JP2002120770A - Image pickup means mounting tool and crash monitoring system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a crash monitoring system for vehicle which can reduce a cost required for system construction, and provide an image pickup means mounting tool which can used by posterior mounting. SOLUTION: A camera stand 12 is provided with a mounting tool body 44 and an actuator 43. The mounting tool body 44 is mounted inside the vehicle, and a digital camera 21 is capable of installed to the mounting tool body 44. The actuator 43 is mounted to the mounting tool body 44, and actuates the digital camera 21 in case of emergency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mounting device for mounting an image pickup means for recording an image when a vehicle is in an emergency, and a vehicle collision monitoring system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, traffic accidents are rapidly increasing due to the development of a car society. Along with this, legal litigation related to traffic accidents tends to increase dramatically.

In such legal actions, it is important to indicate the cause of the traffic accident. As a method therefor, it has been considered that a situation in which a traffic accident has occurred is photographed with a video camera or the like.

For example, a vehicle collision monitoring system as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-137144 has been proposed.
This vehicle collision monitoring system includes a digital camera as an imaging unit and an impact detection sensor. The digital camera is mounted on the ceiling and records images in the event of a vehicle emergency. The impact detection sensor detects a sudden change in vehicle speed from the movement of the brake pedal and operates the digital camera.

[0005]

However, all of the conventional vehicle collision monitoring systems are expensive.
In addition, since the vehicle collision monitoring system that has been used conventionally has been incorporated in the vehicle in advance, it has been difficult to retrofit the vehicle collision monitoring system.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle collision monitoring system capable of reducing the cost required for the system configuration. It is another object of the present invention to provide an imaging device mounting tool that can be used later.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is provided with a mounting device main body which is installed in a vehicle and to which imaging means can be mounted, and which is mounted on the mounting device main body. Operating means for operating the image capturing means in an emergency of a vehicle.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the mounting device main body includes a holder portion installed in a vehicle and an arm fixed to the holder portion so as to be extendable and contractible. Wherein the imaging means is held between the holder and the holding portion of the arm.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first and second aspects of the invention, an impact detection sensor for detecting a sudden change in vehicle speed and operating the operating means is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup device, a mounted portion to which the image pickup device can be mounted, and an operating device for operating the image pickup device mounted on the mounted portion in a vehicle emergency. The invention further comprises an impact detection sensor that detects a sudden change in vehicle speed and activates the operation means.

Hereinafter, the "action" of the present invention will be described. According to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, since the imaging unit can be mounted on the mounting body, for example, a commercially available imaging unit can be used as the imaging unit. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost required for configuring the vehicle collision monitoring system. In addition, with the imaging device mounting tool having such a configuration, the imaging device mounting device can be used after retrofitting.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the length between the holder and the holding portion of the arm can be appropriately adjusted. There is no need to make it. Therefore, image pickup means of various sizes can be attached to the attachment main body, and versatility is enhanced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the impact detection sensor is provided on the imaging means mounting tool, the imaging means can be reliably operated without connecting to the impact detection sensor on the vehicle side. be able to. Therefore, the retrofitting of the imaging means mounting device is further facilitated.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, a camera stand 12 as an image pickup means mounting device constituting the vehicle collision monitoring system 11 is installed on a dashboard 13 in the vehicle. The camera stand 12 has a front window 14
Are arranged in a state close to.

As shown in FIG. 2, a G sensor 31 as an impact detection sensor is provided in a holder portion 41 described later of the camera stand 12. This G sensor 31
Chassis and dashboard 1 not in holder 41
3 and so on. The G sensor 31 outputs an operation signal when detecting a sudden change in vehicle speed.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,
The G sensor 31 of the present embodiment is of a mechanical type,
2, a contact portion 33, an electric wire 34, and a rotating portion 35 are provided. In the G sensor 31, the contact portion 32 is
, A current flows through the electric wire 34.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera stand 12
Includes an attachment main body 44 and an actuator 43 as an operating means. The mounting tool main body 44 includes a holder 41 and an arm 51 as mounted parts. The holder part 41 is formed in a vertically long and substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. On one side surface 41a of the holder portion 41, an insertion portion 46 is provided at one place. The insertion portion 46 has an insertion hole 4 having a rectangular cross section.
6a is provided. In the insertion portion 46, a screw insertion hole 46b is provided so as to be orthogonal to the insertion hole 46a. A thumb screw 45 as an engagement means is rotatably screwed into the screw insertion hole 46b. The thumb screw 45 fixes the position of the arm 51 and fixes the arm 5.
1 is prevented from blurring. The holder 41 is provided with a receiving recess 42 having a rectangular cross section.
The housing recess 42 is open on the upper surface of the holder 41. A fixing screw 47 for fixing the holder portion 41 to the dashboard 13 is attached to two places on the bottom portion 42a of the accommodation concave portion 42. Incidentally, as a fixing means for fixing the holder portion 41 to the dashboard 13, a double-sided tape, a bracket, a rivet, or the like may be used.

A control section 48 is accommodated in the holder section 41. The control unit 48 is specifically a printed circuit board on which ICs, transistors, and the like are mounted. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 48 includes a microcomputer 48a, an operation signal detection circuit 71, and a power supply 72. Control unit 48
And the actuator 43 are electrically connected via an electric wire 49a. Further, the control section 48 and the G sensor 31 are electrically connected via an electric wire 49b.

As shown in FIG. 2, a digital camera 21 as an image pickup means is detachably mounted in the accommodation recess 42. In this state, a part of the digital camera 21 projects from the opening edge of the accommodation recess 42. The digital camera 21 includes a lens unit 23 and a shutter unit 2 serving as an imaging start switch.
2 are provided. The lens portion 23 and the shutter portion 22 are arranged in a portion of the digital camera 21 that protrudes from the opening edge of the housing recess 42. The lens unit 23 is arranged so as to capture an image of the front outside of the vehicle. Specifically, the lens unit 23 is disposed toward the front window 14 in FIG. Further, the shutter section 22 is disposed on the upper end face 21 a of the digital camera 21. Note that the digital camera 21 is a digital electric imaging unit that is generally commercially available.

As shown in FIG. 2, the arm 51 is
It is formed of a moving part 51b and a pinching part 51a that pass through each insertion hole 46a, and is formed in an L-shape. Arm part 5
Reference numeral 1 is fixed to the holder 41 so as to be able to expand and contract. Specifically, the arm 51 moves in parallel with the mounting direction of the digital camera 21 and
To come into contact with. Therefore, the digital camera 21 is provided with
a.

The moving portion 51b is provided with a groove 52 as an engaged portion along the moving direction of the arm 51. The arm 51 is fixed by engaging the tip of the thumbscrew 45 with the groove 52.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,
The actuator 43 is provided in the holding portion 51a of the arm portion 51. A solenoid 81 is housed in the actuator 43. The solenoid 81 has
The electric wire 49a from the control unit 48 is connected via the inside of the arm unit 51. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the solenoid 81 is energized, the movable core 8
The pressing rod 43a connected to 2 protrudes from the lower surface of the umbrella portion 51c provided at the holding portion 51a. The pressing rod 43a presses the shutter section 22. The actuator 43 is energized when an operation signal is output from the G sensor 31.

As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle collision monitoring system 11 includes a G sensor 31, an operation signal detection circuit 71, a microcomputer 48a, a digital camera 21, and a memory card 17.
It has. The G sensor 31 is energized when the vehicle speed changes suddenly, and sends the current to the operation signal detection circuit 71. The operation signal detection circuit 71 is a G sensor 3
1 is converted into an operation signal and sent to the microcomputer 48a. The microcomputer 48a activates the digital camera 21 by energizing the solenoid 81 shown in FIG. 3 based on the operation signal from the operation signal detection circuit 71. The digital camera 21 captures images and records the captured images on the memory card 17.

Next, a method for taking an image of the situation of the vehicle with the digital camera 21 in an emergency will be described. First,
When the driver suddenly changes the vehicle speed due to sudden braking or the like, as shown in FIG. 4A, the contact portion 32 turns around the turning portion 35 in the arrow F1 direction. As a result, as shown in FIG.
3 and the G sensor 31 is energized. This current is sent to the operation signal detection circuit 71, converted into an operation signal, and sent to the microcomputer 48a. Then, the microcomputer 48a
The solenoid 81 is energized based on the operation signal. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the pressing rod 43a projects from the lower surface of the umbrella portion 51c and presses the shutter portion 22.
As a result, the digital camera 21 operates to capture an image. Then, the photographed image is recorded on a memory card 17 which is a kind of recording medium. Note that the recording medium may be a ROM or the like.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since the digital camera 21 can be mounted on the mounting tool main body 44, for example, a commercially available digital camera 21 can be used. The commercially available digital camera 21 is inexpensive because it is a mass-produced product. Therefore, the cost required to configure the vehicle collision monitoring system 11 can be reduced. Further, with the camera stand 12 having such a configuration, it is not necessary to electrically connect the camera stand 12 to the G sensor 31 on the vehicle side. Therefore, the camera stand 12 on which the digital camera 21 is mounted can function independently. Therefore, the camera stand 12 can be used afterwards.

(2) Since the length between the holder portion 41 and the holding portion 51a of the arm portion 51 can be appropriately adjusted, the accommodation concave portion 42 of the attachment main body 44 is adjusted to the size of the digital camera 21. It is no longer necessary to manufacture it. Therefore, the digital camera 21 of various sizes is
Can be attached, and versatility is enhanced.

(3) G sensor 31 on camera stand 12
Is provided, the digital camera 21 can be reliably operated without connecting to the G sensor 31 on the vehicle side (specifically, the chassis or the dashboard 13 side). Therefore, retrofitting of the camera stand 12 is further facilitated.

(4) The digital camera 2
1 is detachably mountable. Therefore, the digital camera 21 can be used even when the vehicle is not in an emergency. That is, normal use can be performed.

(5) The holder 41 is provided with a housing recess 42 in which the digital camera 21 can be mounted. Therefore, when the vehicle speed suddenly changes, it is possible to more reliably prevent the digital camera 21 from being displaced and the imaging direction from being out of order.

(6) The arm 51 is a digital camera 2
The digital camera 21 is moved in parallel with the mounting direction 1 so that the pressing rod 43a comes into contact with the shutter section 22 provided in the digital camera 21. Therefore, the digital camera 21 can be easily mounted in the housing recess 42.

(7) The arm 51 is fixed by engaging the tip of the thumbscrew 45 with the groove 52. Therefore, the arm portion 51 hardly swings, and the digital camera 21 can be securely fixed.

(8) The camera stand 12 is set on the dashboard 13. Therefore, digital camera 2
1 can be easily reached, and the digital camera 21 can be easily attached and detached. Further, the digital camera 21 is installed in the vehicle. Therefore, camera stand 1
As in the case where the digital camera 21 is placed outside the vehicle and the digital camera 21 is placed outside the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the digital camera 21 from being damaged by the influence of weather such as rain.

The present embodiment may be modified as follows. In the G sensor 31 of the embodiment, when the contact portion 32 comes into contact with the contacted portion 33, electricity flows. However, as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to use a strain gauge type G sensor 31 in which the amount of current changes according to the degree of deformation of 1. With this configuration, the microcomputer 48a can be controlled precisely according to the magnitude of the acceleration. Therefore, digital camera 2
1 can be performed more reliably.

The digital camera 21 may take an image at predetermined time intervals by outputting an operation signal output from the G sensor 31 at predetermined time intervals. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain more detailed image information until the vehicle reaches the accident.

In the above embodiment, the digital camera 21
Was pinched between the accommodation recess 42 and the pinching portion 51a of the arm 51. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the housing concave portion 42 may be omitted, and the digital camera 21 may be fixed to the holder portion 41 with the camera fixing screw 61.

In the above embodiment, the holder 41 has a structure in which the digital camera 21 is detachably mounted. However, the structure of the holder section 41 may be such that once the digital camera 21 is mounted, it cannot be removed.

In the above embodiment, the actuator 43
Was an electric actuator having a solenoid 81. However, the actuator 43 may be a fluid pressure actuator such as an air cylinder.

In the above-described embodiment, the arm 51 is fixed by the thumb screw 45 engaging the groove 52. However, holes may be provided at a plurality of locations instead of the grooves 52, and the thumb screw 45 may be engaged with any of the holes. With this configuration, even if an external force acts in the moving direction of the arm 51, the arm 5
1 is prevented from slipping out. Therefore, the arm portion 51 can be fixed more reliably.

The digital camera 21 is installed in the holder 41.
Power supply means such as a battery for supplying power to the power supply may be provided.
With such a configuration, charging can be performed even while the digital camera 21 is mounted in the housing recess 42.
Note that the power supply means may be a battery usually mounted on a vehicle.

In the above embodiment, the camera stand 12
Was installed on the dashboard 13 in the passenger compartment. However, the camera stand 12 may be arranged near the rear seat, on the ceiling, in the engine room, outside the vehicle, or the like.

In the above embodiment, the digital camera 21 is used as a digital electric imaging means.
As another digital electric imaging means to replace it,
Digital video or the like may be used. Further, an analog video or the like may be used as the analog electric imaging means. Further, a normal analog camera or the like for imaging an image on a photosensitive film may be used as the mechanical imaging means.

In the above-described embodiment, the memory card 17 is used as a recording medium for recording an image. Instead, a photosensitive film or the like may be used as a recording medium. Instead of using a recording medium to record an image, instead of recording an image directly,
The information may be transmitted to an emergency agency such as a police station or a fire station.

Next, in addition to the technical idea described in the claims, the technical idea grasped by the above-described embodiment will be described below. (1) The imaging device mounting tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the imaging device is removably mountable on the holder portion. Therefore, according to the technical idea (1), the imaging unit can be used even when the vehicle is not in an emergency.

(2) The imaging means mounting tool according to the technical idea (1), wherein the holder is provided with a power supply means for supplying power to the imaging means. (3) In the technical concept (1) or (2), the operating means is an actuator for pressing an imaging start switch provided in the imaging means. Utensils.

(4) The imaging device mounting tool according to claim 2, wherein a recessed portion for mounting the imaging device is provided in the holder portion. Therefore, according to the technical idea (4), it is possible to more reliably prevent the imaging unit from moving in the emergency of the vehicle.

(5) In the technical idea (4), the arm section moves in parallel with a mounting direction of the image pickup means, and sets the operation means to the image pickup start switch provided in the image pickup means. An imaging means mounting tool characterized by being brought into contact with the imaging means. Therefore, according to the technical idea (5), the imaging unit can be easily mounted on the mounting tool main body. Further, the structure of the imaging means mounting tool can be simplified.

(6) In the technical concept (4) or (5), an engaged portion is provided on the arm portion in a moving direction of the arm portion, and the engaged portion is attached to the holder portion. An imaging means mounting tool, characterized in that an engagement means for engaging with the joint to fix the arm is provided. Therefore, according to the technical concept (6), the imaging unit can be securely fixed.

(7) In claim 4, when the shock detection sensor detects a sudden change in vehicle speed and outputs an operation signal at predetermined time intervals, the operation means outputs the image pickup means every time the operation signal is output. A collision monitoring system for a vehicle, characterized in that imaging is performed sequentially by operating a vehicle. Therefore, according to the technical idea (7), it is possible to obtain detailed image information of the vehicle in an emergency.

[0050]

As described in detail above, according to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost required for configuring the vehicle collision monitoring system. Further, the imaging means mounting tool can be used afterwards.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, various sizes of image pickup means can be attached to the attachment main body, and the versatility is enhanced. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the retrofitting of the imaging device mounting device is further facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of a camera stand according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of a camera stand.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of main parts of a camera stand.

4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a G sensor.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a relationship between a camera stand and a digital camera.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of a G sensor in another example.

FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view of another example of a vehicle-mounted camera stand.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Vehicle collision monitoring system, 12 ... Camera stand as imaging means mounting tool, 21 ... Digital camera as imaging means, 31 ... G sensor as impact detection sensor,
41: a holder as a mounted portion; 43: an actuator as an actuating means; 44: a mounting body; 51: an arm; 51a;

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting body which is installed in a vehicle and to which imaging means can be mounted; and an operating means which operates the imaging means mounted on the mounting body in an emergency of the vehicle. Imaging device mounting tool. 2. The mounting device main body includes a holder portion installed in a vehicle, and an arm portion fixed to the holder portion so as to be extendable and contractable, and the imaging means includes the holder portion and the arm. The imaging means mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting device is held between the holding portion of the portion. 3. The mounting means according to claim 1, further comprising an impact detection sensor for detecting a sudden change in vehicle speed and activating said operating means. 4. An image pickup means, a mounted part to which the image pickup means can be mounted, an operation means for operating the image pickup means mounted on the mounted part in an emergency of a vehicle, and detecting a sudden change in vehicle speed. A collision monitoring system for a vehicle, comprising: an impact detection sensor for operating the operating means.