Vehicle monitoring system

Abstract

To facilitate construction while securing a proper imaging range in providing imaging means on a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle monitoring system 100 comprises: imaging units 2 which are installed on both right and left lateral faces of each vehicle 10 and whose imaging ranges are monitoring areas X along the lateral faces of the vehicle 10; and display units 4 which display images acquired from the imaging units 2. Each imaging unit 2 is constituted to be able to switch an imaging mode between a first direction imaging mode for imaging with an imaging range directed in a first direction D1 and a second direction imaging mode for imaging with the imaging range directed in a second direction D2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a vehicle traveling along a specified route in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-279970 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system for monitoring boarding and alighting doors of a railway vehicle. In the following description of the related art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the system described in Patent Document 1, an image of the periphery of a door (2) of a vehicle (1) is captured by an imaging device (3). Then, based on the image captured by the imaging device (3), the presence or absence of a foreign object around the door (2) is detected. Such an imaging device (3) is installed corresponding to each door (2). In other words, the same number of imaging devices (3) as the number of doors (2) are installed in the vehicle (1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-279970 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, when installing an imaging device on the outside of a vehicle as in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to connect the imaging device on the outside of the vehicle to various devices inside the vehicle (such as a display device that displays the captured image and a hub) with cables. This requires, for example, making holes in the walls of the vehicle to pass the cables from the inside to the outside of the vehicle, making the installation of the imaging device on the vehicle complex. Therefore, the more imaging devices are installed, the more difficult the installation becomes. On the other hand, if too few imaging devices are installed, the imaging range is limited and appropriate monitoring cannot be performed.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, when providing an imaging means in a vehicle, it is desirable to ensure an appropriate imaging range while facilitating installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a vehicle traveling along a specified route in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, Imaging units are installed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle and have an imaging range that covers a monitoring area along the sides of the vehicle; a display unit that displays an image acquired from the imaging unit, The imaging unit is configured to be able to switch imaging modes between at least a first direction imaging mode in which the imaging range is imaged in the first direction and a second direction imaging mode in which the imaging range is imaged in the second direction.

[0008] According to this configuration, the imaging unit can capture an image with the imaging range facing the first direction, and can also capture an image with the imaging range facing the second direction. Therefore, the range that one imaging unit can capture can be widened, and it is easy to ensure an appropriate imaging range for monitoring the monitoring area as a whole. In addition, since one imaging unit can capture at least two different imaging ranges, it can capture two different monitoring areas. Therefore, there is no need to install an imaging unit for each monitoring area, and the number of imaging units installed can be reduced as a whole. Therefore, construction can be made easier. As described above, according to this configuration, when providing an imaging means in a vehicle, it is possible to facilitate construction while ensuring an appropriate imaging range.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a vehicle monitoring system [Diagram 2] Schematic diagram of vehicle system [Diagram 3] An explanatory diagram of a case where a railroad vehicle travels in a first direction. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram of a case where a railroad vehicle travels in a second direction. [Diagram 5] Diagram showing the display unit [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram of a case where multiple imaging units work together to capture images of blind spots. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing display modes according to the level of attention on a display unit; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle monitoring system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle monitoring system 100 is a system that monitors a vehicle 10 traveling along a specified route in a first direction D1 or a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. Note that "W" in the figure refers to the width direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the specified route when viewed from above and below (it can also be said to be the "left-right direction"). "W1" refers to one side in the width direction W, and "W2" refers to the other side in the width direction W.

[0013] In this embodiment, the object of monitoring by the vehicle monitoring system 100 is a railway vehicle 1. A plurality of vehicles 10 are coupled together to form the railway vehicle 1. The above-mentioned "prescribed route" is, for example, a railroad track. The above-mentioned "first direction D1 and second direction D2" are directions that are determined depending on the direction along the railroad track, and are not absolutely determined directions. The railway vehicle 1 includes a distributed power type and a concentrated power type. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 may include freight cars in addition to passenger cars.

[0014] The vehicle monitoring system 100 is equipped with an imaging unit 2 installed on both the left and right sides of a vehicle 10, with a monitoring area X along the side of the vehicle 10 as an imaging range R (see Figures 3 and 4), and a display unit 4 that displays images acquired from the imaging unit 2.

[0015] A monitoring area X is set so as to include the boarding and alighting positions of all boarding and alighting doors provided on the side of one vehicle 10. Such a monitoring area X is imaged by the imaging unit 2, and the image captured by the imaging unit 2 is displayed on the display unit 4, so that a crew member or the like who is looking at the display unit 4 can grasp the situation around the boarding and alighting doors. For example, in an event where the boarding and alighting doors are closing, an incident such as a rush to board the vehicle is likely to occur, and it becomes increasingly necessary to pay attention to the monitoring area X.

[0016] At least one imaging unit 2 is installed in each vehicle 10. In this embodiment, a display unit 4 is provided in any one of the multiple vehicles 10 that make up the railway vehicle 1.

[0017] The railcar 1 includes a first end car 11 arranged at an end in the first direction D1, a second end car 12 arranged at an end in the second direction D2, and a plurality or a single intermediate car 13 arranged between the first end car 11 and the second end car 12. In the illustrated example, one intermediate car 13 is arranged between the first end car 11 and the second end car 12, and a three-car train of the railcar 1 is illustrated. A display unit 4 is provided in each of the first end car 11 and the second end car 12. In detail, a driver's cab is provided in each of the first end car 11 and the second end car 12, and the display unit 4 is provided in each driver's cab.

[0018] In this embodiment, at least two imaging units 2 are installed on one side of the first end car 11. In this example, two imaging units 2 are installed on each of the left and right vehicle body side walls 10a of the first end car 11.

[0019] Of the two imaging units 2 installed on one side of the first end vehicle 11, one is installed in the end region in the first direction D1, and the remaining one is installed in the end region in the second direction D2.

[0020] In this embodiment, one imaging unit 2 is installed on one side surface of each of the second end car 12 and the intermediate car 13. In this example, one imaging unit 2 is installed on each of the left and right car body side walls 10a, 10a, of the second end car 12. In addition, one imaging unit 2 is installed on each of the left and right car body side walls 10a, 10a, of the intermediate car 13.

[0021] The imaging unit 2 installed in the second end car 12 is installed in an end area in the second direction D2. The imaging unit 2 installed in the intermediate car 13 is installed in an end area in the second direction D2.

[0022] The imaging units 2 installed in each vehicle 10 capture images of the monitoring areas X on the left and right sides of each vehicle 10.

[0023] In this embodiment, the vehicle monitoring system 100 includes a vehicle-side system SV and a ground-side system SG. The vehicle-side system SV is a system provided in the railway vehicle 1. The ground-side system SG is a system provided in a location separate from the railway vehicle 1.

[0024] The vehicle-side system SV and the ground-side system SG are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line network, a management server, etc. Both systems may be connected to each other so that they can be remotely operated by a closed network or a private network established by a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or may be connected to an open line via a security device such as a firewall.

[0025] 1 shows a state in which a railway vehicle 1 is entering a boarding / alighting facility H. The boarding / alighting facility H is, for example, a station platform. A ground side system SG is provided in the boarding / alighting facility H. However, without being limited thereto, the ground side system SG may be provided in, for example, a facility that collectively manages operation schedules of multiple railway vehicles 1.

[0026] In this embodiment, the ground side system SG includes a ground side imaging unit 5 that images the monitoring area X from a location separate from the railway vehicle 1. In this example, the ground side imaging unit 5 is installed at a boarding / disembarking facility H. The ground side imaging unit 5 is installed facing the railway vehicle 1 stopped at the boarding / disembarking facility H.

[0027] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the ground side system SG may be equipped with a ground side display unit that displays images captured by the ground side imaging unit 5 on the ground side, and a ground side operation unit that remotely operates the vehicle side system SV.

[0028] 3 and 4, the imaging unit 2 is configured to be able to switch between at least a first direction imaging mode in which the imaging range R is imaged in a first direction D1 and a second direction imaging mode in which the imaging range R is imaged in a second direction D2. Each imaging unit 2 is configured to be able to switch between imaging modes independently. That is, depending on the situation, imaging units 2 executing the first direction imaging mode and imaging units 2 executing the second direction imaging mode may be mixed. Details will be described later.

[0029] 2 shows the vehicle-side system SV. In this embodiment, the vehicle-side system SV includes an imaging unit 2 and a display unit 4. In detail, the vehicle-side system SV includes all of the imaging units 2 and display units 4 mounted on the multiple vehicles 10 that make up the railway vehicle 1.

[0030] 2, in this embodiment, the imaging unit 2 includes a housing 20 and a plurality of imaging devices 21 arranged inside the housing 20. The plurality of imaging devices 21 inside the housing 20 are configured to capture images in different directions.

[0031] In this embodiment, two imaging devices 21 are provided inside the housing 20. One of the two imaging devices 21 is arranged facing the first direction D1, and the other is arranged facing the second direction D2. In this example, the imaging unit 2 is configured to switch between the first direction imaging mode and the second direction imaging mode by enabling one of the two imaging devices 21 and disabling the other. With this configuration, the imaging mode can be easily switched.

[0032] In this embodiment, the imaging unit 2 includes a control device 23 that controls a plurality of (two in this example) imaging devices 21. The control device 23 is disposed inside the housing 20. The control device 23 is a core element of the imaging unit 2, and is configured to control not only the imaging devices 21 but also various devices provided in the imaging unit 2.

[0033] In this embodiment, the imaging unit 2 includes a determination unit 23a that determines the captured image. The imaging unit 2 is configured to switch the imaging mode based on the determination result by the determination unit 23a. In this example, the determination unit 23a is configured as a functional unit of the control device 23.

[0034] A window (not shown) is provided on each of the surface facing the first direction D1 and the surface facing the second direction D2 in the housing 20. Each imaging device 21 arranged inside the housing 20 is configured to capture an image of the outside of the housing 20 through the corresponding window.

[0035] In this embodiment, the imaging unit 2 includes a microphone 22. The microphone 22 is configured to pick up sounds around the imaging unit 2. The microphone 22 is disposed inside the housing 20. In order for the microphone 22 to properly pick up sounds outside the housing 20, a plurality of fine through-holes (not shown) are formed in the housing 20, and the microphone 22 is disposed inside the through-holes.

[0036] The imaging unit 2 is installed on the outer surface of the vehicle body side wall 10a, and is connected to various devices arranged inside the vehicle 10 by a cable C. An opening 10b that penetrates the vehicle 10 from the inside to the outside is provided in the vehicle body side wall 10a. The cable C is inserted into the opening 10b and arranged from the inside to the outside of the vehicle 10. In this way, the cable C connects the imaging unit 2 arranged on the outside of the vehicle body side wall 10a to various devices arranged on the inside of the vehicle body side wall 10a.

[0037] The imaging unit 2 is connected to a display unit 4 disposed inside the vehicle 10 via a cable C. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 2 is connected to the display unit 4 via a relay device 3.

[0038] The relay device 3 is a hub that connects various devices, and is a type of network device. In this embodiment, the relay device 3 is configured using a POE (Power over Ethernet) hub. The relay device 3 is configured to communicate with various devices that configure the vehicle-side system SV and to supply power to the various devices. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cable C includes a signal line and a power line. However, this is not limited to this, and the cable C may be configured not to include a power line, or may be configured not to include a signal line. When the cable C is configured to mainly include a power line and not include a signal line, it may be configured to communicate information between the imaging devices 21.

[0039] Thus, when installing the imaging unit 2 in the vehicle 10, it is necessary to provide an opening 10b in the vehicle body side wall 10a for passing the cable C, which is a relatively large-scale construction. However, the imaging unit 2 according to the present disclosure can capture images of at least two different imaging ranges R by switching the imaging mode, and can capture images of two different monitoring areas X. Therefore, it is not necessary to install an imaging unit 2 for each monitoring area X, and the number of imaging units 2 installed can be reduced overall. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the construction of installing the imaging unit 2 in the vehicle 10.

[0040] Next, switching of the imaging mode will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the following, for ease of explanation, the monitoring area X along the side of the first end vehicle 11 may be referred to as the "first monitoring area X1," the monitoring area X along the side of the second end vehicle 12 may be referred to as the "second monitoring area X2," and the monitoring area X along the side of the intermediate vehicle 13 may be referred to as the "intermediate monitoring area X3." When there is no particular distinction between these, they will be collectively referred to simply as the "monitoring area X."

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a case where the railcar 1 travels in a first direction D1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, when the railway vehicle 1 travels in the first direction D1, one of the imaging units 2 installed in the first end vehicle 11 images the first monitoring area X1 of the vehicle 11, and the other images the intermediate monitoring area X3 of the vehicle 13 adjacent to the vehicle 11 in the second direction D2.

[0043] Specifically, the imaging unit 2 installed in the end area of ​​the first end vehicle 11 in the first direction D1 executes the second direction imaging mode and captures an image of a first monitoring area X1 along the side of the host vehicle 11. Then, the imaging unit 2 installed in the end area of ​​the first end vehicle 11 in the second direction D2 executes the second direction imaging mode and captures an image of an intermediate monitoring area X3 along the side of the intermediate vehicle 13.

[0044] Furthermore, when the railcar 1 travels in the first direction D1, the imaging unit 2 installed in the intermediate car 13 images the second monitoring area X2 of the car 12 adjacent to the railcar 13 in the second direction D2.

[0045] Specifically, the imaging unit 2 installed in the end region of the intermediate car 13 in the second direction D2 executes the second direction imaging mode and captures an image of the second monitoring region X2 along the side of the second end car 12.

[0046] Furthermore, when the railcar 1 travels in the first direction D1, the imaging unit 2 installed in the second end car 12 is disabled. In other words, the imaging unit 2 installed in the second end car 12 does not capture images, or even if it does, the image captured by the imaging unit 2 is not displayed on the display unit 4.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a case where the railcar 1 travels in a second direction D2.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, when the railway vehicle 1 travels in the second direction D2, the imaging unit 2 installed in the second end car 12, the imaging unit 2 installed in the intermediate car 13, and the imaging unit 2 installed in the first end car 11 each capture images of the monitoring area (X2, X3, X1) of the vehicle itself (12, 13, 11).

[0049] Specifically, the imaging unit 2 installed in the end area of ​​the second end vehicle 12 in the second direction D2 executes the first direction imaging mode and captures an image of the second monitoring area X2 along the side of the host vehicle 12.

[0050] Furthermore, the imaging unit 2 installed in the end area of ​​the intermediate vehicle 13 in the second direction D2 executes the first direction imaging mode and captures an image of the intermediate monitoring area X3 along the side of the host vehicle 13.

[0051] Furthermore, the imaging unit 2 installed in the end region of the first end car 11 in the second direction D2 executes the first direction imaging mode and captures an image of the first monitoring area X1 along the side of the vehicle 11. When the railcar 1 travels in the second direction D2, the imaging unit 2 installed in the end region of the first end car 11 in the first direction D1 is disabled. In other words, the imaging unit 2 installed in the end region of the first end car 11 in the first direction D1 does not capture images, or even if it does, the image captured by the imaging unit 2 is not displayed on the display unit 4.

[0052] With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately capture images of the entire monitoring area X along the side of each vehicle 10, regardless of the traveling direction of the railway vehicle 1. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to match the view that the crew in the leading vehicle 10 actually sees looking backward based on the traveling direction with the images captured by each imaging unit 2. Therefore, it is easy for the crew to intuitively recognize the images captured by the imaging unit 2 and displayed on the display unit 4.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the display unit 4. As shown in FIG.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 4 includes a monitor 40, and is configured to display the image captured by the imaging unit 2 on the monitor 40.

[0055] A plurality of display areas are set on the monitor 40. The number of display areas is appropriately determined according to the number of vehicles 10 constituting the railcar 1, the number of imaging units 2, the number of monitoring areas X to be monitored, and the like. In this example, the same number of display areas as the number of monitoring areas X to be monitored are set on the monitor 40. This allows images captured by each imaging unit 2 to be displayed in association with each monitoring area X. In particular, in the vehicle monitoring system 100 according to the present disclosure, the imaging direction can be changed to the opposite direction by switching the imaging mode of each imaging unit 2. Therefore, it is preferable to display images captured by each imaging unit 2 in association with each monitoring area X as described above, rather than in association with each imaging unit 2. This makes it easier for a person viewing the monitor 40 to monitor each monitoring area X without becoming confused.

[0056] In this embodiment, a first display area 41, a second display area 42, and an intermediate display area 43 are set on the monitor 40. In this embodiment, since the number of monitoring areas X to be monitored is "3", three display areas are set on the monitor 40 as described above.

[0057] The first display area 41 displays an image of a first monitoring area X1 along the side surface of the first end car 11. The second display area 42 displays an image of a second monitoring area X2 along the side surface of the second end car 12. The intermediate display area 43 displays an image of an intermediate monitoring area X3 along the side surface of the intermediate car 13. Note that FIG. 5 shows the display state of the display unit 4 when the railway vehicle 1 travels in the second direction D2 (see FIG. 4).

[0058] Here, depending on the situation, there may be a blind spot that cannot be captured by the imaging unit 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, when a railway vehicle 1 stops at a curved platform (boarding and disembarking facility H), if the postures of the vehicles 10 are not parallel, a blind spot B will be formed behind the adjacent vehicle 10 adjacent to the vehicle 10 on which the imaging unit 2 is installed in the image captured by a specific imaging unit 2.

[0059] In this embodiment, the determination unit 23a (see FIG. 2) is configured to determine the presence or absence of a blind spot B of the imaging unit 2. The determination unit 23a determines that there is a blind spot B when it is not possible to distinguish the side of the adjacent vehicle 10 that appears in the image captured by the imaging unit 2. When the vehicles 10 are in a parallel posture, the side of the adjacent vehicle 10 appears in the image captured by the imaging unit 2 (see FIG. 5).

[0060] However, without being limited to such a configuration, the determination unit 23a may determine that there is a blind spot B when, for example, the ratio of a foreign object reflected in an image captured by the imaging unit 2 to the entire image is a preset ratio. This set ratio is appropriately determined through experiments, etc. For example, the set ratio is 20% to 50%. In other words, when a foreign object is reflected in a range of 20% or more of the captured image, or when a foreign object is reflected in a range of 50% or more of the captured image, the determination unit 23a determines that there is a blind spot B.

[0061] In this embodiment, when the determining unit 23a determines that there is a blind spot B, the imaging mode of the imaging unit 2 installed in the adjacent other vehicle 10 is switched, and the blind spot B is imaged by the imaging unit 2.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the postures of the first end vehicle 11 and the intermediate vehicle 13 are not parallel to each other, and the range to be imaged by the imaging unit 2 installed in the first end vehicle 11 is a blind spot B. The imaging unit 2 installed in the intermediate vehicle 13 normally executes the second direction imaging mode and images the side of the second end vehicle 12 (the second monitoring area X2). However, when the blind spot B occurs as described above, the imaging unit 2 installed in the intermediate vehicle 13 switches from the second direction imaging mode to the first direction imaging mode and directs its own imaging range R to the first direction D1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the blind spot B that cannot be imaged by the imaging unit 2 installed in the first end vehicle 11 can be imaged by the imaging unit 2 installed in the intermediate vehicle 13. In this way, in this embodiment, the blind spot B can be properly imaged by the cooperation of multiple imaging units 2.

[0063] In this embodiment, the determination unit 23a is configured to determine the level of attention in the monitoring area X. The level of attention is a value indicating the degree of attention required. The determination unit 23a determines the level of attention based on an image captured by the imaging unit 2. The determination unit 23a determines the level of attention based on, for example, the number of people in the captured image, the presence or absence of people exhibiting abnormal behavior, the presence or absence of disabled people such as people using wheelchairs, etc. When there are a large number of people and many people are crowded together in the image, the level of attention is determined to be high. When there is a person exhibiting abnormal behavior, the level of attention is determined to be high. When there is a disabled person such as a person using a wheelchair, the level of attention is determined to be high.

[0064] In this embodiment, the determination unit 23a determines the level of attention based on the presence or absence of abnormality in sounds around the imaging unit 2, instead of or in addition to an image captured by the imaging unit 2. As described above, the imaging unit 2 includes the microphone 22 (see FIG. 2). The determination unit 23a determines the level of attention based on sounds picked up by the microphone 22. For example, if the microphone 22 picks up a loud sound or a scream around the imaging unit 2, the level of attention is determined to be high.

[0065] 7, the display unit 4 changes the display mode of the images captured by each imaging unit 2 depending on the level of attention arousal. The display unit 4 displays a display area for displaying an image of a monitoring area X determined to have a high level of attention arousal among a plurality of display areas set on the monitor 40 in a more conspicuous manner than a display area for displaying an image of a monitoring area X determined to have a lower level of attention arousal.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first monitoring area X1 along the side of the first end vehicle 11 has more people present than the other monitoring areas X, and the first monitoring area X1 is determined to have a high level of attention-attracting. The frame of the first display area 41 displaying the image of the first monitoring area X1 is displayed with a thick line. This makes it possible to alert those viewing the monitor 40. The above-mentioned "display in a conspicuous manner" also includes displaying the frame of the display area in a conspicuous color such as red or yellow, or displaying letters or symbols that alert attention. In addition to or in addition to such visual means, other auditory means such as sound, vibration, air blowing, etc. may be used.

[0067] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0068] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which two imaging units 2 are installed on each of the left and right car body side walls 10a of the first end car 11. However, without being limited to such an example, one imaging unit 2 may be installed on each of the left and right car body side walls 10a of the first end car 11. In this case, one imaging unit 2 is installed on both the left and right side surfaces of each car 10 constituting the railway car 1. In this case, the installation position of the imaging unit 2 in each car 10 may be a central area based on the traveling direction of the railway car. In this case, each imaging unit 2 may simultaneously execute the first direction imaging mode and the second direction imaging mode to capture an image of the monitoring area X.

[0069] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the imaging mode is switchable independently for each imaging unit 2. The imaging mode switching by the imaging unit 2 may be performed automatically or manually.

[0070] (3) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which two imaging devices 21 are provided inside the housing 20 of the imaging unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and three or more imaging devices 21 may be provided inside the housing 20 of the imaging unit 2.

[0071] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the imaging unit 2 includes a plurality of imaging devices 21 arranged inside the housing 20. However, the imaging unit 2 may include only one imaging device 21, without being limited to such an example. In this case, the imaging device 21 may be configured to be movable and switchable between a state in which the imaging range R faces the first direction D1 and a state in which the imaging range R faces the second direction D2. The imaging unit 2 switches the imaging mode between the first direction imaging mode and the second direction imaging mode by moving the movable imaging device 21. Alternatively, the imaging device 21 may be configured as a wide-range camera (e.g., a fisheye camera) that simultaneously includes a plurality of monitoring areas X in the imaging range R. In this case, the imaging unit 2 may switch the imaging mode between the first direction imaging mode and the second direction imaging mode by switching the imaging range R to select the target monitoring area X.

[0072] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the display unit 4 displays, in a conspicuous manner, an image of a monitoring area X determined to have a high level of attention among a plurality of display areas set on the monitor 40. In addition, the monitoring area X determined to have a high level of attention may be imaged by a plurality of imaging units 2. In this way, the monitoring area X determined to have a high level of attention can be imaged from a plurality of directions, making it easier to find an abnormality, if any.

[0073] (6) In the above embodiment, a railway vehicle 1 consisting of three cars has been described as an example. However, the present system is not limited to this example, and a railway vehicle 1 consisting of two cars or four or more cars 10 may be used as the target of the system. Alternatively, a single railway vehicle 1 may be formed by coupling a plurality of railway vehicles 1. In this case, rather than activating all of the display units 4 included in the coupled railway vehicles 1, some of the display units 4 that are not required may be disabled for operation.

[0074] (7) In the above embodiment, the railcar 1 is illustrated as being made up of a plurality of coupled cars 10. However, the present system is not limited to this example, and may be applied to a single car 10 (one-car train).

[0075] (8) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control device 23 that controls the imaging unit 2 is provided inside the housing 20 of the imaging unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the control device 23 may be provided separately from the imaging unit 2. The control device 23 may be a part of the vehicle monitoring system 100, and may be configured, for example, as an overall controller that collectively manages a plurality of imaging units 2. Alternatively, such an overall controller may be provided as part of the display unit 4.

[0076] (9) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which one monitoring area X is set on one side of each vehicle 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and multiple monitoring areas X may be set on one side of each vehicle 10.

[0077] (10) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] [Summary of the above embodiment] The above embodiment will now be outlined.

[0079] A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a vehicle traveling along a specified route in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, Imaging units are installed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle and have an imaging range that covers a monitoring area along the sides of the vehicle; a display unit that displays an image acquired from the imaging unit, The imaging unit is configured to be able to switch imaging modes between at least a first direction imaging mode in which the imaging range is imaged in the first direction and a second direction imaging mode in which the imaging range is imaged in the second direction.

[0080] According to this configuration, the imaging unit can capture an image with the imaging range facing the first direction, and can also capture an image with the imaging range facing the second direction. Therefore, the range that one imaging unit can capture can be widened, and it is easy to ensure an appropriate imaging range for monitoring the monitoring area as a whole. In addition, since one imaging unit can capture at least two different imaging ranges, it can capture two different monitoring areas. Therefore, there is no need to install an imaging unit for each monitoring area, and the number of imaging units installed can be reduced as a whole. Therefore, construction can be made easier. As described above, according to this configuration, when providing an imaging means in a vehicle, it is possible to facilitate construction while ensuring an appropriate imaging range.

[0081] The imaging unit includes a housing and a plurality of imaging devices disposed inside the housing; It is preferable that the plurality of imaging devices inside the housing are configured to capture images in different directions.

[0082] According to this configuration, the imaging unit includes a plurality of imaging devices that capture images in different directions, and therefore the imaging unit can easily switch between imaging modes by selecting which of the imaging devices included in the imaging unit is to be enabled and which is to be disabled.

[0083] A plurality of the vehicles are coupled together to form a railway vehicle, The railcar includes a first end car arranged at an end in the first direction and a second end car arranged at an end in the second direction, At least two of the imaging units are installed on one side of the first end vehicle, One of the imaging units is installed on one side of the second end vehicle, When the railcar travels in the first direction, One of the imaging units installed in the first end vehicle images the monitoring area of ​​the vehicle itself, and the other image of the monitoring area of ​​the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle itself in the second direction, When the railcar travels in the second direction, It is preferable that each of the imaging unit installed in the second end vehicle and the imaging unit installed in the first end vehicle captures an image of the monitoring area of ​​the host vehicle.

[0084] According to this configuration, the scenery that the crew in the leading car actually sees looking backward based on the traveling direction can be matched with the images captured by each imaging unit. Therefore, the crew can easily intuitively recognize the images captured by the imaging units and displayed on the display unit. Also, according to this configuration, the monitoring area to be imaged by each imaging unit is changed depending on whether the railcar is traveling in the first direction or the second direction. This makes it possible to properly image the entire monitoring area along the side of each car, regardless of the traveling direction of the railcar.

[0085] A determination unit that determines the captured image, It is preferable that the imaging unit switches the imaging mode based on a result of the determination by the determination section.

[0086] According to this configuration, the situation of the monitoring area of ​​each vehicle can be determined from the image, and the imaging mode of the imaging unit can be switched according to the situation of the monitoring area. For example, it is possible to use multiple imaging units to capture images of a monitoring area that needs to be monitored.

[0087] The determination unit determines whether or not there is a blind spot of the imaging unit, It is preferable that, when the determination section determines that there is a blind spot, the imaging mode of the imaging unit installed in the other adjacent vehicle is switched so that the blind spot is imaged by the imaging unit.

[0088] According to this configuration, even if a specific imaging unit has a blind spot, the blind spot can be appropriately imaged by cooperating with the other imaging units.

[0089] The determination unit determines an attention level in the monitoring area, It is preferable that the display unit changes a display mode of the images captured by each imaging unit according to the level of attention calling.

[0090] According to this configuration, it is possible to draw the attention of a person viewing the display unit according to the level of attention for each image of each monitoring area captured by each imaging unit. [Industrial Applicability]

[0091] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a vehicle monitoring system that monitors vehicles traveling along a specified route in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 100: Vehicle monitoring system 1:Railway vehicles 10: Vehicle 11: First end car 12: 2nd end car 13: Middle car 2: Imaging unit 20: Housing 21: Imaging device 23a: Judgment part 4: Display unit B:Blind spot R: Image range X: Monitoring area D1: 1st direction D2 :Second direction

Claims

1. A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a vehicle traveling along a specified route in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, comprising: Imaging units are installed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle and have an imaging range that covers a monitoring area along the sides of the vehicle; a display unit that displays an image acquired from the imaging unit, The imaging unit is configured to be able to switch imaging modes between at least a first direction imaging mode in which the imaging range is imaged in the first direction, and a second direction imaging mode in which the imaging range is imaged in the second direction.

2. The imaging unit includes a housing and a plurality of imaging devices disposed inside the housing; The vehicle surveillance system according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of imaging devices inside the housing are configured to capture images in different directions from each other.

3. A plurality of the vehicles are coupled together to form a railway vehicle, The railcar includes a first end car arranged at an end in the first direction and a second end car arranged at an end in the second direction, At least two of the imaging units are installed on one side of the first end vehicle, One of the imaging units is installed on one side of the second end vehicle, When the railcar travels in the first direction, One of the imaging units installed in the first end vehicle images the monitoring area of ​​the vehicle itself, and the other image of the monitoring area of ​​the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle itself in the second direction, When the railcar travels in the second direction, The vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein each of the imaging unit installed in the second end vehicle and the imaging unit installed in the first end vehicle captures an image of the monitoring area of ​​the host vehicle.

4. A determination unit that determines the captured image is further provided, The vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging unit switches the imaging mode based on a result of the determination by the determination unit.

5. The determination unit determines whether or not there is a blind spot of the imaging unit, The vehicle monitoring system according to claim 4 , wherein, when the determination unit determines that there is a blind spot, the imaging mode of the imaging unit installed in the other adjacent vehicle is switched so that the blind spot is imaged by the imaging unit.

6. The determination unit determines an attention level in the monitoring area, The vehicle monitoring system according to claim 4 , wherein the display unit changes a display mode of the images captured by each imaging unit according to the level of attention arousal.

Images