JP5680896B2 - Drive recorder - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drive recorder that captures an image of the surroundings of a vehicle by an imaging means such as a camera.

  In recent years, as an effective means for preventing a car accident, a drive recorder that records the situation around the vehicle before and after the accident as a video has been introduced to transportation companies. For example, a drive recorder mounted on a commercial vehicle such as a taxi or a bus is configured to be able to record a front image and a rear image as image data at the time of an accident, sudden braking, and the like.

  The drive recorder described above incorporates, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera, an acceleration sensor, and a card-like recording medium (hereinafter also referred to as a card). The drive recorder always stores image data such as a front image obtained by imaging the surroundings of the vehicle from the viewpoint (view) of the driver in a memory and the like, and an impact such as an accident or a sudden brake or a sudden handle (for example, , 0.4G or more), for example, images for a predetermined time immediately before and immediately after the impact, such as a total of 18 seconds, 12 seconds immediately before the impact and 6 seconds immediately after the impact, are recorded on the card as image data. With this configuration, the cause of the accident is identified by analyzing the recorded image data using an analysis system, etc., and feedback is provided through driver education, etc., to raise awareness and prevent accidents from occurring. Could be prevented.

  Conventionally, in such a drive recorder, a fixed imaging setting value is used as an imaging setting value for imaging adjustment in the camera. However, if the imaging setting value is fixed, for example, in situations where the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle is different, such as during the daytime and at night, the setting cannot be adjusted to both bright and dark. There is a problem that the quality of an image captured in one situation is deteriorated in accordance with one situation. And the technique which solves such a problem is disclosed by patent document 1, etc., for example.

  The drive recorder described in Patent Document 1 determines the brightness around the vehicle from the recorded image data, and performs imaging using an imaging setting value corresponding to the determined brightness, so the brightness is different. In each situation, the image could be taken without degrading the image quality.

JP 2009-77230 A

  However, in the drive recorder as described above, image data captured for determining the brightness situation around the vehicle is analyzed, so that a large-capacity memory for work for the analysis and a change in brightness can be quickly performed. In order to follow up, a CPU or the like that performs the analysis at a high speed is required, and the control program for analysis is complicated and difficult to design, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost.

  In addition, since the camera of the drive recorder as described above is provided so as to focus on the front direction, for example, even in a situation where the vehicle bends at an intersection, the image is centered on the front direction. There is a problem in that it is difficult to identify the cause of the accident because the image of the vehicle turning direction (side) cannot be captured sufficiently.

  The present invention aims to solve the above problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive drive recorder that can appropriately capture an image according to the situation of the vehicle.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a drive recorder for imaging the surroundings of a vehicle as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Or when the lighting state of the lamp is detected by the lighting state detection unit 21a for detecting the lighting state and the lighting state detection unit 21a, a predetermined lighting state imaging setting value is set as a temporary imaging setting value. and, when the off state of the lighting device is detected, the set temporary imaging setting predetermined extinction state imaging setting value as the value, and, the current imaging setting said provisional imaging setting value is used in the imaging If the current imaging setting value is not updated, and the temporary imaging setting value is different from the current imaging setting value, the current imaging setting value is updated with the temporary imaging setting value. Setting means A drive recorder which is characterized in that it has a 1b, and.

  The invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, wherein the lighting device includes a headlight device provided in the vehicle.

The invention described in claim 3 is the invention described in claim 2, wherein the provisional imaging setting value includes at least one of a white balance setting value , a photometric area value, a gain value, and a resolution value of the imaging area. 1 is included.

The invention described in claim 4 is the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting device includes a direction indicator lighting device provided in the vehicle, and the lighting setting imaging setting value Includes a side-weighted imaging setting value in which both sides of the imaging region for imaging the side side with a higher resolution than the center part are included. It is characterized in that it includes a front-weighted imaging setting value in which the central portion of the imaging region for focused imaging is higher in resolution than both sides .

According to the invention described in claim 1, when the lighting state or the extinguishing state of the lighting device included in the vehicle is detected, and the lighting state of the lighting device is detected, the lighting state predetermined as the provisional imaging setting value set the use imaging setting value, and, when the off state of the lighting device is detected, it sets the shooting setting value for a predetermined oFF state as a temporary imaging setting value and the provisional imaging setting value used in imaging If the current imaging setting value is the same, the current imaging setting value is not updated, and if the temporary imaging setting value is different from the current imaging setting value, the current imaging setting value is updated with the temporary imaging setting value . It is possible to detect the situation of the vehicle (for example, the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle and the traveling direction of the vehicle, etc.) according to the lighting state or the extinguishing state of the lighter, and to set an appropriate imaging setting value according to the detected situation. Therefore, analysis of image data is performed. It without using an inexpensive configuration a simple detecting the lighting state or the off state of the lighting apparatus, it is appropriate imaging according to the situation of the vehicle.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, since the lighting device includes the headlight device provided in the vehicle, the headlight device is turned on or off according to the brightness around the vehicle. For this reason, the brightness around the vehicle can be detected based on the lighting state or the extinguishing state of the headlamp, and an imaging setting value corresponding to the brightness can be set.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, since the imaging setting value includes the white balance setting value, the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle indicated by the lighting state or the extinguishing state of the headlamp, that is, If the headlamp is on, it ’s the brightness of the nighttime lighting (headlamp, streetlight, etc.), and if the headlamp is off, it ’s the brightness of daytime sunlight. White balance suitable for each can be set, and good image data can be obtained.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the lighting device includes a direction indicator lighting device provided in the vehicle, and the lighting state imaging setting value includes both side portions of the imaging region for imaging the side in a focused manner. The side-weighted imaging setting value is set to a higher resolution than the center part, and the imaging setting value for the unlit state includes the central part of the imaging region for focusing on the front side with higher resolution than the both side parts. Since the front-weighted imaging setting value is included, the direction indicator lamp is in the lighting state (that is, the blinking operation state), that is, in the situation where the vehicle is about to turn, the side that is the direction in which the vehicle is turning is emphasized. In the situation where the direction indicator lamp is turned off (that is, in a non-operating state), that is, in a situation where the vehicle is going to move forward, the front direction of the imaging means can be imaged with priority. , Those who focus on imaging according to the direction of travel of the vehicle It is possible to change the.

It is a figure which shows the basic composition of the drive recorder of this invention. It is a system configuration figure showing an example of the composition of a drive recorder system provided with the drive recorder of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the drive recorder of FIG. (A) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of RAM with which the drive recorder of FIG. 2 is provided, (b) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the memory with which the drive recorder of FIG. 2 is provided. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which concerns on this invention in CPU with which the drive recorder of FIG. 2 is provided.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a drive recorder system including a drive recorder according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drive recorder system 1 is provided in a drive recorder 2 mounted on a vehicle such as a freight truck, a taxi, or a passenger car, and a company, sales office, police station, etc. that owns the vehicle. The drive recorder 2 includes a drive recorder analysis unit 5 that supports the analysis of various data stored in a card-like recording medium C (hereinafter referred to as a card C).

  The card C uses, for example, a well-known memory card that incorporates a flash memory chip, a small hard disk drive, etc., and is responsible for non-volatile storage means that does not lose its stored contents even when it is not energized, and for external input / output And a controller circuit. For the card C, various types of memory cards can be used depending on the system configuration.

  The drive recorder analysis unit 5 includes a personal computer (PC) 50, an input device 51 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device 52, a reader / writer 53, a printer 54, and the like. The personal computer 50 executes various application data such as image data and vehicle speed data from the card C inserted into the slot 53a of the reader / writer 53 by executing a drive recorder analysis application program stored in the hard disk device. The vehicle status data including the image data is taken in, and the video shown in the image data is displayed on the display device 52, or the analysis of the vehicle status data is supported.

  The drive recorder 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached so as not to obstruct the driver's field of view, for example, at substantially the same position as the rearview mirror with respect to the inner surface of the vehicle windshield. The drive recorder 2 includes a housing 20A formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape, and a holding member 20B fixed to the vehicle in a plurality of attachment states in which the housing 20A is held at a desired angle. ing. The drive recorder 2 has a cable 20H for connecting to a power source, various lighting devices, sensors, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the drive recorder 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, memory 24, front camera 25a, rear camera 25b, front acceleration sensor 27a, rear acceleration sensor 27b, GPS module 28, It has a card insertion part 29, an interface part 30 and the like.

  The CPU 21 performs overall control of the drive recorder 2 and performs various processes and controls according to a predetermined control program.

  The ROM 22 is a read-only memory that stores a control program for the CPU 21 and the like. The ROM 22 described above stores a control program for causing the CPU 21 to function as various means such as a lighting state detection means and an imaging setting value setting means. The CPU 21 functions as the above means by executing this control program.

  The ROM 22 stores imaging setting values set in setting areas included in each imaging setting value storage area provided in a RAM 23 and a memory 24 described later. Specifically, as imaging setting values, (1) a night metering area value s1 and a day metering area value s2 which are metering area values suitable for nighttime or daytime, and (2) a white balance value suitable for illumination or sunlight. White balance value w1 for illumination and white balance value w2 for sunlight, (3) high gain value g1 and low gain value g2, which are gain values for high sensitivity or low sensitivity, and (4) resolution value of the imaging region Yes, it stores both side important resolution values r1 for high resolution at both sides of the imaging area and central importance resolution values r2 for high resolution at the center of the imaging area. These imaging setting values are predetermined based on results of preliminary tests, simulations, and the like.

  When the nighttime photometric area value s1 is set, the center of the imaging area is referred to as the photometric area, and when the daytime photometric area value s2 is set, the entire imaging area is referred to. When the illumination white balance value w1 is set, the white balance is suitable for a vehicle headlamp or a fluorescent lamp, and when the sunlight white balance value w2 is set, the white balance is suitable for sunlight. In addition, when the high gain value g1 is set, the brightness of the captured image is improved and the image is easy to see even when the amount of light is small. When the low gain value g2 is set, the brightness is suitable when the amount of light is sufficient. This is the image.

  In addition, when the both-side weighted resolution value r1 is set, the captured image is divided into three parts of the left part, the central part, and the right part in the horizontal direction, and the central part is saved at the normal resolution (QVGA). Save the right side (ie, both sides) with high resolution (HVGA). It should be noted that the image size is not limited to such improvement in the important portion (the left side portion and the right side portion, or the central portion), but, for example, the image size is changed from the normal image size to the enlarged image size (for example, 1.. (5 times) and save, or the image compression rate is changed from the normal compression rate (70% compression) to a low compression rate (30% compression), etc. The method is arbitrary as long as the image of the important part can be stored more easily.

  The ROM 22 stores a day / night determination table configured by associating the location (latitude and longitude) and the date / time at the location with the sunrise time and sunset time. In addition, the ROM 22 stores a determination condition for determining whether or not it is an impact to be detected. This determination condition includes determination threshold value data of acceleration for each of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis for each of the front acceleration sensor 27a and the rear acceleration sensor 27b. The imaging setting values, the day / night determination table, and the determination conditions stored in the ROM 22 may be stored in a nonvolatile storage unit such as the memory 24 described later.

  The RAM 23 is a readable / writable memory that stores various data and has an area necessary for the processing work of the CPU 21.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the RAM 23 temporarily stores an imaging setting value storage area 23a for temporarily storing imaging setting values of the front camera 25a and an imaging setting value for the rear camera 25b. And a rear imaging setting value storage area 23b.

  In the provisional forward imaging setting value storage area 23a, the photometric area value setting area S for storing the nighttime photometric area value s1 and the daytime photometric area value s2 as the imaging setting value, and the above (2). A white balance value setting area W for storing the illumination white balance value w1 and the sunlight white balance value w2 is provided. Further, in the temporary rear imaging setting value storage area 23b, the photometric area value setting area S for storing the nighttime metering area value s1 and the daytime metering area value s2 as the imaging setting value, the above (3). A gain value setting area G for storing the high gain value g1 and the low gain value g2, and a resolution value setting area R for storing the both side important resolution value r1 and the central important resolution value r2 in (4) are provided. ing.

  The memory 24 is an electrically erasable / rewritable read-only memory that can retain stored contents even when the drive recorder 2 is in a power-off state, and is connected to the CPU 21. The memory 24 is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the memory 24, like the RAM 23, stores a front imaging setting value storage area 24a for storing imaging setting values for the front camera 25a and a rear imaging for storing imaging setting values for the rear camera 25b. And a set value storage area 24b.

  In the front imaging setting value storage area 24a, the photometric area value setting area S for storing the nighttime photometric area value s1 and the daytime photometric area value s2 as the imaging setting value, and the illumination of (2) above. A white balance value setting area W for storing the white balance value w1 for sunlight and the white balance value w2 for sunlight is provided. In the rear imaging setting value storage area 24b, the nighttime metering area value s1 and the daytime metering area value s2 are stored as imaging setting values. A gain value setting area G for storing the gain value g1 and the low gain value g2 and a resolution value setting area R for storing the both side important resolution value r1 and the central important resolution value r2 in (4) are provided. Yes.

  Moreover, the memory 24 has the vehicle condition data storage area 24c, as shown in FIG.4 (b). The vehicle situation data storage area 24c is a time series of image data taken by the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b and vehicle speed data indicating the vehicle speed detected by the speed sensor 31 as vehicle situation data. Are stored in the front camera image data area D1, the rear camera image data area D2, and the vehicle speed data area D3. Each time vehicle status data (that is, each image data and vehicle speed data) is detected, the vehicle status data storage area 24c is sequentially written from the start address of each data area and written to the end address of the data area. Then, the vehicle status data is overwritten again from the top address. By using the overwrite function in this way, the limited storage area is effectively used.

  As the front camera 25a, for example, various camera modules can be used as an imaging unit including a lens, an imaging element, a control unit, and the like, such as a CCD camera, a CMOS camera, or an infrared camera. The front camera 25a is connected to the CPU 21 via a camera interface circuit (I / F) 25i. And the front camera 25a always images the surrounding image of the vehicle, and outputs an image signal in accordance with this imaging. This image signal is converted and compressed by the camera interface circuit 25i and input to the CPU 21 as image data. The front camera 25a can perform various imaging settings such as a photometric area, sensitivity (gain), white balance, resolution, and the like, and these settings are performed according to imaging setting values sent from the CPU 21. The rear camera 25b is the same as the front camera 25a.

  Image data input to the CPU 21 from the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b is stored in the vehicle status data storage area 24c of the memory 24 in time series. This image data is arbitrarily determined according to the configuration and specifications of the drive recorder 2 such as a moving image and a still image.

  In the present embodiment, the front camera 25a is provided on the front part of the housing 20A (that is, the windshield of the vehicle) so as to capture the foreground from the vehicle, and the rear camera 25b is provided from the vehicle. It is provided at a location away from the housing 20A (for example, the rear glass of the vehicle) so as to capture the background, and is connected to the housing 20A with a cable 20H. The front camera 25a is installed facing the front direction (front direction) of the vehicle, and the rear camera 25b is installed facing the rear direction (rear front direction) of the vehicle. By arranging the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b in this way, it is possible to collect image data that can contribute to cause analysis of the occurrence of an accident or the like. In the present embodiment, a case where two cameras are used as the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b will be described. However, a configuration in which only one front camera 25a is provided, or a configuration other than the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b. Various configurations such as a configuration in which another camera is provided can be employed.

  The front acceleration sensor 27a uses a triaxial acceleration sensor that detects acceleration, tilt, impact, etc. in the triaxial (X, Y, Z) directions. As is well known, the triaxial acceleration sensor supports a weight by a thin silicon beam (beam), the weight is moved by acceleration, the beam is distorted, and this distortion is applied to a piezoresistive element or the like formed on the beam. The acceleration is detected by resistance change. The front acceleration sensor 27a is connected to the CPU 21 via a sensor interface circuit (I / F) 27i. The front acceleration sensor 27a outputs triaxial acceleration signals indicating the detected acceleration, and these acceleration signals are input to the CPU 21 via the sensor interface circuit 27i. The rear acceleration sensor 27b is the same as the front acceleration sensor 27a.

  In the present embodiment, the front acceleration sensor 27a is provided inside the housing 20A in correspondence with the above-described front camera 25a, and the rear acceleration sensor 27b is provided in correspondence with the above-described rear camera 25b. It is provided in the vicinity. By installing the front acceleration sensor 27a and the rear acceleration sensor 27b in this way, it is possible to collect image data according to the impact generated at the location where the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b are installed. It can further contribute to cause analysis.

  The GPS module 28 receives radio waves emitted by a plurality of artificial satellites constituting a GPS (Global Positioning System) through a GPS antenna (not shown), and based on the received radio waves, the current position and current date and time are received. It is a functional module that detects etc. The GPS module 28 is connected to the CPU 21 via a GPS interface circuit (I / F) 28i. The GPS module 28 generates position information indicating the current position and date / time information indicating the current date and time in accordance with a request from the CPU 21 or autonomously and periodically, and outputs the position information to the CPU 21.

  The card insertion unit 29 writes and reads various data designated by the CPU 21 with respect to the loaded card C. The card C is manually inserted into the card insertion unit 29, and the card C is discharged. A discharge mechanism (not shown) in the card insertion portion 29 is automatically performed according to the operation of the discharge key.

  In the present embodiment, a case where the card C inserted into the card insertion unit 29 is a recording medium for recording vehicle status data such as image data and vehicle speed data will be described, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, the memory 24 may be used as a recording medium, or a new hard disk device may be built in as a recording medium.

  The interface unit 30 is connected to the CPU 21. A vehicle speed sensor 31, a headlamp 32, a reverse lamp 33, and a direction indicator lamp 34 are connected to the interface unit 30.

  The speed sensor 31 outputs a vehicle speed signal corresponding to the speed of the vehicle. The vehicle speed signal is input to the CPU 21 as vehicle speed data via the interface unit 30. The CPU 21 stores the input vehicle speed data in the vehicle status data storage area 24c of the memory 24 in time series.

  The headlamp 32 is a well-known headlight device provided to illuminate the front of the vehicle. The headlamp 32 outputs a signal indicating the lighting state or the extinguishing state, and this signal is input to the CPU 21 via the interface unit 30. In the present embodiment, the headlamps 32 are equipped with an autolight function that detects the brightness around the vehicle and automatically turns on or off according to the detected brightness. Besides this, it may be turned on or off by the driver's manual operation.

  The reverse lighting device 33 is a well-known reverse lamp device provided to illuminate the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle moves backward (reverse). The backward lighting device 33 outputs a signal indicating its lighting state or extinguishing state, and this signal is input to the CPU 21 via the interface unit 30.

  The direction indicator lamp 34 is a well-known blinker device provided at the four corners of the vehicle to indicate the traveling direction of the vehicle by blinking. The direction indicator lamp 34 outputs a signal indicating its lighting state (that is, blinking operation state) or extinguishing state (that is, non-operation state), and this signal is input to the CPU 21 via the interface unit 30.

  The card C is an information storage area in which vehicle status data stored in the memory 24 is stored in correspondence with a predetermined time range immediately before and immediately after detecting a recording condition (for example, an impact of a predetermined value or more) in the vehicle. have. The information storage area is also stored with the vehicle situation data overwritten in the same manner as the vehicle situation data storage area 24c of the memory 24.

  The drive recorder 2 described above always stores image data of a front image and a rear image obtained by imaging the surroundings of the own vehicle in the memory 24 by the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b. When the acceleration sensor 27b detects an impact (that is, a recording condition) that is equal to or greater than a predetermined impact threshold (for example, 0.4G), a predetermined time range before and after the detection (12 seconds immediately before detection and 6 seconds immediately after detection). The vehicle situation data including the image data of the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b detected for a total of 18 seconds) is copied (ie, recorded) from the vehicle situation data storage area 24c of the memory 24 to the information storage area of the card C.

  Next, an example of the outline of the process (imaging setting value update process) according to the present invention executed by the CPU 21 of the drive recorder 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When power is supplied to the drive recorder 2 via the cable 20H, the CPU 21 is activated to execute a predetermined initial process. In this initial processing, the CPU 21 stores the daytime photometric area value s2, the daylight white balance value w2, the low gain value in the front imaging setting value storage area 24a and the rear imaging setting value storage area 24b of the memory 24 as initial values. g2 and the center-weighted resolution value r2 are written, and the imaging setting values are transmitted to the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b to initialize the imaging settings. Then, the CPU 21 acquires image data from the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b, acquires vehicle speed data from the speed sensor 31, and time-series the vehicle status data storage area 24c provided in the memory 24 as vehicle status data. Write sequentially. In parallel with this, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, it is determined whether the current time is at night. Specifically, the position information and date / time information input from the GPS module 28 is applied to a day / night determination table stored in the ROM 22 to determine whether the current time is nighttime from the sunrise time and sunset time at the current location. Determine whether or not. When it is determined that the current time is nighttime, the process proceeds to step S120 (Y in S110), and when it is determined that the current time is not nighttime (that is, daytime), the process proceeds to step S130 (N in S110).

  In step S120, the night metering area value s1 stored in the ROM 22 is set in the metering area value setting area S of the provisional front imaging setting value storage area 23a and provisional rear imaging setting value storage area 23b provided in the RAM 23. At this time, it is not yet reflected in the imaging settings of the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b, that is, temporarily set (hereinafter, the same applies to S130, S150, S160, S180, S190, S210, and S220). Then, the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S130, the daytime photometric area value s2 stored in the ROM 22 is set in the photometric area value setting area S of the provisional front imaging setting value storage area 23a and the provisional rear imaging setting value storage area 23b provided in the RAM 23. Then, the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S140, based on a signal input from the headlamp 32 via the interface unit 30, it is determined whether or not the headlamp 32 is in a lighting state. When it is determined that the headlamp 32 is in the lighting state, the process proceeds to step S150 (Y in S140), and when it is determined that the headlamp 32 is not in the lighting state (that is, the extinguished state), the process proceeds to step S160 ( N in S140).

  In step S150, the illumination white balance value w1 stored in the ROM 22 is set in the white balance value setting area W of the provisional front imaging setting value storage area 23a provided in the RAM 23. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

  In step S160, the white balance value w2 for sunlight stored in the ROM 22 is set in the white balance value setting area W of the provisional forward imaging setting value storage area 23a provided in the RAM 23. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

  In step S <b> 170, it is determined based on a signal input from the backward lighting device 33 through the interface unit 30 whether or not the backward lighting device 33 is in a lighting state. When it is determined that the reverse lamp 33 is in the lit state, the process proceeds to step S180 (Y in S170), and when it is determined that the reverse lamp 33 is not in the lit state (that is, the extinguished state), the process proceeds to step S190 (in S170). N).

  In step S180, the high gain value g1 stored in the ROM 22 is set in the gain value setting area G of the provisional rear imaging setting value storage area 23b provided in the RAM 23. Then, the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S190, the low gain value g2 set lower than the high gain value stored in the ROM 22 is set in the gain value setting area G of the provisional rear imaging setting value storage area 23b provided in the RAM 23. Then, the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S200, it is determined whether or not the direction indicating lamp 34 is in a lighting state based on a signal input from the direction indicating lamp 34 through the interface unit 30. When it is determined that the direction indicating lamp 34 is in the lighting state, the process proceeds to step S210 (Y in S200), and when it is determined that the direction indicating lamp 34 is not in the lighting state (that is, the extinguished state), the process proceeds to step S220 (S200). N).

  In step S <b> 210, the both-side important resolution value r <b> 1 stored in the ROM 22 is set in the resolution value setting area R of the provisional rear imaging setting value storage area 23 b provided in the RAM 23. Then, the process proceeds to step S230.

  In step S220, the center-weighted resolution value r2 stored in the ROM 22 is set in the resolution value setting area R of the provisional rear imaging setting value storage area 23b provided in the RAM 23. Then, the process proceeds to step S230.

  In step S230, it is determined whether the provisional imaging setting value is the same as the current imaging setting value. Specifically, each imaging setting value provisionally set in the provisional front imaging setting value storage area 23a of the RAM 23 as a provisional imaging setting value, and the current imaging setting value are set in the front imaging setting value storage area 24a of the memory 24. Each imaging setting value is compared, and each imaging setting value temporarily set in the provisional rear imaging setting value storage area 23b of the RAM 23 as a provisional imaging setting value and the rear imaging setting value in the memory 24 as the current imaging setting value. Each imaging setting value set in the storage area 24b is compared, and it is determined whether each imaging setting value stored in each storage area is the same. When it is determined that they are the same, it is determined that the setting (updating) of the imaging setting values is not necessary, and the process returns to step S110 (Y in S230). When it is determined that they are not the same, setting (updating) of the imaging setting values is required. The process proceeds to step S240 (N in S230).

  In step S240, the provisional imaging setting value is set as the current imaging setting value. Specifically, regarding the provisional front imaging setting value storage area 23a and the provisional rear imaging setting value storage area 23b that are determined not to be the same in step S230, the corresponding front imaging setting value storage area 24a, rear The imaging setting value storage area 24b is overwritten and transmitted to the corresponding front camera 25a and rear camera 25b to update the imaging setting. Then, the process returns to step S110. Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated.

  Steps S140, S170, and S200 described above correspond to the lighting state detection means in the claims, and step S240 corresponds to the imaging setting value setting means in the claims. Further, the lighting white balance value w1, the high gain value g1, and the both side weighted resolution value r1 correspond to the lighting state imaging setting values in the claims, and the daylight white balance value w2 and the low gain value. The g2 and the center-weighted resolution value r2 correspond to the extinction state imaging setting value in the claims. The illumination white balance value w1 and the daylight white balance value w2 correspond to the white balance setting values in the claims. Further, the both-side important resolution value r1 corresponds to the side-weighted imaging setting value in the claims, and the central-weighted resolution value r2 corresponds to the front-weighted imaging setting value in the claims.

  Next, an example of the operation according to the present invention in the drive recorder 2 described above will be described.

  When the power is supplied and the operation starts, the drive recorder 2 captures images of the front and rear of the vehicle, and sequentially records the captured images in the memory 24 as image data.

  When the current time changes from daytime to nighttime, the nighttime metering area value s1 is set in the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b (Y in S110, S120, N in S230, S240), and the current time is When it changes from nighttime to daytime, the daytime photometric area value s2 is set to the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b (N in S110, S130, N in S230, S240).

  When the headlamp 32 changes from the off state to the on state, the lighting white balance value w1 is set in the front camera 25a (Y in S140, S150, N in S230, S240), and the headlamp When 32 changes from the lighting state to the extinguishing state, the white balance value w2 for sunlight is set to the front camera 25a (N in S140, S160, N in S230, S240).

  Further, when the backward lighting device 33 changes from the off state to the lighting state, the high gain value g1 is set to the rear camera 25b (Y in S170, S180, N in S230, S240), and the backward lighting device 33 is in the lighting state. When the state is changed from OFF to OFF, the low gain value g2 is set in the rear camera 25b (N in S170, N in S190, N in S230, S240).

  Further, when the direction indicator lamp 34 changes from the off state to the on state, the both-side weighted resolution value r1 is set in the rear camera 25b (Y in S200, N in S210, N, S240 in S230), and the direction indicator lamp When 34 changes from the lit state to the unlit state, the center-weighted resolution value r2 is set in the rear camera 25b (N in S200, S220, N in S230, S240).

  Further, when there is no change in the above-described time and lighting condition of each lighting device, the current set value is used as it is without changing (Y in S230).

  And the front camera 25a and the back camera 25b continue imaging based on the set imaging setting value.

  As mentioned above, according to this invention, the lighting state of each lighting device (headlight lighting device 32, the reverse lighting device 33, and the direction indicator lighting device 34) with which a vehicle is equipped is detected, and the lighting state of each lighting device is detected. Is detected as an imaging setting value used for imaging by the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b, so that the imaging setting value (lighting white for illumination) determined in advance to be adapted to the vehicle status indicated by the lighting state of each lamp. When the balance value w1, the high gain value g1, and the both-side weighted resolution value r1) are set, and when the extinction state of each lighting device is detected, a predetermined imaging setting value (sunlight) White balance value w2, low gain value g2, and center-weighted resolution value r2) are set, so that the vehicle status (for example, the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle and the vehicle (Such as direction of travel) can be detected, and appropriate imaging setting values can be set according to the situation. Therefore, it is easy to detect the lighting state or extinguishing state of the lamp without analyzing the image data. Appropriate imaging according to the situation of the vehicle can be performed using an inexpensive configuration. That is, the front camera 25a and the rear camera 25b can be operated as cameras having different functions by changing setting values (for example, a camera suitable for night imaging and a camera suitable for day imaging). One camera can have a plurality of roles.

  Moreover, since the headlamp 32 provided in the vehicle is included as a lamp that detects the lighting state or the extinguishing state, the headlamp 32 is turned on or off according to the brightness around the vehicle. For this reason, the brightness around the vehicle can be detected based on whether the headlamp 32 is turned on or off, and an imaging setting value corresponding to the brightness can be set.

  Further, the imaging setting value that is set when the lighting state of the headlamp 32 is detected includes the illumination white balance value w1, and when the extinguishing state of the headlamp 32 is detected. Since the white balance value w2 for sunlight is included in the imaging setting value set to, the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle indicated by the lighting state or the extinguishing state of the headlamp 32, that is, the headlamp If 32 is lit, it is the brightness by night lighting (headlights, streetlights, etc.), and if the headlight is not lit, it is the brightness by daylight. White balance can be set, and good image data can be obtained.

  Further, as a lighting device for detecting the lighting state or the lighting-off state, a direction indicator lamp 34 provided in the vehicle is included, and the imaging setting value set when the lighting state of the direction indicator lamp 34 is detected is The both-side important resolution value r1 is included, and the imaging setting value that is set when the turn-off state of the direction indicating lamp 34 is detected includes the central important resolution value r2. When the indicator light 34 is in a lighting state (that is, in a blinking operation state), that is, in a situation where the vehicle is about to bend, it is possible to focus on the rear side of the direction in which the vehicle bends in order to confirm the cause of entrainment. In a state in which the indicator light 34 is turned off (that is, in a non-operating state), that is, in a situation where the vehicle is going to move forward, the imaging is focused on the rear front direction of the vehicle (that is, the front direction of the rear camera 25b). Can For, in response to the traveling direction of the vehicle, it is possible to change the direction of focus imaging.

  In the present embodiment, the lighting state or extinguishing state of each lighting device is determined based on the signal output by each lighting device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, connecting the drive recorder 2 and an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls each of these lamps, obtaining information indicating the lighting state or extinguishing state of each lamp from this ECU, and the like, The method and the like are arbitrary depending on the configuration.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the illumination white balance value w1 or the sunlight white balance value w2 is set according to the lighting state or the extinguishing state of the headlamp 32, but the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, the headlamp 32 is turned on or off according to the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle, and when it is turned on, it indicates that the surroundings are dark. In addition, when it is turned off, it indicates that the surrounding is bright, so a low gain value is set as the imaging setting value. As long as the value is set, the type is arbitrary. Also, in other lighting devices, the type of imaging setting value set according to the lighting state or the extinguishing state is arbitrary as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the both-sides part important resolution value r1 or the center part important resolution value r2 was set according to the lighting state or light extinction state of the direction indicator light 34, this invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, the imaging setting value may be set so that the focus (focus) of the captured image is set to either the left or right side or the front according to the traveling direction of the vehicle indicated by the direction indicating lamp 34. The type of the imaging setting value set according to the lighting state or the extinguishing state is arbitrary as long as it does not contradict the purpose of the present invention.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the lighting state or the extinguishing state of the headlamp 32, the reverse lamp 33, and the direction indicator lamp 34 is detected, but the present invention is not limited to this, What is necessary is just to set the imaging setting value suitable for the state which detects the lighting state or the light extinction state of at least one lighting device among the some lighting devices with which a vehicle is equipped.

  In addition, embodiment mentioned above only showed the typical form of this invention, and this invention is not limited to embodiment. That is, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Drive recorder system 2 Drive recorder 5 Drive recorder analysis unit 21 CPU (light condition detection means, imaging setting value setting means)
22 ROM (storage means)
25a Front camera (imaging means)
25b Rear camera (imaging means)
32 Headlamps (lamps)
33 Retreating lamp (lamp)
34 Direction indicator lights (lights)
g1 High gain value (lighting state imaging setting value)
g2 Low gain value (imaging setting value for unlit state)
r1 Both side weighted resolution value (lighting state imaging setting value, side weighted imaging setting value)
r2 Center-weighted resolution value (lighting-out imaging setting value, front-weighted imaging setting value)
w1 White balance value for lighting (Imaging setting value for lighting state, white balance setting value)
w2 White balance value for sunlight (Imaging setting value for white state, white balance setting value)

Claims (4)

A drive recorder for imaging the surroundings of a vehicle,
A lighting state detection means for detecting a lighting state or an extinguishing state of a lighting device provided in the vehicle;
When a lighting state of the lighting device is detected by the lighting state detection means, a predetermined lighting state imaging setting value is set as a temporary imaging setting value, and when the lighting device is turned off the set temporary imaging setting predetermined extinction state imaging setting value as the value, and, if the temporary shooting setting value is the same as the current imaging setting value used for imaging, thereby updating the current imaging setting value And an imaging setting value setting unit that updates the current imaging setting value with the temporary imaging setting value when the temporary imaging setting value is different from the current imaging setting value. Drive recorder.   The drive recorder according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device includes a headlight device provided in the vehicle. 3. The drive according to claim 2, wherein the provisional imaging setting value includes a white balance setting value and at least one of a photometric area value, a gain value, and an imaging area resolution value. Recorder. The lighting device includes a direction indicating lighting device provided in the vehicle,
The lighting setting imaging setting value includes a side-weighted imaging setting value in which both sides of the imaging region for imaging the side side with a higher resolution than the center part ,
2. The imaging setting value for the off state includes a front-weighted imaging setting value in which a central portion of an imaging region for capturing a front image with a higher resolution than both sides is included. The drive recorder as described in any one of -3.

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