JP2000309288A - Stored picture operating device of on-board picture image recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stored picture operating device of an on-board picture image recording system that records operational conditions of a car that is effective in analyzing an accident when the car encountered the accident. SOLUTION: This device comprises a picture image recording means 4, an engine operation detection means 15, a timer means 16 that operates for a predetermined duration by an engine stop signal (a) from the engine operation detection means 15. The device further comprises an operating means 14 which generates an ON signal by an engine start signal (b) from the engine operation detection means 15, and an OFF signal by an operation stop signal (c) from the timer means 16. By this configuration, the operation of the picture image recording means 4 is controlled by the ON and OFF signals from the operating means 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present application describes the movement of a car (hereinafter referred to simply as "self-vehicle") driven by a driver himself and a situation around the car, a part of the self-vehicle, a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the self-car. The image is taken by the image pickup means attached to capture the image, the movement of the own vehicle is recorded as image information, and the driver is aware that all his driving conditions are recorded, and encourages safe driving, Even in the event of a car accident, by recording the image information, it is possible to prove the movement of the own vehicle at the moment of the accident and immediately before the accident, which can be greatly useful for investigating the cause of the accident. The present invention relates to an in-vehicle image recording system for the purpose of raising awareness of the importance of safe driving.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an automobile encounters an accident, a method and apparatus for recording an automobile operation status for recording the status from a certain time before the occurrence of the accident to the occurrence of the accident and providing the data for analysis of the cause of the accident are provided, for example. This is known in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei.

[0003] That is, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 5-20592 (hereinafter referred to as a known example), an outside scene in front of a vehicle is input as image information to a dashboard portion or a position near a radiator grill outside the vehicle. An image input device is further provided.The image input device is operated by starting the engine, and the operation is stopped by a stop signal of the engine. At least one of time, vehicle speed, and acceleration / deceleration data of the vehicle is provided. It comprises a control device configured to receive one piece of data, and a recording device for recording output data from the control device.

[0004]

Nowadays, automobiles are indispensable necessities in human life these days, but they are also murderous weapons, and the number of deaths due to automobile accidents annually is over tens of thousands worldwide. It is estimated that those who are injured in connection with it can be estimated several tens of times. Driving a car has such a terrible danger that it is restricted by granting a legal license.However, once a driver has a license, Regarding whether or not you are driving a car, there is an increase in current car accidents in places where there is only a law and it can not be a proof that you are driving safely just by observing the laws and regulations. It is no exaggeration to say.

[0005] The inventors of the present invention have empirically thought about this problem as follows. In other words, the automobile has come to an era where it is indispensable to the daily life of mankind. Therefore, traffic rules that do not cause car accidents are required.However, at present, no matter how strict the rules of driving a car are, even if the driver's mindset is to prioritize safe driving ahead of a car driving accident, There is no hope for a direction to reduce the amount.

[0006] It is said that once a person starts driving in a car, everyone changes their personality. It is said that this is a place where the driver himself is mentally closed because one door closes the inside of the car and communication with the outside is cut off, so the classroom outside the car is No matter how many times you repeat the course of road traffic regulations, you will be able to drive a car. However, since the manner of driving and the quality of driving depend on the driver's own manner, car accidents do not easily decrease.

[0007] If a car accident occurs, the cause of the accident will be investigated after the accident. Therefore, if a person is unfamiliar with the accident or dies while being a victim, it is felt that the victim is often the cause of the accident. Unfortunately, the lack of a clear proof of what you were driving could even create a climate where it would be better for the perpetrators to avoid the truth rather than testify.

[0008] It is something everyone hopes that there will be no car accidents, and it is often said that this car is driving in compliance with the regulations. I see a car with the words `` Let's go ahead because it is a law-abiding car, '' but if such a car declaring safe driving is related to the accident And even if there is no oversight of the accident on your side, it is how you can prove that you are actually driving like that without a monitoring device.

The cause of an automobile accident is determined by the situation evidence such as the last stopped position, the orientation of each related vehicle, the scratch marks of each car, and the marks of tires left on the road surface. In practice, this is not enough by itself to elucidate the true cause of the accident, and in some cases it can even take the form of a situation where the cause is completely unknown. Therefore, it is assumed that even if you are driving safely without any imperfections at the time of the accident, if you can not prove it, you will be taken only as an escape, and as a result, you will be a cause of a serious accident Is done. Even if you are a true victim, or if you are killed and you are made an assailant after verification, you will be disturbed that there is no way of explanation and that the bereaved will be asked for a large amount of damages It is also assumed that

[0010] By the way, in consideration of a mode in which a car encounters an accident, for example, a car being driven by another person (hereinafter referred to as another car) turns right or left while the vehicle is temporarily stopped at an intersection. Contact accident with another car traveling on the main line while the vehicle is temporarily stopped at the branch point to enter the main line from the branch line, or the vehicle is traveling straight It is extremely important for the investigation of the cause of the accident to determine whether the vehicle has been temporarily stopped at the time of the accident or was traveling straight ahead when the other vehicle approached from the side and caused a collision accident. Is obvious.

Therefore, when encountering an accident, the most important thing is the movement of the vehicle at the moment of the accident and immediately before the accident. That is, it is the movement of the vehicle relative to the road surface that reveals whether the vehicle has been stopped or traveling straight ahead, and this fact is based on a part of the vehicle body and the road surface related to the movement of the vehicle. And a record of the relationship between a part of the vehicle body of the host vehicle and the front, rear or side road surface and the outside scenery.

However, according to the above-described known configuration, the image input device is provided in the vicinity of a dashboard portion, a radiator grill outside the vehicle, or the like, and exclusively captures the outside scene in front of the vehicle.

That is, in the case of the above-mentioned known example, the imaging means
Even if it is possible to image a part of the road surface, the idea is to grasp the relationship between the subject and the vehicle by comprehensively grasping the change in the situation of the outside scene of the vehicle. It is not possible to play a role in monitoring the situation or control the driving method of the driver who drives his own vehicle.
In the unlikely event that the own vehicle encounters an accident, the movement of the own vehicle, which is a very important proof in a direct accident of the own vehicle or a secondary accident that occurs subsequently due to the accident, etc. The material to prove clearly was extremely inadequate and unreliable.

Further, the above-mentioned conventional configuration is configured so that the image recording means is activated by an engine start signal and is stopped by an engine stop signal.
For example, while the engine is stopped for shopping or eating and drinking, the luggage in the car is stolen or the car body is damaged while temporarily away from the car, or the engine is stopped temporarily. The problem is that it is not possible to elucidate the relationship between contact accidents and collision accidents, and this has the disadvantage that no matter how high-performance image recording systems exist, their reliability is significantly lacking. .

[0015] In view of the above, the image recording system for in-vehicle use of the present invention is provided with an imaging means (hereinafter referred to as a camera) mounted so as to capture a part of the body of the vehicle and a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the vehicle. The first purpose is to monitor the own vehicle by always recording the movement of the own vehicle at least while driving, and to control the driving method of the driver who drives the own vehicle It is.

Therefore, the vehicle is equipped with the present system, the operation of the camera is checked at appropriate times, and the system is always operated during driving. The driver's own driving situation is finely and narrowly monitored by photographing the road surface and part of the body of the vehicle and the road surface and the outside scene in front, behind or side of the vehicle, so that it is constantly monitored, The driver himself drives under the monitoring of this system, and the driver himself is conscious of this and always keeps an eye on safe driving without error.

As described above, the present application is a device for constantly monitoring and recording the movement of the vehicle while the vehicle is driving, and aims to leave the record as important evidence in the event of an accident. In order to prevent the equipment from malfunctioning in the event of an accident, and to have an unsatisfactory record for the purpose, it is important to check the equipment whenever possible when driving your own vehicle. is there.

Therefore, it is the most important task to check whether or not each camera is operating normally, and it is necessary to always repeatedly check the operation. For example, even if it has been decided that this monitoring device should always be checked before starting operation, it is not easy to do so every time, and it is necessary to be able to check the operation easily and easily anytime and anywhere. There is.

Therefore, the present application is to inform the user of a malfunction when an accident occurs due to misalignment of the camera direction, contamination of the camera lens by mud or rain, disconnection, malfunction of the camera itself, and the like. In order to ensure that the system was not operated or that it had not been saved later, the system was always operated, that is, the cameras were checked and checked. It is a system with a display function for inspecting by looking at the back when putting it in.

That is, in the system of the present invention, a display means for operation check is provided in the vehicle, and a function for performing an operation test of the camera at an appropriate time is provided. For example, by simply switching the image of an arbitrary camera and displaying it on the display means instantly by simply touching the operation panel at an intersection or the like, the operation test can be always performed while confirming the safety of driving. In other words, the inspection is inevitably performed during normal operation without being aware that the inspection will be performed.

As described above, the present application is a system having a function that is very simple and can always perform inspection. Therefore, by equipping the system of the present invention, while driving a car, lawful and safe driving is always started. This is the most important thing in reducing car accidents.

In the event that an accident is encountered, the driver can drive safely by himself and use a part of the vehicle body and a nearby road surface immediately below the vehicle body and a part of the vehicle body and a front, rear or side road surface. By photographing the outside scene and the outside scene, the present system, in which all the details of the movement of the own vehicle are reliably recorded, can prove the legitimacy of the own driving, so that the driver can drive with a sense of security. Therefore, even if a large amount of cost is paid, it is difficult to replace human life, so by installing this system, it will be a true declaration of safe driving, and normalization of this will ensure thorough safe driving And hopes for something that will significantly reduce car accidents. It is no exaggeration to say that if this system is installed in all vehicles, car accidents will disappear from the world at all.
This is the ultimate goal of the system.

[0023]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a portion of the vehicle body of the own vehicle and a road surface related to the movement of the own vehicle, preferably in the vicinity immediately below the own vehicle. Image pickup means for picking up an image of the road surface (hereinafter the same) and the outside scenery. The image pickup means is operated by operating the engine, and the image is stored. It is characterized by continuing.

Further, there is provided image pickup means for picking up an image of a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle, a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle,
The image pickup means is operated by the operation of the engine, and the image is stored, and this stored state is continued even after the engine is stopped for an arbitrary time set by an artificial operation.

Further, there is provided an image pickup means for picking up an image of a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle and a road surface and an outside scene relating to the movement of the own vehicle, and the image pickup means is operated by operating the engine to store the image. The stored state is automatically maintained for a predetermined period of time after the engine is stopped, or for an arbitrary period of time set by an artificial operation prior to the stopped state.

In the above, preferably, the image storage state can be arbitrarily stopped by a manual operation.
The stopped state of the image storage can be released by an artificial operation.

Further, the present application specifically includes image pickup means for picking up an image of a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle, a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle, and image recording for storing an image by the image pickup means. Means for operating the engine for a predetermined time by stopping the engine; and operating means for generating an image storage start signal when the engine is started and generating an image storage stop signal when the timer is stopped. The operation of the means is controlled by the image storage start signal and the image storage stop signal of the operating means.

In the above, it is preferable that time setting means can be arbitrarily set by a manual operation, and is provided with a time setting means which operates prior to the timer means when the engine is stopped.

Still further, the present invention provides an image recording means which includes an image pickup means for picking up an image of a part of the body of the own vehicle, a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle, Time setting means which can be arbitrarily set by an artificial operation and is activated by stopping the engine;
Operating means for generating an image storage start signal by operation of the engine, and generating an image storage stop signal upon completion of the operation of the time setting means. It is characterized in that control is performed by a storage stop signal.

Further, in the above, preferably, there is provided a stopping means capable of arbitrarily stopping the operation state of the image recording means by a manual operation.

Still further, the stopped state of the image recording means by the above-mentioned stopping means can be released by operating the engine.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. This application, as the type of car,
There are a large car, a normal car, a small car, a mini car, a special car, and the like, and these are all included and those cars that the driver himself drives are hereinafter referred to as own cars P.

In FIG. 1, a horizontal rectangular outline P 'indicates the outline of the vehicle P (ordinary vehicle) projected from above by parallel rays, and is indicated by a cross-hatched line surrounded by the outline P'. The area A corresponds to the area directly below the own vehicle P, and the area B indicated by a one-way diagonal line outside the contour line P ′ indicates the vicinity of the own vehicle P immediately below the vehicle body.

FIGS. 2 and 3 mainly show a part of the body of the vehicle P and a road surface related to the movement of the vehicle P, preferably a vehicle comprising a CCD camera used for a video camera, a digital electronic camera or the like as the imaging means 1. Road-view cameras 1a to 1d that capture images of a road surface in the vicinity immediately below (the same applies hereinafter), a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P, a forward-looking camera 1e that captures an image of the road surface ahead and the outside scene, and the vehicle body of the own vehicle P And a rear view camera 1f that captures an image of a rear road surface and an outside scene. The road surface cameras 1a and 1b are symmetrically attached to the front left and right sides of the roof upper surface of the vehicle P in a downward symmetric manner. Thus, it is possible to capture an image of a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and a road surface in an area near the left and right sides of the vehicle body, and the road surface viewing cameras 1c and 1d are directed downward to the left and right sides behind the roof upper surface of the own vehicle P. Symmetrically attached to the vehicle P The road surface area near the part and the vehicle body of the left and right sides of the body to enable imaging, further road vision camera 1
Images a and 1c and b and 1d can be taken such that the road surfaces in the vicinity of the left and right sides of the vehicle body partially overlap each other.

Further, the direction camera 1e is connected to the own vehicle P
For example, it is attached so as to be directed forward at the center position of the left and right width in front of the ceiling in the vehicle, and is capable of capturing an image of a part of the front of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P, a road surface and an outside scene expanding in the forward direction, and a direction camera. 1f is a plan view and a side view in a case where it is mounted so as to be directed rearward at the center position of the left and right width behind the ceiling of the own vehicle P, and is capable of capturing an image of a rear portion, a road surface expanding in the rearward direction, and an outside scene. Is shown.

As described above, for example, a road shoulder, a guardrail,
The traveling area of the own vehicle P including the outside scenes such as road markings and landscapes is included in an imaging range together with a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P. Therefore, each of these cameras allows the own vehicle P to be in contact with a nearby road surface immediately below the vehicle body. Not only the relationship but also the own vehicle P and its driving environment can be imaged at the same time. This also means that the own vehicle P will encounter detailed information and accidents at the accident site in the event of an accident. The movement of the own vehicle P can be recorded and provided as a material for fairly elucidating the accident.

The arrow in the figure indicates the direction of image pickup by the camera, and D indicates the area of the road surface picked up by the road-view camera.

In the figure, the area indicated by the two arrows extending in a V-shape shows the case where the camera angle of view is about 60 °, but is not limited to this angle.
Considering the sharpness and visibility range near the vehicle body from the disposition location, the easiness of adjustment at the time of mounting, and the lapse of time due to the vibration of the vehicle body, the range of 50 ° to 85 ° is preferably effective.

When the angle of view of the camera is wide, a close object is widely photographed, and when the angle of view is narrow, a distant object can be photographed in a large size. Is done.

Further, the present application is to capture at least a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and a road surface related to the movement of the own vehicle, that is, a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and a nearby road surface directly below the vehicle body and As long as the camera arrangement captures the relationship with the outside scene including the road surface in front of, behind, or on the side, it is natural that a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P enters regardless of the mounted state. In addition,
As another method for imaging the relationship between a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P, a nearby road surface immediately below the vehicle body, and a road surface in front of, behind, or on the side of the own vehicle P and the outside scene, a side mirror projecting from the side surface of the main body of the own vehicle P May be provided with road-view cameras 1a and 1b.

Although not shown, the road-view camera 1a
1 to 1d may be provided with a function of cleaning when the front surface of the lens becomes dirty, and is also effective in a case where the imaging direction can be adjusted from inside or outside of the case by being housed in a waterproof protective case. is there.

FIG. 4 shows the image pickup means 1 and the image storage operation device 3
, Image recording means 4, display means 5, date and time recording means 6
1 shows the configuration of the image recording system of the present application.
The image captured by the imaging unit 1 is stored in the recording unit 8 of the image recording unit (device using a recording medium such as a film, a video tape, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory) 4. Further, the image recording means 4 is provided with date and time recording means 6 for simultaneously recording the imaged date and time on the image captured by the image capturing means 1.

The image recording means 4 includes the image pickup means 1 (1a to 1)
f) is composed of two sets of recording units 8a to 8f and 8a 'to 8f' for storing the images respectively taken in accordance with f), and the image recording means 4 is damaged even if the car encounters an accident, for example. For example, it is built in a housing provided at the lower part of the rear seat, which is less likely to be generated. And the image recording means 4
Is controlled by the operation means 14 of the image storage operation device 3.

One of the recording sections 8a to 8f of the image recording means 4 is housed in a housing which is easy to take out and replace, and which is relatively convenient for transportation, and the other set of recording sections. The portions 8a 'to 8f' are housed in a protective housing that is resistant to breakage and have excellent mechanical strength, and have a slightly decompressed state in which outside air is shut off. Note that, in the present invention, the image recording means 4 is not limited to the above, and it is natural that a method most suitable for the era is adopted.

Further, the display means 5 for checking the operation of the imaging means 1 includes a selection means 9 and two display devices 10.
a and 10b and a composite adapter 11, which is installed, for example, on a dashboard that is most visible to the driver.

This is because the direction of the camera is misaligned, the lens of the camera is dirty by mud or rain, the wire is broken, the camera itself is broken, and so on. The purpose is to always operate the system, that is, to check the inspection of each camera, so that there is no possibility that it was not saved later,
This allows you to check left and right at intersections while driving,
Inspections can be made by looking at the back of the garage.

That is, according to the present invention, a display means for operation check is provided in the vehicle, and a function for performing an operation test of the camera at an appropriate time is provided. For example, at an intersection or the like, an image of an arbitrary camera is instantaneously switched and displayed on the display means 5 by simply touching the operation panel, so that an operation test can be always performed while confirming driving safety. In other words, the inspection can be inevitably performed during normal operation without being aware that the inspection will be performed.

By operating the selection means 9, the display means 5 displays any one of an image captured by each camera, an image synthesized on one screen by the synthesis adapter 11, a television image, and a navigation image. Is displayed on the displays 10a and 10b.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the image storage operation device 3,
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment in which the operation of the image recording means 4 can be maintained for a certain time after the engine is stopped.

That is, the image storage operating device 3 includes, for example, an engine operation detecting means 15 for detecting the start and stop of the operation of the engine using an operation circuit of an engine tachometer, and an engine of the engine operation detecting means 15. The input of the stop signal a, the timer means 16 which operates for a fixed time, for example, one hour, and the input of the engine operation signal b of the engine operation detection means 15 generates an ON signal, that is, an image storage start signal, and the operation of the timer means 16 O by the end signal c
An operation means 14 for generating an FF signal, that is, an image stop signal, controls the operation of the image recording means 4 by an ON / OFF signal of the operation means 14.

When the engine is operated by, for example, an engine key and the engine tachometer is operated, the operating means 14 which is the automatic operating means of the image pickup means 1 and the image recording means 4 is operated by the engine operation detecting means 15 from the engine operation detecting means 15. The signal b is input, an ON signal is generated, and the image pickup means 1 is activated, and the image recording means 4 is activated to activate the image pickup means 1.
Are recorded by the cameras constituting the vehicle, that is, a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and a road surface and an outside scene image related to the movement of the own vehicle, by the recording units 8a to 8f and 8a 'to 8f'.
Is stored together with the date and time information by the date and time recording means 6.

Then, during traveling, for example, by touching the operation panel which is the selection means 9 of the display means 5 provided on the dashboard at an intersection or the like, the display is instantaneously switched to an image of an arbitrary camera, and the display 10a,
It is displayed on 10b, whereby the safety of driving can be confirmed.

That is, by operating the selection means 9 of the display means 5, an image captured by each camera, an image synthesized on one screen by the synthesis adapter 11,
Either the television image or the navigation image is displayed on the displays 10a and 10b.

For example, if the camera shown in FIG. 2 is made to correspond to the camera shown in FIG. 4, the road-view camera 1a and the self-vehicle P mounted on the front left position of the roof of the self-vehicle P when driving to the left when driving. The image captured by the road-view camera 1c attached to the rear left position of the roof is displayed on the displays 10a and 10b by the selection operation of the selection means 9, and the safety of the road surface near the vehicle body is constantly checked, so that this system is always used. It is possible to check and confirm that there is no image reflection or failure.

In addition, if the images synthesized on one screen by the synthesizing adapter 11 are selectively displayed, the operating states of all the cameras can be checked instantaneously. As described above, this is an extremely important function that can inevitably be checked during normal operation without having to be conscious that the check will be performed. .

Further, since the date and time information is commonly stored in each image stored in each recording unit of the image recording means 4, the date and time can be specified in verification after an accident or the like. In addition, when a plurality of images are selected and played back, even if each image has a time lag, it can be easily adjusted according to the date and time information so that there is no time lag. .

In this way, the imaging means 1 continues imaging while the engine is operating, and the image is stored in the image recording means 4.

In this state, when the operation of the engine is stopped, the timer means 16 delays the generation of the OFF signal in the operating means 4 for a certain period of time, for example, one hour by the engine stop signal a from the engine tachometer.

Then, after a predetermined time elapses by the timer means 16, the operation end signal c is inputted to the operation means 14, and the operation means 14 generates an OFF signal, and the imaging means 1 stops the imaging by this OFF signal. The image storage operation of the image recording means 4 is also stopped.

Normally, when the engine is restarted, the image recording is started from the previous image storage stopped state, but it is preferable that a plurality of magnetic tapes be used in the magnetic tape image storage method. In the vicinity of the end of the magnetic tape being stored, image storage is started on the next magnetic tape in the same manner, and the same image is stored on both tapes for a certain period of time. A method of storing images without interruption is adopted.

When the own vehicle P encounters an accident, all or necessary magnetic tapes are pulled out from the recording section 8 of the image recording means 4 and reproduced, and the cause of the accident is clarified. It is provided for the material.

In the above, even if the vehicle P is severely damaged or burned up by an accident, if the recording section 8 of the image recording means 4 is housed in a protective box having excellent mechanical strength, the cause of the accident is Can be achieved without hindrance.

When the image storage state is stopped, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the image information that has already been stored is reproduced and displayed on the displays 10a and 10b of the dashboard, and whether or not the image is normally stored is displayed. Of course, operation check can be performed.

Then, as in the above embodiment, the stored state is
Even after the engine operation is stopped, it is held for a certain period of time by the timer means 16, so that, for example, when the driver's vehicle P is parked in a parking lot for shopping or eating and drinking and the driver temporarily leaves the vehicle P, In the middle of traveling, even when the engine is stopped and the vehicle is temporarily resting on the roadside, the surroundings of the own vehicle P are imaged for a certain period of time after the engine is stopped, and this is stored. For example, while parking
If the vehicle is stolen or the vehicle body is damaged,
Furthermore, the situation in the event of a collision accident or a rear-end collision accident can be recorded. A time chart of this state is as shown in FIG. 6A. Level H indicates the image storage state, and level L indicates the image storage stop state. In this case, if the engine is started again during the operation of the timer after the engine is stopped, the image is stored in accordance with the operation signal b, and the timer is canceled.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the operation of the image recording means 4 is maintained for a certain period of time, for example, one hour after the engine is stopped. The second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is different from the first embodiment. Is provided with a time setting means 17 so that the operation of the image recording means 4 can be arbitrarily set at any time after the engine is stopped, for example, according to the scheduled time of leaving or resting the vehicle P. Shows the case.

Specifically, the time setting means 17 includes a setting element 18 for setting each state of, for example, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, and endless (indefinite time). Therefore, when a mark "2" for designating two hours on the operation panel, for example, of the arbitrary setting element 18 described above is selected and operated, the set time of two hours becomes
It is stored in the time setting means 17.

In this state, when the engine stop signal a is input to the time setting means 17, the time setting means 17 is operated, and the set time, that is, the two-hour image recording means 4 continues operating even after the engine is stopped. .

Then, when the operation end signal c 'is input to the operating means 14 two hours after the engine is stopped,
The operating means 14 generates an OFF signal, and the OFF signal stops the imaging of each camera of the imaging means 1 and stops the image storing operation of the image recording means 4. A time chart in this state is as shown in FIG.

The setting element 18 of the time setting means 17
Is not limited to the operation of selecting a panel switch. If the user utters, for example, 2 hours by voice operation, it receives and recognizes 2 hours, and the time setting means 17 stores 2 hours. It may be.

By the way, according to the second embodiment described above,
The operation time of the image recording means 4 after the operation of the engine is stopped can be set arbitrarily. For example, if the operation of the setting element 18 is forgotten, the image recording means 4 after the operation of the engine is stopped does not operate. Has inconvenience. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the first embodiment.
A third embodiment in which a time setting means 17 is additionally provided and a priority circuit 19 for inputting an operation end signal c 'to the operation means 14 prior to the operation end signal c from the timer means 16 is provided. Is shown.

According to the third embodiment, if any setting element 18 of the time setting means 17 is operated while the own vehicle P is running or before the engine is stopped, the time set by the setting element 18, for example, The two hours are stored in the time setting means 17, and the priority signal 19 is transmitted from the timer means 16 to the operation means 14 by the priority signal d from the setting element 18.
The line leading to the operation means 14 is prioritized by shutting down the line leading to. In addition, the last operation time setting of the optional setting element 18 becomes effective.

When the engine stops in this state, the engine stop signal a is input to the timer means 16 and the time setting means 17 to start the operation. After the elapse of the predetermined time, the operation end signals c and c 'are output, respectively. The operation end signal c' of the time setting means 17 is given priority over the operation end signal c from the timer means 16 and the priority circuit 1 is output.
9 is input to the operating means 14 via the engine 9, and after the engine is stopped, the operating state of the set length image recording means 4 is continued by the time setting means 17, and the image is continuously stored. When the setting element 18 is not operated before the engine is stopped, the operation end signal c is transmitted via the priority circuit 19 after the engine is stopped, and after a certain time has elapsed by the timer means.
4, an OFF signal is generated in the operating means, and the image storing operation is stopped.

In each of the first to third embodiments, the operating means 14 is operated by the operating means 1 in response to the engine operating signal b.
4 and generates an ON signal in response to an operation end signal c or c ′ of the timer means 16 or the time setting means 17.
Although the F-signal is generated to control the operation of the image recording means 4, in the above-described embodiment, the own vehicle P is temporarily stopped, for example, while the own vehicle P is running or the engine is operating. In this state, there is a case where it is desired to temporarily stop the operation of the image recording unit 4 as desired.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show a push, which switches between ON and OFF states arbitrarily by, for example, one operation by an artificial operation in each of the structures of FIGS. 5, 7 and 8 in order to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements. A forced switching means 20a comprising a push-type switch is provided, and by this push / push operation, an arbitrary switching means 20 for opening and closing the conduction state between the operating means 14 and the image recording means 4 is provided. This shows still another embodiment in the case where it is provided between.

That is, in the figure, when the forcible switching means 20a is operated in order to temporarily stop the image recording means 4 as desired depending on the operation state of the engine, the arbitrary switching means 20
The conduction state between the actuating means 14 and the image recording means 4 is switched by the switching signal e in response to
Since the N signal is cut off, the operation of the image recording means 4 stops.

This stopped state is set by the forced switching means 2
0a is again released by operating the operating means 14a.
Since the conduction state between the image recording unit 4 and the image recording unit 4 is restored, the image recording unit 4 resumes the image storing state. FIG. 6D shows this in a time chart. Although not shown, it is effective that a function of displaying the image storage stop state due to the operation of the forcible switching means 20a is provided.

In the above-described embodiment, when the image storage state of the image recording means 4 is stopped by the operation of the forced switching means 20a, the forced switching means 20a is not operated again to restart the image storage. There is a case where the engine is stopped and the stopped state of the image storage is left. For example, when the vehicle is put in a garage at home, the arbitrary switching unit 20 disconnects the conduction state between the operating unit 14 and the image recording unit 4. In order to solve the problem that the ON signal is not output to the image recording means 4 when the engine is restarted, in this example, the operation signal b of the engine is input to the arbitrary switching means 20 to automatically return the stopped state. Let me. FIG. 6C shows this state in a time chart.

As described above, the forced switching means 20a in the arbitrary switching means 20 is not limited to generating a switching signal e by operating a push / push type switching switch, but recognizes the switching operation by voice operation. Then, the switching signal e may be output to the arbitrary switching means 20 to switch the conduction state between the operating means 14 and the image recording means 4. Further, it is needless to say that the arbitrary switching means 20 may recognize the switching operation.

As described in detail in the above embodiment, a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and the road surface and the outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle P are changed from the time when the engine of the own vehicle P is operated to a certain time after the stop thereof. Since the configuration is recorded in detail over a long period of time, it is possible to clearly grasp the movement of the own vehicle P, and to provide materials for fairly explaining the cause of the accident when the own vehicle P encounters an accident. That is, a part of the body of the own vehicle P and the own vehicle P
The image of the road surface and the outside scene related to the movement of the vehicle P can be an important proof that the movement of the vehicle P can be clearly understood in relation to the change of the road surface.

This means that, as in the prior art, a device that captures an outside scene around the traveling direction of the own vehicle captures the situation of the accident, and the image of the vehicle of the accident partner (other vehicle) and its surroundings is displayed. Although it is recorded, the relationship between the vehicle at the moment of the accident and immediately before the accident and the road surface immediately below the vehicle body is not recorded, so it is not effective for certifying the movement of the vehicle, and the driving situation of the driver himself The system of the present invention is extremely effective from this point.

Further, since the road surface viewing camera is located at a high mounting position of the vehicle body, it is possible to capture an image of a wide area on a road surface including a part of the vehicle body and immediately below the vehicle body of the own vehicle.

Further, even when mud or the like is rolled up by a road having a bad road surface or an oncoming vehicle or a parallel running vehicle, it is most effective because it has little influence on the camera.

Then, a captured image can be displayed as needed during driving, and the driver confirms the safety of the driving condition of the own vehicle. The degree of deterioration, failure, and deviation of the imaging direction can be immediately identified, so that unexpected accidents can always be dealt with, improving the accuracy of the system and enabling safe driving orientation. . In addition, images taken by multiple cameras at the same time can be collected on a single screen, and all the images can be displayed to check the operation of each camera instantly, so that safety can be confirmed during driving and the system can be downsized. It can be arranged freely in the car.

In addition, since the captured image is stored as it is for each camera arranged on the vehicle body, the cable can be routed easily, the configuration of the whole system is simple, and the size and cost can be reduced.

Further, by recording the date and time of imaging, the date and time can be specified, and a common date and time is added to each of the stored images when elucidating the cause of an accident in the event of an accident. In addition to being able to easily synthesize and display an arbitrary image accurately and without a time lag, it is also possible to easily correct a mechanical variation between recording units, which is known from a time lag displayed during reproduction. it can.

In the above embodiment, six cameras are provided as the imaging means 1. However, the number of cameras is not limited to this, and mounting conditions may vary depending on the shape and size of the vehicle body. Therefore, it is needless to say that even if there is a range where the surroundings of the vehicle body are appropriately overlapped and the overlapped image is taken, it is provided so that a blind spot does not occur.

That is, in addition to the case where the number of cameras to be mounted increases the number of mounting positions, the case where cameras having different directional directions are arranged at the same position, the case where cameras having different angles of view are arranged, the night-vision camera is changed to a daytime camera The system of the present application also covers the case where the cameras are arranged side by side or the case where the same camera is arranged as a spare.

In the above-described embodiment, the information added to the captured image includes, in addition to the date and time information,
Equipped with microphones for the vehicle speed, stop and direction signals related to operation, as well as a camera with a microphone, the impact sound in the event of an accident, the sound of brakes, the sound of a pedestrian crossing chime, the horn, the sound inside and outside the car, etc. Even if the camera is damaged due to an accident or is turned in a direction other than the intended direction with respect to the vehicle body, the information is always proved to be valid at a later date. Is to help.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention, a part of the body of the own vehicle and the road surface and the outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle are captured by the imaging means, and the driving situation of the own vehicle is controlled by the engine operation. Since it is a configuration characterized in that the image is automatically and minutely recorded from the start to a certain time after the stop, a part of the body of the own vehicle which is most important in a collision accident and the movement of the own vehicle It is possible to image the road surface and the outside scene related to the vehicle and store them, so that the movement of the own vehicle can be accurately verified by reproducing the stored image.

This is a proof that the driver of the present invention is equipped with the present invention on the own vehicle, and that the driver himself / herself can safely drive the vehicle, and that the driver has declared safe driving. Because it is possible to prove safe driving, a sense of security can be obtained, which is extremely effective in reducing car accidents.
In this way, it is an indispensable invention for safe driving,
It can be said that the reduction of car accidents will accelerate in Japan as well as in other parts of the world by standardizing the equipment installed in all vehicles.

Further, according to the present invention, in a parking lot or the like,
Even if you stop the engine and move away from your vehicle temporarily, you encounter theft or damage to property inside the vehicle, or if you encounter a collision or contact accident, you can save the situation before and after that It can be used as important data for elucidating accidents.

In particular, according to the second and seventh aspects of the invention, there is an advantage that the operation time of the image recording means after the engine is stopped can be arbitrarily set.

According to the third and eighth aspects of the present invention, even if the manual operation of the time setting means is forgotten, there is an advantage that the image recording means can be automatically operated for a fixed time after the engine is stopped. .

According to the fourth, fifth, ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention, the state of image storage during operation of the engine can be arbitrarily controlled by a manual operation, which is convenient.

Further, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the stop state of the image recording means by the stop means can be recovered by the operation signal of the engine, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunction due to the stop means. It has the advantage of being able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a portion immediately below a vehicle and its vicinity.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the host vehicle in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the own vehicle in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an image recording system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a time chart in an operating state.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing still another configuration of the apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another embodiment corresponding to FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another embodiment corresponding to FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another embodiment corresponding to FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 imaging means 4 image recording means 3 image storing means 14 operating means 15 engine operation detecting means 16 timer means 17 time setting means 18 setting element 19 priority circuit 20 arbitrary switching means 20a forced switching means a engine stop signal b engine start signal c , C 'operation end signal d priority signal e switching signal

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) B60R 21/00 622 B60R 21/00 622F 624 624C 626 626G 630 630F 25/10 621 25/10 621

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a part of a vehicle body of an own vehicle, a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle, and operating the image pickup means by operating an engine to store the image. The image storage operation device in the vehicle-mounted image recording system, wherein the image storage state is automatically continued for a predetermined time after the engine is stopped. 2. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle and a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle, operating the image pickup means by operating an engine, and storing the image. An image storage operation device in an in-vehicle image recording system, characterized in that the image storage state is maintained even after the engine is stopped for an arbitrary time set by an artificial operation. 3. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle and a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle, operating the image pickup means by operating an engine, and storing the image, A storage operation device for an in-vehicle image recording system, characterized in that this storage state is automatically continued for a predetermined time after the engine is stopped or for an arbitrary time set by an artificial operation prior to the stop. . 4. The image storage operation device according to claim 1, wherein the image storage state can be arbitrarily stopped by a manual operation. 5. The image storage operation device according to claim 4, wherein the stopped state of the image storage can be released by a manual operation. 6. An image recording means for photographing a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle, a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle, and an image recording means for storing an image by the imaging means; Timer means that operates for a fixed period of time; and operation means that generates an image storage start signal by operating the engine and generates an image storage stop signal by ending the operation of the timer means. An image storage operation device in an in-vehicle image recording system, wherein the image storage operation device is controlled by an image storage start signal and an image storage stop signal. 7. The storage in the in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 6, wherein the time can be arbitrarily set by a manual operation, and time setting means is provided which operates prior to the timer means when the engine is stopped. Image actuating device. 8. An image recording means, comprising: an image pickup means for picking up an image of a part of the body of the own vehicle and a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle; Time setting means which can be arbitrarily set by operation and which operates when the engine is stopped, generates an image storage start signal when the engine is operated, and generates an image storage stop signal when the time setting means ends operation. An image storage operating device in an in-vehicle image recording system, comprising an operation unit, wherein the operation of the image recording unit is controlled by an image storage start signal and an image storage stop signal of the operation unit. 9. The image storing operation in the in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 6, further comprising a stopping means capable of arbitrarily stopping the image storing state of the image recording means by a manual operation. apparatus. 10. The image storage operation device in the vehicle-mounted image recording system according to claim 9, wherein the stop state of the image recording means by the stopping means can be released by operating the engine.