JP2012034275A - Drive recorder and drive recorder system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video which can be reproduced by a general-purpose display device following a general display specification while deterioration of performance as a moving picture is suppressed in a drive recorder.SOLUTION: The drive recorder includes: a camera 10 (imaging portion) performing an exposure operation by a prescribed frequency (basic frequency adapted to general display specification); a recording portion 20 recording a video which is imaged by the exposure operation of the camera 10; a determining portion 30 (determining means) determining whether an exposure period of the camera 10 is in a situation where it is synchronized with a light-out period of a signal (specified object of imaging) of an LED lamp repeating lighting and light-out at a prescribed frequency or a frequency close to a frequency which is integral multiple of the frequency or not; and a system control portion 40 (imaging control portion) controlling the exposure operation of the camera 10 so that the prescribed frequency is changed when the determining portion 30 determines that they can be synchronized and the prescribed frequency is not changed when the determining portion 30 determines that they cannot be synchronized.

Description

  The present invention relates to a drive recorder and a drive recorder system, and more particularly to improvement of an imaging frequency of a camera.

  In recent years, a drive recorder including an imaging unit and a recording unit that records video obtained by the imaging unit is installed in an automobile, the periphery of the automobile is recorded as video information, and the video recorded later in the recording unit By reproducing and displaying information, it is useful for analyzing the causes of traffic accidents.

  By the way, the video recorded by the drive recorder is used for the convenience of later playback and display, that is, the NTSC standard (National Television System Committee (National Television Broadcasting System Standardization Committee), which is a general analog display standard in Japan. In order to display the image in accordance with the color television broadcasting standard established by the Society), the imaging frequency is set to 59.94 [Hz] suitable for the NTSC standard.

  On the other hand, from the viewpoints of energy saving and visibility improvement, those using LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as lights for traffic lights are becoming popular.

  The LED is generally lit with a direct current, but the LED used in the traffic light uses an alternating current commercial power source in the installation area, and is lit at twice the frequency of the commercial power source by full-wave rectification. And turn off and on repeatedly. That is, it blinks at a frequency of 100 [Hz] (= 50 [Hz] × 2) in eastern Japan and 120 [Hz] (= 60 [Hz] × 2) in western Japan.

  Here, since the imaging frequency of the imaging unit of the drive recorder is approximately 60 [Hz] as described above, in West Japan where the LED of the traffic light repeats blinking at a frequency of 120 [Hz], the pulse signal for driving the LED When the exposure period of the imaging unit matches the timing of the LED extinguishing period due to the relationship between the duty and the exposure period of the imaging unit (which varies depending on the ambient brightness), the drive recorder lights up the traffic light The state image cannot be recorded for a long time.

  And in scenes trying to identify the cause of traffic accidents based on the lighting color of traffic lights, video recorded with such traffic lights not lit (the traffic light itself may be on, Useful information cannot be obtained from a video recorded only during a period when it is not lit.

  Therefore, in order to prevent a video with no traffic light from being recorded continuously for a long time, the imaging frequency by the imaging unit is set to a frequency lower than 59.94 [Hz] which is the NTSC standard (for example, In the NTSC standard, it is proposed that when a frame rate is to be imaged at 30 [frame / sec], an image is captured at a frame rate smaller than 30 [frame / sec] (Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Patent No. 4152424

JAF Mate Co., Ltd., “Drive Recorder“ Doradora DD-01 ”Instruction Manual P28 (page 28)”, [online], [Search May 11, 2010], Internet <URL: http://www.jafmate.co.jp/dr/support/download/DD01_manual_v103.pdf>

  By the way, since the above-described prior art is imaging at a frame rate smaller than the original frame rate, the performance as a moving image obtained is lower than that at the original frame rate, and the performance as a drive recorder is also improved. Lower.

  In addition, as described above, the drive recorder has been mainly used for helping to investigate the cause of a traffic accident based on the video imaged and recorded, but its usage is diversified. In addition to recording the video at the time of the accident, it is also possible to record the video during running at a desired timing and play back the recorded video for later enjoyment.

  Even in such a case, it is not preferable that the moving image performance is deteriorated, and if the frame rate is different from a general display standard (for example, the NTSC standard), the reproduced video as described above is generally used. It cannot be played back and displayed on a display device. For example, it must be played back and displayed only on dedicated software using a personal computer. For example, the playback video cannot be easily enjoyed on a nearby display device.

  Therefore, it is convenient if the video recorded by the drive recorder can be reproduced using a display device according to a general display standard of a car navigation system provided in the vehicle. If the frame rate is different from a general display standard, an in-vehicle display device cannot be used.

  Furthermore, even when a drive recorder system in which a display device is added to the drive recorder is constructed, there is a problem that a general-purpose device cannot be used for the display device.

  Note that the above problems are not limited to the case where the imaging target is the above-described LED lighting signal device, but a specific repetition of lighting and extinguishing at a frequency close to or a multiple of the imaging frequency of the imaging device of the drive recorder. The same may occur when imaging an imaging target (for example, a large screen or a traffic sign on a street).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a drive recorder and a drive capable of obtaining a video reproducible by a general-purpose display device according to a general display standard while suppressing a decrease in performance as a moving image. An object is to provide a recorder system.

  The drive recorder according to the present invention is capable of capturing a specific imaging object such as an LED lighting traffic light in a situation where the extinction period of the specific object and the imaging period of the imaging unit of the drive recorder can be imaged in synchronization. By changing the frame rate of imaging and under other circumstances, imaging at a normal imaging frequency that conforms to general display standards such as the NTSC standard will limit the period during which performance as a moving image will be reduced As a result, degradation of performance as a moving image is suppressed, and video captured at an imaging frequency that matches a general display standard can be reproduced on a general-purpose display device.

  That is, the drive recorder according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that performs an exposure operation at a predetermined frequency, a recording unit that records an image captured by the exposure operation of the imaging unit, and an exposure period of the imaging unit is the predetermined period. Determining means for determining whether or not the situation can be synchronized with the extinction period of a specific imaging object that repeats lighting and extinguishing at a frequency close to the frequency of the predetermined frequency or an integer multiple of the predetermined frequency; and The imaging unit is configured to change the predetermined frequency when it is determined that the unit is in a state that can be synchronized, and not to change the predetermined frequency when the determination unit determines that the state is not in a state that can be synchronized. And an imaging control unit for controlling the exposure operation.

  Here, the imaging unit is, for example, an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS, but is not limited thereto.

  The recording unit records various types of storage media (such as a storage medium incorporating a flash memory or a hard disk) and can perform various operations for reading information from these various storage media. Can be applied.

  In addition, specific imaging objects are turned on and off at frequencies close to or multiples of the imaging frequency of the drive recorder's imaging unit, such as LED lighting traffic lights, lighting traffic signs, lighting road signs, and large street screens. Is repeated.

When the determination means determines that the situation is not possible to synchronize,
(1) When the imaging frequency of the imaging unit is different from the frequency of turning on / off a specific imaging object or an integer multiple of this frequency,
(2) Even if the imaging frequency of the imaging unit is substantially the same as the frequency of turning on and off a specific imaging target or an integer multiple of this frequency, the exposure period of the imaging unit is the off period of the specific imaging target When the situation is longer than
(3) When the imaging unit does not image a specific exposure object,
Etc.

Therefore, when the determination means determines that the situation can be synchronized as described above, it is the following (1 ′) to (3 ′) that does not correspond to the above (1) to (3), respectively.
(1 ′) When the imaging frequency of the imaging unit is the same as or close to the frequency at which a specific imaging object is turned on or off, or an integer multiple of this frequency,
(2 ′) The imaging frequency of the imaging unit is substantially the same as the frequency of turning on / off a specific imaging object or an integer multiple of this frequency, and the exposure period of the imaging unit is the off period of the specific imaging object When the situation is shorter than
(3 ') When the imaging unit can capture a specific exposure object,
Etc.

  According to the drive recorder according to the present invention configured as described above, the determination unit repeats lighting and extinguishing at a predetermined frequency or an integral multiple of the predetermined frequency during the exposure period of the imaging unit. It is determined whether or not the situation can be synchronized with the period when the object is extinguished, and when it is determined by this determination means that the situation can be synchronized, the imaging control unit sets the frequency of the exposure operation of the imaging unit to other The imaging unit is controlled so as to be changed to a frequency of 1 (which may be higher or lower than the original basic frequency (imaging frequency conforming to general display standards)). However, when the determination unit determines that the situation is not possible to synchronize, the imaging control unit maintains the basic frequency as it is without changing the frequency of the exposure operation of the imaging unit to another frequency. Imaging To control.

  As a result, the imaging frequency changes in a situation where the exposure period of the imaging unit remains synchronized with the turn-off period of the specific imaging target, that is, in a situation where the lighting state of the specific imaging target cannot be captured. Thus, the lighting state of the imaging object can be shifted to a state where it can be imaged, and the lighting state of the imaging object can be recorded in the recording unit.

  On the other hand, in a situation where the exposure period of the imaging unit does not remain synchronized with the turn-off period of the specific imaging target, that is, a situation where the possibility of capturing the specific imaging target is extremely low, or at least a part of the exposure period In the situation where the light emission period of the imaging object overlaps, the lighting state of the specific imaging object and other exposure objects are kept at the basic imaging frequency conforming to the general display standard such as the NTSC standard. Since it can be recorded in the recording unit, the performance as a moving image does not deteriorate.

  Moreover, an image captured at a basic imaging frequency that conforms to such a general display standard can be reproduced on a display device of a general display standard.

  Note that images captured and recorded with the imaging frequency shifted from the basic frequency to other frequencies can be reproduced and displayed on dedicated software using a personal computer, and specific frames can be copied. Then, by performing a special process for adapting the number of frames to a general display standard, it is possible to reproduce on a display device of a general display standard.

  As described above, according to the drive recorder of the present invention, the image to be picked up is a situation in which the exposure period of the imaging unit remains synchronized with the turn-off period of the specific imaging target (capable of capturing a specific imaging target) Only in cases where the display performance is extremely low), the video performance is not compatible with general display standards such as the NTSC standard. Can be reduced.

  In addition, since the period of time during which a moving image is not compatible with a general display standard such as the NTSC standard is limited, a video other than the limited period, that is, a video corresponding to a general display standard is a general display device. It is possible to ensure the convenience of reproducing the video easily.

  The drive recorder system according to the present invention is provided with a display device that reproduces and displays video in addition to the drive recorder according to the present invention, and the predetermined frequency of the exposure operation by the imaging unit is that of the display device. It is characterized by conforming to the display standard.

  The display standard of the display device of this drive recorder system is, for example, a general NTSC standard or PAL standard, and the imaging frequency (predetermined frequency) of the imaging unit conforming to the NTSC standard is 59.94 [Hz]. is there.

  Since the display device in the drive recorder system according to the present invention configured as described above is for reproducing and displaying the video imaged by the imaging unit of the drive recorder and recorded in the recording unit, the imaging frequency by the imaging unit is Basically, the frequency is set in conformity with the display standard of the playback display device.

  Therefore, as long as the imaging unit performs an exposure operation at a predetermined frequency, the video recorded in the recording unit is reproduced and displayed as it is on the ideographic apparatus without performing special processing (such as adjusting the number of frames). be able to.

  On the other hand, the exposure period of the imaging unit is turned on and off at a frequency close to the basic imaging frequency (predetermined frequency) of the imaging unit or an integer multiple of this predetermined frequency, such as the above-mentioned LED lighting signal In a situation that can be synchronized with the period during which the specific imaging object is repeatedly turned off, the imaging control unit of the drive recorder sets the imaging cycle of the imaging unit to capture the lighting state of the specific imaging object. In order to change the frequency from the basic predetermined frequency to another frequency, the video recorded in the recording unit at the changed frequency is not compatible with the display standard of the display device. If no special processing is performed, the image cannot be displayed on the display device.

  However, according to the drive recorder system of the present invention, the imaging period of the imaging unit is only changed when the exposure period of the imaging unit can be synchronized with the turn-off period of a specific imaging target. In addition to the period in which the imaging frequency is changed, that is, when the exposure period of the imaging unit is not in a situation where it can be synchronized with the turn-off period of a specific imaging target, Without processing, it can be reproduced and displayed on the display device of this drive recorder system, and video that cannot be reproduced unless special processing is performed can be minimized.

According to the drive recorder of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a video that can be reproduced by a general-purpose display device according to a general display standard, while suppressing a decrease in performance as a moving image of a video obtained by imaging. In addition, according to the drive recorder system according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in performance of a video obtained by imaging as a moving image, and to perform general-purpose display according to a general display standard of the drive recorder system. Video that can be played back by the device can be obtained

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the drive recorder which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the relationship between the exposure period of a camera, and the light extinction (non-light-emission) period of the LED light signal in the West Japan area, (a) is a period corresponding to the frequency of the commercial power supply in the West Japan area, ( b) is the period when (a) is full-wave rectified (twice the frequency of (a)), and (c) is the light emission period of the traffic light of the LED lamp according to (b) when the duty is 50 [%]. And (d) represents an example of an exposure period of the camera (example of 16.8 [msec] at the maximum), and (e) represents an example of an imaging period of the camera. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the drive recorder which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the drive recorder which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the drive recorder which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the drive recorder which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the drive recorder which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the drive recorder which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the drive recorder which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Embodiments of a drive recorder and a drive recorder system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drive recorder 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The illustrated drive recorder 100 is mounted on a vehicle and has a camera 10 (imaging unit) that performs an exposure operation on a landscape in the traveling direction of the vehicle at a predetermined frequency (a basic frequency that conforms to a general display standard). The recording unit 20 that records the video imaged by the exposure operation of the camera 10 and the lighting period of the camera 10 is turned on and off at a frequency close to the predetermined frequency or a frequency that is an integral multiple of the predetermined frequency. The determination unit 30 (determination means) for determining whether or not the situation can be synchronized with the turn-off period of the repeated LED lighting signal device (specific imaging object) and the determination unit 30 are “situations that can be synchronized”. If it is determined that the predetermined frequency is changed, the exposure operation of the camera 10 is controlled so that the predetermined frequency is not changed when the determination unit 30 determines that the “synchronization is not possible”. To the system control unit 40 (image capture control unit), a configuration in which a.

  Here, the predetermined frequency at which the camera 10 performs the exposure operation is, for example, 59.94 [Hz] (imaging cycle 16.8 [msec]) for obtaining an image corresponding to the NTSC standard which is a general display standard.

  In addition, the camera 10 is, for example, an image pickup device such as a CCD or a CMOS that is two-dimensionally arranged. The camera 10 does not necessarily expose the entire period of the image pickup period, but exposes it according to the amount of incident light. The length of the period is adjusted by the electronic shutter.

  The recording unit 20 records information on various storage media (a storage medium incorporating a flash memory, a hard disk, and the like), and performs an operation of reading information from these various storage media. Visible viewing is possible by reproducing and displaying on a display device of a general display standard.

  The LED light signal repeats lighting and extinguishing at 100 [Hz], which is twice the frequency of commercial power supply 50 [Hz] in eastern Japan, and commercial power supply frequency 60 [Hz] in western Japan. Is repeatedly turned on and off at 120 [Hz], which is twice the frequency.

  That is, in Western Japan, the signal light of the LED lamp is a frequency (120.88 [Hz]) that is an integral multiple (2 [times]) of the frequency (59.94 [Hz]) of the exposure operation of the camera 10 and a close frequency (120 [Hz]) is repeatedly turned on and off.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, in Western Japan (commercial power cycle 16.7 [msec]; FIG. 2 (a)), this commercial power AC is rectified (cycle 8.3 [msec]; FIG. 2). (B)), the lighting duty of the LED lighting signal (for example, 50 [%]; FIG. 2C), the exposure period of the camera 10 of the drive recorder 100 (FIG. 2D), and the imaging cycle is shown in FIG. 16.8 [msec]) shown in FIG. 2), the exposure period of the camera 10 is substantially synchronized with the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal, and the LED lighting signal is turned on by the camera 10. It can be a situation where an image cannot be captured for a long time.

  As described above, the determination unit 30 determines whether or not the exposure period of the camera 10 can be synchronized with the extinguishing period of the traffic light (specific imaging target object) of the LED lighting. A specific method of this determination Will be described in an embodiment described later.

  When the determination unit 30 determines that “the situation can be synchronized”, the system control unit 40 sets the predetermined frequency (imaging frequency) of the camera 10 to another frequency different from 59.94 [Hz]. The camera 10 is controlled to be changed. As other frequencies, specifically, for example, 54 [Hz] (27 [frame / sec]) or 58 [Hz] (29 [frame / sec]), the number of frames per unit time is the original number of frames. However, the imaging frequency is not necessarily changed in the direction of reducing the number of frames, but 62 [Hz] (31 [frame / sec]) or 64 [Hz] (32 [frame / sec). ]) Or the like may be a frequency obtained by increasing the number of frames per unit time from the original number of frames.

  In this way, under the situation where the exposure period of the camera 10 may remain synchronized with the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal device, that is, under the situation where the lighting state of the LED lighting signal device may not be imaged. As the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is changed under the control of the system control unit 40, the exposure period of the camera 10 and the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal are not synchronized. The lighting state can be shifted to a state in which imaging can be performed, and the lighting state of the LED lighting signal can be recorded in the recording unit 20.

  On the other hand, the system control unit 40 maintains the predetermined frequency (imaging frequency) of the camera 10 at 59.94 [Hz] when the determination unit 30 determines that the “synchronization is not possible”. The camera 10 is controlled so that

  As described above, the exposure period of the camera 10 does not remain synchronized with the turn-off period of the LED lighting signal device, that is, the situation where the possibility that the lighting state of the LED lighting signal device cannot be imaged is low (for example, at night). In the case where the exposure period is long due to such darkness), the image captured at the normal imaging frequency conforming to the original NTSC standard without changing the imaging frequency of the camera 10 under the control of the system control unit 40 Is recorded in the recording unit 20, so that the performance as a moving image is not deteriorated, and an image captured with a basic imaging frequency conforming to such a general display standard is generally used. Can be played back on a display device of a different display standard.

  In addition, even if there is no opportunity to image the LED lighting signal itself or the situation is unlikely, it is not necessary to change the imaging cycle according to the lighting state of the LED lighting signal system. The image captured at the basic imaging frequency conforming to the original NTSC standard without changing the imaging frequency of the camera 10 by the control of the unit 40 is recorded in the recording unit 20 and the performance as a moving image is deteriorated. In addition, an image captured at a basic imaging frequency conforming to such a general display standard can be reproduced on a display device of a general display standard.

  As described above, according to the drive recorder 100 of the first embodiment, the image to be picked up is a situation where the exposure period of the camera 10 remains synchronized with the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal (the LED lighting signal is imaged). Only in cases where the possibility is extremely low), the video will not be compatible with general display standards such as the NTSC standard. It can suppress that performance falls.

  In addition, the period during which a moving image is not compatible with a general display standard such as the NTSC standard is limited (the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is changed from the basic frequency to another frequency by the system control unit 40). Therefore, the video other than the limited period, that is, the video corresponding to the general display standard can be played back on a general display device, and the video can be easily played back and displayed. Sex can be secured.

In the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment, the system control unit 40 may be formed integrally with the camera 10.
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drive recorder 200 which is another embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the present invention.

  The illustrated drive recorder 200 has the same configuration as the drive recorder 100 of the first embodiment, except that the determination unit 130 is different from the determination unit 30.

  Here, the determination unit 130 in the drive recorder 200 of the second embodiment includes an exposure control state analysis unit 150 that analyzes the exposure period of the camera 10 by the system control unit 40 (control state of the opening / closing period by the electronic shutter), and The difference Ts between the exposure period T1 of the camera 10 analyzed by the exposure control state analysis unit 150 and a predetermined minimum exposure period T2 that can reproduce the emission color of the LED lighting signal device is the LED lighting signal device. When the turn-off period T4 is shorter (T4> Ts = T1-T2), the exposure period of the camera 10 can be synchronized with the turn-off period of the LED lighting signal (the lighting state of the LED lighting signal is longer). When the difference Ts is longer than or equal to the turn-off period T4 of the LED lighting signal device. T4 ≦ Ts), it is determined that the exposure period of the camera 10 is not a situation that can synchronize with the period of turning off the LED lamp of the traffic signal.

  In a dark environment such as at night, the camera 10 has a small amount of light incident thereon, so that the image becomes dark and the visibility decreases. To avoid this, the camera 10 is controlled by the system control unit 40. The open / close period of the electronic shutter that controls the exposure period is adjusted so that the exposure period is longer in a dark environment and the exposure period is shorter in a bright environment.

The LED lighting signal extinguishing period T4 [sec] is defined by the following equation using a coefficient A considering the light emission duty of the LED lighting.
T4 = {1 / (60 [Hz] × 2)} × (1-A)
In the above formula, 60 [Hz] is the frequency of the commercial power supply in western Japan, and in eastern Japan, this value is replaced with 50 [Hz].

  The system control unit 40 determines that the predetermined frequency (imaging frequency) of the camera 10 is different from 59.94 [Hz] when the determination unit 130 determines that “the situation can be synchronized”. The camera 10 is controlled so as to change to the frequency of.

  As a result, in a situation where the exposure period of the camera 10 may remain synchronized with the turn-off period of the LED lighting signal device, that is, in a situation where the lighting state of the LED lighting signal device may not be imaged. When the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is changed under the control of the system control unit 40, the exposure period of the camera 10 and the light extinction period of the LED lighting signal are not synchronized. As a result, the camera 10 turns on the LED lighting signal. The state can be shifted to a state where an image can be captured, and the lighting state of the traffic light of the LED lamp can be recorded in the recording unit 20.

  On the other hand, the system control unit 40 maintains the predetermined frequency (imaging frequency) of the camera 10 at 59.94 [Hz] when the determination unit 130 determines that “the situation is not synchronized”. The camera 10 is controlled so that

  As described above, the exposure period of the camera 10 does not remain synchronized with the turn-off period of the LED lighting signal device, that is, the situation where the possibility that the lighting state of the LED lighting signal device cannot be imaged is low (for example, at night). In the situation where the system control unit 40 increases the exposure period of the camera 10 due to the darkness of the camera 10) or under the circumstances where there is no opportunity or a low possibility of imaging the LED lighting signal device in the first place, Since the image captured at the basic imaging frequency conforming to the original NTSC standard without changing the imaging frequency of the camera 10 by the control is recorded in the recording unit 20, the performance as a moving image may be deteriorated. In addition, video captured at the basic imaging frequency that conforms to such a general display standard is displayed on a display device of a general display standard. Produced cell can be.

  As described above, according to the drive recorder 200 of the second embodiment, the image to be picked up is a situation in which the exposure period of the camera 10 remains synchronized with the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal (the LED lighting signal is imaged). Only in cases where the possibility is extremely low), the video will not be compatible with general display standards such as the NTSC standard. It can suppress that performance falls.

  In addition, the period during which a moving image is not compatible with a general display standard such as the NTSC standard is limited (the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is changed from the basic frequency to another frequency by the system control unit 40). Therefore, it is possible to play back images other than that limited period, that is, videos that comply with a general display standard, on a general display device, and easily reproduce and display the video. Can be secured.

  Furthermore, in the drive recorder 200 according to the second embodiment, the determination unit 130 simply determines whether the imaging period of the camera 10 is longer (including equal cases) or shorter than the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal device. The exposure period of the camera 10 is compared with the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal in consideration of a predetermined minimum exposure period T2 in which the light emission color of the LED lighting signal can be reproduced. Therefore, the imaging frequency is changed according to whether or not recording is possible up to the emission color of the LED lamp, and the practicality is further improved.

  That is, when the exposure period T1 of the camera 10 is compared with the extinguishing period T4 of the traffic light of the LED lamp without considering the fixed minimum exposure period T2, it is an extremely short overlapping period that can detect whether or not the LED lamp emits light. Even in such a case, it is determined that the situation cannot be synchronized, but in this case, it may be impossible to determine whether the light emission color of the LED lamp is red, yellow, or blue. is there.

  In such a case, the video recorded in the recording unit 20 of the drive recorder 200 is less effective in investigating the cause of the traffic accident.

  However, as described above, the effectiveness of the drive recorder 200 according to the second embodiment in which the determination unit 30 performs the determination in consideration of the certain minimum exposure period T2 is not low.

In the drive recorder 200 of the second embodiment, the system control unit 40 may be formed integrally with the camera 10.
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drive recorder 300 that is another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention.

  The illustrated drive recorder 300 has the same configuration as the drive recorder 100 of the first embodiment, except that the determination unit 230 is different from the determination unit 30.

  Here, the determination unit 230 in the drive recorder 300 according to the third embodiment has a power frequency data unit 260 (storage unit) in which an area where the exposure period of the camera 10 and the LED lighting signal extinction period can be synchronized is stored in advance. And receiving an external input of information representing the current position of the vehicle on which the drive recorder 300 is mounted, referring to the area stored in the power frequency data unit 260, and storing the current position of the vehicle When it is determined whether or not the current position of the vehicle is within the area of the area, the exposure period of the camera 10 can be synchronized with the period of extinguishing the LED light signal When it is determined that the current position of the vehicle is not within the region, the exposure period of the camera 10 can be synchronized with the period of extinguishing the LED lighting signal. It is determined not to be the situation.

  Specifically, the region stored in the power supply frequency data unit 260 in the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment is a region in Western Japan where the frequency of the commercial power supply is 60 [Hz].

  This is because the imaging frequency of the camera 10 in the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment is 59.94 [Hz] which is close to the frequency of the commercial power supply. In the case where the frequency is the frequency, the region where the commercial power supply having a frequency close to the imaging frequency is used is stored in the power supply frequency data unit 260.

  That is, when the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is approximately 50 [Hz], an area where a commercial power supply having a frequency close to the imaging frequency is used, that is, an East Japan area is stored in the power supply frequency data unit 260. The

  According to the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment configured as described above, the current position of the vehicle on which the drive recorder 300 is mounted is input from the outside to the determination unit 230 via the system control unit 40, and the determination is made. The unit 230 compares the input current position with the region stored in the power supply frequency data unit 260, that is, the region of West Japan where the frequency of the commercial power supply is 60 [Hz], and the input current position is Judge whether it is within the western Japan region.

  When the determination unit 230 determines that the current position of the input vehicle is within the West Japan region stored in the power frequency data unit 260, the determination unit 230 determines that the exposure period of the camera 10 is an LED lamp. It is determined that the signal can be synchronized with the light-off period of the signal light, that is, the light-on state of the LED light signal light may not be imaged over a long period of time. In response to the determination result, the camera 10 is controlled to change the predetermined frequency (imaging frequency) of the camera 10 to another frequency different from 59.94 [Hz].

  As a result, the exposure period of the camera 10 and the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal are not synchronized, whereby the camera 10 shifts to a state in which the lighting condition of the LED lighting signal can be imaged, and the lighting condition of the LED lighting signal Can be recorded in the recording unit 20.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 230 determines that the current position of the input vehicle is not within the West Japan region stored in the power frequency data unit 260, the determination unit 230 determines that the exposure period of the camera 10 is LED lighting. It is determined that this is not a situation that can be synchronized with the light extinction period of the traffic light, that is, a situation in which the lighting status of the traffic light of the LED lamp may not be captured over a long period of time. In response to the determination result, the camera 10 is controlled so that the predetermined frequency (imaging frequency) of the camera 10 is maintained at 59.94 [Hz].

  Thus, according to the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment, when the vehicle on which the drive recorder 300 is mounted is located in West Japan, the imaging cycle of the camera 10 of the drive recorder 300 and the LED lighting signal are turned off. Since the period may be synchronized, the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is adjusted, so that the lighting state of the traffic light of the LED lighting can be imaged. On the other hand, the vehicle on which the drive recorder 300 is mounted is located in western Japan. If not, since there is no possibility that the imaging cycle of the camera 10 of the drive recorder 300 and the light extinction period of the LED lighting signal are synchronized, the imaging cycle of the camera 10 remains at the original cycle, that is, to the original NTSC standard. Since the video imaged at the adapted basic imaging frequency is recorded in the recording unit 20, the performance as a moving image is deteriorated. It is no, moreover, the image captured by the left basic imaging frequency adapted to such a general display standard, can be reproduced by the display apparatus of the general display standard.

  As described above, according to the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment, only in a situation where the exposure period of the camera 10 remains synchronized with the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal device, it corresponds to a general display standard such as the NTSC standard. Since it is only a moving image which cannot be performed, it can suppress that the performance as a moving image falls rather than the conventional thing which does not always respond to a general display standard.

  In addition, the period during which a moving image is not compatible with a general display standard such as the NTSC standard is limited (the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is changed from the basic frequency to another frequency by the system control unit 40). Therefore, it is possible to play back images other than that limited period, that is, videos that comply with a general display standard, on a general display device, and easily reproduce and display the video. Can be secured.

  The drive recorder 300 according to the third embodiment obtains information on the current position of the vehicle from the outside. The information on the current position of the vehicle is, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) received information. If the vehicle is equipped with a car navigation system, input of GPS reception information acquired by the car navigation system may be received.

  The information stored in the power frequency data unit 260 may also be acquired based on map information and the like that the car navigation system has.

  Furthermore, the drive recorder 300 according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the information on the current position of the vehicle is input from the outside. However, the drive recorder 300 is not configured to acquire the current position of the vehicle from the outside in this way. Thus, as part of the configuration of the drive recorder 300, a current position detection unit 270 that detects the current position of the drive recorder 300 is provided, and the current position of the drive recorder 300 detected by the current position detection unit 270 is It may be applied as the current position.

  As the current position detection unit 270 in this case, a GPS receiver that receives the GPS information described above can be applied.

In the drive recorder 300 according to the third embodiment, the system control unit 40 may be formed integrally with the camera 10.
(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drive recorder 400 which is another embodiment (Embodiment 4) of the present invention.

  The illustrated drive recorder 400 is a drive recorder having a configuration in which the determination units 130 and 230 of the drive recorder 200 of the second embodiment and the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment are merged, and other configurations (camera 10, recording unit 20, The system control unit 40) is the same as the other embodiments 1 to 3 including the operation.

  The determination unit 330 of the drive recorder 400 includes an exposure control state analysis unit 150 of the determination unit 130 in the second embodiment and a power frequency data unit 260 of the determination unit 230 in the third embodiment, and the vehicle on which the drive recorder 400 is mounted. The information indicating the current position of the vehicle is input, the region stored in the power frequency data unit 260 (the region of western Japan) is referred to determine whether the current position of the vehicle is within the region of western Japan, and exposure A difference Ts (= T1−T2) between the exposure period T1 of the camera 10 analyzed by the control state analysis unit 150 and a predetermined minimum exposure period T2 that can reproduce the light emission color of the LED lighting signal, When it is determined that the LED lighting signal is shorter than the extinguishing period T4 (T4> Ts) and the current position of the vehicle is within the region of Western Japan, the camera 10 Determining the extinction period of the image pickup period and LED lights for traffic and are situations that can synchronize over a long period of time.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 330 determines that the difference Ts is longer than or equal to the LED lighting signal extinguishing period T4 (T4 ≦ Ts), or when the current position of the vehicle is not within the region of West Japan It is determined that the imaging period of the camera 10 and the LED lighting signal extinguishing period cannot be synchronized.

  According to the drive recorder 400 of Embodiment 4 configured as described above, when the vehicle on which the drive recorder 400 is mounted is located in western Japan and the inequality T4> Ts is satisfied (for example, in a bright situation). Since there is a possibility that the imaging cycle of the camera 10 of the drive recorder 300 and the light extinction period of the LED lighting signal are synchronized, the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is adjusted by the system control unit 40 (from 59.94 [Hz]). When the lighting state of the traffic light of the LED lighting can be imaged, while the vehicle on which this drive recorder 400 is mounted is not located in western Japan, or the inequality T4> Ts is not satisfied When the inequality T4 ≦ Ts is established; for example, when the situation is dark such as at night, the camera 10 of the drive recorder 400 Since there is no possibility that the imaging cycle and the LED lighting signal extinguishing period are synchronized, the imaging cycle of the camera 10 is captured with the original cycle, that is, with the basic imaging frequency conforming to the original NTSC standard. Since the recorded image is recorded in the recording unit 20, the performance as a moving image is not deteriorated, and the image captured with the basic imaging frequency conforming to such a general display standard is It can be played back on a display device of a general display standard.

  As described above, according to the drive recorder 400 of the fourth embodiment, only in a situation where the exposure period of the camera 10 remains synchronized with the light extinction period of the LED lighting signal device, it corresponds to a general display standard such as the NTSC standard. Since it is only a moving image which cannot be performed, it can suppress that the performance as a moving image falls rather than the conventional thing which does not always respond to a general display standard.

  In addition, the period during which a moving image is not compatible with a general display standard such as the NTSC standard is limited (the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is changed from the basic frequency to another frequency by the system control unit 40). Therefore, it is possible to reproduce images outside the limited period, that is, images corresponding to a general display standard on a general display device, and easily reproduce the images. Sex can be secured.

  Furthermore, the drive recorder 400 according to the fourth embodiment has a period during which the moving image cannot be adapted to a general display standard such as the NTSC standard, as compared with the drive recorder 200 according to the second embodiment and the drive recorder 300 according to the third embodiment. Since it can be limited, it is possible to reduce the period during which a moving image cannot be supported by a general display standard such as the NTSC standard.

  Note that the drive recorder 400 of the fourth embodiment also includes a current position detection unit 270 that detects the current position of the drive recorder 400 as shown in FIG. 7, and the drive recorder 400 detected by the current position detection unit 270. The present position may be applied as the current position of the vehicle on which the drive recorder 400 is mounted.

Also in the drive recorder 400 of the fourth embodiment, the system control unit 40 may be formed integrally with the camera 10.
(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drive recorder 200 that is another embodiment (fifth embodiment) of the present invention.

  The illustrated drive recorder 500 has the same configuration as the drive recorder 400 of the fourth embodiment, except that the determination unit 430 is different from the determination unit 330 of the drive recorder 400 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

  Here, the determination unit 430 of the drive recorder 500 of the fifth embodiment includes the exposure control state analysis unit 150 and the power frequency data unit 260 in the determination unit 330 of the drive recorder 400 of the fourth embodiment, and is input from the outside. Highway driving determination that detects that the current position of a vehicle is on a road where there is no possibility of the presence of an LED light signal, such as on a highway or a motorway. Unit 480 (having map data of a car navigation system in which position information and map information are associated with each other). This determination unit 430 includes a highway driving determination unit 480 in which the current position of the vehicle is high-speed. There may or may not be an LED light signal, such as on a motorway or on a motorway. When it is determined that the vehicle is on a small road, the camera is used regardless of the result of the exposure state analysis by the exposure control state analysis unit 150 or the result of whether or not the region is in the region of West Japan stored in the power frequency data unit 260. It is determined that the exposure period of 10 is not in a situation that can be synchronized with the light extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal.

  In other words, it is very rare that a traffic light is installed on a highway or a motorway. Therefore, a vehicle equipped with the drive recorder 500 travels on the motorway or a motorway. When it is, the possibility that the camera 10 of the drive recorder 500 captures the LED light signal is extremely low.

  That is, when the vehicle equipped with the drive recorder 500 is detected by the highway traveling determination unit 480 to travel on these roads, for example, the current position of the vehicle is stored in the power supply frequency data unit 260. In this case, the result is that the extinction period of the LED lighting signal and the exposure period of the camera 10 can be synchronized by analyzing the exposure state by the exposure control state analysis unit 150. However, since the possibility that the camera 10 captures the signal of the LED lighting is extremely low, the determination unit 430 is not limited to the determination result based on the information of the power supply frequency data unit 260 and the exposure control state analysis unit 150. A determination result indicating that the exposure period and the light extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal signal cannot be synchronized is output.

  Then, the system control unit 40 adjusts the imaging cycle of the camera 10 based on the determination result output from the determination unit 430.

  Specifically, when the determination result that the situation that can be synchronized is not output from the determination unit 430, the system control unit 40 is the same as the drive recorders 100 to 400 of the first to fourth embodiments described above. When the camera 10 is controlled so that the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is maintained at the original 59.94 [Hz], on the other hand, a determination result indicating that the situation can be synchronized is output (expressway driving) The determination unit 480 determines that the current position of the vehicle is not on a road where there is no possibility of the presence of an LED lighting signal, such as on a highway or an automobile-only road, and The result of the exposure state analysis by the exposure control state analysis unit 150 and the result of being in the region of western Japan stored in the power frequency data unit 260 (same as in the case of the fourth embodiment)) Similarly to the drive recorders 100 to 400 of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the program control unit 40 changes the imaging frequency of the camera 10 from the original basic frequency 59.94 [Hz] to another frequency. The camera 10 is controlled as follows.

  Here, the highway travel determination unit 480 determines not only the current position of the vehicle but also the vehicle travel information (especially, the vehicle speed (when the vehicle speed is high, the vehicle is traveling on a highway, etc. From ETC (registered trademark; Electronic Toll Collection System (automatic toll collection system)), VICS (registered trademark; Vehicle Information and Communication System)) It may be determined based on the received information.

  Note that, even if the highway travel determination unit 480 determines that the current position of the vehicle is on the expressway or on the motorway based on these information, the map data being referred to is In the case where information indicating that there is an LED lighting traffic light, an LED lighting speed display board, or the like on the road is added, the determination unit 430 determines the determination result that the situation can be synchronized as described above. Shall be output.

  As described above, according to the drive recorder 500 of the fifth embodiment, a vehicle on which the drive recorder 500 is mounted does not have an LED light traffic signal such as a high-speed automobile road, or a road that is very unlikely to exist. When traveling above, priority can be given to maintaining the imaging frequency of the camera 10 at the original basic imaging frequency that conforms to general display standards. The imaging frequency of the camera 10 is changed to another frequency until it does not exist or the possibility of existence is very low, and reproduction on a display device of a general display standard becomes difficult. Can be suppressed.

  Since other operations and effects are the same as those of the drive recorders of the first to fourth embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

  The drive recorder 500 according to the fifth embodiment has been described as having a configuration in which the determination unit 330 of the drive recorder 400 according to the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is replaced with the determination unit 430. However, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. The determination unit 330 of the fourth drive recorder 400 may be replaced with the determination unit 430. In this case also, the above-described operation and effect can be obtained.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the drive recorder 500 of the fifth embodiment replaces the determination unit 230 of the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 and includes the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment. The thing of the structure to which the determination part 530 provided with the power supply frequency data part 260 and the highway driving | running | working determination part 480 in the determination part 230 is applied may be sufficient.

  Here, the determination unit 530 may or may not have an LED lighting traffic signal such as when the highway travel determination unit 480 has a current vehicle position on a highway or a motorway. When it is determined that the vehicle is on an extremely small road, the exposure period of the camera 10 is synchronized with the extinguishing period of the LED lighting signal regardless of the result of whether or not it is in the region of western Japan stored in the power frequency data unit 260. It is determined that the situation is not possible.

  According to the drive recorder 500 configured as described above, a road in which the drive recorder 500 is mounted does not have an LED light signal such as a high-speed automobile road, or the road is very unlikely to exist. When traveling above, priority can be given to maintaining the imaging frequency of the camera 10 at the original imaging frequency, and there may or may not be an LED light traffic light. It is possible to prevent the imaging frequency of the camera 10 from being changed to another frequency until reproduction on a display device of a general display standard becomes difficult until the image quality is extremely low.

  The drive recorders 100 to 500 according to the first to fifth embodiments output the video recorded in the recording unit 20 to the outside from the system control unit 40 or the recording unit 20 and reproduce and display them on an external display device. Although explained as a thing, since the drive recorder system according to the present invention has a configuration in which such an external display device is added to the drive recorder according to the present invention, the drive recorder 100 of each of the first to fifth embodiments described above. A drive recorder system in which an external display device is added to ˜500 as a configuration is an embodiment corresponding to the drive recorder system according to the present invention.

  In the drive recorders 100 to 500 and the drive recorder system of each of the first to fifth embodiments, a determination target by the determination unit 30 is an LED lighting signal extinguishing period, and LED lighting is used as a specific imaging object. However, the drive recorder and the drive recorder system according to the present invention are not limited to these embodiments. For example, a light traffic sign, a light road, etc. As long as it repeatedly turns on and off at a frequency close to or multiple of the imaging frequency of the camera 10 of the drive recorder, such as a sign or a large screen on the street, such a thing can also be applied as a specific imaging object. it can.

  Further, the drive recorders 300 to 500 and the drive recorder system of each of the above-described embodiments 3 to 5 have an imaging frequency of 59.94 [Hz] suitable for a display device of the NTSC standard. Although it is close to the frequency 60 [Hz] of the local commercial power supply, as a result, it is determined whether or not the drive recorder 300 to 500 or the vehicle equipped with the drive recorder 300 to 500 exists in the West Japan region. For example, when the imaging frequency of the camera 10 is 50 [Hz] suitable for a display device of the PAL standard, and a display device according to the PAL standard is used as a display device for reproducing and displaying the captured image, The basic imaging frequency of the camera 10 is close to the frequency 50 [Hz] of the commercial power supply in the East Japan region.

  Therefore, in this case, the drive recorders 300 to 500 and the drive recorder system of each of the embodiments 3 to 5 execute processing according to whether or not the area where the drive recorders 300 to 500 exist is in the eastern Japan area. It shall be.

  The drive recorder and the drive recorder system according to the present invention are not limited to those in which the imaging frequency of the imaging unit is suitable for an NTSC standard display device, but a PAL standard display device and other general displays. It may correspond to a standard display device.

10 Camera (imaging part)
20 Recording unit 30 Determination unit (determination means)
40 System control unit (imaging control unit)
100 drive recorder

Claims (7)

  An imaging unit that performs an exposure operation at a predetermined frequency, a recording unit that records an image captured by the exposure operation of the imaging unit, and an exposure period of the imaging unit is the predetermined frequency or an integer multiple of the predetermined frequency Determining means for determining whether or not a situation that can be synchronized with the extinguishing period of a specific imaging object that is repeatedly turned on and off at a frequency close to the frequency of An imaging control unit that controls an exposure operation of the imaging unit so as to change the predetermined frequency when it is determined, and not to change the predetermined frequency when it is determined that the determination unit is not in a state where it can be synchronized. A drive recorder comprising:   The determination unit includes an exposure control state analysis unit that analyzes the exposure period of the imaging unit by the imaging control unit, and the exposure period analyzed by the exposure control state analysis unit and the specific imaging object. When the difference between a predetermined minimum exposure period in which the emission color can be reproduced is shorter than the extinction period of the specific imaging object, it is determined that the situation can be synchronized, and the difference is 2. The drive recorder according to claim 1, wherein when the specific imaging target is longer than or equal to a turn-off period, it is determined that the situation cannot be synchronized.   The determination unit includes a storage unit in which an area where the exposure period of the imaging unit and the extinction period of the specific exposure object can be synchronized is stored in advance, and the current position of the vehicle on which the drive recorder is mounted Receiving the input of the information representing, referring to the region stored in the storage unit, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle is within the region, and the current position of the vehicle is within the region If it is determined that it is a situation that can be synchronized, and if it is determined that the current position of the vehicle is not within the area of the region, it is determined that it is not a situation that can be synchronized. The drive recorder according to claim 1.   The determination unit includes an exposure control state analysis unit that analyzes the exposure period of the imaging unit by the imaging control unit, and an area where the exposure period of the imaging unit and the extinction period of the specific exposure target object can be synchronized. A storage unit that is associated and stored in advance, receives input of information representing the current position of the vehicle on which the drive recorder is mounted, and refers to the region stored in the storage unit, It is determined whether or not the current position of the vehicle is within the area, and the exposure period analyzed by the exposure control state analysis unit and the emission color of the specific imaging object can be reproduced. When it is determined that the difference from the minimum exposure period is shorter than the extinguishing period of the specific imaging object and the current position of the vehicle is within the area, the situation can be synchronized. Judgment and said Is not longer than or equal to the turn-off period of the specific imaging object, or when it is determined that the current position of the vehicle is not within the area, it is determined that the situation cannot be synchronized. The drive recorder according to claim 1.   The determination unit includes a current position detection unit that detects a current position of the drive recorder, and applies the current position of the drive recorder detected by the current position detection unit as the current position of the vehicle. The drive recorder according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that.   The determination means includes an expressway traveling determination unit that detects that the current position of the vehicle is on a highway or a motorway, and the highway determination unit is configured so that the current position of the vehicle is the 6. When it is determined that the vehicle is on an expressway road or the exclusive road for automobiles, it is determined that the situation is not possible to synchronize regardless of the determination result by the determination means. The drive recorder of any one of these.   The display device further includes a display device that uses the predetermined frequency as a display standard, and the display device reproduces and displays the video imaged by the imaging unit when the determination unit determines that the synchronization is not possible. The drive recorder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:

Images