JP2000351353A - Image accumulating actuating device in on-vehicle image recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably record a movement of one's own car effective in clearing up a cause of the accident if an automobile accident is caused by controlling an actuating state of an image recording means in a stopping state and/or the stopping state in the actuating state by artificial operation. SOLUTION: This device is composed of an actuating circuit 14 for starting to accumulate images by using an engine actuating signal (a) of an engine actuation detecting means 15 as an ON signal and vanishing the ON signal by stopping of the actuating signal (a) to control actuation of an image recording means 4. Thus, when an engine is stopped, the actuating circuit 14 does not generate the ON signal, so that image accumulating operation is stopped. An automatic return by the next engine starting becomes possible. When wishing to temporarily stop an image accumulating state, when pushing an operation means 16b, the ON signal being an image accumulating actuating signal is cut off, so that the image accumulating state is stopped. Thus, if one's own car meets with an accident, materials for making clear an accident cause is offered from the image recording means 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present application describes the movement of an automobile (hereinafter referred to simply as "own vehicle") driven by a driver himself and the surrounding conditions with a part of the own vehicle and a road surface and an outside view related to the movement of the own vehicle. An image is taken by the image pickup means attached to capture the image of the vehicle, the movement of the own vehicle is recorded as image information, and the driver is aware that all driving conditions are recorded, thereby prompting safe driving, and Even in the event of a car accident, the recorded image information proves the movement of the vehicle at the moment of the accident and immediately before the accident, and can be greatly useful in investigating the cause of the accident. The present invention relates to an in-vehicle image recording system for the purpose of raising the importance of 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]

By the way, today's automobile is a necessity for human life in recent years, but it is also a murderous weapon, and it is estimated that more than tens of thousands of people are killed in automobile accidents worldwide every year. It is estimated that those who are injured in connection with it are 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 manner of the driver, the number of car accidents does not easily decrease.

If a car accident should occur, the cause of the accident will be investigated after the accident. Therefore, if a person dies while being unfamiliar with or suffering from an accident, it seems that the victim is more likely to be the cause of the accident. Unfortunately, the lack of a clear proof of what you were driving could even create a climate in which 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 `` I'm a lawyer driving car, so please go ahead '' on the part of the car body, but if this kind of car that declares safe driving is related to the accident And even if there is no accidental omission on your part, it is how you can prove that you are actually driving like that without a monitoring device.

The cause of an automobile accident is judged 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. Above, 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 that 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, even if you are killed and you are made an assailant after verification, you will be in dread of having no way of explanation and that the bereaved will be asked for a large amount of damages Is also assumed.

[0010] By the way, in consideration of the manner in which an automobile encounters an accident, for example, an automobile that is being driven by another person while the vehicle is temporarily stopped at an intersection (hereinafter referred to as "other vehicle") turns right or left. To cause a contact accident, or to enter the main line from a branch line, cause a contact accident with another vehicle traveling on the main line while stopped at the branch point, or when the vehicle is traveling straight In the case where a collision accident occurs when another vehicle approaches from the side, it is clear that it is extremely important to determine the cause of the accident depending on whether the vehicle has been temporarily stopped or is traveling straight ahead at the time of the accident. is there.

Therefore, what is most important when an accident is encountered is the movement of the own vehicle at the moment of the accident and immediately before the accident. That is, it is the movement of the own vehicle with respect to the road surface that reveals whether the own vehicle is stopped or traveling straight, and this fact is related to a part of the body of the own vehicle and the movement of the own vehicle. It is secured by recording the road surface and the relationship between a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle and the front, rear or side road surface and the outside scenery.

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

That is, in the case of the above-mentioned known example, even if the imaging means can image a part of the traveling road surface, the relation of the object with respect to the own vehicle is grasped by generally grasping the change in the situation of the outside scene of the vehicle. It is an idea, and it cannot be used to constantly monitor the movement of the vehicle while driving, nor to control the driving method of the driver who drives the vehicle.
In the unlikely event that the vehicle encounters an accident, the movement of the vehicle, which is a very important proof in a direct accident of the vehicle or a secondary accident that occurs subsequent to the accident, should be clarified. It was extremely inadequate and unreliable as a document to prove.

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 and the vehicle is temporarily away from the vehicle, the luggage in the vehicle may be stolen or the vehicle body may be damaged, or the engine may be temporarily stopped. It has the inconvenience that it is not possible to elucidate the relationship with contact accidents and collision accidents while stopping
This also has the disadvantage that no matter how high performance image recording systems exist, their reliability is significantly poor.

[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, by equipping the vehicle with the present system and checking the operation of the camera at appropriate times, and operating the system at all times during driving, a part of the vehicle body of the vehicle and a part directly below the vehicle body can be obtained by the camera. The driver's own driving condition must be finely and closely monitored by photographing the nearby road surface and part of the vehicle body and the road surface in front of, behind, or on the side of the vehicle and the outside scene. Therefore, the driver himself drives under the monitoring of the present 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 that constantly monitors and records 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 occurrence of an unsatisfactory condition for the purpose of recording, it is important to check the device at all times while driving your own vehicle as much as possible in order to prevent the occurrence of an unsatisfactory condition in the event of an accident. That is what.

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 is decided that an operation check must be performed before the start of operation, this monitoring device cannot easily perform the operation every time, and can be easily and easily performed anytime and anywhere. There is a need.

Accordingly, the present invention is intended to be used in the event of an accident such as when the direction of the camera is misaligned, when the camera lens is dirty due to mud or rain, or when the camera itself is broken such as a broken wire. To ensure that you did not know it or that it was not saved later, the operation of the system was performed to check each camera at all times. 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 touching the operation panel at an intersection or the like, an image of an arbitrary camera is instantaneously switched and displayed on a display, so that an operation test can be always performed while confirming driving safety. 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 unlikely 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 road surface in front, rear or side, and By photographing 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 money is paid, it is difficult to substitute for human life, so by installing this system, it becomes a true declaration of safe driving, and by normalizing this, thorough safe driving is not possible Are expected to result in a significant reduction in car accidents. It is no exaggeration to say that if this system were installed in all cars, car accidents would 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 provides an image pickup device for picking up an image of a part of a vehicle body of a host vehicle and a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the host vehicle. Means for operating the image recording means for storing the image of the imaging means by operating the engine and stopping the operation of the image recording means by stopping the engine. Thus, it is possible to control the operation state of the image recording means to a stop state and / or to control the stop state of the image recording means to an operation state.

Specifically, control means for controlling the operation state of the image recording means by the operation of the engine to a stop state by manual operation is connected to an operation circuit for operating the image recording means by the operation of the engine, and A switching unit for switching between an operating state and a stopped state of the recording unit; and an operating unit for manually operating the switching operation. The stopped state of the switching unit can be automatically returned to an operating state by an engine operation signal. Control means for controlling the stop state of the image recording means by the operation of the engine to an operating state by an artificial operation is connected to an operation circuit for independently operating the image recording means, and Switching means for switching between the switching state and the stop state, and operating means for manually operating the switching means. By its stop signal, it lies in the possible automatic return to the stopped state.

Control means for controlling the operation state and stop state of the image recording means by the operation and stoppage of the engine by an artificial operation is connected to an operation circuit for operating the image recording means by the operation of the engine. Operating means for switching between an operating state and a stopped state of the image recording means, automatically returning to an operating state by an engine operating signal, and automatically returning to a stopped state by an engine stop signal. The switching means is connected to an operation circuit for independently operating the image recording means, and the operation state of the image recording means is switched between an operation state and a stop state by an operation means described later, and the operation state is automatically returned to an operation state by an operation signal of the engine. A second switching means capable of automatically returning to a stopped state by stopping the engine; Artificially the switching operation of the switching means is made of an operating means for operating the same.

Still further, the invention of the present application is provided with 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 car, and an image for storing an image of the image pickup means by operating the engine. In the image storage operating device in the in-vehicle image recording system that operates the recording unit and stops the operation of the image recording unit when the engine is stopped, the image recording unit includes an operation circuit that independently operates the image recording unit. The time setting can be arbitrarily set by an artificial operation, and control means including time setting means for maintaining the operation of the set time length image recording means is provided. The means includes time setting means and memory holding means which starts operation in response to the engine stop signal and operates for the time set by the time setting means.

[0027]

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.

In FIG. 1, a horizontal rectangular outline P 'indicates an outline of the vehicle P (ordinary automobile) 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 immediately below the vehicle P, and the area B indicated by a one-way diagonal line outside the contour line P ′ indicates the area immediately below the vehicle P of the vehicle P.

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, preferably a vehicle comprising a CCD camera used for a video camera, a digital electronic camera or the like as the image pickup means 1. Road-view cameras 1a to 1d for capturing an image of a road surface immediately below the vehicle P (the same applies hereinafter);
, A front-view camera 1e for capturing the road surface and the outside scene in front, and a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P, and a rear-view camera 1f for capturing the rear road surface and the outside scene.

The road-view cameras 1a and 1b are mounted symmetrically downward on the left and right sides in front of the upper surface of the roof of the own vehicle P so as to be able to image 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 P. In addition, the road surface viewing cameras 1c and 1d are mounted symmetrically downward on the left and right sides behind the upper surface of the roof, so that 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 can be imaged. Road surface cameras 1a, 1c and 1b
1d and 1d can partially overlap the road surface in the vicinity area on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, respectively.

Further, a directional camera 1e is mounted at the center of the left and right widths of the own vehicle P, for example, in front of the ceiling of the vehicle so as to be directed forward, and a part of the front of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and a road surface extending forward. And the outside scene can be imaged,
A plan view and a side view in a case where the directional camera 1f 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, so as to be able to capture an image of a part of the rear, a road surface extending in a rearward direction, and an outside scene. FIG.

Thus, for example, road shoulders, guardrails,
The surroundings of the vehicle P including road markings, landscapes, and the like are taken as an imaging range together with a portion of the vehicle body of the vehicle. These cameras are used to control not only the relationship between the vehicle P and the nearby road surface immediately below the vehicle body but also the vehicle P and its The driving environment can be imaged at the same time, and this also means that when the vehicle P encounters an accident, detailed information at the accident site and the vehicle P until the accident is encountered can be obtained.
Can be recorded and provided to a fair understanding of the accident. Moreover, when the camera is in color, the color of the lane or the color of the traffic light can be identified, and an image that can be a strong proof of the cause of the accident can be recorded.

In the drawing, the arrow that opens in a V-shape indicates the direction and range of image pickup by the camera, and D indicates the area of the road surface picked up by the road-view camera.

An area indicated by an arrow that opens in a V-shape in the figure shows the case where the camera angle of view is about 60 °, but is not limited to this angle of view, and is not limited to this angle of view. Considering the vividness of the vicinity, the visibility range, the simplicity of adjustment at the time of installation, and the time-dependent deviation due to vehicle vibration,
A range of 85 ° is effective. When the angle of view of the camera is wide, a near object can be photographed widely, and when the angle of view is narrow, a distant object can be photographed in a large size.

In addition, the present application captures at least a part of the body of the own vehicle P and a road surface related to the movement of the own vehicle. It is a camera arrangement that captures the relationship between a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and the front, rear or side road surface and the outside scenery. Therefore, even if the camera is mounted anywhere, it is natural that a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P enters. It is. As another method of imaging the relationship between a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and a nearby road surface immediately below the vehicle body and a part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P and the front, rear or side road surface and the outside scene, P
Road-view cameras 1a and 1b may be provided on side mirrors protruding from the side surface of the main body.

Although not shown, the road-view cameras 1a-1
d may have a function of cleaning the front surface of the lens when it becomes dirty, and further includes a case where the lens is housed in a waterproof protective case and the imaging direction can be adjusted from inside or outside the case.

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 picked up by the image pickup means 1 is stored in an image recording means (film, video tape, light, magnetic disk,
The image is stored in the recording unit 8 of the apparatus 4 using a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. 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 1a).
f), two sets of recording units 8a to 8f and 8a 'to 8f', each of which stores an image taken in accordance with f), and the image recording means 4 is damaged even if an automobile 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 an operation signal of the image storage operation device 3.

In the image recording means 4, one of the recording units 8a to 8f is housed in a housing which is easy to take out and replace and which is relatively convenient for transportation. 8a 'to 8f' are housed in a protective housing which is resistant to breakage and excellent in mechanical strength, and has a slightly decompressed state in which outside air is shut off. In the present invention, the image recording means 4 is not limited to the above,
It is natural to adopt the method most suitable for that era.

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, 10b, and a composite adapter 11, which is installed on a dashboard, for example, which is most visible to the driver.

The display means 5 may be used to indicate that the direction of the camera is misaligned, that the lens of the camera is dirty due to mud or rain,
In the event of an accident due to a disconnection or a malfunction of the camera itself, always operate the system and check each camera so that you do not know that the malfunction has occurred or that it was not saved later. The purpose of the check is to check, and thereby, it is possible to check left and right at an intersection while driving and to look behind when entering a 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, by simply touching the operation panel at an intersection or the like, an image of an arbitrary camera is instantaneously switched and displayed on the display means 5, 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 in the future.

By operating the selection means 9, the display means 5 displays images taken by the respective cameras, images synthesized on one screen by the synthesis adapter 11, television images or navigation images. 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 state of the image recording means 4 can be controlled to a stop state by a manual operation while the engine is operating.

The image storage operation 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 operation signal of the engine operation detecting means 15. The image is started with the signal a as the ON signal, and when the engine operation signal a of the engine operation detecting means 15 stops due to the stop of the operation of the engine, the ON signal disappears (or the OFF signal is generated by the generation of the operation stop signal b). ) The operation of the image recording means 4 is controlled by the presence or absence of an ON signal of the operation circuit 14. Thus, the operation circuit of the image recording means 4 by the operation of the engine is configured.

When the engine is operated by, for example, an engine key and the engine tachometer is operated, the operation circuit 14 of the image recording means 4 sends the engine operation detection means 15
The engine operation signal a is transmitted as an ON signal, the image recording means 4 is operated, and an image taken by each camera as the imaging means 1, ie, a part of the body of the own vehicle P and the movement of the own vehicle The road surface and the outside scenery image related to
The images are stored in a to 8f and 8a 'to 8f' together with the date and time information by the date and time recording means 6.

During driving, 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 image is instantaneously switched to an arbitrary camera image and displayed on the displays 10a and 10b. An image is displayed, which allows the driver to confirm driving safety.

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, or a television image or a navigation image is displayed. An 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 attached to the front left position of the roof of the vehicle P when driving to the left while driving is provided.
And displaying images captured by the road-view camera 1c attached to the rear left position of the roof of the vehicle P on the displays 10a and 10b by the selection operation of the selection means 9 to confirm the safety of the road surface near the vehicle body. Thus, it is possible to always check and check the image quality of the system and whether there is a 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, so that there is no need to individually select the cameras, and it is safe during driving. 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 of the date and time recording means 6 is commonly stored in each of the images stored in the respective recording sections of the image recording means 4, it is possible to carry out the verification after an accident. In addition to specifying the date and time, when multiple images are selected and played back, if there is a time lag in each image, it can be easily adjusted according to the date and time information so that there is no time lag. It can be carried out.

In this way, the image pickup means 1 continues image pickup during the operation of the engine, and the image is stored in the image recording means 4.

When the operation of the engine is stopped in this state, the engine operation signal a from the engine operation detecting means 15 is lost, and the operation circuit 14 does not generate an ON signal.

As a result, the image pickup means 1 stops the image pickup, and the image storing operation of the image recording means 4 stops.

When the engine is restarted, the engine operation signal a from the engine operation detection means 15 causes
The actuating means 14 generates an ON signal and starts image storage as described above.

The image recording by restarting the engine is started from the previous image storage stop state.
For example, in the image storage method using a magnetic tape, a plurality of magnetic tapes are used, and near the end of the magnetic tape being stored, image storage is started on the next magnetic tape, and the same image is stored on both tapes for a certain period of time. In this case, the image information is stored without interruption. A time chart in this state is as shown in FIG. H in the figure
Indicates an image storage level, and L indicates an image storage stop level.

When the vehicle P encounters an accident, all or a necessary portion of the magnetic tape is pulled out from the recording section 8 of the image recording means 4 and reproduced, and a material for elucidating the cause of the accident is obtained. It is to be offered to.

In the above description, even if the own vehicle P is severely damaged or burned by an accident, if the recording section 8 of the image recording means 4 is stored in a protective box having excellent mechanical strength, the cause of the accident may be reduced. The elucidation can be achieved without hindrance.

It is to be noted that when the image storage is stopped while the vehicle is stopped or the like, the image information already stored is reproduced and displayed on the displays 10a and 10b of the dashboard, so that the present system can be used to check whether the image is normally stored. Of course, the operation check can be performed.

In the above-described embodiment, for example, in the image storage state during the operation of the own vehicle P, the image recording
There is a case where it is desired to suspend the operation of.

In order to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements, FIG. 5 shows a control means 16 for artificially controlling the image storage state. The control means 16 is connected to the operating circuit 14 and is operated by a push / push type switch which generates an ON / OFF signal for each operation, and is connected to the operating circuit 14 to perform image recording by a push / push operation of the operation means 16b. Switching means 16a for controlling ON / OFF of the image storage operation signal of the means 4.

When the engine is operated, as described above, the image recording means 4 enters the image storage state. From this state, the image storage means temporarily changes the image storage state as desired, for example, for the convenience of a driver or a passenger. When the operation means 16b is operated by a bush operation to stop the operation, the switching means 16a is switched from the ON position to the OFF position by this operation, and the ON signal which is the image storage operation signal is cut off.
Stops the image storage state. And this picture stop state is
By pushing the operating means 16b again, the switching means 16a is switched to the ON position, so that the engine operation signal a is input to the image recording means 4 again, and the image storage is resumed. This is illustrated in a time chart as shown in FIG.

When the engine is stopped in the image storage stop state by operating the operating means 16b, this stopped state, that is, the OFF state of the switching means 16a is changed to the operating state by the operation signal a by the next engine start. Automatic return is possible, so the switching means 16a is switched to the ON position, and the image recording means 4 resumes image storage.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment in which the image storage state of the image recording means 4 is controlled by a manual operation when the operation of the engine is stopped.

That is, in FIG. 7, reference numeral 17 denotes a control means of the image recording means 4 which is provided independently of the operation circuit 14 shown in FIG. 5 by separating the switching means 16a. Operating means 17b comprising a push / push type switch for generating an ON / OFF signal arbitrarily for each operation by a manual operation, and an operation signal c of the image recording means 4 by the push / push operation
And ON / OFF control means 17a.

When the operation of the operating means 17b is pushed in a state where the operation of the engine is stopped and the image storage state of the image recording means 4 is also stopped, the switching means 1
7a is switched from the initial OFF state to the ON state to generate an operation signal c, and the image recording means 4 is operated by the operation signal c.
Is in an image storage state, and this image storage state is maintained until the operating means 17b is operated again to switch to the OFF state.

According to this configuration, for example, when the vehicle is parked in a parking lot for a meal or shopping, the engine is stopped, and the vehicle is temporarily away from the car, and the vehicle is stolen or a collision occurs, the accident is prevented. Can be stored in the image recording means 4 in the form of an image, which is effective in elucidating the accident. This is illustrated in a time chart as shown in FIG.

In the above, when the operation of the engine is started in the image storing state in which the switching means 17a is switched to the ON state by the operation of the operating means 17b, an ON signal is sent from the operation circuit 14 by the engine operation signal a. Image recording means 4
And the picture is continued. When the switching unit 17a is in the ON state, the switching unit 17a automatically returns to the OFF state and returns to the initial state according to the engine operation signal a, thereby avoiding duplication of the operation states of the image recording unit. it can.

In the above embodiment, when the image recording means 4 is in the image storing state by the operation of the engine, the operating means 17b is erroneously operated to turn on the switching means 17a. If this state is unknown, Even after the operation of the engine is stopped, the ON state continues, and the operation signal c causes a disadvantage that the image storage state continues even after the operation of the engine is stopped. In order to solve this inconvenience, in the embodiment,
The switching means 17a is configured to return to the initial OFF state in response to the engine stop signal b from the engine operation detecting means 15.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment in which the image recording means 4 can be arbitrarily controlled by operating the single operation means 18b in both the operating state of the engine and the stopped state of the engine. The same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 5 and 7 denote the same parts.

That is, FIG. 8 shows that the first switching means 16a and the second switching means 17 are operated by a single operation means 18b.
a, and when both the first and second switching means 16a and 17a are in the ON state, they are both turned off by the engine stop signal b. When both of the second switching means 16a and 17a are in the OFF state, they are automatically returned to the ON state by the operation signal a of the engine.

When the engine is stopped, the first and second switching means 16a and 17a are both in the OFF state. When the engine is operated in this state, the first and second switching means 16a and 17a are activated by the engine operation signal a. Switching means 16a and 1
7a are both ON, and one of the switching means 16a is
The image recording means 4 is activated by an ON signal by the engine operation signal a to start image storage, and the other switching means 17a generates an operation signal c, which also activates the image recording means 4 to start image storage. .

This image storage state is determined by the engine operation detecting means 1
5, the first and second switching means 16a and 17a are maintained until both are switched to the OFF state.

During the operation of the engine, the first and second switching means 16a and 17a are both turned on.
When the operation means 18b is operated to temporarily stop the image storage state in the state where the image storage state is maintained, the first and second switching means 16a and 17a are both turned off.
The state is switched to, the operation of the image recording means 4 is stopped,
This stopped state is operated by operating the operating means 18b again, and
It is released by switching the second switching means 16a and 17a to the ON state, and the image recording means 4 resumes the image storage state again.

During operation of the engine, the operating means 18b is operated to operate the first and second switching means 16a and 17a.
When the engine is stopped in the image storage stop state in which is turned off, the first and second switching means 16a and 17a maintain the off state.

Next, a description will be given of a case where the image recording means 4 is artificially controlled in the stopped state of the engine. In the stopped state of the engine, the first and second switching means 16a and 17a detect the engine operation. Both are returned to the OFF state by the engine stop signal b from the means 15 or by the operation of the operation means 18b.

In this state, when the operating means 18b is operated to arbitrarily store images, both the first and second switching means 16a and 17a are switched to the ON state, and one of the switching means 1
6a does not generate an ON signal because there is no engine operation signal a, and the other switching means 17b generates an operation signal c,
The image recording means 4 is operated to start image storage. By operating the operation means 18b again, this image storage state can be changed to the first or first state.
The second switching means 16a and 17a are both switched to the OFF state and stopped.

Also, the first and second engines in which this engine is stopped
When the engine is operated in the image storing state in which both of the switching means 16a and 17a are in the ON state, an ON signal is output from the first switching means 16a by the engine operation signal a from the engine operation detecting means 15, Further, the operation signal c is output from the second switching means 17a, and the image recording means 4 continues the image storage.

In this embodiment, the operation signal c from the second switching means 17a is stored in the image storage state during the operation of the engine.
Is output and the image recording means 4 is in a double operation state. However, if a circuit that opens and closes by the engine operation signal a and the engine stop signal b is inserted in the path of the operation signal c, the power consumption can be reduced. Consumption can be suppressed. In this case, the effect of simplification by the single operation means in this embodiment is not lost.

FIG. 9 shows that the image recording means 4 is provided with an operation circuit independent of the operation circuit operated by the engine operation signal a, and the control means 19 is provided in the operation circuit so that the image recording means 4 is manually operated. 4 shows a fourth embodiment in the case where arbitrary control is performed by the following.

More specifically, the control means 19 comprises time setting means 19a capable of arbitrarily setting the operation time, and thereby controls the image storage for a desired set time. 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, and endless setting elements 19b. Therefore, any one of the above setting elements 19b, for example, a mark indicating 1 hour on the operation panel. When the operator operates the engine 1, the operation signal c is output independently of the operation circuit of the image recording means 4 due to the operation of the engine, regardless of whether the engine is operating or stopped. The image is output to the recording unit 4 and can be stored.

That is, before or after the engine is stopped, the operation of the image recording means 4 can be arbitrarily set in accordance with an arbitrary time, for example, the scheduled time of leaving the vehicle P or resting. A time chart in this state is as shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows that, when the setting element 19b of the time setting means 19a is operated in FIG. 9, the set time is stored and held, and after the engine is stopped, the operation is started by the stop signal b and the setting is started. This embodiment shows a fifth embodiment in which a memory holding unit 19c that outputs the time length operation signal c and operates the image recording unit 4 even after the engine is stopped is provided.

Therefore, when the mark 2 indicating 2 hours is selected and operated on the operation panel, for example, of the above-mentioned arbitrary setting element 19b during the operation of the engine, the set time of 2 hours is stored in the memory holding means 19c.

In this state, when the engine is stopped and the engine stop signal b is input to the memory holding means 19c, the means 1
9c operates to output the operation signal c, and the set time, that is, the two-hour image recording means 4 continues to operate even after the engine is stopped. A time chart in this state is as shown in FIG.

Therefore, according to the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, it is assumed that a rough time to temporarily leave the car for a meal or shopping is assumed, and a set time corresponding to the time is selected in advance. Accordingly, even after the engine is stopped, the image recording means 4 can be operated for a desired constant time. In particular, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the set time starts after the engine is stopped, and the accurate time can be set. It has the advantage of being able to. In the configuration of FIG.
If the setting element 19b is operated after the engine is stopped, the operation becomes the same as that of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

The time setting means 19a is adapted to cope with a case where it is desired to reset the already set time. By pressing the setting element 19b again, the last set time is given priority. Is done.

For example, after the mark "2" on the operation panel is pressed and two hours are set, if the mark "1" is pressed, one hour is set, so that the time can be easily changed. In addition, during the image storing operation by the time setting in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example, by pressing the mark “1” of the setting element 19b back to “0”, 0 hour can be set. That is, the image storage state can be stopped by pressing the mark “0”. According to the above, the "0" display may be replaced with the "stop" display and used as a stop element.

Further, if the engine is operated while the engine is in the stopped state, the operation according to the time setting is canceled at that time, the operation signal c is stopped, and the engine operation detecting means is operated. The operating means 14 is operated by the engine operating signal a from
The image recording means 4 is activated by the N signal to continue image storage.

As described above, the image storage state is maintained for the set time even after the operation of the engine is stopped. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle P is parked in the parking lot for shopping or eating and drinking, the driver temporarily stops from the vehicle P. Even when the vehicle is away or when the engine is stopped during driving and is temporarily resting, the situation around the own vehicle P can be imaged for a set time after the engine is stopped, and the image is stored. For example, it is possible to record the situation when the vehicle is stolen while parked, the vehicle body is damaged, or a collision accident or a rear-end collision is encountered.

FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment in which a control means 20 based on voice recognition is provided instead of the control means 16 in FIG.
Is shown.

According to this configuration, in the image storing state of the image recording means 4 by the ON signal of the switching means 20a provided in the operation circuit by the engine operation signal a, the user gives a sound such as "stop" or "stop". When the voice is generated, this voice is recognized by the voice recognition unit 20b, and the switching unit 20a is switched from the ON state to the OFF state by the recognition signal, and the image storage state is stopped.

Further, when, for example, a "start" or "start" sound is issued from the stopped state of the image storage, the sound is recognized by the voice recognition means 20b, and the switching means 20a is recognized by the recognition signal. ON from OFF state
And the image storage state is restarted.

Although not shown in the drawings, in each of the above embodiments, the function of displaying the activation and deactivation of the image storage by the manual operation is provided, for example, on the operation panel. It is also effective in terms of prevention.

As in the above embodiment, the part of the vehicle body of the own vehicle P, the road surface and the outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle P are different from when the engine of the own vehicle P is activated until the stop thereof, and The operation is continued for a set time even after the engine is stopped, and it is possible to record the details in detail. Therefore, the movement of the own vehicle P can be clearly grasped, and the cause of the accident when the own vehicle P encounters an accident is fair. Can be provided with materials to explain. That is, the imaging of 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 is an important proof that the movement of the own vehicle can be clearly understood in relation to the change of the road surface. obtain.

This means that, in the conventional apparatus for capturing an image of an outside scene around the own vehicle in the traveling direction, even if the state of the accident is imaged, the car (other car) of the other party and the surrounding area of the accident are taken. Is recorded, but the relationship between the vehicle at the moment of the accident and the road immediately before it and the road surface immediately below the vehicle body are not recorded, so it is not effective for proving the movement of the vehicle, and the driver himself There is no function of monitoring the operating status of the system, and the system of the present invention is extremely effective in this regard.

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, an oncoming vehicle, or a parallel running vehicle, it is most effective because it has little influence on the camera.

[0100] The captured image can be displayed as needed during driving, and the driver confirms the safety of the driving condition of the own vehicle, so that the operating state of the imaging means of the present system is always displayed. If there is any deterioration or failure in the image quality, or if there is a deviation in the imaging direction, it can be immediately recognized, so that inspections can be performed, unexpected accidents can be dealt with in advance, and the system can be operated more accurately to increase the accuracy of the system. Enable. In addition, images taken at the same time by a plurality of cameras are gathered on one screen, and the operation of each camera can be checked instantaneously by displaying all the images, so that it is possible to confirm safely while driving and to make the system more compact. It can be arranged freely in the car.

Further, 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 entire system can be simplified, and the size and cost can be reduced.

Furthermore, since the date and time of the image pickup can be specified by recording the date and time, and a common date and time is added to each of the stored images in elucidating the cause of an accident in the event of an accident, which is necessary. In addition to being able to easily synthesize and display any image that is displayed accurately and without time lag, it is also easy to correct mechanical variations between recording units, which are apparent from the displayed date / time lag during playback. Can be.

In the above embodiment, six cameras are provided as the image pickup 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. Because it changes, it covers the surroundings of the car body as appropriate,
It is needless to say that the overlapping image capturing area is provided so that a blind spot does not occur even if there is an overlapping image capturing area.

That is, not only when the number of cameras to be mounted is increased due to the increase in the number of cameras to be mounted, but also when cameras having different directional directions are arranged at the same position, cameras having different angles of view are arranged, The case of juxtaposition with a camera or the case of juxtaposing the same camera as a spare is all included in the system of the present application.

In each of the above embodiments, the information added to the captured image is not limited to date and time information.
Equipped with microphones for the vehicle speed, stop and direction signals related to operation, and other cameras, the impact sound in the event of an accident, the sound of brakes, the sound of chimes on pedestrian crossings, the horn, the sound inside and outside the car, etc. It can also be added. This information can be used even if the camera is damaged in an accident,
This will always prove the validity of the driving of the vehicle P at a later date.

[0106]

As described above, according to the present invention, the driving condition of the vehicle is captured by the image capturing means for capturing a part of the vehicle body of the vehicle and the road surface and the outside scene related to the movement of the vehicle. Since the system automatically and precisely records images from the start to the stop, the image recording can be continued arbitrarily even after the engine is stopped, and the image recording can be restarted and stopped arbitrarily. In such a case, it is possible to take an image of a part of the vehicle body of the most important vehicle, a road surface and an outside scene related to the movement of the own vehicle, and to store these images. Movement can be proved accurately. This also proves whether or not the vehicle is driving safely, and therefore has the advantage that the manners of driving of the driver are ensured and the number of traffic accidents is greatly reduced.

By equipping the vehicle of the present invention with the system of the present invention, it is a proof that the driver has declared safe driving as well as the driver's own driving safety. Since driving can be proved, a sense of security is obtained, which is extremely effective in reducing car accidents.
As described above, since this system is indispensable for safe driving, the reduction of car accidents is accelerated not only in Japan but also all over the world by standardizing the equipment to be installed in all vehicles.

As described in detail, in the present invention, when the engine is stopped and the vehicle is temporarily separated from the host vehicle, the vehicle encounters theft or damage to property, or encounters a collision accident or a collision accident. Even in this case, the situation before and after that can be saved, and can be used as important data for accident elucidation.

In particular, according to the second and third aspects of the present invention, there is an advantage that the operation of the image recording means during the operation of the engine can be arbitrarily controlled.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, there is an advantage that the operation of the image recording means can be arbitrarily controlled by a single operation means regardless of the operation state of the engine.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation of the image recording means can be arbitrarily set and controlled, which is very convenient in operation.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 6, since the image recording after the engine is stopped can be performed continuously for a set time, the engine is stopped and the vehicle is temporarily stopped. In the case of leaving the vehicle, the situation around the own vehicle can be continuously stored and can be used as important data for elucidating unknown accidents.

[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 own vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the own vehicle.

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

FIG. 5 is an embodiment diagram showing a configuration of an image storage operation device.

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

FIG. 7 is another embodiment showing the configuration of the image storage operation device.

FIG. 8 is a third embodiment showing the configuration of the image storage operation device.

FIG. 9 is a fourth embodiment showing the configuration of the image storage operation device.

FIG. 10 is a fifth embodiment showing the configuration of the image storage operation device.

FIG. 11 is a sixth embodiment showing the configuration of the image storage operation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 imaging means 3 image storage operation device 4 image recording means 5 display means 6 date and time recording means 14 operation circuit 15 engine operation detection means 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 control means 16a, 17a, 18a switching means 19a time setting means 16b , 17b, 18b Operating means 19b Selecting means 19c Record holding means 20b Voice recognition means a Engine operation signal b Engine stop signal c Operation signal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) B60R 21/00 624 B60R 21/00 624C 626 626G B62D 41/00 B62D 41/00 G11B 19/02 501 G11B 19 / 02 501A 19/16 501 19/16 501E H04N 7/18 H04N 7/18 J U

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image recording means for photographing a part of a vehicle body of an own vehicle, a road surface and an outside scene related to a movement of the own vehicle, and activating an engine to activate an image recording means for storing an image of the imaging means. In an image storage operating device in an in-vehicle image recording system for stopping the operation of the image recording means by stopping the engine, the operation state of the image recording means is stopped by an artificial operation, and / or the stopped state of the image recording means. Storage device in an in-vehicle image recording system capable of controlling a vehicle to an operating state. 2. An image recording means, wherein control means for controlling an operation state of the image recording means by operation of the engine to a stop state by manual operation is connected to an operation circuit for operating the image recording means by operation of the engine. Switching means for switching between an operating state and a stopped state, and operating means for manually operating the switching operation, wherein the stopped state of the switching means can be automatically returned to the operating state by an operation signal of the engine. Item 3. An image storage operating device in the vehicle-mounted image recording system according to Item 1. 3. A control means for controlling a stop state of the image recording means due to a stop of the engine to an operating state by a manual operation is connected to an operation circuit for independently operating the image recording means. It comprises switching means for switching between an operating state and a stopped state, and operating means for manually operating the switching means. The operating state of the switching means can be automatically returned to a stopped state by an engine operation signal or its stop signal. The image storage operating device in the vehicle-mounted image recording system according to claim 1. 4. A control means for controlling an operation state and a stop state of the image recording means by operation and stop of the engine by an artificial operation is connected to an operation circuit for operating the image recording means by operation of the engine, and will be described later. Operating means for switching between an operating state and a stopped state of the image recording means, automatically returning to an operating state by an engine operating signal, and automatically returning to a stopped state by an engine stop signal. The switching means is connected to an operation circuit for independently operating the image recording means, and the operation state of the image recording means is switched between an operation state and a stop state by an operation means described later, and the operation state is automatically returned to an operation state by an operation signal of the engine. A second switching means capable of automatically returning to a stopped state by stopping the engine;
2. An image storage operating device in an in-vehicle image recording system according to claim 1, further comprising an operation means for artificially and commonly operating a switching operation of said second switching means. 5. An image recording means for photographing 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, and activating an image recording means for storing an image of the imaging means by operating the engine. An image storage device in an in-vehicle image recording system that stops the operation of the image recording means when the engine is stopped, comprising an operation circuit that operates the image recording means independently, and the operation circuit may be arbitrarily operated by an artificial operation. A time setting is possible, and a control means comprising time setting means for maintaining the operation of the set time length image recording means is provided. 6. The storage system according to claim 5, wherein the control means includes a time setting means and a memory holding means which starts operation in response to an engine stop signal and operates for a time set by the time setting means. Image actuating device.