee collection facility according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a toll collection facility according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the fee collection facility 1 includes an automatic fee collection device 10, a vehicle type identification device 20, a start controller 30, and a start detector 40.
The toll collection facility 1 is a facility that is provided at an exit toll gate of a toll road and collects tolls from users of the toll road.
The automatic toll collector 10 is provided on the island I on the side of the lane L, and performs toll collection processing with a vehicle stopped on the lane L. Specifically, the automatic toll collector 10 receives a fee (banknote, coin, credit card, etc.) from a toll road user (vehicle A driver), and the vehicle type of the vehicle A, the toll road mileage, etc. The billing process corresponding to is performed. The automatic fee collection machine 10 has a fee collection processing unit inside, for example, calculates the amount of bills and coins input from the user, calculates the amount of change to be discharged, Controls to discharge coins from a dedicated outlet.
In addition, the automatic toll collector 10 is equipped with a photographing device 100 that is a camera for calls and disabled people.

The vehicle type identification device 20 (characteristic detection device) is provided on the upstream side of the lane L (the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle A, the −X direction side) with respect to the automatic toll receiver 10 including the photographing device 100, and the lane L It is a device group for detecting the characteristics of an entering vehicle. Here, the “characteristics of the vehicle” are the vehicle body shape, the number of axles, the vehicle height, etc. specific to the vehicle A entering the lane L, and are necessary for specifying at least the position of the window of the vehicle A and the vehicle type of the vehicle A. Basic information.
The vehicle type discrimination device 20 uses various detection signals obtained through a plurality of detection devices (a vehicle detector 201, a tread board 202, a vehicle height detector 203, a vehicle length detector 204, a license plate recognition device 205 shown in FIG. 4). Based on this, the vehicle type of the vehicle A that passes through is mainly identified. The automatic toll collector 10 can acquire the vehicle type information acquired by the vehicle type discriminating device 20 and charge a fee according to the vehicle type of the vehicle A driven by the user.
The start controller 30 is provided on the downstream side of the lane L with respect to the automatic toll collector 10 (the back side in the traveling direction of the vehicle A, the + X direction side), and performs a gate opening operation and a closing operation. The start controller 30 is provided, for example, for the purpose of preventing the vehicle A driven by the user from starting until the toll collection process is completed. The start controller 30 receives an opening command and a closing command from a control device mounted on the automatic toll collector 10, and performs a gate opening operation and a closing operation. For example, when the charge collection process by the automatic charge receiver 10 is completed, the start controller 30 receives the opening command from the control device of the automatic charge receiver 10 and opens the gate.
The start detector 40 is provided on the most downstream side of the lane L and detects whether or not the user's vehicle A has left the lane L. The detection signal of the start detector 40 is output to the control device of the automatic toll collector 10. When receiving the input of the detection signal from the start detector 40, the control device determines whether or not there is a following vehicle, and controls whether to output a close command to the start controller 30 or to open it as it is. .

(Configuration of automatic toll collector)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the automatic toll collector according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic toll collector 10 includes a casing 11, an upper stage operation unit 12a, and a lower stage operation unit 12b. In the following description, the lane width direction (+ Y direction) in which the casing 11 of the automatic toll receiver 10 faces the side where the lane L is arranged is also referred to as “front of the automatic toll receiver 10”.

  The casing 11 is installed on an island I provided on the side of the lane L. The casing 11 has a rectangular shape extending in the height direction (± Z direction), faces the lane width direction (+ Y direction) on the side where the lane L is arranged, and has a plane parallel to the side portion of the lane L. The front surface 11a is used. The user stops the vehicle A by approaching the boundary of the island I at a position where the side surface of the driver's seat of the vehicle A faces the front surface 11 a of the housing 11, and operates the automatic toll collector 10.

  The upper stage operation unit 12a and the lower stage operation unit 12b are used when the user collects money, exchanges tolls / receipts, calls the collection person, and the like with respect to the automatic fee collection machine 10. After stopping the vehicle A in front of the automatic toll collector 10, the user inputs traffic information for passing through the toll gate through the processing ports and buttons arranged in the upper operation unit 12a and the lower operation unit 12b. To do. The upper stage operation unit 12a and the lower stage operation unit 12b are provided side by side in the height direction of the front surface 11a so as to be easily used according to the height (position in the ± Z direction) of the driver's seat of the passing vehicle A.

  The upper stage operation unit 12a and the lower stage operation unit 12b each have a banknote insertion slot 121 into which a banknote is inserted or returned, a coin insertion slot 123 into which a coin is inserted, and a change return slot 124 through which a coin is received. ing. Further, the upper operation unit 12a and the lower operation unit 12b are respectively a pass ticket insertion port 125 into which a pass ticket is inserted, a card insertion port 126 into which a credit card or the like is inserted, and a receipt issuance for receiving a receipt issuing instruction. It has a button 127, a receipt issuing port 128 for sending the receipt outward, and a receipt call button 129 for calling the receipt in the event of an abnormality.

The automatic fee collection / reception device 10 includes a display unit 15 and a notification unit 17.
The display unit 15 displays and notifies information related to fee collection (charge amount, vehicle type information, etc.) to the user boarding the vehicle A. On the front surface 11a of the housing 11, the display unit 15 is arranged side by side above the upper operation unit 12a in the height direction and above the lower operation unit 12b.
The notification unit 17 notifies the user boarding the vehicle A of information regarding toll collection by voice. The notification unit 17 is disposed corresponding to the upper operation unit 12 a on the front surface 11 a of the housing 11. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 17 is a speaker provided adjacent to the display unit 15.
In addition, the structure of the automatic toll collection machine 10 mentioned above is an example, Comprising: It is not limited to the above-mentioned content. The automatic toll collector 10 according to another embodiment may not be equipped with a part of each of the above-described components depending on the charging method adopted for each toll road or the environment of the toll booth installed. However, a configuration other than the above-described configurations may be further mounted.

Furthermore, the automatic toll collector 10 according to the present embodiment includes a photographing device 100.
The photographing apparatus 100 is provided integrally with the automatic fee collection device 10 and photographs a predetermined photographing range in front of the automatic fee collection device 10. The imaging apparatus 100 is provided mainly for presenting a handicap certificate, which is a certificate indicating that a discount for a handicapped person is eligible, to a monitor or a receipt person residing in a remote place. It has been. Specifically, the imaging device 100 captures a user's (driver of the vehicle A) himself / herself, which is a subject to be imaged in the vehicle A, as image data through a camera (imaging unit 101 described later), and The captured image data is transmitted to a monitoring board (not shown in FIG. 2) disposed in the remote place via wired or wireless communication. The receiver or the like confirms whether or not the discount for the physically disabled person can be applied by visually recognizing the image data displayed on the monitor of the monitoring panel. As a result, it is not necessary for the receipt member to visit and confirm directly with the user, so the burden of the fee collection work is reduced.

  The photographing apparatus 100 includes a photographing unit 101. The photographing unit 101 includes an upper stage photographing unit 101a and a lower stage photographing unit 101b. Both the upper-stage photographing unit 101a and the lower-stage photographing unit 101b are cameras having a predetermined range in front of the automatic toll collector 10 as a photographing range. The upper photographing unit 101a and the lower photographing unit 101b continuously output image data acquired by photographing to a monitoring panel installed at a remote place. That is, the state of the front of the automatic toll collector 10 is always displayed as a real-time image on the monitor of the monitoring panel.

The upper image capturing unit 101 a is disposed on the front surface 11 a of the housing 11 above the upper operation unit 12 a in the height direction. The lower photographing unit 101b is disposed above the lower operation unit 12b in the height direction. Thereby, the lower stage operation unit 12b sets a predetermined range on the lower side (−Z direction side) than the upper stage operation unit 12a as an imaging range. Thus, the upper stage photographing unit 101a and the lower stage photographing unit 101b are also provided side by side in the height direction of the front surface 11a so as to be easily used according to the height of the driver's seat of the passing vehicle A. Further, with this configuration, the imaging device 100 can capture an object to be captured in the vehicle A at least one of the upper imaging unit 101a and the lower imaging unit 101b even if the height of the driver's seat of the vehicle A is different. You can shoot clearly.
The upper photographing unit 101a and the lower photographing unit 101b are also used as an interphone camera when the user presses the receipt call button 129.

(Configuration of the photographing device)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the photographing unit according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the upper photographing unit 101a of the photographing unit 101 includes a condenser lens 102, a tilt driving unit 103a, a pan driving unit 103b, and a focus adjustment driving unit 103c. Note that the structure of the lower photographing unit 101b is the same as that of the upper photographing unit 101a, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The condenser lens 102 is fixed to a tilt driving unit 103a described later, and moves integrally with the tilt driving unit 103a.
The upper imaging unit 101 a generates image data based on external light incident through the condenser lens 102. The shooting range of the upper shooting unit 101a (the range captured as image data) is a range centered on the direction in which the optical axis R of the condenser lens 102 is directed. When the direction in which the optical axis R of the condensing lens 102 faces is changed by driving a tilt driving unit 103a and a pan driving unit 103b, which will be described later, the shooting range also changes with the change.

  The tilt driving unit 103a is rotatably provided in a pan driving unit 103b described later, and moves integrally with the pan driving unit 103b. The tilt driving unit 103a rotates so as to change the azimuth of the optical axis R of the condenser lens 102 in the height direction (tilt direction (± Z direction)) with reference to the front (+ Y direction) of the automatic toll receiver 10. Moving.

  The pan driving unit 103b is rotatably provided on the front surface 11a of the automatic toll collector 10. The pan driving unit 103b rotates so as to change the azimuth of the optical axis R of the condenser lens 102 in the lane direction (pan direction (± X direction)) with reference to the front of the automatic toll receiver 10. The upper stage photographing unit 101a can change the photographing range as desired by driving the tilt driving unit 103a and the pan driving unit 103b.

  The focus adjustment driving unit 103c changes the position of the condenser lens 102 in the optical axis R direction. The focus adjustment driving unit 103c is driven based on control by an autofocus control unit 106c described later, and changes the position of the condenser lens 102. As a result, the focus adjustment drive unit 103c realizes the autofocus function of the upper photographing unit 101a.

  As described above, the shooting unit 101 (upper shooting unit 101a, lower shooting unit 101b) can change the shooting range by installing the pan / tilt function, and also has the autofocus function. Focus adjustment is possible. Note that the configuration of the above-described upper imaging unit 101a (lower imaging unit 101b) is an example, and is not limited to the above-described content. The upper image capturing unit 101a according to another embodiment may have a pan / tilt function and an autofocus function realized in a manner different from the structure shown in FIG.

(Configuration of vehicle type identification device)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the vehicle type identification device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle type identification device 20 includes a vehicle detector 201, a tread board 202, a vehicle height detector 203, a vehicle length detector 204, and a license plate recognition device 205. In addition, the vehicle type identification device 20 acquires detection signals detected by the vehicle detector 201, the tread board 202, the vehicle height detector 203, the vehicle length detector 204, and the license plate recognition device 205, and detects the vehicle A that has passed. A vehicle format control unit 200 for specifying the vehicle type is provided.

While the vehicle A detected by the vehicle detector 201 is passing, the vehicle control unit 200 includes the vehicle A and other components (the step board 202, the vehicle height detector 203, the vehicle length detector 204). The various detection signals acquired through the license plate recognition device 205) are linked, the vehicle type of the vehicle A is specified from the various detection signals, and the vehicle type information is acquired.
The vehicle detector 201 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the approach of the vehicle A to the lane L by a light receiving sensor (not shown in FIG. 4) arranged in the height direction (± Z direction). The vehicle detector 201 outputs a detection signal that can detect the passage of each vehicle A when the vehicle A that has entered the lane L blocks light emitted from the light receiving sensor.
The tread board 202 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the number of axles of the vehicle A that has entered the lane L, the tire width, the tread (the distance between the centers of the left and right tires), and the position in the tire width direction. The tread board 202 is provided on the lane L road surface at the same position as the position where the vehicle detector 201 is installed in the lane direction (± X direction). The tread board 202 has a tread pressure sensor (not shown in FIG. 4) using an electrical contact inside, and the tread pressure position and the tread width in the lane width direction of the tread pressure by the vehicle A that has entered the lane L through the tread pressure sensor. A detection signal corresponding to is output.
A plurality of the pedal pressure sensors are also arranged in the lane direction. As a result, the tread board 202 outputs a detection signal that can determine whether the vehicle A is moving forward or backward.
The vehicle height detector 203 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the vehicle height of the vehicle A that has entered. The vehicle height detector 203 is provided above the vehicle detector 201. Similar to the vehicle detector 201, the vehicle height detector 203 outputs a detection signal that can detect the vehicle height of the vehicle A based on whether or not the light projected on the light receiving sensor is blocked.
The vehicle length detector 204 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the vehicle length of the vehicle A that has entered the lane L. The vehicle length detector 204 is provided on the downstream side of the vehicle detector 201 in the lane L. The detection signal corresponding to the vehicle length by the vehicle length detector 204 is mainly based on whether the vehicle control unit 200 determines whether the vehicle A is a light vehicle or any other vehicle (ordinary vehicle, medium-sized vehicle, large vehicle, extra large vehicle). Used to discriminate.
The license plate recognition device 205 captures a front image of the vehicle A including the license plate of the vehicle A and acquires the vehicle number information of the vehicle A in response to the vehicle detector 201 detecting the entry of the vehicle A.

  The above-described aspect of the vehicle type identification device 20 is an example, and the aspect as the vehicle type identification device is not limited to the above configuration. The vehicle type identification device 20 according to another embodiment may be a device that does not include a part of each configuration described above as necessary, or further includes a configuration other than each configuration described above. Also good.

(Functional configuration of imaging device, etc.)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the imaging apparatus and the like according to the first embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the photographing apparatus 100 includes a photographing unit 101 (upper photographing unit 101a and lower photographing unit 101b), a photographing control unit 104, and a storage unit 107.
As described above, the upper image capturing unit 101a and the lower image capturing unit 101b include a drive mechanism (tilt drive unit 103a, pan drive unit 103b, focus adjustment drive unit 103c, see FIG. 3), and a shooting range changing function. , Has auto focus function.
The imaging control unit 104 governs the overall operation of the imaging apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the imaging control unit 104 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and operates based on a program read into a predetermined storage area, thereby serving as the information acquisition unit 105 and the imaging condition change unit 106. Demonstrate the function.

The information acquisition unit 105 acquires information related to the position of the user's face, which is the object to be photographed of the vehicle A, based on the detection result of the vehicle type identification device 20. Here, in the present embodiment, “information related to the position of the user's face” is specifically “window position information” described below. The information acquisition unit 105 further includes a window position information acquisition unit 105a.
The window position information acquisition unit 105a acquires window position information indicating the position of the window of the vehicle A specified based on the detection result of the vehicle type identification device 20. Specifically, the window position information acquisition unit 105a inputs a detection signal acquired from the vehicle detector 201 of the vehicle type identification device 20, and specifies the window position for the vehicle A that passes through the window position information. To get.

The imaging condition changing unit 106 appropriately changes the imaging condition of the imaging unit 101 so that the user's face can be captured based on the window position information acquired by the information acquisition unit 105. Here, “capable of photographing” means that the photographing target (here, the user's face) is included in the photographing range as a subject by appropriately changing the photographing range of the photographing apparatus 100, and photographing. It means both that the target is included in the shooting range and the focus condition is further optimized so that the shooting target can be clearly captured. It means “capable of shooting”.
Specifically, the imaging condition changing unit 106 controls the driving of the tilt driving unit 103a and the pan driving unit 103b of the imaging unit 101, thereby changing the imaging range that is one of the imaging conditions of the imaging unit 101.
Note that the photographing condition changing unit 106 further includes a tilt control unit 106a, a pan control unit 106b, and an autofocus control unit 106c. The tilt control unit 106a controls driving of the tilt driving unit 103a of the photographing unit 101, and the pan control unit 106b controls driving of the pan driving unit 103b of the photographing unit 101. The autofocus control unit 106c controls the drive of the focus adjustment driving unit 103c of the photographing unit 101 to change the focus condition that is one of the photographing conditions, thereby realizing an autofocus function. The specific control means by the autofocus control unit 106c is realized by a known method. For example, the autofocus control unit 106c controls the drive of the focus adjustment driving unit 103c based on a contrast detection method that determines the position of the condenser lens 102 so that the contrast of the acquired image data is the highest.

  The storage unit 107 is a recording medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory. In the storage unit 107 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 105, various types of information necessary for control of the imaging condition change unit 106 are recorded.

  The automatic toll collector 10 has various functional configurations in addition to the photographing apparatus 100 in order to realize basic functions. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the automatic fee collection machine 10 includes a fee collection processing unit 18 that receives bills and credit cards from a user and performs fee collection processing.

(Function of window position information acquisition unit)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the vehicle detector according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the function of the window position information acquisition unit according to the first embodiment.
The operation of the window position information acquisition unit 105a of the photographing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, the operation of the vehicle detector 201 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, illustration of various devices other than the vehicle detector 201 of the vehicle type identification device 20 is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle detector 201 includes a light projecting tower 201a and a light receiving tower 201b.
The light projecting tower 201a and the light receiving tower 201b are installed at the same position in the lane direction and on different sides of the both sides of the lane L (the side on the + Y direction side or the side on the −Y direction side). The light projecting tower 201a and the light receiving tower 201b are formed in a rectangular shape extending in the height direction and have surfaces facing each other. On the surface of the light projecting tower 201a that faces the light receiving tower 201b, there are a plurality of light projectors S1 that project a light beam P (for example, infrared light) of a predetermined wavelength toward the light receiving tower 201b at equal intervals in the height direction. Has been placed. On the other hand, on the surface of the light receiving tower 201b facing the light projecting tower 201a, a plurality of light receiving sensors S2 for detecting the reception of the light beam P projected by the light projector S1 are arranged at equal intervals in the height direction. Each light receiving sensor S2 is provided to correspond to each projector S1 on a one-to-one basis. Each light receiving sensor S2 always outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not the light P is received from the corresponding projector S1.
According to the vehicle detector 201 having the above configuration, when the vehicle A exists at the same position in the lane direction as the light projecting tower 201a and the light receiving tower 201b, the vehicle A of the vehicle A extends over a predetermined range in the height direction. The light beam P from the projector S1 to the light receiving sensor S2 is blocked (see FIG. 6).

Next, processing for specifying the position of the window of the vehicle A based on the detection signal input from the light receiving sensor S2 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 shows a correspondence relationship between the vehicle body shape (side surface shape) of the vehicle A and the light blocking state of the optical axis P. As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle detector 201 includes a light receiving sensor S <b> 2 that outputs information PL indicating a light shielding state as the vehicle A passes and information PH indicating a state where the light is not shielded (non-light shielding state). There is a light receiving sensor S2 to output. As shown in FIG. 7, even in a region where a part of the vehicle body of the vehicle A is present, the light receiving sensor S2 corresponding to the position of the window through which the optical axis R can pass is in a non-light-shielding state.
The window position information acquisition unit 105a sequentially stores, in a predetermined storage area (for example, the storage unit 107), light shielding information PL and non-light shielding information PH that change with the passage of the vehicle A. Thereby, the window position information acquisition part 105a can catch the side surface shape of the vehicle A like a silhouette.

  The window position information acquisition unit 105a acquires information indicating the vehicle height La of the vehicle A by tracing the uppermost position and the lowermost position of the region to which the light receiving sensor S2 that outputs the light blocking information PL belongs. Further, the window position information acquisition unit 105a distributes the light receiving sensor S2 that outputs the non-light-blocking information PH among the light-receiving sensors S2 that belong to the range from the top to the bottom of the light-receiving sensor S2 that outputs the light-blocking information PL. Information indicating the area occupied by the window in the height direction of the vehicle body (window area Lw) is acquired from the pattern. Thereby, the position of the window in the height direction of the vehicle A, that is, the position of the face of the driver sitting in the driver's seat can be specified.

In addition, the window position information acquisition unit 105a calculates a representative value indicating the position of the window in the height direction based on the window region Lw acquired with the passage of one vehicle A, and uses this as window position information. get. Here, the “representative value indicating the position of the window in the height direction” is, for example, the center position of the window region Lw in the height direction acquired during the passage of one vehicle A (“Lwc” shown in FIG. 8). ). That is, the window position information acquisition unit 105a acquires the center position Lwc of the window region Lw in the height direction as a representative value of the window position of the vehicle A. Further, the window region Lw in the height direction usually changes with the passage of time while the vehicle A is passing. Therefore, the window position information acquisition unit 105a may acquire the center position Lwc as a representative value when the width in the height direction of the window region Lw is maximized while passing through the vehicle A.
As described above, the window position information acquisition unit 105a according to the present embodiment acquires window position information (center position Lwc) indicating the window position of each vehicle A that passes.

(Function of shooting condition change part)
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the function of the photographing condition changing unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8A shows the case where the vehicle A which is a “normal vehicle” stops in front of the automatic toll collector 10, and FIG. 8B shows the case where the vehicle A which is a “large vehicle” (large truck) The case where it stops ahead of the automatic receiver 10 is shown.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the imaging condition changing unit 106 changes the imaging range of the imaging unit 101 in the tilt direction based on the window position information acquired by the window position information acquisition unit 105a (the optical axis R is changed). Move it up or down). Specifically, the tilt control unit 106a is information (height Lma, Lmb) indicating the height from the road surface of the lane L of each of the upper shooting unit 101a and the lower shooting unit 101b recorded in advance in the storage unit 107 or the like. And the window position information (center position Lwc) of the vehicle A acquired by the window position information acquisition unit 105a. When the height of the center position Lwc is higher than the heights Lma and Lmb of the upper imaging unit 101a and the lower imaging unit 101b, the tilt control unit 106a drives each tilt driving unit 103a (FIG. 3). Then, the photographing range (the direction of the optical axis R of the condensing lens 102) is moved upward (+ Z direction side). When the height of the center position Lwc is lower than the heights Lma and Lmb of the upper-stage photographing unit 101a and the lower-stage photographing unit 101b, the tilt control unit 106a drives the respective tilt driving units 103a to take a photographing range. Is moved downward (−Z direction side).
The amount by which the tilt control unit 106a moves the imaging range of the upper imaging unit 101a upward or downward (tilt angle θa) may be an amount corresponding to the height direction difference (Lma−Lwc). That is, the tilt control unit 106a sets the tilt angle θa to be larger as the difference in the height direction (Lma−Lwc) between the position of the window of the vehicle A and the position of the upper photographing unit 101a increases. The smaller the difference is, the smaller the tilt angle θa is set and the shooting range is changed. The same control is performed for the amount (tilt angle θb) for moving the imaging range of the lower imaging unit 101b.
In the example shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the tilt control unit 106a has tilt angles θa and θb that satisfy tan θa = (Lma−Lwc) / W and tan θb = (Lmb−Lwc) / W. Are calculated, and the tilt driving unit 103a of each of the upper photographing unit 101a and the lower photographing unit 101b is driven based on the calculated tilt angles θa and θb. Here, the predetermined width W is a general value (for example, 50 cm) of the distance between the user (the driver of the vehicle A) who performs the fee collection process and the automatic fee collection device 10.

(Function and effect)
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the position of the window in the height direction (window region Lw) differs between when the vehicle A is a “normal vehicle” and when it is a “large vehicle”. However, according to the photographing condition changing unit 106 according to the first embodiment, in any case, the photographing unit 101 is configured such that the window position (window region Lw) of the vehicle A is included in the photographing range. The shooting range is changed in the tilt direction. In general, the position of the window of the vehicle A and the position of the face of the user (the driver of the vehicle A) correspond to each other, so that the user's face is easily included in the photographing range of the photographing unit 101. Then, it becomes easy for a receipt person or the like resident in a remote place to visually recognize the user's face through the photographing apparatus 100, and a fee collection procedure that requires confirmation of the photographing object (user's face) in the vehicle, that is, a physical disability Can facilitate procedures for applying discounts for employees. Such smoothing of procedures shortens the service time (the average time required for one vehicle to pass through the toll collection facility 1), and contributes to alleviation of traffic congestion.

  In addition, the photographing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured integrally with the automatic charge receiver 10. Thereby, the user can present the user's own face and certificate at the same time through the device for performing toll collection processing (automatic toll collector 10), so the convenience of the toll collector 10 is improved. Can be made.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
The imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment may further include the following functions.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus and the like according to a modification example of the first embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the information acquisition unit 105 of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present modification further includes a vehicle type information acquisition unit 105b. The vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type of the vehicle A specified based on the detection result of the vehicle type determination device 20 is acquired. Note that the “vehicle type information” in the present modification is also included in the “information related to the position of the user's face”.
The vehicle type information acquisition unit 105b acquires vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type of the vehicle A specified based on the detection result of the vehicle type identification device 20. Specifically, the window position information acquisition unit 105a acquires the vehicle type information about the vehicle A by inputting the vehicle type determination result by the vehicle size control unit 200 as it is.

  Based on the window position information and the vehicle type information acquired by the information acquisition unit 105, the shooting condition change unit 106 appropriately changes the shooting conditions of the shooting unit 101 so that the user's face can be clearly shot. Specifically, the tilt control unit 106a according to the present modification changes the shooting range in the tilt direction based on the window position information described above and the vehicle type information acquired by the vehicle type information acquisition unit 105b.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the function of the imaging condition changing unit according to the modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 10A shows the positional relationship between the window position (window region Lw) of the vehicle A, which is a “normal vehicle”, and the position of the face of the driver α driving the vehicle A. FIG. 10B shows the positional relationship between the position of the window of the vehicle A (window region Lw) which is a large bus (“extra-large vehicle”) and the position of the face of the driver α driving the vehicle A. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, when the vehicle A is an “ordinary vehicle”, the position of the face of the driver α is generally close to the upper end side (the end on the + Z direction side) of the window region Lw. Exists. On the other hand, when the vehicle A is a large bus, the face position of the driver α generally exists at a position close to the lower end side (the end portion on the −Z direction side) of the window region Lw. In consideration of such circumstances, the tilt control unit 106a controls the drive of the tilt driving unit 103a so that an appropriate region corresponding to the vehicle type information acquired by the information acquisition unit 105 is included in the imaging range.

For example, when the vehicle type information acquired by the vehicle type information acquisition unit 105b is “ordinary vehicle”, the tilt control unit 106a according to this modification is located above the center position Lwc of the window region Lw (for example, the center The tilt angles θa and θb are set so that the intermediate point between the position Lwc and the upper end of the window area Lw is reflected in the center of the shooting range. By doing so, the position of the face of the driver α who drives the vehicle A which is a “normal vehicle” can be easily reflected in the center of the shooting range.
In addition, when the vehicle type information acquired by the vehicle type information acquisition unit 105b is an “extra large vehicle” to which a large bus as shown in FIG. 10B corresponds, the tilt control unit 106a determines the center of the window region Lw. The tilt angles θa and θb are set so that the lower side than the position Lwc (for example, the midpoint between the center position Lwc and the lower end of the window area Lw) is projected at the center of the shooting range. In this way, even if the vehicle A is a large bus, the position of the face of the driver α who drives the large bus is easily reflected in the center of the shooting range.

According to the first embodiment, as described above, the tilt control unit 106a sets the tilt angles θa and θb so that the center position Lwc of the window region Lw is near the center of the imaging range. However, in all the vehicles A, the driver's face is not necessarily located in the vicinity of the center position Lwc of the window region Lw, and the user's face may be out of the shooting range depending on the vehicle body shape according to the vehicle type of the vehicle A. It is assumed that
On the other hand, the tilt control unit 106a according to the present modified example determines in which range the position of the driver's face is located with respect to the window region Lw in the height direction (for example, near the upper end of the window region Lw or the lower end). The vicinity is estimated based on the vehicle type information of the vehicle A. The tilt control unit 106a then tilts the angle θa so as to include a range (near the upper end or the lower end of the window region Lw) where the driver's face is estimated for each identified vehicle type near the center of the shooting range. , Θb are set.
Thereby, the tilt angles θa and θb are set according to the relative positional relationship between the position of the window (window region Lw) and the position of the user's face, which is estimated for the vehicle type of the vehicle A. Are more likely to be included in the shooting range of the shooting unit 101.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus or the like according to another modification of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the toll collection facility 1 has a monitoring panel 50 that is used for confirming the images taken by the tolls and the like through the photographing apparatus 100. The monitoring panel 50 is provided in a remote place away from the automatic toll collector 10.
The monitoring panel 50 includes a manual adjustment unit 501 and a video switching unit 502.
The manual adjustment unit 501 captures imaging conditions (for example, set values of the tilt angle θ and the pan angle φ corresponding to the imaging range, etc.) input by a receiver or the like via a predetermined input interface (such as a mouse or a keyboard, not shown). ) Is output to the imaging condition changing unit 106 of the imaging apparatus 100.

The tilt control unit 106a of the imaging condition changing unit 106 according to the present modification changes the tilt angle θ of the imaging unit 101 according to the set value of the tilt angle θ that is one of the imaging conditions input from the manual adjustment unit 501. To do. In addition, the pan control unit 106b changes the pan angle φ of the photographing unit 101 according to the setting value of the pan angle φ that is one of the photographing conditions input from the manual adjustment unit 501.
Thus, the receiver or the like can change the photographing range in the tilt direction and the pan direction as desired while visually checking the monitor of the monitoring panel 50. Thus, for example, if the shooting range is adjusted based on the window position information or the vehicle type information, but the user's face is difficult to see, The receiver can manually change the shooting range so that the face, certificate, etc. can be clearly seen.

In addition, the video switching unit 502 is acquired by the monitor (not shown) of the monitoring panel 50 according to the selection operation of the receiver or the like, by the image data acquired by the upper imaging unit 101a or by the lower imaging unit 101b. Which image data to display is selected.
As a result, the receiver or the like can select and check the video that is easier to check the user's face, certificate, etc. from the two videos taken from different positions.

  In addition, according to the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment (and the modification) described above, the upper imaging unit 101a and the lower imaging unit 101b arranged side by side in the height direction on the front surface 11a of the automatic toll receiver 10. Both have been described as being controlled so as to include the window area Lw of the vehicle A in the imaging range, but in other embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. For example, in the imaging device 100 according to another embodiment, only one of the upper imaging unit 101a and the lower imaging unit 101b may be controlled to include the window area Lw of the vehicle A in the imaging range. For example, when the vehicle type of the vehicle A based on the acquired vehicle type information is “large vehicle”, “extra large vehicle” or the like (that is, a vehicle type that uses the upper imaging unit 101a), the tilt control unit 106a Only the tilt driving unit 103a of the photographing unit 101a may be driven and controlled. Further, the tilt control unit 106a, when the vehicle type of the vehicle A based on the acquired vehicle type information is “ordinary vehicle”, “light vehicle” or the like (that is, a vehicle type that uses the lower imaging unit 101b), Only the tilt driving unit 103a of the photographing unit 101b may be driven and controlled.

  In the imaging apparatus 100 according to another embodiment, cameras (imaging units) other than the upper imaging unit 101a and the lower imaging unit 101b arranged on the front surface 11a of the automatic toll receiver 10 may be subject to drive control. For example, the tilt control unit 106a according to another embodiment is installed in a toll collection facility for a left handle in the toll collection facility 1 (on an island on a different side from the island I in which the toll collection device 10 is installed). In the case where a toll collector is installed, the photographing unit arranged in the toll collector for the left handle may be the target of drive control.

<Second Embodiment>
(overall structure)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a fee collection facility according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the fee collection facility 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a second tread plate 206 in addition to the fee collection facility 1 (FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment.
The second tread plate 206 has a functional configuration equivalent to that of the tread plate 202 of the vehicle type identification device 20. The second tread plate 206 is installed downstream of the vehicle type identification device 20 and upstream of the automatic toll collector 10. The distance in the lane direction from the tread 202 to the second tread 206 of the vehicle type identification device 20 is a distance D1.

(Functional configuration of imaging device, etc.)
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus and the like according to the second embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the information acquisition unit 105 of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment includes a stop position information acquisition unit 105 c and a relative distance information acquisition unit 105 d.
The stop position information acquisition unit 105c acquires stop position information indicating the estimation result of the stop position of the vehicle A calculated based on the detection result of the vehicle type identification device 20.
The relative distance information acquisition unit 105d acquires relative distance information indicating a relative distance in the lane direction between the axle (for example, the front wheel axle) of the vehicle A and the window, which is calculated based on the detection result of the vehicle type identification device 20.
The “stop position information” and the “relative distance information” in the present embodiment are also included in the “information related to the position of the user's face”.

(Function of the stop position information acquisition unit)
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the function of the stop position information acquisition unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 14A schematically shows the structure of the tread board 202. As shown in FIG. 14 (a), the tread plate 202 has tread pressure sensors T1 to T4 using electric contacts therein. The stepping pressure sensors T1 to T4 output detection signals corresponding to whether or not the stepping pressure sensors T1 to T4 are stepped on by the tire of the vehicle A that has entered the lane L. The pedal pressure sensors T1 to T4 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side (−X direction side) to the downstream side (+ X direction side) in the lane direction. Accordingly, when the vehicle A passes over the tread plate 202, the stepping pressure sensors T1 to T4 are stepped on in order of the stepping pressure sensors T1, T2, T3, and T4 in accordance with the movement of the tire of the vehicle A that moves in the vehicle traveling direction. . In addition, let the space | interval of the lane direction of the tread pressure sensor T1 and the tread pressure sensor T4 be the space | interval (DELTA) M.

The stop position information acquisition unit 105c calculates the time difference Δt1 between the input of the step pressure signal TH1 output when the step pressure sensor T1 of the step plate 202 is stepped on and the step pressure signal TH4 output when the step pressure sensor T4 of the step plate 202 is stepped on. The speed v1 of the vehicle A that passes through the tread board 202 is calculated with reference to the interval ΔM that is acquired and acquired in advance (v1 = ΔM / Δt1).
Similarly, the stop position information acquisition unit 105c includes a step pressure signal TH1 output when the step pressure sensor T1 of the second tread plate 206 is stepped on, and a step pressure signal TH4 output when the step pressure sensor T4 of the second step plate 206 is stepped on. The time difference Δt2 of the inputs is acquired, and the speed v2 of the vehicle A that has passed over the second tread 206 is calculated with reference to the interval ΔM (v2 = ΔM / Δt2).

FIG. 14B is a graph illustrating a process for estimating the stop position of the vehicle A by the stop position information acquisition unit 105c.
The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 14B indicates the position in the lane direction. The position O1 shown on the horizontal axis corresponds to the position in the lane direction of the tread 202 of the vehicle type identification device 20, and the position O2 corresponds to the position in the lane direction of the second tread 206. The distance from the position O1 to the position O2 is the distance D1. Moreover, the vertical axis | shaft of the graph shown in FIG.14 (b) has shown the speed of the vehicle A in each position of a lane direction.

The stop position information acquisition unit 105c acquires the speed v1 at the position O1 and the speed v2 at the position O2 on the lane L based on the detection signals input from the tread board 202 and the second tread board 206. Here, the position information acquisition unit 105c calculates a position O3 at which the speed of the vehicle A traveling at the speed O1 at the position O1 and at the speed v2 (<v1) at the position O2 is 0 (zero). Specifically, the position information acquisition unit 105c calculates D2 = v1 · D1 / (v1−v2) assuming that the vehicle A decelerates at a constant acceleration on the lane L. Here, the distance D2 is a distance from the position O1 to the position O3.
In this way, the stop position information acquisition unit 105c acquires stop position information indicating the stop position (position O3) of the vehicle A on the lane L. Since the position O3 is calculated based on detection signals from the tread board 202 and the second tread board 206, it corresponds to the position of the first axis (front wheel axle) when the vehicle A stops.

(Function of the relative distance report acquisition unit)
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the function of the relative distance information acquisition unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 15A shows the relative distance ΔG in the lane direction between the position G1 of the front wheel axle of the vehicle A, which is a “normal vehicle”, and the position G2 of the window of the vehicle A. FIG. 15B shows a relative distance ΔG in the lane direction between the position G1 of the front wheel axle of the vehicle A, which is a large bus (“extra large vehicle”), and the position G2 of the window of the vehicle A.

As shown in FIG. 15A, in the case of the vehicle A which is a “normal vehicle”, the window position G2 is located upstream of the front wheel axle position G1 in the lane direction. On the other hand, in the case of the vehicle A, which is a large bus, the window position G2 is located downstream of the front wheel axle position G1 in the lane direction. Thus, the relative distance ΔG in the lane direction between the front wheel axle position G1 and the window position G2 differs depending on the vehicle type and vehicle body shape of the vehicle A.
The relative distance information acquisition unit 105d receives the detection signal input from the vehicle detector 201, which is the acquisition source of the window position information (the center position Lwc of the window region Lw), and the detection signal ( A time difference Δt from the timing at which the input of the (stepping pressure signal) is received is acquired. This time difference Δt indicates the time difference between the time when the window position of the vehicle A reaches the vehicle detector 201 and the time when the front wheel axle of the vehicle A reaches the tread 202. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle detector 201 and the tread board 202 are disposed at the same position in the lane direction. Therefore, the distance that the vehicle A has moved during the time difference Δt is the relative distance ΔG between the front wheel axle position G1 unique to the vehicle A and the window position G2.
Specifically, the relative distance information acquisition unit 105d acquires the input time difference Δt1 between the stepping pressure signal TH1 from the treadboard 202 and the stepping pressure signal TH4, and calculates the speed v1 of the vehicle A (v1 = ΔM / Δt1). Further, the relative distance information acquisition unit 105d calculates a relative distance ΔG between the front wheel axle position G1 of the vehicle A and the window position G2 based on the time difference Δt and the speed v1 (ΔG = Δt · v1).

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the function of the imaging condition changing unit according to the second embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, the imaging condition changing unit 106 performs imaging of the imaging unit 101 based on the stop position information acquired by the stop position information acquisition unit 105c and the relative distance information acquired by the relative distance information acquisition unit 105d. The range is changed in the pan direction (moving the optical axis R to the left or right). Specifically, the pan control unit 106b includes information (reference position Q) indicating the positions of the upper shooting unit 101a and the lower shooting unit 101b in the lane direction recorded in advance in the storage unit 107 and the lane of the stopped vehicle A. The window position O3 ′ in the direction is compared. Here, the position of the window in the lane direction of the stopped vehicle A is a position shifted from the position O3 of the axle of the front wheel of the vehicle A to the upstream side (downstream side depending on the vehicle type and the vehicle body shape) by a relative distance ΔG (O3 ′ = O3 + ΔG). The relative distance ΔG takes a positive value when the position of the window in the vehicle A is shifted to the downstream side with respect to the front wheel axle, and takes a negative value when the window position is shifted to the upstream side.

Specifically, when the position of the window position O3 ′ is on the downstream side of the reference position Q of the upper shooting unit 101a and the lower shooting unit 101b, the pan control unit 106b includes the upper shooting unit 101a and the lower shooting unit 101b. The pan driving unit 103b (FIG. 3) of the photographing unit 101b is driven to move the photographing range (the direction of the optical axis R of the condenser lens 102 (FIG. 3)) to the downstream side (+ X direction side). In addition, the pan control unit 106b is configured to display the pan control unit 106b when the window position O3 ′ is on the upstream side of the reference position Q of the upper and lower image capturing units 101a and 101b. 103b is driven to move the imaging range upstream (−X direction side).
In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, the pan control unit 106b calculates a pan angle φ that satisfies tan φ = (Q−O3 ′) / W, and based on the calculated pan angle φ, the upper photographing unit 101a. Then, the pan driving unit 103b of each of the lower photographing units 101b is driven.

(Function and effect)
Normally, the vehicle A stops near the front of the automatic toll collector 10 in order to perform toll collection processing. However, the stop position of the vehicle A in the lane direction with respect to the automatic toll collector 10 varies little by little depending on the vehicle. Therefore, when the shooting range of the shooting unit 101 is fixed, the user's face may not be included in the shooting range depending on the stop position of the vehicle, or the receiver may not be able to identify the user's face. is assumed.
However, according to the shooting condition changing unit 106 according to the second embodiment, the shooting of the shooting unit 101 is performed so that the position of the window of the vehicle A is included in the shooting range regardless of the stop position of the vehicle A. The range is changed in the pan direction. As described above, the imaging condition changing unit 106 determines the stop position for each vehicle A based on the prediction result (stop position information) and the relative distance (relative distance information) between the axle and the window. Determine the set value. Accordingly, the pan angle φ is adjusted so that the position of the window of the vehicle A in the lane direction is included in the shooting range of the shooting unit 101. Accordingly, it becomes easier for a receiver or the like residing in a remote place to clearly see the user's face clearly through the photographing apparatus 100, and the procedure for applying a discount for the physically disabled can be facilitated.

  Further, the position of the subject to be photographed (the user's face) of the vehicle A with respect to the front wheel axle of the vehicle A differs depending on the vehicle body shape unique to the vehicle. Therefore, the position in the lane direction of the user's face in the stopped vehicle A cannot be accurately estimated only by calculating the stop position of the vehicle A based on the front wheel axle. However, according to the photographing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the relative position information acquisition unit 105d determines the relative distance between the front wheel axle of the vehicle A and the window position for each vehicle. Then, when the stop position of the vehicle A is estimated based on the front wheel axle by the stop position information acquisition unit 105c, the pan control unit 106b uses the position of the window of the vehicle A based on the position of the front wheel axle at the stop position. Is calculated based on the relative distance information. Therefore, the pan control unit 106b can more accurately estimate the position of the user's face in the lane direction, improve the accuracy of adjustment of the shooting range in the pan direction, and the user's face is further within the shooting range. It becomes easy to be included.

Note that the imaging condition changing unit 106 according to the above-described second embodiment has been described as the pan control unit 106b driving the pan driving unit 103b so as to match the window position O3 ′ when the vehicle A is stopped. However, other embodiments are not limited to such a mode. For example, the imaging device 100 according to another embodiment may include a voice guide unit in addition to the imaging condition changing unit 106 described above.
The voice guide unit according to the other embodiment estimates the window position O3 ′ when the vehicle A is stopped based on detection signals (step pressure signals T1 and T4) input from the step board 202 and the second tread board 206. (Processing equivalent to the pan control unit 106b). When the estimated window position O3 ′ is on the upstream side of the reference position Q, the voice guide unit notifies the vehicle A of the speed through the notification unit 17 (FIG. 2). A voice of an instruction (for example, “continue slowing down” or the like) is output to guide the stop position of the vehicle A to be further downstream.
Similarly, when the estimated window position O3 ′ is on the downstream side of the reference position Q, the voice guide unit speeds down the vehicle A earlier through the notification unit 17 (FIG. 2). The voice of the instruction | indication (for example, "Please reduce speed" etc.) is output, and it guides so that the stop position of the vehicle A may come to a more upstream side.
In this manner, the voice guide unit guides the vehicle A to be stopped by voice so that the shooting target (user's face) stops at a position within the shooting range of the shooting unit 101. This makes it easy for the receiver and the like to clearly see the user's face clearly without the need to adjust the pan angle φ of the photographing unit 101 by the pan control unit 106b.

In addition, the tilt control unit 106a according to the second embodiment may have the adjustment function described in the first embodiment or its modification. Thereby, both the adjustment of the tilt direction and the adjustment of the pan direction of the photographing unit 101 are performed in accordance with the characteristics of the vehicle A, so that the face of the driver of the vehicle A is more easily included in the photographing range.
In addition, all of the modifications described in the first embodiment (manual operation by a receiptant or the like) are all applicable to the second embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>
(Functional configuration of imaging device, etc.)
Next, a photographing apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus and the like according to the third embodiment.
The imaging apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment automatically determines whether the autofocus control unit 106c sets the autofocus function to “valid” or “invalid” based on information acquired by the information acquisition unit 105 or the like. It is different from other embodiments in that it is determined automatically.
The autofocus control unit 106c according to the third embodiment changes the autofocus function of the photographing unit 101 from “invalid” to “valid” after it is determined that the vehicle A is included in the photographing range of the photographing unit 101. Start focus adjustment. In addition, the autofocus control unit 106c changes the autofocus function from “valid” to “invalid” before the vehicle A leaves the shooting range of the shooting unit 101, and ends the focus adjustment.

  Further, the fee collection processing unit 18 of the automatic fee collection device 10 according to the present embodiment outputs a fee collection completion notification signal for notifying that the user has completed the fee collection processing to the photographing condition changing unit 106.

(Function of autofocus control unit)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of the autofocus control unit according to the third embodiment.
First, the autofocus control unit 106c acquires an estimated stop time of the vehicle A (step S01). Here, the “estimated stop time” is the time tO3 when the vehicle A stops at the position O3 on the lane L. The stop position information acquisition unit 105c according to the present embodiment estimates the time tO3 at which the vehicle A stops at the position O3 along with the estimation of the stop position (position O3) of the vehicle A. The stop position information acquisition unit 105c outputs the estimated stop time (time tO3) as stop time information to the autofocus control unit 106c. The “stop time information” is also included in the “information related to the position of the user's face”. At time tO3, when it is assumed that the distance ΔO from the position O2 to the position O3 travels with a constant acceleration motion from the initial speed v2 to zero speed (see FIG. 14B), tO3 = 2 × ΔO / v2 + tO2 It can be calculated. Here, the time at which the position O2 is reached is time tO2. Thereby, the autofocus control unit 106c acquires the estimated stop time (time tO3) of the vehicle A.

  Next, the autofocus control unit 106c determines whether or not to start the autofocus adjustment based on stop time information indicating a time tO3 (the estimated stop time of the vehicle A) at which the vehicle A stops at the position O3. Specifically, the autofocus control unit 106c determines whether or not the time tO3 has elapsed (step S02). When the time tO3 has not elapsed (step S02: NO), the autofocus control unit 106c stands by until the time tO3 has elapsed, and when the time tO3 has elapsed (step S02: YES) The function is switched from “invalid” to “valid”, and autofocus adjustment is started (step S03).

  When the autofocus function becomes “valid”, the autofocus control unit 106c drives the focus adjustment drive unit 103c so that the object to be photographed in the vehicle A is in focus (step S04). At this time, the autofocus control unit 106c may drive the focus adjustment drive unit 103c based on a known autofocus control method that is generally used.

Next, the autofocus control unit 106c determines whether or not the fee collection processing for the user is completed (step S05). Specifically, the autofocus control unit 106c determines whether or not the fee collection processing is completed based on the fee collection completion notification signal input from the fee collection processing unit 18 (FIG. 17). If it is determined that the fee collection process has not been completed (step S05: NO), the autofocus control unit 106c stands by with the autofocus function being “valid”. If it is determined that the toll collection process has been completed (step S05: YES), the autofocus control unit 106c switches the autofocus function from “valid” to “invalid” and ends the autofocus adjustment (step S06). .
Thus, the autofocus control unit 106c ends a series of processes for the vehicle A. The process flow (step S01 to step S06) of the autofocus control unit 106c is executed each time a new vehicle A is detected.

(Function and effect)
In general, the autofocus function is realized by adjusting the position of the condensing lens 102 (FIG. 3) in the optical axis direction in accordance with the interval between the photographing unit 101 and the photographing object. However, if the object to be photographed does not exist within the photographing range of the photographing unit 101 and the autofocus function remains “valid”, the autofocus control unit 106c does not have a subject to be photographed nearby. Will try to focus on. As a result, the position of the condensing lens 102 in the optical axis direction is significantly changed from the position where the object to be photographed is focused. In such a state, when focusing again on the object to be photographed that has entered the photographing range, the position of the condenser lens 102 must be significantly changed again until the object to be photographed is in focus. Takes time.

However, the autofocus control unit 106c according to the present embodiment has passed the estimated stop time tO3 of the vehicle A after it is determined that the vehicle A is included in the shooting range of the shooting unit 101 by the above processing flow. Immediately after that, focus adjustment is started. Further, the autofocus control unit 106c ends the focus adjustment before the vehicle A leaves the shooting range of the shooting unit 101, that is, immediately after the fee collection process is completed.
By doing so, the autofocus function is always set to “invalid” in the time zone when the vehicle A is not included in the shooting range, so the autofocus control unit 106c focuses on “infinitely far”. Nothing will happen. Then, when the vehicle A enters, the time until the vehicle A is focused by the autofocus function is shortened. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for a receiver or the like residing in a remote place to clearly see the user's face through the photographing apparatus 100, and to facilitate a procedure for applying a discount for a disabled person. Can do.

Note that the imaging apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment can be modified as follows.
For example, the fee collection processing unit 18 according to the modification of the third embodiment outputs a fee collection start notification signal to the autofocus control unit 106c when receiving an operation from the user. The autofocus control unit 106c may switch the autofocus function from “invalid” to “valid” immediately after receiving the input of the toll collection start notification signal. Even in this way, the focus adjustment is started after the vehicle A is included in the imaging range of the imaging unit 101.

In addition, the imaging apparatus 100 according to another modification may determine whether or not the vehicle A is included in the imaging range based on image analysis on image data acquired through the imaging unit 101. In this case, it is assumed that the imaging apparatus 100 according to the modification includes an image data analysis unit that analyzes the image data. The storage unit 107 stores in advance reference image data Uref acquired through the imaging unit 101 when the vehicle A is not included in the imaging range. The image data analysis unit compares the current image data U sequentially acquired through the photographing unit 101 with the reference image data Uref that does not include the vehicle A, and the difference between the current image data U and the reference image data Uref. When the degree exceeds a predetermined determination threshold, it is determined that the vehicle A is included in the shooting range. Even in this way, the focus adjustment is started after the vehicle A is included in the imaging range of the imaging unit 101.
The method for obtaining “the degree of difference between the current image data U and the reference image data Uref” is, for example, pixel data (generally, red, green, blue) of each pixel constituting each of the current image data U and the reference image data Uref. Determination may be made by comparing the total sum of differences for each pixel data with a predetermined determination threshold value. In addition, various means for calculating the degree of difference between two image data can be applied to the processing of the image data analysis unit.

<Fourth Embodiment>
(Functional configuration of imaging device, etc.)
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus and the like according to the fourth embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 19, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment further includes an image data analysis unit 108 and an image data holding unit 109.
The image data analysis unit 108 analyzes and acquires the contrast of the image data acquired through the photographing unit 101. Further, as a result of analysis by the image data analysis unit 108, when the contrast of the acquired image data is equal to or higher than a predetermined determination threshold, the image data is held.

(Function of image data holding unit)
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the function of the image data holding unit according to the fourth embodiment.
The graphs shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B are histograms of the density of each pixel constituting the image data acquired through the imaging unit 101 when the user presents a certificate (such as a handicap certificate for the disabled). Is shown.
More specifically, the certificate is generally printed in black on white paper. Therefore, image data acquired when the certificate is presented so as to be included in the entire imaging range of the imaging unit 101 mainly includes pixel data corresponding to “white”, pixel data corresponding to “black”, Consists of. Accordingly, the histogram of the density of the image data acquired when the user presents the certificate includes a group Eb of pixel data corresponding to “black” and a group Ew of pixel data corresponding to “white”. ,have. At this time, the density difference between the density Bb that gives the peak value of the histogram of the pixels belonging to the group Eb and the density Bw that gives the peak value of the histogram of the pixels belonging to the group Ew becomes the contrast of the image data.
The image data analysis unit 108 acquires contrasts C1 and C2 as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B for the acquired image data.

  In the image data holding unit 109 according to the present embodiment, the histogram based on the analysis result of the image data analysis unit 108 has two peaks, that is, the group Eb in which the pixels constituting the image data correspond to “black”, By detecting that the certificate is roughly classified into the group Ew corresponding to “white”, it is determined that the certificate is presented by the user, and the following processing is performed.

As shown in FIG. 20A, when the contrast C1 of certain image data U1 is smaller than a predetermined determination threshold value Cth, the image data holding unit 109 displays the contents of the certificate by visually recognizing the receiver. It is determined that the image data cannot be read, and the image data holding unit 109 does not hold (hold) the image data U1. In this case, the photographing unit 101 continuously outputs image data acquired by photographing to a monitoring board installed at a remote place. Therefore, it is displayed as a real-time image on the monitoring board.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the contrast C2 of certain image data U2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold Cth, the image data holding unit 109 displays the contents of the certificate by visually recognizing the receiver. The image data holding unit 109 holds (holds) the image data U2. In this case, the photographing unit 101 outputs the image data U2 held by the image data holding unit 109 to the monitoring board. As a result, the image data U2 is displayed as a still image on the monitoring board.
Note that the determination threshold Cth is a numerical value that is empirically obtained, for example, and is a lower limit value of contrast that allows a person who visually recognizes the image data (acceptor, etc.) to be able to read the content displayed in the image data. Is set.

(Function and effect)
When the user presents the certificate in front of the imaging unit 101, the imaging unit 101 normally outputs image data that is always acquired to the monitoring board. Accordingly, the receipt person or the like must determine whether or not the discount is applied based on the image data (video) that is constantly updated on the monitoring board. If it takes a long time to understand the contents of the certificate, such as when the image data displayed by the user's hand movement (hand shake) or environmental conditions (such as “wind”) is not stable. There is.
However, according to the imaging device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the image data analysis unit 108 grasps the contrast of the image data, and the image data holding unit 109 determines that the contrast is equal to or higher than a predetermined determination threshold position. Holds (holds) image data. As a result, on the monitoring panel monitored by the receiver, the image data with high contrast and the readable contents of the certificate is displayed as a still image. Therefore, the receipt person can grasp the contents of the certificate only by visually recognizing the still image, and can quickly determine whether or not the discount for the physically disabled can be applied. Thereby, the time until the contents of the certificate are grasped through the photographing apparatus 100 is shortened, and the procedure for applying the discount for the physically disabled can be facilitated.

(Modification of the fourth embodiment)
When a “certificate” is presented as an object to be photographed, the photographing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment performs processing for holding image data based on the contrast of image data on which the certificate is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect depending on other embodiments. For example, the image data holding unit 109 according to another embodiment is based on the contrast of the portion in which the “user's face” is shown when the “user's face” is shown as the shooting target. Thus, the image data may be held. As a result, the user's face can be identified based on the still image in which the user's face is clearly displayed. It becomes easy to distinguish.

Further, the image data holding unit 109 according to the present embodiment has been described as immediately holding image data at the timing when the contrast C1 becomes equal to or higher than the determination threshold Cth. However, in other embodiments, the image data holding unit 109 is limited to this mode. However, image data with high contrast may be held based on other methods.
For example, the image data holding unit 109 according to another embodiment is defined in advance from the timing at which it is determined that the certificate is presented by the user (that is, the timing at which the density histogram is detected to have two peaks). The image data is continuously acquired for a predetermined time. The image data holding unit 109 refers to a density histogram of each image data acquired within the predetermined time after the predetermined time, and holds the image data having the maximum contrast. As a result, the image data having the maximum contrast among the image data acquired within a predetermined time is displayed as a still image on the monitoring board monitored by the receiver.
By doing so, for example, even when the contrast of the image data acquired during the presentation of the certificate does not easily exceed the determination threshold Cth, the maximum is within the range acquired within a certain time. The image data having contrast is displayed as a still image. Therefore, it is possible to provide a still image that makes it easy to discriminate the contents of the certificate to the receiver, and to shorten the time until the still image is provided.
In addition, the image data holding unit 109 according to another embodiment stores all the image data from the time when the contrast based on the analysis result of the image data analysis unit 108 is equal to or higher than the determination threshold Cth to the time below the determination threshold Cth. The acquired image data having the maximum contrast may be stored.

  The photographing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment may further include an irradiation unit that can irradiate light to the presented certificate. Specifically, the irradiation unit includes a light source unit having a white LED (Light Emitting Diode) and an irradiation control unit that controls light emission of the light source unit. The light source unit is disposed at a position where the certificate presented in front of the photographing unit 101 can be irradiated (for example, the front surface 11a of the automatic charge receiver 10). The irradiation control unit causes the light source unit to emit light when it is determined that the certificate is presented by the user. Here, as a means for recognizing that “the certificate is presented by the user”, the irradiation control unit, for example, whether the density histogram of the image data has two peaks, as in the case of the image data holding unit 109 You may recognize based on determination of no. That is, the irradiation control unit controls the light source unit to emit light only when the density histogram of the image data acquired by the imaging unit 101 has two peaks. Thereby, the imaging device 100 causes the white LED (light source unit) to emit light at the timing when the certificate is presented by the user, and illuminates the presented certificate brightly. As a result, the amount of light reflected on the surface of the certificate and condensed on the condenser lens 102 (FIG. 3) increases, so that the contents of the certificate are clearly displayed on the image data. Therefore, it becomes easier for the receiver and the like to grasp the contents of the certificate through the image data. Moreover, since the light emission time of white LED (light source part) is limited only to the time slot | zone when the user presents the certificate, it also contributes to power saving.

  Further, the irradiation control unit may perform irradiation control for causing the light source unit to emit light only at night based on “time information” acquired by a time acquisition unit provided separately in the imaging apparatus 100. Further, the irradiation control unit is based on the “degree of ambient brightness” acquired by the ambient light receiving sensor provided separately in the imaging apparatus 100, and only when the ambient brightness falls below a predetermined determination threshold. You may perform irradiation control which makes a light source part light-emit. By doing in this way, since the white LED emits light only when it is determined that the surrounding is dark, the photographing apparatus 100 can realize further power saving.

  Note that the various modifications described in the first embodiment can also be applied to the imaging apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment described above. For example, a receiver who visually recognizes the monitoring panel 50 (FIG. 11) operates the manual adjustment unit 501 (FIG. 11) to manually hold the image data acquired in the photographing unit 101 or release the holding. It is good also as an aspect which can be performed. Specifically, the image data holding unit 109 performs a process of holding the image data in accordance with a manual operation of a receiver or the like, and performs a process of discarding the held image data. As a result, the receiver and the like can capture, discard, and re-capture still images as desired based on their own operations.

<Other embodiments>
In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, the imaging unit 101 of the imaging device 100 has been described as including the tilt driving unit 103a and the pan driving unit 103b, and mechanically performing pan / tilt control (see FIG. 3). However, in other embodiment, it is not limited to such an aspect. For example, the imaging unit 101 according to another embodiment uses a wide range on the lane L (for example, from a position in the lane L where the vehicle type identification device 20 is arranged to a position where the start detector 40 is arranged) as an imaging range. The panoramic photographing lens that can be acquired at one time may be provided, and the panoramic photographing lens may be mechanically fixedly installed on the front surface 11a.
In addition, the imaging condition changing unit 106 according to the other embodiment cuts out a part of image data obtained by photographing a wide area through the panoramic shooting lens by digital processing, and monitors only the image data corresponding to the cut out part. It is good also as what outputs to. In this case, only the cut out part is displayed on the monitoring board. In this case, the tilt control unit 106a changes a partial region cut out from the image data acquired through the panoramic photographing lens in the height direction (tilt direction). Further, the pan control unit 106b changes a partial area cut out from the image data acquired through the panoramic photographing lens to the lane direction (pan direction). Accordingly, the imaging condition changing unit 106 can extract a desired partial area from the image data acquired through the panoramic imaging lens and output it to the monitoring panel by the tilt control unit 106a and the pan control unit 106b. .

As described above, the imaging unit 101 of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the other embodiment changes the partial area displayed on the monitoring board in the panoramic image data, and thus based on digital processing. Realizes pan and tilt functions. In this way, it is possible to eliminate the driving mechanism necessary for realizing the pan and tilt functions from the photographing unit 101. As a result, wear and failure due to mechanical drive can be prevented, and the reliability of the photographing apparatus can be improved. Also, by realizing the autofocus function of the photographing apparatus 100 by digital processing, the time required for focus adjustment based on mechanical control can be eliminated, and the time until clear image data can be obtained can be shortened. .
In this case, the operation of changing a partial area to be displayed on the monitoring board in the image data acquired by the imaging unit 101 is also included in “changing the imaging condition of the imaging unit 101”.

  Further, a program for realizing the function of the CPU (shooting control unit 104) in each of the above-described embodiments is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system. You may perform a process by performing. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof, as long as they are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Charge collection facility 10 Charge automatic collection machine 100 Image pick-up device 101 Image pick-up part 101a Upper image pick-up part 101b Lower image pick-up part 102 Condensing lens 103a Tilt drive part 103b Pan drive part 103c Focus adjustment drive part 104 Image pickup control part 105 Information acquisition part 105a Window Position information acquisition unit 105b Vehicle type information acquisition unit 105c Stop position information acquisition unit 105d Relative distance information acquisition unit 106 Shooting condition change unit 106a Tilt control unit 106b Pan control unit 106c Autofocus control unit 107 Storage unit 108 Image data analysis unit 109 Image data Holding unit 11 Housing 11a Front surface 12a Upper operation unit 12b Lower operation unit 121 Bill insertion port 123 Coin insertion port 124 Change return port 125 Passage ticket insertion port 126 Card insertion port 127 Receipt issue button 128 Receipt issue port 129 Receipt call Out Button 15 display unit 17 notification unit 18 toll collection processing unit 20 a vehicle type identification device (characteristic sensing device)
200 Vehicle control unit 201 Vehicle detector 201a Light projection tower 201b Light receiving tower 202 Tread plate 203 Vehicle height detector 204 Vehicle length detector 205 Number plate recognition device 206 Second tread plate 30 Start controller 40 Start detector 50 Monitor panel 501 Manual Adjustment unit 502 Video switching unit

Claims (9)

A photographing device for photographing a photographing object in a vehicle stopped on a lane,
A photographing unit for photographing the photographing object;
Information acquisition for acquiring information related to the position of the object to be photographed based on a detection result of a characteristic detection device that is provided on the upstream side of the lane from the photographing unit and capable of detecting a characteristic of a vehicle entering the lane. And
An imaging condition changing unit that changes the imaging condition of the imaging unit based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit so that the imaging object can be imaged ;
The information acquisition unit
As the information, stop position information indicating a stop position of the vehicle calculated based on a detection result of the characteristic detection device, and relative distance information indicating a relative distance between the vehicle axle and a window in a lane direction. Acquired,
The photographing condition changing unit
Wherein to change the imaging range of the imaging unit based on the stop position information and the relative distance information in the pan direction imaging device. The information acquisition unit
As the information, obtaining window position information indicating the position of the window of the vehicle specified based on the detection result of the characteristic detection device,
The photographing condition changing unit
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging range of the imaging unit is changed in a tilt direction based on the window position information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The information acquisition unit
As the information, obtaining the vehicle type information of the vehicle specified based on the detection result of the characteristic detection device,
The photographing condition changing unit
The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging range of the imaging unit is changed in a tilt direction based on the vehicle type information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The photographing unit is adjustable in focus,
The photographing condition changing unit
The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein focus adjustment of the photographing unit is started after it is determined that the vehicle is included in a photographing range of the photographing unit. An image data analysis unit for analyzing the image data acquired by the imaging unit;
As a result of analysis by the image data analysis unit, when the contrast of the acquired image data is equal to or higher than a determination threshold, an image data holding unit that holds the image data;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising: An image data analysis unit for analyzing the image data acquired by the imaging unit;
As a result of analysis by the image data analysis unit, an image data holding unit that selects and holds image data having the maximum contrast among the plurality of acquired image data; and
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising: A toll collector that is installed on the side of the lane and collects tolls with vehicles stopped on the lane,
An automatic toll collector comprising the photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A photographing method for photographing a photographing object in a vehicle stopped on a lane using a photographing device including a photographing unit ,
Information related to the position of the object to be photographed of the vehicle is acquired based on the detection result of the characteristic detection device provided upstream of the lane and capable of detecting the characteristics of the vehicle entering the lane. And steps to
Based on the information, changing a shooting condition of the shooting device so that the shooting object can be shot;
In accordance with the shooting conditions, shooting the shooting object using the shooting device;
I have a,
Obtaining the information comprises:
As the information, stop position information indicating a stop position of the vehicle calculated based on a detection result of the characteristic detection device, and relative distance information indicating a relative distance between the vehicle axle and a window in a lane direction. Acquired,
The step of changing the shooting condition includes:
An imaging method for changing an imaging range of the imaging unit in the pan direction based on the acquired stop position information and the relative distance information . Includes a photographing unit, a computer image capturing apparatus for capturing a photographed object in the vehicle stopped on the lane,
Information for acquiring information related to the position of the object to be photographed based on a detection result of a characteristic detection device provided upstream of the lane and capable of detecting a characteristic of a vehicle entering the lane. Acquisition means,
Based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit, an imaging condition changing unit that changes an imaging condition of the imaging device so that the imaging object can be imaged,
To function as,
The information acquisition means includes
As the information, stop position information indicating a stop position of the vehicle calculated based on a detection result of the characteristic detection device, and relative distance information indicating a relative distance between the vehicle axle and a window in a lane direction. Acquired,
The photographing condition changing means is
It said stop position information and the relative distance information and programs to change the imaging range of the imaging unit in the panning direction based on.

Images