Road tunnel inspection system, vehicle, and road tunnel inspection data collection system

Abstract

Conventional road tunnel inspections require large-scale specialized equipment, facilities, and personnel, resulting in a financial burden for local governments and other organizations. This disclosure proposes a road tunnel inspection system, a vehicle, and a road tunnel inspection data collection system that address these issues. [Solution] The road tunnel inspection system according to this disclosure comprises a vehicle equipped with a camera and communication device for capturing images outside the vehicle, which transmits image data taken while driving through the tunnel to a server, and a server which determines the deterioration state of the tunnel based on the received image data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a road tunnel inspection system, a motor vehicle, and a road tunnel inspection data collection system.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional inspection system for road facilities, regular inspections have been carried out using dedicated vehicles such as inspection vehicles (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional inspections of road tunnels require large-scale dedicated equipment, facilities, and personnel. Therefore, when local public bodies etc. are responsible, there is a problem that the inspection cost becomes a financial burden. The present disclosure proposes a road tunnel inspection system, a motor vehicle, and a road tunnel inspection data collection system that solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The road tunnel inspection system according to the present disclosure includes a motor vehicle equipped with a camera for imaging the outside of the vehicle and a communication device, and transmits image data captured during tunnel travel to a server, and a server that determines the deterioration state of the tunnel based on the received image data.

[0006] The vehicle described in this disclosure is equipped with a camera and communication device that capture images of the outside of the vehicle, and transmits image data taken while driving through a tunnel to a server that determines the deterioration state of the tunnel.

[0007] The road tunnel inspection data collection system related to this disclosure is: Multiple sensors are distributed throughout the tunnel to detect the deterioration state of the tunnel, The system comprises multiple wireless communication terminals that acquire detection information from nearby sensors and transmit it, Multiple wireless communication terminals are arranged at intervals from one end to the other within the tunnel, and the wireless communication terminal at the other end transmits all the detection information from the sensors to an external server. It is battery-powered and has the function of intermittently and periodically transitioning between a power-saving state and a normal state. When acquiring and transmitting the detection status of the aforementioned sensors, two devices at a time transition to the normal state from one end to the other, and each wireless communication terminal transmits the detection information of the sensors it has acquired. The wireless communication terminal at the other end then transmits the detection status of all the sensors to the external server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The road tunnel inspection system and vehicle described in this disclosure are configured to transmit image data captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle while driving through a tunnel to a server that determines the deterioration state of the tunnel. This has the effect of allowing information for road tunnel inspection to be collected with a simple configuration, without relying solely on dedicated equipment, facilities, and personnel for road tunnel inspection. As a result, it is expected that the financial burden on local governments and other public entities will be reduced.

[0009] According to the road tunnel inspection data collection system described in this disclosure, since battery-powered wireless communication terminals are used to transfer tunnel inspection data, the installation of power supply cables and communication cables to the terminals is unnecessary, reducing the effort and cost of their maintenance. Furthermore, since wireless communication terminals not involved in the transfer of inspection data are configured to be in a power-saving state, battery life is extended and the hassle of battery replacement is reduced. In addition, inspections can be performed using sensors and other devices distributed throughout the tunnel, which has the effect of improving inspection quality, such as inspection rate and inspection frequency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of a road tunnel inspection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram of the road tunnel inspection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the road tunnel inspection data collection operation according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram of a road tunnel inspection system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram of the road tunnel inspection data collection system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of a wireless communication terminal used for collecting road tunnel inspection data according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram showing the road tunnel inspection data collection procedure according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 1. Embodiment 1 The road tunnel inspection system according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a road tunnel inspection system according to Embodiment 1. The automobile 1 does not need to be a commercial vehicle specialized in inspection work, and a general automobile may be used. While the automobile 1 is running, the image data captured by the camera 11 during passing through the tunnel 4 is transmitted as inspection data to the local public body 2 or the like. To identify that it is image data during passing through the tunnel, the identification display 41 posted at the entrance and exit of the tunnel is used. The local public body 2 or the like may pay a consideration 21 for receiving the inspection data, or may give incentives such as reduction of automobile tax and discount of tolls for toll roads and the like.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a road tunnel inspection system according to Embodiment 1. The automobile 1 stores, as inspection data, the data of the image captured by the camera 11 during passing through the tunnel 4 in the recording device 12 while running. After passing through the tunnel, the inspection data is transmitted from the communication device 13 to the road tunnel inspection data server 22 prepared by the local public body 2 or the like via the communication network 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the road tunnel inspection data collection operation according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Next, the preparation for collecting road tunnel inspection data according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0015] <Preparation> The local public body 2 or the like that has jurisdiction over the road tunnel 4 prepares in advance the communication network for transmitting the provided inspection data, the system for analyzing it, and the inspection data server 22 for collecting and storing. Further, an identification display 41 for identifying the tunnel is posted at the entrance of the tunnel. For example, a two-dimensional code is used as the identification display 41. As the identification display 41, a display board with the name of the tunnel written thereon may be used.

[0016] The vehicle 1 that provides inspection data of a road tunnel is a general vehicle of a general user who has agreed to provide image data. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a camera 11 having an image recording function and a communication device 13 in advance. The camera 11 may use an external monitoring camera for driving assistance or autonomous driving, or a drive recorder, etc. The communication device 13 is wirelessly connected to a communication network 3 for transmitting the image data recorded by the camera 11.

[0017] The vehicle 1 uses the camera 11 to recognize the identification display 41 at the tunnel entrance and exit to identify the tunnel, and provides the identification information of the identified tunnel to the server together with the image data. It is assumed that the camera 11 has a function of recognizing the identification display 41 and a function of recognizing the tunnel entrance and exit. The function of recognizing the tunnel entrance and exit may use artificial intelligence (AI). For example, the AI installed in the camera 11 has a function of automatically recognizing the tunnel entrance and exit by learning images of the tunnel entrance, etc. Also, the vehicle 1 may provide the position information of the tunnel detected by GPS (Global Positioning System), etc. to the server together with the image data.

[0018] <Procedure for collecting inspection data> Next, the procedure for collecting inspection data will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the road tunnel inspection data collection operation according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] In step S1, the camera 11 mounted on the vehicle vehicle 1 determines the tunnel entrance during driving and recognizes that the tunnel is approaching. <000,0104> In step S2, the camera 11 reads the identification display 41 posted at the tunnel entrance. It is assumed that the identification display 41 stores information for identifying the tunnel, such as the tunnel number, etc.

[0021] In step S3, the image data captured by camera 11 while passing through the tunnel is stored in storage device 12. When storing the image data, the tunnel is identified based on the tunnel identification information read in step S2. The image data to be stored may be a video or a series of still images.

[0022] In step S4, camera 11 recognizes that it is the exit of the tunnel based on image information such as changes in the background. AI may be used to recognize that it is the exit. For example, the AI ​​may be trained with images of the inside of the tunnel.

[0023] In step S5, the image data from the tunnel entrance to the exit acquired using the camera 11 is used as road tunnel inspection data and transmitted to the inspection data server 22. When transmitting the road tunnel inspection data to the inspection data server 22, the information of the identification display 41 and personal information (account, etc.) are transmitted simultaneously.

[0024] The local government(s) that receive the inspection data(s) analyze the provided data to determine the degree of deterioration of the tunnels. AI may be used for the analysis. For example, the AI ​​can be trained with image data from before deterioration occurred to determine the degree of deterioration of the tunnels. The determination results can be displayed in a list of tunnels and inspection results, or the inspection results can be displayed in correspondence with a map. In addition, tunnels may be color-coded (lit up) according to their degree of deterioration.

[0025] Local government entities (2) will incorporate the assessment results into their maintenance plans. These maintenance plans may include, for example, the implementation of repairs, detailed inspections, setting the frequency of detailed inspections, and replacements.

[0026] The server provides compensation or incentives to general users of vehicle 1 for providing image data. The compensation and incentives are determined based on the number of times data is provided and the rarity of the inspection data provided. General users include not only individuals but also corporations, and mean those who are not users of vehicles specifically for road tunnel inspection. Vehicles specifically for road tunnel inspection may also be included in the vehicles of the road tunnel inspection system.

[0027] The server will offer compensation or incentives such as reduced automobile tax or discounts on toll road fees. For tunnels connecting regions, it is also possible to coordinate the distribution of incentives among local governments. If the scale increases further, it is also possible to consider setting incentives under national jurisdiction.

[0028] <Means of providing incentives> In order to provide incentives, local government entities 2 need to identify the providers of image data. As a means of identification, local government entities 2 will solicit providers in advance and obtain the identification numbers (IDs) of the image-capturing equipment (cameras) or vehicles, etc., owned by the providers, as well as personal information (including corporate information). The acquired information will be recorded in a provider database (DB). Local government entities 2 will then compare the image data, identification numbers, and personal information sent by the providers with the provider database to identify the providers.

[0029] Local governments and other entities 2 could offer incentives to providers through various methods, such as refunding automobile tax or reducing the tax for the following year. This aligns with the fact that automobile tax is under the jurisdiction of prefectural and municipal governments, and with the original purpose of the tax's creation, which was to be used for road-related expenses. In addition, they could collaborate with ETC mileage services implemented by toll road administrators, adding points awarded based on toll road fees, or adding bonuses when points are exchanged for rebates. This method is considered effective from the standpoint of reducing system development time and costs, and promoting operation, as it involves integration with existing systems.

[0030] Furthermore, when collaborating with ETC, the information obtained when soliciting providers may be the ETC onboard unit management number.

[0031] This embodiment describes its application to the inspection of road tunnels, but it may also be applied to the inspection of road surfaces, streetlights, traffic signs, and other facilities around roads, not just tunnels.

[0032] Alternatively, instead of using AI and identification display 41 to identify tunnel entrances and AI to identify tunnel exits, wireless communication technology such as ETC, which automatically processes road tolls, may be used.

[0033] This section describes an example of the hardware configuration of an automobile. Each function of the automobile is realized by the processing circuits and memory devices installed in the automobile. As shown in Figure 2, the automobile is equipped with an arithmetic processing unit 10 (computer), a memory device 12, a communication device 13, a camera 11, etc. The arithmetic processing unit 10 is equipped with various processing circuits such as a CPU, ASIC, and GPU. The memory device 12 is equipped with various types of memory devices such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, and hard disk. The communication device 13 is connected to a communication network via wireless communication and performs communication. The memory device 12 stores programs for each process, setting data, databases, etc. Each function of the automobile is realized by the arithmetic processing unit 10 executing the software (programs) stored in the memory device 12 and cooperating with other hardware of the automobile such as the memory device 12, the communication device 13, and the camera 11.

[0034] An example of the hardware configuration of the road tunnel inspection data server 12 is described. Each function of the road tunnel inspection data server 41 is realized by the processing circuits and storage devices 32 etc. provided in the road tunnel inspection data server 41. As shown in Figure 2, the road tunnel inspection data server 41 is equipped with a processing unit 30 (computer), storage devices 32, communication devices 33 etc. The processing unit 30 is equipped with various processing circuits such as a CPU, ASIC, GPU, AI chip etc. The storage devices 32 are equipped with various storage devices such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, hard disk etc. The communication devices 33 are connected to a communication network via wired communication and perform communication. The storage devices 32 store programs for each process, setting data, database etc. Each function of the road tunnel inspection data server 41 is realized by the processing unit 30 executing the software (program) stored in the storage devices 32 and cooperating with other hardware of the road tunnel inspection data server 41 such as the storage devices 32 and communication devices 33.

[0035] Of the approximately 11,000 tunnels serving as infrastructure, the percentage of those over 50 years old is projected to increase to 36% in 2030 and 53% in 2040. Furthermore, about one-quarter of these tunnels are managed by municipalities. On the other hand, even for tunnels that undergo regular inspections, the national road tunnel inspection guidelines stipulate that inspections are based on close visual inspection and impact testing, with an inspection frequency of once every five years (Non-Patent Literature 3).

[0036] To address these issues, this invention enables general vehicles, not specifically designed for road tunnel inspections, to collect inspection data. As a result, local governments managing road tunnels can reduce the costs associated with equipment and personnel for on-site inspections.

[0037] Furthermore, this system will enable the management of tunnels that were previously difficult to inspect due to budget and personnel constraints. Additionally, even for tunnels that were already regularly inspected, the increased frequency of inspections could contribute to preventing collapses and other accidents. Moreover, since the system allows for the identification of inspection data providers, it may be possible to offer some form of incentive to those who provide the data.

[0038] 2. Embodiment 2 In Embodiment 1, the local government or other entity 2 that has jurisdiction over the road tunnel to be inspected prepares a system for analyzing inspection data, analyzes the provided inspection data, carries out repairs, conducts detailed inspections, sets and updates the frequency of detailed inspections, etc. However, it is thought that there are local governments that find even the above efforts financially and in terms of personnel. To address the above problems, in this embodiment, a private company or other entity collects and analyzes inspection data and provides it as inspection information, and is commissioned by the local government or other entity 2 to do so.

[0039] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of the road tunnel inspection method according to Embodiment 2. A vehicle 1 that has collected inspection data from the road tunnel 4 transmits the inspection data to a private company 5 that has been contracted by a local government, etc. 2 to collect and analyze the inspection data. The private company 5 provides the inspection data and its analysis results as inspection information to the local government, etc. 2 that has jurisdiction over the road tunnel. The local government, etc. 2 pays a commission fee to the private company, etc., and also provides compensation and incentives to the provider of the inspection data.

[0040] 3. Embodiment 3 In Embodiment 1, instead of using vehicles specializing in road tunnel inspections, a method was proposed in which general vehicles drive through tunnels, i.e., sweep, and collect image data obtained as inspection data. In this embodiment, a method for reducing costs and manpower is proposed for collecting data related to tunnel deterioration, collected as inspection data by sensors and the like that are distributed throughout the tunnel.

[0041] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of a road tunnel inspection data collection system according to Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, the system comprises multiple sensors 66 distributed within the tunnel to detect the deterioration state of the tunnel, and multiple wireless communication terminals that acquire detection information from nearby sensors 66 and transmit it. The multiple wireless communication terminals are arranged at intervals from one end to the other within the tunnel, and the wireless communication terminal at the other end transmits the detection status of all sensors 66 to an external server.

[0042] Multiple wireless communication terminals are battery-powered and have the function of intermittently and periodically transitioning between a power-saving state and a normal state. When acquiring and transmitting the detection state of the sensor 66, two terminals at a time transition from one end to the other, and the wireless communication terminal at one end transmits the detection state of all the sensors 66 acquired by each wireless communication terminal to an external server.

[0043] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a wireless communication terminal for road tunnel inspection data collection according to Embodiment 3. The battery 61 supplies power to the arithmetic processing unit 62, the storage device 64, the communication device 65, and the sensor interface circuit 63. The wireless communication terminal 6 (arithmetic processing unit 63 in this example) stores inspection data (detection information from sensor 66) acquired from the sensor interface circuit 63 and inspection data received from adjacent wireless communication terminals via the communication device 65 in the storage device 64. The wireless communication terminal 6 also transmits the inspection data stored in the storage device 64 to the outside via the communication device 65. The wireless communication terminal 6 can also transition to a power-saving state in which some or all of its functions are suspended, and return to the normal state.

[0044] <Preparation> Next, the preparations for collecting road tunnel inspection data according to Embodiment 3 will be described. The local government, etc. 2 that has jurisdiction over the road tunnel will install sensors 66 for collecting physical quantities related to tunnel deterioration, cameras for photographing the inside of the tunnel, etc., in a distributed manner within the tunnel. In addition, wireless communication terminals for transferring and transmitting inspection data collected from the sensors 66, etc., will be installed in conjunction with the sensors 66. The frequency of collecting inspection data from the sensors 66, etc., will be determined in advance, for example, once a month or once a day.

[0045] <Procedure for collecting inspection data> Next, we will explain the procedure for collecting inspection data. Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the road tunnel inspection data collection procedure according to Embodiment 3.

[0046] In step S1, the wireless communication terminal 6 installed at one end of the tunnel and the next adjacent wireless communication terminal 6a located next to it transition from a power-saving state to a normal state. Each wireless communication terminal 6 is pre-scheduled to transition to the normal state sequentially according to the frequency of collecting inspection data. The wireless communication terminal 6 collects physical quantities related to tunnel deterioration from sensors 66, etc., and stores them in the storage device 64 as inspection data along with the inspection data received from the adjacent wireless communication terminal 6. Next, the inspection data stored in the storage device 64 is transferred to the next adjacent wireless communication terminal 6a. The next adjacent wireless communication terminal 6a receives the inspection data and stores it in the storage device 64.

[0047] In step S2, the wireless communication terminal 6 transitions to a power-saving state, and the next adjacent wireless communication terminal 6b transitions from the power-saving state to the normal state. Wireless communication terminal 6a collects physical quantities related to tunnel deterioration from sensors 66, etc., and stores them in the storage device 64 as inspection data. Next, it transfers the inspection data stored in the storage device 64 to the next adjacent wireless communication terminal 6b. The next adjacent wireless communication terminal 6b receives the inspection data and stores it in the storage device 64.

[0048] In step S3, the next adjacent wireless communication terminal 6a transitions to a power-saving state, and the third-next adjacent wireless communication terminal 6c transitions from the power-saving state to the normal state. Wireless communication terminal 6b collects physical quantities related to tunnel deterioration from sensors 66, etc., and stores them in the storage device 64 as inspection data. Next, it transfers the inspection data stored in the storage device 64 to wireless communication terminal 6c. The adjacent wireless communication terminal 6c receives the inspection data and stores it in the storage device 64. This procedure is repeated until all inspection data from one end of the tunnel to the other end is stored in the wireless communication terminal at the other end.

[0049] Finally, the wireless communication terminal at the other end transmits the stored inspection data to the road tunnel inspection data server 22 of the local government, etc. 2, and after the transmission is complete, it transitions to a power-saving state. This final transmission may use a wide-area public communication network such as a mobile phone network, or it may use a wireless communication technology such as a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) that enables long-distance data communication with low power consumption.

[0050] An example of the hardware configuration of the wireless communication terminal 6 is described below. Each function of the wireless communication terminal 6 is realized by the processing circuits and memory devices provided in the wireless communication terminal 6. As shown in Figure 6, the wireless communication terminal 6 is equipped with an arithmetic processing unit 62 (computer), a memory device 64, a communication device 65, a sensor interface circuit 63, a battery 61, etc. The arithmetic processing unit 62 is equipped with various processing circuits such as a CPU and ICs. The memory device 64 is equipped with various memory devices such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, and EEPROM. The memory device 64 stores programs and setting data for each process. The communication device 65 connects to adjacent wireless communication terminals 6 or the communication network via wireless communication and performs communication. A nearby sensor 66 is connected to the sensor interface circuit 63 by wire or wireless. The battery 61 supplies power to the arithmetic processing unit 62, memory device 64, communication device 65, and sensor interface circuit 63, etc. Each function of the wireless communication terminal 6 is realized by the arithmetic processing unit 62 executing software (programs) stored in the storage device 64 and cooperating with other hardware of the wireless communication terminal 6, such as the storage device 64, communication device 65, sensor interface circuit 63, and battery 61.

[0051] As explained above, by configuring the system to use battery-powered wireless communication terminals for transferring tunnel inspection data, the need to lay power supply cables and communication cables for the terminals is eliminated, reducing the effort and cost of their maintenance. Furthermore, by configuring wireless communication terminals not involved in the transfer of inspection data to enter a power-saving state, battery life is extended and the effort of battery replacement is reduced. In this way, the effects of reducing costs and manpower in road tunnel inspections are achieved.

[0052] Furthermore, since inspections can now be performed using sensors 66 and the like, which are distributed throughout the tunnel, instead of the sweeping method used in Embodiment 1 where road tunnels are inspected by moving vehicles, there is also the effect of improving inspection quality, such as inspection rate and inspection frequency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Automobile, 2. Local government, etc., 3. Communication network, 4. Tunnel, 5. Private company, etc., 6, 6a, 6b, 6c. Wireless communication terminal, 11. Camera, 12. Recording device, 13. Communication device, 21. Payment, 22. Inspection data server, 30. Processing unit, 32. Storage device, 33. Communication device, 41. Identification display, 61. Battery, 62. Processing unit, 63. Sensor interface circuit, 64. Storage device, 65. Communication device, 66. Sensor

Claims

1. A car equipped with a camera that captures images outside the vehicle and a communication device, which transmits image data taken while driving through a tunnel to a server, A server that determines the deterioration state of the tunnel based on the received image data, Road tunnel inspection system.

2. The vehicle uses its camera to perform image recognition on identification signs posted at the tunnel entrances and exits to identify the tunnel, and provides the identification information of the identified tunnel, along with the image data, to the server. The road tunnel inspection system according to claim 1.

3. The road tunnel inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the identification mark is a two-dimensional code.

4. The road tunnel inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle is a general vehicle of a general user who has agreed to provide the image data.

5. The road tunnel inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server provides compensation or incentives to the general user for providing the image data.

6. The road tunnel inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server provides a reduction in automobile tax or a discount on toll road fees as consideration or incentive.

7. A vehicle equipped with a camera that captures images outside the vehicle and a communication device, which transmits image data taken while driving through a tunnel to a server that determines the deterioration status of the tunnel.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle uses the camera to perform image recognition on identification displays posted at tunnel entrances and exits to identify a tunnel, and provides the identification information of the identified tunnel to the server along with the image data.

9. The automobile according to claim 8, wherein the identification mark is a two-dimensional code.

10. The automobile according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the automobile is a general automobile of a general user who has agreed to provide the image data.

11. Multiple sensors are distributed throughout the tunnel to detect the deterioration state of the tunnel, The system comprises multiple wireless communication terminals that acquire detection information from adjacent sensors and transmit it, Multiple wireless communication terminals are arranged at intervals from one end to the other within the tunnel, and the wireless communication terminal at the other end transmits all the detection information from the sensors to an external server. It is battery-powered and has the function of intermittently and periodically transitioning between a power-saving state and a normal state. A road tunnel inspection data collection system that, when acquiring and transmitting the detection status of the aforementioned sensors, transitions two units at a time from one end to the other end to the normal state, and each wireless communication terminal transmits the detection information of the sensors it has acquired, and the wireless communication terminal at the other end transmits the detection status of all the aforementioned sensors to the external server.

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