JP4045960B2 - Imaging apparatus and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program that can monitor the outside of the vehicle when parked by a rear confirmation camera provided in the automobile. About.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  As a home security system, it has been proposed to display a monitoring image transmitted from an imaging device on a monitor TV (Television) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
  Further, it has been proposed that a monitoring device in which an infrared sensor and an image sensor are combined detects a human body that has entered the monitoring area by determining the presence or absence of a human body and the presence or absence of a plan (for example, Patent Document 2). reference).
[0004]
  In the inventions described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a specific place or a specific abnormality (event) is mainly detected.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-124078
[Patent Document 2]
  JP 2000-339554 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the inventions described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, adjustment at the time of installation is troublesome, and further, once installed, the sensor (imaging device or monitoring device) may be moved to another location. There was a problem that it was difficult.
[0007]
  In addition, the wireless cameras that have been used conventionally have a problem that the battery has only a short time because it continuously transmits images and sounds by battery driving.
[0008]
  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, and enables it to monitor the exterior of a vehicle at the time of parking with the back confirmation camera provided in the motor vehicle.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The imaging apparatus of the present inventionCarInside,CarImaging means attached to a position where the outside can be photographed from the window,CarAroundTheImaging means in monitoring mode for monitoringofThe direction of imagingSpecified by the userDirection setting means for setting the direction;CarButBackwardIs in the first use state to move, orCarMovedUsed forDetermining means for determining whether the second use state is not performed, and the imaging direction of the imaging means,CarIs in the first use state,CarofBackwardAnd control to becomeCarIs provided with direction control means for controlling to be in the direction in the monitoring mode set by the direction setting means when in the second use state.
[0010]
  CarThrough the windowCarDetecting means for detecting an external object, and when no moving object is detected by the detecting means, supply of power to the imaging means is prohibited, and when a moving object is detected, supply of power to the imaging means is permitted. And a power supply control means.
[0011]
  When the detection means detects a moving object, the direction control means can control the imaging direction of the imaging means so as to track the object.
[0012]
  Further comprising a battery for supplying power to the imaging means, the power supply control means, when the remaining capacity of the battery is below the reference value, instead of the battery,CarThe power from the battery can be supplied.
[0013]
  A transmission unit that transmits an image captured by the imaging unit, and a transmission destination of the image captured by the imaging unit,CarButFirstIf you are in 1 usage state,CarSet to the first display device arranged insideCarButFirstWhen in the state of use of 2,CarCan further include a transmission destination setting means for setting to the second display device arranged outside.
[0014]
  The determination means includesCarThe first use state and the second use state can be determined based on the engine key and the state of the transmission gear..
[0015]
  The imaging method of the present invention includes:CarAroundTheImaging means in monitoring mode for monitoringofThe direction of imagingSpecified by the userA direction setting step for setting the direction;CarButBackwardIs in the first use state to move, orCarMovedUsed forA determination step of determining whether or not the second use state is not performed, and an imaging direction of the imaging means,CarIs in the first use state,CarofBackwardAnd control to becomeCarAnd a direction control step for controlling to be in the direction in the monitoring mode set by the direction setting means when in the second use state.
[0016]
  The program recorded on the recording medium of the present invention is:CarAroundTheImaging means in monitoring mode for monitoringofThe direction of imagingSpecified by the userA direction setting step for setting the direction;CarButBackwardIs in the first use state to move, orCarMovedUsed forA determination step of determining whether or not the second use state is not performed, and an imaging direction of the imaging means,CarIs in the first use state,CarofBackwardAnd control to becomeCarIncluding a direction control step for controlling to be in the direction in the monitoring mode set by the direction setting means when in the second use state.
[0017]
  The program of the present inventionCarAroundTheImaging means in monitoring mode for monitoringofThe direction of imagingSpecified by the userA direction setting step for setting the direction;CarButBackwardIs in the first use state to move, orCarMovedUsed forA determination step for determining whether or not the second use state is not performed, and an imaging direction of the imaging means,CarIs in the first use state,CarofBackwardAnd control to becomeCarWhen in the second use state, the computer is caused to execute a direction control step for controlling the direction in the monitoring mode set by the direction setting means.
[0018]
  In the present invention, the imaging direction of the imaging means isCarIs in the first use state,CarofBackwardControlled to beCarIs in the second use state, the direction is controlled to be in the set monitoring mode.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0020]
  The automobile 1 enters a parking space surrounded by the wall 21 and the wall 22 of the house, and moves backward toward the wall 22 in parallel with the wall 21. A photographing device 11 is attached to the rear of the interior of the automobile 1 so that the photographing direction is directed to an arbitrary direction. The video imaged by the imaging device 11 is transmitted to and displayed on a reception display device 12 provided in front of the automobile 1 and on the left side of the steering wheel 2 (passenger seat side). Therefore, the driver can grasp the distance to the wall 22 or check the obstacle between the wall 22 without looking back by checking the video displayed on the reception display device 12. The vehicle 1 can be parked in the parking space safely and quickly. A reception display device 13 is provided in the vicinity of the door 23 provided on the wall 21 (outside of the automobile 1 (indoor)).
[0021]
  With reference to FIG. 2, the installation example of the imaging device 11 will be described.
[0022]
  The photographing device 11 is provided on the rear seat 31 in the automobile 1 at a position where the outside can be photographed from the rear window 32. The photographing apparatus 11 includes a multi-sensor camera 41 and a pantilter 42, and the multi-sensor camera 41 is rotatably installed on the pantilter 42 attached on the seat 31.
[0023]
  With reference to FIG. 3, an example of an electrical configuration inside the photographing apparatus 11 will be described.
[0024]
  The trigger sensor unit 82 is constituted by, for example, a microwave sensor, and detects the presence / absence, distance, and movement direction of a human body (object). A detection signal acquired by the trigger sensor unit 82 is transmitted to the microcomputer 76. A normal infrared sensor cannot pass through glass. Accordingly, the movement of the automobile 1 across the window glass cannot be detected and cannot be used here. Of course, the sensor constituting the trigger sensor unit 82 is not limited to the above-described one, and may be another type such as a thermal sensor, a vibration sensor, or a sound sensor.
[0025]
  The input unit 81 includes switches, buttons, and the like not shown. The user operates the input unit 81 to store in advance a threshold for determining that the detection signal transmitted from the trigger sensor unit 82 is abnormal in the memory 77 built in the microcomputer 76. Can do.
[0026]
  The microcomputer 76 that has received the detection signal from the trigger sensor unit 82 compares the detection signal with a threshold value stored in the memory 77. If it is determined that the detection signal is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the microcomputer 76 controls the power control relay 75 to supply the power supplied from the selection unit 79 to the video camera unit 71, the processing unit 72, and the wireless communication unit 73. To feed and activate them. When the detection signal is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the video camera unit 71, the processing unit 72, and the wireless communication unit 73 are not activated, and thus power consumption can be suppressed. In particular, since the video camera unit 71 with relatively high power consumption is not activated, it is effective for suppressing power consumption.
[0027]
  The video signal acquired by the activated video camera unit 71 is supplied to the processing unit 72 and is combined with distance information and battery remaining amount information supplied from the microcomputer 76 as necessary. The video signal subjected to the synthesis and other various signal processings is supplied to the wireless communication unit 73 and transmitted to the reception display device 12 and the reception display device 13 via the antenna 74 by radio.
[0028]
  The distance information is stored in the memory 77 including a message corresponding to the distance to the obstacle, such as “It is about 1 meter later”.
[0029]
  The battery unit 78 provided in the multi-sensor camera 41 or the vehicle battery unit 102 provided in the vehicle 1 includes a video camera unit 71, a processing unit 72, a wireless communication unit 73, a trigger sensor unit 82, and a microcomputer 76. , And the necessary power is supplied to the drive unit 80. Normally, power is supplied from the battery unit 78, but when the remaining battery level of the battery unit 78 is less than the first reference value, power from the automobile battery unit 102 is supplied.
[0030]
  Switching between the battery unit 78 and the automobile battery unit 102 is performed by a selection unit 79. The microcomputer 76 determines whether or not the remaining battery level of the battery unit 78 is smaller than the first reference value stored in the built-in memory 77. When the remaining battery level of the battery unit 78 is less than the first reference value, the microcomputer 76 controls the selection unit 79 and selects the power supply so that the power from the automobile battery unit 102 is supplied to each unit. To do.
[0031]
  Further, the microcomputer 76 determines whether or not the remaining amount of power of the automobile battery unit 102 is less than a second reference value (smaller than the first reference value) stored in the memory 77. When it is determined that the remaining battery level of the automobile battery unit 102 is less than the second reference value, the microcomputer 76 outputs the remaining battery level information to the processing unit 72. The battery remaining amount information is combined with a video signal from the video camera unit 71 as necessary, and is transmitted to the reception display device 12 and the reception display device 13. Therefore, the user can know when the remaining battery level is low.
[0032]
  The application detection unit 101 provided inside the automobile 1 detects the operation state of the automobile 1 and outputs an application detection signal corresponding to the detection result to the microcomputer 76. The microcomputer 76 controls the drive unit 80 based on the input application detection signal, and rotates the pantilter 42 to a predetermined position. The position where the pantilter rotates can be stored in advance in the memory 77 by the user operating the input unit 81.
[0033]
  A removable medium 91 formed of a magnetic disk, an optical medium, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is attached to the microcomputer 76 as necessary.
[0034]
  FIG. 4 shows an example of the electrical configuration inside the reception display device 12.
[0035]
  The wireless communication unit 201 transmits the video signal acquired by the video camera unit 71 transmitted from the wireless communication unit 73 of the photographing apparatus 11 via the antenna 202, the distance information acquired by the trigger sensor unit 82, and the remaining battery power. Receive quantity information.
[0036]
  The video signal, distance information, and battery remaining amount information received by the wireless communication unit 201 are supplied to the processing unit 203. The processing unit 203 separates the video signal from the input signal and outputs it to the display unit 204 configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 204 displays a video based on this video signal. When the processing unit 203 also separates the battery remaining amount information from the input signal, the processing unit 203 supplies the battery remaining amount information to the display unit 204 for display. Thereby, a battery warning message is displayed. In addition, when the distance information is separated from the input signal, the processing unit 203 outputs the distance information to the speaker 205, and for example, outputs it as a voice such as “It is about 1 meter later”. Of course, the output sound is not limited to the above.
[0037]
  In addition, although communication between the imaging device 11 and the reception display device 12 is performed wirelessly, both the imaging device 11 and the reception display device 12 are provided inside the automobile 1. Communication between can also be performed by wire. The display unit 204 can also be used as a display unit of a car navigation device and a car television receiver. Alternatively, the reception display device 12 can also be used as a car navigation device or a car television receiver.
[0038]
  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of an electrical configuration inside the reception display device 13 will be described.
[0039]
  The video signal received by the wireless communication unit 301 via the antenna 302 and the remaining battery level information are supplied to the processing unit 303. The processing unit 303 separates the video signal from the input signal and supplies it to the display unit 304. Thereby, an image is displayed on the display unit 304. When the battery remaining amount information is separated from the input signal, the processing unit 303 outputs the battery remaining amount information to the display unit 304 for display. Thereby, a battery warning message is displayed.
[0040]
  In addition, the processing unit 303 transmits the received video signal and battery remaining amount information to the user's mobile terminal or the like via the communication unit 305. Therefore, even if the user is not in the vicinity of the reception display device 13 provided indoors, the user can see the received video and can know that the battery has run out.
[0041]
  In addition, since the imaging device 11 is provided inside the automobile and the reception display device 13 is provided indoors (outside the automobile), communication between the imaging device 11 and the reception display device 13 is performed wirelessly. . The display unit 304 can also be used as a television receiver or an interphone display unit arranged in a house.
[0042]
  This photographing device 11 is used not only as a back monitor when the automobile 1 is moved backward, but also for monitoring a house. For this reason, the user needs to register the monitoring direction in advance before starting to use the apparatus.
[0043]
  Next, a process for setting and registering the monitoring direction in advance will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, this process is performed in the state which the user parked the motor vehicle 1 in the position which parks normally in a parking space.
[0044]
  When the user inputs a monitoring direction setting command from the input unit 81, the microcomputer 76 turns on the power control relay 75 in step S 1, and the power output from the battery unit 78 via the selection unit 79 is converted into a video camera. Are supplied to the unit 71, the processing unit 72, and the wireless communication unit 73, and put them into an operating state.
[0045]
  Next, the user operates the input unit 81 to input the movement position so that the video camera unit 71 points in the direction to be monitored. In step S2, the microcomputer 76 captures the designated pantilter 42 position.
[0046]
  In step S3, the microcomputer 76 controls the drive unit 80, and rotates the pantilter 42 to the taken-in position in the process of step S2. In the example of FIG. 7, the pantilter 42 rotates in the direction in which the video camera unit 71 captures the wall 21.
[0047]
  In step S <b> 4, the microcomputer 76 controls the wireless communication unit 73 to cause the reception display device 12 to transmit the video signal acquired (captured) by the video camera unit 71. The processing unit 203 of the reception display device 12 outputs the video signal received by the wireless communication unit 201 via the antenna 202 to the display unit 204 for display. Since the video signal is transmitted to the reception display device 12 installed inside the automobile 1, the user can immediately confirm the video displayed on the display unit 204 of the reception display device 12 on the spot. it can.
[0048]
  The user looks at the display screen of the display unit 204 and operates the input unit 81 until an image in the direction desired to be monitored is displayed. Then, when an image in a desired direction is displayed, the user operates the input unit 81 and inputs OK. Therefore, in step S5, the microcomputer 76 determines whether or not OK is input from the input unit 81 by the user.
[0049]
  In the process of step S5, when it is determined that the user does not input OK from the input unit 81, that is, in the process of step S4, the video actually displayed on the reception display device 12 and the user set as the monitoring area. If the video in the range does not match, the process returns to step S2 and the pantilter position is moved again.
[0050]
  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the video camera unit 71 images the entrance door 23, the user operates the input unit 81 and inputs OK.
[0051]
  In the process of step S5, when it is determined that the user has input OK from the input unit 81, that is, in the process of step S4, the video actually displayed on the reception display device 12 and the user set as the monitoring area. If the image in the range substantially matches, in step S6, the microcomputer 76 stores the position of the pantilter 42 at that time in the built-in memory 77.
[0052]
  In step S7, the microcomputer 76 turns off the power control relay 75, stops the supply of power to the video camera unit 71, the processing unit 72, and the wireless communication unit 73, sets them to the non-operating state, and sets the monitoring direction. The process ends. This process only needs to be performed once. If the monitoring direction is not changed thereafter, it is not necessary to perform this process.
[0053]
  Next, sensor processing by the microcomputer 76 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0054]
  In step S21, the microcomputer 76 receives a usage detection signal from the usage detection unit 101 provided in the automobile 1, and determines whether the engine key of the automobile 1 has been removed based on the received usage detection signal. .
[0055]
  If it is determined in step S21 that the engine key has been removed, that is, if the automobile 1 is parked, in step S24, the microcomputer 76 executes monitoring mode processing. Details of the monitoring mode processing will be described later with reference to FIG. As described above, since the monitoring mode is set only by an operation that is normally performed when the automobile is used, a special operation for setting the monitoring mode becomes unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to set the monitoring mode and to perform monitoring reliably.
[0056]
  If it is determined in step S21 that the engine key has not been removed, in step S22, the microcomputer 76 determines that the transmission gear of the automobile 1 is in the back position based on the use detection signal received in step S21. It is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the (position where the vehicle 1 is moved backward).
[0057]
  If it is determined in step S22 that the gear is in the back position, in step S23, the microcomputer 76 executes a back monitor process. Details of the back monitor processing will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0058]
  If it is determined in step S22 that the gear is not in the back, that is, if the automobile 1 is stopped or moving forward, the process proceeds to step S21 after the processes in step S23 and step S24 are completed. Return, and subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.
[0059]
  Next, the back monitor process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0060]
  This back monitor process is a process executed when the gear is in the back position, that is, when the automobile 1 is moved backward and put into a parking space, for example.
[0061]
  In step S <b> 41, the microcomputer 76 controls the drive unit 80 and drives the pantilter 42 to move the video camera unit 71 from the window 32 to a position where the rear of the automobile 1 can be imaged.
[0062]
  In step S <b> 42, the microcomputer 76 sets the communication partner not to the reception display device 13 arranged outside the automobile 1 but to the reception display device 12 provided inside the automobile 1.
[0063]
  In step S43, the microcomputer 76 turns on the power control relay 75, causes the selection unit 79 to select power from the battery unit 78, and supplies the power to the video camera unit 71, the processing unit 72, and the wireless communication unit 73. Make them operational.
[0064]
  If the processing from step S41 to step S43 is already set as such, it is substantially ignored.
[0065]
  In step S <b> 44, the microcomputer 76 transmits the video signal acquired by the video camera unit 71 and subjected to various signal processing by the processing unit 72 to the reception display device 12 via the antenna 74 by the wireless communication unit 73. Let
[0066]
  In step S <b> 45, the microcomputer 76 reads the distance information acquired by the distance sensor of the trigger sensor unit 82.
[0067]
  In step S46, the microcomputer 76 reads out the sound corresponding to the distance information read in the process of step S45 from the memory 77, and transmits it to the reception display device 12.
[0068]
  The above processing is repeatedly executed in the route of steps S21, S22, and S23 in FIG. The processing unit 203 of the reception display device 12 processes a signal received by the wireless communication unit 201 from the wireless communication unit 73 via the antenna 202, outputs a video signal to the display unit 204, and outputs an audio signal as distance information to a speaker. It outputs to 205. As a result, the display unit 204 displays a rear image when the automobile 1 moves backward. In addition, for example, a warning sound corresponding to a distance such as “More than 3 meters”, “More than 2 meters”, and “More than 1 meter” is generated from the speaker 205. Therefore, the user (driver) can safely move the automobile 1 backward in an easy posture while looking at the front display unit 204 without looking at the back.
[0069]
  The voice corresponding to the distance information is not stored in the memory 77 of the microcomputer 76 but is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the reception display device 12 so that the reception display device 12 can detect the distance information. May be read from the storage unit.
[0070]
  Next, details of the monitoring mode process in step S24 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0071]
  As described above, this monitoring mode process is a process that is automatically executed when the engine key of the automobile 1 is removed (when the automobile 1 is in a parking state).
[0072]
  In step S61, the microcomputer 76 sets the communication partner not to the reception display device 12 inside the automobile 1, but to the reception display device 13 provided indoors.
[0073]
  In step S62, the microcomputer 76 controls the drive unit 80 to rotate the pantilter 42 to the position stored in the memory 77 (the position stored in the process of step S6 in FIG. 6). The direction setting in the monitoring mode may be performed by the user operating the input unit 81 each time. However, in that case, for example, a setting process is required every time parking at night. Therefore, if it is registered in advance as described above, the direction is automatically set by an operation of simply parking the automobile 1 at a predetermined position (by simply pulling out the engine key). Therefore, the operability is improved, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user cannot forget to set the direction to be monitored and consequently cannot be monitored. In this way, since the video camera unit 71 provided in the automobile 1 monitors the monitoring area (monitoring area other than the automobile) set in advance by the user, the risk of being noticed by an intruder is reduced, and the monitoring target range is reduced. Intruders can be reliably monitored at close range. As a result, detailed information of the intruder can be acquired and notified to the user.
[0074]
  Furthermore, since the video camera unit 71 is provided in the automobile 1, it is less noticeable to intruders than when it is arranged outside the roof or the like, and therefore the video camera unit 71 is blinded and monitoring is disturbed. Can be prevented. In particular, the fact that the position of the video camera unit 71 is not easily noticed by an intruder is extremely effective when monitoring a store or the like as well as a house or the like.
[0075]
  In step S63, the microcomputer 76 turns off the power control relay 75, prohibits the supply of power to the video camera unit 71, the processing unit 72, and the wireless communication unit 73, and puts them into a non-operating state.
[0076]
  If the processing from step S61 to step S63 is already set as such, it is substantially ignored.
[0077]
  In step S <b> 64, the microcomputer 76 reads the distance information acquired by the distance sensor of the trigger sensor unit 82.
[0078]
  In step S65, the microcomputer 76 determines whether or not there is a change in the distance information read in the process of step S64.
[0079]
  If it is determined in step S65 that there is a change in the read distance information, in step S66, the microcomputer 76 turns on the power control relay 75, and the video camera unit 71, the processing unit 72, and the wireless communication unit 73. On the other hand, the electric power from the battery part 78 is supplied, and these are made into an operation state. As described above, the video camera unit 71 to the wireless communication unit 73 are normally in an inactive state and are in an active state only when it is determined that there is a change in distance information. Power consumption by the camera unit 71 to the wireless communication unit 73 can be suppressed.
[0080]
  In step S <b> 67, the microcomputer 76 transmits the video signal acquired by the video camera unit 71 and subjected to various signal processing by the processing unit 72 to the reception display device 13 via the wireless communication unit 73.
[0081]
  In step S68, the microcomputer 76 controls the drive unit 80 to rotate the pantilter 42 in the direction of the moving object. Therefore, the video camera unit 71 can always transmit the video signal of the moving object to the reception display device 13.
[0082]
  In step S <b> 69, the microcomputer 76 transmits a warning (for example, a warning by characters and voice such as “abnormality is detected”) to the reception display device 13 via the wireless communication unit 73.
[0083]
  If it is determined in step S65 that there is no change in the read distance information, the microcomputer 76 detects the remaining capacity of the battery unit 78 in step S70.
[0084]
In step S <b> 71, the microcomputer 76 determines whether the remaining battery level of the battery unit 78 is less than the first reference value stored in the built-in memory 77.
[0085]
  If it is determined in step S71 that the remaining battery level of the battery unit 78 is less than the first reference value, in step S72, the microcomputer 76 controls the selection unit 79 and replaces the power source with the battery unit 78. Then, the vehicle battery unit 102 is switched. Therefore, power is not interrupted, and monitoring for a long time is possible.
[0086]
  In step S71, when it is determined that the remaining battery level of the battery unit 78 is greater than the first reference value, and after the process of step S72, the microcomputer 76 causes the remaining battery level of the automobile battery unit 102 to be It is determined whether or not the amount is smaller than the second reference value stored in the memory 77.
[0087]
  If it is determined in step S73 that the remaining battery level of the automobile battery unit 102 is smaller than the second reference value, the microcomputer 76 transmits the remaining battery level information to the reception display device 13 in step S74. Therefore, the user can always know when the remaining battery level is low. This process is effective not only for warning the remaining battery level as the power source of the video camera unit 71 but also the remaining battery level of the car battery unit 102.
[0088]
  If it is determined that the remaining battery level of the automobile battery unit 102 is greater than the second reference value after the process of step S69 or step S74 and in step S73, the process returns to step S21 in FIG. The subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.
[0089]
  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. It can be installed from a recording medium such as a general-purpose personal computer.
[0090]
  As shown in FIG. 3, this recording medium is distributed to provide a program to the user separately from the multi-sensor camera 41. The magnetic disk, the optical disk, the magneto-optical disk, and the semiconductor memory on which the program is recorded are distributed. In addition to a package medium composed of a removable medium 91 such as the above, it is composed of a memory 77 in which a program is recorded, which is provided to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance.
[0091]
  In this specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily processed in chronological order, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention, the automobile can be moved backward safely. In addition, the outside of the vehicle can be monitored during parking. In particular, it is possible to monitor without being noticed by an intruder.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in a back monitor mode of a photographing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an installation example of the photographing apparatus of FIG.
3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration inside the photographing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration inside the reception display device in the automobile of FIG. 1; FIG.
5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration inside the reception display device outside the automobile in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a monitoring direction setting process.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in a monitoring mode of an imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating sensor processing.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining back monitor processing;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a monitoring mode process.
[Explanation of symbols]
  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Image pick-up device, 12 Reception display device, 13 Reception display device, 71 Video camera part, 72 Processing part, 73 Wireless communication part, 75 Power supply control relay, 76 Microcomputer, 77 Memory, 78 Battery part, 79 Selection part, 80 Drive Unit, 81 input unit, 82 trigger sensor unit, 101 application detection unit, 102 automotive battery unit, 201 wireless communication unit, 203 processing unit, 204 display unit, 205 buzzer, 301 wireless communication unit, 303 processing unit, 304 display unit, 305 communication unit

Claims (9)

Imaging means (for example, video camera unit 71 in FIG. 3) attached to a position inside the automobile and capable of photographing the outside from the window of the automobile ;
Direction setting means (for example, the microcomputer 76 in FIG. 3 for performing the monitoring direction setting process in FIG. 6) for setting the imaging direction of the imaging means in the monitoring mode for monitoring the periphery of the automobile to the direction specified by the user ;
Determining means (for example, steps S21 and S22 in FIG. 8) for determining whether the vehicle is in a first use state where the vehicle moves backward or whether the vehicle is in a second use state where the vehicle is not used for movement . The microcomputer 76) of FIG.
When the vehicle is in the first use state, the imaging direction of the imaging means is controlled to be behind the vehicle , and when the vehicle is in the second use state, the direction setting is performed. An imaging apparatus comprising: direction control means (for example, the microcomputer 76 in FIG. 3 that performs step S23 or S24 in FIG. 8) that controls the direction in the monitoring mode set by the means. And detecting means for detecting an external object of the car through the car window (e.g., trigger sensor 82 of FIG. 3),
When a moving object is not detected by the detection means, power supply control means for prohibiting power supply to the imaging means and permitting power supply to the imaging means when a moving object is detected (for example, FIG. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: 3 automatic selection units 79) . The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the detection unit detects a moving object, the direction control unit controls an imaging direction of the imaging unit so as to track the object. A battery for supplying power to the imaging means (for example, battery section 78 in FIG. 3) ;
Said power supply control means, when the remaining capacity of the battery falls below the reference value, instead of the battery, the vehicle battery (e.g., an automobile battery unit 102 of FIG. 3) that supplies electric power from The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: Transmission means (for example, the wireless communication unit 73 in FIG. 3) for transmitting an image picked up by the image pickup means;
When the vehicle is in the first use state, the transmission destination of the image captured by the imaging unit is set to the first display device disposed inside the vehicle , and the vehicle is When in use, it further comprises transmission destination setting means (for example, the microcomputer 76 in FIG. 3 that performs step S43 in FIG. 9) that is set in the second display device arranged outside the automobile . The imaging device according to claim 1. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the first usage state and the second usage state based on a state of an engine key and a transmission gear of the automobile . In an imaging method of an imaging apparatus comprising imaging means attached to a position inside an automobile and capable of photographing the outside from the window of the automobile ,
A direction setting step for setting a direction of imaging of the imaging means in a monitoring mode for monitoring the periphery of the automobile to a direction specified by a user ;
A determination step of determining whether the vehicle is in a first usage state where the vehicle moves backward or whether the vehicle is in a second usage state where the vehicle is not used for movement;
When the vehicle is in the first use state, the imaging direction of the imaging means is controlled to be behind the vehicle , and when the vehicle is in the second use state, the direction setting is performed. A direction control step of controlling the direction to be in the monitoring mode set by the means. A program for controlling an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means attached to a position inside an automobile and capable of photographing the outside from the window of the automobile ,
A direction setting step for setting the imaging direction of the imaging means in a monitoring mode for monitoring the periphery of the vehicle in a parked state in a direction designated by the user ;
A determination step of determining whether the vehicle is in a first usage state where the vehicle moves backward or whether the vehicle is in a second usage state where the vehicle is not used for movement;
When the vehicle is in the first use state, the imaging direction of the imaging means is controlled to be behind the vehicle , and when the vehicle is in the second use state, the direction setting is performed. And a direction control step for controlling the direction in the monitoring mode set by the means. A recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded. A program for controlling an imaging apparatus provided with imaging means attached to a position inside an automobile and capable of photographing the outside from the window of the automobile ,
A direction setting step for setting a direction of imaging of the imaging means in a monitoring mode for monitoring the periphery of the automobile to a direction specified by a user ;
A determination step of determining whether the vehicle is in a first usage state where the vehicle moves backward or whether the vehicle is in a second usage state where the vehicle is not used for movement;
When the vehicle is in the first use state, the imaging direction of the imaging means is controlled to be behind the vehicle , and when the vehicle is in the second use state, the direction setting is performed. And a direction control step for controlling the direction in the monitoring mode set by the means to be executed by a computer of the imaging apparatus .

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