Vehicle monitoring system, vehicle monitoring device, and vehicle monitoring method
The vehicle monitoring system addresses the challenge of inaccurate vehicle type determination by using a fisheye lens to capture and associate ticket information with vehicle images, enhancing vehicle management and toll processing accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KK TOSHIBA
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle monitoring systems struggle to accurately determine vehicle type and number of axles using single-focus lane monitoring cameras, as they lack necessary information and require association of ticket information with vehicle images for precise identification.
A vehicle monitoring system comprising a payment machine system, camera system, and vehicle monitoring device, which uses a fisheye lens to capture vehicle images, associates ticket information with vehicle images, and generates vehicle management information including payment information and images to enhance vehicle type determination.
The system accurately determines vehicle type and number of axles by associating ticket information with vehicle images, improving vehicle management and enabling precise toll calculations.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a vehicle monitoring system, a vehicle monitoring device, and a vehicle monitoring method.
Background Art
[0002] The toll forms for toll roads include a distance-based toll system and a flat-rate toll system. In the case of the distance-based toll system, the entrance and exit are specified at the toll booths at the entrance and exit, the driving section (or driving distance) is detected from the specified entrance and exit, and a toll corresponding to the vehicle type and the driving section is charged. In the case of the flat-rate toll system, a toll corresponding to the vehicle type is charged at the toll booth at the entrance or exit. The toll for a toll road is determined by the vehicle type (five vehicle types in the toll classification), and the vehicle type is determined by a plurality of elements such as the vehicle body size and the number of axles. For example, the toll collector at the toll booth visually checks the actual vehicle to determine the vehicle type and collects the toll for the determined vehicle type.
[0003] As the labor-saving and unmanned operation of the toll collection business at the toll booth progresses, an electronic toll collection machine is installed at the toll booth, replacing the visual confirmation of the actual vehicle at the toll booth with the visual confirmation of the image of the lane monitoring camera in the office that manages the toll booth to determine the vehicle type.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Patent Document 3
Patent Document 4
Patent Document 5
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] For example, a single-focus lane monitoring camera is installed to capture the area in front of a vehicle stopped at the payment machine, and the camera captures the vehicle being paid for at the moment of payment. However, because the image from the lane monitoring camera is installed to capture the area in front, it may lack the information necessary to determine the type of vehicle, making it difficult to determine the vehicle size and number of axles from the image, and improvement is desired.
[0006] Furthermore, vehicle type identification requires not only an image of the vehicle being paid for, but also verification of vehicle type information obtained from the ticket information read by the payment machine. Therefore, it is desirable that the ticket information of a designated vehicle be associated with the image of that vehicle before payment. In addition, images from lane surveillance cameras are recorded as information for subsequent vehicle type verification or to respond to inquiries. Therefore, it is desirable that the payment information of a designated vehicle be associated with the image of that vehicle.
[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle monitoring system, a vehicle monitoring device, and a vehicle monitoring method that generate vehicle management information including ticket information and vehicle images, or vehicle management information including settlement information and vehicle images. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] The vehicle monitoring system according to the embodiment comprises a payment machine system, a camera system, and a vehicle monitoring device. The payment machine system comprises a vehicle detector and a payment machine. The vehicle detector detects vehicles passing through a detection area of a lane. The payment machine reads ticket information from a toll ticket and outputs payment information for the vehicle's toll based on the ticket information. The camera system comprises a shooting unit. The shooting unit uses a fisheye lens to photograph a shooting area including the detection area. The vehicle monitoring device comprises a vehicle management unit. The vehicle management unit detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of the lane based on the vehicle detection result from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector and the vehicle detection result from the captured vehicle image output from the shooting unit, and generates vehicle management information that associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, or predetermined payment information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, based on the vehicle count detection result. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle monitoring system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement of lane equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a payment machine system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a camera system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle monitoring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of vehicle occupancy information management by the payment machine system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of vehicle presence information management using a camera system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for generating vehicle management information by a vehicle monitoring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of vehicle count correction by a vehicle monitoring device according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] The following describes an example of vehicle monitoring by a vehicle monitoring system according to an embodiment, with reference to the drawings.
[0011] In this embodiment, we will describe a case where a distance-based toll system is assumed, and entry processing is performed at the entrance toll gate, and vehicle monitoring is applied to the exit processing (settlement processing) at the exit toll gate. Note that the vehicle monitoring described in this embodiment may be applied to the entry processing of a distance-based toll system, or to the entry or exit processing of a flat-rate toll system.
[0012] There are two methods of collecting tolls: one is to use an Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC), which involves installing an on-board device in the vehicle and communicating wirelessly with roadside communication devices at entrance and exit toll booths; the other is to use a cash collection method, where a toll ticket is received at the entrance toll booth and the toll is paid in cash or other means at the exit toll booth. The following embodiment will be explained using a cash collection method with toll tickets, but it can also be used for vehicle type identification using the ETC system.
[0013] First, I will explain the entry process at the toll booth for distance-based toll systems. The entrance tollbooth is equipped with one or more lanes for vehicle traffic. Along each lane, there are vehicle detectors, axle detection sensors, and ticket machines. The ticket machines detect vehicles based on detection signals from the vehicle detectors and issue toll tickets that record ticket information including entry information and vehicle information. Here, entry information includes the entrance ID (entrance identification information) and the date and time of entry. Vehicle information includes vehicle type information detected based on the vehicle length detected by the vehicle detector and the number of axles detected by the axle detection sensor. The driver of a vehicle attempting to enter a toll road stops the vehicle in accordance with the stop instruction at the entrance toll booth, receives the toll ticket issued from the ticket dispenser, and starts the vehicle.
[0014] Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the exit process at the toll booth for the distance-based toll system will be described.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle monitoring system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle monitoring system includes a settlement system 1, a camera system 2, and a vehicle monitoring device 3.
[0016] The settlement system 1 includes lane equipment 11 arranged along the lane, a settlement machine monitoring device 12 installed in an office or the like of the toll booth away from the lane, and a higher-level aggregation device 13 installed centrally for overall management.
[0017] In this embodiment, the vehicle monitoring device 3, which is independent of the settlement system 1 and the camera system 2, will be described. However, the vehicle monitoring device 3 may be a part of the settlement system 1 or a part of the camera system 2.
[0018] The lane equipment 11 includes a settlement machine 111, a vehicle entry detector 112, and a vehicle start detector 113. The settlement machine 111 reads ticket information from the toll ticket and outputs settlement information on the toll for the vehicle based on the ticket information. The vehicle entry detector 112 is an optical sensor or the like, detects a vehicle passing through the detection area on the entry side of the toll booth lane, and outputs a vehicle detection signal to the settlement machine 111. The vehicle start detector 113 is an optical sensor or the like, detects a vehicle passing through the detection area on the exit side of the toll booth lane, and outputs a vehicle detection signal to the settlement machine 111.
[0019] The settlement machine monitoring device 12 transmits and receives various information through communication with the lane equipment 11, the higher-level aggregation device 13, or the vehicle monitoring device 3. The higher-level aggregation device 13 transmits and receives various information through communication with the settlement machine monitoring device 12 or the vehicle monitoring device 3.
[0020] The camera system 2 includes lane equipment 21 positioned along the lanes, and camera monitoring devices 22 installed in toll booth offices, etc. The lane equipment 21 includes a camera unit 211 positioned along the lane. For example, the camera unit 211 is a fisheye camera with a fisheye lens. The lane equipment 21 transmits and receives various information through communication with the camera monitoring device 22. The camera monitoring device 22 transmits and receives various information through communication with the lane equipment 21 or the vehicle monitoring device 3. Furthermore, the payment machine system 1 and the camera system 2 are interconnected systems, and the vehicle management information is information appropriately linked from the information received by these interconnected systems.
[0021] The vehicle monitoring device 3 is installed in the toll booth office or similar location. The vehicle monitoring device 3 receives ticket information read from the toll ticket by the payment machine system 1 and vehicle images output from the camera system 2. The vehicle monitoring device 3 then generates vehicle management information by associating predetermined ticket information corresponding to a predetermined vehicle with a predetermined number of vehicle images, including the image of the predetermined vehicle, and outputs it to the payment machine system 1 (payment machine monitoring device 12).
[0022] The attendant of the payment machine monitoring device 12 confirms (confirms) the vehicle type from the prescribed ticket information and a prescribed number of photographed vehicle images included in the vehicle management information, and proceeds with the payment process. The generation of the vehicle management information, which includes the prescribed ticket information and a prescribed number of photographed vehicle images, will be explained in detail later.
[0023] Furthermore, the vehicle monitoring device 3 receives payment information output from the payment machine system 1, associates predetermined payment information corresponding to a predetermined vehicle with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images including an image of the predetermined vehicle, generates vehicle management information, and outputs it to the higher-level aggregation device 13. The payment information includes ticket information, exit information, confirmed vehicle type, and toll fee. The ticket information includes entry information and vehicle information, and the exit information includes exit ID (exit identification information) and exit date and time.
[0024] The higher-level aggregation device 13 records vehicle management information. The staff of the upper-level aggregation device 13 use the predetermined settlement information and a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images included in the vehicle management information as information to respond to subsequent vehicle type verification or inquiries. The generation of the vehicle management information, which includes the predetermined settlement information and a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, will be explained in detail later.
[0025] Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement of lane detection equipment according to the embodiment. First, the section from vehicle detection area E1 to E2 on the lane is defined as a predetermined section.
[0026] The fare adjustment machine 111 is installed between the entrance and exit of the toll booth. The fare adjustment machine 111 is installed closer to the exit than to the entrance, for example, at a position corresponding to the stop line immediately before the exit.
[0027] The vehicle entry detector 112 is installed at the entrance to the toll booth and detects vehicles passing through the lane detection area E1, and outputs a vehicle detection signal. The vehicle departure detector 113 is installed at the exit of the toll booth and detects vehicles passing through the lane detection area E2, and outputs a vehicle detection signal.
[0028] The imaging unit 211 is installed between the entrance and exit of the toll booth. For example, the imaging unit 211 is installed closer to the entrance than the exit and captures images of the imaging area E3. The imaging area E3 includes at least a portion of the detection area E1.
[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a payment machine system according to the embodiment. First, let's describe the lane equipment 11. The lane equipment 11 includes a payment machine 111, a vehicle entry detector 112, and a vehicle departure detector 113.
[0030] The fare collection machine 111 includes a processor 1111, a storage unit 1112, an interface 1113, an intercom 1114, a ticket reader 1115, a fare display unit 1116, and a fare collection unit 117.
[0031] The processor 1111 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and performs settlement processing in cooperation with the settlement machine monitoring device 12. The storage unit 1112 stores the operating program for the processor 111, temporarily stores the ticket information read by the ticket reader 1115, and temporarily stores the toll fees and other information transmitted from the fare adjustment machine monitoring device 12. Interface 1113 is an interface for communicating with the fare adjustment machine monitoring device 12. Interface 1113 transmits ticket information read from the toll ticket by the ticket reader 1115, vehicle detection signals from the vehicle entry detector 112, and vehicle detection signals from the vehicle departure detector 113 to the fare adjustment machine monitoring device 12.
[0032] Intercom 1114 is a driver-side intercom that enables communication between the driver of a vehicle attempting to pay a toll using the payment machine 111 and the attendant of the payment machine monitoring device 12. The ticket reader 1115 reads ticket information from the toll ticket presented by the driver or other person of a vehicle that intends to pay the toll fee at the toll payment machine 111. The toll display unit 1116 displays the toll fee and other charges transmitted from the payment machine monitoring device 12. The toll collection unit 1117 receives the toll fee transmitted from the payment machine monitoring device 12 from the cash inserted, or charges the credit card inserted.
[0033] Next, the payment machine monitoring device 12 will be described. The payment machine monitoring device 12 comprises a processor 121, a storage unit 122, an interface 123, an intercom 124, a display unit 125, and an operation unit 126.
[0034] The processor 121 is a CPU or the like, and performs payment processing in cooperation with the payment machine 111. The processor 121 includes a vehicle detection unit 1211 and a payment processing unit 1212.
[0035] The vehicle detection unit 1211 detects the presence or absence of a vehicle based on the vehicle detection signals from the vehicle entry detector 112 and the vehicle departure detector 113, and outputs the vehicle detection result (including vehicle presence information).
[0036] The settlement processing unit 1212 calculates the toll based on the ticket information from the payment machine 111 and the toll table stored in the storage unit 122, and bills the vehicle driver for the toll via the payment machine 111. For example, in response to the acceptance of vehicle type verification by the operation unit 126, the settlement processing unit 1212 calculates the toll based on the vehicle type information included in the ticket information. Furthermore, the settlement processing unit 1212 responds to the acceptance of vehicle type correction (correct vehicle type) by the operation unit 126 and calculates the toll fee based on the corrected vehicle type information.
[0037] The storage unit 122 stores the operating program for the processor 121, etc. The storage unit 122 also stores a toll table showing tolls according to the vehicle type, time of day of travel, and entrance ID. The storage unit 122 also temporarily stores ticket information transmitted from the payment machine 111, vehicle detection results from the vehicle detection unit 1211, and tolls calculated by the payment processing unit 1212, etc.
[0038] Interface 123 is an interface for communicating with the lane equipment 11, the higher-level aggregation device 13, and the vehicle monitoring device 3. For example, interface 123 transmits predetermined ticket information to the vehicle monitoring device 3 and receives vehicle management information from the vehicle monitoring device 3. The received vehicle management information is information that associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images.
[0039] The intercom 124 is an intercom for the attendant to enable communication between the driver of a vehicle attempting to pay a toll using the payment machine 111 and the attendant of the payment machine monitoring device 12.
[0040] The display unit 125 displays vehicle management information transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device 3. Specifically, the display unit 125 displays vehicle management information including the association of predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images. The ticket information includes entry information and vehicle information, and the vehicle information includes vehicle type information. The control unit 126 receives the results of the staff member's judgment on the accuracy of the vehicle information.
[0041] For example, the attendant visually checks the vehicle information displayed on the display unit 125 against the photographed vehicle image. If the attendant determines that the vehicle information included in the ticket information is correct, they input "vehicle confirmed" as the result of the correctness judgment via the operation unit 126. If the attendant determines that the information is incorrect, they input "correct vehicle" as the result of the correctness judgment via the operation unit 126. The operation unit 126 receives the "vehicle confirmed" or "correct vehicle" information from the attendant.
[0042] Next, the higher-level aggregation device 13 will be described. The higher-level aggregation device 13 stores the fare table and transmits the fare table to the payment machine monitoring device 12. The higher-level aggregation device 13 also records vehicle management information transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device 3. The vehicle management information includes the association of predetermined payment information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images.
[0043] Here, the predetermined number of vehicle images are images taken by the shooting unit 211 at different times, and the predetermined number is one or more. By setting the predetermined number to multiple, the accuracy of vehicle type identification can be improved. For example, if "2" is chosen as the predetermined number, the predetermined number of vehicle images of a given vehicle will be at least two vehicle images taken from the front, side, and rear of the given vehicle. These two vehicle images are selected from multiple vehicle images by the image processing of the camera system 2. When "3" is adopted as the predetermined number, the predetermined number of vehicle images of the predetermined vehicle are three vehicle images taken from the front, side, and rear of the predetermined vehicle, and these three vehicle images are selected from multiple vehicle images by the image processing of the camera system 2.
[0044] Alternatively, instead of a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, a predetermined number of extracted vehicle images may be used, which are extracted from a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images. For example, if 2 is selected as the predetermined number, the camera system 2 uses image processing to extract at least two image regions from the predetermined number of captured vehicle images, specifically the front, side, and rear of a predetermined vehicle, and outputs two extracted vehicle images corresponding to these two image regions. When 3 is selected as the predetermined number, the camera system 2 extracts three image regions—front, side, and rear—of a predetermined vehicle from the predetermined number of captured vehicle images through image processing, and outputs three extracted vehicle images corresponding to these three image regions.
[0045] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a camera system according to the embodiment. First, let me explain the lane equipment 21. The lane equipment 21 includes a camera unit 211 that is installed along the lanes of the toll booth.
[0046] The shooting unit 211 uses a fisheye lens to continuously capture images of a shooting area that includes at least a portion of the detection area of the vehicle entry detector 112, and outputs still images or videos (multiple images of the vehicle) including the date and time of shooting. The imaging unit 211 is positioned to capture the entire vehicle, from the front to the rear, as it enters the imaging area. For example, the imaging unit 211 is installed near the vehicle entry detector 112. However, the position of the imaging unit 211 is not limited to the vicinity of the vehicle entry detector 112; the camera system 2 may correct the vehicle image captured from the imaging unit 211 installed at any position to acquire an image of the target vehicle.
[0047] Next, the camera monitoring device 22 will be described. The camera monitoring device 22 comprises a processor 221, a storage unit 222, an interface 223, a recording unit 224, a display unit 225, and an operation unit 226.
[0048] The processor 221 is a CPU or the like. The processor 221 includes a vehicle detection unit 2211. The vehicle detection unit 2211 detects vehicles from multiple captured vehicle images output from the shooting unit 211 or from multiple captured vehicle images recorded by the recording unit 224 using image processing, and outputs the vehicle detection result (including vehicle presence information).
[0049] For example, the vehicle detection unit 2211 uses image processing to select at least two images of a predetermined vehicle from among multiple captured vehicle images, specifically from the front, side, and rear of the vehicle (in this case, a predetermined number of 2), and outputs a vehicle detection result that includes at least two of these images. Alternatively, to improve the accuracy of vehicle identification, the vehicle detection unit 2211 uses image processing to select three images of a predetermined vehicle from multiple captured vehicle images—one from the front, one from the side, and one from the rear (in this case, a predetermined number of three)—and outputs a vehicle detection result that includes these three images.
[0050] Alternatively, the vehicle detection unit 2211 uses image processing to select at least two images of a predetermined vehicle from among multiple captured vehicle images, specifically from the front, side, and rear of the vehicle (in this case, the predetermined number is 2). Furthermore, it extracts the image region of the predetermined vehicle from the two selected vehicle images and outputs a vehicle detection result that includes the two extracted vehicle images.
[0051] Alternatively, the vehicle detection unit 2211 uses image processing to select three images of a predetermined vehicle from multiple captured vehicle images: one from the front, one from the side, and one from the rear (in this case, a predetermined number of three). Then, it extracts the image region of the predetermined vehicle from the three selected images and outputs a vehicle detection result that includes the three extracted vehicle images. Note that the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle may be interpreted as the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle.
[0052] The memory unit 222 stores the operating program for the processor 221, etc. Interface 223 is an interface for communicating with the lane equipment 21 and the vehicle monitoring device 3. The recording unit 224 stores multiple images of the vehicle taken at different times, which are output from the shooting unit 211.
[0053] The display unit 225 displays the vehicle detection results from the vehicle detection unit 2211, etc. The operation unit 226 accepts operational input from an operator. For example, the operation unit 226 accepts correction inputs regarding the vehicle detection results from the vehicle detection unit 2211.
[0054] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle monitoring device according to an embodiment. The vehicle monitoring device 3 comprises a processor 31, a storage unit 32, an interface 33, a display unit 34, and an operation unit 35.
[0055] The processor 31 is a CPU, etc. The processor 31 includes a vehicle management unit 311. The vehicle management unit 311 detects the number of vehicles based on the vehicle detection results detected by the vehicle detection unit 1211 of the payment machine monitoring device 12 and the vehicle detection results detected by the vehicle detection unit 2211 of the camera monitoring device 22. Specifically, the vehicle management unit 311 detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of a lane based on the vehicle detection results from the vehicle detection signals output from the vehicle entry detector 112 and the vehicle departure detector 113, and the vehicle detection results from one or more captured vehicle images output from the imaging unit 211.
[0056] Furthermore, the vehicle management unit 311 generates vehicle management information that associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, or predetermined settlement information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, based on the timing of vehicle detection by the vehicle entry detector 112 and the vehicle departure detector 113 and the timing of photography by the photography unit 211.
[0057] Furthermore, if the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle presence information included in the vehicle detection results from the fare adjustment machine system 1 differs from the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle presence information included in the vehicle detection results from the camera system 2, the vehicle management unit 311 adjusts the number of vehicles from one system to match the number of vehicles from the other system so that the number of vehicles from both systems becomes the same.
[0058] The storage unit 32 stores the operating program for the processor 31, etc. The storage unit 32 also stores the number of vehicles detected by the vehicle management unit 311, and the vehicle management information generated by the vehicle management unit 311.
[0059] Interface 33 is an interface for communicating with the payment machine monitoring device 12, the camera monitoring device 22, and the higher-level aggregation device 13. For example, interface 33 outputs vehicle management information, which associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, to the payment machine monitoring device 12. Interface 33 also outputs vehicle management information, which associates predetermined payment information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, to the higher-level aggregation device 13.
[0060] The display unit 34 displays various types of information. For example, the display unit 34 displays vehicle management information that associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, or predetermined settlement information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images.
[0061] The operation unit 35 accepts various inputs from the staff. For example, the operation unit 35 accepts input of search information for searching predetermined vehicle management information. The search information is, for example, date and time information specifying a period. When a search operation is performed from the operation unit 35, the processor 31 searches for the predetermined vehicle management information based on the search information and outputs the search results to the display unit 34.
[0062] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of vehicle occupancy information management by the payment machine system according to the embodiment. The vehicle detection unit 1211 of the payment machine monitoring device 12 manages and updates in real time vehicle occupancy information, such as the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of a lane. The details are explained below.
[0063] First, the vehicle detection unit 1211 clears the number of vehicles present based on its initial settings at the start of operation, using ST101. Next, ST102 enables the vehicle detection unit 1211 to detect whether or not a vehicle is entering based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle entry detector 112. Here, if the vehicle detection unit 1211 detects the entry of a vehicle based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle entry detector 112 (ST102, YES), it adds (+1) the number of vehicles present in ST103.
[0064] Furthermore, if no vehicle entry is detected (ST102, NO), ST104 detects the vehicle starting based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle start detector 113. If a vehicle starts moving based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle start detector 113 (ST104, YES), then ST105 subtracts the number of vehicles present (-1) and proceeds to ST106.
[0065] On the other hand, if no vehicle movement is detected based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle start detector 113 (ST104, NO), the process proceeds directly to ST106. Then, the vehicle information is updated using ST106.
[0066] Next, ST107 determines whether or not the device has stopped operating. If the vehicle detection unit 1211 does not stop operating (ST107, NO), it returns to ST102 and continues processing ST102 to ST106. On the other hand, if the operation of the vehicle detection unit 1211 is stopped (ST107, YES), all processing is terminated. As described above, the vehicle detection unit 1211 outputs real-time updated vehicle presence information (including update date and time) to the vehicle monitoring device 3.
[0067] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of vehicle presence information management using a camera system according to the embodiment. The vehicle detection unit 2211 of the camera monitoring device 22 manages and updates in real time vehicle occupancy information, such as the number of vehicles in the shooting area of the lane. The details are explained below.
[0068] With ST201, the vehicle detection unit 2211 clears the number of vehicles present based on its initial settings at the start of operation. Next, the vehicle detection unit 2211, using ST202, recognizes a vehicle from one or more captured vehicle images through image processing. Next, the ST203 detects a vehicle. For example, the vehicle detection unit 2211 selects images of the vehicle from the front, side, and rear of the predetermined vehicle from one or more captured vehicle images based on the detection result of a predetermined vehicle.
[0069] Next, the vehicle detection unit 2211 detects the number of vehicles in the shooting area based on the vehicle detection results using ST204. Next, we detect permutations (ST205). With ST206, the vehicle detection unit 2211 updates vehicle information in real time based on the detection results of the number and order of vehicles.
[0070] Next, ST207 detects the operation of the device. If the operation is not stopped (ST207, NO), the vehicle detection unit 2211 returns to ST202 and continues processing ST202-206. If the operation of the device is stopped (ST207, YES), all processing is terminated. As described above, the vehicle detection unit 2211 outputs real-time updated vehicle presence information (including update date and time) to the vehicle monitoring device 3.
[0071] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for generating vehicle management information by a vehicle monitoring device according to an embodiment.
[0072] With ST301, the payment machine system 1 outputs real-time updated vehicle occupancy information, and the interface 33 of the vehicle monitoring device 3 acquires the vehicle occupancy information output from the payment machine system 1. Next, the camera system 2 outputs real-time updated vehicle occupancy information via ST302, and the interface 33 acquires the vehicle occupancy information output from the camera system 2.
[0073] Next, ST303 enables the vehicle management unit 311 to detect the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of a lane based on the vehicle occupancy information output from the fare adjustment machine system 1 and the vehicle occupancy information output from the camera system 2. For example, if the reliability of one of the vehicle occupancy information sources is higher than that of the other, the vehicle management unit 311 may determine the number of vehicles based on the vehicle occupancy information source. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the reliability of the vehicle presence information output from the payment machine system 1 (vehicle presence information using vehicle detection signals) is higher than the reliability of the vehicle presence information output from the camera system 2 (vehicle presence information using image processing).
[0074] Next, the vehicle management unit 311 generates vehicle management information based on the vehicle count detection result using ST304, which associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, or predetermined settlement information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images.
[0075] Here, the specified ticket information includes entry information and vehicle information. The specified payment information includes entry information, exit information, confirmed vehicle type, and toll fee, and the exit information includes the date and time of exit. In addition, the specified number of vehicle images taken include the date and time of shooting. For example, the vehicle management unit 311 generates vehicle management information that associates predetermined ticket information acquired during a predetermined period with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, or predetermined settlement information acquired during a predetermined period with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, based on the timing of vehicle detection by the vehicle entry detector 112 and the vehicle departure detector 113 and the timing of photography by the photography unit 211.
[0076] Next, the interface 33 outputs vehicle management information, which associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, to the payment machine monitoring device 12, and also outputs vehicle management information, which associates predetermined payment information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, to the higher-level aggregation device 3.
[0077] The payment machine monitoring device 12 displays vehicle management information, which associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, using the display unit 125. The staff member can compare the vehicle type included in the ticket information with the vehicle type in the photographed vehicle images, based on the predetermined ticket information (including vehicle type information) displayed on the display unit 125, to verify the accuracy of the vehicle type included in the ticket information.
[0078] Furthermore, the upper-level aggregation device 3 records vehicle management information that associates predetermined settlement information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images. The staff member can compare the vehicle type included in the settlement information with the vehicle type in the photographed vehicle image, using the vehicle management information recorded in the upper-level aggregation device 3, to verify the accuracy of the vehicle type included in the settlement information.
[0079] Furthermore, if the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle information of the fare adjustment machine system 1 differs from the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle information of the camera system 2 during a predetermined period, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information that associates a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of multiple vehicles with predetermined ticket information or predetermined fare information of one vehicle, or provisional vehicle management information that associates ticket information or fare information of multiple vehicles with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of one vehicle.
[0080] For example, if the vehicle management unit 311 detects one vehicle from the vehicle presence information of the fare adjustment machine system 1 and detects multiple vehicles from the vehicle presence information of the camera system 2 during a predetermined period, it generates provisional vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with predetermined ticket information or predetermined fare adjustment information for one vehicle.
[0081] Furthermore, if, within a predetermined period, multiple vehicles are detected from the vehicle presence information of the fare adjustment machine system 1 and one vehicle is detected from the vehicle presence information of the camera system 2, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information that associates the ticket information or fare adjustment information of multiple vehicles with a predetermined number of vehicle images taken of the one vehicle.
[0082] The provisional vehicle management information generated in this way can be a valuable tool for preventing information loss and responding to vehicle type verification or inquiries.
[0083] Next, ST306 compares the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle information of the fare adjustment machine system 1 with the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle information of the camera system 2. Here, if the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle information of the fare adjustment machine system 1 and the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle information of the camera system 2 differ during a predetermined period (ST306, YES), ST307 corrects the number of vehicles in the other based on the number of vehicles in one. For example, the vehicle management unit 311 corrects the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle information of the camera system 2 based on the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle information of the fare adjustment machine system 1.
[0084] Next, ST308 determines the operating status of the device. If the operation is not stopped (ST308, NO), the vehicle management unit 311 returns to ST301 and continues processing ST301 to ST307. Furthermore, if the device is stopped by ST308 (ST308, YES), all processing will be terminated.
[0085] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of vehicle count correction by the vehicle monitoring device 3 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the reliability of the vehicle occupancy information output from the payment machine system 1 (vehicle occupancy information using vehicle detection signals) is higher than the reliability of the vehicle occupancy information output from the camera system 2 (vehicle occupancy information using image processing).
[0086] The vehicle management unit 311 of the vehicle monitoring device 3 corrects the number of vehicles in the camera system 2 by using the number of vehicles in the highly reliable payment machine system 1 as the positive value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that multiple vehicles are present in one lane.
[0087] The relationship between the number of vehicles present in the payment machine system 1 and the camera system 2 is summarized below. (1) Number of vehicles in the payment machine system 1 = Number of vehicles in the camera system 2 In this case, it is highly likely that the number of vehicles present is being correctly managed by both the payment machine system 1 and the camera system 2, and the vehicle management unit 311 does not correct the number of vehicles present.
[0088] (2) Number of vehicles in the payment machine system 1 > Number of vehicles in the camera system 2 In this case, the camera system 2 likely misidentified two vehicles as one vehicle (or three vehicles as one vehicle), and the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of one vehicle with the ticket information or payment information of each vehicle. This provisional vehicle management information can be useful for vehicle type verification or responding to inquiries.
[0089] (3) Number of vehicles in the payment machine system 1 < Number of vehicles in the camera system 2 In this case, the camera system 2 is highly likely to have mistakenly identified one vehicle as two vehicles (or one vehicle as three vehicles), and the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with the ticket information or payment information of one vehicle. This provisional vehicle management information can be useful for vehicle type verification or responding to inquiries.
[0090] Please refer to Figure 9 for further explanation. Cases No. 1-4 In cases No. 1-4, payment machine system 1 detected a vehicle count of "0," and therefore no associated payment information exists. In No. 2, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information that includes a predetermined number of vehicle images of a single vehicle. In No. 3, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information that includes a predetermined number of vehicle images taken of two vehicles.
[0091] In No. 4, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information including a predetermined number of vehicle images of the three vehicles. In Nos. 2-4, the vehicle management unit 311 corrects the number of vehicles in the camera system 2 to 0 (zero clear) because the payment machine system 1 has detected a vehicle count of "0". If a vehicle is actually present despite the vehicle count being 0, the person in charge, who is contacted via the intercoms 1114 and 124 of the payment machine system 1, changes the vehicle count to 1 via the operation unit 126.
[0092] Case No. 5-8 In No. 5, the vehicle management unit 311, having detected that camera system 2 has a vehicle count of "0", corrects (zero-clears) the vehicle count in the fare adjustment machine system 1 to 0. In No. 6, the vehicle management unit 311 generates vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of a single vehicle with the ticket information or settlement information of that vehicle.
[0093] In cases No. 7-8, vehicle separation may occur during vehicle detection by camera system 2. Vehicle separation refers to a situation where more vehicles are detected than the actual number of vehicles present. In cases No. 7-8, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of captured vehicle images from multiple vehicles with the ticket information or settlement information of one vehicle.
[0094] Case No. 9-12 In No. 9, the vehicle management unit 311, having detected that camera system 2 has a vehicle count of "0", corrects (zero-clears) the vehicle count in the fare adjustment machine system 1 to 0. In No. 10, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of one vehicle (the same vehicle) with the ticket information or settlement information of each of the two vehicles.
[0095] In No. 11, the vehicle management unit 311 generates vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of the first vehicle with the ticket information or settlement information of the first vehicle, and generates vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of the second vehicle with the ticket information or settlement information of the second vehicle. The vehicle management unit 311 identifies the information of the first and second vehicles from the settlement start time information notified from the settlement machine system 1 and the time information contained in the photographed vehicle images. In No. 12, vehicle separation may occur during vehicle detection by camera system 2. In No. 12, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of three vehicles with each of the ticket information or settlement information of two vehicles.
[0096] Cases No. 13-16 In No. 13, the vehicle management unit 311, having detected that camera system 2 has a vehicle count of "0", corrects (zeroes off) the vehicle count in the fare adjustment machine system 1 to 0. In No. 14, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of one vehicle with each of the ticket information or settlement information of the three vehicles.
[0097] In No. 15, the vehicle management unit 311 generates provisional vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images from two vehicles with each of the ticket information or settlement information for the three vehicles. In No. 16, the vehicle management unit 311 generates vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of the first vehicle with the ticket information or settlement information of the first vehicle, generates vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of the second vehicle with the ticket information or settlement information of the second vehicle, and generates vehicle management information by associating a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images of the third vehicle with the ticket information or settlement information of the third vehicle.
[0098] According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a vehicle monitoring system, a vehicle monitoring device, and a vehicle monitoring method that generate vehicle management information including ticket information and vehicle images suitable for vehicle type determination, or vehicle management information including payment information and vehicle images.
[0099] The vehicle management unit 311 of the vehicle monitoring device 3 in this embodiment detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of a lane based on vehicle detection results from vehicle detection signals output from the vehicle entry detector 112 and the vehicle departure detector 113 (i.e., vehicle detection results from the payment machine system 1), and vehicle detection results from one or more captured vehicle images output from the imaging unit 211 (i.e., vehicle detection results from the camera system 2). Furthermore, the vehicle management unit 311 generates vehicle management information by associating predetermined ticket information or predetermined settlement information for predetermined vehicles with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images for predetermined vehicles, based on the detection results of the number of vehicles, and outputs the vehicle management information.
[0100] Here, the amount of information from the imaging unit 211 is greater than that from a fixed-focus camera because it is an imaging unit using a fisheye lens. For this reason, for example, images of the front, side, and rear of a given vehicle can be obtained from multiple vehicle images captured by the imaging unit 211. The vehicle monitoring device 3 detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of a lane based on the vehicle presence information included in the vehicle detection results from the payment machine system 1 and the vehicle presence information included in the vehicle detection results from the camera system 2. The vehicle monitoring device 3 also generates vehicle management information based on this vehicle count detection result and outputs the vehicle management information. For example, the output destination is the display unit 125 as a display device or the higher-level aggregation device 13 as a recording device.
[0101] The display unit 125 displays vehicle management information, including the association between predetermined ticket information and a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images. The attendant can then determine the validity of the vehicle type included in the ticket information from the predetermined ticket information and a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images (at least two photographed vehicle images from the front, side, and rear of a predetermined vehicle) displayed on the display unit 125, and proceed with the toll payment process.
[0102] Furthermore, the upper-level aggregation device 3 records vehicle management information, including the association between predetermined settlement information and a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, and displays it as needed. The staff can verify the validity of the vehicle type included in the settlement information and whether an appropriate toll fee corresponding to the vehicle type was charged, based on the predetermined settlement information and a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images (at least two photographed vehicle images from the front, side, and rear of a predetermined vehicle) displayed on the upper-level aggregation device 3.
[0103] Furthermore, if, within a predetermined period, the vehicle monitoring device 3 finds that the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle presence information included in the vehicle detection results from the payment machine system 1 differs from the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle presence information included in the vehicle detection results from the camera system 2, it generates provisional vehicle management information that associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with the ticket information or payment information of one vehicle, or provisional vehicle management information that associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of one vehicle with the ticket information or payment information of multiple vehicles. The provisional vehicle management information generated in this way can be a valuable tool for preventing information loss and responding to vehicle type verification or inquiries.
[0104] Furthermore, if the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle presence information included in the vehicle detection results from the payment machine system 1 differs from the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle presence information included in the vehicle detection results from the camera system 2 during a predetermined period, the vehicle monitoring device 3 corrects the number of vehicles based on one of the vehicle presence figures. As a result, the vehicle management information generated after the correction includes ticket information or payment information for a predetermined vehicle and a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, which can serve as appropriate material for determining the vehicle type when calculating tolls, and can also serve as appropriate material for vehicle type verification or responding to inquiries.
[0105] The payment machine system 1 detects vehicles using a vehicle entry detector 112 and a vehicle departure detector 113, such as optical sensors, and is therefore less affected by environmental disturbances and has relatively high vehicle detection accuracy. However, depending on the shape of the vehicle, the payment machine system 1 may misdetect a vehicle due to vehicle separation. This misdetection may occur with only one of the vehicle entry detector 112 or the vehicle departure detector 113, in which case the number of vehicles present will be incorrectly managed.
[0106] Camera system 2 detects vehicles from captured vehicle images through image processing, so it is possible that it may misdetect vehicles due to vehicle separation caused by external disturbances such as environmental changes or vehicle shape. For example, due to vehicle separation, a single existing vehicle (such as a towing vehicle) may be detected as two or more vehicles. On the other hand, camera system 2 can perform seamless image recognition (counting the number of vehicles in a surface area) within its field of view, so it is possible to detect cases where the number of vehicles in the shooting range is 0.
[0107] The vehicle monitoring device 3 of this embodiment prevents information loss and prepares for vehicle type verification or inquiries by generating provisional vehicle management information when the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle detection information included in the vehicle detection results from the payment machine system 1 differs from the number of vehicles indicated by the vehicle detection information included in the vehicle detection results from the camera system 2. Furthermore, the vehicle monitoring device 3 can periodically correct the number of vehicles present to 0 (zero clear), suppressing the frequent occurrence of provisional vehicle management information and generating official vehicle management information. This improves the efficiency of responding to vehicle type verification or inquiries.
[0108] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] In a vehicle monitoring system comprising a payment machine system, a camera system, and a vehicle monitoring device, The aforementioned payment machine system is A vehicle detector that detects vehicles passing through the detection area of a lane, A payment machine that reads ticket information from a toll ticket and outputs toll payment information for the vehicle based on the ticket information, Equipped with, The camera system is near The system includes a shooting unit that captures the shooting area including the detection area using a fisheye lens, The aforementioned vehicle monitoring device is A vehicle management unit detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of the lane based on the vehicle detection result from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector and the vehicle detection result from the captured vehicle image output from the imaging unit, and generates vehicle management information that associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, or predetermined settlement information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, based on the vehicle count detection result. A vehicle monitoring system equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The vehicle management unit outputs vehicle management information, which associates predetermined ticket information including vehicle type information with multiple photographed vehicle images, or predetermined settlement information including vehicle type information with multiple photographed vehicle images, to a display device or recording device. Vehicle monitoring system as described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The predetermined number of captured vehicle images are at least two images of a predetermined vehicle from the front, side, and rear. Vehicle monitoring system as described in Appendix 1. [Note 4] The vehicle management unit generates vehicle management information that associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, or predetermined settlement information with a predetermined number of photographed vehicle images, based on the timing of vehicle detection by the vehicle detector and the timing of photography by the photography unit. Vehicle monitoring system as described in Appendix 1. [Note 5] The vehicle management unit generates vehicle management information that associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with predetermined ticket information or settlement information of one vehicle, or vehicle management information that associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with predetermined ticket information or settlement information of one vehicle, when the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector differs within a predetermined period. Vehicle monitoring system as described in Appendix 4. [Note 6] The vehicle management unit generates vehicle management information that associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with predetermined ticket information or payment information for one vehicle when, within a predetermined period, one vehicle is detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector and multiple vehicles are detected from the captured vehicle images output from the imaging unit. Vehicle monitoring system as described in Appendix 4. [Note 7] The vehicle management unit, when multiple vehicles are detected from vehicle detection signals output from the vehicle detector during a predetermined period, and one vehicle is detected from the captured vehicle images output from the imaging unit, generates vehicle management information that associates ticket information or payment information of multiple vehicles with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of one vehicle. Vehicle monitoring system as described in Appendix 4. [Note 8] The vehicle management unit, if the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector differs from the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle image output from the imaging unit during a predetermined period, corrects the number of vehicles based on one of the two values. Any one of the vehicle monitoring systems described in Appendix 5 through 7. [Note 9] The vehicle monitoring system described in Appendix 8, wherein the vehicle management unit corrects the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle images output from the imaging unit based on the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signals output from the vehicle detector. [Note 10] A vehicle management unit detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of the lane based on the vehicle detection result obtained from a vehicle detection signal output from a vehicle detector that detects vehicles passing through a detection area of the lane, and the vehicle detection result obtained from a captured vehicle image output from a shooting unit that captures a shooting area including the detection area using a fisheye lens, and generates vehicle management information that associates predetermined ticket information output from a fare adjustment machine with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images output from the shooting unit, or predetermined fare adjustment information output from a fare adjustment machine with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images output from the shooting unit, based on the detection result of the number of vehicles, A vehicle monitoring device equipped with the following features. [Note 11] The payment machine system detects vehicles passing through the detection area of the lane using a vehicle detector, and outputs payment information for the vehicle's toll fee using the payment machine. The camera system captures a shooting area including the detection area using the fisheye lens of the shooting unit, detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of the lane based on the vehicle detection result from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector and the vehicle detection result from the captured vehicle image output from the shooting unit, and generates vehicle management information that associates predetermined ticket information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, or predetermined settlement information with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images, based on the vehicle count detection result. Vehicle monitoring methods. [Explanation of symbols]
[0109] 1…Payment machine system 2…Camera system 3…Vehicle monitoring device 11... Lane equipment 12…Monitoring device for payment machine 13…Top-level aggregation device 21... Lane equipment 22...Camera surveillance device 31… Processor 32...Storage section 33… Interface 34…Display section 35...Operation unit 111…Payment machine 111… Processor 112... Vehicle entry detector 113... Vehicle departure detector 117... Toll collection section 121… Processor 122...Storage section 123… Interface 124...Intercom 125...Display section 126...Operation unit 211...Photography Department 221… Processor 222...Storage section 223… Interface 224... Recording Department 225...Display section 226...Operation unit 311... Vehicle Management Department 1111… Processor 1112...Storage section 1113… Interface 1114...Intercom 1115... Ticket reading unit 1116...Price display section 1117... Toll collection department 1211... Vehicle detection unit 1211… Processor 1212... Settlement Processing Unit 2211... Vehicle detection unit
Claims
1. In a vehicle monitoring system comprising a payment machine system, a camera system, and a vehicle monitoring device, The aforementioned payment machine system is A vehicle detector that detects vehicles passing through the detection area of a lane, A payment machine that reads ticket information from a toll ticket and outputs toll payment information for the vehicle based on the ticket information, Equipped with, The camera system is near The system includes a shooting unit that captures the shooting area including the detection area using a fisheye lens, The aforementioned vehicle monitoring device is The vehicle management unit detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of the lane based on the vehicle detection result from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector and the vehicle detection result from the captured vehicle image output from the imaging unit, and generates vehicle management information within a predetermined period of time based on the timing of vehicle detection by the vehicle detector and the timing of imaging by the imaging unit, which associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with predetermined ticket information or settlement information for one vehicle, or vehicle management information which associates ticket information or settlement information for multiple vehicles with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of one vehicle. Vehicle monitoring system.
2. The predetermined number of captured vehicle images are at least two images of the vehicle from the front, side, and rear. A vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1.
3. The vehicle management unit, when multiple vehicles are detected from vehicle detection signals output from the vehicle detector during a predetermined period, and one vehicle is detected from the captured vehicle images output from the imaging unit, generates vehicle management information that associates ticket information or payment information of multiple vehicles with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of one vehicle. A vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1.
4. The vehicle management unit, if the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector differs from the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle image output from the imaging unit during a predetermined period, corrects the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle image output from the imaging unit based on the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector. A vehicle monitoring system according to claim 1.
5. The vehicle management unit corrects the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle image output from the imaging unit to 0 when the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector is 0. The vehicle monitoring system according to claim 4.
6. The vehicle management unit corrects the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle image output from the capturing unit to 0 when the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector is 0 and the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle image output from the capturing unit is 1, 2, or 3. The vehicle monitoring system according to claim 4.
7. The vehicle management unit corrects the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector to 0 when the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle image output from the imaging unit is 0. The vehicle monitoring system according to claim 4.
8. The vehicle management unit corrects the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector to 0 when the number of vehicles detected from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector is 1, 2, or 3, and the number of vehicles detected from the captured vehicle image output from the imaging unit is 0. The vehicle monitoring system according to claim 4.
9. The vehicle management unit detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of the lane based on the vehicle detection result obtained from a vehicle detection signal output from a vehicle detector that detects vehicles passing through a detection area of the lane, and the vehicle detection result obtained from a captured vehicle image output from a shooting unit that captures a shooting area including the detection area using a fisheye lens, and generates vehicle management information that associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with a predetermined number of ticket information or settlement information of one vehicle output from a fare adjustment machine, or vehicle management information that associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of one vehicle with a predetermined number of vehicle information output from a fare adjustment machine, over a predetermined period based on the timing of vehicle detection by the vehicle detector and the timing of shooting by the shooting unit. Vehicle monitoring device.
10. The payment machine system detects vehicles passing through the detection area of the lane using a vehicle detector, and outputs payment information for the vehicle's toll fee using the payment machine. The camera system captures a shooting area including the detection area using the fisheye lens of the shooting unit, detects the number of vehicles in a predetermined section of the lane based on the vehicle detection result from the vehicle detection signal output from the vehicle detector and the vehicle detection result from the captured vehicle image output from the shooting unit, and generates vehicle management information within a predetermined period of time based on the timing of vehicle detection by the vehicle detector and the timing of shooting by the shooting unit, which associates a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of multiple vehicles with predetermined ticket information or settlement information for one vehicle, or vehicle management information which associates ticket information or settlement information for multiple vehicles with a predetermined number of captured vehicle images of one vehicle. Vehicle monitoring methods.