JP2003230099A - Camera system for recording video on occurrence of shock - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system capable of recording a video by which only a state of shock detection can accurately be grasped without increasing a storage capacity of a recording apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The camera system comprises: an imaging means for generating a video signal; a recording means with a storage capacity for storing the video signal generated by the imaging means only for a prescribed time; a shock sensor for sensing a shock and generating a shock signal; and a recording stop instruction means for instructing the recording means to stop recording of the video signal corresponding to the shock signal produced by the shock sensor. The recording means records video signals until the recording stop instruction signal is transmitted from a time at least a prescribed time before the transmission of the recording stop instruction signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera system for recording an image at the time of a shock, and more particularly to detecting a shock at the time of a sudden accident such as an accident to determine a predetermined time before the accident or a predetermined time after the accident. The present invention relates to a camera system that records video up to time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a traffic accident or the like occurs due to a vehicle, it is important for police and insurance companies to accurately grasp the situation at the time of the accident. However, conventionally, the situation of the accident is only estimated based on the testimonies of the parties or witnesses, and a problem often occurs due to misunderstanding and misunderstanding of the testimony. Therefore, it is conceivable to mount a camera on the vehicle in order to accurately grasp the situation at the time of the accident.

Conventionally, there are cameras mounted on vehicles. For example, there is a vehicle-mounted camera system in which a camera is mounted on a vehicle and the scenery or the like seen from the vehicle is viewed while the vehicle is running. This is basically a camera system for recording all images for use while displaying images while driving or broadcasting, and generally, there is one that displays images on a display device provided in the vehicle. Many. In a special vehicle or the like, an image can be stored in a recording device, or a captured image signal can be transmitted using a communication device and stored in an external recording device.

There is also a camera system or the like for mounting a camera on the rear side of the vehicle to confirm the rear side when moving backward. This is basically a camera system for displaying an image manually or automatically when moving backward in a position where the driver is in a blind spot behind the vehicle, and the image is displayed on the display device provided on the driver side. , Is generally something that will not be accumulated.

[0005]

By using the above-described conventional vehicle camera system, it is of course possible to take a picture of the situation at the time of an accident. However, usually
The purpose of this system is to record for a long period of time, such as continuously shooting images for each purpose while running and accumulating them in the recording device. Must be large. In addition, it is very wasteful to use this for recording only the image of the accident in a situation where it is not known when the accident will occur.

Further, since the rear confirmation camera system displays an image only while the vehicle is moving backward, and does not have a recording device, it cannot accurately record the situation at the time of an accident.

In view of the above situation, the present invention is a camera system for recording a video image which allows a recording device to have a small storage capacity, can be manufactured at low cost, and can accurately grasp the situation at the time of an accident such as an accident. Is to provide.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the present invention, a camera system for recording an image at the time of impact of the present invention is at least one place of an installation object including a vehicle or a human body. An image pickup means for shooting an image and generating a video signal, a recording means connected to the image pickup means and having a storage capacity for accumulating the video signal generated by the image pickup means for a predetermined time; An impact sensor that is provided at least at one location of an object, detects an impact, and generates an impact signal, and is connected to the impact sensor,
Recording stop instruction means for generating a recording stop instruction signal for instructing stop of recording of the video signal to the recording means in response to the impact signal generated by the impact sensor, and the recording means. The video signal is recorded on the recording medium from at least a predetermined time to the time when the recording stop instruction signal is generated.

If the recording means exceeds the storage capacity, the recording means may erase the recorded old video signals in order and record new video signals in order.

Further, a stop instruction signal delay means for delaying the recording stop instruction signal to the recording means may be provided.

Further, it is judged whether or not the shock detected by the shock sensor is a shock for recording an image, and if it is not a shock for recording, the recording means instructed to stop the recording of the video signal. Recording determination means for canceling the stop of the recording may be provided.

Further, there is provided additional information acquisition means including at least one of recording means for recording voice, position information generating means for measuring the current position, time recording means for recording the current time, and speed reading means for recording the speed. In this case, the recording means records the additional information signal generated by the additional information acquisition means in synchronization with the video signal.

Further, a display means for reproducing the video signal generated by the image pickup means or the video signal recorded in the recording means may be provided.

Further, the recording means can be provided in a storage server on a telecommunications network outside the object to be installed. In this case, the image capturing means provided in the object to be installed is wireless communication means and the above-mentioned means. Connected via a telecommunication network.

Furthermore, it is possible to have a transmitting means for making a notification to the outside of the object to be installed in response to the shock signal generated by the shock sensor.

According to the above means, the following effects can be obtained. That is, a predetermined time before the shock is detected, for example, 60 seconds before the shock is detected, or a predetermined time before the shock is detected, for example, 40 seconds after the shock is detected. Since the image is recorded in the recording device after 20 hours, for example, 20 seconds later, it is possible to accurately grasp the situation at the time of impact. Since the recording device stores only images at the time of impact, only the storage capacity for the time required to know the situation at the time of impact is sufficient, and therefore the device itself can be manufactured at low cost.

Further, since the operator does not need to directly operate the camera system at the time of impact, the situation at the time of the accident can be accurately recorded even if the operator is moving during a traffic accident.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the camera system of the present invention and showing the most basic configuration. The camera system 1 according to the present invention comprises an image pickup device 2, a recording device 3, an impact sensor 4, and a recording stop instruction device 5, and is, for example, a vehicle, a human body, an animal, a building such as a house, a structure such as a utility pole, or the like. , It is to be installed on the installation target where you want to record the situation when a shock occurs. Hereinafter, in the present specification, a case where the installation object is basically a vehicle will be described. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

The image pickup device 2 is a camera unit for recording a moving image, such as a CCD camera or a CMOS camera, and has an angle of view overlooking the front of the vehicle. Imaging device 2
Can be installed in various places such as on the dashboard of the vehicle, the rear surface of the rearview mirror, the ceiling surface in contact with each window, and the like. Further, four cameras may be provided for each of the front, rear, left, and right sides, and it is of course possible to install a 360-degree omnidirectional camera or the like on the roof of the vehicle or the like. It goes without saying that these can be appropriately selected depending on the cost, accuracy, and purpose of use. A recording device 3 for storing a video signal from the image pickup device 2 is connected to the image pickup device 2. The video signal transmitted from the image pickup apparatus 2 may be any moving image recording format such as MPEG format, AVI format, MOV format, and the like.
It goes without saying that various changes can be made depending on the application situation of the camera system of the present invention, such as a high-compression small-capacity one or a high-quality but large-capacity one. As the image pickup device 2, a commercially available inexpensive device can be used. In addition, the image does not necessarily have to be in color, and it is of course possible to use monochrome. However, for example, in the case of monitoring the hit-and-run, if it is in color, the color of the opponent's vehicle body can be known more clearly. It is possible to identify the other vehicle.

The recording device 3 is connected to the image pickup device 2 and stores the video signal from the image pickup device 2. The recording device 3 does not need to have a capacity capable of recording a video signal for a long time, and may be any device capable of recording for a time sufficient to understand the situation at the time of an accident, for example, about 60 seconds. Needless to say, it may have a smaller or larger storage capacity, but if it is too small, it is not preferable because the entire situation at the time of the accident cannot be grasped. More specifically, the recording device 3 is composed of a rewritable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical medium, or an endless tape. The recording device 3 has an R
It is also possible to use a fixed memory such as an AM solid state element built in the camera, but in order to facilitate the replacement and expansion of the memory, for example, in the case of a semiconductor memory, CompactFlash (registered trademark) or Smart Media (registered trademark) ), A memory stick (trademark), a multimedia card (trademark), etc., which are generally commercially available. It is desirable that the recording medium is a recording medium that can withstand the impact of an accident.

The impact sensor 4 detects an impact on an object to be installed such as a vehicle, and generates an impact signal when the impact is detected. The impact sensor 4 can detect an impact caused by, for example, a contact accident between vehicles, a bicycle or a person, a rear-end collision accident with a fence, a building or the like. The ultrasonic sensor is not limited to the impact sensor dedicated to the camera system of the present application, and is an ultrasonic sensor for detecting a signal from an impact sensor used in an airbag device provided in a vehicle or an obstacle provided in a bumper or the like of the vehicle. It is also possible to use a signal or the like. By doing so, the camera system can be manufactured at low cost, and additional functions can be expected. Here, the airbag device refers to a device in which, when a shock is applied due to a vehicle accident or the like, an impact sensor senses and an airbag built in a steering wheel or a dashboard in front of a passenger seat opens. Further, the ultrasonic sensor provided in the vehicle measures the distance to an obstacle or the like according to the time that ultrasonic waves are emitted, reflected and returned.
When a bumper or the like is likely to hit an obstacle or the like, a warning sound is emitted to warn. When using the signal from the ultrasonic sensor, for example, when contacting a bicycle,
Even in the event of a minor collision accident, the time for emitting, reflecting and returning ultrasonic waves is almost zero.Therefore, by monitoring the output signal of this ultrasonic sensor, it is possible to ensure even a minor collision. It will be possible to record the situation. As described above, the impact sensor is not limited to one that detects an actual impact, but various types of sensors that can detect the presence or absence of contact and the like can be used.

The recording stop instructing device 5 is connected between the recording device 3 and the impact sensor 4 and stops the recording of the video signal in the recording device 3 in response to the impact signal generated by the impact sensor 4. The recording stop instruction signal is generated. Specifically, for example, the recording stop instruction signal from the recording stop instruction device 5 stops the shift clock to the recording device 3 or stops the power supply.

When the object to be installed with the camera system according to the present invention is a human body, the image pickup device 2 may be, for example, in the shape of a pin batch, and may be attached to the clothing. Further, when the installation target is a house or structure, the impact sensor 4 may be provided at a location to be monitored, such as a front door or a glass window, and the imaging device 2 may be installed so as to capture an image of that portion.

Next, the operation of the camera system of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First,
When the power of the camera system is turned on in conjunction with an ignition switch or the like of the vehicle, the image pickup device 2 starts shooting (step 201). The power supply of the camera system may be turned on only when the passenger is riding in conjunction with the ignition switch as described above, but in order to identify the opponent vehicle such as so-called hit-and-run when parked in the parking lot. The power may be turned on at all times. The video signal photographed by the image pickup device 2 is transmitted to the recording device 3 and accumulated in the recording medium of the recording device 3 (step 20).
2). Recording is continued until the storage capacity of the recording medium is exceeded (step 203). When the storage capacity is exceeded, the new video signal is overwritten on the old video signal (step 204). Overwriting is performed by various methods such as erasing the recorded old video signal in order and recording a new video signal in order so that only the latest video is always left. These steps 202-204
Is repeated until a recording stop instruction signal is received from the recording stop instruction device 5 (step 205). Next, when a shock is applied to the vehicle due to a traffic accident or the like, the shock sensor 4 detects the shock. When the impact signal is sent to the recording stop instructing device 5, the recording stop instructing signal is sent to the recording device 3, and the recording on the recording medium is stopped and the process ends (step 206).

As described above, the recording apparatus 3 which has stopped recording by the recording stop instruction signal has recorded as many video signals as can be recorded in the predetermined storage capacity. That is, for example, 6
If it has a recording capacity of 0 seconds, it means that the video signal is recorded from 60 seconds before the time when the recording stop instruction signal is transmitted to the time when the recording stop instruction signal is transmitted.

If the recording stop instruction signal is transmitted not by the impact of an accident but by the impact of an emergency brake or the like,
Recording on the recording device must continue. Therefore,
As shown by the broken line in FIG. 2, for example, after the recording stop operation in step 206, step 207 for determining whether or not an image should be recorded is provided. Otherwise, it is possible to return to step 202 and continue recording. The device that realizes this step 207 is connected to the recording device 3, for example, and determines whether or not an accident has occurred, and if there is no accident, restarts the recording device 3 that has once stopped recording. Whether or not recording should be performed is determined by, for example, whether or not the vehicle has started a normal driving operation again after the recording stop instruction signal is transmitted, for example, at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined distance. It can be judged by deciding based on the conditions such as just running. For example, if there is no accident, a restart switch etc. that is manually pressed is provided so that the driver of the vehicle can determine whether or not it should be recorded. If it is not an accident, press the restart switch to restart recording. Of course, it is possible to do so. In this case, for example, if an indicator etc. indicating that the recording is stopped is provided, the driver can easily know that the recording has been stopped, and the driver can manually restart the recording. Will also be easier.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the manner in which an image is recorded on the recording medium for a predetermined time in the first embodiment of the camera system of the present invention will be described along the time axis. Explaining the case where the recording medium has a storage capacity of, for example, 60 seconds, the captured video signals are sequentially recorded on the recording medium, but the video signals older than 60 seconds are erased, and new video signals are sequentially added. Signals are accumulated. That is, 60
Only the latest video signals for seconds will be sequentially accumulated. When an accident occurs, the impact sensor 4 detects the impact of the accident, and when the recording stop instruction device 5 transmits a recording stop instruction signal, recording on the recording medium is stopped. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the video signal from 60 seconds before the occurrence of the accident to the time of the occurrence of the accident is recorded on the recording medium. By reproducing this video signal, it is possible to verify the state until the accident occurs 60 seconds ago, so that the situation of the accident can be easily grasped.

However, in the above embodiment, since the video signal is recorded only until the time of the accident, the situation immediately after the accident cannot be grasped. Depending on the situation in which the camera system of the present invention is applied, there may be a case where it is desired to store video signals after an accident. For example, when you want to be able to verify when it bounces back after hitting a vehicle and then hits another vehicle, or when you want to record the place where you went inside after destroying a part of a window or building, etc. Is. Therefore, an embodiment in which a video signal after an accident can also be stored will be described below.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the camera system of the present invention. In the figure, the parts designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 represent the same things, and the basic construction is shown in FIG. It is similar to that of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that a signal delay means 6 is provided between the impact sensor 4 and the recording stop instruction device 5. When a shock applied to the vehicle is detected by the shock sensor 4, a shock signal is generated and sent to the signal delay means 6. The signal delay means 6 transmits a shock signal to the recording stop instruction device 5 after delaying for a predetermined time. Therefore, the recording is stopped after a delay of a predetermined time from the time when the shock is applied, so that the video signal is accumulated for a predetermined time after the accident. For example, if the recording device has a capacity capable of recording only for 60 seconds, if the signal delay means 6 delays for 20 seconds, video signals for 40 seconds before the accident and 20 seconds after the accident will be recorded. Become.

Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which the signal delay means 6 is provided between the impact sensor 4 and the recording stop instructing device 5, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording stop instructing device 5 is not limited thereto. It is of course possible to provide it between the recording device 3 and the recording device 3. In this case, the same effect can be obtained by delaying the recording stop instruction signal from the recording stop instruction device 5 by the signal delay means 6 to delay the recording stop operation of the recording device 3. As described above, as long as the recording instruction to the recording device 3 can be delayed, any one may be used.
It can be realized by software as well as hardware.

With reference to FIG. 5, the manner in which an image is recorded on the recording medium in the second embodiment of the camera system of the present invention for a predetermined time before and after an accident will be described along the time axis.
Explaining the case where the recording medium has a storage capacity of, for example, 60 seconds, the captured video signal is recorded on the recording medium, but the video signal older than 60 seconds is erased.
It is overwritten and new video signals are successively accumulated. That is, only the latest video signal for 60 seconds is sequentially accumulated. And in case of an accident, the impact sensor 4
Detects the impact of an accident, delays the impact signal to the recording stop instruction device 5 by the signal delay means 6 for 20 seconds, and then the recording stop instruction device 5 transmits the recording stop instruction signal. As a result, recording on the recording medium is stopped. By doing this,
As shown in FIG. 5, the video signal is recorded on the recording medium from 40 seconds before the accident occurs to the accident occurrence and from the accident occurrence to the 20 seconds after the accident. By reproducing this video signal, it is possible to verify the situation before the accident occurs 40 seconds ago and verify the situation after the accident occurs for 20 seconds. Therefore, not only the process leading up to the accident,
You can check the situation after the accident, so you can understand the situation of the accident in more detail.

If it is desired to store the situation before and after the accident for a longer period of time, it is conceivable to compress the video signal more highly to reduce the capacity of the video signal, increase the storage capacity of the recording device 3, or the like. It is also possible to use a plurality of recording devices to increase the total capacity. An example of providing a plurality of recording devices will be described below.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the camera system of the present invention. In the figure, the parts designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 represent the same things, and the basic construction is shown in FIG. It is similar to that of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that two recording devices are provided in the illustrated example, and a signal delay means is provided between one recording device and the signal stop instruction device. The recording stop instruction device 5 is connected to the recording device 3 and the recording device 7, but is connected to the recording device 7 via a signal delay means 8. When the impact sensor 4 detects an impact applied to the vehicle, an impact signal is generated and the impact signal is transmitted to the recording stop instruction device 5. When receiving the shock signal, the recording stop instruction device 5 directly transmits the recording stop instruction signal to the recording device 3. On the other hand, a recording stop instruction signal is transmitted to the recording device 7 via the signal delay means 8. Therefore, the recording device 3 and the recording device 7 have different recording timings. For example, each of the recording devices 3 and 7 has 6
When it has a capacity capable of recording for only 0 seconds, the signal delay means 8 sends a recording stop instruction signal to the recording device 7 by 50.
Assuming a second delay, the recording device 3 has 6
The video signal from 0 seconds before the time of the accident is recorded in the recording device 7.
Video signals from 10 seconds before the accident to 50 seconds after the accident will be recorded respectively.

Although FIG. 6 shows an example in which the signal delay means 8 is provided between the recording stop instructing device 5 and the recording device 7, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording stop instructing device can be used. Two of them are used, and a signal delay means is provided between one of the recording stop instruction devices and the impact sensor 4 to delay the impact signal from the impact sensor 4 to one of the recording stop instruction devices. The effect is obtained. Further, although the illustrated example shows an example in which two recording devices 3 are used, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is of course possible to use more recording devices. When the recording time is extended by using a plurality of recording devices, the recording devices may be serially connected and used as if they were one recording device.

The manner in which images are recorded on two recording media will be described along the time axis with reference to FIG. Here again, a case where the recording medium has a storage capacity of, for example, 60 seconds will be described. The recording medium of the recording device 3 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 3, and when an accident occurs, video signals from 60 seconds before the accident to the time of the accident are accumulated. On the other hand, in the recording medium of the recording device 7, the signal delay means 8 is provided for a predetermined time, for example 50 seconds, from the time of the accident.
Therefore, the video signal is accumulated from 10 seconds before the accident to 50 seconds after the accident.
Therefore, by using a plurality of recording media having a small capacity, it is possible to record the situation before and after the accident for a long time at a low cost. By reproducing the video signals recorded on each of these recording media, you can verify the situation from the time of the accident to the time after the accident for a longer period of time, so that you can grasp the situation of the accident in more detail. become.

Further, for example, two impact sensors, a recording stop instruction device, and a recording device are used to detect the first impact and the second impact, respectively, and record an image at a time corresponding to each impact. Of course, it is possible. By doing so, for example, after the vehicles collide with each other, it is possible to reliably record the images when the vehicle further collides with another vehicle. That is, for example, when the first impact is detected, recording on the first recording device is delayed by a predetermined time and then stopped. Here, the record determining means determines whether or not the first impact is an accident, and if it is not an accident, recording is continued, but if it is an accident, the second impact is left while recording is stopped. Wait for the second shock to be detected by the sensor. If there is no second shock, the process ends, but if there is a second shock,
Recording on the second recording device is delayed for a predetermined time and then stopped. As a result, the video signal at the time corresponding to the first shock is separately stored in the first recording device, and the video signal at the time corresponding to the second shock is separately stored in the second recording device. Therefore, even in the case of a compound accident, the situation of the accident can be verified in detail.

Although a case has been described in which a plurality of recording stop instruction devices and delay means are used, it goes without saying that two operations can actually be performed by one means in terms of software. Further, as for the impact sensor, it is of course possible that one sensor detects the impact twice.

A fourth embodiment of the camera system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 represent the same things, and the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The difference from the first embodiment is that the recording device is not provided on the installation target, but is provided on a storage server on a telecommunications network such as the Internet. As shown in the figure, an installation target such as a vehicle is provided with an imaging device 2, an impact sensor 4, and a recording stop instruction device 5, and a recording device for recording a video signal is provided in the storage server 10. Further, a wireless communication device 11 is provided on the object to be installed so that information can be wirelessly transmitted / received to / from a wireless communication device 12 provided outside the vehicle. The wireless communication device 12 is connected to a telecommunication network such as the Internet, and is connected to the storage server 10 via the telecommunication network.

The video signal picked up by the image pickup device 2 is transmitted to the wireless communication device 11, is wirelessly transmitted from there to the wireless communication device 12, and is stored in the storage server 10 via the telecommunication network. In the storage server 10, the video signal is recorded for a predetermined time, and the old video signal is sequentially overwritten with the new video signal. For example, in the present embodiment, the members for using the storage server 10 are registered, the predetermined capacity is assigned to each member, and the video signal is recorded within that range.
During operation, the video signal is continuously transmitted to the storage server 10 via the telecommunication network, and when the impact sensor 4 senses the impact given to the installation target such as a vehicle, the impact signal is transmitted to the recording stop instruction device 5. . The recording stop instruction device 5 is connected to the wireless communication device 11, and the recording stop instruction signal is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless communication device 11 to the wireless communication device 12, and is transmitted to the storage server 10 via the telecommunication network. . Storage server 10 that has received the recording stop instruction signal
Stops overwriting a new video signal, and the video signal from a predetermined time before the time when the recording stop instruction signal is received is recorded in the storage server 10.

By providing the storage server outside the vehicle in this way, the recording device will not be burned down in the event of a major accident or the like, and the system will be more reliable. Also,
Since the storage server is installed on the telecommunications network, insurance companies, police, fire departments, hospitals, etc. will be able to quickly understand the situation of the accident via the communication network. Therefore, it becomes possible to promptly take emergency measures.

Further, it is of course possible to notify the accident in a timely manner by transmitting an electronic mail from the storage server 10 to an insurance company, police, family, etc. By making it possible to browse the video signal stored in the storage server with a browser for browsing a homepage, for example, it is possible to easily confirm it from the outside via the Internet. In consideration of privacy issues and security issues, it is desirable that the video signal can be confirmed only after the recording stop instruction signal is issued.

The camera system of the present invention can incorporate various functions, sensors and the like. A fifth embodiment of the camera system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 represent the same things, and the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The camera system shown in FIG. 9 is equipped with various sensors and devices on the vehicle, but these sensors and devices do not necessarily have to be applied, and the cost and reliability of the camera system are not necessarily required. ,
It goes without saying that various changes can be made depending on the application.

The camera system of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 is an example in which four image pickup devices 2 are installed not only on the front side of the vehicle but also on the left and right sides and the rear side. These are recording devices 3 respectively
, And are recorded as separate video signals. Although the number of recording devices 3 is one in the illustrated example, a plurality of recording devices may be provided for each imaging device. Further, it is of course possible to further increase or decrease the number of imaging devices 2.

A recording device 15 for recording a voice can be provided near the image pickup device 2, and these recording devices 15 are also connected to the recording device 3, respectively. The audio signal recorded by the recording device is recorded in the recording device 3 in synchronization with the video signal. By recording audio as well as video, it becomes possible to verify the situation of the accident in more detail. In the illustrated example, the recording device 15 is provided in the vicinity of each of the image pickup devices 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one recording device 15 may be provided at any place. .

Further, in the illustrated example, the time recorder 16 for synchronizing the time information with the video signal is connected to the recording device 3. This will give you an idea of when the accident occurred. Further, the time recorder 16 can be connected to a time correction device 17 for correcting the time of the clock in the time recorder to the standard time. Time correction device 17
Is to receive standard radio waves and set the time accurately. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the time when the accident occurred.

Further, in order to accurately grasp the position of the accident site, it is possible to connect the position information generating device 18 such as a GPS device to the recording device 3. Position information generation device 18
By recording the information such as latitude and longitude generated by the method in synchronization with the video signal, it is possible to accurately know the place where the accident occurred. The latitude / longitude information can of course be obtained using a car navigation system mounted on a vehicle or the like.

When the installation target is a vehicle, the vehicle speed pulse acquisition device 19 can be similarly connected to the recording device 3 in order to grasp the speed of the vehicle. The vehicle speed pulse acquisition device 19 acquires the vehicle speed pulse of the vehicle and records it in the recording device 3 in synchronization with the video signal. With this, the traveling speed of the vehicle at the time of the accident can be known, and the cause of the accident can be easily investigated.

It is also possible to connect the recording device 3 with a display device 20 for reproducing the video signal recorded in the recording device 3. This allows the recorded video signal to be immediately viewed. Further, the display device can display not only the video signal recorded in the recording device 3 but also the video signal generated by the imaging device 2 as it is. As a result, when installing the camera system according to the present invention on an installation target,
It can be used for determining where the orientation of the lens of the imaging device should be.

Further, it is possible to connect the transmitter 21 to the impact sensor 4 and notify the insurer, police, fire department, hospital, mobile phone or the like by the transmitter 21 in response to the impact signal. As a result, the insurance company and the police can know that an accident has occurred immediately after the accident, so that it becomes possible to perform accident processing more smoothly.

Although the above embodiment has been described with respect to the one in which the camera system according to the present invention is mainly mounted in a vehicle, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the present camera system is mounted on a human body, the impact sensor may be set to a predetermined sensitivity and adjusted so that recording is stopped by an impact such as an accident. Further, it is possible to stop the recording by the own operation. Further, when the present camera system is applied for crime prevention in a house, an impact sensor may be provided on a door or a window so that recording is stopped when a predetermined impact such as breaking glass is received. By doing so, it is possible to accurately record the image of the criminal, and it is possible to reliably obtain only the most necessary image at the time of intrusion. Further, if the camera system of the present invention is used for a cash register of a store such as a convenience store, it is possible to detect a shock when the cash register is taken out or forcibly opened, and the recording is stopped. By doing so, it is possible to surely record the criminal image clearly.

The camera system for recording an image at the time of an accident according to the present invention is not limited to the above illustrated example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Is. It goes without saying that the object to be installed may include any object as long as it is desired to record the situation when a shock occurs. Further, the length of the recording time described above is not limited to the above description and the illustrated example, and it is needless to say that it can be longer or shorter. Furthermore, the delay time can be set arbitrarily, and is not limited to the above example. In addition, the camera system of the present invention,
It is not necessary to incorporate it in the object to be installed in advance, and it is possible to install it later. That is, for example, in the case of a vehicle, it is possible not only to install the camera system of the present invention at the same time as the vehicle is manufactured but also to newly install it even if the vehicle is not installed at the time of manufacturing. Is.

[0052]

As described above, according to the camera system for recording the image at the time of the collision of the present invention, the situation of the collision,
The excellent effect that the cause etc. can be grasped accurately can be produced. Moreover, since only the image at the time of the accident is recorded, an expensive large-capacity recording medium is not required, and the system itself can be manufactured in a small size and at low cost. Since it becomes possible to accurately grasp the situation before and after the accident and the cause of the accident, the images taken by the insurance company and the police are very important materials.

For example, an insurance company can easily assess an accident, and thus can provide services such as reducing or reducing insurance premiums for a vehicle equipped with the camera system according to the present invention. Further, even when an accident occurs, the cause of the accident can be easily grasped, and the insurance ratio can be easily calculated. For the driver himself / herself, his / her family, relatives, employer companies, etc., there is no useless dispute, so post-processing etc. of the accident can be carried out smoothly, and the mental burden in the event of an accident is also reduced.

Further, if the camera system according to the present invention is operated even during parking, not only the case where the vehicle is hit and run away but also the situation such as mischief on the vehicle and theft of wheels, car audio set, etc. are recorded. It is also possible. Further, by being installed in a human body, an animal, a building such as a house, a structure or the like, various applications such as crime prevention and recording at the time of disaster can be realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a camera system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the camera system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining, along the time axis, how a video is recorded on a recording medium for a predetermined time in the first embodiment of the camera system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the camera system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining, along a time axis, how a video is recorded on a recording medium for a predetermined time in the second embodiment of the camera system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the camera system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining, along a time axis, how a video is recorded on a recording medium for a predetermined time in the third embodiment of the camera system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the camera system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the camera system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 vehicle 2 Imaging device 3 recording devices 4 Impact sensor 5 Recording stop instruction device 6 Signal delay means 7 Recording device 8 Signal delay means 10 Storage server 11 wireless communication device 12 Wireless communication device 15 Recording device 16 time recorder 17 Time correction device 18 Position information generator 19 Vehicle speed pulse acquisition device 20 display 21 transmitter

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Teruyoshi Maruyama             12-12 Nishihara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Jinichi Togashi             2-3-3 Ogawa, Machida, Tokyo F-term (reference) 5C052 AB02 DD04 EE01                 5C053 LA01 LA05 LA06 LA14                 5C054 AA01 CD03 CE02 CE06 CG07                       CH01 CH05 CH10 DA07 FE28                       GB02 GB05 GB06 GD01 GD06                       HA26

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A camera system for recording an image at the time of impact, wherein the camera system is provided in at least one place of an installation target object including a vehicle, a human body, etc. An image pickup unit for generating, at least one recording unit connected to the image pickup unit and having a storage capacity for accumulating the video signal generated by the image pickup unit for a predetermined time, and provided in at least one place of the installation target object. A shock sensor for detecting a shock and generating a shock signal; and stopping recording of the video signal in the recording means in response to the shock signal generated by the shock sensor and connected to the shock sensor. Recording stop instruction means for generating a recording stop instruction signal for instructing, and the recording means generates the recording stop instruction signal at least a predetermined time before. Camera system video signal up to when, characterized in that the recorded. 2. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the recording means, when the storage capacity is exceeded, erases the recorded old video signals in order and records new video signals in order. Characteristic camera system. 3. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising stop instruction signal delay means for delaying the recording stop instruction signal to the recording means. . 4. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising determining whether or not the shock detected by the shock sensor is a shock for recording an image, and recording the image. A camera system, comprising: recording determination means for releasing the stop of the recording of the recording means instructed to stop the recording of the video signal if the impact is not to be caused. 5. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising a recording means for recording voice, a position information generating means for measuring the current position, and a time record for recording the current time. Means, and additional information acquisition means including at least one of speed reading means for recording speed, and the recording means records the additional information signal generated by the additional information acquisition means in synchronization with the video signal. A camera system characterized by the above. 6. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising reproducing a video signal generated by the image pickup means or a video signal recorded in the recording means. A camera system comprising: 7. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit is provided in a storage server on a telecommunications network outside the object to be installed, and the object to be installed is The camera system is characterized in that the camera system is connected to the image pickup means provided in the wireless communication means via a wireless communication means and the telecommunication network. 8. The camera system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a transmission means for notifying the outside of the installation target object in response to the impact signal generated by the impact sensor. A camera system comprising: