JP2006237714A - Camera device and camera mounting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily photograph and record images suitable for a route guide or the like with actual traveling by an automobile. <P>SOLUTION: The camera device 1 is informed of the execution of switching operation to a blinker lever from a blinker operation detector 4 via a blinker operation detector 46. A control unit 25 of the camera device 1 sets photographing conditions regarding the photographing to be executed corresponding to the detection of the switching operation of the blinker lever, executes the photographing operation corresponding to the detection of the switching operation under the photographing conditions, and successively records the images obtained by the photographing operation, for example, in a built-in memory 33. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera device capable of recording and reproducing images and a camera mounting device for mounting the camera device on a vehicle.

  Conventionally, there has been considered an apparatus for guiding a road using an image. For example, in the electronic guidance device described in Patent Document 1, landscape still image files such as characteristic positions on roads, positions where famous buildings can be seen, and intersections on roads are prepared, and classified according to map classification designation. In addition to displaying a map and displaying a landscape still image according to the position and viewpoint specified in the currently displayed segmented map, not only a map but also a route guide is provided by a landscape still image that matches the vision. I can do it.

Further, instead of preparing a landscape still image file in advance as in the electronic guidance device of Patent Document 1, an image generation and display device configured to acquire, record, and display an image with a camera device is also considered. (Patent Document 2). In the image generation and display apparatus described in Patent Document 2, one or one frame image is acquired from the image capturing unit, and the camera direction and the camera position are detected at the same time. To do. When data is stored by repeating this recording operation and the stored image is reproduced and displayed, it is possible to provide route guidance or the like based on the captured image by displaying the stored image in the order of the stored time.
JP-A-5-313567 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-200366

  As described above, conventionally, an apparatus that uses an image for road guidance or the like has been considered. However, the electronic guidance apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 only provides an image at a predetermined position, and is actually a road. Images required for traveling on the road are not always prepared. In addition, although the image generation and display apparatus of Patent Document 2 can record and reproduce an image captured by the camera apparatus, no consideration has been given to which position the image is captured and recorded.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a camera device capable of easily capturing and recording an image suitable for road guidance or the like as the vehicle actually travels, and a camera mounting device for mounting the camera device on the vehicle. There is to do.

  The invention described in claim 1 is a winker operation detecting means for detecting a switching operation for a winker lever of an automobile, and a shooting condition setting means for setting a shooting condition related to shooting performed in response to the detection of the switching operation by the winker operation detecting means. And a photographing unit that performs a photographing operation under the photographing condition set by the condition setting unit in response to the detection of the switching operation by the winker operation detecting unit, and an image obtained by the photographing operation by the photographing unit And image recording means for recording the image.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the photographing condition setting unit sets whether to perform front photographing or rear photographing, and the photographing unit performs front photographing by the photographing condition setting unit. Alternatively, it is characterized in that the shooting execution timing is changed according to the detection of the switching operation by the winker operation detection means according to which of the rear shooting is set.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the forward shooting is set, the photographing condition setting unit photographs before the switching operation is detected by the turn signal operation detecting unit. When the rear shooting is set, after the switching operation is detected by the winker operation detecting means, the shooting execution timing is set after the winker lever returns to the original position. It is characterized by.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the time recording means for recording the image recorded by the image recording means with data indicating an elapsed time since the previous photographing, and the recording Display means for sequentially reading out and displaying the images recorded in the image recording means on the basis of the timing of the switching operation detected by the winker operation detecting means and the data indicating the elapsed time added by the time recording means; It is characterized by comprising.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further comprises input means for inputting an instruction to execute a photographing operation, and the photographing means performs photographing according to the execution instruction input from the input means. The image recording means executes an image obtained by the photographing operation according to the execution instruction input from the input means together with the image obtained according to the detection of the switching operation by the winker operation detecting means. It is characterized by recording.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, a recording unit that records voice in accordance with a photographing operation by the photographing unit, and a voice that is recorded by the recording unit is obtained by the photographing operation by the photographing unit. Audio recording means for recording in association with the displayed image, and audio output means for outputting audio recorded in the audio recording means in association with the displayed image when the display means displays the image It was characterized by comprising.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection means for connecting to the camera device, a detection means for detecting a switching operation for the winker lever of the automobile, and through the connection means in response to the switching operation detected by the detection means. And a notification means for notifying the camera device that a switching operation has been performed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the switching operation of the winker lever that is operated when the vehicle travels through a corner or the like is detected, and the photographing operation is executed in response to the detection of the switching operation to display the image. Since recording is performed, it is possible to automatically shoot and record an image of a landscape near a corner suitable for guiding a road without performing a special shooting operation.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, which of the front photographing for photographing the image in the traveling direction as the photographing condition and the rear photographing in the direction opposite to the traveling direction is executed. It can be set, so that it is possible to record images that are effective for road guidance when traveling on the same route by shooting ahead, and it is effective for road guidance when traveling on the same route in the reverse direction (return road) Images can be recorded by rearward shooting. In the case of forward shooting, for example, an image of a landscape before turning around a corner is effective for route guidance, and in the case of backward shooting, an image of a landscape after turning around a corner is effective for route guidance. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately acquire an image effective for route guidance by setting a shooting execution timing according to which direction the shooting is performed.

  According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2, in the case of shooting forward, by setting the execution timing of shooting before the time when the blinker lever switching operation is detected. For example, even if the blinker operation is performed immediately before the turning corner, it is possible to take an image effective for road guidance before reaching the turning corner. By setting the shooting execution timing after returning to the position, for example, the winker is operated when turning a corner, and the shooting execution timing is set after the turn signal lever returns to the original position by turning the corner Thus, when traveling on the return road, it is possible to take an image effective for the road guidance before reaching the corner.

  According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, data indicating the elapsed time from the previous shooting is added to the image recorded by shooting, and this data is By sequentially reading and displaying the images based on the time interval shown and the timing of the winker operation, the images can be displayed sequentially at a timing suitable for road guidance.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, in addition to the image photographed in response to the winker operation, the image is also represented in response to an arbitrarily input photographing operation instruction. Since shooting and recording can be performed, for example, an image at the time when the winker operation is not performed can also be recorded.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect of the invention, sound is recorded in accordance with the image capturing operation, and the recorded sound is output in accordance with the image display. Thus, it is possible to provide route guidance by sound in addition to images.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the switching operation for the winker lever of the automobile is detected and notified to the camera device, so that the switching operation of the winker lever can be easily performed by connecting the camera device. It is possible to execute image shooting according to the above.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image capturing system using a camera device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to a portable camera apparatus 1 such as an electronic still camera, a video camera, a camera-equipped mobile phone, or a camera-equipped information communication terminal equipped with a function capable of recording and reproducing images.

  The camera device 1 according to the present embodiment is mounted in an automobile and has a huge map such as a car navigation system in addition to a function of taking a still image (or a moving image) in response to a general user's operation on a release button. There is provided an operation function in an in-vehicle mode capable of recording, reproducing, and displaying an image for simple route guidance without using data or GPS (Global Positioning System).

  The camera device 1 is configured to be electrically connected to the installation table 2 by being placed on the installation table 2. The installation base 2 is configured to mount the camera device 1 in an automobile so that the camera apparatus 1 can be operated in a vehicle-mounted mode, and is connected to a winker operation detector 4 via a connection line 3. The installation stand 2 is installed near the windshield as shown in FIG. 1 when taking an image in the traveling direction of the automobile (frontward shooting), and rear glass when taking a rear image (backward shooting) as shown in FIG. It is installed near.

  The winker operation detector 4 is mounted on the winker lever 5 of the automobile, detects the switching operation with respect to the winker lever 5, and switches the winker lever 5 with respect to the camera device 1 through the connection line 3 and the installation table 2. Notify that there was. The blinker lever 5 is switched by the driver when turning a corner while the automobile is running.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the camera apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the camera apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2, in the photographing mode which is the basic mode, the photographing lens 11 is moved to the lens position corresponding to the aperture position or the normal photographing by driving the motor (M) 10 in the lens optical system. Further, the photographing lens 11 is extended / stored by driving a motor (not shown) according to the zoom operation. A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 12, which is an image sensor disposed behind the photographing optical axis of the photographing lens 11, is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 13 and a vertical driver 14, and is formed at regular intervals. The photoelectric conversion output corresponding to is output for one screen.

  The photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by a sample hold (S / H) circuit 15, and digital data by an A / D converter 16. The color process circuit 17 further performs color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and gamma correction processing to generate a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb, Cr, and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller. 18 is output.

  The DMA controller 18 once uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 17 by using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 17 once. And the DMA transfer to the DRAM 21 used as a buffer memory through the DRAM interface (I / F) 20.

  The control unit 25 includes a CPU, a ROM in which operation programs executed by the CPU, data, and the like are fixedly recorded, a RAM used as a work memory, and the like, and controls the entire camera device 1. .

  After completing the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals to the DRAM 21, the control unit 25 reads the luminance and color difference signals from the DRAM 21 via the DRAM interface 20 and writes them to the VRAM 27 via the VRAM controller 26.

  The digital video encoder 28 periodically reads luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 27 via the VRAM controller 26, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 29.

  The display unit 29 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the shooting mode, and performs display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 28 to display image information captured from the VRAM controller 26 at that time. The base image (through image) is displayed in real time.

  When a through image is displayed in real time on the display unit 29, a trigger signal is generated when the shutter key of the key input unit 37 is operated at the timing of capturing a still image. In the in-vehicle mode, a trigger signal is generated by detecting a switching operation on the winker lever 5 detected by the winker operation detector 4.

  In response to this trigger signal, the control unit 25 stops driving the CCD 12 at that time, and then performs an automatic exposure process to obtain an appropriate exposure value, and controls the aperture of the lens optical system and the exposure time of the CCD 12. Re-capture the image.

  After the newly obtained image data for one frame is DMA-transferred and written in the DRAM 21 in this way, the control unit 25 reads out the image data for one frame written in the DRAM 21 to the image processing unit 30. Write. The image processing unit 30 encodes image data by JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) with respect to the image data.

  The encoded image data is a non-volatile memory card 32 that is detachably mounted as a recording medium of the camera device 1, or a non-volatile memory that is fixedly built in the case where the memory card 32 is not mounted. It is written in the built-in memory 33.

  Then, with the completion of the writing of the image data to the memory card 32 or the built-in memory 33 for one frame, the control unit 25 resumes the drive for displaying the through image from the CCD 12 via the DRAM 21 on the display unit 29. .

  Further, a key input unit 37, an audio processing unit 40, a strobe driving unit 41, and a winker operation detection unit 46 are connected to the control unit 25.

  The key input unit 37 includes a power key, a shutter key, a mode switch, a menu key, a selection key, a cross key (cursor key), and the like, and signals associated with these key operations are sent directly to the control unit 25. The

  The audio processing unit 40 includes a sound source circuit such as a PCM sound source, digitizes the audio signal input from the microphone unit (MIC) 42 when recording audio, and performs a predetermined data file format such as MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-). 3) According to the standard, the data is compressed and an audio data file is created and sent to the memory card 32 or the built-in memory 33, while the audio data file sent from the memory card 32 or the built-in memory 33 is uncompressed at the time of playing the sound. Then, it is converted into an analog signal and the speaker unit (SP) 43 is driven to emit loud sounds.

  Furthermore, the sound processing unit 40 generates various operation sounds, for example, a pseudo shutter sound associated with the operation of the shutter key, a beep sound associated with the operation of other keys, and the like based on the control from the control unit 25. The sound is emitted from 43.

  The strobe drive unit 41 charges a large-capacitance capacitor for strobe (not shown) at the time of still image shooting, and then drives the strobe light emitting unit 45 to flash based on the control from the control unit 25.

  The winker operation detection unit 46 is an interface for inputting a signal for notifying that the switching operation for the winker lever 5 from the winker operation detector 4 has been performed through the installation table 2. The blinker operation detection unit 46 is electrically connected to the installation table 2 by mounting the camera device 1 on the installation table 2. The blinker operation detection unit 46 may be a general communication interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  The winker operation detector 4 is connected to a microswitch 4b for detecting the switching of the winker lever 5 and a signal for notifying that the switching operation for the winker lever 5 has been performed in response to the detection by the microswitch 4b. A control unit 4a that outputs to the camera device 1 is provided.

  Next, the operation of the camera device 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

  First, basic processing of the camera device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the normal camera mode, the camera device 1 captures and records an image in response to an operation on the shutter key of the key input unit 37, and when a playback instruction is issued, the camera device 1 records the image on the memory card 32 or the built-in memory 33. An image is read out and displayed on the display unit 29 (steps A1 and A2).

  On the other hand, the camera apparatus 1 can select and execute an arbitrary operation mode from among a plurality of operation modes by pressing a menu key provided in the key input unit 37. An in-vehicle mode is provided during the plurality of operation modes. When this vehicle-mounted mode is designated (step A1, Yes), the control unit 25 displays the vehicle-mounted mode selection screen on the display unit 29 (step A3).

  FIG. 6A shows a display example of the in-vehicle mode selection screen. In the in-vehicle mode selection screen shown in FIG. 6A, selection items of “shooting condition setting”, “shooting”, and “playback” are provided, and any one is arbitrarily selected by operating the cursor key of the key input unit 37 or the like. Can be selected.

  Here, when “shooting condition setting” is set (step A4, Yes), the control unit 25 executes a shooting condition setting process (step A5).

  In the shooting condition setting process, a shooting condition setting screen is displayed as shown in FIG. In the shooting condition setting, when performing a shooting operation in the in-vehicle mode, either “forward shooting” for shooting an image in the traveling direction of the vehicle or “rear shooting” for shooting an image behind the vehicle is performed. Can be set.

  In any case of “frontward shooting” and “rearward shooting”, the recording timing of the captured image based on the time when the switching operation to the winker lever 5 is performed can be designated by, for example, the number of seconds.

  In the camera device 1 according to the present embodiment, when “frontward shooting” is set, the shooting execution timing can be set before the winker lever 5 is switched. In order to record an image before the time when the blinker lever 5 is switched, the camera device 1 continuously captures an image in a streaming state when performing “frontward shooting”, and records this for a predetermined time. Buffering is performed (at least for the number of seconds for specifying the recording timing), and in accordance with the switching operation of the winker lever 5, an operation is performed so that an image of the number of seconds before the specified time can be taken up from the buffer and recorded.

  When “backward shooting” is set, the shooting execution timing can be set after the winker lever 5 is switched and then the steering wheel is operated to return the winker lever 5 to the neutral original position. . That is, after the turn signal lever 5 is operated to turn a corner, etc., by turning the turn corner, the image after a specified number of seconds is recorded after the turn signal lever 5 returns to its original position, so that a certain amount of time can be obtained from the turn angle. It is possible to record an image taken backward from a remote position.

  The control unit 25 stores the setting content on the shooting condition setting screen shown in FIG. 6B as shooting condition data in the built-in memory 33, for example.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of shooting condition data. The shooting condition data includes the front / rear designation data indicating whether “shooting direction” or “rear shooting” is set, and the recording timing of the shot image based on the time when the blinker lever 5 is switched. Set seconds data indicating the number of seconds to be specified is recorded.

  On the other hand, when “shooting” is selected on the in-vehicle mode selection screen (step A6, Yes), the control unit 25 starts the in-vehicle mode shooting process (step A7), and the shooting conditions set in the shooting condition setting process The shooting operation according to is executed. Details will be described later (FIG. 4).

  When “playback” is selected on the in-vehicle mode selection screen (step A8, Yes), the control unit 25 executes in-vehicle mode reproduction processing for sequentially reading and displaying the images recorded by the in-vehicle mode imaging processing. Details will be described later (FIG. 5).

  Next, the in-vehicle mode photographing process of the camera device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the in-vehicle mode photographing process is executed, the camera device 1 is mounted on the installation table 2 and used in a state of being connected to the winker operation detector 4 through the installation table 2 and the connection line 3.

  When “frontward shooting” is set as the shooting condition, the installation table 2 is arranged, for example, in a dashboard near the windshield so as to be able to take an image in the traveling direction of the car as shown in FIG. The camera device 1 is mounted thereon. When “rear shooting” is set, the installation base 2 is mounted near the rear glass so that an image of the rear of the car can be taken, and the direction in which the shooting direction of the camera device 1 is the rear of the car It is mounted with.

  When “frontward shooting” is set (step B1, forward), the control unit 25 continuously captures images in the streaming state and buffers them for a predetermined time (step B2). Here, it is assumed that at least the image for the number of seconds set in the shooting condition setting is buffered.

  Here, it is assumed that the switching operation of the winker lever 5 is performed by the driver in accordance with the turning direction when the automobile approaches the corner. This switching operation is detected by the micro switch 4b of the turn signal operation detector 4, and this is notified to the camera device 1 (the turn signal operation detection unit 46) by the control unit 4a.

  When the control unit 25 detects that the switching operation has been performed on the winker lever 5 through the winker operation detection unit 46 (step B3), the set seconds data of the shooting condition data indicates from the buffered image. An image before time (seconds) is acquired (step B4). Further, the data of the photographing time of the acquired image is temporarily recorded.

  Further, the control unit 25 calculates the elapsed time from the previous shooting based on the shooting time data temporarily stored at the previous shooting (step B5).

  Then, the captured image and the data indicating the elapsed time are associated with each other and recorded, for example, as captured image file data in the built-in memory 33 (step B6).

  Here, if the photographing process by “front photographing” is not completed (step B7, No), an image is acquired according to the switching operation on the winker lever 5 while buffering the image in the same manner as described above. Corresponding to the elapsed time from shooting, it is sequentially recorded as shot image file data.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of photographed image file data. As shown in FIG. 8, captured images are recorded as image 1, image 2,..., And data time t1, time t2,. .

  When the end of the in-vehicle mode photographing process is instructed (step B7, Yes), the control unit 25 saves the photographed image file data as a road guidance image file with a predetermined file name. (Step B8). It should be noted that data indicating whether the image file is created by “forward shooting” or “backward shooting” is added to the image file.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating acquisition of an image by “frontward shooting”. In FIG. 9A, it is assumed that an image is buffered between the position A and the position B, for example, while the automobile is traveling (FIGS. 9A and 9A). When the turn signal lever 5 is operated by the vehicle reaching the position B near the intersection (FIGS. 9A and 9B), the buffering is performed, for example, at the position C before the set time specified by the set seconds data. The acquired image is acquired and recorded (FIGS. 9A, 9 and 4).

  Thus, in the case of “frontward shooting”, by setting the shooting execution timing before the switching operation of the winker lever 5 is detected, for example, even if the winker operation is performed immediately before the turning corner, It is possible to record an image taken at a position C effective for route guidance before reaching the destination.

  On the other hand, when “backward photographing” is set (step B1, rear), the control unit 25 monitors whether or not the switching operation for the winker lever 5 is performed (step B9).

  Here, it is assumed that the switching operation of the winker lever 5 is performed in accordance with the direction of the turn by the driver due to the car approaching the corner (step B9, Yes). This switching operation is detected by the micro switch 4b of the turn signal operation detector 4, and this is notified to the camera device 1 (the turn signal operation detection unit 46) by the control unit 4a.

  When the control unit 25 detects that the switching operation has been performed on the winker lever 5 through the winker operation detection unit 46 (step B3), the control unit 25 prepares for shooting (step B10) and returns the winker lever 5 to the original position. Wait for the switching operation (step B11). Normally, the winker lever 5 of a car is operated by a steering wheel at a corner, etc., and then the steering wheel is returned in a straight direction by turning around the corner, so that the winker lever 5 is mechanically returned to the original position (neutral position). It is configured to return.

  When the winker operation detector 4 is notified that the winker lever 5 has returned to the original position (step B11, Yes), the controller 25 indicates the time (seconds) indicated by the set seconds data of the shooting condition data from this point. Count of the time elapsed until (number) (step B12).

  Then, when the number of seconds indicated by the set number of seconds data elapses, the control unit 25 performs shooting and acquires an image (step B13). Further, the data of the photographing time of the acquired image is temporarily recorded.

  Further, the control unit 25 calculates the elapsed time from the previous shooting based on the shooting time data temporarily stored at the previous shooting (step B14).

  Then, the captured image and the data indicating the elapsed time are associated with each other and recorded as captured image file data in, for example, the built-in memory 33 (step B15).

  Here, if the photographing process by “backward photographing” is not completed (step B16, No), the image is acquired according to the switching operation on the winker lever 5 while buffering the image in the same manner as described above. Corresponding to the elapsed time from shooting, it is sequentially recorded as shot image file data.

  When the end of the in-vehicle mode shooting process is instructed (step B16, Yes), the control unit 25 saves the shot image file data as a road guide image file with a predetermined file name. (Step B8).

  FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating acquisition of an image by “backward shooting”. In FIG. 9 (b), the winker lever 5 is operated when the vehicle reaches the position A near the intersection (FIG. 9 (b) (1)), and the turn signal is turned to reach the position B. The lever 5 is returned to the original position (FIGS. 9B and 9B). Then, after a set time specified by the set number of seconds data from position B, for example, after traveling to position C, an image is taken and recorded (FIGS. 9B, 3 and 4).

  In this way, when “backward shooting” is performed, by setting the shooting execution timing after the switching operation of the winker lever 5 is detected and returned to the original position, for example, after turning the turn corner (the winker lever is at the original position). After the set time elapses, the rear image is taken, and the image taken at the position C that is effective for the road guidance before reaching the corner when traveling on the return road is recorded. Can be kept.

  In this way, in the in-vehicle mode shooting process, images are taken and recorded sequentially according to the switching of the turn signal lever 5 operated when turning a corner or the like while actually driving on a road by a car. Therefore, it is possible to automatically record images that are effective for route guidance.

  In the above description, an image is taken and recorded only when there is a switching operation on the winker lever 5, but an image shooting instruction is provided separately from the switching operation on the winker lever 5. May be input to the camera device 1 to execute image capturing. For example, when there is no need to operate the winker lever 5, but there are scenery, buildings, etc. that are effective for route guidance, these images can be intentionally taken and recorded. For example, in the in-vehicle mode shooting process, image shooting is performed even when an operation is performed on a shutter key provided in the key input unit 37. The image photographed by the intentional photographing instruction by the driver is recorded as photographed image file data in the same manner as the image photographed by the switching operation on the winker lever 5.

  Further, in the above description, it is described that only a photographed image is recorded. However, sound may be recorded in association with the photographed image. For example, when a switching operation for the winker lever 5 is performed, a voice input from the microphone 42 is recorded for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds), and the recorded voice data is recorded as a photographed image. The sound may be recorded in accordance with the switching operation with respect to the blinker lever 5 in any case of “frontward shooting” and “rearward shooting” (buffering is not necessary). Therefore, when the driver switches the turn signal lever 5, the voice can be recorded by, for example, speaking the direction of turning at the intersection or the characteristics of the corner (such as the description of the target).

  Next, the in-vehicle mode reproduction process of the camera device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the in-vehicle mode reproduction process, a plurality of images recorded by the in-vehicle mode photographing process are sequentially displayed at a predetermined timing, so that an image effective for road guidance can be provided to the driver.

  The image file recorded by “frontward shooting” can be used, for example, when traveling on the same route on a previously traveled road. The image file recorded by “forward shooting” measures the time interval in the order of shooting and sequentially displays the images so that the driver can obtain images near the corners (points where the blinker lever 5 is operated) on the route. Can be provided.

  The image file recorded by “backward shooting” can be used, for example, when traveling in the reverse direction on a previously traveled road, that is, when returning on the same road. In the same way, the image files recorded by “Backward Shooting” are displayed in order by measuring the time interval in the reverse order of the shooting order, and in the same way, providing the driver with images close to the corner on the route. Can do.

  First, an object to be reproduced is designated from the image file recorded by the in-vehicle mode photographing process depending on which road is traveled (step C1). For example, when a reproduction file selection request is input, a list of files recorded by the in-vehicle mode photographing process is displayed, and one of them is designated by operating a cursor key or the like.

  Here, by referring to the data added to the image file, it is determined whether the image file was created by “front shooting” or “rear shooting”. When the playback file designated as the playback target is a file recorded by “forward shooting” (step C2, Yes), the first image in the image file is acquired and displayed on the display unit 29 (step C3). ). That is, an image in front of the next turn point is displayed.

  Here, when a switching operation on the winker lever 5 is detected (step C4, Yes), the control unit 25 reads a data time t indicating an elapsed time from the previous shooting added to the next image in the image file. (Step C5), time measurement is started (Step C6).

  In other words, it is determined that the point corresponding to the currently displayed image has been passed by operating the blinker lever 5. Then, by measuring the time elapsed since the previous shooting, it is possible to determine the timing of reaching the next corner.

  Here, it is assumed that the vehicle travels at the same speed as when traveling while recording an image by the in-vehicle mode imaging process. When an image in an image file is read and displayed, it needs to be displayed before reaching the corresponding corner. Therefore, the image may be read and displayed earlier in a shorter time than the data indicating the elapsed time added to each image in the image file.

  When the control unit 25 measures the time until the elapsed time from the previous shooting (or a time shorter than that by a predetermined time), the control unit 25 reads the next image in the image file and displays it on the display unit 29 (step C7).

  Hereinafter, when other images are recorded in the image file (step C8, Yes), the switching operation with respect to the winker lever 5 and the time from the last shooting added to each image are performed in the same manner as described above. Images are sequentially read and displayed based on the data shown (steps C4 to C8).

  On the other hand, when the data added to the image file is referred to and the reproduction file designated as the reproduction target is a file recorded by “backward shooting” (No in Step C2), the last image in the image file is selected. Acquired and displayed on the display unit 29 (step C9). In other words, an image in front of the first turning point on the return road is displayed.

  Here, when a switching operation with respect to the winker lever 5 is detected (step C10, Yes), the control unit 25 is a data time t indicating an elapsed time from the previous photographing added to the currently displayed image in the image file. Is read (step C11), and time measurement is started (step C12).

  When the control unit 25 measures time until the elapsed time from the previous shooting (or a time shorter than that by a predetermined time), the control unit 25 reads the previous image in the image file and displays it on the display unit 29 (step C13). ).

  Hereinafter, when other images are recorded in the image file (step C14, Yes), the switching operation with respect to the winker lever 5 and the time from the previous shooting added to each image are performed in the same manner as described above. Images are sequentially read and displayed based on the data shown (steps C10 to C14).

  In this way, a plurality of images recorded by the switching operation on the winker lever 5 are sequentially read out and displayed using the switching operation of the winker lever 5 and the time elapsed since the previous shooting at the time of shooting, and can be used for reference at a corner or the like. Can be displayed at an appropriate timing and presented to the driver.

  If audio is recorded together with the captured image, audio data is also reproduced in accordance with the display of the image, and audio is output from the speaker 43. By using the recorded voice as the content that explains the characteristics of the intersection, etc., it becomes possible to provide easy-to-understand directions by combining images and voice.

  In the above description, a still image is captured and recorded in accordance with the blinker lever switching operation. However, a moving image for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) is captured and recorded. Also good.

  In addition, when “forward shooting” is performed in the in-vehicle mode shooting process, when the vehicle is stopped, such as waiting for a signal at an intersection, the process of shooting and buffering an image becomes useless. Therefore, for example, when an acceleration sensor (not shown) built in the camera device 1 is used to detect that the acceleration is 0, that is, that the automobile is stopped, image capturing and buffering are performed. The processing may be temporarily stopped.

The figure which shows the structure of the image imaging system using the camera apparatus 1 in embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the camera apparatus 1 in embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining basic processing of the camera device 1 according to the present embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the vehicle-mounted mode imaging | photography process of the camera apparatus 1 in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the vehicle-mounted mode reproduction | regeneration process of the camera apparatus 1 in this embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the vehicle-mounted mode selection screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the imaging condition data in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the picked-up image file data in this embodiment. The figure shown about acquisition of the image by "front imaging | photography" and "backward imaging | photography" in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera apparatus, 2 ... Installation stand, 3 ... Connection line, 4 ... Blinker operation detector, 4a ... Control part, 4b ... Micro switch, 5 ... Blinker lever, 11 ... Shooting lens, 10 ... Motor (M), 12 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... CCD, 13 ... Timing generator (TG), 14 ... Vertical driver, 15 ... Sample hold circuit (S / H), 16 ... A / D converter, 17 ... Color process circuit, 18 ... DMA controller, 20 ... DRAM Interface (I / F), 21 ... DRAM, 25 ... Control unit, 26 ... VRAM controller, 27 ... VRAM, 28 ... Digital video encoder, 29 ... Display unit, 30 ... Image processing unit, 32 ... Memory card, 33 ... Built-in Memory 37 ... Key input unit 40 ... Audio processing unit 41 ... Strobe drive unit 42 ... Microphone unit (MIC) 43 ... Speaker unit SP), 45 ... strobe light-emitting portion, 46 ... turn signal operation detection unit.

Claims (7)

A winker operation detecting means for detecting a switching operation for the winker lever of the automobile;
Shooting condition setting means for setting shooting conditions relating to shooting performed in response to detection of the switching operation by the winker operation detection means;
A photographing unit that performs a photographing operation under a photographing condition set by the condition setting unit in response to detection of a switching operation by the blinker operation detecting unit;
An image recording means for recording an image obtained by a photographing operation by the photographing means. The shooting condition setting means sets whether to perform forward shooting or backward shooting,
The photographing unit is configured to change a photographing execution timing according to detection of a switching operation by the winker operation detecting unit according to whether the front photographing or the rear photographing is set by the photographing condition setting unit. The camera device according to claim 1. The photographing condition setting means includes
When the forward shooting is set, the shooting execution timing is set before the switching operation is detected by the winker operation detection means,
3. The shooting execution timing is set after the winker lever returns to the original position after the switching operation is detected by the winker operation detecting means when the rear shooting is set. The camera device described. Time recording means for adding and recording data indicating an elapsed time from the previous photographing to the image recorded by the image recording means;
Display means for sequentially reading out and displaying the images recorded in the image recording means based on the timing of the switching operation detected by the winker operation detecting means and the data indicating the elapsed time added by the time recording means The camera apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Having an input means for inputting an instruction to execute a shooting operation;
The photographing means performs a photographing operation in accordance with an execution instruction input from the input means,
The image recording means records an image obtained by a photographing operation according to an execution instruction input from the input means together with an image obtained according to detection of a switching operation by the winker operation detecting means. The camera device according to claim 1. Recording means for recording sound in accordance with the photographing operation by the photographing means;
Sound recording means for recording the sound recorded by the recording means in association with the image obtained by the photographing operation by the photographing means;
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: an audio output unit that outputs audio recorded in the audio recording unit in association with the displayed image when an image is displayed by the display unit. Camera device. Connection means for connecting to the camera device;
A detecting means for detecting a switching operation for the turn signal lever of the car;
A camera mounting device comprising: a notification unit that notifies the camera device of a switching operation through the connection unit in response to the switching operation detected by the detection unit.

Images