Image provision system and image provision method

Abstract

To provide an image providing system and an image providing method, capable of reducing an amount of data of captured images to be transmitted while maintaining required information.SOLUTION: An image providing system 1 includes: a captured image obtaining unit 11 that obtains a captured image by a camera 51 provided on a moving body 50; a use purpose setting unit 12 that sets a use purpose of the captured image; a specific area setting unit 14 that sets a specific area associated with the use purpose, in the captured image; an image processing unit 15 that executes masking processing for reducing an amount of information of areas of the captured images except for specific area; and an image transmission unit 17 that transmits the captured image subjected to the masking processing to a predetermined destination 210, 211, 212, 213.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an image providing system and an image collection method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system has been proposed for collecting images captured by a drive recorder mounted on a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The above system transmits a signal to the vehicle to request the transmission of image data at a specified location, and the vehicle extracts image data that matches the request from the image data captured and stored by the drive recorder and transmits it to the above system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, when transmitting a captured image from a moving body such as a vehicle to a destination system, it is desirable to reduce the data amount of the captured image to be transmitted in consideration of communication costs and communication traffic, but information that meets the purpose of use of the captured image needs to be maintained in the data. The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object thereof is to provide an image providing system and an image providing method capable of reducing the data amount of a captured image transmitted from a moving body while maintaining necessary information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] As a first embodiment for achieving the above objective, an image acquisition unit that acquires images captured by a camera mounted on a mobile body, and for the purpose of using the captured images, a specific object installed on the side of the road on which the mobile body is traveling. Type and Exterior check Contents and A unit for setting the purpose of use, and in the captured image, The purpose of use setting unit An example of an image provision system is one that includes: a specific area setting unit that sets a specific area which is presumed to contain an image portion of the specific object associated with the aforementioned purpose of use; an image processing unit that performs a masking process to reduce the amount of information in areas of the captured image other than the specific area; and an image transmission unit that transmits the captured image, which has undergone the masking process, to a predetermined recipient.

[0006] In the image provision system described above, the usage purpose setting unit may set at least one of a plurality of usage purposes having priority, and the specific area setting unit may set the specific area based on the priority of the plurality of usage purposes.

[0007] In the above-described image provision system, a shooting condition recognition unit may be provided to recognize the shooting conditions when taking a picture with the camera, and the purpose of use setting unit may be configured to set the purpose of use based on the shooting conditions.

[0008] In the above-described image provision system, a shooting condition recognition unit may be provided to recognize the shooting conditions when taking a picture with the camera, and the specific area setting unit may be configured to set the range of the specific area according to the shooting conditions.

[0009] In the above-described image provision system, the shooting condition recognition unit may recognize a plurality of shooting conditions having priority, and the specific area setting unit may set the range of the specific area based on the priority of the plurality of shooting conditions.

[0010] The above-described image provision system may be configured to include an image discrimination unit that determines whether or not the image portion of a specific object associated with the purpose of use is included in the specific area, and the image transmission unit transmits the captured image to the recipient when the image discrimination unit determines that the image portion of the specific object is included in the specific area, and does not transmit the captured image to the recipient when the image discrimination unit determines that the image portion of the specific object is not included in the specific area.

[0011] As a second aspect for achieving the above objective, a computer-based image provision method comprising: an image acquisition step of acquiring images captured by a camera mounted on a mobile body; and, for the purpose of using the captured images, a method for providing images of specific objects installed on the side of the road on which the mobile body is traveling. Type and Exterior check Contents and A step to set the purpose of use, and in the captured image, The purpose of use setting step described above An image provision method includes: a specific area setting step of setting a specific area in which an image portion of the specific object associated with the aforementioned purpose of use is presumed to be included; an image processing step of performing a masking process to reduce the amount of information in areas of the captured image other than the specific area; and an image transmission step of transmitting the captured image, which has undergone the masking process, to a predetermined recipient. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above image provision system and image provision method, the amount of data of the captured images to be transmitted can be reduced while maintaining the necessary information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image provision system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the purpose of use of the captured images and the setting table for specific areas. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the first example of the masking process. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of a second example of the masking process. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the process for transmitting captured images. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] [1. Image Provision System Configuration] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the configuration of the image provision system 1 of this embodiment will be described. The image provision system 1 is mounted on a vehicle 50. The vehicle 50 is equipped with a camera 51 that photographs the area around the vehicle 50, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor 53 that detects the position of the vehicle 50, and a radar 52 that detects the positions of objects present around the vehicle 50. The camera 51 is a color camera. The vehicle 50 corresponds to the mobile body of this disclosure.

[0015] Image provision system 1 is a computer system equipped with a processor 10, memory 20, communication unit 30, etc. The processor 10 corresponds to the computer in this disclosure. Image provision system 1 communicates with power company server 210, post office server 211, maintenance company server 212, repair company server 213, etc. via a communication network 200 using the communication unit 30. Power company server 210, post office server 211, maintenance company server 212, and repair company server 213 correspond to the recipients in this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a situation in which a vehicle 50 is driving along a road and taking pictures of objects installed on the side of the road with a camera 51. In this embodiment, a utility pole and a mailbox are set as the objects to be photographed, and Figure 1 shows the situation in which the image provision system 1 is taking pictures of a utility pole 100 and a mailbox 110 on the side of the road. The utility pole 100 and the mailbox 110 are installed on the opposite side of the lane in which the vehicle 50 is driving. For the utility pole 100, the presence or absence of obstacles 101 and damage 102 is checked from the captured image, and for the mailbox 110, damage and peeling paint are checked from the captured image.

[0017] The memory 20 stores a control program 21 of the image providing system 1 and usage purpose data 22 in which the usage purpose of the captured image by the camera 51 and the like are recorded. As shown in FIG. 2, the usage purpose data 22 includes a usage purpose (check for damage, check for obstacles) corresponding to the type of the imaging target part (post box, utility pole), the priority of the usage purpose (for example, 5 levels from 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest), imaging conditions (side image, front image), the range of a specific area described later (left area, upper area), and the destination of provision (power company server 210, post office server 211, maintenance company server 212, repair company server 213).

[0018] By reading and executing the control program 21 stored in the memory 20, the processor 10 functions as an imaging image acquisition unit 11, a usage purpose setting unit 12, an imaging condition recognition unit 13, a specific area setting unit 14, an image processing unit 15, an image discrimination unit 16, and an image transmission unit 17.

[0019] Here, the process executed by the imaging image acquisition unit 11 corresponds to the imaging image acquisition step in the image providing method of the present disclosure, and the process executed by the usage purpose setting unit 12 corresponds to the usage purpose setting step in the image providing method of the present disclosure. The process executed by the imaging condition recognition unit 13 corresponds to the imaging condition recognition step in the image providing method of the present disclosure, and the process executed by the specific area setting unit 14 corresponds to the specific area setting step in the image providing method of the present disclosure. The process executed by the image processing unit 15 corresponds to the image processing step in the image providing method of the present disclosure, and the process executed by the image discrimination unit 16 corresponds to the image discrimination step in the image providing method of the present disclosure. The process executed by the image transmission unit 17 corresponds to the image transmission step in the image providing method of the present disclosure.

[0020] The imaging image acquisition unit 11 captures the periphery of the vehicle 50 by the camera 51 and stores the data of the captured image in the memory 20. The imaging image acquisition unit 11 stores the captured image and the data of the imaging conditions in association with each other in the memory 20. The imaging conditions include, for example, the following (1) to (5). (1) Specifications of camera 51 (resolution, focal length of the lens, mounting position of camera 51 on vehicle 50, etc.). (2) The position of the vehicle 50 at the time of shooting. The position of the vehicle 50 is detected by the GNSS sensor 53. (3) Date and time of shooting. (4) The position of the object captured in the image relative to the vehicle 50, and the distance between the object and the vehicle 50. The position of the object relative to the vehicle 50, and the distance between the vehicle 50 and the object are calculated based on the detection information from the radar 52. The position of the object relative to the vehicle 50 may be not only the relative / absolute position in the camera 51 or the coordinate system in real space, but also the "direction" of the object as seen from the vehicle 50 or the camera 51. (5) The position of the object to be monitored on the road and the direction of travel of the vehicle 50 on the road. The direction of travel of the vehicle 50 is recognized by the change in the position of the vehicle 50 detected by the GNSS sensor 53.

[0021] The purpose of use setting unit 12 refers to the purpose of use data 22 and sets the purpose of use of the captured images (in this embodiment, checking for scratches and defects on utility poles and checking for scratches on mailboxes). The shooting condition recognition unit 13 refers to the shooting condition data recorded by the captured image acquisition unit 11 and recognizes the shooting conditions when the camera 51 took the picture.

[0022] The specific area setting unit 14 sets a specific area in the captured image based on the purpose of use of the captured image set by the purpose of use setting unit 12 and the shooting conditions recognized by the shooting condition recognition unit 13. The specific area is an area associated with the purpose of use and is an area that is presumed to contain the image portion of the specific object associated with the purpose of use.

[0023] The image processing unit 15 performs a masking process to reduce the amount of information in areas of the captured image other than the specific area. As part of the masking process, the image processing unit 15 reduces the amount of information in areas of the captured image other than the specific area by compressing the number of gradation bits of each pixel (e.g., 8 bits to 4 bits) or downsampling adjacent pixels, thereby lowering the resolution of areas other than the specific area.

[0024] Here, Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the processing performed by the specific area setting unit 14 and the image processing unit 15 on a captured image 300 (original image) taken by camera 51 of the side (roadside) of vehicle 50. The captured image 300 includes an image portion 301 of a utility pole, an image portion 302 of a mailbox, and an image portion 303 of power lines. It also includes an image portion 304 of an obstacle caught on the utility pole.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a case where the purpose of using the captured image is set to check for obstacles such as utility poles. The specific area setting unit 14 sets the area enclosed by the upper dashed line, which is presumed to include the upper part of the utility pole and the image portion of the power lines where obstacles are likely to get caught, as the specific area 311. The image processing unit 15 performs the masking process described above on area 312 of the captured image 300 other than the specific area 311. As a result, the amount of information in area 312 of the captured image 310 other than the specific area 311 is reduced, and a captured image 310 (masked image) is generated with a reduced amount of data compared to the captured image 300 (original image).

[0026] Furthermore, if the purpose of using the captured image is to check for scratches in the paintwork of a mailbox, then, as shown in Figure 3, the portion of the image of the mailbox 302 is presumed to be located near the center of the captured image 300. Therefore, in this case, the specific area setting unit 14 sets a specific area that includes the center of the captured image 300.

[0027] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the processing performed by the specific area setting unit 14 and the image processing unit 15 on an image 320 captured by camera 51 of the area in front of vehicle 50. The captured image 320 includes image portions 321 and 322 of utility poles and an image portion 323 of an oncoming vehicle. Figure 4 shows a case where the purpose of using the captured image is set to check for damage to utility poles installed on the sidewalk.

[0028] Vehicle 50 is traveling on a left-hand traffic road, and the specific area setting unit 14 sets the area enclosed by a dashed line as the specific area 331, which is presumed to include the image portion 321 of a utility pole installed on the left-hand sidewalk where the shooting is not obstructed by oncoming vehicles. The image processing unit 15 performs the masking process described above on areas 332 other than the specific area 331. As a result, the amount of information in the areas of the captured image 320 other than the specific area 331 is reduced, and a captured image 330 (masked image) is generated with a reduced amount of data compared to the captured image 320 (original image). The masking process described above is performed regardless of whether the desired target is actually captured in the specific area 311 of the captured image 300, that is, whether the image portion of the specific object associated with the purpose of use (in this embodiment, a utility pole and a mailbox) is included in the specific area 311.

[0029] Furthermore, the specific area setting unit 14 changes the range of the specific area according to the shooting conditions recognized by the shooting condition recognition unit 13, for example, as follows. When shooting at night, distant objects are difficult to capture, so the range of the specific area is narrowed downwards. When shooting takes place during the daytime, distant objects can also be photographed, so the range of the specific area is widened upwards.

[0030] Alternatively, priority can be set for shooting conditions, and the specific area setting unit 14 may change the range of the specific area based on the shooting conditions with higher priority. For example, if the priority of the shooting location is higher than the shooting time, the specific area setting unit 14 sets the range of the specific area corresponding to the predetermined location when the vehicle 50 is traveling to the predetermined location, regardless of the shooting time.

[0031] The image discrimination unit 16 determines whether the captured image contains an image portion of a specific object (in this embodiment, a utility pole and a mailbox) associated with the purpose of use. The image discrimination unit 16 determines whether the captured image contains an image portion of a specific object by searching for the image portion of the specific object using known search methods such as template matching and feature extraction. The image discrimination unit 16 may determine whether the captured image contains an image portion of a specific object associated with the purpose of use based on the captured image after masking processing by the image processing unit 15.

[0032] When the image detection unit 16 determines that the captured image contains an image portion of a specific object, the image transmission unit 17 transmits the masked captured image, along with usage purpose information indicating the purpose of use and shooting condition information indicating the shooting conditions, to the recipients via the communication network 200 using the communication unit 30. As shown in Figure 2, when the purpose of use of the captured image is to check for damage to a mailbox, the recipients are the post office server 211 and the repair company server 213. Also, when the purpose of use of the captured image is to check for obstacles on a utility pole, the recipients are the power company server 210 and the maintenance company server 212.

[0033] [2. Processing the transmission of captured images] The procedure for transmitting captured images, as performed by the image provisioning system 1, will be explained according to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The image provisioning system 1 repeatedly performs the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 5 while the vehicle 50 is in use.

[0034] In step S1 of Figure 5, the purpose setting unit 12 sets the purpose of use of the captured image by referring to the purpose of use data 22. In the following step 2, the shooting condition recognition unit 13 recognizes the shooting conditions when the camera 51 takes a picture. In the next step S3, the captured image acquisition unit 11 takes a picture of the area around the vehicle 50 using the camera 51.

[0035] In the following step S4, the specific area setting unit 14 sets a specific area in the captured image based on the intended use and shooting conditions of the captured image, and in step S5, the image processing unit 15 performs masking on areas of the captured image other than the specific area, as described above. As a result, a captured image (masked image) is generated in which the amount of information in areas other than the specific area is reduced.

[0036] In the following step S6, the image discrimination unit 16 searches for the image portion of a specific object associated with the purpose of use of the captured image within a specific area. Then, in the next step S7, if the image discrimination unit 16 extracts the image portion of the specific object, it proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the image transmission unit 17 transmits the masked captured image, along with purpose of use information indicating the purpose of use of the captured image and shooting condition information indicating the shooting conditions, to the recipient.

[0037] On the other hand, if the image portion of the specific object is not extracted, the image discrimination unit 16 proceeds to step S8, and in this case, the image transmission unit 17 does not transmit the captured image to the recipient.

[0038] [3. Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, the purpose of using the captured images was exemplified as checking the condition of utility poles and mailboxes installed on the road (checking for damage and obstacles). However, the purpose of using the captured images may also be set to check the condition of other types of objects installed on the road, such as traffic lights, road signs, and guardrails. Furthermore, the purpose of using the captured images may also be set for objects other than those installed on the road.

[0039] Furthermore, when driving in the overtaking lane on a multi-lane road, in other words, when driving in a lane other than the lane closest to the sidewalk (the leftmost lane in Japan), it may be acceptable not to specify a purpose of use, considering that vehicles traveling in the driving lane (the leftmost lane) may be captured in the image.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the purpose of use setting unit 12 may set the purpose of use of the captured image based on the shooting conditions of the camera 51. In addition to (1) to (5) described above, the shooting conditions also include the vehicle speed 50, weather, temperature, etc. The purpose of use setting unit 12 sets the purpose of use of the captured image as follows, for example. If the photograph was taken at night and it is difficult to photograph distant objects, the purpose of using the photograph will be to check for damage to utility poles or mailboxes located near vehicle 50, or to check the lighting status of streetlights. When the images are taken during the daytime, it is possible to photograph distant objects, so the purpose of using the captured images will be to check for obstacles such as power transmission towers located in the distance. When the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, it is difficult to photograph objects near the vehicle 50, so the purpose of use is set to check the condition of distant structures such as transmission towers. Since it is difficult to check for damage to the object under rainfall, the purpose of use will be to check for obstacles attached to the object. When temperatures are low and snow or ice accumulation makes it difficult to check for damage to the object, the purpose of use should be set to check for obstacles attached to the object. When vehicle 50 is driving in a town, it is possible to photograph the target object even at night due to streetlights, so the purpose of use is set to check for damage to the target object. On the other hand, when vehicle 50 is driving in the suburbs where there are no streetlights and it is difficult to photograph the target object, the purpose of use may not be set.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the image processing unit 15 performed a masking process, which involved reducing the resolution of areas other than the specified area. As another example of a masking process, for areas of the image captured by the camera 51 (color camera), the R, B, and G gradations (e.g., 8 bits) of each pixel of the color image may be averaged to create grayscale pixels, thereby converting them into grayscale images and reducing the data amount of each pixel from 24 bits (8 bits × 3) to 8 bits. Alternatively, information in areas other than the specified area may be deleted (trimmed, resulting in no information).

[0042] In the above embodiment, an image discrimination unit 16 is provided, and when the image discrimination unit 16 determines that the image portion of a specific object associated with the purpose of use of the captured image is included in the specific area, the image transmission unit 17 transmits the captured image to the recipient. In another embodiment, the image discrimination unit 16 may be omitted, and the captured image may be transmitted to the recipient without determining whether the image portion of a specific object is included in the specific area.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the shooting condition recognition unit 13 is provided, and the specific area setting unit 14 changes the range of the specific area according to the shooting conditions. However, the configuration may also be one in which the specific area is not changed according to the shooting conditions.

[0044] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the image provisioning system 1 is arranged separately from the camera 51 mounted on the vehicle 50. However, the image provisioning system 1 may also be configured as a function such as a drive recorder, which is housed in the same housing as the camera.

[0045] In the above embodiment, a vehicle 50 was shown as the mobile body of the disclosure, but the mobile body of the disclosure may be an aircraft, a ship, a drone, a robot, or the like.

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image provisioning system 1 divided by its main processing content, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The configuration of the image provisioning system 1 may be composed of other divisions. Furthermore, the processing of each component may be performed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Also, the processing of each component shown in the flowchart in Figure 5 may be performed by one program or by multiple programs.

[0047] [4. Configurations supported by the above embodiments] The above embodiment supports the following configuration: (Configuration 1) An image provision system comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires images captured by a camera mounted on a mobile body; a purpose setting unit that sets the purpose of use of the captured images; a specific area setting unit that sets a specific area in the captured images that corresponds to the purpose of use; an image processing unit that performs a masking process to reduce the amount of information in areas of the captured images other than the specific area; and an image transmission unit that transmits the masked captured images to a predetermined recipient. According to the image provision system of Configuration 1, by performing a masking process that reduces the amount of information in areas of the captured image other than a specific area, the amount of data of the captured image sent to the recipient can be reduced while maintaining the necessary information.

[0048] (Configuration 2) The image provision system according to Configuration 1, wherein the purpose of use setting unit sets at least one of a plurality of purposes of use having priority, and the specific area setting unit sets the specific area based on the priority of the plurality of purposes of use. According to the image provision system in Configuration 2, a specific area can be designated as the range that is presumed to contain image portions associated with high-priority usage purposes.

[0049] (Configuration 3) An image provision system according to Configuration 1 or Configuration 2, comprising a shooting condition recognition unit that recognizes the shooting conditions when taking a picture with the camera, and the purpose of use setting unit that sets the purpose of use based on the shooting conditions. According to the image provision system in Configuration 3, the purpose of use for specific objects that can be photographed can be set based on the shooting conditions when taking pictures with the camera (time of shooting, shooting location, weather, speed of movement, etc.).

[0050] (Configuration 4) An image provision system according to Configuration 1 or Configuration 2, comprising a shooting condition recognition unit that recognizes the shooting conditions when taking a picture with the camera, and the specific area setting unit that sets the range of the specific area according to the shooting conditions. According to the image provision system in configuration 4, a specific area can be set as the range in which useful images are estimated to be obtainable, based on the shooting conditions when taking pictures with the camera.

[0051] (Configuration 5) The image provision system according to Configuration 4, wherein the shooting condition recognition unit recognizes a plurality of shooting conditions having priority, and the specific area setting unit sets the range of the specific area based on the priority of the plurality of shooting conditions. According to the image provision system in configuration 4, when multiple shooting conditions are recognized, a specific area that matches the shooting condition with the highest priority can be set.

[0052] (Configuration 6) An image provision system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, comprising an image discrimination unit that determines whether or not the image portion of a specific object associated with the purpose of use is included in the specific area, wherein the image transmission unit transmits the captured image to the recipient when the image discrimination unit determines that the image portion of the specific object is included in the specific area, and does not transmit the captured image to the recipient when the image discrimination unit determines that the image portion of the specific object is not included in the specific area. According to the image provision system of Configuration 6, it is possible to avoid the transmission of captured images that do not include the image portion of the specific object and are not intended for use to the recipient.

[0053] (Configuration 7) An image provision method performed by a computer, comprising: an image acquisition step of acquiring an image captured by a camera mounted on a mobile body; a purpose setting step of setting the purpose of use of the captured image; a specific area setting step of setting a specific area in the captured image that corresponds to the purpose of use; an image processing step of performing a masking process to reduce the amount of information in areas of the captured image other than the specific area; and an image transmission step of transmitting the captured image that has undergone the masking process to a predetermined recipient. By executing the image provision method of Configuration 7 using a computer, the same effects and benefits as the image provision system of Configuration 1 can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1...Image provision system, 10...Processor, 11...Image acquisition unit, 12...Purpose of use setting unit, 13...Shooting condition recognition unit, 14...Specific area setting unit, 15...Image processing unit, 16...Image discrimination unit, 17...Image transmission unit, 20...Memory, 21...Control program, 22...Purpose of use data, 50...Vehicle (moving object), 51...Camera, 52...Radar, 53...GNSS sensor, 100...Utility pole, 101...Obstacle, 102...Scratch, 110...Mailbox, 200...Communication network, 210...Power company server, 211...Post office server, 212...Maintenance company server, 213...Repair company server.

Claims

1. An image acquisition unit that acquires images captured by a camera mounted on a mobile device, The purpose of use of the captured images is defined by a usage purpose setting unit that sets the type of specific object installed on the side of the road on which the moving object is traveling and the content of the visual inspection, A specific area setting unit sets a specific area in the captured image that is presumed to include the image portion of the specific object associated with the purpose of use set by the purpose of use setting unit, An image processing unit that performs a masking process to reduce the amount of information in areas of the captured image other than the specified area, An image transmission unit that transmits the captured image, which has undergone the masking process, to a predetermined recipient. An image provisioning system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned purpose-setting unit sets at least one of the multiple purposes of use having priority, The specified area setting unit sets the specified area based on the priority of the multiple intended uses. The image provisioning system according to claim 1.

3. The camera includes a shooting condition recognition unit that recognizes the shooting conditions when taking a picture. The aforementioned purpose setting unit sets the purpose of use based on the shooting conditions. The image provisioning system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The camera includes a shooting condition recognition unit that recognizes the shooting conditions when taking a picture. The specified area setting unit sets the range of the specified area according to the shooting conditions. The image provisioning system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The shooting condition recognition unit recognizes a plurality of shooting conditions having priority, The specified area setting unit sets the range of the specified area based on the priority of the multiple shooting conditions. The image provisioning system according to claim 4.

6. The system includes an image discrimination unit that determines whether or not the specified area contains an image portion of a specific object associated with the stated purpose of use. The image transmission unit transmits the captured image to the recipient if the image discrimination unit determines that the image portion of the specified object is included in the specified area, and does not transmit the captured image to the recipient if the image discrimination unit determines that the image portion of the specified object is not included in the specified area. The image provision system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for providing images performed by a computer, The process involves acquiring images captured by a camera mounted on a mobile device, and The purpose of using the aforementioned captured images is defined in the purpose setting step, which sets the type of specific object installed on the side of the road on which the moving object is traveling and the content of the visual inspection, A specific area setting step in which a specific area is set in the captured image that is presumed to include the image portion of the specific object associated with the purpose of use set in the purpose of use setting step, An image processing step which includes performing a masking process to reduce the amount of information in the area of ​​the captured image other than the specified area, The image transmission step involves transmitting the captured image, which has undergone the masking process, to a predetermined recipient. Image provision method including

Images