JP7739163B2 - In-yard train set number display system and in-yard train set number display method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system and method for displaying train set numbers within a depot that displays images of the depot's interior with train set numbers.

Traditionally, within a depot, the shunting (maintenance, cleaning, and organization) of trains organized according to a schedule shown on paper was managed.
To determine the location of trains (train formations) within the depot premises, workers would refer to a schedule on a diagram of the depot premises that was written on a whiteboard in the depot office, write the train formation number on a magnet that indicated the train, and then change the position of this magnet to share information with each worker, such as cleaners and inspectors.

As such, without referring to the schedule, it was impossible to understand which formations (trains) were where within the depot, and it was difficult to frequently change the position of the magnets, meaning that the display of the situation within the depot could not be updated in real time.

In particular, when the schedule was disrupted, trains with different configurations than those listed on the schedule would enter the depot, and there was no time to correct the configuration numbers on the whiteboard, which made it difficult to share information with each worker. For example, workers sometimes had to check with the person who created the schedule, or they had to visually confirm the train's configuration number.

Patent Document 1, on the other hand, describes a train operation management method in which, at a rail yard, the train formation number (described in the document as a management number including the train formation number) of a train moving within the rail yard is identified based on interlocking conditions, the train's position is detected using train detection signals from each track circuit within the rail yard, and the identified train formation number is displayed along with the train's position to manage train operations.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-289619

However, the train traffic management method described in Patent Document 1 does not use images of the depot's interior, which are used in existing yard facilities, and therefore the train formation number had to be created from an image of the interior that serves as the base for tracking and displaying the train. This resulted in a great deal of effort and cost being required to build the system, making it difficult to implement the train traffic management method described in the document and leaving room for improvement.

The present invention was developed in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an in-yard train set number display system and in-yard train set number display method that can be easily installed in existing in-yard facilities (without modifying the operation system) and that allows for quick confirmation of train set numbers within a depot.

The in-vehicle train number display system of the present invention comprises a number imaging device that captures an image of the vehicle numbers of the vehicles comprising a train entering or departing the depot, or the train number of the train, to obtain a number image; a depot image capture device that captures an in-vehicle image showing the position of the train within the depot; an OCR device that identifies characters appearing in the number image received from the number imaging device; an image processing device connected to a database that stores linking data linking the train number and the vehicle number; and a display device that displays an image; the OCR device transmits number information relating to the identified characters to the image processing device, and the If the number information received from the OCR device indicates the train set number, the image processing device displays and outputs on the display device an image with a train set number in which the number information is incorporated into a portion of the station premises image received from the station premises image acquisition device that corresponds to the train; or, if the number information received from the OCR device indicates the vehicle number, the image processing device references the database to identify the train set number that corresponds to the vehicle number from the linked data, and displays and outputs on the display device an image with a train set number in which the train set number is incorporated into a portion of the station premises image that corresponds to the train.

The in-vehicle train set number display method of the present invention includes a number imaging step of imaging the vehicle numbers of vehicles comprising a train entering or departing a depot or the train set number of the train to acquire a number image; a depot image acquisition step of acquiring a depot image showing the position of the train within the depot; an identification step of identifying characters appearing in the number image acquired in the number imaging step; and a display output step. The display output step is characterized in that, if the number information associated with the characters identified in the identification step indicates the train set number, an image with a train set number is generated in which the number information is incorporated into a portion of the depot image acquired in the depot image acquisition step that corresponds to the train; or, if the number information associated with the characters identified in the identification step indicates the train set number, linking data linking the train set number and the vehicle number is referenced, and the train set number corresponding to the vehicle number is identified from the linking data, and an image with a train set number is generated in which the train set number is incorporated into a portion of the depot image that corresponds to the train; and the generated image with a train set number is displayed.

The present invention provides a yard train set number display system and yard train set number display method that can be easily installed in existing yard facilities and enable quick confirmation of train set numbers within a depot.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of images, data, and information in an on-site train set number display system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method for displaying an on-site train set number according to the present embodiment. 1A is a diagram showing a state in which a train progression line connecting platform 1 and the entry/exit point is displayed in a station premises image, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an image with a train formation number in a state in which a line indicating the presence of a train is displayed at the entry/exit point and the train formation number is displayed near the line. 1A is a diagram showing an image with a train formation number when a line indicating the presence of a train extends to the point and the train formation number is displayed at the front of the line (train), and 1B is a diagram showing an image with a train formation number when the train has entered platform 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positions of train formation numbers and vehicle numbers, and is a diagram schematically showing a camera capturing an image of the vehicle number. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing some of the functions of a terminal installed in a rail depot. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing some of the functions of a terminal installed in a depot office. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing some of the functions of a terminal installed at a signal station. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing some of the functions of a terminal according to a modified example installed in a railroad depot. This is a figure showing an image with train formation numbers relating to the first variant, in which a line indicating the presence of a train is shown at the entry/exit location, and when two train formation numbers are identified for one train, the two train formation numbers are shown near the line. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for processing a train organization number according to a second modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image with a train formation number indicating that the train is stopped, relating to the third modified example. This is a diagram showing an image with a train formation number relating to the fourth variant example, which indicates that the identified train formation number is different from the planned train formation number.

Hereinafter, an on-site train set number display system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The drawings used in this embodiment are intended to illustrate the configuration of the on-board train set number display system 1 of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention.
For example, although the terminals at each location are separated and the functions are assigned to each terminal, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and each terminal may be provided with the functions of the other terminals.
In addition, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as appropriate.

<Overview>
First, an overview of the on-board train set number display system 1 and on-board train set number display method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.
Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of images, data, and information in the on-board train set number display system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing the on-board train set number display method according to this embodiment.
Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing a state in which a line of travel connecting platform 1 and the entry/exit point is shown in the station premises image 12, and Figure 3(b) is a diagram showing an image 15 with a train formation number in a state in which a line indicating the presence of train 2 is shown at the entry/exit point, and the train formation number 21 is shown near the line.
Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing an image 15 with a train formation number when the line indicating the presence of train 2 extends to the point position, and the train formation number 21 is displayed at the front of the line (train 2), and Figure 4(b) is a diagram showing an image 15 with a train formation number when train 2 has entered platform 1.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the positions of the formation number 21 and the car numbers 22, 23, and 24 of the train 2, and is a diagram schematically showing the camera 3 capturing an image of the car number 24.
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing some of the functions of terminal 4 installed in vehicle depot 7, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing some of the functions of terminal 5 installed in vehicle depot office 8, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing some of the functions of terminal 6 installed in signal box 9, and Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing some of the functions of terminal 4X related to a modified example installed in vehicle depot 7.
It should be noted that the station image 12 shown in Figure 3 and the image with train formation number 15 shown in Figure 4 etc. only show platforms 1 to 3 for the sake of convenience of explanation, but it goes without saying that there may be more than one platform.

The on-board train set number display system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a number imaging device (camera 3) that captures the vehicle numbers 22, 23, 24 of the vehicles 20 (see Figure 5) that make up the train 2 or the train set number 21 of the train 2, which are attached to the train 2 entering or leaving the train depot 7, to acquire a number image 11 (see Figure 1); a yard image acquisition device (capture unit 60) that acquires a yard image 12 showing the position of the train 2 within the yard of the train depot 7; an OCR device (OCR unit 40, see Figure 6) that identifies characters appearing in the number image 11 received from the camera 3; an image processing device (image processing unit 52, see Figure 7) connected to a database 17 that stores linking data 13 (see Figure 1) that links the train set number 21 with the vehicle numbers 22, 23, 24; and a display device that displays and outputs the image (display unit 31 in Figure 1, display unit 53 in Figure 7, display unit 63 in Figure 8).

The OCR unit 40 is a functional unit equipped with known optical character recognition (OCR) technology, and may be a unit that recognizes characters from scanned figures using a predetermined judgment logic, or may be an AI-OCR that recognizes characters using artificial intelligence.
The OCR unit 40 transmits the number information 14 (see FIG. 1) relating to the identified characters to the image processing unit 52 .
If the number information 14 received from the OCR unit 40 indicates the train formation number 21, the image processing unit 52 displays and outputs on the display units 31, 53, 63 an image 15 with the train formation number, which incorporates the number information 14 in the part corresponding to the train 2 in the station premises image 12 received from the capture unit 60.
In addition, if the number information 14 received from the OCR unit 40 indicates the vehicle number 22, the image processing unit 52 refers to the database 17 to identify the train number 21 corresponding to the vehicle number 22 from the linking data 13, and displays and outputs on the display units 31, 53, and 63 an image 15 with the train number incorporated into the part of the premises image 12 corresponding to the train 2.

"Entering the depot" refers to the train 2 entering the depot 7, and "leaving the depot" refers to the train 2 leaving the depot 7. "Entering and leaving the depot" is also used to mean both.
The object of acquisition of the premises image 12 by the premises image acquisition device (capture unit 60) may be the screen shown on the display at the signal box 9, or the surface of a route control panel (not shown). When the object to be acquired is a route control panel, the premises image 12 is acquired by an image capture using a camera (not shown), but when the object is a screen shown on a display, the image can be captured by an image capture using a camera (not shown) or by the capture unit 60.

At the vehicle depot 7, the train 2 is photographed by a camera 3 installed at the entry and exit points, and the worker can see that the photographed train 2 is entering and leaving the vehicle depot 7, and the vehicle number 22, 23, 24 or the train formation number 21 shown on the entering and leaving train 2.
In addition, at the signal station 9, the worker can determine the location of the train 2 by taking an image of the premises image 12 shown on the surface of the route control panel (not shown) or on the display of the signal station 9 with a camera (not shown), or by capturing the premises image 12 shown on the display of the signal station 9 with a capture unit 60.
The image 15 with the train formation number is formed by the image processing unit 52 incorporating the train formation number 21 obtained at the vehicle depot 7 into the portion of the yard image 12 obtained at the signal box 9 that corresponds to the train 2.

Connections between the database 17 and the image processing device (image processing unit 52) include direct wired connections as well as wireless connections via radio waves. In this embodiment, the database 17 and image processing unit 52 (terminal 5) are connected via the Internet 10, an electronic communication line. It is preferable that the linking data 13 be downloaded in advance to the terminal 5 having the image processing unit 52 via the Internet 10.

Furthermore, in the above, incorporating number information 14 in a portion corresponding to train 2, or incorporating train set number 21 in a portion corresponding to train 2, may mean incorporating it near the display of train 2, or incorporating it slightly further away from the display of train 2 with a leader line attached. Furthermore, these also include incorporating number information 14 or train set number 21 in a portion near the planned depot location of train 2.

The "number capture device" may be a camera 3 installed at least at the boundary between the premises and the exterior (entrance and exit points), but is not limited to this configuration and may also be a mobile camera (including a smartphone or other mobile device with a camera) used by a worker.

The method for generating the image 15 with the train set number is to write the train set number 21 onto the station image 12 to create one piece of image data (JPEG, etc.), but is not limited to this configuration.
For example, the train set number 21 may be formed on a layer separate from the layer of the station premises image 12 and displayed superimposed on the station premises image 12. In other words, the image 15 with the train set number displayed at one time on the display may be a single image in which the train set number 21 is embedded in the station premises image 12, or may be multiple images including the station premises image 12 and other images in which the train set number 21 is displayed and superimposed on the station premises image 12.

As shown in Figure 2, the method for displaying on-site train formation numbers includes a number imaging process (step S1) for imaging the vehicle numbers 22, 23, 24 of the vehicles 20 (see Figure 5) that make up the train 2 or the train formation number 21 of the train 2, which are attached to the train 2 entering or leaving the vehicle depot 7, to obtain a number image 11 (see Figure 1), a yard image acquisition process (step S2) for obtaining a yard image 12 showing the position of the train 2 within the vehicle depot 7, an identification process (step S3) for identifying characters appearing in the number image 11 obtained in the number imaging process (step S1), and a display output process (step S5).
In the display output process (step S5), if the number information 14 (see Figure 1) related to the characters identified in the identification process (step S3) indicates the train formation number 21, an image 15 with a train formation number is generated in which the number information 14 is incorporated into the portion corresponding to the train 2 in the yard image 12 acquired in the yard image acquisition process (step S2), or if the number information 14 related to the characters identified in the identification process (step S3) indicates the vehicle number 22, the linking data 13 linking the train formation number 21 and the vehicle number 22 is referenced, the train formation number 21 corresponding to the vehicle number 22 is identified from the linking data 13, and an image 15 with a train formation number is generated in which the train formation number 21 is incorporated into the portion corresponding to the train 2 in the yard image 12, and the generated image 15 with a train formation number is displayed on a display device (display unit 31 in Figure 1, display unit 53 in Figure 7, display unit 63 in Figure 8).
After the identification step (step S3), a number information transmission step (step S4) may be provided in which the number information 14 relating to the identified characters is transmitted to the image processing device (image processing unit 52).

With the above configuration, a system can be easily set up to display an existing yard image 12, making it possible to know the formation number 21 of a train 2 within a vehicle depot 7.

<Image with train number>
First, the image 15 with the train set number will be described with reference to FIGS.
3, 4, and 10, 12, and 13 described later, the solid lines, thin dashed lines, and thick dashed lines are actually represented by colors that are distinguished from each other. Specifically, the solid lines are shown in white, the thin dashed lines are shown in yellow, and the thick dashed lines are shown in red, with the background of these lines being black.
3, 4, and later-described FIGS. 10, 12, and 13, solid lines (white) indicate the laid tracks of the train 2, thin dashed lines (yellow) indicate the imaginary line of travel of the train 2 (lines indicating the planned travel), and thick dashed lines (red) indicate the position of the train 2. These are identified by RGB information.

First, as shown in the station premises image 12 in Figure 3 (a), the area showing the route of train 2 according to the plan (the planned progress of train 2 entering or departing the station) is changed from a solid line (white) to a thin dashed line (yellow).
Next, as shown in Figure 3(b), when the train 2 arrives at the entry/exit point (when entering the station), the thin dashed line (yellow) indicating the entry point is changed to a thick dashed line (red). At this time, the image processing unit 52 (described later) adds the train set number 21 near the beginning of the thick dashed line (or adds a layer including the train set number 21).
Then, as shown in Figure 4 (a), when the train 2 reaches the position of a point not shown, the thick dashed line (red) extends to a position corresponding to that position, and the image processing unit 52 moves the position of the formation number 21 near the beginning of the thick dashed line.
Finally, as shown in Figure 4(b), when train 2 enters platform 1, the thin dashed line (yellow) at the position corresponding to the entry position is displayed as a thick dashed line (red), and the image processing unit 52 maintains the display of the train formation number 21 for at least a certain period of time.

According to the above configuration, the image processing unit 52 incorporates the formation number 21 into the area corresponding to the thick dashed line (red) rather than the thin dashed line (yellow), thereby making it possible to identify the formation number 21 of train 2 along with its position in real time.
Therefore, if train 2 is unable to move after entering the station and moving on the thin dashed line due to a malfunction of a point machine (not shown) or a malfunction of train 2 itself, this is beneficial in that train 2 can be identified by its formation number 21.

Furthermore, by having the image processing unit 52 incorporate the train set number 21 into the area corresponding to the thick dashed line, it is preferable to redraw a new thin dashed line (yellow) if the train 2 is unable to move for the reasons mentioned above, etc.

Furthermore, the indication of these may not be by a difference in color, but may be by a difference in the type of line, such as a thin dashed line as shown in Figure 3 above, or by a difference in the display mode (such as a difference in flashing, lighting, or a difference in the flashing interval).
In addition, in Figure 4, which shows the intermediate route between the time of entry in Figure 3(b) and the time of depot entry in Figure 4(b), the formation number 21 is also shown, but the display of the formation number 21 on the intermediate route is optional.

<Configuration of each part>
Next, the configuration of each part of the on-board train set number display system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

(vehicle depot)
5, the camera 3 installed in the depot 7 captures an image of the side of the train 2 (car 20) to obtain an image showing the car numbers 22, 23, and 24. The camera 3 may also capture an image of the front of the train 2 to obtain an image showing the formation number 21 directly.

In particular, the location and size of the train formation number 21 may differ depending on the train 2, and as will be described later, if one train 2 has two train formation numbers 21 and 21X, the front of the vehicle number 24 indicating the rear train formation number 21X is likely to be located in the blind spot of the camera 3 due to the vehicle in front of it.
If the vehicle numbers 22, 23, and 24 of the train 2 can be acquired (imaged), the number assignment unit 54 of the terminal 5, which will be described later, can refer to the linking data 13 to derive the formation number 21.

In other words, photographing the vehicle numbers 22, 23, and 24 with the camera 3 rather than the formation numbers 21 and 21X allows for more stable and accurate extraction of the formation numbers 21 and 21X.
The linking data 13 is obtained via the Internet 10 from a database 17 registered in a terminal 16 that constitutes a system for managing vehicles.

It is preferable that the camera 3 has a built-in infrared sensor that allows shooting at night. It may also be a solar panel type that does not require a power source. It is also preferable that the camera 3 and terminal 4 are capable of wireless communication, as this eliminates the need for wiring work.

In this embodiment, when the camera 3 captures an image of the train 2, the presence of the train 2 is detected and the camera 3 automatically performs a photographing operation.
However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

For example, the on-site train formation number display system 1 (including, for example, a terminal 4X installed in a vehicle depot 7, see Figure 9) is equipped with a control device (control unit 42) connected to an on-site image acquisition device (capture unit 60) described below and a number imaging device (camera 3).
The control unit 42 may be configured to cause the camera 3 to capture the number image 11 when the premises image 12 acquired by the capture unit 60 includes an indication that the train 2 is moving.

In this specification, "connection" includes not only a wired connection but also a wireless connection and a connection via the Internet 10. As described above, the on-premises image acquisition device may be a camera (not shown) in addition to the capture unit 60.
According to the above configuration, the number capturing device (camera 3) can be automatically activated at a timing when it is possible to capture the number image 11 of the train 2, thereby preventing missed captures without having to operate it all the time.

As shown in Figure 6, the terminal 4 at the depot 7 mainly comprises an OCR unit 40 that identifies characters appearing in the number image 11 received from the camera 3, and a transceiver unit 41 that receives the number information 14 identified by the OCR unit 40 and sends the number information 14 to the terminal 5 at the depot office 8.

(Signal Station)
As shown in Figure 8, the terminal 6 of the signal box 9 mainly comprises a capture unit 60, a transmission/reception unit 61 that sends image data captured by the capture unit 60 to an analysis unit 62, and an analysis unit 62 that analyzes this image data.

The analysis unit 62 performs processing to add information on plane coordinates (X, Y coordinates) and RGB values to the image data. By performing this processing, the position of the train 2 in the premises image 12 can be expressed by coordinates.
For example, when train 2 moves from entering the depot to entering platform 1, this is indicated by a moving red line (thick dashed line) on the yard image 12. The coordinates of the RGB values indicating red added to the analysis unit 62 change in response to the movement of this red line.

When the capture unit 60 is used as an on-site image acquisition device, the display of the terminal 6 can be captured in real time, and the image 15 with the train number formed based on the captured image (on-site image 12) can include the time data at the time of capture.
For example, the display may be captured twice per second to improve real-time performance, or the display may be captured once per 30 seconds to reduce the amount of data.

The number information 14 is transmitted from the transceiver unit 41 of the terminal 4 at the depot 7 to the transceiver unit 51 of the terminal 5 at the depot office 8. The transmission method is, for example, wireless communication in the 429 MHz band.

(Depot Office)
The on-site train set number display system 1 (including, for example, the terminal 5 installed in the depot office 8) mainly comprises, as shown in Figure 7, a memory unit 50, a transmission/reception unit 51 that receives an on-site image 12, linking data 13 and number information 14 and transmits an image with a train set number 15, an image processing unit 52 that generates the image with a train set number 15, a display unit 53 that displays the image with a train set number 15, and a number assignment unit 54 that derives the train set number 21 by referring to the linking data 13 from the vehicle numbers 22, 23 and 24.
The image processing device (image processing unit 52) stores in the memory unit 50 images of the train 2 when it enters the depot 7, when it leaves the depot, and when it changes tracks, from among the images 15 with the train formation number.

According to the above configuration, by storing images of train 2 entering, leaving, and changing tracks, which are useful for indicating the position of train 2 within the vehicle depot 7, even if a problem such as a disruption in the timetable occurs and train 2 is positioned in an unusual position within the vehicle depot 7, the situation can be determined by checking the image 15 with the train formation number stored in the memory unit 50.
The on-site train set number display system 1 may be combined with a system that plans how trains 2 are to be arranged in the rail yard 7 over the course of a day.

Similarly, when a camera (not shown) is used as the on-premise image acquisition device, the time data at the time of photographing can be incorporated into the image 15 with the train formation number formed based on the photographed image (on-premise image 12).
The image 15 with the train set number can then be stored in the storage unit 50 together with the time data.
In addition, in consideration of the possibility of an identification error by the OCR unit 40, the number image 11 from the camera 3 may be stored together with time data.

In addition, the image processing unit 52 may store the entry/exit history for each track for each train formation number 21 as data in the memory unit 50, and output the data to an external device.
Furthermore, the storage unit 50 is not limited to being provided on the terminal 5, but may be provided on another terminal, or may be stored on a server (cloud) located at the other end of the Internet 10.

The image processing device (image processing unit 52) is configured to be able to transmit the image 15 with the train formation number to another terminal via the transmitting/receiving unit 51.
According to the above configuration, each worker can receive the image 15 with the train set number on, for example, the mobile terminal 30 and can check the image 15 with the train set number on the display unit 31. The transmission means used by the transceiver unit 51 may be wireless communication such as 429 MHz band communication or infrared communication, in addition to transmission via the Internet 10. The mobile terminal 30 is, for example, a laptop computer, a smartphone, or a tablet.

In this embodiment, for convenience, the terminal 5 having the image processing unit 52 is described as being located in the depot office 8, and the terminal 6 having the capture unit 60 is described as being located in the signal box 9, but these may also be located in the same place. Furthermore, the terminals 5 and 6 may also be located in the depot 7 or elsewhere.

<First Modification>
Next, a first modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 relates to the first modified example and shows an image 15 with train set numbers in a state where a line indicating the presence of a train 2 is displayed at an entry/departure location and when two train set numbers are identified for one train 2, two train set numbers 21 and 21X are displayed near the line.
That is, one train 2 may be made up of multiple train formations, and in this case, multiple train formation numbers are indicated.

The number capturing device (camera 3) according to this example captures images of vehicle numbers 22, 23, and 24 from a plurality of vehicles 20, respectively, to obtain a plurality of number images 11. When the image processing device (image processing unit 52) refers to the database 17 and identifies a plurality of different train formation numbers 21, 21X from the plurality of vehicle numbers 22, 23, and 24 related to the number information 14 received from the OCR device (OCR unit 40), the image processing device (image processing unit 52) causes the display device (display unit 31, 53, 63) to display and output an image with train formation numbers 15 in which the plurality of train formation numbers 21, 21X are incorporated into the premises image 12.
According to the above configuration, if the train 2 displayed on the station premises image 12 is a train 2 consisting of multiple train formation numbers 21, 21X, this can be identified.

For example, when multiple trains are present on the same track (when there are multiple trains 2 with train numbers 21, 21X), the train numbers 21, 21X are displayed from the back (display, end of the line) in the order in which they entered the track (entered into storage).
In this way, by using a display method that allows the train entry order to be understood, when train 2 leaves the depot, it is clear that the train in front will depart first, and the direction of train 2 can be determined.
When at least some of the trains 2 remain, the display units 31, 53, and 63 display them in thick dashed lines (red), and when all of the trains have departed, the display units 31, 53, and 63 display them in solid lines (white).

<Second Modification>
Next, a second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 relates to the second modified example and is a flow chart showing a method for processing the train formation number.
In the first variant, image processing was performed on a train 2 that is composed of multiple formations and therefore has multiple formation numbers 21, 21X, but in this example, image processing takes into account reading errors by the OCR unit 40.

When the number information 14 received from the OCR device (OCR unit 40) indicates multiple vehicle numbers 22, 23, 24, and multiple train set numbers 21, 21X corresponding to the vehicle numbers 22, 23, 24 are identified from the linking data 13, the image processing device (image processing unit 52) causes the display device (display unit 31, 53, 63) to display an image with train set numbers 15 in which the most common train set number (e.g., train set number 21) of the identified multiple train set numbers 21, 21X is incorporated into the station premises image 12.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent an incorrect train formation number based on an incorrectly identified vehicle number from being incorporated into the station premises image 12.
In addition, the image processing unit 52 may display "Train formation number cannot be determined" if the most common train formation number is, for example, less than 50% of all identified train formation numbers.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the image processing unit 52 processes the train set number by first determining whether there are multiple train set numbers 21 captured directly or identified from the linking data 13 (step S11). If there is only one train set number 21 (step S11: No), the train set number 21 is incorporated into the train premises image 12 (step S12), and an image with a train set number 15 is generated.

If there are a plurality of formation numbers 21, 21X (step S11: Yes), it is determined whether a certain number or more of either the first half or the second half of the formation number group are the same (step S13).
If a certain number or more of the first and second halves of the group of train formation numbers are not the same (step S13: No), the most common train formation number is incorporated into the station image 12 (step S14) to generate an image 15 with the train formation number.

If a certain number or more of one of the first and second halves of the formation number group is the same (step S13: Yes), it is determined whether a certain number or more of the other of the first and second halves of the formation number group is the same (step S15).
If a certain number or more of the first and second halves of the group of train formation numbers are not the same (step S15: No), the most common train formation number is incorporated into the station image 12 (step S14) to generate an image 15 with train formation numbers.

If a certain number or more of the first and second halves of the group of train formation numbers are the same (step S15: Yes), the most common train formation number 21 in the first half and the most common train formation number 21X in the second half are incorporated into the station image 12 (step S16), and an image with train formation numbers 15 is generated (see Figure 10).

The fixed number is, for example, half of the total number of identified formation numbers, and if the number of vehicles in the first and second halves can be identified, the "first half" and "second half" are preferably the identified numbers, respectively.
Furthermore, the process in step S14 means that there is an error in part of the identified train set number (such as misidentification by the OCR unit 40), and this is to be ignored.

In the above example, one train 2 has two train formation numbers 21 and 21X, and thus the group of train formation numbers is divided into a first half and a second half, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
For example, one train 2 may be configured with more formation numbers, that is, the train 2 may be configured with three or more formations.
Even in this case, steps S13 and S15 may be processed depending on whether any of the formation numbers constituting the formation number group is equal to or greater than a certain number.
Furthermore, even in this case (a train consisting of three or more formations), step S16 may be processed so that a certain number or more (for example, three) of formation numbers are incorporated into the premises image 12. For example, if the number of formations of the train 2 is set in advance, the most frequent formation number (even if it is less than the certain number) may be identified for each range divided into the number of formations, and multiple of these identified formation numbers may be incorporated into the premises image 12.

Furthermore, when the number information 14 received from the OCR device (OCR unit 40) indicates multiple vehicle numbers 22, 23, 24 and multiple train formation numbers 21, 21X corresponding to the vehicle numbers 22, 23, 24 are identified from the linking data 13, the image processing device (image processing unit 52) may cause the display device (display unit 31, 53, 63) to display and output an image 15 with a train formation number in which a train formation number (for example, train formation number 21) based on the vehicle number 22, 23, 24 identified by the OCR device (OCR unit 40) with a high degree of identification reliability (low uncertainty) is incorporated into the station premises image 12.

For example, if the identification reliability of the train formation number 21 by the OCR unit 40 is 90% or more, the image processing unit 52 may determine the train formation number 21 using one piece of number information 14 and display an image 15 with the train formation number incorporating the interior image 12 on the display units 31, 53, and 63.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent an incorrect train formation number based on an incorrectly identified vehicle number from being incorporated into the station premises image 12.

The OCR unit 40 may display the recognition reliability on a display device (display unit 31, 53, 63). Furthermore, the number image 11 captured by the camera 3 may be displayed on these screens so that the train formation number 21 can be determined visually.
Furthermore, the image processing unit 52 may allow the train set number 21 to be manually corrected. In particular, when the recognition reliability of the OCR unit 40 is equal to or lower than a certain percentage (for example, 50%), the character color, font, display mode, etc. of the train set number 21 may be made different from normal to prompt the user to correct the number.

<Third Modification>
Next, the processing of the image processing unit 52 according to the third modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an image 15 with a train set number indicating that the train 2 is stopped according to the third modified example.

When the train 2 is stopped for a predetermined time or longer, the image processing device (image processing unit 52) according to this example causes the display device to display a message to that effect (see FIG. 12).
The "to that effect" may be a message or an error symbol.

For example, this display is made when train 2 has been stopped for 30 minutes or more. As described above, this time may be calculated based on the time data at the time of capture included in the image 15 with the train set number, or may be calculated by a separate timer (not shown).

With the above configuration, by displaying that Train 2 is stopped, it is possible to quickly take measures such as inspecting Train 2 and switching tracks.

<Fourth Modification>
Next, the processing of the image processing unit 52 according to the fourth modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an image according to the fourth modified example, with a train formation number indicating that the identified train formation number 21 (K-2) is different from the planned train formation number (K-1).

When the train formation number 21 of the train 2 planned to enter or depart the station differs from the train formation number 21 detected or identified from the number information 14 received from the OCR device (OCR unit 40), the image processing device (image processing unit 52) displays this fact on the display device (display unit 31, 53, 63).
The "to that effect" may be a message or an error symbol.

According to the above configuration, by displaying on the display units 31, 53, and 63 that the train formation number 21 is different from what was planned, it is possible to notify the system (not shown) that prepares the plan to reconsider (re-plan), and measures such as inspection of the train 2 and switching of tracks can be taken quickly.
The information about the planned train 2 may be information obtained from another system (for example, the database 17 of the terminal 16) or information obtained by manual input.

What is displayed along with the train formation number 21 is not limited to the above configuration, and may also be, for example, the number of cars in the train 2.

The present embodiment encompasses the following technical ideas.
(1)
a number image capturing device that captures an image of the vehicle numbers of the vehicles that make up a train or the train formation number of the train that is attached to a train entering or leaving a train depot, and acquires a number image;
an interior image capture device for capturing an interior image showing the position of the train within the depot;
an OCR device that identifies characters appearing in the number image received from the number imaging device;
an image processing device connected to a database in which linking data linking the formation number and the vehicle number is stored;
a display device that displays and outputs an image,
the OCR device transmits number information related to the identified character to the image processing device;
The image processing device includes:
When the number information received from the OCR device indicates the train formation number, an image with a train formation number, in which the number information is incorporated into a portion corresponding to the train in the station premises image received from the station premises image acquisition device, is displayed and output on the display device;
Alternatively, if the number information received from the OCR device indicates the vehicle number, the system refers to the database to identify the train number corresponding to the vehicle number from the linking data, and displays and outputs an image with the train number, in which the train number is incorporated into the part of the train in the station image that corresponds to the train, on the display device.
(2)
the number image capturing device captures the vehicle numbers from the plurality of vehicles to obtain a plurality of number images;
The image processing device refers to the database, and when multiple different train formation numbers are identified from the multiple vehicle numbers related to the number information received from the OCR device, the image with train formation numbers, in which the multiple train formation numbers are incorporated into the train formation image, is displayed on the display device. (1) A train formation number display system for train premises use.
(3)
the license plate number imaging device images the vehicle license plates of the plurality of vehicles, respectively, to obtain a plurality of license plate number images;
The image processing device, in the on-site train number display system described in (1) or (2), wherein the number information received from the OCR device indicates multiple vehicle numbers, and when multiple train formation numbers corresponding to the vehicle number are identified from the linking data, the image with train formation numbers is displayed on the display device, incorporating the most common train formation number among the multiple identified train formation numbers into the on-site image.
(4)
the license plate number imaging device images the vehicle license plates of the plurality of vehicles, respectively, to obtain a plurality of license plate number images;
The image processing device, when the number information received from the OCR device indicates multiple vehicle numbers and multiple train formation numbers corresponding to the vehicle numbers are identified from the linking data, displays and outputs on the display device an image with train formation numbers in which the train formation numbers based on the vehicle numbers identified by the OCR device with the highest identification reliability are incorporated into the train formation image.A train formation number display system for on-site use described in any one of (1) to (3).
(5)
The image processing device is configured to cause the display device to display a message indicating that the train has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or longer.
(6)
The image processing device, when the train formation number of the train planned to enter or depart the station is different from the train formation number detected or identified from the number information received from the OCR device, displays this fact on the display device.
(7)
A control device connected to the premises image acquisition device and the number image capture device is further provided,
The control device causes the number capturing device to capture the number image when the yard image captured by the yard image capturing device includes an indication that the train is moving. This is a yard train number display system described in any one of (1) to (6).
(8)
Further comprising a storage unit,
The image processing device stores in the memory unit images of the train with the train number when the train enters, leaves, and changes tracks within the vehicle depot premises, in the yard train number display system described in any one of (1) to (7).
(9)
The on-site train number display system described in any one of (1) to (8), wherein the image processing device is configured to be able to transmit the image with the train number to another terminal.
(10)
a number imaging step of imaging the vehicle numbers of the vehicles that make up a train or the train formation number of the train that is attached to a train entering or leaving a train depot to obtain a number image;
a yard image acquisition step of acquiring a yard image showing the position of the train within the yard;
an identification step of identifying characters appearing in the number image acquired in the number imaging step;
a display output step,
In the display output step,
If the number information related to the character identified in the identification step indicates the formation number, an image with a formation number is generated in which the number information is incorporated into a portion of the premises image acquired in the premises image acquisition step that corresponds to the train,
Alternatively, if the number information related to the characters identified in the identification step indicates the vehicle number, the method refers to linking data linking the formation number and the vehicle number, identifies the formation number corresponding to the vehicle number from the linking data, and generates an image with the formation number in which the formation number is incorporated into a portion of the premises image corresponding to the train,
A method for displaying an on-site train set number, characterized by displaying and outputting the generated image with the train set number.

1 In-yard train number display system 2 Train 3 Camera (number imaging device)
4, 4X Terminal 5 Terminal 6 Terminal 7 Vehicle depot 8 Vehicle depot office 9 Signal box 10 Internet 11 Number image 12 In-yard image 13 Linking data 14 Number information 15 Image with train set number 16 Terminal 17 Database 20 Vehicle 21, 21X Train set number 22, 23, 24 Vehicle number 30 Mobile terminal 31 Display unit (display device)
40 OCR section (OCR device)
41 Transmitter/receiver 42 Control unit (control device)
50 Storage unit 51 Transmitting/receiving unit 52 Image processing unit (image processing device)
53 Display section (display device)
54 Number assignment unit 60 Capture unit (premises image acquisition device)
61 Transmitting/receiving unit 62 Analyzing unit 63 Display unit (display device)

Claims (10)

a number image capturing device that captures an image of the vehicle numbers of the vehicles that make up a train or the train formation number of the train that is attached to a train entering or leaving a train depot, and acquires a number image;
an interior image capture device for capturing an interior image showing the position of the train within the depot;
an OCR device that identifies characters appearing in the number image received from the number imaging device;
an image processing device connected to a database in which linking data linking the formation number and the vehicle number is stored;
a display device that displays and outputs an image,
the OCR device transmits number information related to the identified character to the image processing device;
The image processing device includes:
When the number information received from the OCR device indicates the train formation number, an image with a train formation number, in which the number information is incorporated into a portion corresponding to the train in the station premises image received from the station premises image acquisition device, is displayed and output on the display device;
Alternatively, if the number information received from the OCR device indicates the vehicle number, the system refers to the database to identify the train number corresponding to the vehicle number from the linking data, and displays and outputs an image with the train number, in which the train number is incorporated into the part of the train in the station image that corresponds to the train, on the display device. the number image capturing device captures the vehicle numbers from the plurality of vehicles to obtain a plurality of number images;
The image processing device, when it refers to the database and identifies multiple different train formation numbers from the multiple vehicle numbers related to the number information received from the OCR device, displays and outputs the image with train formation numbers, in which the multiple train formation numbers are incorporated into the train formation image, on the display device.The train formation number display system for train premises as described in claim 1. the license plate number imaging device images the vehicle license plates of the plurality of vehicles, respectively, to obtain a plurality of license plate number images;
The image processing device, when the number information received from the OCR device indicates multiple vehicle numbers and multiple train formation numbers corresponding to the vehicle number are identified from the linking data, displays and outputs on the display device an image with train formation numbers in which the most common train formation number among the multiple identified train formation numbers is incorporated into the train formation image.The on-site train formation number display system described in claim 1 or 2. the license plate number imaging device images the vehicle license plates of the plurality of vehicles, respectively, to obtain a plurality of license plate number images;
The image processing device, when the number information received from the OCR device indicates multiple vehicle numbers and multiple train formation numbers corresponding to the vehicle numbers are identified from the linking data, causes the display device to display and output the image with the train formation number, in which the train formation number based on the vehicle number identified by the OCR device with the highest identification reliability is incorporated into the train formation image.A train formation number display system for on-site use as described in any one of claims 1 to 3. The on-site train set number display system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image processing device causes the display device to display a message indicating that the train has been stopped for a predetermined period of time or longer. The on-site train set number display system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the train set number of the train scheduled to enter or depart the station differs from the train set number detected or identified from the number information received from the OCR device, the image processing device causes the display device to display a message to that effect. A control device connected to the premises image acquisition device and the number image capture device is further provided,
A yard train formation number display system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device causes the number imaging device to capture the number image when the yard image acquired by the yard image acquisition device includes an indication of the movement of the train. Further comprising a storage unit,
The image processing device stores in the memory unit images of the train with the train number when the train enters, leaves, and changes tracks within the vehicle depot premises, among the images with the train number. The on-site train set number display system described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the image processing device is configured to be able to transmit the image with the train set number to another terminal. a number imaging step of imaging the vehicle numbers of the vehicles that make up a train or the train formation number of the train that is attached to a train entering or leaving a train depot to obtain a number image;
a yard image acquisition step of acquiring a yard image showing the position of the train within the yard;
an identification step of identifying characters appearing in the number image acquired in the number imaging step;
a display output step,
In the display output step,
If the number information related to the character identified in the identification step indicates the formation number, an image with a formation number is generated in which the number information is incorporated into a portion of the premises image acquired in the premises image acquisition step that corresponds to the train,
Alternatively, if the number information related to the characters identified in the identification step indicates the vehicle number, the method refers to linking data linking the formation number and the vehicle number, identifies the formation number corresponding to the vehicle number from the linking data, and generates an image with the formation number in which the formation number is incorporated into a portion of the premises image corresponding to the train,
A method for displaying an on-site train set number, characterized by displaying and outputting the generated image with the train set number.