Patent Publication Number: US-10769951-B2

Title: Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and vehicle control system to determine the presence of an object from an image of a peripheral area of a moving body

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 371 as a U.S. National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT/JP2016/075295, filed in the Japanese Patent Office as a Receiving Office on Aug. 30, 2016, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Number JP2015-193300, filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Sep. 30, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a vehicle control system, and aims at enabling determination of the presence of an object to be efficiently performed from an image of a peripheral area of a moving body. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In the past, the determination of the presence of an object in a real space has been performed by using a plurality of images obtained by photographing the real space. In PTL 1, for example, a kinetic area is detected from respective images obtained by photographing the real space by a plurality of cameras and is converted to a plane coordinate system. Also, an overlap of the converted kinetic areas is detected, and on the basis of the detection result, it is determined whether or not the kinetic area exists in a specified plane in the space. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     [PTL 1] 
     
         
         JP 2008-015573A 
       
    
     SUMMARY 
     Technical Problem 
     Meanwhile, an area in which the object exists may be limited to a particular area in the real space. In such a case, when the presence of the object is discriminated by using the whole image obtained by photographing the real space, the discrimination of the presence of the object is performed also to an unnecessary area and efficient processing cannot be performed. 
     Thus, it is an object of the present technology to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a vehicle control system that enable the determination of the presence of the object to be efficiently performed from images of the peripheral area of the moving body. 
     Solution to Problem 
     An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present technology includes 
     a discrimination information generation unit configured to generate analysis object discrimination information by using a polarization image indicating a peripheral area of a moving body, and 
     an image analysis unit configured to perform discrimination of an object by using an image of an image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit to a non-polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body. 
     In this technology, the discrimination information generation unit generates the analysis object discrimination information by using the polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body. For example, the discrimination information generation unit calculates a normal line on the basis of the polarization image and generates the analysis object discrimination information indicating this road surface using, as an area of the road surface, a continuous image area in which a direction of the normal line is a vertical direction of the moving body. Also, the discrimination information generation unit generates information related to a braking distance of the moving body as the analysis object discrimination information. In the information related to the braking distance of the moving body, the braking distance is calculated from a moving speed of the moving body and, for example, an image generated by a capturing unit capable of distance detection or the polarization image capable of detecting distance information and a roughness of a moving surface, and information indicating an area within the braking distance in the non-polarization image is generated on the basis of the calculated braking distance and a distance on the non-polarization image. The image analysis unit performs discrimination of the object by using an image of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit on the non-polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body. For example, the image analysis unit performs the discrimination of the object by using an area of the road surface or an image within the braking distance on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information. 
     Further, in a case where the image analysis unit is provided in plurality, the plurality of image analysis units share an area in which the non-polarization image is divided on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information and perform the discrimination of the object. For example, the plurality of image analysis units perform discrimination of the object in an area within the braking distance by using many image analysis units as compared with other image areas. 
     Further, an image transfer unit that performs a transfer of the non-polarization image acquired by the image acquisition unit is provided, the image analysis unit is connected to the image transfer unit via a communication network, and the image transfer unit performs control of the transfer of the non-polarization image on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit and, for example, transfers an image of the image analysis area or a combination of an image selected from a plurality of images different in a capturing direction and the analysis object discrimination information to the image analysis unit. 
     Further, an image analysis control unit and the plurality of image analysis units are provided, and the image analysis control unit generates image analysis control information to control that how discrimination of the object to the non-polarization image transferred to the image analysis unit from the image transfer unit is performed by the plurality of image analysis units on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit and transmits the image analysis control information to the image analysis unit along with the non-polarization image. 
     An image processing method according to a second aspect of the present technology includes 
     generating analysis object discrimination information by a discrimination information generation unit by using a polarization image indicating a peripheral area of a moving body, and 
     performing discrimination of an object by an image analysis unit by using an image of an image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit to a non-polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body. 
     A vehicle control system according to a third aspect of the present technology includes 
     a discrimination information generation unit configured to generate analysis object discrimination information by using a polarization image indicating a peripheral area of a vehicle, 
     an image analysis unit configured to perform discrimination of an object by using an image of an image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit to a non-polarization image indicating the peripheral area of a moving body, and 
     a driving system control unit configured to perform a vehicle traveling control unit on the basis of a discrimination result of the object in the image analysis unit. 
     Advantageous Effect of Invention 
     According to the present technology, the analysis object discrimination information is generated by the discrimination information generation unit by using the polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body. The image analysis unit performs the discrimination of the object by using the image of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit on the non-polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body. Therefore, the determination of the presence of the object can be efficiently performed from an image of the peripheral area of the moving body. Note that the effect described in the present specification is merely illustrative and not limited thereto, and there may be additional effects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram exemplifying an outline configuration of a vehicle control system. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an installation example of an image acquisition unit. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a polarization image acquired by a polarization image acquisition unit. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of a discrimination information generation unit. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a shape and a polarization image of a photographic object. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram exemplifying a relationship between luminance and a polarization angle. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a polarization degree and a zenithal angle. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart exemplifying an operation of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram exemplifying an operation of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of the discrimination information generation unit. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the discrimination information generation unit in a case of using a TOF camera. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram exemplifying an operation of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of the discrimination information generation unit. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram exemplifying an operation of the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram exemplifying an operation of the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart exemplifying an operation of the fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of a sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a diagram exemplifying an operation of the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a diagram exemplifying an operation of a seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described. In an image processing apparatus of the present technology, a polarization image and a non-polarization image indicating a peripheral area of a moving body are acquired. Also, analysis object discrimination information is generated by using the acquired polarization image. Further, discrimination of an object is performed by using an image of an image analysis area set on the basic of the analysis object discrimination information to the non-polarization image. Next, a case in which the moving body is, for example, a vehicle will be described. Note that the description will be made in the following order. 
     1. Vehicle Control System 
     2. Image Processing Apparatus 
     3. First Embodiment 
     4. Second Embodiment 
     5. Third Embodiment 
     6. Fourth Embodiment 
     7 Fifth Embodiment 
     8. Sixth Embodiment 
     9. Seventh Embodiment 
     10. Another Embodiment 
     1. Vehicle Control System 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram exemplifying an outline configuration of a vehicle control system. A vehicle control system  10  includes a plurality of control units and a detection unit connected to each other via a communication network  20 . In an example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the vehicle control system  10  includes a driving system control unit  31 , a body system control unit  32 , a battery control unit  33 , an outer-vehicle information detection unit  34 , and an integrated control unit  40 . The communication network  20  may be an on-vehicle communication network conforming to an arbitrary standard such as a CAN (Controller Area Network), a LIN (Local Interconnect Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), or a FlexRay (registered trademark), for example. Also, an input unit  51 , a voice output unit  52 , and a display unit  53  are connected to the integrated control unit  40 . 
     Each control unit includes a microcomputer that performs arithmetic processing in accordance with various programs, a storage unit that stores programs executed by the microcomputer, parameters used for various operations, or the like, and a driving circuit that drives various devices to be controlled. 
     The driving system control unit  31  controls an operation of devices related to a driving system of vehicles in accordance with various programs. For example, the driving system control unit  31  functions as a driving force generation device for generating a driving force of vehicles of an internal-combustion engine, a motor for driving, or the like, a driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force to wheels, and a steering mechanism for adjusting a rudder angle of vehicles. Also, the driving system control unit  31  may have functions as a control device such as a damping device etc. that generate a damping force of vehicles, and as a control device such as an ABS (Antilock Brake System) or an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) 
     A vehicle state detection unit  311  is connected to the driving system control unit  31 . In the vehicle state detection unit  311 , for example, at least one of a gyro sensor that detects an angular velocity of an axial rotational motion of vehicles, an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration of vehicles, and a sensor for detecting an operation amount of an accelerator pedal, an operation amount of a brake pedal, a steering angle of a steering wheel, the number of an engine rotational speed, a traveling speed, and the like is included. The driving system control unit  31  performs arithmetic processing by using signals input from the vehicle state detection unit  311  and controls an internal-combustion engine, a motor for driving, an electric power steering device, a brake device, or the like. 
     The body system control unit  32  controls operations of various devices provided on a vehicle body in accordance with various programs. For example, the body system control unit  32  functions as a control device of a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or various lamps such as a head lamp, a back lamp, a brake lamp, a turn signal, or a fog lamp. In this case, in the body system control unit  32 , radio waves transmitted from a mobile device that is substituted for a key or signals of various switches can be input. The body system control unit  32  receives these inputs of radio waves or signals and controls a door lock device, a power window device, lamps, and the like of vehicles. 
     The battery control unit  33  controls a secondary cell  331  that is a power supply source of the motor for driving in accordance with various programs. In the battery control unit  33 , for example, information related to a battery temperature, a battery output voltage, a residual capacity of the battery, or the like is input from a battery device provided with the secondary cell  331 . The battery control unit  33  performs arithmetic processing by using these signals, and performs temperature regulation control of the secondary cell  331  or control of a cooling device etc. provided in the battery device. 
     The outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  detects external information of the vehicle on which the vehicle control system  10  is mounted. The outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  includes an image acquisition unit  341 , a discrimination information generation unit  342 , and an image analysis unit  344 . The image acquisition unit  341  has a camera that acquires a polarization image, a TOF (Time Of Flight) camera capable of measurement, a stereo camera, or the like. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an installation example of the image acquisition unit. For example, the image acquisition unit  341  is installed in at least one position of a front nose, side mirrors, a rear bumper, a back door, and an upper portion of a windshield in the vehicle interior of a vehicle  80 . An image acquisition unit  341 A installed in the front nose and an image acquisition unit  341 B installed in the upper portion of the windshield in the vehicle interior mainly acquire images before the vehicle  80 . Image acquisition units  341 C and  341 D installed in the side mirrors mainly acquire images on the sides of the vehicle  80 . An image acquisition unit  341 E installed in the rear bumper or back door mainly acquires images after the vehicle  80 . In addition, in  FIG. 2 , an example of photographing ranges of respective image acquisition units  341 A to  341 E is illustrated. A capturing range ARa indicates a capturing range of the image acquisition unit  341 A installed in the front nose and a capturing range ARb indicates a capturing range of the image acquisition unit  341 B installed in the upper portion of the windshield in the vehicle interior. Capturing ranges ARc and ARd indicate capturing ranges of the image acquisition units  341 C and  341 D installed in the side mirrors individually, and a capturing range ARe indicates a capturing range of the image acquisition unit  341 E installed in the rear bumper or back door. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  outputs an image obtained by capturing a peripheral area of the vehicle by the image acquisition unit  341  to the discrimination information generation unit  342  and the image analysis unit  344 . The discrimination information generation unit  342  performs a detection of a road surface, calculation of a braking distance, or the like on the basis of the image obtained by the image acquisition unit  341  and generates the analysis object discrimination information indicating a detection result of the road surface, a calculation result of the braking distance, or the like to output the analysis object discrimination information to the image analysis unit  344 . 
     The image analysis unit  344  performs an image analysis by using an image of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit  342  on the non-polarization image obtained by the image acquisition unit  341  and performs determination of an object such as an obstacle. A determination result of the object is information usable for traveling of vehicles and the image analysis unit  344  outputs the determination result of the object to the integrated control unit  40 . In addition, the image analysis unit  344  may be installed in the integrated control unit  40  and in the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34 , the image or a combination of the image and the analysis object discrimination information may be output to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 . 
     The input unit  51 , the voice output unit  52 , and the display unit  53  are connected to the integrated control unit  40 . The input unit  51  is implemented by a device capable of an input operation by a passenger, for example, a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a switch, a lever, or the like. The input unit  51  generates an input signal on the basis of the information input by the passenger etc. and outputs the input signal to the integrated control unit  40 . 
     The voice output unit  52  outputs voices based on voice signals from the integrated control unit  40  and thereby auditorily notifies the passenger of the vehicle of the information. The display unit  53  performs an image display on the basis of image signals from the integrated control unit  40  and visually notifies the passenger of the vehicle of the information. 
     The integrated control unit  40  has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The ROM (Read Only Memory) stores various programs executed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM (Random Access Memory) stores information related to various parameters, operation results, sensor values, or the like. The CPU executes various programs stored in the ROM and controls the entire operations in the vehicle control system  10  in accordance with input signals from the input unit  51 , information acquired by communication with each of the control units and the detection unit via the communication network  20 , the information stored in the RAM, and the like. Also, the integrated control unit  40  generates a voice signal indicating information of which the passenger of the vehicle is auditorily notified to output the voice signal to the voice output unit  52  and generates an image signal indicating information of which the passenger of the vehicle is visually notified to output the image signal to the display unit  53 . Also, the integrated control unit  40  may have a communication interface that performs communication with various devices present in an external environment or other vehicles, etc., a measuring unit that generates positional information including a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude of the vehicle, or the like. 
     In addition, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , at least two control units connected via the communication network  20  may be integrated into a single control unit. Alternatively, each individual control unit may be configured by a plurality of control units. Further, the vehicle control system  10  may include other control units not illustrated. Also, in the foregoing descriptions, a part or all of functions born by any control units may be given to the other control units. That is, when information is transmitted and received via the communication network  20 , predetermined arithmetic processing may be performed by any control unit. 
     2. Image Processing Apparatus 
     Next, an embodiment in a case in which the image processing apparatus of the present technology is applied to the outer-vehicle information detection unit of the vehicle control system illustrated in  FIG. 1  as described above will be described. 
     3. First Embodiment 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a configuration of a first embodiment. The outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  includes an image acquisition unit  341 - 1 , a discrimination information generation unit  342 - 1 , and an image analysis unit  344 - 1 . Also, the image acquisition unit  341 - 1  includes a polarization image acquisition unit  3411  that acquires the polarization image and a non-polarization image acquisition unit  3412  that acquires the non-polarization image. 
     The polarization image acquisition unit  3411  acquires a plurality of polarization images different in the polarization direction, for example, the polarization image in which the polarization direction is three or more directions.  FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating the polarization image acquired by the polarization image acquisition unit  3411 . As illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 4 , for example, the polarization image is generated by arranging a polarizing filter PLF in which pixels are configured in an image sensor IMS in the polarization direction of three or more directions and performing capturing. In addition, in (a) of  FIG. 4 , a case in which the polarizing filter PLF in which each pixel is any pixel in four different types of polarization directions (the polarization direction is indicated by an arrow) is arranged on a plane of incidence of the image sensor IMS is exemplified. Also, as illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 4 , the polarization image may be generated by installing polarizing plates PL 1  to PL 4  different in the polarization direction in front of cameras CM 1  to CM 4  and performing the capturing by the cameras CM 1  to CM 4 . Further, as illustrated in (c) of  FIG. 4 , the plurality of polarization images different in the polarization direction may be generated by using a configuration of a multi-lens array. For example, a lens LZ is provided in plurality (four pieces in the figure) on a front surface of the image sensor IMS and an optical image of a photographic object is individually formed on a capturing surface of the image sensor IMS by each lens LZ. Also, the polarizing plate PL is provided on the front surface of each lens LZ and the polarization direction of the polarizing plate PL is set to a different direction. Such a configuration permits the polarization image different in the polarization direction to be generated by the image sensor IMS. 
     The non-polarization image acquisition unit  3412  acquires the non-polarization image. The non-polarization image acquisition unit  3412  performs the capturing without providing the polarizing plate or the polarizing filter on the plane of incidence of the image sensor to thereby generate the non-polarization image. Also, the non-polarization image acquisition unit  3412  may generate the non-polarization image from the polarization image acquired by the polarization image acquisition unit  3411 . When a color filter is not used by the polarization image acquisition unit  3411 , a luminance polarization image can be acquired. Here, in a case of (a) of  FIG. 4 , for example, luminance of four pixels adjacent to each other in a direction different in the polarization direction is averaged and thereby an image in the same manner as in a normal luminance image of the non-polarized light can be acquired. Also, in a case of (b) of  FIG. 4 , luminance of the luminance polarization images different in the polarization direction in each pixel is averaged and thereby an image in the same manner as in the normal luminance image of the non-polarized light can be acquired. Further, in a case of (c) of  FIG. 4 , when a distance between the lenses LZ is negligible short as compared with a distance up to the photographic object, a parallax is negligible in the plurality of polarization images different in the polarization direction. Therefore, the luminance of the polarization images different in the polarization direction is averaged and thereby an image in the same manner as in the normal luminance image of the non-polarized light can be acquired. Also, in a case where the parallax is not negligible, the polarization images different in the polarization direction are positioned in accordance with a parallax amount and, when the luminance of the polarization images is averaged after the positioning, an image in the same manner as in the normal luminance image of the non-polarized light can be acquired. 
       FIG. 5  exemplifies a configuration of the discrimination information generation unit. The discrimination information generation unit  342 - 1  includes a normal line detection unit  3421  and a road surface determination unit  3422 . The normal line detection unit  3421  detects a normal line from the plurality of polarization images different in the polarization direction acquired by the polarization image acquisition unit  3411 . 
     Here, a shape and the polarization image of the photographic object will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , for example, illumination of the photographic object OB is performed by using a light source LT and the camera CM performs the capturing of the photographic object OB via the polarizing plate PL. In this case, in a captured image, the luminance of the photographic object OB is changed in accordance with the polarization direction of the polarizing plate PL. In addition, for ease of description, for example, the capturing is performed while rotating the polarizing plate PL to thereby acquire the plurality of polarization images and a highest luminance is set to l max  and a lowest luminance is set to l min . Also, when an x axis and a y axis in a two-dimensional coordinate system are present on a plane of the polarizing plate PL, an angle in the y axis direction to the x axis at the time of rotating the polarizing plate PL is set to a polarization angle v. 
     The polarizing plate PL has a period of 180 degrees in which when rotated by 180 degrees, the polarizing plate PL returns to an original polarization state. Also, the polarization angle v at the time when a maximum luminance l max  is observed is set to an azimuth angle α. When such a definition is performed, the luminance l observed at the time of rotating the polarizing plate PL can be represented as in formula (1). In addition,  FIG. 7  exemplifies a relationship between the luminance and the polarization angle. Also, this example indicates a model of diffusion reflection and, in the case of mirror reflection, the azimuth angle is deviated by 90 degrees as compared with the polarization angle. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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     In formula (1), the polarization angle v is evident at the time when the polarization image is generated, and the maximum luminance l max , a minimum luminance l min , and the azimuth angle α are variables. Therefore, by using the luminance of the polarization image in which the polarization direction is three or more directions, fitting to a model formula represented in formula (1) is performed and thereby the azimuth angle α that is the polarization angle as the maximum luminance can be discriminated on the basis of the model formula representing a relationship between the luminance and the polarization angle. 
     Also, a normal line on an object surface is represented by a polar coordinate system and the normal line is set to the azimuth angle α and a zenithal angle θ. In addition, the zenithal angle θ is set to an angle from a z axis to the normal line and the azimuth angle α is set to an angle in the y axis direction to the x axis as described above. Here, when the minimum luminance l min  and the maximum luminance l max  are obtained at the time of rotating the polarizing plate PL, a polarization degree ρ can be calculated on the basis of formula (2). 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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     In the case of the diffusion reflection, a relationship between the polarization degree and the zenithal angle is, for example, known to have characteristics illustrated in  FIG. 8  from Fresnel&#39;s formula. Therefore, the zenithal angle θ can be discriminated on the basis of the polarization degree ρ from the characteristics illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In addition, the characteristics illustrated in  FIG. 8  are illustrative and the characteristics are changed depending on a refractive index etc. of the photographic object. For example, as the refractive index grows larger, the polarization degree becomes larger. 
     The normal line detection unit  3421  calculates the azimuth angle α and the zenithal angle θ for each pixel in this way and outputs, as a normal line detection result, a normal line for each pixel indicating the calculated azimuth angle α and zenithal angle θ to the road surface determination unit  3422 . 
     On the basis of the normal line detection result from the normal line detection unit  3421 , the road surface determination unit  3422  sets, to the road surface, a continuous area in which the normal direction is present in a predetermined angle range in the horizontal direction on the basis of the vertical direction of the vehicle  80 . The discrimination information generation unit  342  outputs the analysis object discrimination information indicating the detection result of the road surface to the image analysis unit  344 - 1 . 
     The image analysis unit  344 - 1  performs the image analysis of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit  342 - 1  on the non-polarization image obtained by the image acquisition unit  341 - 1 . Specifically, the image analysis unit  344 - 1  performs the image analysis using, as the image analysis area, an area detected as the road surface in the non-polarization image and performs the determination of the obstacle etc. In addition, in order to facilitate detection of the obstacle positioned at the end of the road surface, the image analysis unit  344 - 1  may set the image analysis area to be widened in the horizontal direction on the basis of the area of the road surface. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the first embodiment. In step ST 1 , the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  acquires the captured image. The image acquisition unit  341 - 1  of the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  acquires the polarization image and non-polarization image obtained by capturing the peripheral area of the vehicle  80  and proceeds to step ST 2 . 
     In step ST 2 , the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  generates the analysis object discrimination information. On the basis of the polarization image acquired in step ST 1 , for example, the discrimination information generation unit  342 - 1  of the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  generates the analysis object discrimination information indicating a road surface detection result and proceeds to step ST 3 . 
     In step ST 3 , the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  performs the image analysis. The image analysis unit  344 - 1  of the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  performs the image analysis of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated in step ST 2  on the non-polarization image acquired in step ST 1 . That is, the image analysis unit  344 - 1  performs the image analysis using, as the image analysis area, an area detected as the road surface in the non-polarization image. 
       FIG. 10  exemplifies an operation of the first embodiment. Also, (a) of  FIG. 10  exemplifies the non-polarization image acquired by the image acquisition unit  341 - 1 . Also, (b) of  FIG. 10  illustrates, by an arrow, the normal direction detected by the discrimination information generation unit  342 - 1 . The discrimination information generation unit  342 - 1  generates the analysis object discrimination information indicating the road surface detection result using, as the road surface, a continuous area in which the normal direction is an approximately vertical direction toward the vehicle  80 . Also, (c) of  FIG. 10  illustrates the image analysis area for performing the image analysis by the image analysis unit  344 - 1 . The image analysis unit  344 - 1  sets, to an image analysis area AN, an area detected as the road surface or an area obtained by widening the area detected as the road surface from side to side on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information. 
     According to the first embodiment as described above, since the road surface can be accurately detected, when the image analysis area is set on the basis of the detected road surface, the detection of the obstacle etc. can be efficiently performed. 
     4. Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a configuration of a second embodiment. The outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  includes an image acquisition unit  341 - 2 , a discrimination information generation unit  342 - 2 , and an image analysis unit  344 - 2 . Also, the image acquisition unit  341 - 2  includes a polarization image acquisition unit  3411  that acquires the polarization image, the non-polarization image acquisition unit  3412  that acquires the non-polarization image, and a distance detection image acquisition unit  3413 . 
     The polarization image acquisition unit  3411  generates the polarization image and outputs the polarization image to the discrimination information generation unit  342  similarly to the first embodiment. The non-polarization image acquisition unit  3412  generates the non-polarization image and outputs the non-polarization image to the image analysis unit  344 - 2  similarly to the first embodiment. 
     The distance detection image acquisition unit  3413  acquires an image usable for the detection of a distance and outputs the image to the discrimination information generation unit  342 - 2 . The distance detection image acquisition unit  3413  is, for example, configured by a stereo camera and the like and outputs a right viewpoint image and a left viewpoint image acquired by the distance detection image acquisition unit  3413  to the discrimination information generation unit  342 . 
       FIG. 12  exemplifies a configuration of the discrimination information generation unit. The discrimination information generation unit  342 - 2  includes a road surface roughness detection unit  3423 , a distance detection unit  3424 , a traveling speed detection unit  3425 , and a braking distance information generation unit  3426 . 
     The road surface roughness detection unit  3423  detects a road surface roughness by using the polarization image generated by the polarization image acquisition unit  3411 . The road surface roughness detection unit  3423  detects, for example, the road surface roughness from an intensity distribution of horizontal and vertical polarization components in the same manner as in JP 1999-230898A by using a horizontal polarization image and a vertical polarization image generated by the polarization image acquisition unit  3411 . The road surface roughness detection unit  3423  outputs a detection result of the road surface roughness to the braking distance information generation unit  3426 . 
     The distance detection unit  3424  detects a distance up to the photographic object positioned in the capturing direction from the image acquired by the distance detection image acquisition unit  3413 , for example, the right viewpoint image and the left viewpoint image and outputs the distance information indicating the detection result to the braking distance information generation unit  3426 . 
     The traveling speed detection unit  3425  detects a traveling speed of the vehicle  80  and outputs speed information indicating the detection result to the braking distance information generation unit  3426 . In addition, traveling information may be acquired from the vehicle state detection unit  311  connected to the driving system control unit  31 . 
     The braking distance information generation unit  3426  calculates the braking distance of the vehicle  80  on the basis of the road surface roughness detected by the road surface roughness detection unit  3423  and the traveling speed detected by the traveling speed detection unit  3425 . Also, the braking distance information generation unit  3426  discriminates a position separated before by the braking distance on the basis of the distance detection result of the distance detection unit  3424  and outputs braking distance information indicating the discrimination result to the image analysis unit  344 - 2 . 
     The image analysis unit  344 - 2  performs the image analysis of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit  342 - 2  on the non-polarization image obtained by the image acquisition unit  341 - 2 . Specifically, the image analysis unit  344 - 2  performs the image analysis using, as the image analysis area, an area up to a position separated before by the braking distance in the non-polarization image and performs the determination of the obstacle etc. 
     Also, in a case where a TOF camera is, for example, used in the distance detection image acquisition unit  3413 , the discrimination information generation unit  342 - 2  takes a configuration illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this case, the braking distance information generation unit  3426  calculates the braking distance of the vehicle  80  on the basis of the road surface roughness detected by the road surface roughness detection unit  3423  and the traveling speed detected by the traveling speed detection unit  3425 . Also, the braking distance information generation unit  3426  discriminates a position separated before by the braking distance on the basis of the distance information acquired by the TOF camera and outputs the braking distance information indicating the discrimination result to the image analysis unit  344 - 2 . 
     In the second embodiment configured as described above, processing is performed similarly to the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 9  and the analysis object discrimination information indicating a position separated by the braking distance is generated in the generation of the analysis object discrimination information. Also, in the image analysis, an area up to a position separated before by the braking distance in the non-polarization image is set to the image analysis area. 
       FIG. 14  exemplifies an operation of the second embodiment. Also, (a) of  FIG. 14  exemplifies the non-polarization image acquired by the image acquisition unit  341 - 2 . Also, (b) of  FIG. 14  exemplifies the image analysis area in which the image analysis is performed by the image analysis unit  344 - 2 . The image analysis unit  344 - 2  sets, to the image analysis area AN, an area up to a position separated before by the braking distance on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information. 
     According to the second embodiment as described above, the image analysis area can be set in accordance with the braking distance and therefore the obstacle etc. that need to be immediately detected can be efficiently detected. 
     5. Third Embodiment 
     A third embodiment is configured as a case in which the first and second embodiments are combined. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a configuration of the third embodiment. The outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  includes an image acquisition unit  341 - 3 , a discrimination information generation unit  342 - 3 , and an image analysis unit  344 - 3 . Also, the image acquisition unit  341 - 3  includes a polarization image acquisition unit  3411  that acquires the polarization image, the non-polarization image acquisition unit  3412  that acquires the non-polarization image, and the distance detection image acquisition unit  3413 . 
       FIG. 16  exemplifies a configuration of the discrimination information generation unit. The discrimination information generation unit  342 - 3  includes the normal line detection unit  3421 , the road surface determination unit  3422 , the road surface roughness detection unit  3423 , the distance detection unit  3424 , the traveling speed detection unit  3425 , and the braking distance information generation unit  3426 . 
     The normal line detection unit  3421  detects a normal line from the plurality of polarization images different in the polarization direction acquired by the polarization image acquisition unit  3411 . The road surface determination unit  3422  detects the road surface on the basis of the normal line detection result from the normal line detection unit  3421  and outputs, as the analysis object discrimination information, the detection result of the road surface to the image analysis unit  344 - 3 . 
     The road surface roughness detection unit  3423  performs the detection of the road surface roughness by using the polarization image generated by the polarization image acquisition unit  3411  and outputs the detection result to the braking distance information generation unit  3426 . The distance detection unit  3424  performs the detection of a distance by using the image acquired by the distance detection image acquisition unit  3413  and outputs the distance information indicating the detection result to the braking distance information generation unit  3426 . The traveling speed detection unit  3425  detects the traveling speed of the vehicle  80  and outputs the speed information indicating the detection result to the braking distance information generation unit  3426 . 
     The braking distance information generation unit  3426  calculates the braking distance of the vehicle  80  on the basis of the road surface roughness detected by the road surface roughness detection unit  3423  and the traveling speed detected by the traveling speed detection unit  3425 . Also, the braking distance information generation unit  3426  outputs the braking distance information indicating a position separated before by the braking distance to the image analysis unit  344 - 3  on the basis of the calculated braking distance and the distance information generated by the distance detection unit  3424  or the TOF camera. 
     The image analysis unit  344 - 3  performs the image analysis of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit  342 - 3  on the non-polarization image obtained by the image acquisition unit  341 - 3 . Specifically, the image analysis unit  344 - 3  performs the image analysis using, as the image analysis area, an area that is detected as the road surface and that is up to a position separated before by the braking distance on the non-polarization image and performs the determination of the obstacle etc. In addition, in order to facilitate detection of the obstacle positioned at the end of the road surface, the image analysis unit  344 - 3  may set the image analysis area to be widened in the horizontal direction on the basis of the area detected as the road surface. 
     In the third embodiment configured as described above, the processing is performed similarly to the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 9 , and the road surface detection result and the analysis object discrimination information indicating a position separated by the braking distance are generated in the generation of the analysis object discrimination information. Also, in the image analysis, an area that is detected as the road surface and that is up to a position separated before by the braking distance on the non-polarization image is set to the image analysis area. 
       FIG. 17  exemplifies an operation of the third embodiment. Also, (a) of  FIG. 17  exemplifies the non-polarization image acquired by the image acquisition unit  341 - 3 . Also, (b) of  FIG. 17  exemplifies the image analysis area in which the image analysis is performed by the image analysis unit  344 - 3 . On the basis of the analysis object discrimination information, the image analysis unit  344 - 3  sets, to the image analysis area AN, an area that is detected as the road surface and that is up to a position separated before by the braking distance. 
     According to the third embodiment as described above, the image analysis area can be set to the road surface in accordance with the braking distance and therefore the obstacle etc. that need to be immediately detected on the road surface can be efficiently detected. 
     6. Fourth Embodiment 
     Meanwhile, possibly, when it takes time for processing performed in the image analysis unit, the obstacle etc. on the road surface cannot be detected in real time during traveling of the vehicle. Also, when the detection of the obstacle etc. is performed even in other positions regardless of the road surface, the traveling can be performed more safely. In order to solve problems, in a fourth embodiment, a case in which the image analysis unit is provided in plurality will be described. 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of the fourth embodiment and three image analysis units are provided. The outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  includes an image acquisition unit  341 - a , a discrimination information generation unit  342 - a , and image analysis units  344 - a ,  344 - b , and  344 - c.    
     The image acquisition unit  341 - a  and the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  are configured similarly to any of the foregoing first to third embodiments. 
     The image analysis units  344 - a ,  344 - b , and  344 - c  perform an area division on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  and perform the image analysis of a division area on the non-polarization image acquired by the non-polarization image acquisition unit while being shared by the plurality of image analysis units. 
     In the fourth embodiments configured as described above, the processing is performed similarly to the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 9  and, in the image analysis, the non-polarization image is divided on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information and the image analysis of the division area is performed while being shared by the plurality of image analysis units. 
       FIG. 19  exemplifies an operation of the fourth embodiment. Also, (a) of  FIG. 19  exemplifies the non-polarization image acquired by the image acquisition unit  341 - a . Also, (b) of  FIG. 19  exemplifies the image analysis area in which the image analysis is performed by the image analysis units  344 - a  to  344 - c . On the basis of the analysis object discrimination information, the image analysis units  344 - a  and  344 - b  perform the image analysis of an image analysis area ANab in an area AS-ab up to a position separated before by the braking distance. Also, the image analysis unit  344 - c  performs the image analysis of an image analysis area ANc in a remaining area AS-c different from the area AS-ab. 
     According to the fourth embodiment as described above, the image analysis can be performed while being shared by the plurality of image analysis units, and therefore the obstacle etc. on the road surface can be further efficiently detected. Also, when more image analysis units are allocated to the image analysis area in an area up to a position separated before by the braking distance, detection of the obstacle having high immediacy can be further efficiently performed. 
     7. Fifth Embodiment 
     In the foregoing first to fourth embodiments, a case in which the image analysis unit is provided in the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  is exemplified; however, not limited to the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34 , the image analysis may be performed by other control units. In this case, the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  outputs the non-polarization image to the other control units via the communication network  20 . Also, possibly, since a communication speed of the communication network  20  is determined by the standard, when there increases a data amount of the image transferred from the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  to the other control units that perform the image analysis, it takes time for the transfer and therefore communication between the other control units cannot be promptly performed. Accordingly, in the captured image, the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  outputs only an image of an area as an object of the image analysis to the other control units. Hereinafter, a case in which the image analysis is performed by the integrated control unit  40  will be described. 
       FIG. 20  exemplifies a configuration of a fifth embodiment. The outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  includes the image acquisition unit  341 - a , the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a , and an image transfer unit  346 - 1 . The image acquisition unit  341 - a  and the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  are configured similarly to any of the foregoing first to third embodiments. 
     The image acquisition unit  341 - a  generates the polarization image etc. and outputs the polarization image etc. to the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a . Also, the image acquisition unit  341 - a  generates the non-polarization image and outputs the non-polarization image to the image transfer unit  346 - 1 . The discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  generates the analysis object discrimination information by using the polarization image etc. supplied from the image acquisition unit  341 - a  and outputs the analysis object discrimination information to the image transfer unit  346 - 1 . 
     On the basis of the analysis object discrimination information supplied from the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a , the image transfer unit  346 - 1  sets the image analysis area in which the image analysis is performed on the non-polarization image supplied from the image acquisition unit  341 - a . Also, the image transfer unit  346 - 1  transfers the set image of the image analysis area to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 . The integrated control unit  40  performs the image analysis by using the image supplied from the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  and performs the detection of the obstacle etc. In addition, in a case where the transfer of the image is performed in units of lines, the image transfer unit  346 - 1  transfers the image of lines including the image analysis area. 
     For example, in a case where the analysis object discrimination information supplied from the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  indicates the road surface detection result, the image transfer unit  346 - 1  sets, to the image analysis area, the area detected as the road surface and transfers the image of the image analysis area to the integrated control unit  40 . Also, in a case where the analysis object discrimination information supplied from the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  indicates the road surface detection result, the image transfer unit  346 - 1  sets an area within the braking distance to the image analysis area and transfers the image of the image analysis area to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 . 
     Further, the analysis object discrimination information supplied from the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  indicates the road surface detection result and the braking distance information, the image transfer unit  346 - 1  sets, to the image analysis area, an area etc. that are present within the braking distance and are detected as the road surface. The image transfer unit  346 - 1  transfers the image of the image analysis area to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 . 
       FIG. 21  is a flowchart exemplifying an operation of the fifth embodiment. In step ST 11 , the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  acquires the captured image. The image acquisition unit  341 - a  of the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  acquires the polarization image and non-polarization image obtained by capturing the peripheral area of the vehicle  80  and proceeds to step ST 12 . 
     In step ST 12 , the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  generates the analysis object discrimination information. The discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  of the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  generates the analysis object discrimination information on the basis of the polarization image acquired in step ST 11  and proceeds to step ST 13 . 
     In step ST 13 , the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  transfers the image. The image transfer unit  346 - 1  of the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  transfers the image of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated in step ST 12  relative to the non-polarization image acquired in step ST 11  to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20  and proceeds to step ST 14 . 
     In step ST 14 , the integrated control unit  40  performs the image analysis. The image analysis unit of the integrated control unit  40  performs the image analysis by using the non-polarization image transmitted from the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  in step ST 13 . 
     According to the fifth embodiment as described above, in a case where the image analysis is performed by the other control units etc. connected via the outer-vehicle information detection unit and the communication network, an image of the area in which the image analysis is performed is transmitted via the communication network  20 . Accordingly, the data amount to be transferred can be reduced as compared with a case in which the whole non-polarization image is transferred. 
     8. Sixth Embodiment 
     In a sixth embodiment, a case in which the image acquisition unit that captures different peripheral areas is provided is exemplified. For example, a case in which the image acquisition units  341 A,  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E illustrated in  FIG. 2  are provided will be described. 
       FIG. 22  exemplifies a configuration of the sixth embodiment. The outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  includes the image acquisition units  341 A,  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E, a discrimination information generation unit  342 - b , and an image transfer unit  346 - 2 . The image acquisition units  341 A,  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E correspond to the image acquisition unit  341 - a  according to the fifth embodiment described using  FIG. 20 . The discrimination information generation unit  342 - b  provides the function of the discrimination information generation unit  342 - a  according to the fifth embodiment for each of the image acquisition units  341 A,  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E. 
     The image acquisition units  341 A,  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E generate the polarization image etc. and output the polarization image etc. to the discrimination information generation unit  342 - b . Also, the image acquisition units  341 A,  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E generate the non-polarization image and output the non-polarization image to the image transfer unit  346 - 2 . 
     For each of the image acquisition units  341 A,  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E, the discrimination information generation unit  342 - b  generates the analysis object discrimination information by using the polarization image etc. supplied from the image acquisition unit and outputs the analysis object discrimination information to the image transfer unit  346 - 2 . 
     On the basis of the analysis object discrimination information supplied from the discrimination information generation unit  342 - b , the image transfer unit  346 - 2  discriminates, as an image to be transferred, the non-polarization image on which the image analysis is performed. On the basis of the analysis object discrimination information, for example, the image transfer unit  346 - 2  sets the non-polarization image in which the road surface is detected to an image to be transferred. Also, in a case where the braking distance is longer than a determined distance, the image transfer unit  346 - 2  may set the non-polarization image before and after the traveling direction to an image to be transferred. The image transfer unit  346 - 2  transfers the discriminated image to be transferred along with the analysis object discrimination information to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 . Also, on the basis of the received image and analysis object discrimination information, the image analysis unit of the integrated control unit  40  performs the image analysis by using the image of the image analysis area. 
     In the sixth embodiment configured as described above, the processing is performed similarly to the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 21 ; further, in the transfer of the image, the non-polarization image including the image analysis area based on the analysis object discrimination information is transferred along with analysis area discrimination information. 
       FIG. 23  exemplifies an operation of the sixth embodiment. Also, (a) of  FIG. 23  exemplifies the non-polarization image acquired by the image acquisition unit  341 A. Also, (b), (c), and (d) of  FIG. 23  individually exemplify the non-polarization images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E. Here, it is assumed in the images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 A and  341 E that the road surface is detected and the braking distance is calculated. Also, it is assumed in the images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 C and  341 D that the road surface is not detected. In this case, the image transfer unit  346  transfers, as the image to be transferred, the images in which positions of the road surface and the braking distance are indicated, specifically, the non-polarization images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 A and  341 E along with the analysis object discrimination information to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 . On the basis of the received image and analysis object discrimination information, the image analysis unit of the integrated control unit  40  performs the image analysis in the image analysis areas AN and ANB as illustrated in (e) and (f) of  FIG. 23 . When performing such processing, it is possible to detect, by the image analysis, the obstacle that is present near on the road surface as compared with the braking distance or the following vehicle in which a distance between two cars is shorter than the braking distance. 
     According to the sixth embodiment as described above, in a case where the image analysis is performed by the other control units etc. connected via the outer-vehicle information detection unit and the communication network, only images in which the image analysis is performed on the non-polarization images generated by the plurality of image acquisition units are transmitted via the communication network  20 . Therefore, the data mount to be transferred can be reduced as compared with a case in which all images of the non-polarization images generated by respective image acquisition units are transferred. 
     9. Seventh Embodiment 
     In the foregoing sixth embodiment, the image to be transferred discriminated on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information is transferred to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 ; further, the images of the image analysis areas in the images to be transferred may be transferred similarly to the foregoing fifth embodiment. In a seventh embodiment, a case in which the images of the image analysis areas in the images to be transferred are transferred to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20  will be described. 
     In the seventh embodiment, the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  is configured similarly to the sixth embodiment. Here, on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information supplied from the discrimination information generation unit  342 - b , the image transfer unit  346 - 2  discriminates, as the image to be transferred, the non-polarization image on which the image analysis is performed. On the basis of the analysis object discrimination information, for example, the image transfer unit  346 - 2  sets, to the image to be transferred, the non-polarization image in which the road surface is detected. Also, where the braking distance is longer than the determined distance, the image transfer unit  346 - 2  may set, to the image to be transferred, the non-polarization image before and after the traveling direction. 
     Further, the image transfer unit  346 - 2  sets a transfer area to the image to be transferred on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information and transfers an image of the transfer area along with the analysis object discrimination information to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 . In addition, where the transfer of the image is performed in units of lines, the transfer area is set in units of lines. 
     In the seventh embodiment configured as described above, the processing is performed similarly to the flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 21 ; further, in the transfer of the image, the non-polarization image of the transfer area discriminated on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information is transferred along with the analysis object discrimination information. 
       FIG. 24  exemplifies an operation of the seventh embodiment. Also, (a) of  FIG. 24  exemplifies the non-polarization image acquired by the image acquisition unit  341 A. Also, (b), (c), and (d) of  FIG. 24  individually exemplify the non-polarization images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 C,  341 D, and  341 E. Here, it is assumed in the images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 A and  341 E that the road surfaces are detected and the braking distances are calculated. Also, it is assumed in the images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 C and  341 D that the road surface is not detected. In this case, the image transfer unit  346  sets, to the image to be transferred, the images in which positions of the road surface and the braking distance are indicated, specifically, the non-polarization images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 A and  341 E. Further, in a case where the transfer of the image is performed in units of lines, the transfer area is set in units of lines. For example, lines in the area up to the position of the braking distance are set to the transfer area, specifically, images of the transfer area up to the position of the braking distance in the non-polarization images acquired by the image acquisition units  341 A and  341 E are transferred along with the analysis object discrimination information to the integrated control unit  40  via the communication network  20 . On the basis of the received image and analysis object discrimination information, the image acquisition unit of the integrated control unit  40  performs the image analysis by using images of the image analysis areas AN and ANB that are areas of the road surfaces in images of transfer areas ATA and ATE illustrated in (e) and (f) of  FIG. 24 . 
     According to the seventh embodiment as described above, in a case where the image analysis is performed by the other control units etc. connected via the outer-vehicle information detection unit and the communication network, the images of the transfer areas set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information are transmitted via the communication network  20  from the non-polarization images generated by the plurality of image acquisition units. Therefore, the data amount to be transferred can be further reduced as compared with a case in which all the images of the non-polarization images generated by respective image acquisition units are transferred or a case in which the image of the whole image including the image analysis area is transferred. 
     10. Another Embodiment 
     Also, a configuration of the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34  is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. In the discrimination information generation unit, for example, a road surface detection and a road surface roughness detection are performed by using the polarization image. The image analysis unit or the image transfer unit may set the image analysis area on the basis of the detection result of the road surface and the detection result of the road surface roughness and perform the image analysis of the image analysis area or the transfer of the image of the image analysis area. 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 25 , an image analysis control unit  348  may be provided in the outer-vehicle information detection unit  34 . The image analysis control unit  348  generates image analysis control information on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information and transfers the image analysis control information along with the image to the integrated control unit  40 . For example, in a case where the image analysis is performed by using the plurality of image analysis units, the image analysis control information is information for controlling a sort etc. of the images to the plurality of image analysis units. On the basis of the analysis control information from the image analysis control unit, the integrated control unit  40  sorts images to the plurality of image analysis units and performs the image analysis while being shared by the plurality of analysis units similarly to the foregoing fourth embodiment. 
     In addition, in the foregoing embodiments, the analysis object discrimination information is generated from the polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body; further, recognition processing etc. may be performed by using the non-polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body and the analysis object discrimination information may be generated. Also, the detection result of the distance can be used as the analysis object discrimination information. 
     In the above embodiments, a case in which the moving body is a vehicle is described in detail. However, the moving body is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the foregoing image processing apparatus may be provided on a robot and movement control of the robot may be performed on the basis of the image analysis result. Also, the foregoing image processing apparatus may be provided on a marine vessel and discrimination between a land and a water surface may be performed on the basis of the polarization image; further, steering etc. of the marine vessel may be performed on the basis of the image analysis result of the water surface. 
     Also, a series of processing described in the specification can be performed by hardware, software, or both mixed constitutions. In a case where the processing is performed by software, programs in which a processing sequence is recorded are installed in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware and are executed. Alternatively, programs can be installed in a general-purpose computer capable of performing various processing and can be executed. 
     For example, programs can be recorded in advance in a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, programs can be temporarily or permanently stored (recorded) in a removable recording medium such as a flexible disc, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto optical) disc, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-Ray Disc (registered trademark)), a magnetic disc, or a semiconductor memory card. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software. 
     Also, in addition to being installed in the computer from the removable recording medium, the program may be transferred by a radio channel or through a wired line to the computer from a download site through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The computer can receive the program transferred as described above and install the program in a recording medium such as a built-in hard disk. 
     In addition, the effects described in the present specification are merely illustrative and not limited thereto, and there may be additional effects not described. Also, the present technology should not be construed to be limited to the foregoing embodiments of the technology. The embodiments of the technology disclose the present technology in the form of examples and it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present technology. That is, in order to determine the gist of the present technology, the scope of the claims should be considered. 
     Also, the image processing apparatus of the present technology may also take the following configurations. 
     (1) 
     An image processing apparatus including: 
     a discrimination information generation unit configured to generate analysis object discrimination information by using a polarization image indicating a peripheral area of a moving body; and 
     an image analysis unit configured to perform discrimination of an object by using an image of an image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit to a non-polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the moving body. 
     (2) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (1) above, in which 
     the discrimination information generation unit generates the analysis object discrimination information indicating a road surface in the peripheral area of the moving body on the basis of the polarization image, and 
     the image analysis unit sets the image analysis area in accordance with an area of the road surface. 
     (3) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (2) above, in which 
     the discrimination information generation unit sets, to an area of the road surface, a continuous image area in which a direction of a normal line calculated from the polarization image is a vertical direction of the moving body. 
     (4) 
     The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above, in which 
     the discrimination information generation unit generates, as the analysis object discrimination information, information related to a braking distance of the moving body in the peripheral area of the moving body by using the polarization image, and 
     the image analysis unit sets an area within the braking distance as the image analysis area. 
     (5) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (4) above, in which, 
     on the basis of a distance in the non-polarization image and the braking distance calculated from a roughness on a traveling surface and a moving speed, the discrimination information generation unit generates, as the analysis object discrimination information, information indicating an area within the braking distance in the non-polarization image. 
     (6) 
     The image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) above, in which 
     the image analysis unit is provided in plurality, and 
     the plurality of image analysis units share an area in which the non-polarization image is divided on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information and perform discrimination of the object. 
     (7) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (6) above, in which 
     the analysis object discrimination information is information related to the braking distance of the moving body in the peripheral area of the moving body and information indicating the road surface in the peripheral area of the moving body, and 
     the plurality of image analysis units perform discrimination of the object in an area within the braking distance by using many image analysis units as compared with other image areas. 
     (8) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (1) above, in which 
     an image transfer unit that performs a transfer of the non-polarization image is provided, 
     the image analysis unit is connected to the image transfer unit via a communication network, and 
     the image transfer unit controls a transfer of the non-polarization image to the image analysis unit on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit. 
     (9) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (8) above, in which 
     the image transfer unit transfers an image of the image analysis area. 
     (10) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (8) above, in which 
     the discrimination information generation unit generates the analysis object discrimination information by using the polarization image in each capturing direction, and 
     the image transfer unit selects the non-polarization image transferred to the image analysis unit on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit and transfers the selected non-polarization image along with the analysis object discrimination information. 
     (11) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (8) above, in which 
     the discrimination information generation unit generates the analysis object discrimination information by using the polarization image in each capturing direction, and 
     the image transfer unit selects the non-polarization image transferred to the image analysis unit on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit and transfers an image of the image analysis area in the selected non-polarization image along with the analysis object discrimination information. 
     (12) 
     The image processing apparatus according to (8) above, in which 
     an image analysis control unit and the plurality of image analysis units are provided, and 
     the image analysis control unit generates image analysis control information to control that how discrimination of the object to the non-polarization image transferred to the image analysis unit from the image transfer unit is performed by the plurality of image analysis units on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit and transmits the image analysis control information to the image analysis unit along with the non-polarization image. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     According to the image processing apparatus, the image processing method, and the vehicle control system of the present technology, for example, the analysis object discrimination information is generated by the discrimination information generation unit by using the polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the vehicle. The image analysis unit performs the discrimination of an object such as the obstacle etc. on the road surface by using an image of the image analysis area set on the basis of the analysis object discrimination information generated by the discrimination information generation unit to the non-polarization image indicating the peripheral area of the vehicle. Therefore, the determination of the presence of the object can be efficiently performed from an image of the peripheral area of the moving body. Accordingly, for example, it is appropriate for a control system for performing safe driving by an automobile etc. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               10  . . . Vehicle control system 
               20  . . . Communication network 
               31  . . . Driving system control unit 
               32  . . . Body system control unit 
               33  . . . Battery control unit 
               34  . . . Outer-vehicle information detection unit 
               40  . . . Integrated control unit 
               51  . . . Input unit 
               52  . . . Voice output unit 
               53  . . . Display unit 
               80  . . . Vehicle 
               311  . . . Vehicle state detection unit 
               331  . . . Secondary cell 
               341  . . . Image acquisition unit 
               3411  . . . Polarization image acquisition unit 
               3412  . . . Non-polarization image acquisition unit 
               3413  . . . Distance detection image acquisition unit 
               342  . . . Discrimination information generation unit 
               3421  . . . Normal line detection unit 
               3422  . . . Road surface determination unit 
               3423  . . . Road surface roughness detection unit 
               3424  . . . Distance detection unit 
               3425  . . . Traveling speed detection unit 
               3426  . . . Braking distance information generation unit 
               344  . . . Image analysis unit 
               346  . . . Image transfer unit 
               348  . . . Image analysis control unit