JP2007115191A - Vehicle sensing system, inspection device, and inspection method - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to accurately determine that accuracy has decreased.
A vehicle sensing system includes an image type vehicle sensor, an ultrasonic vehicle sensor, and an inspection device. The ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 detects the presence or absence of a vehicle and outputs information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle based on a principle different from that of the image type vehicle sensor 52. The inspection device 56 determines whether or not the detection accuracy of the image type vehicle sensor 52 has decreased based on the information output from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 and the information output from the image type vehicle sensor 52. to decide.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method, and more particularly, to a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method for sensing a vehicle on a road.

  An image-type vehicle detector is a device that detects a vehicle on a road by photographing a road with a camera and processing an image obtained by the photographing. The image-type vehicle detector is usually installed at a height of about 10 m on the road. Information obtained by the image-type vehicle detector is mainly used for controlling traffic signals and providing traffic information.

  Since the image-type vehicle detector can freely set an area for detecting a vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a “detection area”) as long as it is within an area that can be photographed by a camera, an ultrasonic vehicle detector, a loop-type vehicle Compared with a spot type vehicle sensor such as a sensor or an optical vehicle sensor, a vehicle in a wide area can be detected. Since a vehicle in a wide area is detected, the image type vehicle sensor can satisfy a function that cannot be satisfied without using a plurality of spot type vehicle sensors. “Functions that cannot be satisfied without using multiple spot-type vehicle detectors” include the detection of vehicles in a wide area, the measurement of vehicle speed, the identification of vehicle types, and the measurement of the length of traffic jams. included. Functions that cannot be satisfied without using multiple spot-type vehicle detectors can be satisfied by one unit, so image-type vehicle detectors are advantageous in terms of aesthetics and cost compared to spot-type vehicle detectors. Sometimes it becomes.

  In general, the spot type vehicle sensor needs to be installed just above the detection area, and therefore needs to be installed with the arm extended. In the case of an image type vehicle sensor, it is not always necessary to install it directly above the detection area, so that the arm can be very short. Since the arm is very short, the image type vehicle sensor is more aesthetic after installation than when many spot type vehicle detectors are installed.

  In the following, three examples of the advantages of the image-type vehicle sensor over the spot-type vehicle sensor will be described.

  In the case of the first case, it is assumed that one spot type vehicle detector is installed in the vicinity of the stop line and a detection area is provided immediately before the stop line. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a difference in detection area between the spot type vehicle sensor and the image type vehicle sensor. In the first case, a right turn sensitive control using a spot type vehicle sensor ("right turn sensitive control" refers to a control to turn on or turn off a right turn arrow lamp depending on the presence or absence of a vehicle in a right turn lane). If implemented, there will be several seconds of wasted time each time the right turn arrow lamp is lit while there is no following vehicle. This is because it is necessary to turn on the right turn arrow light for several seconds after the vehicle in the right turn lane has exited in preparation for the presence of a following vehicle. If the right turn sensitive control using the image type vehicle sensor is performed in the first case, it is not necessary to spend useless time each time the right turn arrow light is turned on. This is because a vehicle in a wide area can be detected as shown in FIG. Further, when the right turn sensitive control using the image type vehicle sensor is performed, there is an advantage that a two-wheeled vehicle can be detected.

  In the case of the second case, it is assumed that the detection area is provided about 30 m before the stop line. When the right turn sensitive control using the spot type vehicle sensor is performed in the second case, it is necessary to light the right turn arrow lamp for several seconds even if the spot type vehicle sensor does not detect the vehicle. This is because it is not known whether there is a vehicle from the detection area to the stop line. When the right turn sensitive control using the image type vehicle sensor is performed in the second case, the right turn arrow lamp can be turned off at an appropriate timing. This is because a vehicle in an area where the spot type vehicle sensor cannot detect can be detected.

In the case of the third case, when a detection area is provided in front of the stop line of the secondary road at the intersection where the main road and the secondary road that is narrower than the main road intersect in a T shape, and a vehicle comes Assume that the green light on the secondary road is lit only during the period. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of vehicle detectors in the third case. In the third case, if the control of the signal using the spot type vehicle sensor is performed, a wasteful time is generated each time the green light is turned on, as in the case of the right turn sensitive control. This is because, in preparation for the case where there is a following vehicle, it is necessary to turn on the green light, and sometimes a vehicle entering from the main road is erroneously detected as a vehicle entering the main road. In the third case, if the control of the signal using the image type vehicle sensor is performed, it is not necessary to spend useless time as in the case of the right turn sensitive control. This is because a vehicle in a wide area can be detected and the direction in which the vehicle travels can be detected.
Edited by IEEJ / Road Environmental Sensing Research Committee, “ITS Road Traffic Sensing”, Ohmsha, May 2005

  However, the above-described image-type vehicle sensor has a problem in that even if the accuracy of vehicle detection decreases under certain conditions, it may not be known that the accuracy has decreased. Conditions that can reduce the accuracy of vehicle detection include dirty glass in front of the camera, low sunshine, shadows of buildings in the detection area, and detection area blocked by roadside tree leaves. Or the weather is bad (the weather is rainy or cloudy). Unless it can be determined that the vehicle cannot be clearly detected from the state of the image, such as during heavy fog or heavy rain, the image-type vehicle detector cannot correctly determine whether or not the accuracy has decreased. Since it is not correctly determined whether or not the accuracy is lowered, if the vehicle detection accuracy is lowered, the system using the information obtained by the image-type vehicle sensor is adversely affected. For example, in the case of the above-described third case, if the vehicle existing in the detection region cannot be detected due to the decrease in the detection accuracy of the image-type vehicle sensor, a big problem that the blue light on the secondary road does not light up. appear. There is a traffic jam system as an example other than the third case that is greatly adversely affected. "Congestion system" refers to a system that uses information obtained by image-type vehicle detectors to display on a bulletin board the traffic ahead of a curve that cannot be seen, or to convey it to a car navigation system, etc. . When the accuracy of the image-type vehicle detector included in the traffic jam system is reduced, appropriate information is not provided. If the appropriate information is not provided, the driver driving there may misunderstand that there is no traffic jam in spite of traffic jam. If it is misunderstood that there is no traffic, the driver may enter the curve without slowing down. If the driver enters the curve without slowing down, there is a risk of accidents. It is clear that the problem that accuracy may have been lost due to the risk of accidents is a major problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method that can accurately determine that the accuracy has deteriorated.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle sensing system includes an image-type vehicle sensor, a spot-type vehicle sensor, and an inspection device. The spot type vehicle sensor detects the presence or absence of a vehicle and outputs information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle based on a principle different from that of the image type vehicle sensor. The inspection device determines whether or not the detection accuracy of the image type vehicle sensor has decreased based on the information output from the spot type vehicle sensor and the information output from the image type vehicle sensor.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the above-described inspection apparatus includes a reception unit, a generation unit, a comparison unit, and an output unit. The receiving means receives the output of the image type vehicle sensor and the output of the spot type vehicle sensor. The generating means generates a first output signal corresponding to whether or not a vehicle is present in the sensing area of the spot type vehicle sensor from the output of the image type vehicle sensor. The comparison means compares the first output signal with the second output signal output by the spot type vehicle detector and corresponding to whether or not a vehicle is present. The output means outputs information representing the result of comparison by the comparison means.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the reception unit described above includes a unit for receiving the second pulse signal as the second output signal. The generating means preferably includes means for generating a first pulse signal as the first output signal. The comparison means preferably includes means for comparing the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the above-mentioned means for comparing includes means for comparing the pulse generation time and the pulse width.

  Alternatively, the means for generating the pulse signal is based on the vehicle speed calculated by the image type vehicle sensor and the arrangement of the sensing area of the spot type vehicle sensor in the sensing area of the image type vehicle sensor. Preferably, means are included for generating a first pulse signal from the output of the imaging vehicle sensor.

  Alternatively, the means for comparing described above preferably includes means for comparing the generation times of the pulses.

  Alternatively, the first output signal described above preferably includes a signal representing the number of vehicles. In addition, it is desirable that the second output signal includes a signal representing the number of vehicles.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the inspection device includes a reception unit, a generation unit, a comparison unit, and an output unit. The receiving means receives the output of the image type vehicle sensor and the output of the spot type vehicle sensor. The generating means generates a first output signal corresponding to whether or not a vehicle is present in the sensing area of the spot type vehicle sensor from the output of the image type vehicle sensor. The comparison means compares the first output signal with the second output signal output by the spot type vehicle detector and corresponding to whether or not a vehicle is present. The output means outputs information representing the result of comparison by the comparison means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an inspection method is a spot that senses the presence or absence of a vehicle and outputs information corresponding to the presence or absence of a vehicle based on a principle different from that of an image type vehicle sensor. A vehicle sensing system including a vehicle-type vehicle sensor and an inspection device is implemented. In the inspection method, the inspection device determines whether or not the detection accuracy of the image type vehicle sensor has deteriorated based on the information output by the spot type vehicle sensor and the information output by the image type vehicle sensor. Including the steps of:

  The vehicle sensing system, the inspection device, and the inspection method according to the present invention can accurately determine that the accuracy has decreased.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a road where a vehicle sensing system 50 according to the present embodiment is installed and a detection area of the vehicle sensing system 50 according to the present embodiment. The image type vehicle sensor 52 to be described later can freely determine the detection area from the range that can be imaged. In the case of the present embodiment, the detection area of the image type vehicle sensor 52 is the same as the detection area of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 described later. Referring to FIG. 2, vehicle sensing system 50 according to the present embodiment includes an image type vehicle sensor 52, an ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 54, and an inspection device 56. The image-type vehicle detector 52 is a device that detects that a vehicle has entered a predetermined area based on a photographed image. The ultrasonic vehicle detector 54 determines whether or not there is a vehicle in the region irradiated with the ultrasonic wave based on the reflection intensity of the ultrasonic wave irradiated to the predetermined region (that is, based on a principle different from that of the image type vehicle sensor 52). It is a device that senses and outputs information corresponding to the presence or absence of a vehicle. The inspection device 56 checks whether or not the image type vehicle sensor accurately senses the vehicle based on detection signals output from the image type vehicle sensor 52 and the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54, respectively. Device.

  Referring to FIG. 3, image-type vehicle sensor 52 includes an ITV (Industrial Television) camera 60, an input unit 62, a measurement unit 64, a transmission unit 70, and a power supply unit 72. The ITV camera 60 is a device that images a predetermined region including a detection region at a predetermined cycle (a predetermined cycle at the time of manufacture). The input unit 62 is a circuit that receives a signal output from the ITV camera 60. The measurement unit 64 is a circuit that performs measurement related to the vehicle based on the signal output from the input unit 62. The transmission unit 70 is a device that communicates various information such as detection pulses with the inspection device 56. Thereby, the transmission part 70 will output the information corresponding to the presence or absence of a vehicle with the information showing the speed of a vehicle. The power supply unit 72 is a device that supplies electric power to each unit of the image type vehicle sensor 52.

  The measurement unit 64 includes a sensing unit 160 and a calculation unit 162. The sensing unit 160 is a circuit that senses the presence or absence of a vehicle based on a signal output from the input unit 62 (and thus a signal of an image captured by the ITV camera 60). The sensing unit 160 is also a circuit that generates a detection pulse indicating that the vehicle has entered the detection area based on the head of the vehicle detected by itself. The calculation unit 162 is a circuit that calculates the speed of the vehicle detected by the sensing unit 160 based on an image captured by the ITV camera 60 and a cycle in which the presence or absence of the vehicle is measured in the ITV camera 60.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 includes a CPU 80, a driver 84, a generator 86, a detector 88, an amplifier 90, an A / D converter 92, a memory 94, and an interface. 96 and a power supply device 98. The CPU 80 is a circuit that controls each part of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. The driver 84 is a circuit that controls the generator 86 under the control of the CPU 80. The generator 86 is a device that generates ultrasonic waves. The detector 88 is a device that detects ultrasonic waves. The amplifier 90 is a circuit that amplifies the signal output from the detector 88. The A / D converter 92 is a circuit that converts an analog signal output from the amplifier 90 into a digital signal. The memory 94 stores information necessary for the CPU 80 to control each part of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. The interface 96 is a circuit that communicates various information with the inspection device 56. The power supply device 98 is a device that supplies electric power to each part of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54.

  Referring to FIG. 5, inspection device 56 includes keyboard 100, RAM 102, hard disk 104, memory card drive 106, CD-ROM drive 108, ROM 110, CPU 112, display 114, and interface 116. Including. Keyboard 100 accepts an input from an administrator of the vehicle detection system according to the present embodiment. The RAM 102 temporarily stores information necessary for the CPU 112 to control each unit of the inspection device 56. Hard disk 104 stores a program for realizing the inspection device according to the present embodiment. The memory card drive 106 reads a program necessary for realizing the inspection device according to the present embodiment from the memory card 120. CD-ROM drive 108 reads from CD-ROM 122 a program for realizing the inspection device according to the present embodiment. The ROM 110 stores an operating system of the inspection device 56. The CPU 112 controls each part of the inspection device 56. Display 114 outputs information to the manager of the vehicle sensing system according to the present embodiment by display. The interface 116 is a device that receives and outputs information between the image-type vehicle sensor 52 and the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54.

  Referring to FIG. 6, inspection device 56 according to the present embodiment performs the following control for inspection.

  In step 150 (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as “S”), the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 measures time using a timer incorporated therein.

  In S152, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines whether or not the inspection time has come based on a built-in timer. If it is determined that the time for inspection has come (YES in S152), the process proceeds to S154. If not (NO in S152), the process proceeds to S150.

  In S154, interface 116 of inspection device 56 receives a detection signal representing information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle from image type vehicle sensor 52 and ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 54.

  In S156, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines whether the interface 116 has detected the reference signal output from the image-type vehicle sensor 52 and the reference signal output from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. In the present embodiment, the CPU 112 regards the detection signals output from the image type vehicle sensor 52 and the ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 54 as reference signals. If it is determined that a reference signal has been detected (YES in S156), the process proceeds to S158. If not (NO in S156), the process proceeds to S154.

  In S158, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 uses the information received by the interface 116 as a reference signal, whereby the information output from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 and the information output from the image type vehicle sensor 52 are The difference of the output time of the information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle at the same time is specified. When the difference in output timing is specified, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 detects the reference signal of the image-type vehicle sensor 52 by the interface 116 and the interface 116 detects the reference signal of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. It is determined whether or not the difference from the determined time is within a predetermined range. If it is determined that the time difference is within the predetermined range (YES in S158), the process proceeds to S160. If not (NO in S158), the process proceeds to S162.

  In S160, CPU 112 of inspection device 56 determines whether or not the difference between the width of the reference signal output from image type vehicle sensor 52 and the width of the reference signal output from ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 is within a predetermined range. Judging. If it is determined that the reference signal width difference is within the predetermined range (YES in S160), the process proceeds to S150. If not (NO in S160), the process proceeds to S162.

  At S162, the interface 116 of the inspection device 56 is controlled by the CPU 112 so that the image-type vehicle detector 52 is externally connected (the vehicle detection system according to the present embodiment is connected to an electric bulletin board not shown). A signal (warning signal) indicating that the vehicle is not properly detected is output.

  The operation of the vehicle detection system 50 based on the structure and flowchart as described above will be described.

  The CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 measures time (S150). When the time is measured, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the inspection time has come (S152). In this case, if the inspection time has come (YES in S158), interface 116 of inspection device 56 receives detection signals from image type vehicle detector 52 and ultrasonic vehicle detector 54 (S154). . As described above, the detection area of the image type vehicle sensor 52 and the detection area of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 coincide with each other. As a result, when the image type vehicle sensor 52 and the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 appropriately detect the vehicle, the image type vehicle sensor 52 and the ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 54 have the same pulse at the same time. The width detection signal should be output. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of detection signals when detection signals having the same pulse width are output at the same time.

  When the detection signal is received, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines whether or not the interface 116 has detected the reference signal (S156). In this case, if a reference signal is detected (YES in S156), CPU 112 of inspection device 56 determines whether or not the difference in timing when the reference signal is detected is within a predetermined range (S158). In this case, since the difference in timing when the reference signal is detected is within a predetermined range (YES in S158), CPU 112 of inspection device 56 determines whether the difference in the width of the reference signal is within the predetermined range (S160). . As a result, the CPU 112 detects the difference in the output timing specified by itself, the information output by the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54, and the image type vehicle sensor 52 detecting the same location as the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. In addition, there is a coincidence between the detection result of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 and the detection result of the image type vehicle sensor 52 for the same place based on the information corresponding to the presence of the vehicle that is output. It will be judged whether or not. In this case, since the difference between the widths of the reference signals is also within a predetermined range (YES in S160), the processes of S150 to S160 are repeated.

  Thereafter, assuming that the accuracy of detection by the image-type vehicle detector 52 has decreased due to weather deterioration or the like, the processing of S150 to S156 is performed, and the CPU 112 detects that the difference in timing when the reference signal is detected is within a predetermined range. Whether or not (S158). In this case, since the difference in timing when the reference signal is detected is not within the predetermined range (NO in S158), interface 116 of inspection device 56 outputs a warning signal (S162). As a result, the characters “Traffic information providing service is stopped” are displayed on an electronic bulletin board (not shown). Further, the interface 116 outputs information corresponding to the result determined by the CPU 112. The driver who reads the text “Non-congestion information provision service is stopped” will step on the brakes. This is because if you don't step on the brake, you may collide with a car that runs at low speed.

  As described above, the vehicle sensing system according to the present embodiment outputs a warning signal when the detection accuracy of the image type vehicle sensor decreases. Since the warning signal is output, the device connected to the vehicle detection system according to the present embodiment can accurately determine that the detection accuracy of the image type vehicle sensor has decreased.

  Further, the CPU of the inspection device compares the generation timing and the pulse width of the pulse signal. Thereby, the accuracy of the above-described determination is increased.

  As a result, it is possible to provide an inspection device, a vehicle detection system, and an inspection method that can accurately determine that the accuracy has decreased.

  Note that the vehicle sensing system 50 according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of image type vehicle sensors 52. When a plurality of image-type vehicle sensors 52 are included, the image-type vehicle sensors 52 can be respectively installed on a plurality of roads constituting one intersection (for example, in the case of a crossroad, the image-type vehicle sensors 52 are respectively provided on four roads. A sensor 52 can be installed). When a plurality of image type vehicle detectors 52 are included, the inspection device 56 compares the detection signals of each of the image type vehicle detectors 52 and the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 so that the image type vehicle sensor 52 It can be determined whether or not the vehicle is accurately detected. This makes it possible to accurately determine that the accuracy has been reduced at a low cost. As a result, it is possible to provide an inspection device and a vehicle sensing system that can accurately determine that accuracy has been reduced at low cost.

  Further, instead of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54, a vehicle sensor having a detection principle different from that of the image type vehicle sensor 52 may be included. Vehicle sensors that can be included in place of ultrasonic vehicle sensors include loop coil vehicle sensors, optical vehicle sensors, and far-infrared vehicle sensors.

  Further, the system according to the present embodiment may be a system that senses anything other than the vehicle as long as the image type sensor 52 and the spot type sensor can be combined. An example of “other than a vehicle” includes a person. An example of a system for detecting a person includes a security system installed in an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) or the like.

  In addition, the measurement unit 64 of the image type vehicle sensor 52 may be stored in a separate housing from the ITV camera 60 and the like. In this case, the housing in which the measuring unit 64 is stored is fixed at the same position as the inspection device 56.

The inspection device 56 may be a part of the image type vehicle sensor 52.
The inspection device 56 may be realized by computer hardware including only the RAM 102, the ROM 110, the CPU 112, and the interface 116, and software executed by the CPU 112, among the computer hardware shown in FIG. In this case, such software is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as the ROM 110, and is incorporated in computer hardware. Further, it is executed by the CPU 60 described above. The computer hardware itself is general. Therefore, in this case, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on a recording medium such as the ROM 110.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in vehicle detection system 50 according to the present embodiment, the detection area of image type vehicle sensor 52 and the detection area of ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 54 are different. In the case of the present embodiment, the image-type vehicle sensor 52 is only an area on the same lane as the detection area of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 among the areas that can be imaged (area surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8). Is a detection region. In addition, the hard disk 104 of the inspection device 56 includes information indicating the length in the direction in which the vehicle travels in an area where the image-type vehicle sensor 52 senses the presence of the vehicle, and the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 indicates whether the vehicle is present. Information representing the length of the sensing area in the direction in which the vehicle travels is stored. Other hardware configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 9, vehicle sensing system 50 according to the present embodiment performs the following control for inspection. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the same step numbers are assigned to the processes shown in FIG. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S <b> 170, interface 116 of inspection device 56 receives the detection signal and the speed information from image type vehicle sensor 52. The speed information is information representing the speed of the vehicle detected by the image type vehicle sensor 52. The interface 116 of the inspection device 56 receives a detection signal from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. As a result, the interface 116 receives information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle from the image type vehicle sensor 52 and the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. Further, the interface 116 receives information corresponding to the presence / absence of the vehicle, as well as information representing the speed of the vehicle, from the image type vehicle sensor 52.

  In S172, CPU 112 of inspection device 56 identifies the difference in the timing of information output. The information specifying the difference in output time is information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle at the same time among the information output from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 and the information output from the image type vehicle sensor 52. In order to identify the difference in output timing, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 prior to the identification of the difference in output timing, a pulse signal corresponding to whether or not a vehicle is present in the sensing area of the ultrasonic vehicle detector 54. Is generated. The CPU 112 generates the pulse signal from the output of the image type vehicle sensor 52 based on the following two factors. The first factor is the vehicle speed calculated by the image type vehicle sensor 52. The second element is the arrangement of the sensing area of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 in the sensing area of the image type vehicle sensor 52 (in the present embodiment, it is indicated as “1.2 [m]” in FIG. 8). And the length indicated as “A [m]” makes it possible to identify such an arrangement). The CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 specifies the difference in information output timing by using the information received by the interface 116 as a reference signal. When the difference in information output timing is specified, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines whether or not the difference in information output timing is within a predetermined range. If it is determined that the time difference is within the predetermined range (YES in S172), the process proceeds to S150. If not (NO in S172), the process proceeds to S162.

  The operation of the vehicle detection system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  The interface 116 of the inspection device 56 receives the detection signal and the speed information from the image type vehicle sensor 52 (S170). When the detection signal and the speed information are received, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines whether or not the difference in information output timing is within a predetermined range through the process of S156 (S172). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the detection signal output from the image-type vehicle sensor 52, the detection signal output from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54, and the corrected detection signal in the present embodiment. In this case, if the difference in time after conversion is within a predetermined range (YES in S172), the processing after S150 is repeated.

  As described above, the vehicle sensing system according to the present embodiment generates a signal corresponding to whether or not a vehicle is present in the sensing area of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor from the output of the image type vehicle sensor. The signal is compared with the signal output from the ultrasonic vehicle detector. By comparing the detection signals when the vehicle enters the same area, it can be determined whether or not the detection accuracy of the image type vehicle sensor has decreased. As a result, it can be accurately determined whether or not the image-type vehicle detector senses the vehicle with high accuracy, and it can be accurately determined that the accuracy has decreased.

  The CPU of the inspection device compares the pulse signals. Thereby, the above-mentioned judgment becomes easy.

  Further, the CPU of the inspection device compares the generation times of the pulse signals. Thereby, the accuracy of the above-described determination is increased.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a vehicle detection system, an inspection device, and an inspection method that can easily and accurately determine whether a vehicle can be detected and whether accuracy has decreased.

  Instead of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54, a vehicle sensor that detects the presence or absence of a vehicle and outputs information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle based on a principle different from that of the image type vehicle sensor 52 may be included. Vehicle sensors that can be included in place of ultrasonic vehicle sensors include loop coil vehicle sensors, optical vehicle sensors, and far-infrared vehicle sensors.

  Further, the system according to the present embodiment may be a system that senses anything other than the vehicle as long as the image type sensor 52 and the spot type sensor can be combined. An example of “other than a vehicle” includes a person. An example of a system for detecting a person includes a security system installed in an ATM or the like.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The hardware configuration of the vehicle sensing system 50 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 11, vehicle sensing system 50 according to the present embodiment performs the following control for inspection. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the process shown in FIG. 6 and the process shown in FIG. 9 are given the same step numbers. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  At S180, CPU 112 of inspection device 56 identifies the difference in information output timing. The information specifying the difference in output time is information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle at the same time among the information output from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 and the information output from the image type vehicle sensor 52. In order to identify the difference in output timing, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 prior to the identification of the difference in output timing, a pulse signal corresponding to whether or not a vehicle is present in the sensing area of the ultrasonic vehicle detector 54. Is generated. The CPU 112 generates the pulse signal from the output of the image type vehicle sensor 52 based on the following two factors. The first factor is the vehicle speed calculated by the image type vehicle sensor 52. The second element is the arrangement of the sensing area of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 in the sensing area of the image type vehicle sensor 52 (in the present embodiment, it is indicated as “1.2 [m]” in FIG. 8). And the length indicated as “A [m]” makes it possible to identify such an arrangement). The CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 specifies a difference in information output timing by using the information received by the interface 116 as a reference signal (information received by the interface 116). When the difference in output timing is specified, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 increases the value of the counter built in itself by “1”. The CPU 112 increases the value of the counter different when the reference signal is detected for the image type vehicle sensor 52 and when the reference signal is detected for the ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 54.

  In S182, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines whether or not both the period for detecting the reference signal for the image type vehicle sensor 52 and the period for detecting the reference signal for the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 have ended. . If the period for detecting the reference signal has ended (YES in S182), the process proceeds to S184. If not (NO in S182), the process proceeds to S170.

  In S184, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines the number of times the reference signal output from the image-type vehicle sensor 52 is detected and the reference signal output from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 among the counter values contained in the inspection device 56. It is determined whether or not the detected number matches. If it is determined that the number of times matches (YES in S184), the process proceeds to S150. If not (NO in S184), the process proceeds to S162.

  An operation of vehicle sensing system 50 based on the structure and flowchart as described above will be described.

  Through the processes of S150 to S170, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines whether or not a reference signal has been detected (S156). In this case, if the reference signal is detected (YES in S156), the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 sets the counter value for the image type vehicle sensor 52 and the counter value for the ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 54, respectively. Increase by "1" (S180). When the value of the counter increases, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the period for detecting the reference signal has ended (S182). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a detection signal received by interface 116 of inspection device 56 at this time. However, “image type vehicle detector (after correction)” shown in FIG. 12 represents a pulse generated by the CPU 112 in S180. Initially, since the period for detecting the reference signal has not ended (NO in S182), the processes of S170 to S182 are repeated. Thereafter, after each pulse shown in FIG. 12 is received, the period for detecting the reference signal ends (YES in S182), so that CPU 112 of inspection device 56 determines the value of the counter for image type vehicle sensor 52 and It is determined whether or not the counter value for the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 matches (S184). In this case, since the counter values match (YES in S184), the processing from S150 onward is repeated.

  As described above, the vehicle sensing system according to the present embodiment can detect a decrease in the accuracy of the image type vehicle sensor by comparing the number of vehicles that have entered the same detection area within a predetermined period. This makes it possible to accurately determine that the accuracy has decreased. As a result, it is possible to provide a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method that can accurately determine that the accuracy has decreased.

  Instead of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54, a vehicle sensor having a detection principle different from that of the image type vehicle sensor 52 may be included. Vehicle sensors that can be included in place of ultrasonic vehicle sensors include loop coil vehicle sensors, optical vehicle sensors, and far-infrared vehicle sensors.

  Further, the system according to the present embodiment may be a system that senses anything other than the vehicle as long as the image type sensor 52 and the spot type sensor can be combined. An example of “other than a vehicle” includes a person. An example of a system for detecting a person includes a security system installed in an ATM or the like.

<Fourth embodiment>
Hereinafter, a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle sensing system 51 according to the present embodiment according to the present embodiment includes an image type vehicle sensor 53, an ultrasonic type vehicle sensor 54, and an inspection device 56. The image-type vehicle detector 53 is a device that senses that a vehicle has entered a predetermined area based on a photographed image. Other hardware configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 14, image type vehicle sensor 53 includes an ITV camera 60, an input unit 62, a measurement unit 66, a transmission unit 70, and a power supply unit 72. The measurement unit 66 is a circuit that performs measurement related to the vehicle based on the signal output from the input unit 62.

  The measurement unit 66 includes a sensing unit 160 and a calculation unit 164. The calculation unit 164 is a circuit that calculates the vehicle speed detected by the sensing unit 160 and the number of vehicles that have passed based on an image captured by the ITV camera 60 and a cycle in which the presence or absence of the vehicle is measured in the ITV camera 60. It is.

  In the control block diagram shown in FIG. 14, the circuits shown in FIG. Their operations are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 15, vehicle sensing system 51 according to the present embodiment performs the following control for inspection. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, the same step numbers are assigned to the processes shown in FIG. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S190, interface 116 of inspection device 56 receives a detection signal from ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. The detection signal is the same signal as the detection signal according to the first embodiment. The interface 116 of the inspection device 56 receives the detection signal, the speed information, and the number information from the image type vehicle sensor 53. The speed information and the speed information are the same information as the speed information and the speed information according to the second embodiment. The number information is information representing the number of vehicles that have passed through the detection area of the image type vehicle sensor 53 during a period predetermined by the manufacturer of the image type vehicle sensor 53. The interface 116 of the inspection device 56 receives the detection signal, the speed information, and the number information only once during a “period for detecting a reference signal” to be described later. As a result, the interface 116 receives information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle from the image type vehicle sensor 53 and the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54. Further, interface 116 receives information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle, together with information representing the speed of the vehicle and information representing the number of vehicles, from image type vehicle detector 53.

  In S192, every time the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 receives a detection signal from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54, the CPU 112 increments the value of the counter incorporated therein by “1”.

  In S194, CPU 112 of inspection device 56 determines whether or not the period for sensing the reference signal for ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 has ended. In the case of the present embodiment, the period during which the reference signal for the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 is sensed is set to the above-mentioned “preset period” (the image type vehicle sensor 53 is set so as to output the number information. Match the period). If the period for detecting the reference signal has ended (YES in S194), the process proceeds to S196. If not (NO in S194), the process proceeds to S190.

  In S196, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 determines the value of the counter incorporated therein and the value represented by the number information output by the image-type vehicle sensor 53 (the image-type vehicle sensor in the “preset period” described above). It is determined whether or not (a value representing the number of vehicles that have passed through the 53 detection areas) matches. As a result, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 is a place where the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 senses the presence or absence of the vehicle among the information output from the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 and the information output from the image type vehicle sensor 53. And whether there is a coincidence between the detection result of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 and the detection result of the image type vehicle sensor 53 for the same place regarding the detection of the vehicle. (Particularly whether there is a coincidence in the number of vehicles that have passed).

  An operation of vehicle sensing system 50 based on the structure and flowchart as described above will be described.

  After the processes of S150 to S152, the interface 116 of the inspection device 56 receives the number information and the like from the image type vehicle sensor 53 (S190). When the number information or the like is accepted, the CPU 112 of the inspection device 56 increases the counter value for the ultrasonic vehicle sensor 54 by “1” through the process of S156 (S192). When the counter value increases, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the period for detecting the reference signal has ended (S194). Initially, since the reference signal detection period has not ended (NO in S194), the processes of S190 to S194 are repeated. Thereafter, since the period for detecting the reference signal ends (YES in S194), CPU 112 of inspection device 56 has the value of the counter incorporated therein and the value represented by the number information output by image type vehicle sensor 53. Is determined to match (S196). In this case, the value of the counter coincides with the value represented by the number information (YES in S196), and therefore the processing after S150 is repeated.

  As described above, the vehicle sensing system according to the present embodiment can detect a decrease in accuracy of the image-type vehicle sensor by comparing the number of vehicles that have passed within a predetermined period. This makes it possible to accurately determine that the accuracy has decreased. As a result, it is possible to provide a vehicle sensing system, an inspection device, and an inspection method that can accurately determine that the accuracy has decreased.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure showing the road where the vehicle detection system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention was installed. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a vehicle sensing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of the image type vehicle sensor which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram of the ultrasonic vehicle sensor which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram of the inspection apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of control of the inspection process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the pulse of the detection signal which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the road in which the vehicle detection system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention was installed. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the inspection process which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the detection signal which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the detection signal after correction | amendment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the inspection process which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the detection signal which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a whole block diagram of the vehicle sensing system which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram of the image type vehicle sensor which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the inspection process which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the difference of the detection area of a spot type vehicle sensor and an image type vehicle sensor. It is a figure showing arrangement | positioning of the vehicle sensor in a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

  50, 51 Vehicle detection system, 52, 53 Image type vehicle detector, 54 Ultrasonic vehicle detector, 56 Inspection device, 60 ITV camera, 62 Input unit, 64, 66 Measurement unit, 70 Transmission unit, 72 Power supply unit, 80 CPU, 84 driver, 86 generator, 88 detector, 90 amplifier, 92 A / D converter, 94 memory, 96 interface, 98 power supply, 100 keyboard, 102 RAM, 104 hard disk, 106 memory card drive, 108 CD ROM drive, 110 ROM, 112 CPU, 114 display, 116 interface, 120 memory card, 122 CD-ROM, 160 sensing unit, 162, 164 calculation unit.

Claims (9)

An image-type vehicle detector;
A spot type vehicle detector that detects the presence of a vehicle and outputs information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle, based on a principle different from the image type vehicle detector,
An inspection device that determines whether or not the accuracy of the detection of the image type vehicle sensor has decreased based on the information output by the spot type vehicle sensor and the information output by the image type vehicle sensor; Including vehicle sensing system. The inspection device is
Receiving means for receiving the output of the image-type vehicle sensor and the output of the spot-type vehicle sensor;
Generating means for generating a first output signal corresponding to whether or not the vehicle is present in a sensing area of the spot type vehicle sensor from an output of the image type vehicle sensor;
Comparison means for comparing the first output signal with a second output signal output by the spot-type vehicle detector and corresponding to whether the vehicle is present;
The vehicle sensing system according to claim 1, further comprising output means for outputting information representing a result of comparison by the comparison means. The accepting means includes means for accepting a second pulse signal as the second output signal,
The generating means includes means for generating a first pulse signal as the first output signal;
The vehicle sensing system according to claim 2, wherein the comparing means includes means for comparing the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal.   4. The vehicle sensing system of claim 3, wherein the means for comparing includes means for comparing pulse generation times and pulse widths.   The means for generating the pulse signal is based on the speed of the vehicle calculated by the imaging vehicle sensor and the arrangement of the sensing area of the spot type vehicle sensor in the sensing area of the imaging vehicle sensor. 4. The vehicle sensing system of claim 3, further comprising means for generating the first pulse signal from the output of the imaged vehicle sensor.   4. The vehicle sensing system of claim 3, wherein the means for comparing includes means for comparing pulse generation times. The first output signal includes a signal representing the number of vehicles,
The vehicle sensing system according to claim 2, wherein the second output signal includes a signal representing the number of vehicles. Receiving means for receiving the output of the image-type vehicle detector and the output of the spot-type vehicle detector;
Generating means for generating a first output signal corresponding to whether or not the vehicle is present in the sensing area of the spot type vehicle sensor from the output of the image type vehicle sensor;
Comparison means for comparing the first output signal with a second output signal output by the spot-type vehicle detector and corresponding to whether the vehicle is present;
And an output means for outputting information representing the result of comparison by the comparison means. Vehicle detection including an image type vehicle sensor, a spot type vehicle detector that detects the presence or absence of a vehicle and outputs information corresponding to the presence or absence of the vehicle based on a principle different from that of the image type vehicle sensor, and an inspection device An inspection method performed by the system,
In the inspection method, the accuracy of sensing of the image type vehicle sensor is reduced based on information output from the spot type vehicle sensor and information output from the image type vehicle sensor. An inspection method including a step of determining whether or not.

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