GB2441389A

GB2441389A - Vehicle video recording system

Info

Publication number: GB2441389A
Application number: GB0617236A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher John Brummell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-01
Filing date: 2006-09-01
Publication date: 2008-03-05
Also published as: GB0617236D0

Abstract

A vehicle video recording system comprises cameras 2 which supply video data to a video combiner 3. Time and date information 4 may also be combined with the video signal to provide a combined video signal 3a. Recording of video data upon a memory card is continuous until an accident detection system 8 using sensors (eg accelerometers) 7 causes continuous recording to cease, whereupon the most recent video recording is retained. The video data may be encrypted to prevent tampering. Other information may be recorded with the video data including GPS, meteorological or vehicle speed data. The system also includes means 9 to enable to user to manually erase the stored video content. Also included are means 10 to reset the system upon unintentional activation. The system provides a manner of recording the events immediately prior to an accident for subsequent analysis by insurance companies or police.

Description

Motor Vehicle Video System This invention relates to a means of

recording video from a motor vehicle to reduce contentious insurance claims in the event of an accident. It may also be used for accident investigations.

In road accidents, a large proportion of claims are based on one driver's word against another, where there is little, or no, hard evidence supporting the daims of the drivers. This invention is designed to provide evidence which may be used to support insurance claims. The invention may also be used by the authorities (for example, the police) to investigate more serious road accidents, thereby reducing police time at accident scenes and allowing the road to be re-opened more quickly following a serious accident.

Video is constantly recorded on a rolling basis, so that the last, predetermined, period of video is recorded onto a non-volatile medium.

Cameras may be placed in any position in or on the motor vehicle to give the required view(s).

In the event of an accident, the video recording is automatically stopped providing a snap-shot of events leading to the moment of accident or incident. The accident detection system could use a variety of technologies, for example, a fibre-optic accelerometer.

The system may be integrated with other technology, for example GPS, commercial vehicle tachographs, meteorological or speedometer information, to enable a more complete information system.

A specific example of the Motor Vehicle Video System will now be described, using Figure 1.

In this example, a motor vehicle (1) is fitted with two video cameras (2). One facing forward and one facing rearward, producing video footage of the road (2a). The two video feeds are combined (3) to produce one video output (3a). In this example, the current date and time is introduced into the system (4) and is overlaid on the combined video (3a).

The combined video footage is passed through a switch (5) and stored on the memory card (6). The system uses a "circular" memory system, so that the last one minute of video is kept, erasing video which is prior to that time period. The video is encrypted to prevent tampering with the video and is stored on a removable memory card. The card is a non- standard format, again to reduce the risk of tampering.

When an accident is detected by the sensors (7), the accident detection system (8) prevents further recording of the video and last period of video is maintained. In this example, fibre optic accelerometers are used to detect unexpected deceleration, i.e. an accident.

The memory card (6) can then be sent to the insurance company or may be viewed by the accident investigation authorities.

There may be concerns regarding privacy or self-incrimination and so, in this example, a manual erase (9) system is included to allow the driver to erase any footage which is felt to be self-incriminating.

It is possible that the accident detection system triggers accidentally (e.g. due to hard braking) and so a reset system (10) is included allowing the driver to reset the switch and re-start recording video. This reset is also triggered by the ignition switch being switched to off and back on again.

Claims

Claims 1. A system for providing video recording from a motor vehicle

for the purposes of insurance claims and accident investigation.

2. The system provides a rolling recording, always maintaining the last, predetermined period, of video.

3. In the event of an accident, the recording is automatically stopped maintaining a snapshot of the last, predetermined period.

4. The accident is detected by one or more accident detection sensors.

5. Cameras may be placed forward, rearward or at any angle or I in the motor vehicle to give required coverage.

6. In the event of an accident, the video footage may be used to analyse the accident and could be used by the accident investigation authorities (for example, the police) or insurance companies.

7. The video footage may be encrypted to prevent, or discourage, manipulation.

8. A means of manual deletion may be offered, allowing the user to dispose of self-incriminating evidence.

9. The system may be integrated with other technology, for example GPS, commercial vehicle tachographs, meteorological or speedometer information, to enable a more complete information system.