Traffic recording device and traffic monitoring system

Abstract

To provide a traffic recording device and traffic monitoring system including the same capable of rapidly and adequately performing determination related to a traffic situation.SOLUTION: A traffic recording device TR includes: an imaging section 10 incorporated in a signal light SG so as to image a traffic situation; an image processing section 50 for executing analysis processing related to the traffic situation from image data acquired by the imaging section 10; and an image storage section 60 for storing a processing result by the image processing section 50. A traffic monitoring system 100 includes: the traffic recording device TR; and an abnormality determination section 70 as an example of a determination section for performing determination related to the traffic situation based on the processing result preserved in the image storage section 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a traffic recording device for recording traffic conditions and a traffic monitoring system including the same. 【Background Art】 【0002】 For example, as a traffic monitoring television camera device, there is known one that captures images by a TV camera built in a traffic signal housing, and performs operations such as clipping of the video and sending it to a traffic control center or the like (see Patent Document 1). 【0003】 However, in the above example, it is not clear whether it is possible to quickly and accurately determine the content of a traffic accident and the traffic volume from various images captured by the TV camera when a traffic accident occurs or the traffic volume is grasped. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-261990 【Summary of the Invention】 【0005】 The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a traffic recording device capable of quickly and accurately determining traffic conditions and a traffic monitoring system including the same. 【0006】 The traffic recording device for achieving the above object includes an imaging unit built in a signal device for imaging traffic conditions, an image processing unit for performing analysis processing on traffic conditions from the image data acquired by the imaging unit, and an image storage unit for storing the processing result by the image processing unit. 【0007】 The above-described traffic recording device can perform analysis processing on image data acquired by the imaging unit regarding traffic conditions and store the results of this processing in the image storage unit. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately determine traffic conditions, such as the occurrence of traffic accidents or the volume of traffic, by referring to the results of this analysis processing. 【0008】 In a specific aspect of this invention, the imaging unit obtains power from the power supplied to the light emitter in the signal lamp. In this case, power can be secured efficiently and reliably. 【0009】 In another aspect of the present invention, the image processing unit receives image data from the imaging unit via wireless communication. In this case, image data can be acquired from an imaging unit installed at a distance. 【0010】 In yet another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a timekeeping unit that assigns time data to the image data. In this case, it becomes possible to understand traffic conditions, including the time of day. 【0011】 In yet another aspect of the present invention, the invention comprises a data output unit that outputs processing results stored in an image storage unit, and a display device that displays information corresponding to the output from the data output unit. In this case, the processing results can be output externally, for example, to a traffic record manager or the like at the output destination. 【0012】 In yet another aspect of the present invention, the image processing unit includes a display device that outputs the processing results and displays them in accordance with the output from the image processing unit. In this case, rapid output and display of the processing results becomes possible. 【0013】 A traffic monitoring system for achieving the above objective comprises one of the above-mentioned traffic recording devices and a determination unit that makes a determination regarding the traffic situation based on the processing results stored in the image storage unit. In this case, accurate traffic monitoring becomes possible by making a determination regarding the traffic situation from the contents stored in the image storage unit. 【0014】 In a specific aspect of the present invention, the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality when an object that does not change after a certain change in light color information or after a certain period of time has elapsed is detected in the image data. In this case, abnormalities in traffic within the monitoring range can be quickly detected. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0015】 [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram for providing an overview of a traffic recording device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the implementation of a traffic monitoring system equipped with a traffic recording device. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual perspective view showing an intersection equipped with a traffic recording device and a traffic monitoring system that includes it. [Figure 4] Figures (A) and (B) show examples of imaging units (camera units) built into traffic signal lights. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a traffic monitoring system. [Figure 6] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the power control of the imaging unit (camera unit) built into a traffic signal light. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing a traffic monitoring system as an example. [Figure 8] (A) is a block diagram illustrating one example of how data is transmitted to a display device, and (B) is a block diagram illustrating another example of how data is transmitted to a display device. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing another example configuration of a traffic monitoring system. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing yet another configuration example of a traffic monitoring system. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0016】 Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 1 and other figures, an example of a traffic recording device and a traffic monitoring system equipped therewith according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the overview of the traffic recording device TR according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the implementation of the traffic recording device TR and the traffic monitoring system 100 equipped therewith. Figure 3 is a conceptual perspective view showing an intersection CS in which the traffic monitoring system 100 equipped with the traffic recording device TR has been introduced. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in this example, the traffic monitoring system 100 including the traffic recording device TR is used to monitor the traffic situation at the intersection CS. For this reason, for example, as shown in Figure 2, in addition to the signal lights SG installed at the intersection CS and the signal controller SC that controls the operation of the signal lights SG, a determination device JD is installed on-site, and in cooperation with each part that constitutes the signal lights SG and the signal controller SC, various data on the traffic situation at the intersection CS are acquired and recorded, and further monitoring based on this data is performed in a remotely located control room CR. This configuration makes up the traffic recording device TR and the traffic monitoring system 100. In other words, the traffic recording device TR and the traffic monitoring system 100 equipped with it are integrated into the traffic signal system installed at the intersection CS. 【0017】 To explain the components of the above embodiment in more detail, first, the traffic recording device TR, as shown in Figure 1 for example, comprises an imaging unit 10, an image processing unit 50, and an image storage unit 60, and records various data related to traffic conditions. 【0018】 The imaging unit 10 is built into the housing BX of the signal lamp device SG, and images, for example, the traffic situation at an intersection CS (see FIG. 3). That is, the imaging unit 10 is performing imaging in a state of being housed and integrated within the signal lamp device SG. The imaging unit 10 is composed of, for example, a camera or the like that performs imaging in the visible light wavelength band. Hereinafter, the imaging unit 10 will also be referred to as the camera unit that constitutes a part within the signal lamp device SG. As the imaging unit 10 (camera unit), in addition to those that perform imaging in the visible light wavelength band, those that perform imaging in the infrared light wavelength band can also be adopted. In an example shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 10 is provided between the yellow light emitter SGy, which is a yellow signal lamp, and the red light emitter SGr, which is a red signal lamp, among the three-color (blue, yellow, red) light emitters SGg, SGy, SGr that constitute the signal lamp device SG. The imaging unit 10 transmits the image data acquired by imaging to the image processing unit 50. 【0019】 The image processing unit 50 is composed of, for example, various electronic circuits or a part thereof, and performs analysis processing regarding the traffic situation from the image data acquired by the imaging unit 10. For example, in order to be able to grasp the traffic volume, vehicles, pedestrians, etc. passing through are extracted from the image data, and analysis of their movements becomes possible. In particular, here, various necessary information can be extracted in order to quickly clarify abnormalities such as when a traffic accident occurs and information regarding the vehicles at that time. 【0020】 The image storage unit 60 is composed of various storage devices or the like, and stores the processing results by the image processing unit 50. The various data stored in the image storage unit 60 can be sequentially retrieved as needed. For example, when an abnormality occurs in traffic within the monitoring range, information can be sequentially extracted accordingly, so that the situation of the occurrence of the abnormality can be quickly grasped, and as a traffic monitoring system 100, it is also possible to adopt a mode of performing traffic monitoring. 【0021】 With the above configuration, the traffic recording device TR reliably records various data related to traffic conditions necessary for monitoring. It should be noted that the image processing unit 50 and image storage unit 60 of the traffic recording device TR can be configured, for example, as part of the determination device JD shown in Figure 2. 【0022】 The traffic monitoring system 100 includes the traffic recording device TR as a component, and further monitors traffic by making various judgments regarding traffic conditions based on the traffic condition data recorded by the traffic recording device TR. Here, for example as illustrated in Figure 2, or as previously described, the traffic monitoring system 100 is composed of various parts that make up the signal system, as well as a judgment device JD installed on site and various equipment installed in a control room CR located remotely, with wireless communication possible with the judgment device JD. In the illustrated example, a monitor DS is provided as a display device in the control room CR, and for example, the person in charge of management can check the traffic conditions on site from the content displayed on the monitor DS based on various data transmitted wirelessly from the site. 【0023】 As shown in the example in Figure 3, in an intersection CS, for example, multiple camera units installed on multiple traffic light SGs are mounted at a high position, and the multiple camera units are used as the imaging unit 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(A), a conceptual front view illustrating part of the internal structure, and Figure 4(B), a side view, the imaging unit 10 built into the housing BX of the traffic light SG is installed between the yellow light emitter SGy (a yellow traffic light) and the red light emitter SGr (a red traffic light), at a slight inclination toward the front and downward. With this configuration, the traffic monitoring system 100 can thoroughly monitor the entire intersection CS and its surroundings from above in a diagonal downward direction, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Conversely, since traffic light SGs are suitable locations for monitoring vehicles, the imaging unit 10 of the traffic monitoring system 100 is configured to be installed in such locations. 【0024】 The following describes an example configuration of the traffic monitoring system 100 with reference to the block diagram shown in Figure 5. In the diagram, each part that performs processing related to traffic signals, such as the signal controller SC, and the entire signal system composed of these parts are also shown as constituting the traffic monitoring system 100. The traffic monitoring system 100 comprises a signal lamp SG, a signal controller SC, a determination device JD, and a control room CR. However, it is also possible to consider only the parts related to traffic monitoring as the traffic monitoring system 100. 【0025】 First, the signal lamp SG includes, as imaging equipment, an imaging unit (camera unit) 10, a power supply unit 11 for supplying power to the imaging unit 10, and a wireless unit 12 for transmitting image data acquired by imaging to the judgment device JD. The signal lamp SG also includes, as performing the color change operation, a signal connection unit CN that receives power and signal switching control commands from the signal controller SC, and a blue light emitter SGg, a yellow light emitter SGy, and a red light emitter SGr that turn on and off in response to commands from the signal controller SC via the signal connection unit CN. In the illustrated example, when outputting signals and power from the signal connection unit CN to the blue light emitter SGg, yellow light emitter SGy, and red light emitter SGr, each is branched to the power supply unit 11. In other words, the power supply unit 11 at the destination of these branches is powered from the equipment side of the signal lamp SG that performs the color change operation, thereby securing the power to drive the imaging unit 10. From a different perspective, the imaging unit 10 obtains power from the power supplied to the light emitters SGg, SGy, and SGr in the signal lamp SG. This point will be explained later with reference to Figure 6. 【0026】 Furthermore, the signal controller SC is a device for controlling the operation of signal switching. In order to cause the signal lamp SG to perform the signal switching operation, it outputs a signal switching control command to the signal lamp SG as described above, and also supplies power to it. For this reason, in the illustrated example, the signal controller SC includes the main signal control unit SCm, as well as a lamp switching unit SCo for performing signal switching and a power supply unit SCp. 【0027】 The signal control unit SCm is composed of various electronic circuits and outputs control commands from the lamp switch unit SCo to be transmitted to the signal lamp SG at predetermined timings according to a predetermined control pattern. In other words, the signal control unit SCm controls the operation of the lamp switch unit SCo, which is composed of switch circuits and the like. 【0028】 As described above, the lamp switch unit SCo outputs control commands to the signal lamp SG while switching at predetermined timings according to the control by the signal control unit SCm. Specifically, by sequentially switching the lamp color signals (blue, yellow, red) as control commands, the signal lamp SG maintains a state in which only one of the blue light emitter SGg, yellow light emitter SGy, and red light emitter SGr lights up and switches at predetermined timings. 【0029】 The power supply unit SCp receives power from an external source (external commercial power supply PU), ensuring the power necessary to maintain the operation of the signal controller SC, as well as the power to supply to signal lamps SG, etc. As a result, for example, the signal control unit SCm outputs the control command to the signal lamp SG via the lamp switch unit SCo, and also supplies power taken in by the power supply unit SCp. 【0030】 Meanwhile, the judgment device JD receives image signals (image data) as information transmitted from the wireless unit 12, which constitutes the imaging equipment of the traffic signal lamp SG, and performs various judgment processing based on the received information. The judgment device JD also performs various image processing and other tasks necessary as a prerequisite for making judgments. For this reason, in the illustrated example, the judgment device JD comprises a power supply unit 21, a wireless unit 22, a timing unit 23, an image processing unit 50, an image storage unit 60, an abnormality judgment unit 70, a communication unit 80, and a processing judgment unit JJ. In this example judgment device JD, the processing judgment unit JJ performs judgments on general matters such as traffic volume. On the other hand, abnormalities in traffic are handled by the abnormality judgment unit 70 of the judgment device JD. In particular, for matters that the abnormality judgment unit 70 should address, the corresponding data is sequentially recorded in the image storage unit 60, so that subsequent verification can be reliably performed. 【0031】 The power supply unit 21 accepts power supply from an external source (external commercial power supply PU) and secures the power necessary to maintain various operations of the judgment device JD. 【0032】 The wireless unit 22 is for communicating with the wireless unit 12, that is, with the signal lamp SG, and receives image signals (image data) via communication with the wireless unit 12. 【0033】 The timing unit 23 functions as a clock and records the time for various operations in the judgment device JD. In particular, in this embodiment, the timing unit 23 assigns time data to various data, including image signals (image data) received by the wireless unit 22 from the wireless unit 12. 【0034】 As described above, the image processing unit 50 performs analysis processing related to traffic conditions from the image signal (image data) acquired by the imaging unit 10. In particular, in one embodiment described above, the image processing unit 50 receives image data from the imaging unit 10 via wireless communication through the wireless unit 22. 【0035】 The image storage unit 60 stores image signals (image data) from the wireless unit 12, and, as previously described, also stores the processing results from the image processing unit 50. In particular, it stores information that should be handled by the abnormality determination unit 70, which will be described later. In addition, when saving the data, it also receives time data from the timing unit 23 and stores information about the time when the various data were stored. 【0036】 The abnormality determination unit 70 is composed of various electronic circuits, for example, and is a determination unit that makes a determination regarding the traffic conditions in the intersection CS and its surrounding area, which is the area to be monitored, based on the processing results stored in the image storage unit 60, that is, based on the processing results by the image processing unit 50. As described above, the abnormality determination unit 70 makes a determination as to whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the traffic. As a more specific example, the abnormality determination unit 70 determines that there is an abnormality if an object that does not change after a certain change in light color information or after a certain period of time has elapsed is detected in the image data at the intersection CS. The determination results of the abnormality determination unit 70 can also be stored in the image storage unit 60. 【0037】 The communication unit 80 is capable of communicating with the control room CR and transmits various data stored in the image storage unit 60 to the control room CR. The communication method and content between the communication unit 80 and the control room CR can vary; for example, communication can be wireless or wired. The communication content can also vary, with all data being transmitted continuously each time, or data being transmitted in batches. Alternatively, only some data may be transmitted, and some or all of the remaining data may be transmitted upon request from the control room CR. 【0038】 In addition to the above-mentioned parts, the judgment device JD also has a processing judgment unit JJ. As previously described, the processing judgment unit JJ performs judgments on general matters. Examples of processing performed by the processing judgment unit JJ include surveys of traffic volume and outputting various information for traffic control. Specifically, the processing judgment unit JJ counts the number of vehicles passing through each route based on the processing results of the image processing unit 50 and outputs the result to the control room CR via the communication unit 80. Alternatively, if the processing judgment unit JJ is able to communicate with an autonomous vehicle passing through an intersection CS, it outputs necessary information to the autonomous vehicle regarding the traffic conditions at the intersection CS based on the analysis results of the image processing unit 50. In particular, it provides driving assistance by transmitting information such as the presence of pedestrians in blind spots for the autonomous vehicle. The processing contents of each of the above-mentioned processing judgment units JJ may be stored in the image storage unit 60 along with other data, but it is also possible to simply output the judgment results to the control room CR and the autonomous vehicle without recording the judgment results. 【0039】 Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as conceptually shown in Figure 6, regarding the power control of the imaging unit (camera unit) 10 built into the signal lamp SG, one example configuration is as follows: power supplies for blue, yellow, and red lights are branched from the signal connection unit CN to supply power to the blue light emitter SGg, yellow light emitter SGy, and red light emitter SGr (see Figure 5), and are connected to the imaging unit 10 via AC / DC power supplies Pg, Py, and Pr. In other words, the AC / DC power supplies Pg, Py, and Pr obtain power from the power supply to the light emitters SGg, SGy, and SGr in the signal lamp SG, and thus function as the power supply unit 11 of the imaging unit 10. In this case, when the blue light emitter SGg is lit, the imaging unit 10 is supplied with power from the AC / DC power supply Pg; when the yellow light emitter SGy is lit, it is supplied with power from the AC / DC power supply Py; and when the red light emitter SGr is lit, it is supplied with power from the AC / DC power supply Pr. As a result, the power supply for the imaging unit 10 is efficiently and reliably secured at all times. 【0040】 A comparative example will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in Figure 7. Note that Figure 7 corresponds to the block diagram shown in Figure 5. As is clear from the comparison with Figure 5, in the example shown in Figure 7, the imaging unit 10 is configured as part of the determination device JD in the traffic monitoring system 100. Specifically, for example, the imaging device IM, which includes the imaging unit 10, is powered by the power supply unit 21 of the determination device JD and is provided separately from the signal lamp SG. In other words, the traffic monitoring system 100 exists separately and independently from the traffic signal system, which consists of the signal lamp SG and the signal controller SC. Furthermore, unlike in Figure 5, the determination device JD does not have an image storage unit 60, and the processing determination unit JJ performs determination processing (for example, determination processing regarding general matters such as traffic volume) based on the processing results of the image processing unit 50, and outputs information to the outside (determination output) as needed. In this configuration, the traffic monitoring system 100 is installed separately from the traffic signal lights SG, which may necessitate the construction of dedicated poles or arms, or it may be difficult or impossible to install it in an appropriate location due to existing equipment. Furthermore, it may be necessary to install multiple pieces of equipment. In addition, in the above configuration, since traffic conditions are not recorded, it is possible to implement a configuration that allows for continuous monitoring, but the traffic monitoring system 100 cannot perform functions as a traffic recording device TR (see Figure 5), such as quickly verifying the results based on the records after an accident occurs. 【0041】 In contrast, in one example of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the imaging unit 10 of the traffic monitoring system 100 is integrated with the traffic signal lamp SG. Compared to the case where it is installed separately, it is possible to reliably monitor the required range from a high place, and to secure a power supply easily and reliably. Furthermore, regarding the occurrence of traffic accidents, etc., it becomes possible to make quick and accurate judgments based on the data stored in the image storage unit 60. In addition, as previously described, the traffic monitoring system 100 obtains power from the signals to the light emitters SGg, SGy, and SGr within the traffic signal lamp SG, thereby reducing the power wiring from the judgment device JD and further saving labor during installation. 【0042】 As described above, the traffic recording device TR according to this embodiment includes an imaging unit 10 built into a traffic signal lamp SG that captures images of traffic conditions, an image processing unit 50 that performs analysis processing related to traffic conditions from the image data acquired by the imaging unit 10, and an image storage unit 60 that stores the processing results from the image processing unit 50. The traffic recording device TR can perform analysis processing related to traffic conditions from the image data acquired by the imaging unit 10 and store the processing results in the image storage unit 60. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately make judgments about traffic conditions, such as the occurrence of traffic accidents or the understanding of traffic volume, by referring to the results of the analysis processing. 【0043】 Furthermore, the traffic monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment includes the traffic recording device TR and an abnormality determination unit 70, which is an example of a determination unit that makes a determination regarding traffic conditions based on the processing results stored in the image storage unit 60. In this case, accurate traffic monitoring becomes possible by making a determination regarding traffic conditions from the contents stored in the image storage unit 60. In particular, the abnormality determination unit 70 is configured to make an abnormality determination regarding traffic in the intersection CS and its surroundings, which is the monitoring range. 【0044】 In the above description, the traffic recording device TR is assumed to include an imaging unit 10, an image processing unit 50, and an image storage unit 60 to record various data related to traffic conditions. However, it is also possible to consider the traffic recording device TR as a combination of these components plus a part of the traffic monitoring system 100. For example, the monitor DS, which acts as a display device that shows the processing results from the image processing unit 50 or the image data stored in the image storage unit 60, may also be included as a component of the traffic recording device TR. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 8(A), the processing results from the image processing unit 50 are temporarily stored in the image storage unit 60 as indicated by arrow A1, and then, as indicated by arrow A2, the processing results stored in the image storage unit 60 are output from the communication unit 80 as a data output unit, and the monitor DS, which acts as a display device, displays the output from the communication unit 80. This configuration makes it possible to observe past conditions of the intersection CS from the control room CR. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(B), for example, the processing results from the image processing unit 50 may be directly output via the communication unit 80 as indicated by arrow B1, and the monitor DS may display the output from the image processing unit 50, while simultaneously saving the processing results to the image storage unit 60 as indicated by arrow B2. This configuration allows for real-time observation and recording of past conditions of the intersection CS from the control room CR. Note that the operation configuration including the display device (monitor DS) described above is the same when viewed as a traffic monitoring system 100. 【0045】 〔others〕 This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. 【0046】 First, as explained above with reference to Figure 5, for example, the traffic monitoring system 100 is configured to have an abnormality determination unit 70 in addition to the processing determination unit JJ. However, as shown in Figure 9 as an example, it is also possible to have a configuration that only has a processing determination unit JJ and does not have a communication function with the control room CR (see Figure 5). In this case, the image storage unit 60 can store data not only from the processing results of the image processing unit 50 but also from the determination results of the processing determination unit JJ, so that, for example, all the information necessary for monitoring is stored in the image storage unit 60. 【0047】 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10 as an example, it is also conceivable that communication with the control room CR be performed in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9. From a different perspective, compared to the example explained with reference to Figure 5, it is also conceivable that the abnormality detection unit 70 is not included, but the other aspects are the same as in the case of Figure 5. In this case, the necessary information is stored in the image storage unit 60, and, as in the case of Figure 5, the information stored in the image storage unit 60 is transmitted to the control room CR as needed. 【0048】 Furthermore, various forms of data handling are conceivable. For example, during monitoring, it may be possible to analyze even vehicle license plates, etc. That is, in the event of any abnormality, the image data stored in the image storage unit 60 may be analyzed to extract information such as vehicle license plates in order to identify the vehicle. In addition, such extraction work may be performed in the control room CR, or it may be performed each time in the image processing unit 50 and stored in the image storage unit 60 at all times. Furthermore, if necessary, it is also conceivable that a command may be issued from the control room CR to the on-site judgment device JD, and the judgment device JD may process the data and send the processing results back to the control room CR. 【0049】 Furthermore, various configurations are conceivable regarding the content to be monitored and the roles played by the processing judgment unit JJ and the abnormality judgment unit 70. For example, the processing judgment unit JJ may perform general surveys such as traffic volume, and process the continuous transmission of image content to the outside as a live camera for the intersection CS. In addition, it may provide location information of general vehicles and pedestrians present at the intersection CS to autonomous vehicles located near the intersection CS and capable of communicating with the traffic monitoring system 100. On the other hand, the abnormality judgment unit 70 may, as described above, determine the occurrence of an abnormality by detecting the presence or absence of an object that does not change after a certain change in light color information or after a certain period of time has elapsed. In addition, it may determine the occurrence of a clear accident such as a collision at the intersection CS by detecting vehicle deformation, sudden braking, etc. The abnormality judgment unit 70 may, for example, receive light color information from the signal control unit SCm of the signal controller SC in order to detect certain changes in light color information. 【0050】 Furthermore, as one embodiment utilizing the timing unit 23 and image storage unit 60 provided within the determination device JD, the device may receive light color information from the signal control unit SCm of the signal controller SC, thereby linking and storing the time, light color information, and intersection conditions. 【0051】 Furthermore, as explained above with reference to, for example, Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the imaging unit 10 is built into the housing BX of the signal lamp SG, and in particular, the case where it is installed between the yellow light emitter SGy and the red light emitter SGr has been shown. However, it is not limited to this, and various installation configurations are possible. For example, the imaging unit 10 can be built into a location in the signal lamp SG other than between the yellow light emitter SGy and the red light emitter SGr. 【0052】 Furthermore, various numerical values ​​are not limited to the example described above; various configurations are conceivable. For example, in Figure 6, the voltage after passing through the AC / DC power supplies Pg, Py, and Pr is set to DC 12V, but it is not limited to this and can be various other values. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0053】 10…Imaging unit (camera unit), 11…Power supply unit, 12…Wireless unit, 21…Power supply unit, 22…Wireless unit, 23…Timekeeping unit, 50…Image processing unit, 60…Image storage unit, 70…Anomaly detection unit, 80…Communication unit, 100…Traffic monitoring system, A1, A2, B1, B2…Arrows, BX…Housing, CN…Signal connection unit, CR…Control room, CS…Intersection, DS…Monitor (display device), IM…Imaging device, JD…Determination device, JJ…Processing and determination unit, PU…External commercial power supply, SC…Signal controller, SCm…Signal control unit, SCo…Lamp opening / closing unit, SCp…Power supply unit, SG…Signal lamp, SGg, SGy, SGr…Light emitter, TR…Traffic recording device

Claims

[Claim 1] An imaging unit built into the traffic signal light that captures images of traffic conditions, An image processing unit that performs analysis processing related to the traffic conditions from the image data acquired by the imaging unit, An image storage unit that stores the processing results from the image processing unit, The power supplied to the imaging unit is obtained by branching off from the power supply to each color light emitter in the signal lamp, and the power supply unit for imaging is also used. A traffic recording device equipped with the following features. [Claim 2] The traffic recording device according to Claim 1, wherein the power supply unit for imaging obtains the power supplied to the imaging unit by branching it off from the power supply when each color light emitter is lit. [Claim 3] The traffic recording device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit receives the image data from the imaging unit via wireless communication. [Claim 4] The traffic recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a timing unit for assigning time data to the aforementioned image data. [Claim 5] A data output unit that outputs the processing results stored in the image storage unit, A display device that displays information corresponding to the output from the data output unit. The traffic recording device according to claim 1, comprising: [Claim 6] The image processing unit outputs the processing result, The traffic recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a display device that displays information corresponding to the output from the image processing unit. [Claim 7] A traffic recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A determination unit that makes a determination regarding the traffic situation based on the processing results stored in the image storage unit. A traffic monitoring system equipped with the following features. [Claim 8] The traffic monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality when an object that does not change after a certain change in light color information or after a certain period of time has elapsed is detected in the image data.

Images