Car number reading system

Abstract

To provide a car number reading system capable of stably reading a car number of a train car of a target train with a reduced cost.SOLUTION: A car number reading system 1 comprises: an imaging device 3 that images imaging regions including a region through which a train passes as image data to output the data; a processing device 5 that extracts image data containing an image of a car of the train entering a platform 21 which is a target train T from among the image data output from the imaging device 3, reads a car number of the car from the extracted image data, and outputs the read car number as car number data; and a home door control device 7 (facility control device) that controls a plurality of platform doors 23 (railway facility equipment) installed at the platform 21 on the basis of the car number data output from the processing device 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle number reading system that reads vehicle numbers attached to train cars (i.e., railroad cars). [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for reading the vehicle number of a train car by using an RFID tag (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-149216 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, to use RFID tags to read the vehicle numbers of train cars, it is necessary to install RFID tags on each car, which is costly, and depending on the surrounding environment, there is a risk that multipath phenomena may occur, reducing the accuracy of reading the vehicle numbers.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle number reading system that can stably read the vehicle numbers of vehicles in a target train while keeping costs down. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle number reading system is provided, which is configured to capture an image of an imaging area including an area through which a train passes and output it as image data, extract image data in which a vehicle of a target train is captured from the output image data, read the vehicle number of the vehicle from the extracted image data, and control equipment of a railway facility based on the read vehicle number.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle number reading system including an imaging device configured to image an imaging area including an area through which a train passes and output the image data, a processing device configured to extract image data in which a vehicle of a target train is imaged from the image data output from the imaging device, read the vehicle number of the vehicle from the extracted image data, and output the read vehicle number as vehicle number data, and an equipment control device configured to control equipment of a railway facility based on the vehicle number data output from the processing device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle number reading system that can stably read the vehicle numbers of vehicles in a target train while suppressing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle number reading system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle number reading system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image (of vehicles constituting a target train) captured by an imaging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a train list used to identify the configuration of a target train. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a vehicle number reading process and a vehicle number data output process performed by the vehicle number reading system according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a vehicle number reading process and a vehicle number data output process performed by the vehicle number reading system according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the vehicle number plate reading system. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the vehicle number plate reading system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle number plate reading system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the vehicle number plate reading system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The vehicle number reading system 1 of the embodiment is configured to treat a train entering a station platform 21 as a target train T, read the vehicle numbers of the vehicles of the target train T, i.e., the vehicle numbers attached to the side of each vehicle that constitutes the target train T, and control (open / close control) multiple platform doors 23 installed on the platform 21 based on the read vehicle numbers.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle number reading system 1 includes an imaging device 3, a processing device 5, and a platform door control device 7.

[0014] The imaging device 3 is installed at the end of the platform 21 on the train entrance side. The imaging device 3 faces the track 25 side adjacent to the platform 21, more specifically, the track 25 side on which the target train T (the train entering the platform 21) runs. The imaging device 3 is configured to capture an imaging area including an area through which the target train T passes and output the captured image data. The imaging area is set as a rectangular area. Specifically, in this embodiment, the imaging area is set as a rectangular area having a vertical side with a length L1 that is greater than the height H above the platform 21 of the vehicle of the target train T running on the track 25, and a horizontal side with a length L2 that is smaller than the length of one vehicle of the target train T and is large enough to contain the vehicle number attached to the side of the vehicle of the target train T. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the side of each vehicle constituting the target train T can be captured by the imaging device 3 together with the vehicle number attached thereto.

[0015] In this embodiment, the imaging device 3 is configured to continuously capture images of the imaging area at a predetermined frame rate and sequentially output the images to the processing device 5 as time-series image data. Therefore, the image data output from the imaging device 3 may include image data in which the target train T is not captured. Although not particularly limited, the frame rate of the imaging device 3 is set so that, when there is a target train T (a train entering the platform 21), five or more pieces of image data per vehicle, preferably ten or more pieces of image data per vehicle, are obtained for the target train T.

[0016] The processing device 5 is configured to extract image data in which the vehicles of the target train T (a train entering the platform 21) are imaged from the time-series image data output from the imaging device 3, read the vehicle number from the extracted image data, and output the read vehicle number to the platform door control device 7 as vehicle number data.

[0017] In this embodiment, the processing device 5 includes an image data holding unit 51, a data processing unit 53, an extracted image data holding unit 55, a vehicle number reading unit 57, and a vehicle number determination unit 59.

[0018] The image data storage unit 51 stores the image data output from the imaging device 3 .

[0019] The data processing unit 53 performs image processing on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 51, i.e., the image data output from the imaging device 3, and if a vehicle of the target train T is captured in the image data output from the imaging device 3, the image data is stored in the extracted image data storage unit 55 as extracted image data.

[0020] Specifically, the data processing unit 53 performs image processing on the image data output from the imaging device 3, and judges whether or not the image data includes a train vehicle. If the image data output from the imaging device 3 includes a train vehicle, the data processing unit 53 judges whether or not the train vehicle is a target train T vehicle. Such a judgment is made because, for example, if a station has multiple platforms in parallel, a train vehicle other than the target train T (for example, a train entering a platform other than platform 21) may also be imaged by the imaging device 3. Then, if the image data output from the imaging device 3 includes a train vehicle and the train vehicle is determined to be a target train T vehicle, the data processing unit 53 judges that the image data output from the imaging device 3 includes a train vehicle, and holds the image data in the extracted image data holding unit 55 as extracted image data. This prevents image data in which a train vehicle other than the target train T is imaged from being held in the extracted image data holding unit 55 as extracted image data, that is, prevents image data in which a train vehicle other than the target train T is imaged from being extracted.

[0021] Here, in this embodiment, the data processing unit 53 uses a vehicle discrimination template for distinguishing the target train T from vehicles of other trains other than the target train T, and more specifically, applies the vehicle discrimination template to the image data to determine whether or not a vehicle of a train in the image data is a vehicle of the target train T. Although not particularly limited, a rectangular frame-shaped template may be used as the vehicle discrimination template. For example, the vehicle discrimination template may be a rectangular frame-shaped template whose vertical side has a length approximately equal to the height H of the vehicle of the target train T above the platform 21 in the image data and whose horizontal side has a predetermined length (≦L2).

[0022] Specifically, the data processing unit 53 performs image processing on the image data output from the imaging device 3, and when it is determined that the image data includes a train vehicle, it applies the vehicle discrimination template to the train vehicle in the image data. Then, when the train vehicle in the image data matches the vehicle discrimination template, for example, when at least the height of the train vehicle in the image data matches the length of the vertical side of the vehicle discrimination template, the data processing unit 53 determines that the train vehicle in the image data is a vehicle of the target train T.

[0023] The vehicle number reading unit 57 reads the vehicle number from the extracted image data stored in the extracted image data storage unit 55. In other words, the vehicle number reading unit 57 reads the vehicle number of the vehicle from the image data extracted from the image data output from the imaging device 3, that is, the image data in which the vehicle of the target train T is imaged. Although not limited to this, the vehicle number reading unit 57 detects and reads the vehicle number included in the extracted image data by performing character recognition processing on the extracted image data. The read vehicle number is output to the vehicle number determination unit 59.

[0024] The vehicle number determination unit 59 determines the vehicle number based on the vehicle number output from the vehicle number reading unit 57. Then, the vehicle number determination unit 59 outputs the determined vehicle number to the platform door control device 7 as vehicle number data.

[0025] In this embodiment, the vehicle number determination unit 59 determines the vehicle number as follows.

[0026] As described above, in this embodiment, the frame rate of the imaging device 3 is set so that five or more image data, preferably ten or more image data, are obtained for each vehicle of the target train T. Therefore, in most cases, the vehicle number reading unit 57 reads the vehicle number from a plurality (a large number) of image data (extracted image data) of five or more for each vehicle of the target train T. On the other hand, the plurality (a large number) of image data may include image data in which a part of the vehicle number is missing, and the vehicle number reading unit 57 may read an incomplete vehicle number (i.e., an incorrect vehicle number). Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle number determination unit 59 determines the vehicle number by performing a majority vote process on the N consecutive vehicle numbers output from the vehicle number reading unit 57. The number (N) of vehicle numbers used in the majority vote process is an integer (here, an integer of 5 or more) set according to the frame rate of the imaging device 3, etc.

[0027] After determining the vehicle number as described above, the vehicle number determination unit 59 checks the determined vehicle number against the "vehicle number list." This "vehicle number list" records registered vehicle numbers, that is, vehicle numbers that have already been assigned to vehicles. If the determined vehicle number is included in the "vehicle number list," the vehicle number determination unit 59 determines the determined vehicle number as the vehicle number of a vehicle of the target train T.

[0028] The platform door control device 7 is configured to control the platform door 23 based on the vehicle number data output from the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5. Specifically, in this embodiment, the platform door control device 7 is configured to identify the formation of the target train T based on the vehicle number data output from the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5. Although not particularly limited, the formation of the target train T includes the number of cars constituting the target train T and the type of each car constituting the target train T, as well as the type of the target train T that can be understood from these. Then, when the target train T arrives at the platform 21, and in some cases, when a door open signal is received from the on-board device and / or station device of the target train T (both are not shown), the platform door control device 7 is configured to open the platform door 23 corresponding to the identified formation of the target train T among the multiple platform doors 23. The platform door 23 to be opened is the platform door 23 located at a position corresponding to the entrance and exit of the car constituting the target train T. In addition, the platform door control device 7 is configured to close the at least one open platform door 23 after receiving a door closing signal from the on-board equipment and / or the station equipment of the target train T.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment, the platform door control device 7 is configured to identify the formation of the target train T by checking the vehicle number data output from the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5 against a "train list," in which various information regarding all trains that may enter the platform 21 is recorded. In this embodiment, the "train list" records the train number, the vehicle numbers of each vehicle that constitutes the train, the formation number, the number of vehicles that constitute the train, and the like, in association with each train, as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the platform door control device 7 can identify the formation of the target train T by acquiring the vehicle number data of one or more vehicles that constitute the target train T.

[0030] 5 and 6 are flow charts showing an outline of the vehicle number reading process and the vehicle number data output process carried out by the vehicle number reading system 1. FIG.

[0031] In the vehicle license plate number reading system 1, first, the imaging device 3 captures an image of the imaging area and outputs the image data (see FIG. 3) to the processing device 5 (step S1).

[0032] Next, the image data storage unit 51 of the processing device 5 stores the image data output from the imaging device 3 (step S2), and the data processing unit 53 of the processing device 5 performs image processing on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 51 (step S3). After that, the data processing unit 53 of the processing device 5 determines whether or not a train vehicle is included in the image data (step S4), and if a train vehicle is included in the image data (step S4; YES), the data processing unit 53 of the processing device 5 applies the vehicle discrimination template to the image data to determine whether or not the train vehicle in the image data is a vehicle of the target train T (step S5). Then, if the train vehicle in the image data is a vehicle of the target train T (step S5; YES), the data processing unit 53 of the processing device 5 outputs the image data, i.e., the image data output from the imaging device 3, to the extracted image data storage unit 55 of the processing device 5 as extracted image data, and the extracted image data storage unit 55 of the processing device 5 stores the extracted image data (step S6).

[0033] Next, the vehicle number reading unit 57 of the processing device 5 reads the vehicle numbers of the vehicles from the extracted image data stored in the extracted image data storage unit 55, i.e., the image data in which the vehicles of the target train T are captured (step S7). Then, when the number of vehicle numbers read by the vehicle number reading unit 57 becomes N (≧5) or more (step S8; YES), the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5 performs a vehicle number determination process (step S9). That is, the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5 performs a majority vote process on the N vehicle numbers to determine the vehicle numbers.

[0034] When the vehicle number is determined (step S10; YES), the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5 performs a process of determining the vehicle number (step S11). That is, the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5 determines whether the determined vehicle number is included in the vehicle number list, and when the determined vehicle number is included in the vehicle number list, determines the determined vehicle number as the vehicle number of the vehicle. Then, when the vehicle number is determined (step S12; YES), the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5 outputs the determined vehicle number to the platform door control device 7 as vehicle number data (step S13).

[0035] In addition, the platform door control device 7 in this embodiment corresponds to the "facility control device" in the present invention.

[0036] According to the vehicle number plate reading system 1 according to the embodiment, for example, the following effects can be obtained.

[0037] In the vehicle number reading system 1, the imaging device 3 is configured to image the imaging area and output it as image data, and the processing device 5 is configured to extract image data in which a vehicle of the target train T is imaged from the image data output from the imaging device 3 as extracted image data, and to read the vehicle number of the vehicle from the extracted image data.

[0038] Specifically, the vehicle number reading system 1 regards a train entering a platform 21 of a station as a target train T. The imaging device 3 is installed at the end of the platform 21 on the train entrance side facing the track 25, and is configured to capture an imaging area including an area through which the target train T passes and output the captured image data. Therefore, the processing device 5 can stably read the vehicle numbers of the vehicles constituting the target train T, i.e., the train entering the platform 21. Also, since there is no need to provide a device such as an RFID tag on the vehicle side, costs can be reduced.

[0039] Here, the processing device 5 is configured to output the read vehicle number as vehicle number data, and the vehicle number reading system 1 further includes a platform door control device 7, which is configured to control the platform door 23 based on the vehicle number data output from the processing device 5. Specifically, the platform door control device 7 is configured to identify the composition of the target train T, i.e., the composition of the train entering the platform 21, based on the vehicle number data output from the processing device 5, and to control the multiple platform doors 23 installed on the platform 21 based on the identified composition. Therefore, when a train arrives at the platform 21, it is possible to open an appropriate platform door 23 according to the arriving train, and convenience and safety for passengers can be ensured.

[0040] The processing device 5 also applies a vehicle discrimination template for distinguishing and identifying the vehicle of the target train T from the vehicles of other trains to the image data output from the imaging device 3, thereby extracting image data in which the vehicle of the target train T is imaged from the image data output from the imaging device 3 as extracted image data. Specifically, the processing device 5 performs image processing on the image data output from the imaging device 3, determines whether or not the image data contains a vehicle of the train, and when it determines that the image data contains a vehicle of the train, applies the vehicle discrimination template to the vehicle of the train in the image data, and when the vehicle of the train in the image data matches the vehicle discrimination template, extracts the image data output from the imaging device 3 as extracted data. This makes it possible to prevent image data in which a vehicle of a train other than the target train T is imaged from being extracted as extracted image data, and thus to prevent the vehicle numbers of vehicles of trains other than the target train T from being erroneously read.

[0041] The processing device 5 also has a vehicle number list in which registered vehicle numbers are recorded, and outputs the read vehicle number as vehicle number data when the read vehicle number is included in the vehicle number list. Specifically, the processing device 5 determines the vehicle number by performing majority voting processing on multiple (N) consecutive read vehicle numbers, and outputs the determined vehicle number as vehicle number data when the determined vehicle number is included in the vehicle number list. This prevents an incorrect vehicle number from being output as vehicle number data. As a result, inappropriate operation of the platform door control device 7 that may endanger the safety of passengers is prevented.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the processing device 5 applies the vehicle discrimination template to the image data output from the imaging device 3 to extract image data in which the vehicle of the target train T is captured as extracted image data from the image data output from the imaging device 3. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the focus of the imaging device 3 may be adjusted in advance to match the train running on the track 25, i.e., the side of the target train T. In this way, trains other than the target train T are not clearly captured, so the processing device 5 can determine whether or not a train is present in the image data output from the imaging device 3 by simply performing image processing on the image data output from the imaging device 3 to determine whether or not a train is present in the image data, that is, without using the vehicle discrimination template.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the processing device 5 performs character recognition processing on the extracted image data to detect and read the vehicle number contained therein. However, this is not limited to this. Since the type and number of letters, numbers, and / or symbols that make up the vehicle number and the arrangement of the vehicle number on the side of the train are fixed, the processing device 5 may, for example, identify (read) the vehicle number attached to the vehicle by comparing the extracted image data with a vehicle number template registered in advance (determining whether or not they match).

[0044] In the above embodiment, the vehicle number reading system 1 is configured to treat a train entering the platform 21 as a target train T, read the vehicle number of the vehicle of the target train T, and control a plurality of platform doors 23 installed on the platform 21 based on the read vehicle number. However, this is not limited to this. The vehicle number reading system 1 may be configured to extract image data in which the target train T is imaged from image data of an imaging area including an area through which the train passes, read the vehicle number of the vehicle of the target train T from the extracted image data, and control some equipment in the railway facility based on the read vehicle number. In other words, the vehicle number reading system 1 may include a control device other than the platform door control device 7 as an equipment control device that controls the equipment of the railway facility.

[0045] For example, the vehicle number reading system 1 may be configured to treat a train heading toward a railroad crossing as a target train T, read the vehicle numbers of the vehicles of the target train T, and control the railroad crossing equipment (railroad crossing alarm, railroad crossing barrier) based on the read vehicle numbers. In this case, as shown in Fig. 7 corresponding to Fig. 2, the vehicle number reading system 1 includes, for example, an imaging device 3, a processing device 5, and a railroad crossing control device 9 which corresponds to the "equipment control device" in the present invention.

[0046] When the vehicle number reading system 1 regards a train heading for a railroad crossing as the target train T, the imaging device 3 may be installed, for example, at a position on the side of the track on which the train heading for the railroad crossing runs, a predetermined distance in front of the railroad crossing as seen from the train heading for the railroad crossing, facing the railroad crossing. The processing device 5 is configured to extract image data in which the vehicles of the target train T (train heading for the railroad crossing) are captured from the time-series image data output from the imaging device 3, read the vehicle number from the extracted image data, and output the read vehicle number to the railroad crossing control device 9 as vehicle number data.

[0047] The crossing control device 9 is configured to control the crossing facilities (crossing alarm, crossing barrier) based on the vehicle number data output from the processing device 5. For example, the crossing control device 9 identifies the formation of the target train T (including the type of the target train T) based on the vehicle number data output from the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5. The crossing control device 9 can be configured to, for example, upon input of a crossing approach signal indicating that the target train T is approaching a crossing, to operate the crossing alarm and the crossing barrier to close the road, and to wait for the passage of at least a time period corresponding to the formation of the identified target train T, and then to stop the crossing alarm and operate the crossing barrier to open the road.

[0048] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle number reading system 1 may include an imaging device 3, a processing device 5, and an equipment control device 11 that controls equipment of the railway facility, and the processing device 5 may further include, in addition to an image data storage unit 51, a data processing unit 53, an extracted image data storage unit 55, a vehicle number reading unit 57, and a vehicle number determination unit 59, a movement direction detection unit 61 that detects the movement direction (running direction) of the target train T.

[0049] The movement direction detection unit 61 may be configured to detect the movement direction (running direction) of the target train T based on time-series image data in which the target train T is imaged. For example, the movement direction detection unit 61 may be configured to detect the movement direction (running direction) of the target train T by tracking in time series the edges of the vehicles of the target train T detected by image processing, by tracking in time series the positions of the vehicle discrimination templates applied to the vehicles of the target train T, and / or by tracking in time series the positions of the read vehicle numbers.

[0050] The processing device 5 is configured so that the vehicle number determination unit 59 outputs the determined vehicle number as vehicle number data to the equipment control device 11, and the movement direction detection unit 61 outputs the detected movement direction of the target train T to the equipment control device 11. In other words, the processing device 5 is configured to output the detected movement direction of the target train T together with the vehicle number data to the equipment control device 11. The equipment control device 11 is also configured to control equipment of the railway facility based on the vehicle number data output from the vehicle number determination unit 59 of the processing device 5 and / or the movement direction of the target train T output from the movement direction detection unit 61 of the processing device 5.

[0051] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and it goes without saying that further modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1...vehicle number reading system, 3...imaging device, 5...processing device, 7...platform door control device (equipment control device), 9...railroad crossing control device (equipment control device), 11...equipment control device, 21...platform, 23...platform door, 25...railroad track, 51...image data storage unit, 53...data processing unit, 55...extracted image data storage unit, 57...vehicle number reading unit, 59...vehicle number determination unit, 61...movement direction detection unit, T...target train

Claims

1. A vehicle number reading system configured to capture an image of an imaging area including an area through which a train passes and output the image data, extract image data in which a vehicle of a target train is captured from the output image data, read the vehicle number of the vehicle from the extracted image data, and control equipment of a railway facility based on the read vehicle number.

2. an imaging device configured to capture an image of an imaging area including an area through which the train passes and output the image data; a processing device configured to extract image data in which a vehicle of a target train is imaged from the image data output from the imaging device, read the vehicle number of the vehicle from the extracted image data, and output the read vehicle number as vehicle number data; an equipment control device configured to control equipment of a railway facility based on the vehicle number data output from the processing device; A vehicle number recognition system including a vehicle registration plate number recognition system.

3. The vehicle number reading system of claim 2, wherein the processing device applies a vehicle discrimination template for distinguishing and identifying the vehicles of the target train from vehicles of other trains to the image data, and extracts image data in which the vehicles of the target train are captured from the image data.

4. 4. The vehicle number reading system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the processing device has a vehicle number list in which registered vehicle numbers are recorded, and outputs the read vehicle number as the vehicle number data if the read vehicle number is included in the vehicle number list.

5. the imaging device continuously images the imaging region and outputs the images as time-series image data; The processing device detects a moving direction of the target train based on time-series image data in which cars of the target train are imaged, and outputs the detected moving direction together with the car number data.

4. A vehicle number reading system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The imaging device is installed at an end of a station platform on a train entrance side facing the track, The processing device extracts image data in which a vehicle of a train entering the platform is captured as image data in which a vehicle of the target train is captured, the equipment control device identifies a configuration of the target train based on the vehicle number data output from the processing device, and controls the platform screen doors installed at the platform based on the identified configuration of the target train.

4. A vehicle number reading system according to claim 2 or 3.

Images