Image processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus capable of improving visibility of an image displayed on a display device.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 2 performs image processing on an image captured by an imaging device 1, and displays the processed image on a display device 3. The imaging device 1 is installed at a first point and is structured to image a vehicle at the first point. The display device 3 is installed at a second point different from the first point, and is provided to provide a state of the vehicle at the first point to a driver of the vehicle at the second point. The image processing apparatus 2 is constructed to perform the image processing on the vehicle in the image when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The image processing includes: coloring processing for coloring the vehicle; replacement processing for replacing the vehicle other than a large-sized vehicle with the large-sized vehicle; and contour clarification processing for clarifying the contour of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a road traffic information providing system that captures and provides the traffic conditions of a road has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The road traffic information providing system includes an imaging device, an image processing device, and a display device. The imaging device is provided for capturing the traffic conditions of a road. The image processing device is configured to perform image processing on the image captured by the imaging device. The display device is provided for displaying the image on which the image processing has been performed by the image processing device.

[0004] The image processing device is provided for performing image processing so that the information on the license plate of a vehicle becomes unidentifiable. Thereby, while protecting privacy, it is possible to provide the traffic conditions of a road.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Here, there is room for improvement in improving the visibility of the image displayed on the display device.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of improving the visibility of the image displayed on the display device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The image processing apparatus according to the present invention performs image processing on an image captured by an imaging device and displays the processed image on a display device. The imaging device is installed at a first location and is configured to capture an image of a vehicle at the first location. The display device is installed at a second location different from the first location and is provided to provide the driver of a vehicle at the second location with the situation of the vehicle at the first location. The image processing apparatus is configured to perform image processing on a vehicle in the image when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The image processing includes at least one of a coloring process of coloring the vehicle, a replacement process of replacing a non-large vehicle with a large vehicle or replacing a large vehicle with a non-large vehicle, and a contour clarification process of clarifying the contour of the vehicle.

[0009] In the above image processing apparatus, when the vehicle is congested at the first location and the vehicles of the same color are continuously located in the image, any one of those vehicles may be configured to be colored with a different color.

[0010] In the above image processing apparatus, when the vehicle is congested at the first location and non-large vehicles are continuously located in the image, any one of those non-large vehicles may be configured to be replaced with a large vehicle.

[0011] In this case, it may be configured such that the replacement from a non-large vehicle to a large vehicle is performed in consideration of the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location.

[0012] In the above image processing apparatus, when it is snowing at the first location or the vehicle is covered with snow, it may be configured to perform at least one of the coloring process and the contour clarification process.

[0013] In the above image processing apparatus, the intensity of the image processing may be adjusted according to the situation of the vehicle at the second location.

[0014] In the above image processing apparatus, when the first location is in stormy weather and it is difficult to recognize vehicles in the image, it may be configured to replace the image with a pre-stored image.

[0015] In this case, it may be configured such that the image to be replaced is selected according to the situation immediately before it becomes difficult to recognize the vehicle in the image.

[0016] In the above image processing apparatus, the image may be a color live-action moving image, and may be configured such that image processing is continuously performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to improve the visibility of the image displayed on the display device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0020] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the information providing system 100 including the image processing apparatus 2 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0021] The information providing system 100 is configured to provide the traffic conditions at the first location (downstream side of the road) to the drivers of the vehicles at the second location (upstream side of the road). Specifically, the information providing system 100 is configured to display and provide the image of the first location at the second location. For example, the first location and the second location are different predetermined locations on the highway, and the second location is arranged upstream in the traveling direction with respect to the first location. That is, the information providing system 100 is provided to provide the drivers of the vehicles passing through the second location with the information about the first location ahead in the form of an image. Note that the image is a color live-action moving image.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing system 100 includes an imaging device 1, an image processing device 2, a display device 3, and a road information management device 4, which are connected via a network 150. Therefore, the imaging device 1 and the image processing device 2 can communicate with each other, and the image processing device 2 and the display device 3 can communicate with each other. Also, the image processing device 2 and the road information management device 4 are made communicable.

[0023] The imaging device 1 is installed at the first location and is configured to image the vehicles traveling at the first location. For example, the imaging device 1 is fixed at a preset position so that a plurality of vehicles traveling on the highway are within the field of view. Therefore, when a traffic jam occurs at the first location, the vehicle queue is imaged by the imaging device 1. The traffic jam is an example of the "congestion" in the present invention. Also, the imaging device 1 has a function of transmitting the imaging result (color live-action moving image) to the image processing device 2.

[0024] The image processing device 2 is provided to perform image processing on the image captured by the imaging device 1 and display it on the display device 3. The image processing device 2 is installed, for example, in a management center (not shown), and is configured to perform image processing on the imaging result received from the imaging device 1 and transmit it to the display device 3.

[0025] The image processing device 2 includes an arithmetic unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The storage unit 22 stores programs for controlling the image processing device 2 and the like. The arithmetic unit 21 is configured to control the image processing device 2 by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 22. The communication unit 23 is provided for communicating via the network 150. Details of the image processing device 2 will be described later.

[0026] The display device 3 is installed at the second location and is configured to display the image received from the image processing device 2. That is, the display device 3 is provided to provide the situation of the vehicle at the first location to the driver of the vehicle passing through the second location. For example, the display device 3 is fixed at a preset position so that it can be visually recognized by the driver of the vehicle traveling on the highway.

[0027] The road information management device 4 is installed, for example, at the management center and is configured to collect traffic information and weather information of the highway. For example, the road information management device 4 is configured to be able to acquire the traffic jam information and weather information of the first location and the second location and provide them to the image processing device 2. In addition, the road information management device 4 also has a function of acquiring the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location and providing it to the image processing device 2. The large vehicle mixing rate at the first location is the ratio of large vehicles among all the vehicles traveling at the first location during a predetermined period. For example, large vehicles are buses, trucks, etc., and those other than large vehicles are passenger cars, etc.

[0028] Here, the image processing device 2 is provided to improve the visibility of the image displayed on the display device 3. For this reason, the image processing device 2 is configured to perform image processing on the vehicles in the image when a predetermined condition is satisfied. This image processing includes a coloring process of coloring the vehicle, a replacement process of replacing vehicles other than large vehicles with large vehicles, and a contour clarification process of clarifying the contour of the vehicle. Note that the image processing is continuously performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0029] Specifically, when the vehicle is congested at the first location, when vehicles of the same color are continuously located in the image, the image processing apparatus 2 is configured to color any one of those vehicles with a different color. Further, when the vehicle is congested at the first location, when vehicles other than large vehicles are continuously located in the image, the image processing apparatus 2 is configured to replace any one of those vehicles other than large vehicles with a large vehicle. This replacement from vehicles other than large vehicles to large vehicles is performed in consideration of the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location. For example, the replacement from vehicles other than large vehicles to large vehicles is performed within a range that does not exceed the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location. The image of the large vehicle to be replaced is, for example, pre-stored in the storage unit 22. Further, when it is snowing or the vehicle is covered with snow at the first location, the image processing apparatus 2 is configured to perform both coloring processing and contour clarification processing.

[0030] Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 2 is configured to adjust the intensity of the above-described image processing in two steps according to the vehicle situation at the second location. For example, when the vehicle is congested at the second location, the time during which the display device 3 can be visually recognized becomes longer compared to when there is no congestion, and the necessity of improving the visibility by image processing is low. Therefore, when the vehicle is congested at the second location, the image processing is performed at a lower intensity compared to when there is no congestion.

[0031] Note that when the first location is in bad weather and it is difficult to recognize the vehicles in the image, the image processing apparatus 2 is configured to replace the image with a pre-stored image V1 or V2 according to the congestion situation immediately before it becomes difficult to recognize. Images V1 and V2 are color live-action images pre-captured by the imaging device 1 when the first location is in bad weather but the vehicles can be recognized, and are stored in the storage unit 22. Image V1 is an image when the first location is not congested, and image V2 is an image when the first location is congested.

[0032] -Operation- Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the operation of the image processing apparatus 2 in the information providing system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Note that the following flow is repeated at predetermined time intervals. Also, each of the following steps is executed by the image processing apparatus 2.

[0033] First, in step ST1 of FIG. 2, it is determined whether the first location is in bad weather and it is difficult to recognize the vehicle in the image. Whether the first location is in bad weather and it is difficult to recognize the vehicle in the image is determined based on, for example, the imaging result received from the imaging apparatus 1. And when it is determined that the first location is not in bad weather and the vehicle in the image is recognizable (when the first location is not in bad weather and the vehicle in the image is recognizable), the process proceeds to step ST2. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first location is in bad weather and it is difficult to recognize the vehicle in the image, the process proceeds to step ST31 of FIG. 4.

[0034] Next, in step ST2, it is determined whether it is snowing at the first location or the vehicle is covered with snow. Whether it is snowing at the first location or the vehicle is covered with snow is determined based on, for example, the imaging result received from the imaging apparatus 1. And when it is determined that it is not snowing at the first location and the vehicle at the first location is not covered with snow, the process proceeds to step ST3. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is snowing at the first location or the vehicle is covered with snow, the process proceeds to step ST21 of FIG. 3.

[0035] Next, in step ST3, it is determined whether the vehicle is congested at the first location. Whether the vehicle is congested at the first location may be determined based on the imaging result received from the imaging apparatus 1, or may be determined based on the congestion information of the first location received from the road information management apparatus 4. And when it is determined that the vehicle is congested at the first location, the process proceeds to step ST4. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is not congested at the first location, since no image processing is performed, the image captured by the imaging apparatus 1 is directly transmitted to the display device 3 and displayed, and the process returns.

[0036] Next, in step ST4, it is determined whether vehicles of the same color are continuously located within the image received from the imaging device 1. Whether vehicles of the same color are continuously located is determined, for example, based on the imaging result received from the imaging device 1. And if it is determined that vehicles of the same color are continuously located, the process proceeds to step ST5. On the other hand, if it is determined that vehicles of the same color are not continuously located, the process proceeds to step ST8 without performing the coloring process.

[0037] Next, in step ST5, it is determined whether the vehicle is congested at the second location. Whether the vehicle is congested at the second location is determined, for example, based on the congestion information of the second location received from the road information management device 4. And if it is determined that the vehicle is not congested at the second location, the process proceeds to step ST6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle is congested at the second location, the process proceeds to step ST7.

[0038] And in step ST6, a coloring process is performed on the continuously located vehicles of the same color. For example, when three white vehicles are continuous, one of them is colored with a predetermined color. That is, the vehicles are colored so that vehicles of the same color do not continue for three or more. Then, the process proceeds to step ST8.

[0039] Also, in step ST7, a coloring process is performed on the continuously located vehicles of the same color with low intensity. For example, when four white vehicles are continuous, one of them is colored with a predetermined color. That is, the vehicles are colored so that vehicles of the same color do not continue for four or more. Then, the process proceeds to step ST8.

[0040] Next, in step ST8, it is determined whether vehicles other than large vehicles are continuously located within the image received from the imaging device 1. Whether vehicles other than large vehicles are continuously located is determined based on, for example, the imaging result received from the imaging device 1. And when it is determined that vehicles other than large vehicles are continuously located (when no large vehicle is mixed in the vehicle column within the image), the process proceeds to step ST9. On the other hand, when it is determined that vehicles other than large vehicles are not continuously located (when a large vehicle is mixed in the vehicle column within the image), without performing the replacement process, the process returns.

[0041] Next, in step ST9, it is determined whether there is a traffic jam at the second location. And when it is determined that there is no traffic jam at the second location, the process proceeds to step ST10. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a traffic jam at the second location, the process proceeds to step ST11.

[0042] And in step ST10, considering the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location, a replacement process is performed on the vehicle column other than large vehicles. For example, two large vehicles are mixed into the vehicle column other than large vehicles. Then, the process returns.

[0043] Also, in step ST11, considering the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location, a replacement process with low intensity is performed on the vehicle column other than large vehicles. For example, one large vehicle is mixed into the vehicle column other than large vehicles. Then, the process returns.

[0044] Also, when there is snowfall or the vehicle is covered with snow at the first location, in step ST21 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether there is a traffic jam at the second location. And when it is determined that there is no traffic jam at the second location, the process proceeds to step ST22. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a traffic jam at the second location, the process proceeds to step ST23.

[0045] Then, in step ST22, coloring processing and contour clarification processing are performed on the vehicles in the image. For example, the vehicles are colored in vivid colors and the contour lines of the vehicles are emphasized. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST24.

[0046] Also, in step ST23, coloring processing and contour clarification processing are performed on the vehicles in the image with low intensity. For example, the vehicles are colored with low saturation compared to the case of step ST22, and the contour lines of the vehicles are made thinner compared to the case of step ST22. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST24.

[0047] Next, in step ST24, it is determined whether there is a traffic jam of vehicles at the first location and whether vehicles other than large vehicles are continuously located in the image received from the imaging device 1. And when it is determined that there is a traffic jam of vehicles at the first location and vehicles other than large vehicles are continuously located (when the first location is congested and no large vehicle is mixed in the vehicle column in the image), the process proceeds to step ST25. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no traffic jam of vehicles at the first location and when it is determined that vehicles other than large vehicles are not continuously located (when a large vehicle is mixed in the vehicle column in the image), the process returns without performing replacement processing.

[0048] Next, in step ST25, it is determined whether there is a traffic jam of vehicles at the second location. And when it is determined that there is no traffic jam of vehicles at the second location, the process proceeds to step ST26. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a traffic jam of vehicles at the second location, the process proceeds to step ST27.

[0049] Then, in step ST26, replacement processing is performed on the vehicle column other than large vehicles in consideration of the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location. For example, two large vehicles are mixed into the vehicle column other than large vehicles. Thereafter, the process returns.

[0050] Also, in step ST27, considering the mixing rate of large vehicles at the first location, a replacement process is performed at a low intensity for vehicle columns other than large vehicles. For example, one large vehicle is mixed into a vehicle column other than large vehicles. Then, the process returns.

[0051] In addition, when the first location is in bad weather and it is difficult to recognize the vehicles in the image, in step ST31 of FIG. 4, the traffic jam situation immediately before the vehicles become difficult to recognize is determined. This determination of the traffic jam situation may be made based on the imaging result immediately received from the imaging device 1, or may be made based on the traffic jam information of the first location received from the road information management device 4.

[0052] Next, in step ST32, according to the traffic jam situation immediately before the vehicles become difficult to recognize, image V1 or V2 is selected and replaced. For example, when it is not in a traffic jam immediately before it becomes difficult to recognize, since image V1 is selected, instead of the imaging result of the imaging device 1, image V1 is transmitted to the display device 3 and displayed. On the other hand, when it is in a traffic jam immediately before it becomes difficult to recognize, since image V2 is selected, instead of the imaging result of the imaging device 1, image V2 is transmitted to the display device 3 and displayed. Then, the process returns.

[0053] -Effect- In the present embodiment, as described above, when the vehicles are in a traffic jam at the first location and when the vehicles of the same color are continuously located in the image, any one of those vehicles is configured to be colored in a different color. By configuring in this way, the driver of the vehicle passing through the second location can easily visually recognize the movement of the vehicle column in the image. That is, the visibility of the image displayed on the display device 3 can be improved.

[0054] Also, in the present embodiment, when the vehicles are in a traffic jam at the first location and when those other than large vehicles are continuously located in the image, any one of those other than large vehicles is configured to be replaced with a large vehicle. By configuring in this way, the driver of the vehicle passing through the second location can easily visually recognize the movement of the vehicle column in the image.

[0055] In addition, in the present embodiment, the replacement from a vehicle other than a large vehicle to a large vehicle is performed in consideration of the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location, so that the image after replacement does not deviate from the actual traffic situation at the first location.

[0056] In addition, in the present embodiment, when it is snowing or the vehicle is covered with snow at the first location, both coloring processing and contour clarification processing are performed, so that the driver of the vehicle passing through the second location can easily visually recognize the vehicle in the image.

[0057] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the vehicle is congested at the second location, the image processing is performed at a lower intensity compared to when there is no congestion, so that the image processing can be appropriately performed according to the situation of the vehicle passing through the second location.

[0058] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the first location is in bad weather and it is difficult to recognize the vehicle in the image, it is configured to replace with a pre-stored image V1 or V2 according to the congestion situation immediately before it becomes difficult to recognize. By configuring in this way, even if the vehicle in the image captured by the imaging device 1 temporarily becomes difficult to recognize, the information provision to the driver of the vehicle passing through the second location can be continued.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the image processing is continuously performed. For example, when the coloring processing is performed, the state of the colored vehicle traveling on the highway can be projected onto the display device 3.

[0060] -Other Embodiments- It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and do not serve as a basis for a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted only by the above-described embodiments, but is defined based on the description of the claims. In addition, the technical scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0061] For example, in the above embodiment, an example where the first point and the second point are predetermined points on an expressway is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first point and the second point may be predetermined points on a general road, or the first point and the second point may be a service area, a parking area, or the like. That is, as long as the second point is arranged upstream of the first point in the vehicle traveling direction, the first point and the second point may be anywhere. When the first point is a service area or a parking area, coloring processing or replacement processing may be performed when the service area or the parking area is full. Being full is an example of "congestion" in the present invention.

[0062] Also, in the above embodiment, an example where the image processing device 2 is installed in the management center is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image processing device may be installed at the first point and connected to the imaging device, or the image processing device may be installed at the second point and connected to the display device.

[0063] Also, in the above embodiment, an example where all of the coloring processing, replacement processing, and contour clarification processing are performed by the image processing device 2 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any one or two of the coloring processing, replacement processing, and contour clarification processing may be performed by the image processing device.

[0064] Also, in the above embodiment, when the coloring processing is performed, a color of a vehicle that does not exist in the image may be selected and colored.

[0065] Also, in the above embodiment, when the coloring processing is performed on a plurality of vehicles, they may be colored with different colors.

[0066] Also, in the above embodiment, examples where the coloring processing is performed when vehicles of the same color are continuously located in the image and when it is snowing or the vehicles are covered with snow at the first point are shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the coloring processing may be performed when the number of colors of the vehicles in the image is small.

[0067] In addition, in the above embodiment, when replacing vehicles other than large vehicles with large vehicles, one vehicle other than a large vehicle may be replaced with one large vehicle, or a plurality of vehicles other than large vehicles may be replaced with one large vehicle.

[0068] In addition, in the above embodiment, when the vehicle is congested at the first location, an example is shown in which any one of the vehicles other than large vehicles is replaced with a large vehicle when the vehicles other than large vehicles are continuously located in the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the vehicle is congested at the first location, any one of those large vehicles may be replaced with a vehicle other than a large vehicle when the large vehicles are continuously located in the image.

[0069] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which both the coloring process and the contour clarification process are performed when it is snowing or the vehicle is covered with snow at the first location. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When it is snowing or the vehicle is covered with snow at the first location, only one of the coloring process and the contour clarification process may be performed.

[0070] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the intensity of the image processing is adjusted in two steps. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the intensity of the image processing may be adjusted in three or more steps. For example, the higher the speed of the vehicle traveling at the second location, the higher the intensity of the image processing may be set. Also, the intensity of the image processing may not be adjusted.

[0071] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which two images V1 and V2 are stored in advance, and image V1 or V2 is selected and replaced according to the previous congestion situation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more images may be stored in advance, and any one of them may be selected and replaced according to the previous traffic situation.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example in which the replaceable images V1 and V2 are stored in advance was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the traffic situation at the first point immediately before the vehicle becomes difficult to recognize may be recorded, and the recorded image may be reproduced when the vehicle becomes difficult to recognize.

[0073] In the above embodiment, an example in which it is determined by the image processing device 2 whether or not to replace the pre-stored image V1 or V2 was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be determined by a person (for example, a system administrator) whether or not to replace the pre-stored image.

[0074] In the above embodiment, image processing may or may not be performed on the pre-stored images V1 and V2.

[0075] In the above embodiment, an example in which the large vehicle mixing rate at the first point is provided from the road information management device 4 was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the large vehicle mixing rate at the first point may be stored in the image processing device in advance.

[0076] In the above embodiment, image processing may be performed so that the license plate of the vehicle in the image becomes unrecognizable.

Industrial Applicability

[0077] The present invention can be used in an image processing device that performs image processing on an image captured by an imaging device and displays the image on a display device.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0078] 1 Imaging device 2 Image processing device 3 Display device

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image captured by an imaging device and causes the processed image to be displayed on a display device, wherein the imaging device is installed at a first location and configured to capture an image of a vehicle at the first location, the display device is installed at a second location different from the first location and provided to provide the situation of the vehicle at the first location to the driver of the vehicle at the second location, configured to perform image processing on the vehicle in the image when a predetermined condition is satisfied, wherein the image processing includes at least one of a coloring process of coloring the vehicle, a replacement process of replacing a vehicle other than a large vehicle with a large vehicle or replacing a large vehicle with a vehicle other than a large vehicle, and a contour clarification process of clarifying the contour of the vehicle. The image processing apparatus is characterized by this.

2. In the image processing apparatus according to Claim 1, when the vehicle is congested at the first location and when vehicles of the same color are continuously located in the image, it is configured to color any one of those vehicles with a different color. The image processing apparatus is characterized by this.

3. In the image processing apparatus according to Claim 1, when the vehicle is congested at the first location and when vehicles other than large vehicles are continuously located in the image, it is configured to replace any one of those vehicles other than large vehicles with a large vehicle. The image processing apparatus is characterized by this.

4. In the image processing apparatus according to Claim 3, it is configured such that replacement from a vehicle other than a large vehicle to a large vehicle is performed in consideration of the large vehicle mixing rate at the first location. The image processing apparatus is characterized by this.

5. In the image processing apparatus according to Claim 1, when it is snowing at the first location or the vehicle is covered with snow, it is configured to perform at least one of a coloring process and a contour clarification process. The image processing apparatus is characterized by this.

6. In the image processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, it is configured to adjust the intensity of the image processing according to the situation of the vehicle at the second location. The image processing apparatus is characterized by this.

7. In the image processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, when the first location is in bad weather and it is difficult to recognize the vehicle in the image, it is configured to replace the image with a pre-stored image. The image processing apparatus is characterized by this.

8. In the image processing apparatus according to Claim 7, An image processing apparatus characterized in that an image to be replaced is selected according to the situation immediately before it becomes difficult to recognize a vehicle in an image. **Claim 9** In the image processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, the image is a color live-action moving image, and the image processing is configured to be continuously and continuously performed when the predetermined condition is satisfied. An image processing apparatus characterized by that.

Images