JP7696153B2 - Systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to systems and programs, etc.

Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose electronic devices that receive microwaves emitted from a vehicle speed enforcement device and output an alarm if they detect the presence of a vehicle speed enforcement device.

JP 2008-064588 A JP 2017-096728 A

For example, so-called photocell type speed measuring devices are used, which use a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measuring light that crosses the vehicle's path. Photocell type speed measuring devices include mobile speed cameras, which are lightweight and compact and are not fixed to a specific location, making it difficult to identify their installation location using GPS or map information, for example. In addition, because they do not measure speed by irradiating the vehicle with microwaves or laser light, it is difficult to directly detect photocell type speed measuring devices as in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a system and program, etc., which is superior to conventional systems and programs, for example, a system and program, etc., for detecting so-called photocell-type speed measuring devices.

The object of the present invention is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that aim to obtain effects from parts of the configurations disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, this specification discloses problems in which the phrases "can" and "is possible" are read as "the problem is". The problems are described as being independent, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configurations for solving each problem separately through divisional applications, amendments, etc. Even if the problems are implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include part of the configurations described in this specification in the scope of the patent claims through amendments or divisional applications. The applicant has also disclosed configurations that solve problems that combine these independent problems, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them.

(1) The system has a control unit that is installed in the vehicle and performs alarm control to warn of the approach of a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light that crosses the vehicle's path.

In this way, the user can receive a warning in the vehicle of approaching a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light that crosses the vehicle's path. The light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light that crosses the vehicle's path can be a so-called photocell type speed measuring device. In this way, the user can be made aware of the approach of a location where a so-called photocell type speed measuring device using a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light that crosses the vehicle's path may be installed.

For example, a photocell-type speed measuring device has a first light transmitter/receiver, a first reflector, a second light transmitter/receiver, a second reflector, and a measurement control unit.

The first light transmitter/receiver and the second light transmitter/receiver each emit measurement light (hereinafter referred to as the "first measurement light" and the "second measurement light", respectively), and a built-in photoelectric sensor detects the reception of the reflected measurement light. The first reflector is installed facing the measurement light emitting section of the first light transmitter/receiver, and is capable of reflecting the first measurement light emitted from the first light transmitter/receiver toward the first light transmitter/receiver. The second reflector is installed facing the measurement light emitting section of the second light transmitter/receiver, and is capable of reflecting the second measurement light emitted from the second light transmitter/receiver toward the second light transmitter/receiver.

The first light transmitter/receiver and the second light transmitter/receiver are installed, for example, on one side of the width of the roadway, and the first reflector and the second reflector are installed on the other side of the width of the roadway. For example, the first light transmitter/receiver and the first reflector and the second light transmitter/receiver and the second reflector are each installed so that the measurement light crosses the path of the vehicle, that is, so that the measurement light is irradiated in the width direction of the roadway.

For example, the first light transmitter/receiver is a light transmitter/receiver for starting a timer in speed measurement, and the first light transmitter/receiver and the first reflector are installed on the near side of the vehicle path (specifically, on the rear side of the roadway in the traveling direction (upstream side of the traveling direction)) from the second light transmitter/receiver and the second reflector. The second light transmitter/receiver is a light transmitter/receiver for stopping the timer in speed measurement, and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 and the second reflector are installed on the far side of the vehicle path (forward of the roadway in the traveling direction) from the first light transmitter/receiver and the first reflector. In this way, the first light transmitter/receiver and the first reflector, and the second light transmitter/receiver and the second reflector are installed on the vehicle path (roadway in the traveling direction) so that the first measurement light and the second measurement light are parallel to each other and have a certain distance between them.

For example, the measurement control unit is connected to the first light transmitter/receiver and the second light transmitter/receiver, and can receive information from the first light transmitter/receiver and the second light transmitter/receiver. The measurement control unit starts a built-in timer when the first light transmitter/receiver detects the passage of a vehicle (strictly speaking, the passage of the front wheels), and stops the timer when the second light transmitter/receiver subsequently detects the passage of a vehicle (strictly speaking, the passage of the front wheels). The measurement control unit has a function of measuring the speed of the vehicle from the value of this timer, i.e., the relationship between the time and the interval from when the front wheels of the vehicle pass through the first measurement light to when they pass through the second measurement light. The measurement control unit may also have a function of displaying the vehicle speed as a measurement result on the display unit, and issuing an alarm if the measurement result exceeds a predetermined speed.

(2) The light transmitter/receiver is preferably used in a speed measuring device. In this way, the light transmitter/receiver can be used to allow the user to be aware of the approach of a speed measuring device that is using a light transmitter/receiver to detect an approaching crackdown.

In particular, it is preferable to provide warning control that warns of approach to so-called photoelectric speed measuring devices (also called photoelectric speed measuring devices) that use a light transmitter and receiver, and the content of this warning should not be a warning indicating approach to speed measuring devices other than photoelectric speed measuring devices, but rather a warning indicating approach to a location where a photoelectric speed measuring device is located. For example, instead of "There is a photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!", it is preferable to warn, "There may be a photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!" or "There is a photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!". Although "There may be a photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!" is also fine, it is especially preferable to provide something that specifically indicates something related to photoelectric speed measuring devices, such as "There are road cones related to photoelectric speed measuring devices 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!", and in particular to provide something that indicates at least some of the things related to photoelectric speed measuring devices. In this way, the user can focus on the object, pay attention to its location, and easily check whether a photocell speed camera has actually been installed. The warning content can be stored in the system's memory means and output as voice, text, image, etc. Conventional systems stored the location of the speed measuring device itself and issued a warning indicating the approach of the speed measuring device, but this system is configured to change whether or not a speed measuring device is installed as needed, such as a photocell speed camera, and in cases where the speed measuring device is not measured by irradiating the vehicle with microwaves or laser light, it is possible to warn about the approach of a photocell speed camera that cannot directly detect a speed measuring device.

(3) The control unit performs the warning control by recognizing relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receiver. The light transmitter/receiver itself, the reflector, and the measurement control unit are also among the relevant elements. By recognizing the light transmitter/receiver itself and relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receiver in this way, it is possible to detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light transmitter/receiver and warn the user, not only when the light transmitter/receiver can be detected directly.

(4) The control unit may preferably recognize a plurality of related elements associated with the light transmitter/receiver and perform the alarm control. In this way, by recognizing a plurality of related elements and performing alarm control, the probability of erroneously recognizing the light transmitter/receiver can be reduced and erroneous alarms can be suppressed.

(5) The control unit may recognize related elements associated with the light transmitter/receiver and perform different alarm control depending on the type of the recognized related element. For example, different alarm control may be performed if the recognized related element is related to a road cone or if it is related to a security guard. In this way, different alarm control may be performed depending on the type of the recognized related element, making it possible to clearly indicate to the user the reason for the approach of a photocell speed camera.

(6) The control unit may recognize related elements associated with the light transmitter/receiver, and perform different alarm control depending on the number of recognized related elements. For example, the more related elements recognized, the higher the probability of approaching a photocell speed camera, and therefore the higher the probability, the stronger the alarm that is issued to alert the user. In this way, by performing different alarm control depending on the number of recognized related elements, a more appropriate alarm can be issued to the user.

(7) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing a road cone installed on the roadway that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as an associated element related to the light-transmitter/receiver. Small light-transmitters and receivers that are installed on the road are often surrounded by road cones to avoid contact with vehicles and pedestrians. By recognizing the road cone from an image captured in front of the vehicle as an associated element of the light-transmitter/receiver, it is possible to indirectly detect the approach of a speed measuring device that uses a light-transmitter/receiver that is not fixedly installed and that does not measure speed by irradiating microwaves or laser light on the vehicle.

(8) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing a road cone placed near the shoulder of the roadway, which is shown in an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle, as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. Road cones placed around the light-transmitting/receiving device are often placed near the shoulder of the roadway. Thus, by recognizing a road cone placed near the shoulder of the roadway from the image captured of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element of the light-transmitting/receiving device, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light-transmitting/receiving device.

(9) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing a road cone installed on the roadway side of the median strip between the roadway and the sidewalk, which is shown in an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle, as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. Road cones placed around the light-transmitting/receiving device are often placed on the roadway side of the median strip between the roadway and the sidewalk. Thus, by recognizing a road cone installed on the roadway side of the median strip between the roadway and the sidewalk as a relevant element from an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to a speed measuring device using a light-transmitting/receiving device.

(10) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing a warm-colored road cone that appears in an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light-transmitter/receiver. Road cones placed around the light-transmitter/receiver are often warm-colored, such as red, orange, or yellow. Thus, by recognizing a warm-colored road cone in the image captured of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element, the approach of the vehicle to a speed measuring device using a light-transmitter/receiver can be detected more reliably.

(11) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing a road cone with a reflective material that appears in an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. Road cones placed around the light-transmitting/receiving device often have a reflective material. Thus, by recognizing a road cone with a reflective material from an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light-transmitting/receiving device.

(12) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing road cones placed at the front and rear of the vehicle's path, which are shown in an image captured of the vehicle's path ahead, as relevant elements related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. Light-transmitting/receiving devices used as speed measuring devices are usually arranged in pairs, one for starting a timer and one for stopping the timer, and road cones placed around the light-transmitting/receiving devices are often arranged in pairs on the roadway accordingly. Thus, by recognizing road cones placed at the front and rear of the vehicle's path from an image captured of the vehicle's path ahead as relevant elements, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light-transmitting/receiving device.

(13) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing road cones arranged at intervals of 3 m or more in front and behind the vehicle's path, which are shown in an image captured of the vehicle's path ahead, as relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receiver. The light transmitter/receiver used as a speed measuring device has a set interval between a timer start and timer stop for measuring speed, which is often 3 m. Therefore, road cones arranged around the light transmitter/receiver are often arranged in pairs at intervals of 3 m or more in front and behind accordingly. Thus, by recognizing road cones arranged at intervals of 3 m or more in front and behind the vehicle's path from an image captured of the vehicle's path ahead as relevant elements, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light transmitter/receiver.

(14) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing a road cone installed in an emergency parking lane that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light-transmitter/receiver. A light-transmitter/receiver serving as a speed measuring device may be installed in an emergency parking lane where there is sufficient installation space, and the road cones placed around the light-transmitter/receiver may also be placed in the emergency parking lane accordingly. Thus, by recognizing a road cone installed in an emergency parking lane as a relevant element from an image captured in front of the vehicle, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light-transmitter/receiver.

(15) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing a reflector located on the right shoulder of the road relative to the vehicle shown in an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light-transmitter/receiver. A speed measuring device using a light-transmitter/receiver has a reflector that reflects the measurement light emitted from the light-transmitter/receiver. Thus, by recognizing the reflector as a relevant element from an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light-transmitter/receiver.

(16) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing a person facing from the sidewalk to the roadway in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. A light-transmitting/receiving device used in a speed measuring device is often surrounded by a monitor who manages the speed measuring device. A normal pedestrian walks along the sidewalk and faces in the direction of the sidewalk, but a monitor often faces from the sidewalk to the roadway in order to monitor a speed measuring device installed on the roadway and passing vehicles. Therefore, by recognizing a person (monitor) facing from the sidewalk to the roadway in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element of the light-transmitting/receiving device, it is possible to more reliably detect an approach to a speed measuring device using a light-transmitting/receiving device.

(17) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing a person wearing a predetermined type of clothing who appears in an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. The monitors around the light-transmitting/receiving device are mainly police officers, and in many cases, they wear a predetermined type of clothing such as a uniform. Thus, by recognizing a person (monitor) wearing a predetermined type of clothing from the image captured of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element of the light-transmitting/receiving device, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the person to a speed measuring device using a light-transmitting/receiving device.

(18) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing a person who is staying near a road cone in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a related element related to the light-transmitter/receiver. A monitor near the light-transmitter/receiver often stays there to monitor a speed measuring device using a light-transmitter/receiver. Road cones are placed around the light-transmitter/receiver, and the monitor also stays in the vicinity. Therefore, by recognizing a person (monitor) who is staying near the road cone from the image captured in front of the vehicle as a related element of the light-transmitter/receiver, approach to a speed measuring device using a light-transmitter/receiver can be detected more reliably.

(19) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing the head of a person who does not move for a predetermined time on the sidewalk within a range of 1 m to 1.2 m in height from an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. In many cases, the monitor around the light-transmitting/receiving device monitors the speed measuring device while sitting on a metal chair or the like. In such cases, the monitor's head is located in a range of 1 m to 1.2 m in height on the sidewalk, and the head often does not move from that position during monitoring. Therefore, by recognizing the head of a person who does not move for a predetermined time on the sidewalk within a range of 1 m to 1.2 m in height from an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element of the light-transmitting/receiving device, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measuring device using the light-transmitting/receiving device.

(20) The control unit may recognize measurement light that crosses the path of the vehicle and is captured in an image of the area ahead of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and perform the warning control.

In so-called photoelectric tube type speed measuring devices, the measurement light emitted from the light transmitter/receiver is emitted in a direction crossing the path of the vehicle, and the measurement light is usually not visible to the naked eye, but the imaging unit such as a camera used in a smartphone etc. can capture light with a wider wavelength range than the naked eye, such as the infrared range. Therefore, by recognizing the measurement light crossing the path of the vehicle as a related element from the image captured in front of the vehicle, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measuring device using the light transmitter/receiver. For example, if a telephoto infrared camera is installed on the vehicle facing forward in the direction of travel, and an image corresponding to light crossing the road from left to right is detected in the image captured by the infrared camera, it can be recognized as "measurement light crossing the path of the vehicle reflected in the image captured in front of the vehicle". In particular, if light is detected that crosses a first predetermined range within the road but does not cross a second predetermined range outside the first predetermined range within the road, it can be recognized as "measurement light crossing the path of the vehicle reflected in the image captured in front of the vehicle". The first predetermined range may be, for example, a location corresponding to the roadway, and the second predetermined range may be a range corresponding to the sidewalk. In this way, light crossing the road can be more reliably recognized to measure the vehicle speed, and false alarms can be reduced. In particular, the first predetermined range may be the range of the lanes of the roadway traveling in the same direction as the vehicle. For example, if the road is one lane on each side with two-way traffic, the range may be the range of the lane that is currently in the path of the vehicle. For example, if the road is two lanes on each side with four lanes on both sides, the range may be the range of the two lanes that are currently in the path of the vehicle. A predetermined space may be provided between the first predetermined range and the second predetermined range. In this way, false alarms can be further reduced.

(21) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing the measurement light that crosses a pair of paths at an interval of 3 m on the path of the vehicle shown in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver. A light transmitter/receiver used as a speed measuring device has a fixed interval between timer start and timer stop for speed measurement, and this interval is often 3 m. Therefore, by recognizing the measurement light that crosses a pair of paths at an interval of 3 m on the path of the vehicle from an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect approach to a speed measuring device using a light transmitter/receiver.

(22) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing measurement light having the same wavelength and crossing a pair of paths on the path of the vehicle shown in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a related element related to the light transmitter/receiver. In many cases, the light transmitter/receiver for timer start and timer stop as a speed measuring device uses measurement light of the same wavelength. Thus, by recognizing measurement light having the same wavelength and crossing a pair of paths on the path of the vehicle from an image captured in front of the vehicle as a related element, it is possible to more reliably detect approach to the speed measuring device using the light transmitter/receiver.

(23) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing parallel measurement lights that cross the path of the vehicle in a pair, front and rear, in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver. A light transmitter/receiver for timer start and timer stop as a speed measuring device must irradiate measurement lights in parallel front and rear to accurately measure speed. Therefore, by recognizing parallel measurement lights that cross the path of the vehicle in a pair, front and rear, in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect approach to a speed measuring device using a light transmitter/receiver.

(24) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing the measurement light that crosses the path of the vehicle less than 9 cm from the road surface in the image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver. A light transmitter/receiver as a speed measuring device normally detects the passage of the front wheels of a vehicle, so the measurement light needs to be emitted below the underside of the vehicle body. Therefore, by recognizing the measurement light that crosses the path of the vehicle less than 9 cm from the road surface in the image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device using the light transmitter/receiver.

(25) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing a minivan parked on the roadside in the image as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. Many of the vehicles used by security personnel are minivans, which are parked near a speed measuring device. Therefore, by recognizing a minivan as a relevant element from an image captured in front of the vehicle in addition to the relevant elements, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the vehicle to the speed measuring device using the light-transmitting/receiving device.

(26) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing a metal chair shown in the image as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. In many cases, a security guard is seated on a metal chair. Therefore, by recognizing a metal chair as a relevant element from an image captured in front of the vehicle in addition to the relevant elements, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light-transmitting/receiving device.

(27) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing an viaduct that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined range of the relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver shown in the image captured in front of the vehicle as the relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver. There are often viaducts around speed measuring devices to photograph the vehicle when the vehicle's speed measured by the speed measuring device is equal to or exceeds a predetermined speed. If an image is taken from an viaduct that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling, it is possible to photograph the vehicle from the front. Therefore, by recognizing an viaduct that is within a predetermined range of the relevant element based on the captured image as the relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device using the light transmitter/receiver.

(28) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing an viaduct that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined range from the relevant element based on map information as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver. There are often viaducts around speed measuring devices to photograph the vehicle when the vehicle's speed measured by the speed measuring device is equal to or exceeds a predetermined speed. If an image is taken from an viaduct that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling, it is possible to photograph the vehicle from the front. Therefore, by recognizing an viaduct that is within a predetermined range from the relevant element based on map information as a relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device using the light transmitter/receiver.

(29) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing enclosure information on an overpass that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined range from the relevant element related to the light-transmitter/receiver, which is acquired based on information acquired by other vehicles, as a relevant element related to the light-transmitter/receiver. In order to secure space to photograph vehicles passing under the overpass from the overpass, enclosures such as fences are often formed on the overpass. In recent years, it has become possible to acquire information acquired by other vehicles, and by acquiring enclosure information from such information acquired by other vehicles and recognizing it as a relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light-transmitter/receiver.

(30) The control unit may perform the alarm control by recognizing enclosure information on an elevated bridge that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined range of the relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device, which is obtained based on SNS (Social Networking Service) information, as the relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. In recent years, road information, which is information on road conditions, may be posted on SNS, and by obtaining enclosure information from such SNS information and recognizing it as a relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of a speed measuring device using a light-transmitting/receiving device.

(31) The control unit may perform the warning control by recognizing, based on map information, that the vehicle is traveling in a specified section with a straight line of at least a specified distance as a relevant element related to the light-transmitting/receiving device. Speed measuring devices are often installed in long straight sections where the vehicle can reach a sufficient speed. Thus, by recognizing, based on map information, that the vehicle is traveling in a specified section with a straight line of at least a specified distance as the relevant element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the vehicle to the speed measuring device using the light-transmitting/receiving device.

(32) It is preferable to make a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of any one of the systems (1) to (31) above. In this way, the functions (1) to (31) above can be executed by the computer.

The inventions shown in (1) to (32) above can be combined in any way. For example, the invention shown in (1) may be combined with at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions from (2) onwards. In particular, the invention shown in (1) may be combined with at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions from (2) onwards. Any configuration may be extracted from the inventions shown in (1) to (32) and the extracted configurations may be combined. The applicant of this application intends to acquire rights to the inventions including these configurations. Furthermore, even if there is a description such as "in the case of" or "when", this is not intended to describe the configuration as being limited to that case or time. These are examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to acquire rights to configurations other than these cases or times. Furthermore, the parts described in order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts have been deleted or the order has been changed are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to acquire rights to them.

The present invention can provide a system and program that is superior to conventional systems and programs. For example, it may be possible to provide a system and program for detecting so-called photocell-type speed measuring devices.

Note that the effects of the invention of this application are not limited to these, and effects achieved from the configuration parts disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and it is our intention to obtain rights to the configuration that achieves said effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, statements such as "can do" and "is possible" are statements that clearly indicate the effect that is achieved, and there are also parts that show the effect even without statements such as "can do" and "is possible." Also, there are effects that can be understood from the configuration even without such statements.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of electronic devices and a speed measuring device according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of an electronic device, a speed measuring device, and an viaduct according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having similar functions are given the same or similar symbols (symbols with a, b, etc. added after the numbers), and repeated explanations may be omitted. In addition, in each figure referred to in the following description, the scale may be different from the actual scale in order to make each member, each area, etc. recognizable. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the system of the present disclosure is applied to a system mounted on a vehicle and detects a speed measuring device. The vehicle may be an automobile, but is not limited to a four-wheeled automobile, and may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or a large transport vehicle with four or more wheels.

Conventional enforcement involves a first location where speeds are measured, and a second location a short distance away where speeding vehicles are parked and drivers are required to sign a ticket, and enforcement is carried out by sending information about speeding vehicles from the first location to the second location. This requires two locations, and space for two to three police officers and several cars to park. However, mobile speed cameras are lightweight and compact, and they take photos of speeding vehicles on the spot and send speeding notices to the driver's home or other location at a later date, making it possible for a single police officer to enforce speed limits at one location.

<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. The electronic device 10 is an electronic device to which the system according to the present disclosure is applied. The electronic device 10 is a detector that detects a speed measurement device 30 having a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light that crosses the path of a vehicle 50. Note that in this embodiment, one vehicle 50 is described as an example, but this embodiment can be similarly applied to other vehicles. The appearance of the speed measurement device shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the appearance may be different from this. The measurement light is light of a specific wavelength, and is laser light having a predetermined wavelength. The specific wavelength belongs to, for example, the infrared light region.

The electronic device 10 is, for example, a monitor-type device having a housing 10b having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The electronic device 10 is installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 50. The electronic device 10 is installed via a bracket 10a attached to the dashboard 51 using, for example, double-sided tape. An opening is provided on the front side of the electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 has a display unit 12 for displaying an image at the position of this opening. In addition, an imaging unit 13 capable of imaging the area in front of the vehicle is provided on the back side of the electronic device 10. The housing 10b of the electronic device 10 is formed of resin or other materials. Note that, although the electronic device 10 is an electronic device installed on the dashboard 51 in this embodiment, it may be an electronic device installed in another location of the vehicle 50, such as the windshield (for example, near the top end) or the ceiling (for example, near the boundary with the windshield).

The imaging unit 13 is a camera capable of capturing images within a viewing angle (within a field of view) in front of the vehicle 50. The imaging unit 13 can also capture light in the infrared range, for example. The imaging unit 13 has, for example, a telephoto function. The bracket 10a is configured to be able to adjust the orientation of the electronic device 10 up and down and left and right. The imaging direction of the imaging unit 13 can be changed by adjusting the orientation of the electronic device 10 using the bracket 10a. The imaging lens of the imaging unit 13 may be provided, for example, on the rear side of the housing 10b of the electronic device 10. An imaging device may be provided outside the electronic device 10, and the electronic device 10 may obtain an image that is an image captured by this imaging device. In this case, the imaging device is configured to be able to adjust the position and attitude (imaging direction) independently of the electronic device 10. The imaging device may be installed, for example, on the windshield, dashboard, or other position that can capture an image in front of the vehicle.

The speed measuring device 30 is installed at a speed enforcement point where the speed of the vehicle 50 is enforced. The speed measuring device 30 may also be called a speed enforcement device or a speed measurement device. The speed enforcement point is determined taking into consideration the driving conditions of the vehicle 50 (e.g., how easily the vehicle can speed), the occurrence of traffic accidents (e.g., points where a high number of accidents occur), and other conditions. An example of a speed enforcement point is a curve or a point beyond a curve on the route (road) on which the vehicle 50 is traveling.

The speed measuring device 30 is also called a photoelectric cell type speed camera and is installed on routes such as urban expressways and other roads. The speed measuring device 30 has a first light transmitter/receiver 31, a first reflector 32, a second light transmitter/receiver 33, a second reflector 34, and a measurement control unit 35.

The first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 each emit measurement light (first measurement light L1, second measurement light L2) as a measurement wave, and a built-in photoelectric sensor detects the reception of the reflected measurement light. The first reflector 32 is installed opposite the measurement light irradiation section of the first light transmitter/receiver 31, and can reflect the first measurement light L1 emitted from the first light transmitter/receiver 31 toward the first light transmitter/receiver 31. The second reflector 34 is installed opposite the measurement light irradiation section of the second light transmitter/receiver 33, and can reflect the second measurement light L2 emitted from the second light transmitter/receiver 33 toward the second light transmitter/receiver 33. Hereinafter, the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 may be collectively referred to as "light transmitter/receiver 31, 33", the first reflector 32 and the second reflector 34 may be collectively referred to as "reflector 32, 34", and the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2 may be collectively referred to as "measurement light L1, L2".

The first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 are installed on one side of the roadway RW in the width direction (the left side in FIG. 1) as shown in FIG. 1, for example, and the first reflector 32 and the second reflector 34 are installed on the other side of the roadway RW in the width direction (the right side in FIG. 1). More specifically, in FIG. 1, the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 are installed on the shoulder facing the sidewalk SW beside the roadway RW, and the first reflector 32 and the second reflector 34 are installed on the center line CL. The sidewalk SW has a separator strip SE by a curb as a boundary with the roadway RW, and the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 are installed on the roadway RW side of the separator strip SE. The separator strip SE may be a curb, a fence, a guardrail, a pole, or a tree.

The first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the first reflector 32, and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 and the second reflector 34 are installed so that the measurement light L1 and L2 cross the path of the vehicle 50, that is, the measurement light L1 and L2 are irradiated in the width direction of the roadway RW. The width direction across the road is, for example, a direction that crosses the roadway RW vertically, for example, a direction perpendicular to the center line CL. The first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 are installed so that the measurement light L1 and L2 cross the path of the vehicle 50 parallel to the road surface and at a predetermined height. This predetermined height is lower than the underside of the vehicle body of the vehicle 50, for example, less than 9 cm. The height, emission direction, etc. are adjusted so that the emitted light hits, for example, the tires of the vehicle 50. The first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 can detect the passage of the vehicle 50 when the wheels (e.g., the front wheels) of the vehicle 50 block the measurement lights L1 and L2.

The first light transmitter/receiver 31 is a light transmitter/receiver for starting a timer in speed measurement, and the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the first reflector 32 are installed on the front side (rear side in the traveling direction of the roadway RW (upstream side in the traveling direction)) of the second light transmitter/receiver 33 and the second reflector 34 on the path of the vehicle 50. The second light transmitter/receiver 33 is a light transmitter/receiver for stopping a timer in speed measurement, and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 and the second reflector 34 are installed on the rear side (front side in the traveling direction of the roadway RW) of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the first reflector 32 on the path of the vehicle 50. In this way, the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the first reflector 32, and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 and the second reflector 34 are installed on the path of the vehicle 50 (in the traveling direction of the roadway RW) so that the second measurement light L2 and the first measurement light L1 are parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction and have a certain distance D between them. This fixed interval D is a value set for measuring the speed of the vehicle 50, for example 3 m.

The measurement control unit 35 is connected to the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 via, for example, a cable, and can receive information from the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33. The measurement control unit 35 may be connected to the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 via wireless communication. The measurement control unit 35 starts a built-in timer when the first light transmitter/receiver 31 detects the passage of the vehicle 50 (strictly speaking, the passage of the front wheels), and then stops the timer when the second light transmitter/receiver 33 detects the passage of the vehicle 50 (strictly speaking, the passage of the front wheels). The measurement control unit 35 has a function of measuring the speed of the vehicle 50 from the value of this timer, that is, the relationship between the time from when the front wheels of the vehicle 50 pass the first measurement light L1 to when they pass the second measurement light L2 and the interval D. The measurement control unit 35 may also have a function of displaying the speed of the vehicle 50 as a measurement result on a display unit (not shown), or of issuing an alarm if the measurement result exceeds a predetermined speed.

In addition, around the speed measuring device 30, related elements that are related to the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and second light transmitter/receiver 33 of the speed measuring device 30 are installed. The related elements can be said to be elements that serve as landmarks for the enforcement point where enforcement is carried out using a photocell-type speed measuring device, and can refer to objects, people, and other elements that exist or may exist at the enforcement point or its surroundings. The first light transmitter/receiver 31 itself, the second light transmitter/receiver 33 itself, the first reflector 32, the second reflector 34, and the measurement control unit 35 are also related elements. For example, in FIG. 1, the first road cone 41, the second road cone 42, and the monitor 43 are shown as related elements in this embodiment.

The first road cone 41 is also called a pylon, and has a hollow cone-shaped cone portion 41b standing up from a rectangular plate-shaped bottom portion 41a. A strip-shaped reflective material 41c that reflects light is attached to the surface of the cone portion 41b. The first road cone 41 has a warm color overall, such as orange, red, or yellow, and the reflective material 41c is white. The second road cone 42 has a similar configuration. Hereinafter, the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 may be collectively referred to as "road cones 41, 42".

The first road cone 41 is installed on the left side of the roadway RW in the width direction, facing the sidewalk SW, and is installed in front of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 50. The second road cone 42 is installed on the left side of the roadway RW in the width direction, facing the sidewalk SW, and is installed behind the second light transmitter/receiver 33 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 50. In this way, the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 are arranged at a distance of at least the distance D in the direction of travel of the vehicle 50, so that the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 are arranged between them.

The monitor 43 is, for example, a police officer, and wears a specific type of clothing, such as a uniform in cool colors such as navy blue or black, and a hat. Note that the specific type of clothing of the monitor 43 may include a reflective vest or a helmet instead of a hat. The monitor 43 also faces from the sidewalk to the roadway while seated on a chair such as a metal chair 43a in order to monitor vehicles 50 traveling on the roadway. The head of the seated monitor 43 is often positioned at a height of 1 to 1.2 m above the sidewalk.

As shown in FIG. 2, an example of an element related to the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 is a vehicle used by an observer 43 parked near the speed measuring device 30. The vehicle used by the observer 43 is parked, for example, further back on the vehicle path than the speed measuring device 30. The distance between the vehicle used by the observer 43 and the speed measuring device 30 is, for example, a distance at which they can be simultaneously imaged by the imaging unit 13, or a distance at which the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 can be imaged within a predetermined time after the image of the vehicle is captured. The vehicle is often a so-called minivan 44 with a box-shaped body.

In addition, as related elements related to the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33, there are viaducts 45a and 45b that cross the roadway RW on which the vehicle 50 runs. In FIG. 2, there is an viaduct 45a on the front side of the path of the vehicle 50 and an viaduct 45b on the rear side, both of which are located within a predetermined distance (e.g., 200 m) from the speed measurement device 30. Enforcement cameras 46a and 46b are installed on the viaducts 45a and 45b, which are directed toward the speed measurement device 30, and partition fences 47a and 47b are installed around the enforcement cameras 46a and 46b. The enforcement cameras 46a and 46b can communicate with, for example, the measurement control unit 35 of the speed measurement device 30, and can capture images of vehicles violating the speed limit that have passed the speed measurement device 30. In addition, another vehicle 60 is passing over the viaduct 45a on the front side of the vehicle 50. The other vehicle 60 can transmit information to the outside via vehicle-to-vehicle communication with the vehicle 50 or via the Internet.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of electronic device 10. Control unit 11 controls each unit of electronic device 10. Control unit 11 is, for example, a computer including an arithmetic processing circuit and a memory. The arithmetic processing circuit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other arithmetic processing circuit. The memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory. The arithmetic processing circuit performs various controls by temporarily reading data into the memory and performing arithmetic processing.

The display unit 12 displays an image. The display unit 12 is, for example, a 3.2-inch color TFT liquid crystal display. The display unit 12 may also be an organic EL display or another type of display device.

The imaging unit 13 captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle 50. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 13 is mounted on the electronic device 10, but may be connected wirelessly or wired to another device having an imaging function, such as a drive recorder or a smartphone, and may use the other imaging function. The imaging unit 13 may be capable of capturing light in the infrared range including the wavelength range of the measurement light L1 and L2. The captured image may be a still image or a moving image. The algorithm for analyzing the captured image does not matter, and may be, for example, a method using deep learning or a method using machine learning (such as a pattern matching method). The control unit 11 analyzes the image acquired from the imaging unit 13 and performs a process of recognizing a predetermined image portion that indicates a related element related to the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 described above. The predetermined image portion that indicates the related element may be recognized based on, for example, the external shape, color, and arrangement of the related element.

The speaker 14 outputs sound. The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 15 includes an antenna and a receiving circuit, and receives signals from GPS satellites. The GPS receiver 15 processes the received signals and outputs location information. The location information includes, for example, latitude information and longitude information, and may also include altitude information. The location information indicates the current location of the electronic device 10, but it is preferable to regard it as location information indicating the current location of the electronic device 10.

The communication unit 16 communicates with an external device. The communication unit 16 performs wireless communication, for example, via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other methods. The communication unit 16 is capable of so-called vehicle-to-vehicle communication for acquiring information from other vehicles 60, and so-called road-to-vehicle communication for acquiring information from infrastructure facilities (roadside devices). The communication unit 16 is also capable of acquiring SNS information on the Internet. The SNS information is information posted on an SNS such as Twitter (registered trademark), and may include text information. The text information may be a sentence created by the user of the electronic device 10 or a third party, or a label called a hashtag, etc.

The memory unit 17 stores data. The memory unit 17 stores, for example, programs that allow the control unit 11 to perform various controls. The control unit 11 reads the programs from the memory unit 17 into memory and executes them. The memory unit 17 also stores map data showing maps, data showing the types and locations of various facilities, data for notifying of approach to objects that are the subject of an alarm, data for implementing a route guidance function, and the like. Examples of objects to be warned include locations of accidents caused by drowsy driving, speed measuring devices (photocell type, radar type, loop coil type, H system, LH system, mobile type, etc.), speed limit change points, enforcement areas, checkpoints, parking monitoring areas, N systems, traffic monitoring systems, intersection monitoring points, signal ignoring prevention systems, police stations, accident-prone areas, areas where vehicle thefts are frequent, sharp/continuous curves (expressways), branching/merging points (expressways), ETC lane advance guidance (expressways), service areas (expressways), parking areas (expressways), highway oases (expressways), smart interchanges (expressways), PA/SA gas stations (expressways), tunnels (expressways), highway radio receiving areas (expressways), prefectural border notices, roadside stations, and viewpoint parking. The memory unit 17 stores information on the type of object to be warned, location information indicating its location, data on an image (e.g., a schematic diagram or photograph) to be displayed on the display unit 12, and audio data in association with each other.

The storage unit 17 has a database 17a (denoted as "DB" in FIG. 3) that stores information and programs for image recognition of related elements. The information for image recognition of related elements stored in the database 17a may be information that has already been stored at the stage of product shipment of the electronic device 10, or information distributed by a server device of a specified business operator, as described below.

The storage unit 17 may include a storage medium that permanently stores data. The storage unit 17 may include, for example, an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor recording medium, or other recording media. The data stored in the storage unit 17 may be stored in cloud computing or other external storage means as appropriate.

The operation unit 18 accepts operations by the user. The operation unit 18 includes, for example, a touch sensor, a volume adjustment button, and a task button. The touch sensor is provided on the surface of the display unit 12 and detects the position touched by the user. The volume operation button is operated to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speaker 14. The task button is a button for performing various tasks.

The sensor unit 19 includes various sensors. For example, the sensor unit 19 is equipped with a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an illuminance sensor. The geomagnetic sensor is a sensor that detects geomagnetism to detect which direction north is relative to the direction of travel. The acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle 50 in the forward/backward, left/right, and up/down directions. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects the illuminance, which indicates the brightness inside the vehicle cabin.

The mounting unit 20 is a mounting unit into which an external storage medium is mounted, and the external storage medium is, for example, a memory card. In this case, the mounting unit 20 is a memory card slot. Data stored in the memory unit 17 may be imported via the external storage medium. This data includes updated information on new alarm targets (location information such as longitude and latitude, type information, etc.).

The power supply unit 21 supplies power from a power source to each component within the electronic device 10. The power supply unit 21 includes, for example, a power switch and a DC jack. The DC jack is for connecting a cigarette plug cord, and is connected to a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle via the cigarette plug cord to receive power. The power switch is a switch for turning the power of the electronic device 10 on and off.

The light-emitting unit 22 emits light in various colors. The light-emitting unit 22 includes, for example, a light-emitting diode.

The cable terminal section 23 is a terminal to which an external connection cable is connected. For example, the connection cable is a cable that connects the electronic device 10 to an OBD-II connector mounted on the vehicle 50. The OBD-II connector is also called a fault diagnosis connector, and is connected to the ECU of the vehicle 50, from which various vehicle information is output.

The laser light receiving unit 24 receives laser light as a measurement wave from a speed measuring device compatible with the laser method. This laser light is a pulsed laser with a predetermined pulse width and pulse interval. The wavelength of the laser light is, for example, 905 nm. The laser light receiving unit 24 has, for example, a visible light cut filter, a lens that collects light that has passed through the visible light cut filter, a light receiving element (e.g., a photodiode) that receives the light collected by the lens, and a circuit that processes a signal from the light receiving element.

The radar wave receiving unit 25 receives radar waves as measurement waves from a speed measuring device that supports the radar system. Radar waves include certain microwaves, stealth waves that are emitted only at the moment when a certain stealth enforcement device measures, normal radar waves, new radar waves that support K-band and X-band, and cancellation notifications. The radar wave receiving unit 25 has, for example, an antenna and a receiving circuit.

The radio receiving unit 26 receives radio signals of a predetermined frequency. Examples of radio signals include radio signals belonging to frequencies of police radio, car location radio, digital radio, special low-power radio, jurisdictional radio, police telephone, police activity radio, tow truck radio, helicopter radio, firefighting helicopter radio, firefighting radio, emergency radio, highway radio, police radio, etc. The radio receiving unit 26 has, for example, an antenna and a receiving circuit.

The control unit 11 of this embodiment performs warning control to issue a predetermined warning while the vehicle 50 is traveling. For example, the control unit 11 performs warning control to warn that the vehicle 50 is approaching a speed measuring device. The control unit 11 of this embodiment has a function of performing warning control to warn of approach to one or both of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33, i.e., approach to a photocell type speed measuring device 30 using the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33. Note that a warning of approach to the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 may be appropriately interpreted as a warning of the presence of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33, and a warning of approach to a photocell type speed measuring device 30 may be appropriately interpreted as a warning of the presence of the speed measuring device 30.

The control unit 11 recognizes the associated elements of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33 and performs alarm control. There may be multiple associated elements for performing this alarm control. Also, different alarm controls may be performed depending on the type of associated element recognized. Specific conditions for the associated elements for performing alarm control will be described later. Also, the control unit 11 performs alarm control to issue an alarm when the laser light receiver 24 receives laser light as a measurement wave, or the radar wave receiver 25 receives radar waves as a measurement wave. The control unit 11 performs alarm control to issue an alarm when the wireless receiver 26 receives a wireless signal. The alarm control may be such that the content of the alarm differs depending on the type of speed measuring device or the frequency of the wireless signal. The alarm control may be control to issue an alarm by display, light, sound, or a combination of these, or by other means that can be perceived by humans.

In addition to the above, electronic device 10 may have the functions of well-known laser detectors and radar detectors. For example, there are many types of speed measuring devices, such as fixed types and mobile types. Mobile types include, for example, portable types and types mounted on vehicles. Electronic device 10 may have the function of receiving laser light from such speed measuring devices other than photocell types and issuing an alarm.

<Operation>
The operation of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment. When the operation of the electronic device 10 is started, the control unit 11 executes the process described below. There is no particular limit to the trigger for starting the operation of the electronic device 10, but it is preferable that the trigger be, for example, the power supply of the electronic device 10 being turned on or the execution of a route guidance function in a navigation function being started.

First, in step S1, the control unit 11 acquires an image of the area in front of the vehicle captured by the imaging unit 13.

Next, in step S2, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image and determines whether or not a road cone has been recognized as one type of related element of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33. The determination of whether or not a road cone has been recognized as the related element is made based on whether or not there is an image portion in the captured image that corresponds to a road cone that satisfies a predetermined condition.

For example, in the case of FIG. 1, the control unit 11 recognizes both the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 installed on the roadway RW shown in the captured image as related elements. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is preferable to recognize road cones that satisfy the following predetermined conditions regarding road cones as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to road cones, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 installed near the shoulder of the roadway RW shown in the captured image as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to road cones, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, a first road cone 41 and a second road cone 42 installed on the roadway RW side of the median strip SE between the roadway RW and the sidewalk SW shown in the captured image as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to road cones, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42, which are warm colors and appear in the captured image, as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to road cones, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 having a reflective material 41c that appears in the captured image as related elements.

The control unit 11 may recognize, for example, the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 arranged in front and behind on the path of the vehicle 50 shown in the captured image as related elements. In particular, the control unit 11 of this embodiment may recognize, as one of the predetermined conditions related to road cones, the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 arranged in front and behind with an interval of 3 m or more on the path of the vehicle 50 shown in the captured image as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to road cones, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, road cones installed in emergency parking lanes that appear in the captured image as related elements, although this is not shown in the figure.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 judges the result of step S2 to be "Yes" when, for example, three or more of the predetermined conditions related to the multiple road cones described above are satisfied. Note that the number of satisfied predetermined conditions for judging the result of step S2 to be "Yes" is not limited to three and can be set arbitrarily, and may be one or preferably multiple. Also, at least some of the predetermined conditions related to the above road cones may not be used.

In addition, in the recognition of road cones, both the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 are recognized under each of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, but for example, only one of the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42 that satisfies each of the predetermined conditions may be recognized as a related element.

If the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S2, that is, if a road cone that satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined conditions is recognized from the captured image, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 judges "No" in step S2, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S3.

In step S3, the control unit 11 analyzes the acquired captured image and determines whether or not it has recognized the monitor 43 as one type of associated element of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33. The determination of whether or not the monitor 43 has been recognized as an associated element is made based on whether or not there is an image portion in the captured image that corresponds to the monitor 43 and satisfies a predetermined condition.

Specifically, in this embodiment, it is advisable to recognize as related elements people who meet certain conditions related to monitors, such as those listed below.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to the monitor, for example, in the case of Figure 1, the control unit 11 may recognize a person (monitor 43) facing from the sidewalk SW to the roadway RW in the captured image as a related element.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to the supervisor, the control unit 11 may recognize as a related element a person (supervisor 43) wearing a predetermined type of clothing, such as a uniform, hat, reflective vest, or helmet in cool colors such as navy blue or black, from the sidewalk SW side shown in the captured image.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to the monitor, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, a person (monitor 43) remaining near the road cones (first road cone 41, second road cone 42) shown in the captured image as a related element.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to the monitor, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, the head of a person (monitor 43) who does not move for a predetermined period of time within a range of 1 m to 1.2 m above the sidewalk SW shown in the captured image as a related element.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 judges the result of step S3 to be "Yes" when, for example, three or more of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions related to the multiple observers are satisfied. Note that the number of satisfied predetermined conditions for judging the result of step S3 to be "Yes" is not limited to three and can be set arbitrarily, and may be one, but preferably multiple. Also, at least some of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions related to the observers may not be used.

If the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S3, that is, if it recognizes a monitor 43 who satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined conditions from the captured image, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 judges "No" in step S3, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the control unit 11 analyzes the acquired captured image and determines whether or not it has recognized the measurement light L1, L2 as one type of associated element of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33. The determination of whether or not the measurement light L1, L2 has been recognized as the associated element is made based on whether or not there is an image portion in the captured image that corresponds to the measurement light L1, L2 that satisfies a predetermined condition.

For example, in the case of FIG. 1, the control unit 11 recognizes both the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2 that cross the path of the vehicle 50 shown in the captured image as related elements. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is preferable to recognize measurement light that satisfies the following predetermined conditions regarding the measurement light as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to the measurement light, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2 that cross a pair of paths at an interval of 3 m on the path of the vehicle 50 shown in the captured image as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to the measurement light, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2, which have the same wavelength and cross a pair of paths at the front and rear on the path of the vehicle 50 shown in the captured image, as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to the measurement light, the control unit 11 may recognize, for example, the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2, which are parallel and cross the path of the vehicle 50 shown in the captured image in a pair, as related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions related to the measurement light, the control unit 11 may recognize, as related elements, the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2 that cross the path of the vehicle 50 less than 9 cm from the road surface shown in the captured image.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 judges the result of step S4 to be "Yes" when, for example, three or more of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions related to the multiple measurement lights are satisfied. Note that the number of satisfied predetermined conditions for judging the result of step S2 to be "Yes" is not limited to three and can be set arbitrarily, and may be one, but preferably multiple. Also, at least some of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions related to the measurement lights may not be used.

In addition, in recognizing the measurement light L1 and L2, both the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2 are recognized under each of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, but for example, only one of the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2 that satisfies each predetermined condition may be recognized as a related element.

If the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S4, that is, if it recognizes measurement light that satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined conditions from the captured image, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 judges "No" in step S4, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image and determines whether or not it has recognized related elements (other related elements) of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33 other than steps S2 to S4 above. Specifically, in this embodiment, it recognizes as related elements those that satisfy the following predetermined conditions regarding other related elements.

As one of the predetermined conditions for other related elements, for example, in the case of FIG. 1, the control unit 11 recognizes the first reflector 32 and the second reflector 34 located on the right side of the roadway RW on which the vehicle 50 shown in the captured image is traveling as related elements. The first reflector 32 and the second reflector 34 may be recognized not only by being located on the right side of the roadway RW, but also by being spaced 3 m apart in the direction of travel of the vehicle 50.

As one of the predetermined conditions for other related elements, the control unit 11 recognizes a minivan 44 parked on the roadside in the captured image as a related element, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The minivan 44 may be recognized not only based on its external shape, but also on its color (e.g., white).

The control unit 11 recognizes the metal chair 43a shown in the captured image as one of the predetermined conditions for other related elements. A condition may be that the monitor 43 is seated on the metal chair 43a.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 judges the result of the judgment in step S5 to be "Yes" when a predetermined number or more of the predetermined conditions related to the above-mentioned multiple other related elements, for example, two or more, are satisfied. Note that the predetermined number that satisfies the predetermined condition for judging the result of the judgment in step S5 to be "Yes" is not limited to two and can be set arbitrarily, and may be one, but it is preferable to set it to multiple.

In addition, in recognizing other related elements, both the first reflector 32 and/or the second reflector 34 are recognized under each of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, but for example, only one of the first reflector 32 and/or the second reflector 34 that satisfies the predetermined condition may be recognized as a related element.

If the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S5, that is, if other related elements that satisfy the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are recognized from the captured image, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S6. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 judges "No" in step S5, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S7.

In step S6, the control unit 11 performs control to warn of approach to the speed measuring device 30, i.e., turns on the warning control, and returns to the processing of step S1. The warning control may be performed by any method that allows the user to recognize the approach to the speed measuring device 30, and may use at least one of the following: audio output, display of a warning screen on the display unit 12, and light emission control of the light emitting unit 22. In this embodiment, the warning is to notify the user of the approach to a speed control point or a point where a photocell-type speed measuring device 30 is installed. In addition, the control unit 11 may store the captured image in the storage unit 17 by the imaging unit 13 of the electronic device 10 or a drive recorder, etc., together with the warning. For example, the control unit 11 may record the captured image for a period including at least one of before and after the time when it is determined that the speed measuring device 30 has been approached.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an alarm screen. The alarm screen shown in Figure 5 is a screen in which a window W1 is superimposed on a map screen M1. The control unit 11 issues an alarm by displaying the window W1 superimposed on the map M. The map M is identified based on map data and position information from the GPS receiver unit 15. An icon I indicating the position of the vehicle 50 (the vehicle's position) is placed on the map M. The vehicle's position is identified based on the position information from the GPS receiver unit 15. Note that the icon in this embodiment may be replaced with a character, a symbol, a figure, or other object.

In the example shown in FIG. 5(A), the window W1 displays a message saying "You are approaching a speed control point," indicating the approach of a speed measurement device 30. The control unit 11 may also output a voice message saying "You are approaching a speed control point" from the speaker 14. If the control unit 11 can determine the type of speed measurement device (e.g., photocell type, semi-fixed type, fixed type, mobile type) based on the characteristics of the received laser light signal or other methods, it may perform control to issue an alarm including a notification of the type of speed measurement device. If the control unit 11 can identify a photocell type speed measurement device 30, it may notify the user by using a message saying "You are approaching a photocell type speed measurement point," as shown in FIG. 6(B), for example.

Also, different alarm controls may be implemented depending on the type of related element recognized. For example, different alarm controls may be implemented if the related element recognized is related to road cones, security guards, measuring light, or other related elements.

In addition to the message indicating approach to the speed measuring device 30, the accuracy of approach to the speed measuring device 30 may be notified. The accuracy of approach to the speed measuring device 30 may be shown as a percentage or as a graded level (numerical value, large, medium, small, etc.) depending on, for example, the type of related element recognized, the importance of the related element recognized, the number of related elements, etc.

Meanwhile, in step S7, the control unit 11 does not issue an alarm and returns to the processing of step S1. The processing of step S7 is a process for stopping (i.e., turning OFF) alarm control when it is being executed. That is, in step S6, steps S2 to S3 are all "No", and the related elements of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 and the second light transmitter/receiver 33 cannot be recognized. Therefore, in step S6, if alarm control is not being executed at this point, the state is maintained as it is, and if alarm control has been started in step S5, the alarm control is ended.

The process in FIG. 4 may be terminated at any time, but may be terminated, for example, when the electronic device 10 is turned off by operating the operation unit 18 or when the route guidance function is stopped.

In this way, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment recognizes the road cones 41, 42 using the imaging unit 13, etc., and issues an alarm regarding speed enforcement. The light transmitters 31, 33 are small and installed on the road, and in many cases the road cones 41, 42 are installed around the light transmitters 31, 33 to avoid contact with vehicles and pedestrians. By recognizing the road cones 41, 42 as related elements of the light transmitters 31, 33 from an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to indirectly detect the approach of a speed measuring device 30 that uses light transmitters 31, 33 that are not fixedly installed and that do not measure the speed of the vehicle 50 by irradiating it with radar waves or laser light.

As in this embodiment, when the road cones 41 and 42 are installed in an area where pedestrians do not pass (e.g., the roadway RW), a warning regarding speed enforcement may be issued. When the road cones 41 and 42 are installed in an area where pedestrians pass (e.g., the sidewalk SW), a warning regarding speed enforcement may be suppressed (e.g., not issued).

As in this embodiment, when the road cones 41, 42 are installed close to the road shoulder (on the left side), a warning regarding speed enforcement may be issued. When the road cones 41, 42 are not installed close to the road shoulder (on the left side), a warning regarding speed enforcement may be suppressed (e.g., not issued). The road cones 41, 42 arranged around the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 are often arranged close to the road shoulder on the roadway RW. Therefore, by recognizing the road cones 41, 42 installed close to the road shoulder on the roadway RW as related elements of the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measurement device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33.

As in this embodiment, when a separation strip S (fence, curb, etc.) for separating the sidewalk SW and the roadway RW is present, and road cones 41, 42 are detected on the roadway RW side of the separation strip S, an alarm regarding speed enforcement may be suppressed (for example, not issued). When a separation strip S (fence, curb, etc.) for separating the sidewalk SW and the roadway RW is present, and road cones 41, 42 are detected on the sidewalk SW side of the separation strip S, an alarm regarding speed enforcement may be suppressed (for example, not issued). The road cones 41, 42 arranged around the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33 are often arranged on the roadway RW side of the separation strip S between the roadway RW and the sidewalk SW. Therefore, by recognizing the road cones 41, 42 installed on the roadway RW side of the separation strip S between the roadway RW and the sidewalk SW as related elements from the image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measurement device 30 using the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33.

As in this embodiment, if the road cones 41, 42 are warm colors, a warning regarding speed enforcement may be issued. If the road cones 41, 42 are not warm colors, a warning regarding speed enforcement may be suppressed (e.g., not issued). The road cones 41, 42 arranged around the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 are often warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow. Therefore, by recognizing the warm-colored road cones 41, 42 as related elements from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33.

When the road cones 41, 42 are equipped with reflectors 41c as in this embodiment, it is preferable to issue a warning regarding speed enforcement. When the road cones 41, 42 are not equipped with reflectors 41c, it is preferable to suppress (e.g. not issue) the warning regarding speed enforcement. The road cones 41, 42 arranged around the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 often have reflectors 41c. Therefore, by recognizing the road cones 41, 42 equipped with reflectors 41c as related elements from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33.

As in this embodiment, the road cones 41, 42 may be configured to sound an alarm when one or more are recognized at the above positions, but it is particularly preferable to sound an alarm when two are recognized. It is preferable to sound an alarm or a strong alarm when the distance between the two is approximately 3 m. It is preferable not to sound an alarm when the distance between the two exceeds a predetermined distance (for example, 10 m, preferably 10 m). When a large number of road cones 41, 42 are arranged, there is a high possibility of roadside construction, so it is preferable not to sound a speed enforcement alarm (an alarm about approaching the speed measuring device). The light transmitters 31, 33 as the speed measuring device 30 are usually arranged in a front-to-back pair for timer start and timer stop, and the road cones 41, 42 arranged around the light transmitters 31, 33 are often arranged in a front-to-back pair on the roadway RW accordingly. Therefore, by recognizing 41, 42 arranged in front and behind on the path of the vehicle 50 as related elements from an image taken of the front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measurement device 30 using the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33. The light transmitter/receiver 31, 33 as the speed measurement device 30 has a fixed interval between timer start and timer stop for speed measurement, and this interval is often 3 m. Therefore, the road cones 41, 42 arranged around the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33 are often arranged in pairs in front and behind with an interval of 3 m or more accordingly. Therefore, by recognizing 41, 42 arranged in front and behind on the path of the vehicle 50 with an interval of 3 m or more from an image taken of the front of the vehicle 50 as related elements, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measurement device 30 using the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33.

For example, in the Metropolitan Expressway, enforcement is often carried out using emergency parking lanes. As in this embodiment, when there are road cones 41, 42 in the emergency parking lanes, it is advisable to process the direction of issuing an enforcement warning (warning about approach to the speed measuring device). Processing of the direction of issuing a warning means issuing a warning when other conditions for issuing a warning are met, and not issuing a warning when other conditions for not issuing a warning are met. Processing of the direction of issuing a warning also includes raising the level of the warning when there are levels, issuing a stronger warning when a warning has already been issued, and so on. The light transmitters 31, 33 as the speed measuring device 30 may be installed in an emergency parking lanes where sufficient installation space is available, and the road cones 41, 42 arranged around the light transmitters 31, 33 may also be arranged in the emergency parking lanes accordingly. Therefore, by recognizing the road cones 41, 42 installed in the emergency parking lanes as related elements from the image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitters 31, 33.

Objects such as road cones 41 and 42 are detected by a camera. For example, if two road cones 41 and 42 are installed at equal intervals, they may be photocells.

Or, if they detect someone sitting on a chair on the sidewalk, they may use photocells or other enforcement.

In addition, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment recognizes the observer 43 using the speed measuring device 30 and issues an alert regarding speed enforcement.

If there is a supervisor 43 facing the roadway RW from the sidewalk SW, it is advisable to perform processing of the direction to issue a crackdown warning. The light transmitters 31 and 33 used in the speed measuring device 30 are often located around the supervisor 43 who manages the speed measuring device 30. Normally, pedestrians walk along the sidewalk and face the direction of the sidewalk, but the supervisor 43 often faces the roadway RW from the sidewalk SW side to monitor the speed measuring device 30 installed on the roadway RW and passing vehicles 50. Therefore, by recognizing the person (supervisor 43) facing the roadway RW from the sidewalk SW side from the image captured in front of the vehicle 50 as a related element of the light transmitters 31 and 33, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitters 31 and 33.

In addition, if there is a supervisor 43 wearing a specific type of clothing, such as a uniform, hat, reflective vest, or helmet in cool colors such as navy blue or black, it is advisable to perform processing in the direction of issuing a crackdown warning. The supervisors 43 around the light-transmitting/receiving devices 31 and 33 are mainly police officers, and in many cases they are wearing a specific type of clothing, such as a uniform. Therefore, by recognizing a person (supervisor 43) wearing a specific type of clothing from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50 as a related element of the light-transmitting/receiving devices 31 and 33, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device 30 using the light-transmitting/receiving devices 31 and 33.

If there is a supervisor 43 remaining near the road cones 41, 42, it is advisable to carry out processing in the direction of issuing a crackdown warning. The supervisor 43 around the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 often remains there to monitor the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33. Road cones 41, 42 are installed around the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33, and the supervisor 43 also remains in the vicinity. Therefore, by recognizing the person (supervisor 43) remaining near the road cones 41, 42 as a related element of the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 from the image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the person to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33.

If the head of the observer 43 is within a range of 1m to 1.2m on the sidewalk SW and does not move for a specified time, processing should be performed in the direction of issuing a crackdown alarm. Observers 43 around the light transmitters and receivers 31, 33 often sit on metal chairs 43a or the like and monitor the speed measuring device 30. In such cases, the head of the observer 43 is located within a range of 1m to 1.2m on the sidewalk and often does not move from that position during monitoring. Therefore, by recognizing the head of a person who is not moving for a specified time on the sidewalk within a range of 1m to 1.2m on the sidewalk as a related element of the light transmitters and receivers 31, 33 from the image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitters and receivers 31, 33.

In addition, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment recognizes the measurement lights L1 and L2 emitted by the photocell-type speed measuring device 30 and issues an alarm regarding speed enforcement.

When the measurement light L1, L2 is detected crossing the roadway RW, it is advisable to perform processing in the direction of issuing a crackdown warning. In a so-called photoelectric cell type speed measuring device 30, the measurement light L1, L2 irradiated from the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33 is irradiated in a direction crossing the path of the vehicle 50, and the measurement light L1, L2 is usually not visible to the naked eye, but an imaging unit such as a camera used in a smartphone or the like can capture light with a wavelength wider than that of the naked eye, such as the infrared range. Therefore, by recognizing the measurement light L1, L2 crossing the path of the vehicle 50 as a related element from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33. For example, a telephoto infrared camera is installed on the vehicle 50 facing forward in the traveling direction, and when an image corresponding to light crossing the road from left to right is detected in the image captured by the infrared camera, it is advisable to recognize it as "measurement light crossing the path of the vehicle reflected in the image captured in front of the vehicle". In particular, when light is detected that crosses a first predetermined range within the road but does not cross a second predetermined range that is outside the first predetermined range within the road, it is preferable to recognize it as "measurement light crossing the path of the vehicle shown in an image capturing the front of the vehicle". The first predetermined range may be, for example, a location corresponding to the roadway RW, and the second predetermined range may be a range corresponding to the sidewalk. In this way, light crossing the road to measure the speed of the vehicle 50 can be more reliably recognized, and false alarms can be reduced. In particular, the first predetermined range may be the range of the lane on the roadway RW in the same traveling direction as the vehicle 50. For example, in the case of a road with one lane on each side and two-way traffic, it is preferable to set it to the range of the lane that is currently the path of the vehicle. For example, in the case of a road with two lanes on each side and four lanes on both sides, it is preferable to set it to the range of the two lanes that are currently the path of the vehicle. It is preferable to provide a predetermined space between the first predetermined range and the second predetermined range. In this way, false alarms can be further reduced.

When two measuring beams L1, L2 are detected crossing the roadway RW at a predetermined interval (especially an interval of about 3 m), it is advisable to perform processing in a direction that issues a crackdown warning. When the interval is greater than a predetermined interval, it is advisable to perform processing in a direction that suppresses the crackdown warning. The light transmitters and receivers 31, 33 as the speed measuring device 30 have a set interval between timer start and timer stop for speed measurement, and this interval is often 3 m. Therefore, by recognizing the measuring beams L1, L2 that cross the front and rear paths at an interval of 3 m on the path of the vehicle 50 as related elements from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect approach to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitters and receivers 31, 33.

As in this embodiment, the wavelengths of the two measurement lights L1 and L2 are the same, the wavelengths are in the infrared region, and an imaging unit 13 that receives the wavelengths of the measurement lights L1 and L2 is provided to detect the measurement lights L1 and L2. The imaging unit 13 is preferably a camera that has sensitivity in the infrared region as in this embodiment. The light transmitters and receivers 31 and 33 for timer start and timer stop as the speed measurement device 30 often use measurement lights L1 and L2 of the same wavelength. Therefore, by recognizing the measurement lights L1 and L2 that have the same wavelength and cross the pair of paths of the front and rear on the path of the vehicle 50 as related elements from an image of the front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach to the speed measurement device 30 using the light transmitters and receivers 31 and 33.

This is particularly effective when combined with the recognition of the road cones 41 and 42. The recognition of the road cones 41 and 42 and/or the recognition of the measurement light beams L1 and L2 can be used as a trigger to record a video (captured image).

As in this embodiment, it is preferable to have a function for detecting whether the two measurement beams L1 and L2 are spaced apart at a predetermined interval (preferably approximately 3 m apart). If the interval is not at a predetermined interval (preferably approximately 3 m apart), it is preferable to issue a notification indicating that there is a possibility of erroneous measurement. In particular, if the interval is narrower than the predetermined interval, it is preferable to issue a notification indicating that there is a possibility of erroneous measurement.

As in this embodiment, it is preferable to have a function for detecting whether the two measurement beams L1, L2 are parallel or not. If they are not parallel, it is preferable to issue a warning indicating that there is a possibility of erroneous measurement. The light transmitters and receivers 31, 33 for timer start and timer stop as the speed measuring device 30 need to irradiate the measurement beams L1, L2 parallel to the front and rear in order to measure the speed accurately. Therefore, by recognizing the parallel measurement beams L1, L2 that cross the path of the vehicle 50 as related elements from an image taken in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitters and receivers 31, 33.

As in this embodiment, when the measurement light L1, L2 is detected at a position 9 cm or higher above the ground, it is advisable to issue a warning indicating that there is a possibility of erroneous measurement. The light transmitter/receiver 31, 33 as the speed measuring device 30 normally detects the passage of the front wheels of a vehicle, so the measurement light L1, L2 must be emitted below the underside of the vehicle body. Therefore, by recognizing the measurement light L1, L2 that crosses the path of the vehicle less than 9 cm above the road surface as a related element from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33.

In addition, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment recognizes other related elements related to the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33 and issues an alarm regarding speed enforcement.

As in this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a reflector (reflectors 32, 34) on the right shoulder of the road, and if so, to process the direction to issue a crackdown warning. The speed measurement device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 has reflectors 32, 34 that reflect the measurement light L1, L2 emitted from the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33. By recognizing the reflectors 32, 34 as relevant elements from an image captured of the area ahead of the vehicle 50, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measurement device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33.

As in this embodiment, when another installed object is detected, for example, a minivan 44 parked on the side of the road together with road cones 41, 42, processing can be performed to determine the direction in which to issue a crackdown warning. Many of the vehicles used by the monitors 43 are minivans 44, which are parked near the speed measuring device 30. Therefore, by recognizing the minivan as a related element from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50 in addition to the above-mentioned related elements, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the vehicle to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitters and receivers 31, 33.

Furthermore, as in this embodiment, if a metal chair 43a is detected as another installed object, processing can be performed to determine the direction of issuing a crackdown warning. In many cases, the supervisor 43 is seated on the metal chair 43a. Therefore, by recognizing the metal chair 43a as a related element from an image captured in front of the vehicle 50 in addition to the above-mentioned related elements, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31 and 33.

As described above, the system of this embodiment has a control unit 11 that is provided in the vehicle 50 and performs warning control to warn of approach to the light transmitter/receivers 31 and 33 that transmit and receive the measurement light L1 and L2 that cross the path of the vehicle 50. It also has a program for realizing the functions of the system. In this way, the user can receive a warning of approach to the light transmitter/receivers 31 and 33 that transmit and receive the measurement light L1 and L2 that cross the path of the vehicle 50 in the vehicle 50. The light transmitter/receivers 31 and 33 that transmit and receive the measurement light L1 and L2 that cross the path of the vehicle 50 may be so-called photoelectric tube type speed measuring devices. In this way, the user can be made aware of the approach to a point where a so-called photoelectric tube type speed measuring device using the light transmitter/receivers 31 and 33 that transmit and receive the measurement light L1 and L2 that cross the path of the vehicle 50 may be installed.

As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the light transmitters and receivers 31 and 33 are used in the speed measuring device 30. In this way, the light transmitters and receivers 31 and 33 can be used in the speed measuring device 30 to allow the user to be aware of the approach of a traffic stop.

In particular, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to perform alarm control to warn of approach to a so-called photoelectric speed measuring device 30 (also called a photoelectric speed measuring device) using the light transmitter and receiver 31, 33, and the content of this alarm should not be an alarm indicating approach to a speed measuring device 30 other than a photoelectric speed measuring device, but an alarm indicating approach to a location where a photoelectric speed measuring device 30 is located. For example, instead of "There is a photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!", it is preferable to warn "There may be a photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!" or "There is a photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!". Although "There may be a photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!" is also fine, it is preferable to have something that specifically indicates something related to the photoelectric speed measuring device, such as "There is a road cone related to the photoelectric speed measuring device 500 meters ahead. Watch your speed!", and in particular, it is preferable to have something that indicates at least some of the things related to the photoelectric speed measuring device. In this way, the user can focus on the object, pay attention to its location, and easily check whether a photocell speed camera has actually been installed. The warning content can be stored in the system's memory means and output as voice, text, image, etc. Conventional systems store the location of the speed measuring device 30 itself and issue a warning indicating the approach of the speed measuring device 30, but this system is configured to change whether or not to install the speed measuring device 30 as with photocell speed cameras, and does not measure speed by irradiating microwaves or laser light on the vehicle 50, so it is possible to warn about the approach of a photocell speed camera that cannot directly detect the speed measuring device 30.

The control unit 11 performs the warning control by recognizing the relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33. The relevant elements include the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 themselves, the reflectors 32, 34, and the measurement control unit. By recognizing the relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 in this way, it is possible to detect the approach of the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 and warn the user, not only when the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33 can be detected directly.

The control unit 11 performs the alarm control by recognizing multiple related elements related to the light transmitter/receivers 31 and 33. In this way, by recognizing multiple related elements and performing alarm control, the probability of erroneously recognizing the light transmitter/receivers 31 and 33 can be reduced, and erroneous alarms can be suppressed.

The control unit 11 recognizes related elements associated with the transmitters and receivers 31 and 33, and performs different alarm control depending on the type of related element recognized. For example, different alarm control is performed when the recognized related element is related to road cones 41 and 42, and when it is related to a security guard. In this way, by performing different alarm control depending on the type of recognized related element, the reason for the approach of a photocell speed camera can be clearly indicated to the user.

The control unit 11 also recognizes related elements associated with the transmitter/receivers 31 and 33, and performs different alarm control depending on the number of recognized related elements. For example, the more related elements recognized, the higher the probability of approaching a photocell speed camera, and therefore the higher the probability, the stronger the alarm that is issued to alert the user. In this way, by performing different alarm control depending on the number of recognized related elements, it is possible to provide a more appropriate alarm to the user.

As described above, the electronic device 10 issues an alarm regarding the speed measuring device 30, thereby encouraging the user, such as the driver of the vehicle 50, to pay attention to speed enforcement, which contributes to safe driving.

[Second embodiment]
In the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the control unit 11 issues an alarm when it recognizes any of the traffic cones 41, 42, the monitor 43, the measurement light beams L1, L2, and other related elements, but it may also be configured to issue an alarm when it recognizes a predetermined number or more of related element types. Since the configuration of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for each part and the description is omitted.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 of the second embodiment. The same processes as those of the first embodiment in Figure 4 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 acquires an image of the area in front of the vehicle captured by the imaging unit 13 in step S1, and in step S2, analyzes the acquired image and determines whether or not a road cone 41, 42 has been recognized as an associated element of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33. If the control unit 11 determines "Yes" in step S2, that is, if the control unit 11 recognizes a road cone 41, 42 that satisfies the predetermined conditions as described in the first embodiment from the captured image, the control unit 11 proceeds to processing in step S11. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines "No" in step S2, the control unit 11 proceeds to processing in step S3. In step S11, the control unit 11 adds 1 to the number of types of recognized associated elements, and proceeds to processing in step S3.

In step S3, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image and determines whether or not it has recognized the monitor 43 as an associated element of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33. If the control unit 11 determines "Yes" in step S3, that is, if it has recognized a monitor 43 from the captured image that satisfies the predetermined conditions as described in the first embodiment, it proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines "No" in step S3, it proceeds to step S4. In step S12, the control unit 11 adds 1 to the number of types of recognized associated elements and proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image and determines whether or not it has recognized the measurement light L1, L2 as an associated element of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33. If the control unit 11 determines "Yes" in step S4, that is, if it has recognized the measurement light L1, L2 that satisfies the predetermined conditions as described in the first embodiment from the captured image, it proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines "No" in step S4, it proceeds to step S14. In step S13, the control unit 11 adds 1 to the number of types of recognized associated elements and proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the control unit 11 analyzes the captured image and determines whether other related elements of the first light transmitter/receiver 31 or the second light transmitter/receiver 33 have been recognized based on information acquired via the GPS receiver unit 15 and the communication unit 16.

In step S14, in addition to the first reflector 32 or the second reflector 34, the minivan 44 parked on the roadside, and the metal chair 43a that were recognized as other related elements in the first embodiment, these related elements and related elements that are within a predetermined range from the positions of the related elements recognized in steps S2 to S4 (road cones 41, 42, monitor 43, measurement light L1, L2) are recognized. Specifically, in this embodiment, elements that satisfy the following predetermined conditions regarding other related elements are recognized as related elements.

For example, as one of the predetermined conditions for other related elements, the control unit 11 recognizes viaducts 45a and 45b that intersect with the roadway RW on which the vehicle 50 is traveling within a predetermined range (e.g., 200 m) from the above-mentioned related elements as related elements, as shown in FIG. 2. One method for recognizing these viaducts 45a and 45b may be, for example, based on whether or not there is an image portion corresponding to the viaduct in the captured image.

The method of recognizing the viaducts 45a, 45b is not limited to the method of recognizing the viaducts 45a, 45b based on the captured image. For example, the control unit 11 may recognize the viaducts 45a, 45b within a predetermined range (e.g., 200 m) of the above-mentioned related elements as related elements based on map data stored in the memory unit 17 and position information based on the GPS receiving unit 15.

As one method for the control unit 11 to recognize the viaducts 45a and 45b, the control unit 11 may acquire information acquired by other vehicles 60 via the communication unit 16, and based on the information from the other vehicles 60, recognize the viaducts 45a and 45b within a predetermined range (e.g., 200 m) of the above-mentioned related elements as related elements.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 determines that one of the conditions of the other related elements is satisfied when the viaducts 45a and 45b are recognized by one of the three methods: the photographed image, the map data, the GPS information, and the information from the other vehicle 60. The method of recognizing the viaducts 45a and 45b can be set arbitrarily, and for example, when information from the other vehicle cannot be obtained, the recognition of the viaducts may be determined by only the photographed image, the map data, and the GPS information. The number of times that the viaducts 45a and 45b are recognized may also be set arbitrarily, and it may be determined that one of the conditions of the other related elements is satisfied when the viaducts 45a and 45b are recognized by two methods, or when the viaducts 45a and 45b are recognized by three methods. It may also be determined that one of the conditions of the other related elements is satisfied each time the viaducts 45a and 45b are recognized by one method.

The control unit 11 may not only recognize the viaducts 45a and 45b, but also acquire SNS information via the communication unit 16 as one of the predetermined conditions for other related elements, and recognize information on the enclosures (fences 47a and 47b) on the viaducts 45a and 45b acquired from the SNS information as a related element.

Information on the enclosures (fences 47a, 47b) on the viaducts 45a, 45b in the SNS information can be obtained by, for example, narrowing down posts related to the photocell-type speed measuring device 30 using keywords with hashtags, and obtaining information on the enclosures (fences 47a, 47b) from location information described or attached in the posts.

In this way, in a location where there is an overpass 45a that crosses the roadway RW within a predetermined range (for example, within 200 m) ahead of an already recognized related element, processing should be performed in the direction of issuing a crackdown warning. This is because there is a possibility that a violating vehicle will be photographed from the overpass 45a. In addition, in a location where there is an overpass 45b behind an already recognized related element within a predetermined range (for example, within 200 m), processing should be performed in the direction of issuing a crackdown warning. In many cases, there are overpasses 45a and 45b around the speed measuring device 30 to photograph the vehicle 50 when the speed of the vehicle 50 measured by the speed measuring device 30 is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed. If photographing is performed from the overpasses 45a and 45b that cross the roadway RW on which the vehicle 50 is traveling, photographing the vehicle 50 from the front can be performed. Therefore, by recognizing viaducts 45a, 45b within a specified range of the relevant elements as relevant elements based on an image captured in front of the vehicle 50 and/or map information, it is possible to more reliably detect approach to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31, 33.

If it is detected (by another vehicle 60) that the shoulder of the viaducts 45a, 45b is fenced off, it is advisable to perform processing to issue a crackdown warning. For example, the drive recorder of the other vehicle 60 can detect that there is a screen (such as a construction fence) on the shoulder of the intersecting elevated road, upload the information to a server, and obtain information on that location from the server. In order to secure space to photograph the vehicles 50 passing under the viaducts 45a, 45b from the viaducts, there are often fences formed on the viaducts with fences or the like. In recent years, it has become possible to obtain information obtained by the other vehicle 60, and by obtaining information on the fence from the information obtained by such other vehicle 60 and recognizing it as a related element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receiver 31, 33.

It is advisable to store hashtags related to enforcement among SNS hashtags (for example, #mobilespeedorvis), search SNS using those hashtags, provide a parser that obtains and extracts text information (and location information), and provide a function to obtain location information from the extracted information. In recent years, road information and the like may be posted on SNS information, and by obtaining enclosure information from such SNS information and recognizing it as a related element, it is possible to more reliably detect approach to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitters and receivers 31, 33.

The control unit 11 may also recognize, for example, based on map information stored in the memory unit 17, that the vehicle 50 is traveling in a predetermined section with a straight line of a predetermined distance or more as the related element. This predetermined section may be, for example, a section where a photocell-type speed measuring device 30 stored in the memory unit 17 is likely to be installed. A GPS alarm may be issued in a location that satisfies the three conditions of a road where speed is easy to drive on, where a photocell can be installed, and where there are viaducts 45a and 45b nearby where cameras can be installed, as a "new speed control device installation area (tentative)". The GPS alarm is an alarm issued when a point indicated by GPS information has a predetermined proximity relationship with a control point. For example, an area to be warned may be defined on a map in advance, and an alarm may be issued when the vehicle 50 enters the area based on GPS information. The speed measuring device 30 is often installed in a long straight section where the vehicle 50 can drive at a sufficient speed. Therefore, by recognizing, based on map information, that the vehicle 50 is traveling in a specific section with a straight line of at least a specific distance as the related element, it is possible to more reliably detect the approach of the vehicle to the speed measuring device 30 using the light transmitter/receivers 31 and 33.

If the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S14, that is, if other related elements that satisfy the above-mentioned predetermined conditions have been recognized, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 judges "No" in step S14, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S15, the control unit 11 increments the number of recognized related element types by 1 and proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the control unit 11 determines whether the number of recognized related element types, which is the number of types of recognized related elements, is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number can be set arbitrarily, and is set to 3 in this embodiment, for example.

If the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S16, that is, if the number of types of recognition-related elements is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S6 and issues an alarm as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 judges "No" in step S16, the control unit 11 advances the process to step S7 and does not issue an alarm.

In this manner, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment determines whether or not an alarm is required depending on the number of types of recognized related elements. The alarm may be different depending on the number of types of recognized related elements. For example, the more recognized related elements there are, the higher the probability of the approach of the photocell-type speed measuring device 30, and therefore the higher the probability, the stronger the alarm that alerts the user. Note that instead of the number of types of recognized related elements, the number of related elements that satisfy the above-mentioned conditions may be counted.

As described above, the electronic device 10 issues an alarm regarding the photocell-type speed measuring device 30, thereby encouraging the user, such as the driver of the vehicle 50, to pay attention to speed enforcement, which contributes to safe driving.

[Modification]
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

(Variation 1)
The control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 may suppress control to issue an alarm when the road cones 41, 42, the guard 43, the measurement lights L1, L2, and some other related elements are not recognized from the image captured by the imaging unit in front of the vehicle 50. In this case, suppressing control to issue an alarm can be achieved by not issuing an alarm, or by reducing the volume, the display, or the alarm level, compared to the case where an alarm is issued but not suppressed. In this way, an alarm due to erroneous recognition by the photocell-type speed measuring device 30 can be suppressed, and unnecessary information can be prevented from being provided to the user.

(Variation 2)
Some of the configurations and operations described in the above-mentioned embodiments may be omitted or modified. For example, the photoelectric cell type speed measuring device 30 does not necessarily have to include the traffic cones 41 and 42 and the monitor 43, and other elements may be added as long as they are used for the operation and installation of the speed measuring device 30.

In the first and second embodiments described above, whether the road cones recognized in step S1 are both or either of the first road cone 41 and the second road cone 42, whether the measurement light recognized in step S3 is both or either of the first measurement light L1 and the second measurement light L2, and whether the reflector recognized in step S5 is both or either of the first reflector 32 and the second reflector 34 may be displayed in advance on a setting screen or the like of the electronic device 10 and set by a user operation, and a judgment may be made according to the setting. In addition, a predetermined number that satisfies a predetermined condition for judging the judgment result in steps S2 to S5 and S14 as "Yes", or a combination of each of the predetermined conditions in steps S2 to S5 and S14 for judging as "Yes" may be displayed in advance on a setting screen or the like of the electronic device 10 and set by a user operation, and a judgment of "Yes" or "No" may be made according to the setting.

In addition, it is advisable to provide settings for whether or not to make a judgment for each of the judgments in steps S2 to S5 and S14 in the first and second embodiments.

(Variation 3)
The control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 may receive a radio signal of a predetermined frequency related to speed enforcement by the radio receiver 26 in addition to or instead of recognizing the traffic cones 41, 42, the monitor 43, the measurement light beams L1, L2, and other related elements described in the first and second embodiments, and may perform alarm control based on the received result. This is because radio signals related to speed enforcement (also called on-site enforcement radio) may propagate at or around enforcement points. The predetermined frequency related to speed enforcement may be, for example, 350.1 MHz.

For example, the control unit 11 may increase the accuracy of approach to the speed measuring device 30 described above (e.g., increase the warning level) if a radio signal of this specified frequency is received, or decrease the accuracy (e.g., decrease the warning level) if the signal is not received. Alternatively, the reception of a radio signal of this specified frequency may be recognized as one of the relevant elements of the light transmitter/receiver, and the reception of a radio signal of the specified frequency may be one of the conditions for issuing an alarm. In this way, it is expected that the accuracy of the alarm indicating the approach to the photocell type speed measuring device 30 will be improved. In other words, alarms due to erroneous recognition of the photocell type speed measuring device 30 can be further suppressed, and the provision of unnecessary information to the user can be reduced.

The warning control performed by the electronic device 10 may be a control to issue a warning before passing a control point by the speed measuring device 30, or a control to issue a warning while passing or after passing a control point. In this case, the warning control may be a control to issue a message such as "You may be passing a control point by a photocell type speed camera" or a message such as "You may have passed a control point by a photocell type speed camera" by displaying or sounding it. Such warning control is also expected to contribute to the driver's safe driving. Such warning control can be performed based on images taken of the side or rear of the vehicle 50, rather than being limited to images taken of the front of the vehicle 50. In addition, methods for recognizing related elements include a method using a captured image, as well as a method using various sensors and other detection means to detect the presence of related elements.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations expressly described in the specification, but includes combinations of the various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. The configurations of the invention that are sought to be patented are specified in the accompanying claims, but it is the intention to claim configurations disclosed in this specification in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification. The configurations of the present invention that are sought to be patented are specified in the attached claims, but it is our intention to include configurations disclosed in this specification in the claims in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments. The components of each of the above-mentioned embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Any components of each of the embodiments and variations may be arbitrarily combined with any components described in the means for solving the invention or any components that embody any components described in the means for solving the invention. We intend to acquire rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc. Even if there is a description such as "in the case of" or "when", this is not intended to describe a configuration that is limited to that case or time. We also disclose configurations that are not in these cases or times, and we intend to acquire rights to them. Furthermore, the parts that are described in order are not limited to this order. We also disclose configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed, and we intend to acquire rights to them.

In addition, by converting to a design registration application, it is intended to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design. The drawings show the entire device in solid lines, but they include not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for a portion of the device. For example, it is not only possible to make a portion of the device a partial design, but it is also intended to include a portion of the device as a partial design regardless of the portion. A portion of the device may be a portion of the device, or a part of that portion. It is intended to obtain rights to not only the overall design, but also partial designs in which any part of the solid line portion of the drawing is made into a broken line. In addition, the modules, materials, parts, etc. inside the device's casing, all of which are shown in the drawings, are subject to trade independently, and it is intended to obtain rights to them by converting to a design registration application in the same way.

10: Electronic device 11: Control unit 12: Display unit 13: Imaging unit 14: Speaker 15: GPS receiving unit 16: Communication unit 17: Memory unit 17a: Database 18: Operation unit 19: Sensor unit 20: Mounting unit 21: Power supply unit 22: Light emitting unit 23: Cable terminal unit 24: Laser light receiving unit 25: Radar wave receiving unit 26: Wireless receiving unit 30: Speed measuring device 31: First light transmitter/receiver 32: First reflector 33: Second light transmitter/receiver 34: Second reflector 35: Measurement control unit 40: Vehicle 41: First road cone 41a: Bottom 41b: Cone portion 41c: Reflective material 42: Second road cone 43: Surveillance officer 43a: Pipe chair 44: Minivan 45a, 45b: Viaduct 46a, 46b : Enforcement cameras 47a, 47b : Fence 50 : Vehicle 60 : Other vehicles

Claims (31)

A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes road cones installed on the roadway that are captured in an image of the area ahead of the vehicle as relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control . A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes a road cone installed near the shoulder of a roadway that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control . A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit is a system that recognizes a road cone installed on the road side of the median strip between the roadway and the sidewalk, which is shown in an image taken of the front of the vehicle, as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes a warm-colored road cone that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes a road cone equipped with a reflective material that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes road cones placed before and after the vehicle's path, which are captured in an image of the area in front of the vehicle, as relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes road cones placed at front and rear of the vehicle with intervals of 3 m or more on the vehicle's path in an image taken of the area in front of the vehicle as relevant elements related to the transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes a road cone installed in an emergency parking lane that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes a reflector located on the right side of the road shoulder relative to the vehicle shown in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes measurement light that crosses the path of the vehicle and is captured in an image of the area ahead of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the warning control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes measurement light that crosses a pair of paths at an interval of 3 m on the vehicle's path, as shown in an image taken of the area in front of the vehicle, as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes measurement light of the same wavelength that crosses a pair of front and rear paths on the vehicle's path shown in an image taken of the area in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes parallel measurement lights that cross the vehicle's path in a pair, one at the front and one at the rear, in an image captured of the area in front of the vehicle, as relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes measurement light that crosses the vehicle's path less than 9 cm from the road surface shown in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes a minivan parked on the shoulder of the road that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes a folding chair that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as an element related to the light-transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes an elevated bridge that intersects with the road on which the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined range of the relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receiver that are shown in an image taken of the front of the vehicle, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes, based on map information, an elevated bridge that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined range from the associated element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit is a system that recognizes enclosure information on an elevated bridge that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined range of the relevant elements related to the light transmitter/receiver, which is obtained based on information obtained by other vehicles, as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit is a system that recognizes enclosure information on an elevated bridge that intersects with the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling within a predetermined range of the related elements related to the light transmitter/receiver, which is obtained based on SNS information, as a related element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. A control unit is provided in the vehicle and performs warning control to warn of an approach to a light transmitter/receiver that transmits and receives measurement light crossing a path of the vehicle,
The control unit recognizes, based on map information, that the vehicle is traveling in a specified section where a straight line continues for a specified distance or more, as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control. The light transmitter/receiver is used in a speed measuring device.
22. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 21. The control unit recognizes relevant elements related to the light transmitting/receiving device and performs the alarm control.
23. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 22. The control unit recognizes a plurality of related elements related to the light transmitter/receiver and performs the alarm control.
24. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 23. The control unit recognizes an associated element related to the light transmitting/receiving device, and performs different alarm control depending on the type of the recognized associated element.
25. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 24. The control unit recognizes related elements associated with the light transmitting/receiving device, and performs different alarm control depending on the number of recognized related elements.
26. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 25. The control unit recognizes a person facing from the sidewalk to the roadway in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitting/receiving device, and performs the warning control.
27. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 26. The control unit recognizes a person wearing a predetermined type of clothing that appears in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a related element related to the light transmitting/receiving device and performs the warning control.
28. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 27. The control unit recognizes a person remaining near a road cone shown in an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the warning control.
29. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 28. The control unit recognizes the head of a person who has not moved for a predetermined period of time on a sidewalk within a range of 1 m to 1.2 m in height from an image captured in front of the vehicle as a relevant element related to the light transmitter/receiver, and performs the alarm control.
30. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 29. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 30 .

Images