JP2005167943A - Suspicious individual imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To take a distortion-free favorable image while keeping a lid on cost in an apparatus for taking an image of a suspicious individual lying inside a car room or in the vicinity of the car. <P>SOLUTION: Based on detected results by means of a door opening and closing detection sensor for detecting the suspicious individual lying inside the car room or in the vicinity of the car 3, an angle of a room miller 41 is regulated so as to be able to take the image of the suspicious individual by a infrared camera built in the room miller 41 to control an image-taking region taken by the infrared camera. In other word, if the door opening and closing sensor has detected that a left-hand side door is open, an angle of the room miller 41 swinging to left and right sides is changed into θ1 (A), while if having detected that a right-hand side door is open, the angle of the room miller 41 swinging to the left and right sides is changed into θ2 (B). Accordingly, by using one infrared camera 47, a distortion-free sharp image of the suspicious individual can be taken. Further, cost increases can be limited compared to cases where a plurality of the infrared cameras 47 is used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a suspicious person imaging apparatus that images a suspicious person in a vehicle interior or in the vicinity of a vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging device for imaging a suspicious person located in a vehicle interior or in the vicinity of a vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
This imaging device is configured to image a suspicious person using one video camera arranged at the center upper part in front of the vehicle.
JP 2001-119687 A

  However, the imaging apparatus is configured to be able to capture a wide range using a single camera, but in order to realize such a configuration, it is necessary to use a wide-angle lens. This causes a problem that it is difficult to identify the face of a suspicious person.

  In order to solve the above problem, there may be a method of capturing an image without distortion by sharing an imaging region with a plurality of cameras. However, since cameras are relatively expensive, it is costly to arrange a plurality of cameras. There is a problem of being up.

  Accordingly, in view of such a problem, an apparatus for imaging a suspicious person located in a vehicle interior or in the vicinity of a vehicle can capture a good image without distortion while suppressing an increase in cost. Objective.

  In the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 1, which is configured to achieve the above object, the imaging control unit is based on a detection result by the position detecting unit that detects the position of the suspicious person in the vehicle interior or in the vicinity of the vehicle. The imaging area by the imaging means is controlled so that the suspicious person can be imaged by the imaging means.

  That is, in order to capture the image of the suspicious person more clearly, for example, it is conceivable to use a plurality of imaging means. However, if a plurality of imaging means are arranged, the cost increases considerably. In the first aspect of the invention, the position of the suspicious person is detected using the position detecting means, and the image pickup control means controls the image pickup area by the image pickup means based on the detection result. It is comprised so that it may image.

Therefore, with such a suspicious person imaging device (claim 1), it is possible to capture a clear image of a suspicious person without distortion while suppressing an increase in cost.
For example, a device such as a CCD camera, a CMOS camera, or a film camera can be used as the imaging means. These cameras may have a function as an infrared camera. The image storage means includes a storage medium and a storage control device for storing in the storage medium, and a film, HDD (hard disk drive), RAM, flash memory, or the like can be applied to the storage medium. As the position detection means, a door open / close detection sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like can be applied.

By the way, it is conceivable that the image pickup means is disposed on, for example, the ceiling of the vehicle, but it is more preferable that the image pickup means is built in the rearview mirror as described in claim 2.
With such a suspicious person imaging device (claim 2), it is possible to arrange the imaging means with a good appearance.

  Furthermore, in the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 2, in order for the imaging control means to control the imaging area by the imaging means, for example, the orientation of the imaging means may be changed. It is conceivable to change only the orientation of the imaging means without changing the orientation. However, with such a configuration, if the driver changes the direction of the room mirror, the imaging area changes. Therefore, when the imaging control means adjusts the orientation (imaging area) of the imaging means, the room It is necessary to control the orientation of the imaging means based on two parameters, that is, the orientation of the mirror and the orientation of the imaging means incorporated therein, which complicates the control. Therefore, it is desirable that the imaging control unit controls the imaging area by the imaging unit by changing the direction of the room mirror as described in claim 3.

  Accordingly, with such a suspicious person imaging apparatus (claim 3), the imaging area by the imaging means can be controlled by changing the direction of only the room mirror, so that the imaging area by the imaging means is more controlled. It can be done easily.

  Further, in the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 3, when the initial position storage unit that stores the initial position of the room mirror is provided, the imaging control unit includes the imaging unit as described in claim 4. It is desirable to return the position of the rearview mirror to the initial position after the imaging by the above.

  With such a suspicious person imaging device (claim 4), even if the direction of the rearview mirror changes when imaging the suspicious person, the next time the driver tries to drive the vehicle, the rearview mirror Since the state has returned to the state before imaging (initial position), it is not necessary to adjust the room mirror when the driver starts driving, and the usability of the room mirror can be improved.

  Further, in the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, in addition to the image captured by the imaging means, the image storage means is provided outside the vehicle interior and exterior as described in claim 5. It is preferable to store at least one of the time when the image is taken and the direction of the room mirror.

With such a suspicious person imaging device (claim 5), it is possible to provide useful information for criminalizing a suspicious person (intruder) when the vehicle interior is damaged.
Further, in the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when an image is captured by the imaging unit as described in claim 6, the captured image is transmitted to an external apparatus. It is desirable to have a communication means for this purpose.

With such a suspicious person imaging device (claim 6), the captured image can be transmitted to the external device, so that an appropriate countermeasure against the intruder can be immediately taken.
Examples of the external device in the present invention include a security company communication terminal and a vehicle owner's mobile phone terminal.

  Next, in the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 6, when an operation command is input from the outside via the communication unit as described in claim 7, the imaging control unit is based on the operation command. It is desirable to change the imaging area of the imaging means.

  With such a suspicious person imaging device (Claim 7), it is possible to check the image from the imaging means while changing the imaging area from the outside of the vehicle. can do.

  Further, in the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, as described in claim 8, the room mirror emits light when the suspicious person is detected by the suspicious person detecting means, It is preferable to have a light emitting means for threatening a person who intends to enter the vehicle.

  With such a suspicious person imaging device (claim 8), the suspicious person can be informed that the vehicle is equipped with some anti-theft device, so that the suspicious person can be prevented from entering the vehicle. Can do.

In addition, as a specific structure of the light emitting means, an LED (light emitting diode), a xenon discharge tube, or the like can be given.
Furthermore, in the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the imaging unit has a function of automatically adjusting an exposure amount according to a light amount of an imaging region as described in claim 9. It is preferable.

With such a suspicious person imaging apparatus (claim 9), it is possible to capture a good image without causing overexposure or underexposure regardless of the brightness of the imaging region.
Further, in the suspicious person imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, when an image display command is input from the outside as in claim 10, an image stored in the image storage means is displayed. It is desirable to have a display means for reading and displaying the read image.

  With such a suspicious person imaging apparatus (claim 10), the image stored in the image storage means can be confirmed without being transmitted to the outside.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic position of a suspicious person imaging apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied.
As shown in FIG. 1, the suspicious person imaging device 1 is disposed on a room mirror 41 in which an infrared camera 47 (see FIG. 2: imaging means according to the present invention) is built, or on a ceiling portion in front of a vehicle interior, and is controlled by a control device. The overhead module 5 includes 31 and the like. Further, the rearview mirror 41 is provided with a sensor (details will be described in detail later) for detecting the orientation (angle) of the rearview mirror 41, and the rearview mirror 41 indicates the orientation of the rearview mirror 41 when the engine is turned off. 41 can be stored as the initial position.

  Here, the initial position of the room mirror 41 is configured to be stored by being divided into two components of an angle in the horizontal direction and an angle in the vertical direction, and the angle in the horizontal direction of the room mirror 41 is, for example, FIG. ), The angle from the front of the traveling direction of the vehicle 3 is stored. Further, as the angle in the vertical direction of the room mirror 41, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the angle from that is stored with reference to the angle parallel to the road surface.

Next, the room mirror 41 incorporating the infrared camera 47 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2A is a front view of the room mirror 41 in which the infrared camera 47 is incorporated, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view at the center of the room mirror 41.

As shown in FIG. 2A, an infrared irradiation device 48 and a plurality of LEDs 46 (light-emitting diodes: light-emitting means in the present invention) are provided on the front surface of the room mirror 41.
The infrared irradiation device 48 is configured to irradiate infrared rays having a wavelength that can be imaged by the infrared camera 47 when the infrared camera 47 performs imaging.

  The plurality of LEDs 46 sequentially blink at regular time intervals while the vehicle 3 is parked to threaten a suspicious person. Further, when a suspicious person is detected by door opening / closing detection sensors 21 and 22 (position detecting means referred to in the present invention) described later, all the LEDs 46 are blinked at a shorter time interval to threaten the suspicious person, Deter the suspicious person's actions.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, an infrared camera 47 is disposed inside a housing 63 that forms the room mirror 41. Here, the mirror surface 62 of the room mirror 41 is configured by a cold mirror, and the infrared camera 47 is disposed toward the mirror surface 62. By the way, the cold mirror which comprises the mirror surface 62 has the property to substantially permeate | transmit the light (infrared light) of the wavelength caught by the infrared camera 47, and to reflect substantially the visible light. Therefore, when driving the vehicle 3, the driver can satisfactorily perform a normal driving operation without being aware of the presence of the infrared camera 47. Moreover, since the infrared camera 47 is built in the housing 63 that forms the room mirror 41, the appearance of the infrared camera 47 is prevented from being deteriorated by arranging the infrared camera 47. Further, the infrared camera 47 has a known autofocus function and an automatic exposure (exposure) function, and can capture an image in a good state.

  By the way, the rearview mirror 41 is configured such that its direction can be changed by motors 44 and 45 described later. A mechanism for changing the direction of the room mirror 41 by the motors 44 and 45 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing an enlarged attachment portion of the room mirror 41.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the room mirror 41 is disposed on the rotation support member 70 so as to be rotatable about a pin 69 as a central axis. The rotation support member 70 is provided with a vertical angle adjustment motor 44, and a pinion gear 64 fitted to the rotation shaft of the vertical angle adjustment motor 44 is attached to the mirror support member 68 that supports the rearview mirror 41. It is engaged with the formed gear portion 68a. Therefore, when the vertical angle adjusting motor 44 is rotationally driven, the vertical direction (angle) of the rearview mirror 41 is changed according to the rotational driving.

  The rotation support member 70 is rotatably supported by the support column 61 with respect to the support column 61. That is, the rotation support member 70 includes a driven gear 66 that protrudes upward and opens in a shade shape, and the shade portion of the driven gear 66 is in contact with the bearing 67 provided on the support column 61 and is rotatable. It is supported by.

  The support column 61 includes a left / right angle adjustment motor 45 and an intermediate gear 65, and a pinion gear 64 fitted to the rotation shaft of the left / right angle adjustment motor 45 engages with the intermediate gear 65. The intermediate gear 65 is configured to engage with the driven gear 66. Therefore, when the left / right angle adjustment motor 45 is rotationally driven, the left / right direction (angle) of the rearview mirror 41 is changed according to the rotational drive.

Next, sensors and other devices will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of each device constituting the suspicious person imaging device 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, the suspicious person imaging device 1 includes the right door opening / closing detection sensor 21, the left door opening / closing detection sensor 22, the communication device 23, and the seat in addition to the control device 31 and the infrared camera 47 described above. A position memory device 24, an anti-theft system 25, an ignition key sensor 26, and a display 51 (a combination of the control ECU 32 constitutes display means in the present invention). The room mirror 41 includes a vertical angle detection sensor 42, a horizontal angle detection sensor 43, a vertical angle adjustment motor 44, and a horizontal angle adjustment motor 45 in addition to the infrared camera 47 described above.

  The right door opening / closing detection sensor 21 is composed of a known mechanical sensor, and is arranged at each door located on the right side of the vehicle 3 (that is, the driver's seat side door and the rear door if it is a right-hand drive vehicle). Has been. The right door opening / closing detection sensor 21 detects the open / closed state of each door on the right side of the vehicle, and detects that any of the doors on the right side of the vehicle is open with respect to the control device 31. Send a signal that is open.

  The left door opening / closing detection sensor 22 is disposed at each door located on the left side of the vehicle 3, and when detecting that any of the left doors of the vehicle is open, Send a signal that the left door is open.

  The communication device 23 has a function of a well-known wireless telephone, and is arranged on the ceiling in front of the vehicle interior together with the control device 31, and is an external device located outside the vehicle 3 (for example, a communication terminal in a security company, This is a device for communicating with the owner of the vehicle 3 and the driver's communication terminal or mobile phone. In addition, the communication device 23 of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of bidirectional data transmission / reception, and the control device 31 can receive an operation command from an external device.

  The seat position memory device 24 stores the position of the driver's seat (front / rear position, seat height, backrest angle, etc.), and when a seat movement switch (not shown) is operated, The driver's seat is moved to the position. In the seat position memory device 24 of the present embodiment, the orientation of the rearview mirror 41 is also stored when storing the position of the driver's seat, and the orientation of the rearview mirror 41 is also changed when moving the location of the driver's seat. It is configured to let you.

  The anti-theft system 25 determines whether the person boarding the vehicle 3 is qualified to drive the vehicle 3, and determines that the person boarding the vehicle 3 is not qualified to drive the vehicle 3. This is a system that prevents the vehicle 3 from moving and prevents the vehicle 3 from being stolen. More specifically, the anti-theft system 25 is activated, for example, when the vehicle 3 is locked from the outside, and transmits a warning signal to the control device 31 during activation. And it stops when it unlocks using the regular key with a built-in IC chip, and transmission of a warning signal is also stopped.

  When unlocking, the anti-theft system 25 communicates with the IC chip built in the key, and whether or not the ID registered in the anti-theft system 25 in advance matches the ID written in the IC chip. It is authenticated whether it was unlocked with a regular key.

  The ignition key sensor 26 is a sensor for detecting a key inserted into an ignition key cylinder (not shown) arranged in the vicinity of the driver's seat. The ignition key sensor 26 transmits an ignition signal (hereinafter referred to as an IG signal) to the control device 31 when detecting that a key is inserted into the ignition key cylinder.

The control device 31 includes a control ECU 32 (imaging control means in the present invention), a motor drive circuit 33, and an image storage device 34 (image storage means in the present invention).
The control ECU 32 is configured as a known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM (initial position storage means in the present invention) and the like, and drives various motors 44 and 45 based on a program stored in advance in the ROM. Control, imaging control of the infrared camera 47, display control on the display 51, and the like are executed. The control ECU 32 has a built-in clock function.

The motor drive circuit 33 transmits drive pulses to the various motors 44 and 45 based on commands from the control ECU 32 to drive the various motors 44 and 45 independently.
The image storage device 34 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile flash memory, and is a device for storing an image captured by the infrared camera 47.

  The display 51 is a device for displaying a captured image stored in the image storage device 34, and is controlled when the user performs an operation of a switch or the like on the control device 31 and inputs an image transmission command. A captured image stored in the image storage device 34 is read out by the device 31, and the captured image is displayed on the display 51. In addition, in the display 51, since it is assumed that the frequency which displays a captured image is low, it is desirable to use together with the monitor etc. for displaying a map etc. in a car navigation system, for example.

Next, a process for imaging an intruder will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an intruder imaging process executed by the control ECU 32.
In the intruder imaging process shown in FIG. 5, first, in S110, it is determined whether or not the IG signal from the ignition key sensor 26 is detected. If it is determined that the IG signal is detected, the process of S110 is repeated. If it is determined that the IG signal is not detected, the process proceeds to S120.

  In S120, it is determined whether a warning signal from the anti-theft system 25 is detected. If it is determined that the warning signal is not received, the process returns to S110, and if it is determined that the warning signal is detected, the process proceeds to S130.

  In S130, the orientation (initial position) of the rearview mirror 41 is stored in the control ECU 32 (specifically, the RAM constituting the control ECU 32), and the process proceeds to S140. That is, in S130, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the direction of the room mirror 41 is decomposed into two components of an angle θ0 in the horizontal direction and an angle φ0 in the vertical direction and stored.

  In S140, it is determined whether or not a signal indicating that the door is open is detected from each of the door open / close detection sensors 21 and 22. If it is determined that the signal indicating that the door is open is not received, the process returns to S120. If it is determined that a signal indicating that the left door is open is detected, the process proceeds to S150. Alternatively, if it is determined that a signal indicating that the right door is open is detected, the process proceeds to S170. If it is determined in the process of S140 that either of the left and right doors is open, all the LEDs 46 provided in the room mirror 41 are blinked until the intruder imaging process is completed. .

In S150, the left / right angle adjustment motor 45 is driven in a direction in which the left / right angle θ0 stored as the initial position approaches the set angle θ1, and the process proceeds to S160.
In S160, it is determined whether the left and right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 detected by the left and right angle detection sensor 43 is equal to θ1. If it is determined that the left and right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 matches θ1, the left and right angle adjustment motor 45 is stopped, and the process proceeds to S190. Here, when the left and right angles Θ of the room mirror 41 coincide with θ1, the entire door located on the left side is included in the imaging region by the infrared camera 47 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S160 that the left and right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 does not coincide with θ1, the process returns to S150.
In S140, when it is determined that a signal indicating that the right door is open is detected in S140, the left-right angle θ0 stored as the initial position is adjusted so that the left-right angle approaches the set angle θ2. The motor 45 is driven and the process proceeds to S180.

  In S180, it is determined whether the left and right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 detected by the left and right angle detection sensor 43 is equal to θ2. If it is determined that the left and right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 is equal to θ2, the left and right angle adjusting motor 45 is stopped, and the process proceeds to S190. Here, when the left and right angles Θ of the room mirror 41 coincide with θ2, the entire door located on the right side is included in the imaging region of the infrared camera 47 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S180 that the left-right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 does not coincide with θ2, the process returns to S170.
In S190, the vertical angle adjusting motor 44 is driven so that the vertical angle φ0 stored as the initial position approaches the set angle φ1, and the process proceeds to S200.

  In S200, it is determined whether the vertical angle Φ of the room mirror 41 detected by the vertical angle detection sensor 42 matches φ1. If it is determined that the vertical angle Φ of the room mirror 41 is equal to φ1, the vertical angle adjusting motor 44 is stopped, and the process proceeds to S210. Here, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the vertical angle Φ of the room mirror 41 coincides with φ1, a relatively wide range is set to be included in the imaging region.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S200 that the vertical angle Φ of the room mirror 41 does not coincide with φ1, the process returns to S190.
Next, in S210, an imaging request is transmitted to the infrared camera 47. When the infrared camera 47 receives this imaging request, for example, it captures five consecutive still images at 1-second intervals and transmits them to the control device 31 as needed.

  Then, the process proceeds to S220, and the captured image transmitted by the infrared camera 47 is captured and stored in the image storage device 34. At this time, the communication device 23 is activated to call a preset registration destination, and the images captured in S210 are sequentially transmitted to the external device via the communication device 23.

  Next, the process proceeds to S230, and the left / right angle adjusting motor 45 is driven again. However, since the left / right angle adjustment motor 45 is driven in the direction in which the left / right angle Θ approaches the set angle θ1, the left / right angle adjustment motor 45 is driven in the opposite direction to the process of S150 or S170.

  Then, the process proceeds to S240, and it is determined whether or not the left and right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 detected by the left and right angle detection sensor 43 matches θ0. If it is determined that the left and right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 matches θ0, the left and right angle adjusting motor 45 is stopped, and the process proceeds to S250. On the other hand, if it is determined that the left and right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 does not coincide with θ0, the process returns to S230.

Next, the process proceeds to S250, and the vertical angle adjusting motor 44 is driven. At this time, the vertical angle adjustment motor 44 is driven in the opposite direction to the process of S190, and the process proceeds to S260.
In S260, it is determined whether the vertical angle Φ of the room mirror 41 detected by the vertical angle detection sensor 42 matches φ0. If it is determined that the vertical angle Φ of the room mirror 41 does not coincide with φ0, the process returns to S250. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vertical angle Φ of the room mirror 41 matches φ0, the vertical angle adjustment motor 44 is stopped, and the intruder imaging process is terminated.

  Next, processing executed when confirming a state inside and outside the vehicle interior from the outside of the vehicle 3 using an external device connected to the communication device 23 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a remote operation process executed by the control device 31.

  The remote operation process is a process executed when a warning signal is received from the anti-theft system 25. As shown in FIG. 7, a call is made from the external device to the communication device 23 in S310. It is determined whether the communication device 23 detects an incoming signal. If it is determined that the incoming signal is detected, the process proceeds to S320, and if it is determined that the incoming signal is not detected, the process of S310 is repeated.

Next, in S320, the communication device 23 is connected to an external device. At this time, the caller's telephone number is temporarily stored in the control ECU 32.
Then, the process proceeds to S330. In S330, it is determined whether or not the telephone number stored in the control ECU 32 in S320 matches the telephone number registered in advance. If it is determined that the telephone number matches the previously registered telephone number, the process proceeds to S360. If it is determined that the telephone number does not match the previously registered telephone number, the process proceeds to S340.

  In S340, a password is requested from the external device via the communication device 23, and in S350, it is determined whether or not a correct password has been input. If it is determined that the correct password is input, the process proceeds to S360, and if it is determined that the correct password is not input, the process proceeds to S340.

In S360, transmission of the captured image as a moving image is started to the external device via the communication device 23, and storage of the moving image in the image storage device 34 is started.
Next, the process proceeds to S370, and it is determined whether or not a movement command in the left-right direction has been issued from the external device via the communication device 23. Here, the input of the movement command is performed by a person who operates the external device. For example, when the external device is a personal computer, keys (for example, assigned in advance for the movement command in the left-right direction) This is done by operating the arrow keys. Also, for example, when the external device is a mobile phone, a specific numeric key is assigned as a key for a movement command in the left-right direction, and when the key is operated, a movement command in the left-right direction is issued. Entered.

  If it is determined in S370 that there is a leftward movement command from the external device via the communication device 23, the process proceeds to S380, the direction of the rearview mirror 41 is changed to the left by 3 degrees, and S400. Migrate to

  Also, in S370, if it is determined that there is a rightward movement command from the external device via the communication device 23, the process proceeds to S390, and the direction of the rearview mirror 41 is changed to the right by 3 degrees. , The process proceeds to S400.

Or if it determines with there being no movement command from an external device in S370, it will transfer to S400 as it is.
Next, in S400, it is determined whether or not a movement command in the vertical direction has been issued from the external device via the communication device 23. Here, the input of the movement command is executed by the same method as the process of S370.

  If it is determined in S400 that there has been an upward movement command from the external device via the communication device 23, the process proceeds to S410, and the direction of the room mirror 41 is changed to an upward angle by 3 degrees, and S430 is performed. Migrate to

  If it is determined in S400 that there has been a downward movement command from the external device via the communication device 23, the process proceeds to S420, and the direction of the rearview mirror 41 is changed to the right by 3 degrees. , The process proceeds to S430.

Or if it determines with there being no movement command from an external device in S400, it will transfer to S430 as it is.
In S430, it is determined whether or not the telephone line connection between the communication device 23 and the external device is disconnected. If it is determined that the telephone line connection between the communication apparatus 23 and the external apparatus is maintained, the process returns to S370, and if it is determined that the telephone line connection between the communication apparatus 23 and the external apparatus is disconnected, the process proceeds to S440. .

In S440, the transmission of the captured image to the external device is terminated, and the storage of the moving image in the image storage device 34 is also terminated, and the process proceeds to S450.
In S450, it is determined whether the left-right angle Θ of the room mirror 41 matches the initial position θ0. If it is determined that the left-right angle Θ matches the initial position θ0, the process proceeds to S470. If it is determined that the left-right angle Θ does not coincide with the initial position θ0, the process proceeds to S460, the left-right angle adjusting motor 45 is driven so that the left-right angle Θ approaches the initial position θ0, and the process returns to S450.

  In S470, it is determined whether the vertical angle Φ of the room mirror 41 matches the initial position φ0. If it is determined that the vertical angle Φ does not coincide with the initial position φ0, the process proceeds to S480, the vertical angle adjusting motor 44 is driven so that the vertical angle Φ approaches the initial position φ0, and the process returns to S470. On the other hand, if it is determined in S470 that the vertical angle Φ matches the initial position φ0, the remote operation process is terminated.

  In the suspicious person imaging apparatus 1 described in detail above, the control ECU 32 is based on the detection result by the door open / close detection sensors 21 and 22 that detect the suspicious person located in the vehicle interior or in the vicinity of the vehicle 3. The imaging area of the infrared camera 47 is controlled so that the suspicious person can be imaged by the infrared camera 47 incorporated in the camera. Therefore, a clear image of the suspicious person without distortion is taken using one infrared camera 47. can do. Further, compared to the case where a plurality of infrared cameras 47 are used, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

  Further, since the control ECU 32 is configured to control the imaging area by the infrared camera 47 by changing the direction of the room mirror 41, the imaging area by the infrared camera 47 can be controlled more easily.

Furthermore, since the infrared camera 47 is built in the rearview mirror 41, the infrared camera 47 can be arranged with good appearance.
In addition, since the angle detection sensors 43 and 44 for storing the initial position of the room mirror 41 are provided and the control ECU 32 is configured to return the position of the room mirror 41 to the initial position after imaging by the infrared camera 47, Even if the orientation of the room mirror 41 changes when imaging the suspicious person, the next time the driver tries to drive the vehicle 3, the room mirror 41 returns to the state before imaging (initial position). Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the room mirror 41 when the driver starts driving, and the usability of the room mirror 41 can be improved.

  In addition, in addition to the image captured by the infrared camera 47, the image storage device 34 is configured to store the time when the infrared camera 47 images the interior and exterior of the vehicle and the direction of the room mirror 41. When the vehicle interior is damaged by a suspicious person (intruder), it is possible to provide useful information for clearing the suspicious person.

  Further, when the image is picked up by the infrared camera 47, since the communication device 23 for transmitting the picked-up image to the external device is provided, the picked-up image can be transmitted to the external device, and the intruder Appropriate action can be taken immediately.

  Further, the control ECU 32 is configured to change the imaging region of the infrared camera 47 based on the operation command when an operation command is input from the outside via the communication device 23 during the remote operation processing. The image from the infrared camera 47 can be confirmed while changing the imaging region from the outside of the vehicle 3. That is, it is possible to make it easier to check the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

  Further, since the room mirror 41 includes an LED 46 that emits light when the door open / close detection sensors 21 and 22 detect a suspicious person and intimidates a person who attempts to enter the vehicle 3, some anti-theft device is provided. It is possible to make the suspicious person perceive that the suspicious person is in the vehicle 3 and to prevent the suspicious person from entering the vehicle 3.

  Furthermore, since the infrared camera 47 is configured to have a function of automatically adjusting the exposure amount according to the amount of light in the imaging region, a good image can be captured without causing overexposure or underexposure due to the brightness of the imaging region. can do.

  In addition, when an image display command is input from the outside, the display 51 for reading out the image stored in the image storage device 34 and displaying the read image is provided. The image stored in the image storage device 34 can be confirmed.

  By the way, for example, it is conceivable that the imaging region of the infrared camera 47 is changed and the imaging by the infrared camera 47 is always performed regardless of whether the suspicious person is detected by the door opening / closing detection sensors 21 and 22. If comprised in this way, there exists a possibility that the battery mounted in the vehicle may be consumed. For this reason, in this embodiment, only when the suspicious person is detected by the door open / close detection sensors 21 and 22, the imaging region of the infrared camera 47 is changed and the imaging by the infrared camera 47 is performed. Therefore, consumption of the battery mounted on the vehicle can be prevented. Further, since the captured image is transmitted to the external device only when the suspicious person is detected by the door opening / closing detection sensors 21 and 22, a useless captured image is not transmitted, and communication costs can be saved.

As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various aspect can be taken.
For example, an approach sensor or an infrared sensor may be used instead of the door opening / closing detection sensors 21 and 22 described in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the door opening / closing detection sensors 21 and 22 are used to determine whether the door is the front door or the rear door, and only the right door or the left door is determined. It is not necessary to make a configuration, and it is determined which of the doors including the determination of the front door or the rear door is opened, and the angle for changing the direction of the room mirror for each door is determined. It may be set. In the case of a vehicle having a rear hatch such as a one-box vehicle, an angle for imaging the rear of the vehicle may be set.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the infrared camera 47 is used as a means for imaging the suspicious person. However, it is not necessary to configure in this way, for example, a CCD camera that does not have the function of an infrared camera, Devices such as CMOS cameras and film cameras can be applied. In this case, a half mirror that transmits part of visible light may be employed as the mirror surface 62 of the room mirror 41.

The image storage device 34 employs a flash memory, but may employ an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM, or the like.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door open / close detection sensors 21 and 22 are used to detect the position of the suspicious person. For example, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like is used to detect the suspicious person's position. You may comprise so that a position may be detected.

  In the present embodiment, the LED 46 is configured to emit light in order to threaten a suspicious person. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the xenon discharge tube used for flash photography of the camera is configured to emit light. May be.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the approximate position of a suspicious person imaging device. FIG. 2 is a front view (A) of a rearview mirror incorporating an infrared camera, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (B) at the center of the rearview mirror. It is a side view which expands and shows the attachment part of a room mirror typically. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection relation of each apparatus which comprises a suspicious person imaging device. It is a flowchart which shows an intruder imaging process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the imaging range at the time of a room mirror movement. It is a flowchart which shows a remote operation process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Suspicious person imaging device, 3 ... Vehicle, 21 ... Right door opening / closing detection sensor, 22 ... Left door opening / closing detection sensor, 23 ... Communication device, 24 ... Seat position memory device, 25 ... Anti-theft system, 26 ... Ignition key sensor , 31 ... control device, 32 ... control ECU, 33 ... motor drive circuit, 34 ... image storage device, 41 ... room mirror, 42 ... vertical angle detection sensor, 43 ... left / right angle detection sensor, 44 ... motor for vertical angle adjustment, 45. Motor for adjusting left and right angle,
47 ... Infrared camera, 48 ... Infrared irradiation device, 51 ... Display, 62 ... Mirror surface.

Claims (10)

Imaging means provided in the passenger compartment;
Image storage means for storing an image captured by the imaging means;
A suspicious person imaging device that images the suspicious person located in the vehicle interior or in the vicinity of the vehicle by the imaging means,
Position detecting means for detecting the position of the suspicious person;
An imaging control means for controlling an imaging region by the imaging means so that the suspicious person can be imaged by the imaging means based on a detection result by the position detection means;
A suspicious person imaging device comprising:   The suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit is built in a rearview mirror.   The suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging control unit controls an imaging region by the imaging unit by changing a direction of the room mirror. Initial position storage means for storing an initial position of the room mirror;
The suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the imaging control unit returns the position of the room mirror to the initial position after imaging by the imaging unit.   The image storage means stores, in addition to the image captured by the imaging means, at least one of a time when the imaging means images the interior and exterior of the vehicle interior and a direction of the room mirror. The suspicious person imaging device according to claim 3 or 4.   The suspicious person's imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a communication unit for transmitting the captured image to an external device when an image is captured by the imaging unit. apparatus.   7. The suspicious device according to claim 6, wherein when an operation command is input from the outside via the communication unit, the imaging control unit changes an imaging region of the imaging unit based on the operation command. Person imaging device.   8. The room mirror includes light emitting means for emitting light when the suspicious person detecting means detects the suspicious person and threatening a person who is about to enter the vehicle. The suspicious person imaging device according to any one of the above.   The suspicious person imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit has a function of automatically adjusting an exposure amount according to a light amount of an imaging region.   10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that reads an image stored in the image storage unit and displays the read image when an image display command is input from the outside. The suspicious person imaging device described in 1.

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