JP2008269494A - On-vehicle imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an on-vehicle imaging system allowing reduction of the amount of transmission lines laid in an vehicle, allowing reduction of the number of transmission lines connected to a processor, and allowing syncronization of a video and vehicle information and analysis after an accident to allow the easy and accurate analysis. <P>SOLUTION: In this on-vehicle imaging system, imaging devices 5a-5m and ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 3a-3j are connected by the transmission lines in a state that signal changeover devices 7a-7e and signal distributors 9a-9e are interposed. The signal changeover devices 7a-7e each have a function of selecting one video from a plurality of video signals imparted from the plurality of the imaging devices 5a-5m and performing changeover output, and each have a function of recording a plurality of the imparted videos and the vehicle information together with absolute time. When a trigger signal based on the video or the vehicle information is imparted, the signal changeover device 7a-7e stops the recording for a prescribed period after occurrence of the accident. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle imaging system that can efficiently transmit video signals from a plurality of imaging devices mounted on a vehicle to a processing device, and that can record video captured by the imaging device and vehicle information together with time. .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system for providing various information to a driver has been put into practical use by mounting an imaging device on a vehicle, imaging the outside of the vehicle, and displaying an image acquired by imaging on a display provided in the vehicle. Yes. For example, by capturing an image of a blind spot from the driver's seat of a vehicle, a portion that cannot be directly seen by the driver can be displayed on the display, so that an accident can be prevented. In addition, a system for detecting a pedestrian or other vehicle in the vicinity of a vehicle by using an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, performing various processes based on the captured image, and giving a warning to the driver, etc. Has been developed, and the number of imaging devices mounted on vehicles tends to increase. Furthermore, in recent years, various processes using an imaging device have been performed, such as mounting an imaging device in a vehicle to image a driver and detecting the driver's line of sight.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional in-vehicle imaging system. In the figure, reference numerals 5a to 5m denote image pickup devices, and the plurality of image pickup devices 5a to 5m are respectively mounted at appropriate positions of a vehicle (not shown) and configured to respectively pick up images of the outside or the inside of the vehicle. . The images captured by the imaging devices 5a to 5m are transmitted to a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 103a to 103j and subjected to various processes.
Each of the imaging devices 5a to 5m is connected to any one of the ECUs 103a to 103j via one transmission line, and is configured to transmit the captured video to the connected ECUs 103a to 103j. In the illustrated example, the imaging devices 5a to 5c are connected to the ECU 103a, the imaging device 5d is connected to the ECU 103b, the imaging devices 5e and 5f are connected to the ECU 103d, the imaging devices 5g and 5h are connected to the ECU 103g, and the imaging device 5i. And 5j are connected to the ECU 103h, the imaging device 5k is connected to the ECU 103i, and the imaging devices 5l and 5m are connected to the ECU 103j.

  Further, when it is necessary to use the images taken by one imaging device 5a to 5m in the plurality of ECUs 103a to 103j, the two ECUs 103a to 103j are connected by a transmission line, and the one imaging device 5a to 5m is connected. Is connected to the other ECUs 103a to 103j. That is, the ECUs 103a to 103j include those having a function of relaying images captured by the imaging devices 5a to 5m. In the illustrated example, the ECU 103a transmits an image to the ECU 103c, the ECU 103b transmits an image to the ECU 103a, and the ECU 103d transmits an image to the ECUs 103c, 103e, and 103f.

  In recent years, a drive recorder that records an image captured by an imaging device in the event of an accident such as a vehicle collision has attracted attention. The drive recorder is configured to record a video imaged in a predetermined period of several seconds to several tens of seconds before and after the time when a collision occurs. Accordingly, there is an advantage that when the accident occurs, the cause of the accident can be investigated more accurately.

  In Patent Document 1, video information around a vehicle is acquired and encoded into video encoded stream information, vehicle driving state information is acquired, and video encoded stream information and driving state information are multiplexed and multiplexed. An in-vehicle video recording apparatus that generates and records a stream is disclosed. This on-vehicle video recording apparatus can use the recorded multiplexed stream as evidence in the event of an accident, and allows the user to easily view the recorded video regardless of the presence or absence of the accident.

Patent Document 2 discloses a traveling state recording apparatus that records data relating to a traveling state of a vehicle, a recording unit that records data, an imaging unit that captures at least the front of the host vehicle, and generates image data. An inter-vehicle distance calculating means for calculating a vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead of the vehicle, a determining means for determining whether there is an abnormality in the behavior of the forward vehicle based on the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle, and an abnormality determined An invention of a traveling state recording apparatus having recording control means for recording image data in recording means is disclosed.
JP 2006-2111415 A JP 2006-347493 A

  In the conventional vehicle-mounted imaging system shown in FIG. 6, since it is necessary to connect the imaging devices 5a to 5m to the ECUs 103a to 103j through transmission lines, the number of transmission lines increases as the number of imaging devices mounted on the vehicle increases. There is a problem that it is necessary to lay in the vehicle, and the space in the vehicle where the transmission line can be laid is limited, so that the number of mounted image pickup devices cannot be easily increased. In addition, the ECUs 103a to 103j to which the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m are connected require a large number of connection terminals for connecting transmission lines, which hinders miniaturization of the ECUs 103a to 103j. In addition, since more transmission lines are connected to the ECUs 103a to 103j having a function of relaying images captured by the imaging devices 5a to 5m, and hardware for relaying is required, the ECUs 103a to 103j There is a problem of incurring higher costs.

In addition, the conventional drive recorder has a configuration including a dedicated imaging device, a sensor, a memory, a control circuit, and the like, and is high in cost. The range captured by the imaging device is also a narrow range such as only in front of the vehicle. . The same applies to the in-vehicle video recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 and the traveling state recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2. As shown in FIG. 6, when a plurality of image pickup devices 5a to 5m are mounted on a vehicle, the drive recorder can use these image pickup devices 5a to 5m to reduce the cost and widen the range. Although it is possible to capture and record images, it is necessary to lay a plurality of transmission lines in the vehicle in order to connect the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m to the drive recorder, which causes the same problem as the above-described in-vehicle imaging system. .
In recent years, collision accidents between vehicles have increased, and an accurate analysis is required for the cause of accidents between vehicles.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a recording unit that switches one or a plurality of video signals from a plurality of input video signals and outputs the recorded video and vehicle information together with time is provided. By connecting a plurality of imaging devices and processing devices via signal switching means, the amount of transmission lines laid on the vehicle can be reduced, and the number of transmission lines connected to the processing devices can be reduced. In addition, since an analysis after an accident can be performed by synchronizing the video and vehicle information, an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle imaging system that makes the analysis easy and accurate.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle imaging system in which analysis after an accident becomes more accurate by using a time acquired by a radio clock or GPS.

  The present invention further comprises trigger signal generating means for generating a trigger signal based on the image related to the video signal or the information related to the vehicle, and the recording unit stops recording after a predetermined time has elapsed since the trigger signal was generated. It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle imaging system in which records before and after an accident are reliably stored.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides an in-vehicle imaging system that is easy to analyze after an accident by providing means for recording video and vehicle information recorded in a recording unit on a recording medium when a trigger signal is acquired. For the purpose.

  The present invention includes a plurality of processing devices, an input unit that is connected to the imaging device via a transmission line and receives a video signal, and a plurality of outputs that are connected to the processing device via the transmission line and output a video signal. And a signal distribution unit configured to distribute the video signal input to the input unit to the plurality of output units, thereby eliminating the need to provide a function for distributing the video signal to the processing device. An object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle imaging system that does not require a large number of connection terminals because the number of transmission lines connected to the processing apparatus can be reduced.

  An in-vehicle imaging system according to a first aspect of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle, and a plurality of imaging devices that capture images inside and / or outside of the vehicle, a processing device that performs processing based on an image captured by the imaging device, and the vehicle In a vehicle-mounted imaging system comprising vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to a transmission line for transmitting a video signal relating to an image captured by the imaging device, and connected to the plurality of imaging devices via transmission lines, respectively. A plurality of input units to which the video signals are respectively input, an output unit that is connected to the processing device via a transmission line and outputs a video signal, and one or a plurality of video signals from the plurality of video signals input to the input unit A signal switching unit having a recording unit that records video information related to the video signal input to the input unit and information related to the vehicle together with time And a stage, the imaging device and the processing device is characterized in that is connected via the signal switching means.

  In the present invention, a plurality of imaging devices mounted on the vehicle are connected to the input portion of the signal switching means via a plurality of transmission lines, respectively, and the processing device is connected to the output portion of the signal switching means via the transmission lines, Transmission of a video signal from the imaging device to the processing device is performed via a signal switching unit. The signal switching means switches and outputs the video signals to the processing device from the plurality of video signals input from the plurality of imaging devices. Although it is necessary to provide the same number of transmission lines as the number of mounted imaging devices between the imaging device and the signal switching means, only one (or a small number) of transmission lines is provided between the signal switching means and the processing device. It's okay. Therefore, the amount of transmission lines in the vehicle can be reduced by arranging the signal switching means in the vicinity of the imaging device, and there is no need to provide a large number of connection terminals for connecting the transmission lines in the processing device. It can be downsized.

In addition, since the signal switching means includes a recording unit that records the video related to the video signal input from the imaging apparatus and the information related to the vehicle together with the time, the signal switching means can be used as a drive recorder.
And in the recording unit, since the video and vehicle information such as the acceleration, speed or brake operation state of the vehicle are recorded along with the time, it is possible to perform analysis after the accident by synchronizing the video and vehicle information, The analysis becomes easy and accurate. In the case of a vehicle accident, when the other vehicle is equipped with the in-vehicle imaging system according to the first invention, both the vehicles record the video before and after the accident and the vehicle information together with the time. Thus, the video and vehicle information between the own vehicle and the other vehicle can be compared, and the accident analysis becomes easier and more accurate.

  The in-vehicle imaging system according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the vehicle-mounted imaging system includes means for acquiring time information by a radio clock or GPS (Global Positioning System), and the time is a time acquired by the means. And

  According to the present invention, when the analysis is performed by synchronizing the video and the vehicle information, in the case where the analysis is performed by comparing the video and the vehicle information between the own vehicle and the other vehicle on the time axis in a vehicle accident, etc. , Analysis becomes more accurate.

  A vehicle-mounted imaging system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes, in the first or second aspect of the invention, a trigger signal generating unit that generates a trigger signal based on the image related to the video signal or the information related to the vehicle, and the recording unit includes: The recording is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the generation of the trigger signal.

In the present invention, a trigger signal is generated based on video or vehicle information, and the recording unit stops recording after a predetermined time has elapsed from the generation of the trigger signal. Acquisition of vehicle information and generation of a trigger signal may be performed by a signal switching unit, or a processing device, an imaging device, or another device may provide a trigger signal to the signal switching unit.
Then, after the video and vehicle information are recorded before and after the accident, the subsequent recording is stopped, so that the records before and after the accident are securely stored.

  The in-vehicle imaging system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle-mounted imaging system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the image related to the video signal recorded in the recording unit and the video when the trigger signal is acquired from the trigger signal generator It is characterized by comprising means for recording information relating to the vehicle on a recording medium.

  In the present invention, analysis after an accident is easy.

  A vehicle-mounted imaging system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle-mounted imaging system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, comprising a plurality of the processing devices, connected to the imaging device via a transmission line and receiving a video signal from the imaging device. An input unit and a plurality of output units connected to the processing device via a transmission line and outputting video signals are configured to distribute the video signals input to the input unit to the plurality of output units. The image pickup apparatus and the processing apparatus are connected via the signal distribution means.

  In the present invention, an image pickup device mounted on a vehicle is connected to an input unit of a signal distribution unit, a plurality of processing devices are connected to a plurality of output units of the signal distribution unit, and a video signal from the image pickup device is signaled. Distribute to a plurality of processing devices by the distribution means. When processing images captured by one imaging device using a plurality of processing devices, in a conventional in-vehicle imaging system, one processing device connected to one imaging device relays a video signal to another processing device. However, it is not necessary to provide a function for distributing the video signal to the processing device by using the signal distribution means, and it is not necessary to provide a large number of connection terminals because the number of transmission lines connected to the processing device can be reduced. When compared with a configuration in which one imaging device and a plurality of processing devices are connected by transmission lines, the amount of transmission lines can be reduced.

According to the first invention, one or a plurality of video signals are switched from a plurality of input video signals and output, and a plurality of signals are provided via a signal switching unit having a recording unit that records the input video and vehicle information together with time. Since the imaging device and the processing device are connected, the amount of transmission lines laid on the vehicle can be reduced, and the number of transmission lines connected to the processing device can be reduced.
Further, since the analysis after the accident can be performed by synchronizing the video and the vehicle information, the analysis becomes easy and accurate.

  According to the second invention, since the time is the time acquired by the radio timepiece or GPS, the images and vehicles of both vehicles are synchronized when the image and the vehicle information are synchronized at the time of analysis after the accident, or in a vehicle accident. Analysis is more accurate when comparing information.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, it is provided with trigger signal generating means for generating a trigger signal based on video or vehicle information relating to the video signal, and the recording unit is configured to stop recording after a predetermined time has elapsed from the generation of the trigger signal. This ensures that the records before and after the accident are preserved.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the image recording device and the vehicle information recorded on the recording unit are provided on the recording medium, analysis after the accident is easy.

  According to the fifth invention, a plurality of processing devices are provided, an input unit that is connected to the imaging device via a transmission line and receives a video signal, and a plurality that is connected to the processing device via a transmission line and outputs a video signal. Since there is a signal distribution unit having an output unit and configured to distribute the video signal input to the input unit to a plurality of output units, it is not necessary to provide a function for distributing the video signal to the processing device. In addition, since the number of transmission lines connected to the processing apparatus can be reduced, there is no need to provide a large number of connection terminals.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an in-vehicle imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example when the in-vehicle imaging system illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle.
1 and 2, reference numerals 5 a to 5 m denote imaging devices, and a plurality of imaging devices 5 a to 5 m are respectively mounted at appropriate positions of the vehicle 1 so as to capture images inside or outside the vehicle 1. For example, the imaging device 5a is mounted in the center of the rear part of the vehicle 1, and can be used as a so-called back monitor by displaying a captured image on a display (not shown) disposed in the vehicle 1. it can. For example, the imaging devices 5g and 5h are mounted on the left and right corners on the front side of the vehicle 1, and detect objects such as pedestrians or other vehicles existing around the vehicle 1 by image processing to warn the driver. It can be used as a sensor that gives Further, for example, the imaging device 5k can be mounted inside the vehicle 1 to image the driver, and processing such as detecting the driver's line of sight by image processing can be performed. As described above, the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m mounted on the vehicle 1 include an imaging device for displaying captured images on a display and causing the driver to visually recognize the situation around the vehicle 1 by image processing. A wide variety of imaging devices such as an imaging device as a sensor to be detected are included.

  The imaging devices 5a to 5m are appropriately connected to a plurality of ECUs 3a to 3j mounted on the vehicle 1 using transmission lines, signal switchers 7a to 7e, and signal distributors 9a to 9e. The ECUs 3a to 3j receive images transmitted from the imaging devices 5a to 5m, perform various processes on the received images, and perform processing such as display on the display or detection of objects around the vehicle 1 respectively. It is. Each of the imaging devices 5a to 5m transmits video captured and acquired as digital data to the ECUs 3a to 3j, and transmits the digital data related to the video as a video signal of an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) system. It is. In the LVDS system, high-speed signal transmission of several hundred Mbit / second can be realized by differential transmission of a low-amplitude signal of several hundred mV.

  The signal switchers 7a to 7e are used when images captured by the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m are transmitted to one ECU 3a to 3j. The signal switchers 7a to 7e have a plurality of input connection terminals and an output connection terminal, and the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m can be connected to the input connection terminals via transmission lines. In addition, the ECUs 3a to 3j can be connected to output connection terminals via transmission lines. The signal switchers 7a to 7e have a function of selecting one video signal from a plurality of video signals input from the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m, and switching and outputting the selected video signal. For example, the signal switch 7a selects and outputs one video signal from the four input video signals, and the signal switches 7b to 7e output one video signal from the two input video signals. It is designed to output. The detailed configuration of the signal switchers 7a to 7e will be described later.

  The signal distributors 9a to 9e are used when images taken by one imaging device 5a to 5m are transmitted to a plurality of ECUs 3a to 3j. The signal distributors 9a to 9e have one connection terminal for input and two connection terminals for output, and connect one imaging device 5a to 5m to the input connection terminal via a transmission line. In addition, the two ECUs 3a to 3j can be connected to the output connection terminals via transmission lines. The signal distributors 9a to 9e have a function of outputting video signals input from one imaging device 5a to 5m to the two ECUs 3a to 3j connected to the output connection terminals, respectively.

  The plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m mounted on the vehicle 1 and the plurality of ECUs 3a to 3j are connected to each other using a transmission line as appropriate through a plurality of signal switching units 7a to 7e and signal distributors 9a to 9e. The images captured from the imaging devices 5a to 5m to the ECUs 3a to 3j can be transmitted as video signals. For example, the ECU 3a can transmit video signals from the four imaging devices 5a to 5d via the signal switch 7a. In this case, the signal switch 7a selects one of the four video signals according to the control signal given from the ECU 3a, and switches and outputs the selected signal.

  Further, for example, since the video imaged by the imaging device 5a is used by the two ECUs 3a and 3c, the video signal input from the imaging device 5a by the signal distributor 9a is output to the signal switcher 7a and the ECU 3c. It is. Since the video imaged by the imaging device 5d is used by the two ECUs 3a and 3b, the video signal input from the imaging device 5d by the signal distributor 9b is output to the signal switcher 7a and the ECU 3b. . Since the images captured by the two imaging devices 5e and 5f are used by the four ECUs 3c to 3f, one of the video signals input from the two imaging devices 5e and 5f by the signal switch 7b is used. The video signal output from the signal selector 7b is output to the four ECUs 3c to 3f using the three distributors 9c to 9e. In this case, the signal switch 7b switches the video signal according to the control signal supplied from the ECU 3d, and the control signal output from the ECU 3d is supplied to the signal switch 7b through the signal distributors 9c to 9e.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the signal switch 7a illustrated in FIGS. In addition, since the structure of the other signal switchers 7b-7e is substantially the same as the structure of the signal switcher 7a, illustration is abbreviate | omitted.
The first receiver 71, the second receiver 72, the third receiver 73, and the fourth receiver 74 of the signal switcher 7a are connected to the transmission lines (and the signal distributor 9a) from the four imaging devices 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. , 9b) and receiving the video signal separately, and supplying the received video signal to the switching unit 79 and the video recognition unit 83.
The video recognition unit 83 outputs the video signal to the recording control unit 84. When the vehicle 1 collides with an obstacle or another vehicle, the given video is recognized as information before and after the collision, and the information is output to the recording control unit 84.
The 1st transmission part 75, the 2nd transmission part 76, the 3rd transmission part 77, and the 4th transmission part 78 transmit the control signal from ECU3a to imaging device 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.

The switching unit 79 has four images given separately from the first receiving unit 71, the second receiving unit 72, the third receiving unit 73, and the fourth receiving unit 74 in accordance with the control signal given from the switching control unit 82. One video signal is selected and switched from the signals, and the selected video signal is output to the fifth transmitter 80 as an output signal. The fifth transmitter 80 outputs the given video signal to the ECU 3a.
The fifth receiver 81 receives control signals from the ECU 3a to the imaging devices 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d and the switching unit 79. The switching control unit 82 controls switching and output of the video signal by the switching unit 79 based on the control signal given from the fifth receiving unit 81.

Further, the vehicle 1 is equipped with various sensors 91 for detecting vehicle information such as vehicle speed, acceleration, brake operation state or steering wheel operation state, and the detection result of the sensor 91 is a signal switcher 7a (~ 7e). Is given to. The signal switch 7a is connected to the sensor 91 via the connection line 90, and has a sixth receiving unit 89 that receives vehicle information from the sensor 91. The sixth receiving unit 89 determines the received vehicle information as an event. It is configured to give to the recording control unit 84 via the unit 88. The vehicle information given to the recording control unit 84 is given to the recording unit 86.
The event determination unit 88 determines whether or not an accident (event) has occurred based on the vehicle information given from the sixth reception unit 89 and / or the video before and after the collision given from the video recognition unit 83, When it is determined that an accident has occurred, after recording for a predetermined time after the accident, a trigger signal for stopping overwriting is generated and provided to the recording control unit 84. The method for determining whether or not an accident has occurred based on vehicle information is a known technique related to a drive recorder, and therefore will not be described in detail. For example, whether or not the acceleration applied to the vehicle 1 has exceeded a threshold value, It is possible to determine whether or not a change has occurred, whether or not the driver has suddenly operated the brake.

  The recording unit 86 includes a radio clock unit 86a that receives a standard frequency radio wave broadcast by a Japanese standard frequency station, automatically corrects a time error, and outputs an absolute time. The recording control unit 84, when the trigger signal is not given from the event determination unit 88, the video given from the first receiving unit 71, the second receiving unit 72, the third receiving unit 73, the fourth receiving unit 74, and Vehicle information given from the sixth receiving unit 89 is configured to be recorded in the recording area of the recording unit 86 in order from the first address to the last address. When video and vehicle information are received, the absolute time at that time is also recorded. When the recording of the video reaches the final address of the recording area of the recording unit 86, the video is overwritten again from the head address and recording is repeated.

As described above, the recording unit 86 simultaneously records the absolute time received by the radio clock unit 86a in the recording unit 86 when the video and vehicle information are received.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which absolute time is recorded when vehicle information and video are received.
As shown in FIG. 4, the absolute time T when the vehicle information and the video are received is recorded. In FIG. 4, only the timing at which the image signal captured by the imaging device 5 a is received is recorded, but the timing at which the image signals captured by the imaging devices 5 b to 5 m are also recorded.

  When the trigger signal is given from the event determination unit 88, the recording control unit 84 records the video for a predetermined time on the recording unit 86 from the time when the trigger signal is given, and for a predetermined time from the time when the trigger signal is given. After the elapse of time, a flag for prohibiting recording of the captured video is set. Thus, the video having the recording prohibition flag recorded in the recording unit 86 is not overwritten and stored even when the recording unit 86 resumes video recording.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the relative time and the control by the event determination unit 88.
As shown in FIG. 5, if an accident occurs after t5 seconds, the recording is stopped after t7 seconds based on the trigger signal from the recording control unit 84. That is, after the video and vehicle information before the accident (t1 to t5 seconds) and after the accident (t5 to t7 seconds) are recorded together with the absolute time, the recording is stopped.

The recording control unit 84 sends the video and vehicle information for t1 to t7 seconds to a non-volatile memory 87 such as a flash memory, and the non-volatile memory 87 is taken out to analyze the accident.
As shown in FIG. 4, synchronous analysis is performed by combining video and vehicle information between the absolute time T2 when the accident occurred and the absolute time T3 after (t7−t5) seconds have elapsed since the absolute time T2. This synchronous analysis may be performed before the accident occurs. By supplementing vehicle information with video information, post-accident analysis becomes easy and accurate. Also, in the case of a vehicle accident, when other vehicles are equipped with the vehicle-mounted imaging system of the vehicle 1, the video information and vehicle information before and after the accident are recorded together with the absolute time for both the vehicle 1 and the other vehicle. The video information and vehicle information of the vehicle 1 and other vehicles can be compared on the time axis, and the accident analysis becomes easy and accurate.

  As described above, the signal switchers 7a to 7e of the in-vehicle imaging system according to the present invention not only have a function of switching and outputting video signals given from the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m, but also records video as a drive recorder. It has a function.

  In the vehicle-mounted imaging system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the video signals output from the two imaging devices 5e and 5f are input to the signal switch 7b, and only one of the image signals is output, and the signal switch 7b. The image signal output by is distributed by the signal distributors 9c to 9e and supplied to the four ECUs 3c to 3f.

  In the in-vehicle imaging system having the above configuration, transmission of video signals from the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m mounted on the vehicle 1 to the ECUs 3a to 3j is performed via the signal switchers 7a to 7e and the signal distributors 9a to 9e. Since it is configured, the amount of transmission lines laid on the vehicle 1 can be reduced, and it is not necessary to provide a large number of connection terminals in the ECUs 3a to 3j, so that downsizing is not hindered. The vehicle-mounted imaging system provided can be mounted on the vehicle 1, and the vehicle-mounted imaging system can be provided at low cost.

  The recording unit 86 also records the absolute time together with these information when receiving the video and vehicle information, and the event determination unit 88 determines that an accident has occurred based on the vehicle information or the video and triggers it. Since the signal is given to the recording control unit 84 and the recording control unit 84 is configured to stop the recording in the recording unit 86 based on the signal, the signal switching unit 7a can efficiently record the video as a drive recorder. In addition, by performing synchronized analysis by combining vehicle information and video, analysis after an accident becomes easy and accurate.

  In the present embodiment, the signal switchers 7a to 7e are configured to accept input of four or two video signals. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and input of three or five or more video signals is possible. May be selected, and one of the video signals may be selected and switched and output. Further, the signal distributors 9a to 9e are configured to distribute the input video signals to the two ECUs 3a to 3j. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to distribute to three or more ECUs 3a to 3j. In addition, a signal switching unit 7a to 7e and a signal distributor 9a to 9e that select and switch one video signal from a plurality of video signals given from the plurality of imaging devices 5a to 5m, and distribute to a plurality of ECUs 3a to 3j; It is also possible to configure a device having the above functions. Moreover, it is not necessary for all the signal switchers 7a to 7e included in the in-vehicle imaging system to include the recording unit 86, and only some signal switchers 7a to 7e may include the recording unit 86.

  1 and 2 show the number of mounted image pickup devices 5a to 5m, ECUs 3a to 3j, signal switchers 7a to 7e, and signal distributors 9a to 9e mounted on the vehicle 1, the connection positions, and the connection forms by transmission lines. It is not limited to what is shown. Moreover, although it was set as the structure which connects the various sensors 91 mounted in the vehicle 1 and the signal switchers 7a-7e with the connection line 90, it is not restricted to this, The sensor 91 is attached to the signal switchers 7a-7e. It is good also as a structure to incorporate. Moreover, although the event determination part 88 was mounted in signal switcher 7a-7e and it was set as the structure which determines the presence or absence of occurrence of the accident of the vehicle 1, it is not restricted to this, The other which has the function of the event determination part 88 The signal switching devices 7a to 7e may receive the trigger signal from the apparatus and record the video.

  In the signal switch 7a, the first receiving unit 71, the second receiving unit 72, the third receiving unit 73, the fourth receiving unit 74, and the fifth transmitting unit 80 input and output video signals, and the first transmitting unit 75. The second transmission unit 76, the third transmission unit 77, the fourth transmission unit 78, and the fifth reception unit 81 are configured to input and output control signals, but the first reception unit 71 and the first transmission unit 75 are connected to each other. The second receiver 72 and the second transmitter 76, the third receiver 73 and the third transmitter 77, the fourth receiver 74 and the fourth transmitter 78, the fifth transmitter 80 and the 5 The receiving unit 81 may be integrated so as to perform switching between video signal input / output and control signal input / output.

In addition, the recording control unit 84 is configured to send the video and vehicle information before and after the accident to the nonvolatile memory 87. From the beginning, the video and vehicle information are repeatedly overwritten in the nonvolatile memory 87 and sequentially recorded. A flag that cannot be overwritten may be set in the recorded video before and after the accident and vehicle information after a predetermined time has elapsed since the trigger signal was generated.
Then, instead of the recording unit 86 having the radio clock unit 86a, the recording unit 86 may acquire the absolute time by GPS via a car navigation or the like.
Further, when the recording control unit 84 is given a trigger signal from the event determination unit 88, the video before and after the accident and the vehicle information recorded in the recording unit 86 are read out according to the control signal given from the switching control unit 82, and read out. The image and the vehicle information may be sent to the ECU 3a via the fifth transmitter 80.
And although the recording part 86 is comprised so that all the images | videos of each imaging device 5a-5m may be recorded, you may decide to switch and record by the switching part 79. FIG.

  In the embodiment, the control signal is transmitted from the ECU 3a to the fifth receiver 81 via the transmission line. However, the control signal is transmitted from the ECU 3a to the fifth receiver 81 via the power line. May be.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle-mounted imaging system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example at the time of mounting the vehicle-mounted imaging system shown in FIG. 1 in a vehicle. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the signal switcher of the vehicle-mounted imaging system shown in FIG. 1, FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which records absolute time when vehicle information and an image | video are received. It is a graph which shows the relationship between relative time and control by an event determination part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the conventional vehicle-mounted imaging system.

Explanation of symbols

1 vehicle 3a-3j ECU (processing device)
5a to 5m Imaging device 7a to 7e Signal switcher 9a to 9e Signal distributor 71 First receiving unit (input unit)
72 Second receiver (input unit)
73 Third receiver (input unit)
74 Fourth receiving unit (input unit)
75 1st transmission part 76 2nd transmission part 77 3rd transmission part 78 4th transmission part 79 switching part 80 5th transmission part (output part)
81 Fifth receiving unit 82 Switching unit 83 Video recognition unit 84 Recording control unit 86 Recording unit 86a Radio clock unit 87 Non-volatile memory 88 Event determination unit (trigger signal generation means)
89 6th receiver 90 connecting line 91 sensor

Claims (5)

A plurality of imaging devices mounted on a vehicle for imaging the inside and / or outside of the vehicle, a processing device for performing processing based on an image captured by the imaging device, and vehicle information acquisition means for acquiring information relating to the vehicle In-vehicle imaging system comprising
A transmission line for transmitting a video signal related to the video imaged by the imaging device;
A plurality of input units connected to a plurality of imaging devices through transmission lines and respectively receiving the video signals; an output unit connected to the processing devices via transmission lines to output video signals; and the input units A switching unit that switches one or a plurality of video signals from a plurality of input video signals and supplies the switching unit to the output unit, and a record that records the video related to the video signal input to the input unit and the information related to the vehicle together with time A signal switching means having a section,
The in-vehicle imaging system, wherein the imaging device and the processing device are connected via the signal switching means. Means for acquiring time information by a radio clock or GPS (Global Positioning System),
The in-vehicle imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the time is a time acquired by the means. Trigger signal generating means for generating a trigger signal based on the image related to the video signal or the information related to the vehicle,
The in-vehicle imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit is configured to stop recording after a predetermined time has elapsed from the generation of the trigger signal.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that records, on a recording medium, an image related to the video signal recorded in the recording unit and information related to the vehicle when a trigger signal is acquired from the trigger signal generating unit. The vehicle-mounted imaging system described in 1. A plurality of the processing devices are provided,
An input unit that is connected to the imaging device via a transmission line and receives a video signal from the imaging device; and a plurality of output units that are connected to the processing device via a transmission line and output a video signal; A signal distribution unit configured to distribute the video signal input to the input unit to the plurality of output units;
The in-vehicle imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the imaging device and the processing device are connected via the signal distribution unit.

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