JP2012046129A - In-vehicle apparatus, method for controlling in-vehicle apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily image a desired object, in an in-vehicle apparatus with an imaging device.SOLUTION: The in-vehicle apparatus includes: an imaging device 10 configured to change an imaging direction; a route searching unit 30 for searching a recommended route; an object specifying unit for specifying an object to be imaged during travelling along the recommended route; an imaging position specifying unit 31 for specifying an imaging position to image the object; an imaging direction specifying unit 32 for specifying the imaging direction of the imaging device 10 to image the object when a vehicle reaches the imaging position; and an imaging control unit 33 for controlling the imaging device 10 to image the object in the imaging direction when the vehicle reaches the imaging position.

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device including an imaging device capable of photographing the outside of the vehicle, a control method for the in-vehicle device, and a program for controlling the in-vehicle device.

Conventionally, a navigation device that is mounted on a vehicle and performs route guidance to a destination is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
This type of navigation device is connected to a photographing device capable of photographing the outside of the vehicle so that the photographing device can photograph a subject such as a scenic spot or a tourist facility while traveling along the route to the destination. There is one in which generated photographed image data can be output to a navigation device.

JP 2010-19650 A

As described above, there is a need for an in-vehicle device equipped with a photographing device to enable a vehicle occupant including a driver to easily photograph a desired subject.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vehicle device that can easily photograph a desired subject, a control method for the in-vehicle device, and a program.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides an in-vehicle device that is provided in a vehicle in a state where the outside of the vehicle can be imaged and is configured to be capable of changing the imaging direction, and a route for searching for a route to the destination A search unit; a subject designating unit for designating a subject to be photographed by the imaging device while traveling on the route retrieved by the route search unit; and the route for photographing the subject designated by the subject designating unit A shooting position specifying unit that specifies a shooting position that is an upper position, and shooting that specifies a shooting direction for shooting the subject by the shooting device when the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the shooting position When the shooting direction specified by the shooting direction specifying unit is shot by the shooting device when the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the shooting position. Te, characterized in that it and a photographing control unit which photographs the subject.

  Here, in the in-vehicle device according to the invention, the shooting position specifying unit specifies a position on the route where the vehicle traveling on the route and the position of the subject are close as the shooting position. May be.

  In the in-vehicle device according to the invention, the shooting position specifying unit may be configured such that an object that prevents shooting by the shooting apparatus is not interposed between the vehicle traveling on the route and the subject. May be specified.

  In the in-vehicle device according to the invention, the vehicle-mounted device is configured to be accessible to an external server that holds information relating to a position recommended when the subject is photographed, and the photographing position specifying unit photographs the subject from the external access server. In this case, information regarding a recommended position may be acquired, and the shooting position may be specified based on the acquired information.

  In the in-vehicle device of the above invention, when the vehicle traveling on the route approaches the photographing position, a notification that the vehicle speed is reduced may be notified.

  In the in-vehicle device according to the invention, when the vehicle is traveling on a road having a plurality of lanes, the vehicle traveling on the route approaches the lane close to the subject when the vehicle approaches the shooting position. The vehicle may be guided.

  Further, in the in-vehicle device according to the invention, while the vehicle is positioned in the vicinity of the shooting position, the shooting direction of the shooting device is maintained to be the shooting direction for shooting the subject. You may provide the imaging | photography direction control part which controls the imaging | photography direction of an imaging device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an imaging device provided in a vehicle in a state where the outside of the vehicle can be imaged and configured to be able to change the imaging direction, and a route search unit for searching for a route to the destination And an in-vehicle device including a subject designating unit that designates a subject to be photographed by the photographing device while traveling on the route retrieved by the route retrieval unit, and the designated by the subject designation unit A shooting position that is a position on the route where the subject is to be shot is specified, and a shooting direction for shooting the subject by the shooting device when the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the shooting position. And when the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the shooting position, the shooting direction specified by the shooting direction specifying unit is shot by the shooting device. Characterized in that for imaging the body.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an imaging device provided in a vehicle in a state where the outside of the vehicle can be imaged and configured to be able to change the imaging direction, and a route search unit for searching for a route to the destination A program that is executed by a computer that controls an in-vehicle device, and a subject designation unit that designates a subject to be photographed by the photographing device while traveling on the route retrieved by the route retrieval unit, An imaging position specifying unit for specifying a shooting position that is a position on the route where the subject specified by the subject specifying unit is to be shot, and the vehicle traveling on the route has reached the shooting position. Sometimes the shooting direction specifying unit for specifying the shooting direction for shooting the subject by the shooting device and the vehicle traveling on the route reach the shooting position. Occasionally, by capturing the identified shooting direction in the imaging device by the imaging direction identification unit, characterized in that to function as a capturing control unit for photographing the subject.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily photograph a desired subject.

It is a figure which shows the structure of an imaging | photography system roughly. It is a figure which shows typically the functional structure of a vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus and an imaging device. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of vehicle equipment. It is a figure which shows an example of an object instruction | indication screen typically. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of vehicle equipment. It is a figure for demonstrating the object imaging position specified by the imaging position specific | specification part. It is a figure for demonstrating the object imaging | photography direction specified by the imaging | photography direction specific | specification part. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of vehicle equipment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a circle X schematically shows a state in which an imaging device 10 described later is viewed from above.
As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 1 includes an in-vehicle navigation device 12 mounted on a vehicle 11, and an in-vehicle navigation device 12 is connected to an imaging device 10 having a digital camera.
The imaging device 10 includes an imaging lens 13 (see circle X) and an imaging element (not shown), images the outside of the vehicle, and outputs captured image data indicating the captured image to the in-vehicle navigation device 12.
The photographing device 10 is placed on a pedestal 14 provided on the top of the vehicle 11, and surrounds the photographing device 10 and the pedestal 14 to prevent a rain and rain from contacting the photographing device 10. 10a is provided. Although details will be described later in the present embodiment, the photographing apparatus 10 is configured to be rotatable in a horizontal direction (a direction indicated by an arrow Y1) by a desired rotation angle around a central axis T (see a circle X). Accordingly, the direction in which the photographing lens 13 faces can be changed.
In the present embodiment, the in-vehicle device 15 is configured by the in-vehicle navigation device 12 and the imaging device 10.

  The in-vehicle navigation device 12 is configured to be capable of short-range wireless communication with the mobile phone 16 brought into the vehicle 11 in conformity with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The mobile phone 16 can be connected to a communication network 18 such as the Internet or a mobile communication network via a radio base station 17, and can be connected to a photographing position information providing server 19 (external server) via the communication network 18. Various data can be sent and received. Although the details will be described later, the shooting position information providing server 19 is a server device that provides information on a position recommended for shooting a shooting target object for one shooting target object (described later).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the in-vehicle device 15.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the in-vehicle device 15, the in-vehicle navigation device 12 includes a control unit 20, an absolute position detection unit 21, a relative orientation detection unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and an interface unit 25. And a storage unit 26 and a pedestal drive unit 27.

The control unit 20 centrally controls each unit of the in-vehicle navigation device 12 and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and other peripheral circuits. The control unit 20 includes a route search unit 30, a shooting position specifying unit 31, a shooting direction specifying unit 32, and a shooting control unit 33, which will be described later.
The absolute position detection unit 21 receives GPS radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites with a GPS antenna or a receiver, detects the absolute position of the vehicle 11 from the GPS signals superimposed on the GPS radio waves, and controls the control unit 20. Output to.
The relative azimuth detecting unit 22 detects the relative azimuth of the vehicle 11 using a gyro sensor or the like, and outputs it to the control unit 20.
The display unit 23 includes a display panel 35 such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various information such as a map for navigation on the display panel 35 under the control of the control unit 20.
The input unit 24 includes an operation switch 36 provided in the in-vehicle navigation device 12 and a touch panel 37 disposed so as to overlap the display panel 35 of the display unit 23. Detect and output to the control unit 20.
The interface unit 25 is connected to the photographing apparatus 10 and performs communication based on a communication standard with the photographing apparatus 10.
The storage unit 26 includes a hard disk and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores various data in a rewritable manner. The storage unit 26 stores map data 40 and route search data 41.

The map data 40 is data relating to the map, and is used when displaying the current position of the vehicle 11 or data relating to a display map displayed on the display panel 35 of the display unit 23 when a route is described later, Includes data on roads and facilities.
In particular, the map data 40 according to the present embodiment includes information related to the shooting target object. In the present embodiment, the user can designate in advance a subject to be photographed while the vehicle 11 is traveling (details will be described later). The object to be photographed is selected in advance as an object that can be designated as a subject. It means what has been done. The object to be photographed is selected based on a criterion as to whether or not the user may desire to photograph, and a criterion as to whether or not the user can physically photograph from the vehicle 11 traveling on the road. A building such as a building, a building such as a tomb or an entertainment facility, and various scenic spots such as mountains are selected as objects to be photographed.
The information regarding the shooting target object included in the map data 40 includes information indicating the position (latitude / longitude) of the shooting target object in addition to information indicating the name of the shooting target object. As the position of the shooting target object, based on the shape and characteristics of the shooting target object, for example, a position corresponding to the center of the shooting target object, or a symbol when the shooting target object has a characteristic symbol Positions corresponding to the positions are appropriately determined.
Further, the map data 40 includes information about facilities. A facility is a building or facility displayed on a map, such as a store, a gas station, a building, or a tourist facility.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the information regarding the facility includes information indicating the location (longitude / latitude) of the facility, information indicating the shape of the facility, and information indicating the height of the facility.

  The route search data 41 includes link data related to a section route (link) divided by a predetermined unit and node data related to an intersection (node). The link data and the node data include road type, road width, number of lanes, one-way traffic information, speed limit information, and link cost data indicating the link cost of each link. The link cost of each link is appropriately calculated from the link length, link type, average travel time, and the like. The route search data 41 is used as follows for the search of the recommended route by the route search unit 30 included in the control unit 20.

The recommended route is a route that is most recommended to travel among routes from the current position of the vehicle 11 to the destination.
When searching for a recommended route, the user first designates a destination using the operation switch 36 or the touch panel 37 of the input unit 24 and then instructs the search for the recommended route.
Using the instruction as a trigger, the route search unit 30 of the control unit 20 minimizes the sum of the link costs of each link in a continuous link from the current position to the destination based on the route search data 41. Such a route is searched as a recommended route.
Furthermore, the in-vehicle navigation device 12 according to the present embodiment has a route guidance function for guiding the recommended route after searching for the recommended route.
When the route guidance function is executed, the route search unit 30 clearly indicates the current position of the vehicle 11 and the recommended route that the vehicle 11 should travel on the map displayed on the display panel 35 of the display unit 23. Route guidance to other drivers. During route guidance, the route search unit 30 uses a hybrid navigation that corrects the vehicle position calculated by the autonomous navigation based on the detection value of the relative direction detection unit 22 by the vehicle position detected by the absolute position detection unit 21. The vehicle position obtained with accuracy is displayed on a map, and route guidance is performed.

Under the control of the control unit 20, the pedestal driving unit 27 drives a motor (not shown) provided on the pedestal 14 to rotate the imaging device 10 and change the direction of the imaging lens 13 of the imaging device 10. Is. Specifically, the photographing apparatus 10 is connected to a rotating shaft that transmits the power of a motor built in the pedestal 14, and as shown by a circle X in FIG. Is configured to rotate in the direction indicated by the rotation direction Y1. The pedestal driving unit 27 outputs a control signal to the motor to rotate the imaging device 10 under the control of the control unit 20 so that the direction of the imaging lens 13 of the imaging device 10 is a desired direction.
As described above, since the photographing apparatus 10 is configured to be rotatable about the central axis T, the direction of the photographing lens 13 of the photographing apparatus 10 can be set to an arbitrary direction. By correctly adjusting the direction of 13 and correctly controlling the timing of the start of photographing, it is possible to photograph the object to be photographed that exists outside the vehicle.

On the other hand, the photographing device 10 is a device that performs photographing and generates photographed image data as a still image, and includes a camera-side control unit 50, a photographing unit 51, and an interface unit 52.
The camera-side control unit 50 centrally controls each unit of the photographing apparatus 10 and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and other peripheral circuits.
The photographing unit 51 includes, in addition to the photographing lens 13, an image pickup device such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, a lens driving unit that drives the photographing lens 13 for adjusting zoom, focus, and the like, and controls the camera side. Imaging is performed under the control of the unit 50. The camera-side control unit 50 generates captured image data by converting the data output from the image sensor included in the imaging unit 51 into image data of a predetermined file format, and the generated captured image data is transmitted to the in-vehicle navigation device 12. Output to the control unit 20.
The interface unit 52 is connected to the in-vehicle navigation device 12 and performs communication based on a communication standard with the in-vehicle navigation device 12.

As described above, the in-vehicle device 15 includes the imaging device 10, and the imaging device 10 can capture a subject existing outside the vehicle.
The in-vehicle device 15 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to automatically photograph a desired object to be photographed while traveling on the recommended route described above, and thus the user can perform complicated work with photographing. The convenience of the user has been improved.
Hereinafter, the operation of the in-vehicle device 11 when automatically photographing a desired object to be photographed will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the in-vehicle device 15, and in particular, is a flowchart relating to an operation when specifying an object shooting position and an object shooting direction (both will be described later).
First, the user instructs a search for a recommended route to a certain destination, and the route search unit 30 searches for a recommended route (step SA1).
Next, the control unit 20 controls the display unit 23 to display an object instruction screen 60 for the user to instruct a shooting target object to be shot while traveling on the recommended route.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the object instruction screen 60.
As shown in FIG. 4, on the object instruction screen 60, a map is displayed on the entire screen, and a recommended route from the current location to the destination is indicated by a thick line on the map.
On the object instruction screen 60, the shooting target object determined to be shot by the shooting device 10 of the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route is displayed on the map by the icon 61, and there is a correspondence in the vicinity of each icon. The name of the object to be photographed is displayed.
The photographing target object displayed on the object instruction screen 60 is selected by the control unit 20 as follows, for example. That is, the control unit 20 refers to the map data 40, and based on the information indicating the position of the object to be photographed included in the map data 40, the minimum value of the separation distance with respect to the recommended route searched in step SA1 is a predetermined threshold value. The shooting target objects below (for example, 1 km) are specified, and these shooting target objects are set as shooting target objects to be displayed as icons 61 on the object instruction screen 60. If the object to be photographed is selected by this method, the object to be photographed that is close to the recommended route and can be photographed from the photographing device 10 of the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route is selected. Is possible.
The selection of the object to be imaged to be displayed on the object instruction screen 60 is not limited to this method, and can be selected by various means based on whether or not the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route can be imaged.
A shooting target object icon 61 displayed on the object instruction screen 60 can be touched. When there is a shooting target object to be shot while traveling on the recommended route, the user performs a touch operation on the icon 61 corresponding to the shooting target object. As a result, an object to be imaged to be imaged while traveling on the recommended route is designated.
In the present embodiment, the object instruction screen 60 corresponds to the subject designation unit.

Returning to FIG. 3, after the object instruction screen 60 is displayed in step SA <b> 2, the control unit 20 specifies a shooting target object to be photographed while traveling on the recommended route based on a touch operation on the object instruction screen 60 by the user. (Step SA3).
Next, the shooting position specifying unit 31 of the control unit 20 specifies the object shooting position (step SA4).
The object shooting position is a position where the designated shooting target object should be shot on the recommended route. In the present embodiment, the shooting is performed when the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route reaches the object shooting position. The photographing of the object to be photographed by the apparatus 10 is executed. This object shooting position is appropriately determined in consideration of the positional relationship between the recommended route and the shooting target object, the environment around the shooting target object, and the like.
Hereinafter, the operation of the photographing position specifying unit 31 will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the shooting position specifying unit 31.
The operation of the photographing position specifying unit 31 is realized by the cooperation of hardware and software, such as the CPU of the control unit 20 executing a program stored in the ROM.
First, the shooting position specifying unit 31 determines whether to use the information of the shooting position information providing server 19 in specifying the object shooting position (step SB1).
Whether or not to use the information of the shooting position information providing server 19 is preliminarily instructed by the user by operating the operation switch 36, the touch panel 37, or the like and using a dedicated user interface.

Here, the shooting position information providing server 19 stores at least information indicating a position on the road recommended as a position where each shooting target object should be shot for a plurality of shooting target objects. When there are a plurality of roads that can shoot the shooting target object for one shooting target object, information indicating the position is stored for each road. For example, the recommended position on the road where the shooting target object should be shot is a position where the shooting target object can be photographed with good appearance, and whether the shooting target object can be shot from a popular angle. Based on such criteria, it is appropriately determined by the server administrator and the server user.
Note that the shooting position information providing server 19 does not store information on all shooting target objects.

When the information of the shooting position information providing server 19 is used (step SB1: YES), the shooting position specifying unit 31 accesses the shooting position information providing server 19 and shoots the specified shooting target object on the server. It is determined whether or not information indicating a position recommended as a position and present on the recommended route is stored (step SB2).
When the shooting position information providing server 19 stores information indicating a position that is recommended as a position where the specified shooting target object is to be shot and that exists on the recommended route (step SB2: YES). The shooting position specifying unit 31 acquires information indicating the position from the shooting position information providing server 19 (step SB3), and specifies the position as the object shooting position (step SB4).
Note that, based on a protocol defined for exchanging data between the in-vehicle navigation device 12 and the imaging position information providing server 19, the in-vehicle navigation device 12 makes an inquiry about information about the object to be imaged and various types of information. Execute the acquisition.

On the other hand, when the information of the shooting position information providing server 19 is not used in step SB1 (step SB1: NO), or in step SB2, the designated shooting target object is set as a position to be shot. When the recommended position and information indicating the position existing on the recommended route is not stored (step SB2: NO), the imaging position specifying unit 31 refers to the map data 40, and on the recommended route, A position where the distance from the object to be imaged is the shortest (hereinafter referred to as “shortest position”) is specified (step SB5).
Next, the shooting position specifying unit 31 refers to the map data 40 and prevents shooting when the shooting target object is shot at the shortest position on the line connecting the shooting target object and the shortest position described above. It is determined whether or not such a facility (object) exists (step SB6). Whether or not one facility prevents shooting is determined in consideration of the shape of the facility and the height of the facility.

When a photographing target object is photographed by the photographing device 10 at the shortest position on the line connecting the photographing target object and the above-mentioned shortest position, there is no facility (object) that prevents photographing (step SB6: NO), the shooting position specifying unit 31 specifies the shortest position as the object shooting position (step SB7).
When there is a facility (object) that prevents shooting when the shooting target object 10 is shot at the shortest position on the line connecting the shooting target object and the shortest position (step SB6: YES), the shooting position specifying unit 31 is a position on the road where the facility that prevents shooting including the facility does not exist on the line connecting the shooting target object and the object shooting position, and the shooting target object The position where the distance from the object shooting position is the smallest is specified as the object shooting position (step SB8).

FIG. 6 is a diagram for specifically explaining the object shooting position specified by the shooting position specifying unit 31.
In FIG. 6, symbol R1 indicates a road included in the recommended route, and the vehicle 11 reaches the destination by traveling on the road R1 in the direction indicated by the arrow Y2.
Reference sign S1 indicates a shooting target object designated as an object to be shot, and reference sign P1 on the road R1 indicates the shortest position described above.
Reference numeral S2 is a facility that prevents the photographing when the photographing target object S1 is photographed from the shortest position P1.
The point P2 on the road R1 is a position on the road where there is no facility that prevents the shooting of the shooting target object S1 on the line connecting the shooting target object S1 and the road R1, and the shooting target object The position where the separation distance from S1 is the smallest is shown.
In the situation as described above, the shooting position specifying unit 31 specifies the point P2 as the object shooting position.
In the example of FIG. 6, if the facility S2 does not exist, the shortest position P1 is specified as the object shooting position by the shooting position specifying unit 31.

  As described above, the shooting position specifying unit 31 specifies the object shooting position, but there may be a plurality of lanes on the road where the object shooting position is located. In this case, the shooting position specifying unit 31 specifies the object shooting position for each lane. This is because the lane that the vehicle 11 travels changes depending on the situation, so that the vehicle 11 passes through the object shooting position even when the vehicle 11 travels.

Now, referring back to FIG. 4, after specifying the object shooting position, the shooting direction specifying unit 32 of the control unit 20 specifies the object shooting direction (step SA5).
Hereinafter, the operation of the photographing direction specifying unit 32 will be described in detail.

  The object shooting direction is the direction of the shooting lens 13 for shooting the specified shooting target object when the vehicle 11 reaches the object shooting position specified in step SA4. In particular, in the following description, the object shooting direction refers to an angle formed by a virtual straight line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 11 and a virtual straight line extending in the direction in which the shooting lens 13 faces. The direction of the virtual straight line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 11 is appropriately calculated by the control unit 20 based on the traveling direction of the vehicle 11 and the like. Further, the control unit 20 can control the pedestal driving unit 27 so that the direction of the photographing lens 13 of the photographing apparatus 10 is the object photographing direction.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for specifically explaining the object shooting direction specified by the shooting direction specifying unit 32.
In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle 11 has reached the object shooting position, various processes and values are adjusted so that the central axis T1 of the shooting apparatus 10 reaches the object shooting position.
With reference to FIG. 7, it is assumed that the symbol P3 is the object shooting position, the designated shooting target object is the shooting target object S3, and the virtual straight line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 11 is the virtual straight line K1. In this case, the angle α (object shooting direction) formed between the virtual straight line K1 and the straight line K2 extending from the object shooting position P3 to the shooting target object S3 is uniquely determined.
Based on this, when specifying the object shooting direction, the shooting direction specifying unit 32 acquires the object shooting position, the position of the shooting target object, and the traveling direction of the vehicle 11 when the vehicle 11 reaches the object shooting position. Based on these, an angle formed between a virtual straight line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 11 and a virtual straight line extending from the object shooting position to the shooting target object is calculated, and the calculated value is specified as the shooting direction.

  Next, a detailed description will be given of an operation when the designated photographing target object is photographed by the photographing device 10 of the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route. This operation is performed by the imaging control unit 33 included in the control unit 20.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imaging control unit 33 when the imaging device 10 of the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route captures the designated imaging target object.
The function of the photographing control unit 33 is realized by cooperation of software and hardware, such as a CPU executing a program stored in a ROM.
First, the shooting control unit 33 determines whether the distance between the vehicle 11 and the object shooting position is within a predetermined distance (for example, 500 m) based on the detection value of the absolute position detection unit 21 and the object shooting position. Whether or not is monitored (step SC1).
When the distance between the vehicle and the object shooting position is within a predetermined distance (step SC1: YES), the shooting control unit 33 controls the display unit 23 to indicate that it is recommended to reduce the vehicle speed. Is performed on the display panel 35 (step SC2). This is because, when shooting the object to be shot, the slower the speed of the vehicle 11 tends to reduce blurring during shooting.

Next, the shooting control unit 33 determines whether or not there are a plurality of lanes on the road where the object shooting position is located (step SC3).
When there are a plurality of lanes (step SC3: YES), the imaging control unit 33 controls the display unit 23 so that the vehicle 11 selects a lane that is closest to the imaging target object among the plurality of lanes on the road. A display for guiding the vehicle 11 to travel is displayed on the display panel 35 (step SC4). This is because when shooting a shooting target object, it is easier to take a shot of the shooting target object when traveling in the lane located on the shooting target object side than when driving in another lane. This is because it is possible to prevent the shooting from being hindered by another vehicle traveling on the road.
Note that the vehicle 11 may not be able to travel in the lane located on the object side to be photographed depending on the lane congestion situation, road accidents, or construction conditions. Even in this case, as described above, since the object shooting position is specified for each lane, it is suitably prevented that the vehicle 11 does not reach the object shooting position.

In step SC3, when a plurality of lanes do not exist on the road where the object shooting position is located (step SC3: NO), or in step SC4, after the display related to the guidance of the vehicle 11 is performed, the shooting of the shooting control unit 33 The direction control unit 38 controls the pedestal driving unit 27 to change the direction of the photographing lens 13 of the photographing apparatus 10 so that the photographing direction of the photographing apparatus 10 becomes the object photographing direction specified by the photographing direction specifying part 32. It fluctuates (step SC5).
Next, the shooting control unit 33 monitors whether or not the vehicle 11 has reached a position close to the object shooting position (step SC6). The position close to the object shooting position is, for example, a position 5 m away from the object shooting position.
When the vehicle 11 reaches a position close to the object shooting position, the shooting execution control unit 39 of the shooting control unit 33 controls the camera-side control unit 50 to start shooting a still image by the shooting device 10 ( Step SC7). At that time, the shooting execution control unit 39 grasps the positional relationship between the current position of the vehicle 11 and the object shooting position based on the detection values of the absolute position detection unit 21 and the relative orientation detection unit 22 and the object shooting position. However, at least when the vehicle 11 reaches the object shooting position, the still image is shot, and a plurality of still images are shot before and after the shooting. This is because, for example, even if another vehicle is accidentally interposed between the vehicle 11 and the object to be imaged, a still image containing the object to be imaged can be captured as much as possible. is there.
Note that the number of shots before and after the vehicle 11 reaches the object shooting position depends on the speed of the vehicle 11 and / or the positional relationship between the position of the vehicle 11 and the object shooting position. The shooting timing and the like may be appropriately controlled.

As described above, in the in-vehicle device 15 according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle 11 reaches the object shooting position, the shooting is performed by the shooting device 10 facing the object shooting direction determined in advance, thereby automatically. The shooting of the shooting target object is executed.
This eliminates the need for the user to temporarily stop the vehicle or perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the shutter switch, for example, in order to photograph the object to be photographed. That is, the user can easily photograph a desired object to be photographed without performing complicated work.

As described above, the in-vehicle device 15 according to the present embodiment includes the imaging device 10 that is provided in the vehicle 11 in a state where the outside of the vehicle can be imaged and is configured to be able to change the imaging direction. Further, the in-vehicle navigation device 12 included in the in-vehicle device 15 should capture a route search unit 30 that searches for a recommended route to the destination, and the photographing device 10 while shooting the recommended route searched by the route search unit 30. An object instruction screen 60 for specifying a shooting target object (subject), and a shooting position specifying unit for specifying an object shooting position that is a position on a recommended route for shooting the shooting target object specified using the object instruction screen 60 31 and a shooting direction specifying unit 32 for specifying an object shooting direction for shooting the shooting target object by the shooting device 10 when the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route reaches the object shooting position, and traveling on the recommended route. Specified by the shooting direction specifying unit 32 when the vehicle to be moved reaches the object shooting position. By shooting in the shooting direction imaging device 10, and a, a photographing control unit 33 for photographing a photographic object.
According to this, when the vehicle 11 reaches the object shooting position, shooting is performed by the shooting device 10 facing the object shooting direction determined in advance, and thereby shooting of the shooting target object is automatically executed. The For this reason, for example, the user does not need to stop the car once or perform an operation corresponding to the operation of the shutter switch in order to photograph the object to be photographed. That is, the user can easily photograph a desired object to be photographed without performing complicated work.

In the present embodiment, the shooting position specifying unit 31 determines the position on the recommended route where the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route and the shooting target object specified as the object to be shot are close to each other. Specify as the shooting position.
According to this, the object shooting position can be set to a position where the distance from the shooting object is small and thus the shooting object can be shot more reliably.

In the present embodiment, the shooting position specifying unit 31 sets the position where the facility (object) that prevents shooting by the shooting apparatus 10 is not interposed between the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route and the shooting target object. Specify as the shooting position.
According to this, it is possible to prevent a situation in which shooting of the shooting target object is performed at a position where there is a facility that prevents shooting of the shooting target object.

In addition, the in-vehicle device 15 according to the present embodiment is configured to be accessible to a shooting position information providing server 19 that holds information related to a position recommended when shooting a shooting target object. Then, the shooting position specifying unit 31 can acquire information related to a position recommended when shooting the shooting target object from the shooting position information providing server 19, and can specify the object shooting position based on the acquired information. It is.
According to this, it is possible to preferably specify the object shooting position using the information on the shooting position information providing server 19.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route approaches the object shooting position, a notification that the vehicle speed is reduced is notified.
Thereby, it is possible to make the user recognize that the vehicle speed should be reduced in order to realize shooting with less blur, and it is possible to realize shooting with less blur when the user decreases the vehicle speed.

In the present embodiment, when the vehicle 11 travels on a road having a plurality of lanes, the vehicle 11 is guided to the lane on the shooting target object side when the vehicle 11 traveling on the recommended route approaches the object shooting position. To do.
This is because when shooting a shooting target object, it is easier to take a shot of the shooting target object when traveling in the lane located on the shooting target object side than when driving in another lane. This is because it is possible to prevent the shooting from being hindered by another vehicle traveling on the road.

Next, another embodiment will be described.
In the above-described embodiment, before the vehicle 11 reaches the object photographing position, the direction of the photographing lens 13 of the photographing apparatus 10 is changed in advance so that the photographing direction of the photographing apparatus 10 becomes the object photographing direction.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the photographing control unit 33 of the control unit 20 is configured so that the photographing lens 13 of the photographing apparatus 10 is at least while the vehicle 11 is located in the vicinity of the object photographing position and a still image is photographed. The photographing direction of the photographing apparatus 10 is controlled so that the state of facing the photographing target object is maintained.
More specifically, at least while the vehicle 11 is positioned in the vicinity of the object shooting position and shooting of a still image is performed, the shooting control unit 33 refers to the map data 40 and then uses the absolute position detection unit 21 and the relative orientation. Based on the detection unit 22 and the position of the shooting target object, an object shooting direction is calculated such that the shooting lens 13 of the shooting apparatus 10 faces the shooting target object. During the above period, the imaging control unit 33 controls the pedestal driving unit 27 so that the imaging direction of the imaging device 10 becomes the calculated imaging direction, thereby changing the orientation of the imaging lens 13 of the imaging device 10. . Thereby, the state where the photographing lens 13 of the photographing apparatus 10 faces the photographing target object is maintained.
Then, when the vehicle 11 reaches the vicinity of the object shooting position, the shooting control unit 33 takes a plurality of still images by the same means as in the above-described embodiment.
In the present embodiment, when photographing a plurality of still images, as described above, the state where the photographing lens 13 of the photographing apparatus 10 faces the photographing target object is maintained. As a result, the object to be photographed can be reliably photographed as a still image and can be photographed with less blur.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the photographing device 10 is provided on the top of the vehicle 11, but the position where the photographing device 10 is provided is not limited to this and may be in the vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image | photographing apparatus 11 Vehicle 15 In-vehicle apparatus 18 Communication network 19 Imaging position information provision server (external server)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 Path | route search part 31 Shooting position specific | specification part 32 Shooting direction specific | specification part 33 Shooting control part 38 Shooting direction control part 39 Shooting execution control part 60 Object instruction | indication screen (subject specification part)

Claims (9)

  An imaging device provided in the vehicle in a state where the outside of the vehicle can be imaged and configured to be able to change the imaging direction, a route search unit that searches for a route to the destination, and the route searched by the route search unit A subject designating unit that designates a subject to be photographed by the photographing device, a photographing position identifying unit that identifies a photographing position that is a position on the path to photograph the subject designated by the subject specifying unit, A shooting direction specifying unit that specifies a shooting direction for shooting the subject by the shooting device when the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the shooting position, and the vehicle traveling on the route is shooting. A photographing control unit that causes the photographing device to photograph the photographing direction identified by the photographing direction identifying unit when the position is reached. Vehicle device which is characterized. The shooting position specifying unit
The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein a position on the route where the vehicle traveling on the route and the position of the subject are close to each other is specified as the photographing position. The shooting position specifying unit
The position where the object which interferes with the photography by the photographing device does not intervene between the vehicle traveling on the route and the subject is specified as the photographing position. In-vehicle equipment. It is configured to be accessible to an external server that holds information about a recommended position when shooting the subject,
The shooting position specifying unit
The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein information on a position recommended when the subject is photographed is acquired from the external access server, and the photographing position is specified based on the acquired information.   The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the vehicle traveling on the route approaches the photographing position, a notification that the vehicle speed is reduced is notified.   When the vehicle is traveling on a road having a plurality of lanes, the vehicle is guided to a lane close to the subject when the vehicle traveling on the route approaches the shooting position. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   Photographing for controlling the photographing direction of the photographing device so that the photographing direction of the photographing device becomes the photographing direction for photographing the subject while the vehicle is located in the vicinity of the photographing position. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a direction control unit. An imaging device provided on the vehicle in a state where the outside of the vehicle can be photographed and configured to be able to change the photographing direction, a route search unit that searches for a route to the destination, and the route searched by the route search unit An in-vehicle device including a subject designating unit for designating a subject to be photographed by the photographing device,
The photographing position that is a position on the route where the subject designated by the subject designation unit is to be photographed is specified, and when the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the photographing position, the photographing device Specify the shooting direction for shooting the subject,
When the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the shooting position, the vehicle is caused to photograph the subject by causing the photographing device to photograph the photographing direction specified by the photographing direction specifying unit. Device control method. An imaging device provided on the vehicle in a state where the outside of the vehicle can be photographed and configured to be able to change the photographing direction, a route search unit that searches for a route to the destination, and the route searched by the route search unit A program that is executed by a computer that controls an in-vehicle device including a subject designating unit that designates a subject to be photographed by the photographing device,
The computer,
A shooting position specifying unit that specifies a shooting position that is a position on the route where the subject specified by the subject specifying unit is to be shot; and when the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the shooting position A shooting direction specifying unit that specifies a shooting direction for shooting the subject by the shooting device, and a shooting direction specified by the shooting direction specifying unit when the vehicle traveling on the route reaches the shooting position. A program for causing the photographing apparatus to photograph the subject to function as a photographing control unit that photographs the subject.

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