GB2465970A

GB2465970A - In-vehicle camera for recording traffic accidents

Info

Publication number: GB2465970A
Application number: GB0821958A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lawrence Turner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-02
Filing date: 2008-12-02
Publication date: 2010-06-09
Also published as: GB0821958D0

Abstract

Vehicle mounted camera 1 with a decelerometer (3, Figure 3) that detects when the vehicle 5 suddenly decelerates above a threshold value and captures images with the camera lens, that faces outwardly of the vehicle, over a pre-determined period of time and stores them indefinitely on an image storage means. The device 1 is used to record the events leading up to a car crash so that cause of the accident and people responsible can be identified. The camera 1 may operate in a standby mode in which it captures no images until it is activated by the sudden deceleration or it may operate in a loop mode where it captures a continuous sequences of images, but only stores the images for a predetermined time period, until it is activated by the sudden deceleration when the images are stored indefinitely. The device 1 may be powered by an internal battery which may be recharged by integral solar panels. A suction cup may attach the camera 1 to the inside of the windscreen or window of the vehicle 5. A manual mode may allow the user to capture additional images. The camera 1 may be a digital camera and a digital connection means may allow images to be transferred to a computer.

Description

CAMERA FOR USE IN VEHICLE

This invention relates to a camera for use in a vehicle, for use particularly, but not exclusively, to capture images of a traffic accident or other road users.

It is important to ascertain the cause of traffic accidents, and to identify those involved, for both criminal and civil purposes. As such, investigators often take photographs of the scene of an accident, and interview participants and witnesses.

However, it is common for those involved to disagree about what occurred, and sometimes the physical evidence is not conclusive. A video or picture of the accident in progress might prove useful in uncovering the real facts.

It is known to provide vehicles with outwardly facing cameras for a number of purposes, including captu ring images of accidents or other road users. However, known examples are little more than conventional cameras which have to be activated to capture images. This is not usually possible in the seconds before an incident, in particular if it is unanticipated. Alternatively, such cameras can continuously record images, however this usually requires the user to activate the camera manually at the start of the journey, and switch it off at the end.

Such cameras also record images on a loop, deleting previously recorded images and replacing them with new ones. Therefore, to retain images of an incident the camera must be switched off directly afterwards to prevent the deletion of the images of the incident. In the aftermath of an incident a user my not be able to switch the camera off, or may forget.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above problems.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a camera comprises mounting means, a decelerometer, an image capturing lens and image storage means, in which the mounting means is adapted to mount the camera to a vehicle with which it is used with said lens facing outwardly of said vehicle, in which when the decelerometer detects a deceleration of the vehicle of a pre-determined rate the camera captures one or more images with the lens over a pre-determined period, and stores them indefinitely on the image storage means.

Thus, the present invention provides a camera which automatically captures and saves images of an incident which involved a rapid deceleration of the vehicle, such as an impact or an emergency stop. The camera does not require switching on or off at the start or end of a journey, and it will not inadvertently delete captured images of the incident.

The camera can be used with any type of vehicle, including motor vehicles like cars, lorries, motorcycles and so on, as well as human powered vehicles like bicycles or scooters, and even boats and aeroplanes. However, it is most expediently used with road going motor vehicles which may be involved in incidents leading to criminal or civil actions.

There are two different ways the invention can be put into effect. In a first version of the invention the camera can comprise a stand-by mode in which it captures no images, and an activation mode in which it captures one or more images and stores them indefinitely. When the decelerometer detects a deceleration of the vehicle of the pre-determined rate the camera can switch from stand-by mode to activation mode. Therefore, rapid deceleration of the vehicle effectively switches the camera on. With this version of the invention the camera can capture and save images of the commencement of an incident involving rapid deceleration, for example a crash or an emergency breaking manoeuvre, as well as the aftermath.

Such images may show important information such as the direction of travel of subject vehicles or pedestrians. They may also show the identity of people or vehicles involved, which may be usefully should they promptly leave the scene.

In an alternative version of the invention the camera can comprise a stand-by mode in which it captures a continuous sequence of images, but only stores said images on the image storage means for a pre-determined period, and an activation mode in which in which it captures one or more images over a pre-determined period and stores them indefinitely. When the decelerometer detects a deceleration of the vehicle of the pre-determined rate the camera can switch from stand-by mode to activation mode. Therefore, the camera can continuously record images on a loop, deleting previously recorded images and replacing them with new ones, until a rapid deceleration is detected and the images recorded around the time of the deceleration are saved. If the camera records 20 seconds of video, the detection of a rapid deceleration can result in the camera stopping 10 seconds afterwards.

Therefore, the saved video will include the 10 seconds prior to an incident involving the rapid deceleration of the vehicle, as well as the ten seconds afterwards.

This second version of the invention also allows for a user to deactivate the camera manually after an incident which did not involve a rapid deceleration, thus saving images of that incident.

However, the first version of the invention is preferred, because it uses less power, and is simpler to construct.

It will be appreciated that the camera can comprise any known type of camera, which can be powered in any known way. However, in a preferred construction the camera can comprise an internal battery adapted to provide it with sufficient power to capture said one or more images and store them on the image storage means. Therefore, the camera can be a single unit which does not need to draw power from the host vehicle, which is a drawback of some known designs. Prior art products often draw power from a motor vehicle's cigarette lighter, but these are often taken up by Satellite Navigation devices or telephone phone chargers. In addition, the known cameras have to be plugged in all the time, so power cables need to be secured around the host vehicle's interior in some way.

Preferably the camera can comprise one or more solar panels adapted to provide power to charge said battery, and/or to provide the camera directly with power. This is an expedient arrangement because a camera facing outwardly of a vehicle will be exposed to exterior light, which can be converted to energy. In addition, it means the internal battery does not need to be replaced, and once the camera is mounted in the vehicle the user need do nothing more.

The camera can be mounted to the vehicle in any way, and in particular to either the exterior of the vehicle, or inside a cabin thereof. In addition, the camera can face outwardly of the vehicle in any direction. However, the most expedient direction for the camera to face is forwards, as what is in front of the vehicle will be most relevant during rapid deceleration. However, it will be appreciated that two or more cameras accordingto the invention could be mounted around a vehicle to capture images in various directions in the event of rapid deceleration. A camera facing rearwards for example would capture images of a rear impact after or during a rapid deceleration, which might show that a following vehicle was driving too close, or did not react in a timely fashion.

The camera is not limited to facing directly outwardly of the vehicle from its mounted position. For example, the camera could be mounted to the side of the vehicle, but face forwards. In particular, it could be mounted at the rear of the cabin of a vehicle, facing forwards. This way the driver's actions, as well and the view through the front windscreen, will be captured.

In a preferred construction the mounting means can comprise a suction cup adapted to attach to the inside surface of a vehicle windscreen or window. This is an expedient and simple way to retro-fit the camera to an existing vehicle. It also allows the camera to be attached to the windscreen or the rear window.

The camera can further comprise a shutter button, and a manual mode in which it can capture one or more images and store them indefinitely when the shutter button is depressed. This feature allows the camera to be manually activated, so a user could capture images of an incident which did not involve a rapid deceleration, for example if the user wanted to capture the details of a vehicle which was being driven poorly in front. In addition, if the vehicle was involved in an accident and the camera did not activate because there was no rapid deceleration, for example in the event of a side impact, the camera could be removed from its position and used as a conventional camera to capture images of the aftermath.

The camera can be any known type of camera, including one which uses rolls of film to capture and store images. However, in a preferred construction the camera can be a digital camera, and the image storage means can be an electronic database. The camera can capture a sequence of still images, or a video, or both.

The camera can comprise digital connection means adapted to allow images stored on the image storage means to be transferred to a computer with which the camera is used.

The invention also includes a vehicle provided with a camera like that described above. Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided with a camera as claimed in any of Claims ito ii below.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a camera according to the present invention: Figure 2 is a side view of the camera shown in Figure 1: Figure 3 is a side view of a decelerometer component of the camera shown in Figure 1, in a first position; Figure 4 is a side view of the decelerometer as shown in Figure 3, in a second position; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle provided with the camera shown in Figure 1, mounted in a first position; and Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle provided with the camera shown in Figure 1, mounted in a second position.

As shown in the Figures, a camera I comprises mounting means, in the form of suction cup 2, a decelerometer 3, which is shown in Figures 3 and 4, an image capturing lens 4 and image storage means, in the form of a digital database (not visible).

As described further below, the suction cup 2 is adapted to mount the camera to a vehicle 5 with which it is used, with said lens 4 facing outwardly of said vehicle 5.

As also described further below, when the decelerometer 3 detects a deceleration of the vehicle 5 of a pre-determined rate, the camera 1 captures one or more images with the lens 4 over a pre-determined period, and stores them indefinitely on the digital database.

The camera 1 is a digital camera, and it captures and stores still digital images using known technology. It has an internal PCB board which comprises a microprocessor, which controls the camera's operation, and an image board which controls the image capturing and storing process. The camera 1 comprises an internal 3.6-4.5v NiMH battery (not visible), which is recharged by solar panels 6, provided at a front 7 of the camera 1. The solar panels 6 provide a regulated 8mA 4v, which is sufficient to effectively charge the internal battery in stand-by mode, so it can perform its functions when it is activated, as described below. The solar panels 6 also reduce the drain on the battery when the camera 1 is taking or storing images.

When the solar panels 6 receive light, they generate a small electrical current which turns on a recharging regulator circuit, which regulates the generated power as the light intensity varies. When less than lmA is generated the regulator circuit turns off, and the camera 1 consumes no power from the battery and re-charging is stopped. With this arrangement the battery is never overloaded and when there is no light the camera 1 consumes virtually no power. This is useful when the camera 1 is left in a vehicle which is parked in dark places for long periods.

Externally the camera 1 has a shutter 8, the depression of which leads to a digital image being captured by the lens 4, and stored on the database, in the known way. The camera also comprise a light level meter 9 which controls the shutter speed and aperture size of the lens 4 according to the prevailing light conditions, in the known way. In addition, the camera 1 comprises a digital output port 10, which allows images stored on the database to be downloaded to a PC. Again, such an arrangement is known.

The suction cup 2 is mounted on a pair of arms 11 provided on the top 12 of the camera I. The suction cup 2 can be rotated on the arms 11 on an axis parallel to the top 12 of the camera 1, and the orientation of the cup 2 can be set by tightening bolt 13.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the PCB board 14 has the decelerometer 3 mounted on it. The decelerometer 3 is a simple configuration comprising a first electrical terminal 15 which makes contact with an appropriate track of the PCB, and which comprises a loop hole 16. Mounted in the loop hole 16 is an electrically conductive pendulum wire 17, which has a circular lead weight 18 attached to its distal end. The weight 18 is non corrosive or coated in an inert conductive metal like tin. A rest pad 19 is provided on the PCB board 14, which comprises an insulator material formed into a concave shape adapted to house the weight 18. The concave shape prevents the weight 18 from moving sideways inadvertently in use. A second electrical terminal 20 is mounted on an arm 21 extending from the PCB board 14, in the path of the weight 18. The second electrical terminal 20 is connected by a wire to an appropriate track on the PCB.

When lateral G forces are applied in use the weight 18 leaves the pad 19 and swings forward, as shown in Figure 4. The weight of the weight 18, the length of the wire 17, the position of the loop hole 16 and the second electrical contact 20, and the starting angle of the pendulum are chosen so that the weight 18 only swings forward far enough to strike the second electrical terminal 20 when the deceleration reaches the pre-determined rate. (It will be appreciated that this will only function as intended when the camera 1 is arranged upright, and any slight alteration in the angle will effect the performance of the decelerometer, in particular if the camera is inadvertently tilted forwards. Therefore, it is important in use to arrange the camera 1 at the correct angle.) The electrical contact between the first and second electrical terminals 15 and 20 completes a circuit and turns on a transistor, which in turn turns on the control circuit.

The electric control circuit facilitates the following operating procedures and modes. In the first instance the camera 1 is in a stand-by mode in which is does not automatically capture any images. In this mode the solar panels 6 continue to charge the battery so it has sufficient power to operate when activated.

If the shutter 8 is depressed in stand-by mode the camera 1 switches to a manual mode in which it operates as a conventional camera, and captures and stores a digital image each time the shutter 8 is depressed.

If the decelerometer 3 is activated as described above, the camera 1 is switched to an activation mode in which the microprocessor is switched on, which in turn starts the camera's 1 image board. The image board automatically adjusts the camera 1 for the current light conditions, according to the readings of the light meter 9. It then takes successive still images on a rapid basis, and stores them on the database. It takes only 0.7seconds for the first image to be taken, and the camera 1 captures enough images to generate a video of 20 seconds in length.

Once all the images have been captured and stored, the camera 1 returns to the stand-by mode in which it stores the captured images. The camera 1 consumes l5mA when storingthese images, so with 8mA4V being provided by the solar panels 6, the camera 1 can keep the captured images indefinitely in lighted conditions. The battery has about 80-9OmAH, so the camera 1 can keep these images for as long as 12 hours in dark conditions.

PCB boards and simply microprocessors like those described above are well known. It will be appreciated that a suitably skilled person could construct a PCB board and microprocessor adapted to perform the above functions without recourse to inventive skill, and therefore these components are not further described here. -lo-

in use the camera 1 operates as follows. A user attaches the camera 1 to the inside surface of the windscreen of their car 5, using the suction cup 2, as shown in Figure 5. The bolt 13 is loosened so the camera 1 can be arranged vertically, or substantially so, then the bolt is tightened to secure the camera 1 in position. In this position the lens 4 can capture images of the area in front of the vehicle 5. The camera 1 is small in size so it does not obscure the view forward.

The vehicle 5 is then driven normally. In the event that the vehicle 5 experiences rapid deceleration, for example during an impact or severe braking, this is detected by the decelerometer, which switches on the microprocessor, as described above, and 20 seconds' worth of images of what is in front of the vehicle 5 are captured by the camera 1.

The camera 1 then returns to stand-by mode to save the captured images.

The user can then connect the camera 1 to a PC to download the captured images for future reference and use. (Any of the known image file types can be used with the present invention.) Prior to any deceleration being detected, the camera 1 can be used as a conventional digital camera by depressing the shutter 8. Therefore, should the user wish to manually document any event they can do so. This can be achieved either while the camera is still mounted to the windscreen of the vehicleS, or after removing it therefrom.

The camera 1 can also be mounted to the rear window of the vehicle 5, and faced forwards, as shown in Figure 6. This can be achieved by loosening the bolt 13 and rotatingthe suction cup 2 through about 180 degrees so it faces rearwardly of the camera 1. With this arrangements the driver's actions, as well and the view through the front windscreen, are included in any captured images.

The invention also includes a vehicle provided with a camera like that described above. Figures 5 and 6 provide support for this aspect of the invention.

The embodiment described above can be altered without departing from the scope of Claim 1. For example in one alternative embodiment (not shown) the camera continuously captures 20 seconds' worth of images on a loop, deleting previously recorded images and replacing them with new ones. When the decelerometer detects rapid deceleration of the vehicle the camera continues to capture images for 10 seconds, then stores the last 20 seconds' worth of images indefinitely. Therefore, the saved video includes the 10 seconds prior to an incident involving the rapid deceleration of the vehicle, as well as the ten seconds afterwards.

The camera can also be deactivated manually in the 20 seconds after an incident which did not involve a rapid deceleration, thus saving images of that incident.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the decelerometer comprises either a magnet in place of the weight, which triggers a reed switch; a mercury switch; or a spring switch.

In another version of the invention, (not shown) the decelerometer is arranged in the opposite direction inside the camera, so the camera can face rearwardly of the vehicle, and still detect deceleration.

Thus, the present invention provides a camera which automatically captures and saves images of an incident which involved a rapid deceleration of a vehicle.

Claims

Claims 1. A camera comprising mounting means, a decelerometer, an image capturing lens and image storage means, in which the mounting means is adapted to mount the camera to a vehicle with which it is used with said lens facing outwardly of said vehicle, in which when the decelerometer detects a deceleration of the vehicle of a pre-determined rate the camera captures one or more images with the lens over a pre-determined period, and stores them indefinitely on the image storage means.
2. A camera as claimed in Claim 1 in which the camera comprises a stand-by mode in which it captures no images, and an activation mode in which it captures one or more images with the lens over a pre-determined period and stores them indefinitely on the image storage means, and in which when the decelerometer detects a deceleration of the vehicle of the pre-determined rate the camera switches from stand-by mode to activation mode.
3. A camera as claimed in Claim 2 in which the camera comprises an internal battery adapted to provide it with sufficient power to capture said one or more images and store them on the image storage means.
4. A camera as claimed in Claim 3 in which the camera comprises one or more solar panels adapted to provide power to charge said battery, and/or to provide the camera directly with power.
5. A camera as claimed in any of the preceding Claim in which the mounting means comprises a suction cup adapted to attach to the inside surface of a vehicle windscreen or window.
6. A cameras as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the camera comprises a shutter button, and in which the camera comprises a manual mode in which it captures one or more images with the lens and stores them indefinitely on the image storage means when the shutter button is depressed.
7. A camera as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the camera is a digital camera, and in which the image storage means is an electronic database.
8. A camera as claimed in Claim 6 in which the camera comprises digital connection means adapted to allow images stored on the image storage means to be transferred to a computer with which the camera is used.
9. A camera as claimed in Claim 1 in which the camera comprise a stand-by mode in which it captures a continuous sequence of images with the lens, but only stores said images on the image storage means for a pre-determined period, and an activation mode in which in which it captures one or more images with the lens over a pre-determined period and stores them indefinitely on the image storage means, and in which when the decelerometer detects a deceleration of the vehicle of the pre-determined rate the camera switches from stand-by mode to activation mode.
10. A camera substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
11. A vehicle provided with a camera as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11.