JP2008305254A - Drive recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drive recorder whose efficiency of installation work is improved. <P>SOLUTION: In the driver recorder, an image photographed by a camera 146 is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 142 disposed at the back of the camera. Therefore, the installation work efficiency of the drive recorder can be considerably improved because a user can confirm whether the camera 146 is photographing in a direction which the user intends or not while confirming the image photographed by the camera 146 on the monitor when performing installation work of the drive recorder. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a drive recorder.

In recent years, for the purpose of monitoring the state of a vehicle accident, a drive recorder capable of photographing a scene in front of a traveling vehicle is often installed in the vehicle.
This drive recorder is provided with a sensor for detecting an impact applied to the vehicle due to an accident or the like, and when this sensor detects an impact, a few seconds before and after the impact is detected with respect to a scene image in front of the running vehicle. Is stored.

  Therefore, if a vehicle equipped with this drive recorder causes an accident and the situation of this accident is recorded as a video, it becomes easy to identify the cause of the accident. Demonstrating great power in particular.

  By the way, the conventional drive recorder is configured such that a storage medium such as a memory card is detachable, and the image data of the above-described video is recorded on the storage medium. Then, as a method of viewing this image data, a method of removing the storage medium from the drive recorder and taking it outside the vehicle, causing a computer at home or the like to read the image data stored in the storage medium, and viewing on the monitor of this computer Is common.

  However, in such a method, when installing the drive recorder, in order to confirm whether the camera is facing the direction intended by the user, a storage medium storing image data of an image taken for confirmation is stored from the drive recorder. It was necessary to remove it many times and read the image data with a notebook computer or the like to check it, so the work efficiency for installing the drive recorder was poor.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a drive recorder that solves the above-described problems and improves the work efficiency for installing the drive recorder.

  The drive recorder according to claim 1, which is an invention made to solve the above-described problem, includes a camera, a detection unit that detects a driving state of the vehicle, and an image storage unit that stores an image captured by the camera. The first image storage processing means for storing the image taken by the camera in the image storage means based on the detection result of the detection means, and when the camera is installed facing outside in the vehicle, It is characterized by comprising a monitor that can be installed with the screen facing the inside of the vehicle, and first display processing means for displaying an image taken by the camera on the monitor.

  If this monitor is equipped with a monitor like this drive recorder and the image captured by the camera is displayed on the monitor, the user can confirm the image captured by the camera while installing the drive recorder, Since it is possible to confirm whether the camera is facing the intended direction, the installation efficiency of the drive recorder can be dramatically improved.

  Next, as described in claim 2, as the drive recorder, the detection means detects whether or not the vehicle is in an operating state where an accident occurs, and the first image storage processing means detects that the vehicle has an accident. It is preferable to store in the image storage means images taken by the camera before and after the detection is performed based on the detection result indicating that the vehicle is in operation.

As the operation state detected by the detection means, it is preferable to detect whether sudden acceleration, sudden braking, sudden turning, or the like has been performed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the detecting means detects whether or not an impact has been applied to the vehicle as the operating state, and the first image storage processing means is based on a detection result indicating that the impact has been applied. It is preferable that an image taken by the camera is stored in the image storage means before and after the impact is detected.

  By the way, in the drive recorder, when the detection means detects a predetermined operation state, the image taken by the camera is stored in the image storage means. Therefore, when the drive recorder is being installed, vibration associated with the work is performed. Or the like may be detected by the detecting means, and a plurality of unnecessary images may be stored. In the worst case, the image is stored to the full storage capacity of the image storage means, and even if the detection means detects the operation state, the first image storage processing means may not store the image.

  Therefore, as described in claim 4, there is provided storage prohibition processing means for prohibiting detection of the operation state by the detection means or executing prohibition processing for prohibiting image storage by the first image storage processing means. preferable.

  In this way, when the drive recorder is attached, the detection means detects vibrations associated with the work, and an unnecessary image is stored in the image storage means, and the image is stored to the full storage capacity of the image storage means. Thus, even if the detection means detects the operation state, it is possible to prevent an accident that the image is not stored by the first image storage processing means.

  It should be noted that this memory prohibition processing means is executed at the timing, but since the drive recorder is moved many times during the installation work, the detection means can change the operation state for a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. It may be executed upon detection.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a prohibition operation accepting unit that accepts a prohibition operation instructing execution of the prohibition process, and the storage prohibition unit executes the prohibition process when the prohibition operation accepting unit accepts the prohibition operation. You may do it.

Next, if the image is stored to the full storage capacity of the image storage means, the image may not be stored even if the detection means detects the operating state.
Therefore, as described in claim 6, the storage amount determination means for determining whether or not the storage amount of the image stored in the image storage means has become an allowable amount, and the determination result of the storage amount determination means is monitored. It is preferable to include a second display processing means for displaying on the screen.

  In this way, when the storage amount of the image stored in the image storage means becomes an allowable amount, that fact is displayed on the monitor, so that the user can detect by confirming the display on this monitor. It can be notified whether or not detection by the means is possible.

If an unnecessary image stored in the image storage unit is deleted by the user by this notification, the image can be stored by detection of the detection unit.
By the way, some of the images stored in the image storage means may need to be saved and some may not.

  Therefore, as described in claim 7, the third display processing means for displaying a list of a plurality of images stored in the image storage means on the monitor, and the selection operation for accepting an operation for selecting each image displayed on the monitor It is preferable to include a receiving unit and an image erasing permission / prohibition unit that prohibits or permits deletion of each image selected by the selection operation receiving unit from the image storage unit.

If it does in this way, the image when a driving | running state is detected by the detection means can be memorize | stored, leaving a required image.
At this time, as described in claim 8, the first image storage processing means takes a picture in the storage area of the image storage means permitted to be erased from the image storage means by the image erasure permission / refusal means. It is preferable to store the processed image.

  Next, as described in claim 9, the drive recorder of the present invention takes an operation state image indicating the operation state detected by the detection unit, a stored image stored in the image storage unit, and a camera. It is preferable to include an image selection operation receiving unit that receives an operation for selecting any one of the captured images, and a selected image display processing unit that displays at least one image selected by the image selection operation receiving unit on the monitor.

  In this way, any one of the operation state image, the stored image, and the captured image is displayed according to the operation received by the image selection operation receiving means, and these images are displayed on the monitor according to the user's preference. Can be displayed.

  By the way, as described in claim 10, the drive recorder may include an image storage operation accepting means for accepting an operation for storing an image captured by the camera in the image storage means at a remote position with respect to the drive recorder. .

  If this image storage operation accepting means is attached to, for example, a handle or the like, and if this image storage operation accepting means is operated, an image when the operation is accepted is stored. The necessary image can be stored in accordance with the driver's operation.

  However, if communication between the drive recorder and the image storage operation accepting unit is not performed, it is impossible to capture such an image. For this reason, even if the driver is in a state where the communication is not performed, the driver may feel that he / she has stored the image by operating the image storage operation receiving means, but the image may not be stored.

  Therefore, as described in claim 10, between the drive recorder and the image storage operation accepting means, a communication detecting means for detecting whether a signal indicating that the operation has been accepted can be communicated with the drive recorder, and this communication Preferably, the detection means includes an alarm execution means for executing an alarm when communication is impossible.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the image from being stored even if the driver feels that the image is stored by operating the image storage operation receiving means.
Note that the alarm may be performed in any way. For example, as described in claim 11, the alarm execution unit causes the warning lamp attached to the image storage operation reception unit to blink to execute the alarm. May be. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the alarm execution means may execute the alarm by changing a lighting color of a warning lamp attached to the image storage operation reception means. Specifically, when communication is possible, a warning lamp may be lit in blue, and when communication is impossible and an alarm is required, it may be lit in red. Further, an alarm image may be displayed on the monitor.

By the way, various devices are now attached to vehicles as the vehicles become intelligent. However, it is not preferable in terms of aesthetics to attach too many devices.
Therefore, for example, as described in claim 13, in order to measure the vehicle speed, radar detection means for detecting radar irradiated toward the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle, and radar is detected by the radar detection means. In this case, the monitor may include a detection result display unit that displays an image informing that the radar is detected.

  Since this drive recorder has a radar detection function, if this drive recorder is used, it is not necessary to attach a device having a radar detection function. Therefore, if this drive recorder is used, the aesthetics of the vehicle can be improved.

  By the way, the drive recorder may have any shape. For example, as described in claim 14, a camera is installed on one side surface of the housing of the drive recorder, and the camera is installed. A monitor may be installed on the side surface of the casing opposite to the side surface.

Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the drive recorder. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams of the drive recorder, where FIG. 2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a left side view, FIG. 2C is a rear view, and FIG. . 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams for explaining peripheral devices of the drive recorder. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram for explaining a wiring method, and FIG. 3B is a wiring diagram. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the remote controller. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which the drive recorder is attached to the vehicle. (A) is a right side view for explaining a state in which the drive recorder is tilted in the front-rear direction, and (b) is a diagram showing the drive recorder. FIG. 5C is a front view for explaining a state of tilting in the left-right direction, and FIG.
1. External Configuration of Drive Recorder As shown in FIG. 1, the drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment has a housing in which a cross-sectional shape cut along a cross section along the vertical direction is formed by rotating an L-shape 90 ° clockwise. A body 10 is provided.

  A liquid crystal monitor, which will be described later, is disposed on a side surface along the L-shape of the cross section of the housing 10 and formed on the front surface 10b which forms the L-shape with the upper surface 10a, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. A display screen 12a 142 and a remote control receiver 12b are formed.

  In the following, as shown in FIG. 2, each surface constituting the housing 10, the opposite side surface sandwiching the housing 10 from the front surface 10 b, the rear surface 10 c and the front surface 10 b from a position facing the front surface 10 b. The side surface located on the right side is called the right side surface 10d, the side surface located on the left side is called the left side surface 10e, and the side surface opposite to the top surface 10a is called the bottom surface 10f.

  Next, on the left side surface 10e of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, an insertion hole 12c for inserting the IC memory 13 formed in a card shape is formed. ing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, a camera lens 12d is disposed on the back surface 10c of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment.
Furthermore, an adjustment knob 12e for adjusting the direction in which the camera lens 12d is directed is provided on the lower surface 10f of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment. The lower surface 10f is provided with an attachment port 12f for attaching a stepladder 5 described later.
2. Configuration of Peripheral Device Next, the peripheral device of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment includes a main unit 6, an antenna unit 7, and an external switch 8 as peripheral devices.
The main unit 6 includes a rechargeable battery therein, takes in electric power from the vehicle, charges the rechargeable battery with the electric power, and supplies the taken-in electric power to the drive recorder 1, the main unit 6, and the external switch 8. Is. The main unit 6 relays communication between the drive recorder 1 and the main unit 6 and the external switch 8. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the drive recorder 1, the main unit 6, and the external switch 8 are all connected to the main unit 6 through a communication and power sharing connection line α.

  The antenna unit 7 includes an antenna that receives a measurement signal for measuring a position from a GPS satellite. When the antenna unit 7 receives the measurement signal, current position information generated based on the measurement signal when the measurement signal is received is sent to the central control (described later) of the drive recorder 1 via the main unit 6. Transmitted to the device 140.

  The external switch 8 includes a push switch 80. The push switch 80 includes an LED lamp, and the push switch 80 is illuminated from the inside by the light of the LED lamp. The push switch 80 is made of a transparent material. When the LED lamp is lit, the push switch 80 appears to emit light by the light. In addition, when the push switch 80 is depressed, the external switch 8 transmits information indicating that the push switch 80 has been operated to the central controller 140 of the drive recorder 1 via the main unit 6.

Next, how the drive recorder 1, the main unit 6, the antenna unit 7, and the external switch 8 are arranged in the vehicle will be described with reference to FIG.
The drive recorder 1 is installed at a substantially central portion of the upper surface of the instrument panel 100, and the antenna unit 7 is installed at the left end portion of the upper surface of the instrument panel 100. The main unit 6 is installed on the lower surface of the instrument panel 100 on the driver's seat side at the right end as viewed from the driver's seat. Furthermore, the external switch 8 is installed on the driver's seat side of the car stereo on the side where the instrument panel car stereo is installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

  And the plug 6a attached to the end of the power line extended from the main unit 6 is inserted into the cigar light socket of the vehicle, and communicates from the drive recorder 1 to the main unit 6 through the right side surface from the upper surface of the instrument panel 100. A line α is wired, and a connecting line α is wired from the main unit 6 to the external switch 8 through the lower part of the instrument panel 100. Further, a connection line α is routed from the main unit 6 through the lower side of the instrument panel 100 to the left side surface of the instrument panel 100 to the antenna unit 7.

Next, the remote controller 9 that is one of the peripheral devices of the drive recorder 1 of the embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the remote controller 9 includes a plurality of switches. As one of the switches, a main switch 90 that can be pressed at the center and the upper, lower, left, and right portions of FIG. 4 when viewed from the center is provided. ing. The remote controller 9 includes four switches 91 to 94.

In the remote controller 9, when each of the switches 90 to 94 is pressed, an infrared signal corresponding to each switch is transmitted wirelessly.
Among these, the switch 91 functions as a return button in the process described later.
3. Installation of Drive Recorder Next, a method for installing the drive recorder 1 will be described.

In the present embodiment, the drive recorder 1 is attached via a stepladder 5 attached on the instrument panel 100 as shown in FIGS.
The stepladder 5 is supported by the drive recorder 1 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction and swingable in the left-right direction as shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). By tightening a screw (not shown) provided at the swing center of the motion (marked with “+” in the figure), it can be fixed at that position after the swing.

  The drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment uses the stepladder 5 with the back surface 10c on which the camera lens 12d is disposed facing the windshield side and the front surface 10b on which the display screen 12a is disposed facing the vehicle interior, It is mounted on the instrument panel 100 in a general direction.

  Thereafter, an image display process (to be described later) for displaying an image captured by the camera lens 12d on the display screen 12a is executed, and the drive recorder 1 is swung back and forth and left and right while viewing the image displayed on the display screen 12a. A direction in which a later-described camera 146 having a camera lens 12d captures an image is determined. When this direction is determined, the drive recorder 1 is fixed by tightening a screw at that position.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 5C, the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment moves the knob 12e toward the right side surface 10d and the left side surface 10e to move the camera lens 12d in the left-right direction. Since the knob 12e is moved left and right, the direction in which the camera 146 shoots is determined.
4). Internal structure of the drive recorder.

Next, functions of the drive recorder of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing each configuration (internal configuration) for each function in the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment in blocks.

As shown in FIG. 6, the drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment includes a central control device 140 that executes various processes described later.
The central control device 140 is a computer device provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. In addition to the configuration for exhibiting these computer functions, image data of images used when executing various processes described later, And a memory 140a for storing other data.

The central controller 14 executes various processes in cooperation with other devices described below.
Next, the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment has a liquid crystal monitor 142, a remote control receiver 144, a camera 146, an acceleration sensor 148, an orientation sensor 150, an image storage unit 152, a radar detection, in addition to the central controller 140. An antenna 154 is provided.

  The liquid crystal monitor 142 is a device that displays an image on the display screen 12 a disposed on the front surface 10 b of the housing 10 of the drive recorder 1. On the liquid crystal monitor 142, various images are displayed based on processing performed by the central controller 140.

  The remote control receiver 144 is a device that receives an infrared signal transmitted wirelessly from the remote controller 9, and is disposed in the housing 10. The remote control receiving portion 12b of the housing 10 is formed with an intake hole (not shown) that takes an infrared signal transmitted from the outside into the housing 10, and is transmitted from the remote control 9 so as to close the intake hole. A transparent plate (visiblely opaque) that can transmit the infrared signal is installed along the surface of the front surface 10b. The remote control receiving device 144 receives the infrared signal taken into the housing 10b from the outside via the remote control receiving portion 12b formed in this way in the housing 10b. When the remote control receiver 144 receives an infrared signal from the remote controller 9, information indicating that the infrared signal has been received is output to the central controller 140.

  The camera 146 is a device that converts captured images into data and outputs the data to the central control device 140. The camera lens 12d included in the camera 146 is disposed on the back surface 10c of the housing 10 (see FIG. 2C). ) Arranged in the housing 10. When an image is captured by the camera 146, image data of the captured image is output to the central controller 140.

  The acceleration sensor 148 is a device for detecting whether or not an impact is applied to the vehicle. When an impact is applied to the vehicle and the acceleration sensor 148 detects acceleration due to the impact, information indicating the detection is output to the central controller 140.

  The direction sensor 150 is a sensor for detecting geomagnetism and detecting the direction. When the direction sensor 150 detects geomagnetism, information indicating the direction is output to the central controller 140.

  The image storage unit 152 is a device that stores an image captured by the camera 146 in the IC memory 13 (see FIG. 2D). In the present embodiment, when the IC memory 13 is inserted into the housing 10 through the insertion hole 12c (see FIG. 2D) provided in the housing 10 of the drive recorder 1, the IC memory is stored in the image storage unit 152. 13 is connected, and the image storage unit 152 can store an image in the IC memory 13. In the present embodiment, the image sent from the central control device 140 is stored in the IC memory 13 by the processing performed by the central control device 140.

  The radar detection antenna 154 is for detecting the radar emitted from the outside of the vehicle toward the vehicle in order to measure the vehicle speed. When the radar detection antenna 154 detects the radar, the radar control antenna 154 detects the radar. A signal indicating that a radar wave has been detected is output.

Next, peripheral devices of the drive recorder 1 will be described for each function.
The drive recorder 1 includes a brake sensor 160 and a vehicle speed sensor 162 in addition to the antenna unit 7, the external switch 8, and the remote controller 9 described above.

  The brake sensor 160 is for detecting whether or not the brake is suddenly applied by detecting the operation state of the brake. When the brake sensor 160 detects the operation state of the brake, the detection result is the central controller 140. Is output.

The vehicle speed sensor 162 detects the vehicle speed and knows whether sudden acceleration / deceleration has not been performed. When the vehicle speed is detected, the detection result is output to the central controller 140.
5. Various Processes In the central controller 140 of the drive recorder 1 configured as described above, a process in which moving image images photographed by the camera 146 are normally stored sequentially in the RAM 140b is executed, and after a predetermined time has elapsed. Processing for sequentially erasing moving image images stored in the RAM 140b is executed.

  Then, for example, when the vehicle collides, an impact is applied to the vehicle, and the acceleration sensor 148 detects the acceleration caused by the collision, the central control device 140 takes the image with the camera 146 and stores the image stored in the RAM 140b. A process of outputting a moving image from 12 seconds before to 8 seconds after detecting the collision to the image storage unit 152 is executed, and when the image information of the moving image and the image information are recorded in the image storage unit 152 The index information indicating whether the image is a new one is stored in the IC memory 13 (corresponding to the first image storage means of the present invention) and locked so as not to be erased.

  Further, for example, when the push switch 80 of the external switch 8 is pushed, the central control device 140 takes a picture with the camera 146 and 12 seconds before the push of the push switch 80 is detected in the image stored in the RAM 140b. The processing for outputting the moving image from 8 seconds to the image storage unit 152 is executed, and the image information of the moving image and the index indicating when the image information is recorded in the image storage unit 152 are executed. Information is stored in the IC memory 13. At this time, no lock is made.

  In addition, when the current position information is input from the antenna unit 7, the central controller 140 compares the current position information with the position information of the automatic speed regulator stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the current position is automatically detected. When it is determined that it is close to the speed regulator, processing for outputting an alarm sound or displaying a warning image from the liquid crystal monitor 142 is executed.

Further, in the central control device 140, when the radar detection antenna 154 detects a radar transmitted to detect the vehicle speed from the automatic speed regulator, an alarm sound is output or a warning image is displayed using the liquid crystal monitor 142. Is displayed (corresponding to the detection result display process of the present invention).
In the central controller 140, the following various processes are executed.
5-1. Camera Position Setting Process Next, a camera position setting process executed by the central controller 140 of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment will be described. This camera position setting process requires a work for fixing the direction in which the camera 146 of the drive recorder 1 is directed (hereinafter referred to as “installation work”) when the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment is attached to a vehicle. This process is executed when this installation work is performed.

  Here, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the camera position setting process executed by the central controller 140. Further, in FIG. 7, for easy explanation, both images displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142 are shown.

In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the step numbers from the smallest to the largest are executed.
In this camera position setting process, as shown in FIG. 7, first, a process of displaying the standard image G1 on the display screen 12a (see FIG. 1) is executed (S10). The standard image G1 displays the direction, speed, current time, and the like. The azimuth and speed displayed in the standard image G1 are displayed based on information on the azimuth and vehicle speed detected by the azimuth sensor 150 and the vehicle speed sensor 162. Further, based on the result of the brake sensor 160, whether or not the brake is applied and its strength are also displayed.

  In S12, it is determined whether or not the central portion 90a (hereinafter referred to as “SET switch 90a”) of the main switch 90 of the remote controller 9 is continuously pressed for 3 seconds or more. If it is determined in this determination that the button has not been pressed for 3 seconds or more (S12: NO), the standard image G1 is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142 and if it is determined that the button has been pressed for more than 3 seconds (S12: YES). , S14 is executed.

  In S14, the menu screen G2 is displayed. The menu screen G2 is read from the image storage unit 152 and displayed on the display screen 12a. In this menu screen G2, basic settings, radar function settings, recording settings, safe driving functions and other items are displayed. Of these items, selectable items have different background images from other items. Displayed.

  The selectable items can be changed each time the upper portion 90b (hereinafter referred to as “up switch 90b”) or the lower portion 90c (hereinafter referred to as “down switch 90c”) of the main switch 90 of the remote controller 9 is pressed.

  In S16, it is determined whether or not the basic setting item on the menu screen G2 has been selected. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the SET switch 90a has been pressed when the basic setting item is displayed in a selectable manner. If it is determined that no item is selected in this determination (S16: NO), the menu image G2 is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142, and if it is determined that the basic setting item is selected (S16: YES), The process of S18 is executed.

  In S18, the basic setting screen G3 is displayed. The basic setting screen G3 is read from the image storage unit 152 and displayed on the display screen 12a. In this basic setting screen G3, screen display, contrast, speed pulse, installation direction confirmation and other items are displayed. Among these items, selectable items are different from other items by changing the background image. Is displayed.

  In S20, it is determined whether or not the item for confirming the mounting direction on the basic setting screen G3 has been selected. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the SET switch 90a is pressed when the item for confirming the mounting direction is displayed to be selectable. If it is determined that no item is selected in this determination (S20: NO), the basic setting G3 is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142, and if it is determined that the item of the basic setting is selected (S20: YES), The process of S22 is executed.

  In S22, detection of a collision by the acceleration sensor 148 is prohibited. In the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment, when the acceleration sensor 148 detects vibration, it is determined that an impact has been applied to the vehicle due to an accident, and processing for recording an image taken by the camera 146 is executed. Therefore, even when the drive recorder 1 is moved, the acceleration sensor 148 may detect that the drive recorder 1 has been moved, and an extra image may be recorded in the IC memory 13. However, in the present embodiment, even when the acceleration sensor 148 moves the drive recorder 1 when performing the installation work, vibration is not detected by executing the process of S22, so that an extra image is displayed in the IC memory 13. Recording is prevented.

  In S24, processing for displaying an image photographed by the camera 146 on the liquid crystal monitor 142 is executed. Therefore, the drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment can perform the installation work while viewing the image captured by the camera 146 displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142.

In S26, it is determined whether or not the return switch 91, which is one of the switches 91 of the remote controller 9, has been pressed. If it is determined in this determination (S26) that the switches 92 to 94 other than the return switch 91 have been pressed, the process of S24 is continued (S26: NO). If it is determined that the return switch 91 has been pressed, the acceleration sensor 148 The process of S10 is executed again after resetting such as returning the collision to a detectable state.
5-2. Image Lock Process Next, an image lock process for locking an image recorded in the IC memory 13 or releasing the lock will be described.

  Here, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an image lock process executed by the central controller 140. Further, in FIG. 8, for easy explanation, both images displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142 are shown.

In this image lock process, as shown in FIG. 8, the processes of S10 to S14 are executed. Since this process is the same as the process performed in the camera position setting process, a description thereof will be omitted.
In S30, it is determined whether or not the recording setting item on the menu screen G2 has been selected. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the SET switch 90a has been pressed when the recording setting item is displayed in a selectable manner. If it is determined that no item is selected in this determination (S30: NO), the menu image G2 is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142 (S14), and if it is determined that the recording setting item is selected (S30: YES), the process of S32 is executed.

  In S32, a recording setting screen G5 is displayed. The recording setting screen G5 is read from the image storage unit 152 and displayed on the display screen 12a. In this recording setting screen G5, recorded data confirmation, shock level, frame rate, image quality and other items are displayed. Among these items, selectable items are different from other items by changing the background image. It is displayed.

  In S34, it is determined whether or not the recording data confirmation item on the recording setting screen G5 has been selected. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the SET switch 90a has been pressed when the recording data confirmation item is displayed in a selectable manner. If it is determined that no item is selected in this determination (S34: NO), the recording setting G5 is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142 (S32), and if it is determined that the recording data confirmation item is selected (S34). : YES), the process of S36 is executed.

  In S36, a recorded data confirmation screen G6 is displayed. On the recorded data confirmation screen G6, a list of image indexes stored in the IC memory 13 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the index displays numbers representing the date and time of recording images of 071226 — 13:30, 071030 — 18:40, 070712 — 21:30, and 070213 — 0815.

  In S38, since the recording data confirmation screen G6 includes a screen G6-1 for a lock mode and a screen G6-2 for a lock release mode, one of the modes is selected. This mode is changed every time the left portion 90d (hereinafter referred to as “left switch 90d”) or the right portion 90e (hereinafter referred to as “right switch 90e”) of the main switch 90 of the remote controller 9 is pressed. Whether the mode is selected is displayed in the upper part of the recorded data confirmation screen G6.

  In S40, an image to be locked or unlocked is selected. Specifically, the up switch 90b and the down switch 90c are operated, and an operation for changing the selected image is performed. When this operation is performed, the index at which selectable display is performed is sequentially changed according to the operation.

  In S42, a process of determining whether or not an operation for locking or unlocking has been performed is executed. Specifically, when releasing the lock, in the unlock mode, when the index of the locked image (the image of the key is displayed) is displayed as selectable. Then, a process for determining whether or not the SET switch 90a is pressed is executed. On the other hand, when the lock is performed, the SET switch 90a is operated when the index of the image that is not locked (the image of the key is not displayed) is displayed to be selectable in the lock mode. Processing for determining whether or not the button has been pressed is executed. If it is determined in this process (S42) that the pressing operation has not been performed (S42: NO), the process of S40 is executed again. If it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed (S42: YES), the process of S44 is performed. Executed.

  In S44, when locked or unlocked, as shown in a screen G6-1-1, an image that has not been locked is locked with a lock display, and the screen G6-2-1 is displayed. As shown in the figure, the locked image is erased and unlocked for the locked image.

In S46, it is determined whether or not the return switch 91 is pressed. If it is determined in this determination (S46) that the buttons 92 to 94 other than the return switch 91 have been pressed, the process of S38 is executed again (S46: NO). If it is determined that the return switch 91 has been pressed, the process of S10 is again performed. Processing is executed.
5-3. Storage Capacity Monitoring Process Next, the storage capacity monitoring process executed by the central controller 140 of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment, an image is recorded in the IC memory 13, but when a new image is stored, a portion of the IC memory 13 in which an image other than the locked image is stored or an image Is stored in a portion that is not stored.

  The locked image includes an image stored when a collision or the like is detected by the acceleration sensor and an image locked by the image lock process. If the number of locked images increases, the acceleration sensor 148 may be locked. However, even if a collision is detected, there is a possibility that an image associated with the detection cannot be stored in the IC memory 13.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, this storage necessity monitoring process is executed to monitor whether or not an image can be stored in the IC memory 13 and its storage capacity.
Here, FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the storage capacity monitoring process executed by the central controller 140.

This storage capacity monitoring process is a process that is always executed when the drive recorder 1 is operating.
When this storage capacity monitoring process is started, in S50, first, a storage capacity capable of storing an image (a storage capacity of a part storing an image that is not locked, and a storage storing nothing). It is determined whether or not (total with capacity) has become less than a certain amount. If it is determined in this determination (S50) that the amount is not less than a certain amount (S50: NO), a standby process is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the amount is less than a certain amount, the process in S52 is performed. The

In S52, processing for displaying an image indicating that the storage capacity is low on the liquid crystal monitor is executed.
In S54, it is determined whether any switch of the remote controller has been operated. If it is determined in this determination that the switch has not been operated, the process of S52 is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination (S54) that the user is operating, the process of S56 is executed.

  In S56, it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed. If it is determined in this determination that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S56: NO), the process waits. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S56: YES), the process of S50 is executed again.

In S56, the IC memory 13 is replaced while the fixed time elapses, or the number of locked images stored in the IC memory 13 is reduced due to execution of image lock processing or the like. If it exceeds a certain amount, the process of S50 is performed, and at this point in time, a negative determination (S50: NO) is made in S50, so that a display indicating that the storage capacity is small (S52) is not made. On the other hand, if the storage capacity capable of storing an image is less than a certain amount as before, the process of S52 is executed again, and an image indicating that the storage capacity is decreasing is displayed on the display screen 12a of the liquid crystal monitor 142. Is done.
5-4. Image Display Processing Next, image display processing for displaying an image recorded in the IC memory 13 will be described.

  Here, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an image display process executed by the central controller 140. Further, in FIG. 10, for easy explanation, both images displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142 are shown.

  In this image lock process, as shown in FIG. 10, the processes of S10 to S14 and S30 to S36 are executed. This process is the same as the process performed in the image lock process shown in FIG.

  In S60, since the recorded data confirmation screen G6 includes a screen G6-3 for reproducing recorded images in addition to the G6-1 and G6-2 screens described above, this mode is selected. This mode is changed every time the left switch 90d or the right switch 90e is pressed, and which mode is displayed in the upper part of the recording data confirmation screen G6-3 (in G6-3). "Play" is displayed).

  In S62, an image to be displayed is selected. Specifically, the up switch 90b and the down switch 90c are operated, and an operation for changing the display indicating that selection is possible to the index of the image to be displayed is performed. When this operation is performed, the display indicating that selection is possible is sequentially changed according to the operation.

  In S64, it is determined whether or not an instruction to display an image has been issued. Specifically, a process of determining whether or not the SET switch 90a has been pressed when the index of the image to be displayed is displayed in S62 so as to be selectable. If it is determined in this process (S64) that the pressing operation has not been performed (S64: NO), the process of S60 is executed again. If it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed (S64: YES), the process of S66 is performed. Executed.

In S66, processing for displaying the selected image is executed (image G7).
In S68, it is determined whether or not the return switch 91 is pressed. If it is determined in this determination (S68) that a button other than the return switch 91 has been pressed, the process of S60 is executed again (S68: NO). If it is determined that the return switch 91 has been pressed, the process of S10 is executed again. Is done.
5-5. Disconnection detection process Next, the disconnection detection process executed by the central controller 140 of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment, when the external switch 8 is operated, an image is recorded in the IC memory 13. However, if the connection line α connecting the external switch 8 and the drive recorder 1 is disconnected, a necessary image may not be displayed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, this disconnection detection process is executed to monitor whether or not the connection line α connecting the external switch 8 and the drive recorder 1 is disconnected.
Here, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the disconnection detection process executed by the central controller 140.

This disconnection detection process is a process that is always executed when the drive recorder 1 is operating.
When this disconnection detection process is started, it is first determined in S70 whether a disconnection has been made. If it is determined in this determination (S70) that it is not disconnected (S70: NO), a standby process is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the connection is disconnected, the process of S72 is executed.

  In S72, an image indicating that the wire is disconnected is displayed on the display screen 12a of the liquid crystal monitor 142, and an LED lamp (corresponding to a warning lamp of the present invention) installed in the push switch 80 of the external switch 8 is blinked. The process of causing (or turning on) is executed.

  In S74, it is determined whether any of the switches 91 to 94 of the remote controller 9 has been operated. If it is determined in this determination that the switches 91 to 94 have not been operated, the processing in S72 is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in this determination (S74) that the user is operating, the process of S76 is executed.

  In S76, it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed. If it is determined in this determination that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S76: NO), the process waits. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S76: YES), the process of S70 is executed again.

If the disconnection is resolved during the lapse of a certain time in S76, the process of S70 is repeatedly executed without shifting to S72, and the indication that the disconnection has been made is not made. On the other hand, if it has been disconnected, the process of S72 is executed again, and an image indicating that it is disconnected is displayed on the display screen 12a of the liquid crystal monitor 142.
6). Features of the Drive Recorder 1 According to the Embodiment As with the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment, if the liquid crystal monitor 142 is provided and an image photographed by the camera 146 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142, the installation work of the drive recorder 1 can be performed. At this time, it is possible to confirm whether the camera 146 is photographing the direction intended by the user while confirming the image photographed by the camera 146 on the liquid crystal monitor 142, so that the efficiency of the installation work of the drive recorder 1 is greatly improved. Can be improved.

  Further, as in the case of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment, even when the IC memory 13 is full, a message to that effect is displayed. If unnecessary images are erased according to this display, the image is displayed when an accident or the like is necessary. It can be prevented from being stored. On the other hand, since an image that needs to be stored is not erased by being locked, it is possible to prevent the necessary image from being erased.

Further, as in the case of the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment, since the communication line α connecting the external switch 8 and the drive recorder 1 is notified when it is disconnected, it is possible to prevent an image from being recorded without noticing the disconnection. it can.
7). Correspondence Relationship between Embodiments and Invention Specific Items The acceleration sensor 148 of this embodiment corresponds to detection means of the present invention, the IC memory 13 corresponds to image storage means, S24 corresponds to first display processing means, and executes S20. SET switch 90a corresponds to the prohibition operation accepting unit, and S22 corresponds to the storage prohibition unit.

  Further, S50 corresponds to the storage amount determination means, S52 corresponds to the second display processing means, S36 corresponds to the third display processing means, and the SET switch 90a when executing S40 corresponds to the selection operation accepting means. The processing of S42 to S44 corresponds to image erasure permission / refusal means.

The SET switch 90a corresponds to the selected image operation accepting unit, S10, S20, and S66 correspond to the selected image display unit, the external switch 8 corresponds to the image storage operation accepting unit, and S70 corresponds to the communication detecting unit. , S72 corresponds to the alarm execution means.
(Other embodiments)
In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, the external switch 8 is installed in the vicinity of the side surface where the instrument panel car stereo between the driver's seat and the passenger seat is installed. As such, it can be easily installed on each vehicle body or anywhere around the installation driver's seat. The drive recorder 1 and other devices are the same.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, the external switch 8 and the drive recorder 1 are communicably connected via the communication line α, but they may be communicably connected wirelessly. In the disconnection detection process, it may be monitored whether or not the wireless communication is stopped.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above-described embodiment, the collision is detected only based on the result of the acceleration sensor 148, but an image may be detected when sudden braking or sudden acceleration is performed.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, the detection by the acceleration sensor 148 is not performed in the process of S22, but the image may not be stored in the IC memory 13.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, the camera 146 and the liquid crystal monitor 142 are fixed to the housing 10. However, for example, the liquid crystal monitor 142 may be fixed to the housing 10 so as to be able to swing. Specifically, with reference to the direction in which the display screen 12a of the liquid crystal monitor 142 faces in the above-described embodiment, it may be fixed so as to face diagonally upward, diagonally downward, diagonally right or left with respect to that direction. Good. The same applies to the camera 146.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above-described embodiment, the power source is taken in from the vehicle. However, a solar cell may be provided, and the device may be operated with electric power supplied from the solar cell when the weather is fine.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, in the process of S72, the process of blinking (or lighting) the LED lamp (corresponding to the warning lamp of the present invention) installed in the push switch 80 of the external switch 8 is executed. However, the alarm may be executed by changing the lighting color of the LED lamp which is an alarm lamp attached to the external switch 8. Specifically, when communication is possible, a warning lamp may be lit in blue, and when communication is impossible and an alarm is required, it may be lit in red.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, the acceleration sensor 148 is used as a means for detecting an impact. In addition to this, a sensor for detecting a collision sound and a signal (accident information such as an airbag) from a vehicle are used. You may detect a collision using the apparatus to detect.

In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, an audio announcement may be made when the acceleration sensor 148 detects an impact. In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, the liquid crystal monitor 142 and the camera 146 may be configured separately. In the drive recorder 1 of the said embodiment, you may judge the information (The position of a shift lever, wearing of a seat belt, the state of a side brake, the rotation position of a key) from a vehicle whether it is an operation state.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, in addition to the image photographed by the camera 146, information on the detection result by the acceleration sensor and the direction sensor, the degree of braking, and the vehicle speed may be recorded together with the image. . In addition to these, driver information (for example, information such as voice, viewpoint, body temperature, heart rate) may be recorded. Further, information on the accelerator depression amount, the blinker moving state, the headlight lighting state, the operation amount of the steering wheel, the operation angle, and the like may be recorded.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above-described embodiment, the IC memory 13 is used as a means for recording an image. In addition to a recording medium using a semiconductor such as the IC memory 13, an HDD, a DVD, a CD, and the like. A recording medium may be used.

In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, the process returns from the image display process S68 to S10. However, after the end of S66, the process may return to S10 when a predetermined time elapses.
In the drive recorder 1 of the above-described embodiment, in the storage capacity monitoring process, a plurality of determination thresholds are prepared, and warnings are performed step by step according to the degree of urgency that should be warned until it becomes unusable from preliminary warnings. May be.

In the drive recorder 1 of the said embodiment, you may perform an audio announcement at the time of warning of S52.
In the drive recorder 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the warning is still not improved even if a warning is given in the storage capacity monitoring process, another warning may be given to stop the operation.

In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, in the image erasure permission / denial selection, there may be “erase” in addition to “permit” and “prohibit”.
In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, the content displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142 is not selected by operation, but the time elapses or the state of the main body (for example, the operation state image is usually displayed, and the storage is completed after the impact is detected. The content displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 142 may be switched in accordance with the automatic switching to the captured image until the image is saved, and the image is automatically played back for a predetermined time after the storage is completed.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the external switch 8 is operated, an image photographed by the camera 146 is recorded. In addition to this, the driver's state is detected (for example, he does not fall asleep) If you decide that you are asleep, you may record an image, or you may record an image when a sudden brake is applied or a sudden handle is turned off. Good.

  The drive recorder 1 according to the above embodiment includes the acceleration sensor 148 mainly for detecting a vehicle collision. However, in addition to the collision, the drive recorder 1 includes a sensor for detecting a lighter collision, and the impact is higher than that of the vehicle collision. Even when a small collision (such as a bicycle hitting a parked vehicle or riding a small object on the road) is detected, an image is recorded or the fact that such a collision has occurred is displayed on the LCD monitor 142. You may perform the process to do.

  In the drive recorder 1 of the above embodiment, it is determined in S56 whether or not a certain time has elapsed. In this determination, has the IC memory 13 changed so that the capacity capable of storing an image is increased? It may be determined whether or not. If it is determined that there is no change in this determination (S56: NO), the process may wait, and if it is determined that the change has occurred (S56: YES), the process may return to S50.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as long as it matches the gist of the invention described in the claims.

It is a perspective view of drive recorder 1 of this embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is explanatory drawing of the drive recorder 1, (a) is a front view, (b) is a left view, (c) is a rear view, (d) is the perspective view which looked at the drive recorder from diagonally upper left. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the peripheral device of the drive recorder 1, (a) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the wiring method, (b) is a wiring diagram. It is a top view of a remote control. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that a drive recorder is attached to a vehicle, (a) is a right view explaining a mode that a drive recorder inclines in the front-back direction, (b) inclines a drive recorder in the left-right direction FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the rear surface of the drive recorder as viewed from diagonally downward to the right. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing each configuration (internal configuration) for each function of the drive recorder 1 in blocks. 5 is a flowchart of camera position setting processing executed by the central control device 140. 5 is a flowchart of image lock processing executed by the central control device 140. 4 is a flowchart of a storage capacity monitoring process executed by the central controller 140. 4 is a flowchart of image display processing executed by the central control device 140. 4 is a flowchart of disconnection detection processing executed by the central control device 140. It is a figure which shows the other example of the attachment position of the external switch.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Drive recorder, 5 ... Stepladder, 6 ... Main unit, 6a ... Plug, 7 ... Antenna unit, 8 ... External switch, 9 ... Remote control, 10 ... Housing, 10a ... Upper surface, 10b ... Front, 10c ... Rear surface, 10d ... right side surface, 10e ... left side surface, 10f ... bottom surface, 12a ... display screen, 12b ... remote control receiving part, 12c ... insertion hole, 12d ... camera lens, 12e ... adjustment knob, 12f ... installation port, 13 ... IC memory, 14 ... Central control device, 80 ... Press switch, 90 ... Main switch, 90a ... SET switch (center part), 90b ... Up switch (upper part), 90c ... Down switch (lower part), 90d ... Left switch (left) 90e ... right switch (right part), 91 ... return switch, 92-94 ... switch, 100 ... instrument panel, 14 ... Central controller 140a ... Memory 142 ... Liquid crystal monitor 144 ... Remote control receiver 146 ... Camera 148 ... Acceleration sensor 150 ... Direction sensor 152 ... Image storage unit 154 ... Radar detection antenna 160 ... Brake sensor 162: Vehicle speed sensor

Claims (14)

A camera,
Detection means for detecting the operation state of the vehicle;
Image storage means for storing an image taken by the camera;
First image storage processing means for storing, in the image storage means, an image taken by the camera based on a detection result of the detection means;
When the camera is installed in the vehicle with the camera facing outward, a monitor that can be installed with the screen facing the vehicle interior;
A drive recorder comprising: first display processing means for displaying an image photographed by the camera on the monitor. The drive recorder according to claim 1,
The detection means detects whether the vehicle is in an operating state where an accident occurs,
The first image storage processing means, based on the detection result indicating that the vehicle is in an operation state in which an accident occurs, images captured by the camera before and after the detection is performed. A drive recorder characterized by storing in an image storage means. In the drive recorder according to claim 1,
The detection means detects whether or not an impact is applied to the vehicle as the operation state,
The first image storage processing means stores, in the image storage means, images taken by the camera before and after the impact is detected based on the detection result indicating that the impact has been applied. A drive recorder characterized by that. In the drive recorder in any one of Claims 1-3,
A drive recorder comprising: a storage prohibition processing unit that prohibits the detection of the operation state by the detection unit or executes a prohibition process of prohibiting image storage by the first image storage processing unit. The drive recorder according to claim 4,
A prohibition operation accepting unit for accepting a prohibition operation instructing execution of the prohibition process;
The storage prohibition processing unit executes the prohibition process when the prohibition operation accepting unit accepts the prohibition operation. In the drive recorder in any one of Claims 1-5,
Storage amount determination means for determining whether or not the storage amount of the image stored in the image storage means has become an allowable amount;
A drive recorder comprising: second display processing means for displaying the determination result of the storage amount determination means on the monitor. In the drive recorder in any one of Claims 1-6,
Third display processing means for displaying a list of the plurality of images stored in the image storage means on the monitor;
A selection operation receiving means for receiving an operation of selecting each of the images displayed on the monitor;
A drive recorder, comprising: an image erasure permission / prohibition unit that prohibits or permits deletion of each image selected by the selection operation accepting unit from the image storage unit. The drive recorder according to claim 7,
The first image storage processing means includes
A drive recorder characterized in that an image photographed by the camera is stored in a storage area of the image storage means permitted to be erased from the image storage means by the image erasure permission / refusal means. In the drive recorder as described in any one of Claims 1-8,
Image selection operation reception that receives an operation state image that indicates the operation state detected by the detection unit, a stored image that is stored in the image storage unit, and a captured image that is captured by the camera Means,
Selected image display processing means for displaying at least one image selected by the image selection operation accepting means on the monitor,
A drive recorder comprising: In the drive recorder in any one of Claims 1-9,
Image storage operation accepting means for accepting an operation for storing an image taken by the camera in the image storage means at a remote position with respect to the drive recorder;
A communication detecting means for detecting whether a signal indicating that the operation has been accepted can be communicated with the drive recorder between the drive recorder and the image storage operation accepting means;
A drive recorder comprising: an alarm execution means for executing an alarm when the communication is impossible by the communication detection means. The drive recorder according to claim 10, wherein
The alarm execution means includes
A drive recorder characterized in that the warning is executed by turning on or blinking a warning lamp attached to the image storage operation receiving means. The drive recorder according to claim 10, wherein
The alarm execution means includes
A drive recorder characterized in that the warning is executed by changing a lighting color of a warning lamp attached to the image storage operation receiving means. In the drive recorder as described in any one of Claims 1-12,
Radar detecting means for detecting radar emitted from the outside of the vehicle toward the vehicle in order to measure the vehicle speed;
When the radar is detected by the radar detection means, the drive recorder further comprises detection result display means for displaying an image for informing that the radar is detected on the monitor. In the drive recorder as described in any one of Claims 1-13,
The drive recorder is characterized in that the camera is installed on one side of the casing of the drive recorder and the monitor is installed on the side of the casing opposite to the side on which the camera is installed. .