JP5914018B2 - Drive recorder - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drive recorder, and more particularly to a drive recorder that changes a threshold value of acceleration used to detect the occurrence of a traffic accident.

  A drive recorder is a device that records a scene in front of a vehicle such as an automobile, and records audio inside or outside the vehicle. By using the data recorded by the drive recorder, the cause of the traffic accident can be easily identified. By installing the drive recorder in the vehicle, there is also an advantage that the driver's awareness about safe driving is improved.

  When the drive recorder transmits all the captured image data, the communication band is compressed. Therefore, when the drive recorder detects an acceleration exceeding a predetermined threshold value, it determines that an accident has occurred, and transmits image data taken during a period including that time.

  Patent Document 1 describes a drive recorder that determines that a recording condition is satisfied when an acceleration equal to or greater than a set threshold is detected. In Patent Document 1, the drive recorder changes the threshold value according to the route on which the vehicle travels.

  Specifically, the drive recorder acquires the current position information of the vehicle and transmits the acquired current position information to a PC (Personal Computer). The PC identifies the route on which the vehicle is traveling based on the transmitted current position information and map information. The PC determines a threshold value corresponding to the specified route, and transmits the determined threshold value to the drive recorder. The drive recorder changes the set threshold value to the threshold value transmitted from the PC. Thereby, the drive recorder can record image data on the conditions optimal for the route which a vehicle drive | works.

  However, the magnitude of the detected acceleration may vary depending on the characteristics of the vehicle such as the weight even for the same vehicle. For example, when an impact due to a traffic accident occurs, the acceleration detected on a truck full of luggage is greatly different from the acceleration detected on a truck not loaded with luggage. Therefore, if the acceleration threshold value is not set in consideration of changes in vehicle characteristics, there is a possibility that the vehicle image cannot be recorded appropriately.

JP 2009-98738 A Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-163583

  An object of the present invention is to provide a drive recorder that can appropriately change the range of acceleration assumed to have caused an accident.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  The drive recorder of the present invention includes a collection unit, an acquisition unit, a first determination unit, a storage unit, a first count unit, and a first change unit. The collecting unit collects image data obtained by recording the scenery outside or inside the vehicle. An acquisition part acquires the acceleration of a vehicle regularly. The first determination unit determines whether or not the acquired acceleration is within a predetermined abnormal range. A memory | storage part memorize | stores the image data collected in the 1st predetermined period containing the time as 1st accident data, when the 1st determination part determines with the acquired acceleration being in the abnormal range. The first counting unit counts the number of times the first determination unit determines that the acquired acceleration is within the abnormal range. The first changing unit changes the abnormal range when the number of times counted by the first counting unit within the second predetermined period satisfies the first reference.

  The drive recorder of the present invention changes the abnormal range when the number of times the vehicle acceleration is within the abnormal range satisfies the first criterion. Therefore, the abnormal range can be set appropriately.

  Preferably, the drive recorder of the present invention further includes a second determination unit. The second determination unit determines whether or not the acquired acceleration is within a predetermined accident candidate range, and when it is determined that the acquired acceleration is within the accident candidate range, a predetermined time is determined from that time. After the elapse, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is stopped. When the second determination unit determines that the vehicle is stopped, the storage unit stores image data collected within a first predetermined period including the time as second accident data. The abnormal range includes a first abnormal threshold value and a second abnormal threshold value. The second abnormality threshold has an absolute value that is greater than the absolute value of the first abnormality threshold. The accident candidate range has a first candidate threshold value and a second candidate threshold value. The first candidate threshold value has an absolute value smaller than the absolute value of the first abnormal threshold value. The second candidate threshold has an absolute value that is smaller than the absolute value of the first candidate threshold. The drive recorder further includes a third determination unit, a second count unit, and a second change unit. The third determination unit determines whether or not the acquired acceleration is within a danger range between the second abnormal threshold value and the second candidate threshold value. The second count unit counts the number of times the third determination unit determines that the acquired acceleration is within the danger range. The second changing unit changes the accident candidate range when the number of times counted within the second predetermined period by the second counting unit satisfies the second reference.

  When it is determined that the acceleration of the vehicle is within the accident candidate range, the drive recorder of the present invention determines whether or not the vehicle has stopped within a second predetermined period from that time. When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped, the drive recorder stores image data collected within a first predetermined period including the time as second accident data. The drive recorder of this invention changes an accident candidate range, when the frequency | count that the acceleration of a vehicle exists in a danger range satisfy | fills 2nd criteria. Therefore, the accident candidate range can be set appropriately.

  Preferably, the first changing unit changes the abnormal range so that the abnormal range does not overlap the accident candidate range when the abnormal range overlaps the accident candidate range.

  Since the abnormal range is changed so as not to overlap the accident candidate range, the drive recorder of the present invention can store one accident data for one accident.

  The program of the present invention is used for the drive recorder of the present invention.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the drive recorder which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the drive recorder shown in FIG. 1 installed in the vehicle. It is a figure which shows the direction of the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the recorder program shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the determination table shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the change of the acceleration output from the acceleration sensor shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the range change program shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the count process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the range change process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the change of the accident candidate range shown in FIG. 6, and an abnormal range. It is a figure which shows the change reference | standard table shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the change of the accident candidate range shown in FIG. 6, and an abnormal range. It is a figure which shows the change of the accident candidate range shown in FIG. 6, and an abnormal range. It is a figure which shows the change of the accident candidate range shown in FIG. 6, and an abnormal range. It is a figure which shows the change of the accident candidate range shown in FIG. 6, and an abnormal range.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

{overall structure}
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a drive recorder 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drive recorder 1 is a small terminal that can use a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a wireless local area network (LAN). The drive recorder 1 is installed in vehicles such as ordinary passenger cars, trucks, and buses. The drive recorder 1 can communicate with the management server 3 by accessing the Internet 2.

  The drive recorder 1 captures a scene in front of the vehicle and generates image data 42. When the drive recorder 1 determines that the vehicle has encountered a traffic accident, the drive recorder 1 extracts image data 42 photographed during a period including the time at which it was determined that the accident occurred. The drive recorder 1 transmits the extracted image data 42 to the management server 3 as accident data 43.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the drive recorder 1 will be described. Referring to FIG. 1, drive recorder 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a display panel 13, a touch panel 14, an acceleration sensor 15, a camera 16, and a memory 17. And a wireless communication unit 18.

  The CPU 11 controls the drive recorder 1 by executing a program loaded in the RAM 12. The RAM 12 is a main memory of the drive recorder 1.

  The display panel 13 is a liquid crystal panel or the like, and displays an image taken by the camera 16. The touch panel 14 is installed on the display panel 13 and outputs the position touched by the user as operation information.

  The acceleration sensor 15 measures the acceleration of the drive recorder 1. That is, the acceleration sensor 15 measures the acceleration of the vehicle on which the drive recorder 1 is installed. The camera 16 captures a situation outside or inside the vehicle and creates image data 42.

  The memory 17 is a non-volatile flash memory. The memory 17 stores a recorder program 40, a determination table 41, image data 42, accident data 43, a range change program 45, a change reference table 46, and history data 47.

  The recorder program 40 is a program that causes the above terminal to function as the drive recorder 1. The determination table 41 is a table in which a range of acceleration used for determining whether to transmit the image data 42 to the management server 3 is set.

  The range change program 45 is a program for automatically changing the abnormal range and the accident candidate range set in the determination table 41. In the change reference table 46, reference values for changing the abnormal range and the accident candidate range are recorded. In the history data 47, a change history of the determination table 41 is recorded. Details of the abnormal range and the accident candidate range will be described later.

  Note that the drive recorder 1 may be a device into which a memory card can be inserted. In this case, the drive recorder 1 stores the image data 42 and the accident data 43 in the memory card inserted into the drive recorder 1.

  The wireless communication unit 18 accesses the Internet 2 using a mobile phone communication network and communicates with the management server 3. The wireless communication unit 18 may access the Internet 2 using another wireless communication network such as a wireless LAN.

{Installation of drive recorder 1}
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the drive recorder 1 fixed to the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 2, cradle 52 is fixed on dashboard 51. The position where the cradle 52 is fixed is a position where the drive recorder 1 and the cradle 52 do not interfere with the driver's view. The drive recorder 1 is installed in a vehicle by being fitted into a cradle 52 fixed on the dashboard 51. The drive recorder 1 is fitted so that the camera 16 can photograph the front of the vehicle.

  The camera 16 is attached to the surface opposite to the surface on which the display panel 13 is arranged in the housing 10 of the drive recorder 1. Accordingly, the driver can easily confirm that the drive recorder 1 is operating while sitting on the seat 53.

  Note that the drive recorder 1 may be installed such that the camera 16 faces the rear of the vehicle in order to capture the rear seat of the vehicle and the scenery behind the vehicle. That is, the drive recorder 1 should just be installed in a vehicle so that the camera 16 can image | photograph the condition of the outer side or inner side of a vehicle.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the acceleration detection direction of the drive recorder 1 when the camera 16 is installed so as to photograph the front of the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 3, the acceleration sensor 15 detects the acceleration Ax in the traveling direction of the vehicle, the acceleration Ay in the turning direction, and the acceleration Az in the gravity direction. Hereinafter, when the accelerations Ax, Ay, and Az are collectively referred to, these accelerations are simply referred to as “acceleration”.

{Operation of recorder program 40}
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the recorder program 40. Hereinafter, the operation of the recorder program 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the driver operates the drive recorder 1 fitted in the cradle 52 to instruct the start of the recorder program 40. The drive recorder 1 activates the recorder program 40 in accordance with the driver's instruction. Thereby, the process shown in FIG. 4 is started.

  The recorder program 40 activates the camera 16 (step S11). The recorder program 40 starts the recording process (step S12). The recording process is a process of encoding the image data 42 taken by the camera 16 and storing the encoded image data 42 in the memory 17. Hereinafter, the encoded image data 42 is simply referred to as “image data 42”. The image data 42 is moving image data, and the shooting time is associated with each picture. The image data 42 may be a plurality of photographic image data. In this case, each photographic image data is stored in the memory 17 in association with the photographing time.

  The driver confirms that the recorder program 40 is activated by the display panel 13 displaying an image in front of the vehicle photographed by the camera 16. After confirming the operation of the recorder program 40, the driver drives the vehicle.

  The acceleration sensor 15 measures the acceleration of the drive recorder 1 fixed on the dashboard 51, and outputs the measured acceleration at regular intervals (for example, 0.1 seconds). When the acceleration is input from the acceleration sensor 15 (Yes in step S13), the recorder program 40 determines whether an accident has occurred using the input acceleration. That is, the recorder program 40 periodically acquires acceleration from the acceleration sensor 14 by the process of step S13. Note that the interval at which the acceleration is output (the interval at which the recorder program 40 acquires the acceleration) may not be constant. This is because the timing at which the acceleration is output from the acceleration sensor 15 may vary depending on the load of the CPU 11 and the like.

  The recorder program 40 determines whether or not a traffic accident has occurred using the acquired acceleration and the determination table 41 (steps S14 to S17). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the determination table 41. Referring to FIG. 5, in the determination table 41, an accident candidate range 51, a stop range 52, and an abnormal range 53 are recorded for each vehicle direction. The recorder program 40 determines whether or not a traffic accident has occurred using the abnormal range 53 (step S14), and whether or not a traffic accident has occurred using the accident candidate range 51 and the stop range 52. The process to perform is performed (steps S15 to S17).

{Judgment of accident using abnormal range 53}
The recorder program 40 determines whether or not at least one of the accelerations in the three directions is within the abnormal range 53 (step S14). The abnormal range 53 is a range of acceleration that is not detected when the vehicle is traveling normally. For example, an acceleration that is detected when the vehicle rolls over or temporarily rises is set as the abnormal range 53.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in determination table 41, an abnormal range 53 of acceleration Ax is defined by abnormal threshold values A1 to A4. That is, the abnormal range 53 of the acceleration Ax is −2000 (A4) <Ax ≦ −1000 (A3), 1000 (A2) <Ax ≦ 2000 (A1). A similar range is set for each of the abnormal ranges 53 of the accelerations Ay and Az. Numerical values of acceleration in the determination table 41 are recorded in units of 0.1G. Here, “G” indicates gravitational acceleration. The abnormal threshold value may be set to a different numerical value for each direction.

  When it is determined that at least one of the accelerations in the three directions is within the abnormal range 53 (Yes in step S14), the recorder program 40 determines that a traffic accident has occurred. The recorder program 40 stores the image data 42 photographed within a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) including the time when the acceleration is determined to be within the abnormal range 53 as the accident data 43 (step S18). Details of the storage process (step S18) will be described later.

{Determination of accident using accident candidate range 51 and stop range 52}
If the acceleration in each direction is not within the abnormal range 53 (No in step S14), the recorder program 40 determines whether a traffic accident has occurred using the accident candidate range 51 and the stop range 52 (step S15). To S17).

  Referring to FIG. 5, in determination table 41, accident candidate range 51 of acceleration Ax is defined by candidate threshold values B1 to B4. The accident candidate range 51 is set in order to detect a traffic accident with a relatively small impact, such as a contact accident or a rear-end collision at low speed. The accident candidate range 51 of the acceleration Ax is −200 (B4) <Ax ≦ −100 (B3), 100 (B2) <Ax ≦ 200 (B1). A similar range is set for each of the accident candidate ranges 51 of the accelerations Ay and Az. The accident candidate range 51 may be set to a different range for each direction.

  The relationship between the abnormal threshold values A1 and A2 and the candidate threshold values B1 and B2 is as follows. The absolute value of the abnormal threshold value A1 is larger than the absolute value of the abnormal threshold value A2. The absolute value of the candidate threshold value B1 is smaller than the absolute value of the abnormal threshold value A2. The absolute value of candidate threshold B2 is smaller than the absolute value of candidate threshold B1. The relationship between the abnormal threshold values A3 and A4 and the candidate threshold values B3 and B4 is as follows. The absolute value of the abnormal threshold value A4 is larger than the absolute value of the abnormal threshold value A3. The absolute value of the candidate threshold value B4 is smaller than the absolute value of the abnormal threshold value A3. The absolute value of candidate threshold B3 is smaller than the absolute value of candidate threshold B4.

  FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in the acceleration Ax output from the acceleration sensor 16. The accident candidate range 51, the stop range 52, and the abnormal range 53 shown in FIG. 6 do not accurately reflect the numerical values shown in FIG. Black circles shown in FIG. 6 indicate accelerations acquired by the recorder program 40.

  With reference to FIG. 6, an outline of processing (steps S <b> 15 to S <b> 17) for determining whether or not a traffic accident has occurred using the accident candidate range 51 and the stop range 52 will be described using the change in acceleration Ax as an example. .

  In the period up to time T0, the acceleration Ax varies within the range of candidate threshold values B2 to B3. This indicates that the vehicle is traveling on the road. It is determined that the acceleration Ax is within the accident candidate range 51 at time T0. However, since there may be no significant difference in measured acceleration between when the vehicle has a contact accident and when the vehicle passes a sharp curve, the acceleration within the accident candidate range 51 is normal for the vehicle. There is a possibility that it may be detected even when traveling.

  Therefore, the recorder program 40 cannot determine that a traffic accident has occurred only by determining that the acceleration Ax is within the accident candidate range 51. However, if a traffic accident occurs, the driver is supposed to stop the vehicle. Therefore, the recorder program 40 determines whether or not the vehicle is stopped when 5 seconds have elapsed (time T1) from the time T0 (reference time) at which the acceleration Ax is determined to be within the accident candidate range 51. To do. Note that the interval between the reference time T0 and the time T1 is not limited to 5 seconds. Further, the interval between the reference time T0 and the time T1 may be changed as appropriate.

  Specifically, the recorder program 40 checks whether or not the acceleration measured at time T1 is within the stop range 52. The stop range 52 is a range of acceleration measured when the vehicle is stopped. Even when the vehicle is stopped, the acceleration of the vehicle does not become zero due to the vibration of the engine or the like. That is, the acceleration sensor 15 continuously measures acceleration within a certain range centered on zero even when the vehicle is stopped. Since the acceleration measured at time T1 is within the stop range 52, the recorder program 40 determines that a traffic accident has occurred at time T0.

  Again, with reference to FIGS. 4-6, the process of step S15-S17 is demonstrated in detail. When the acceleration is not in the abnormal range 53 (No in step S14), the recorder program 40 determines whether any one of the accelerations in the three directions is within the accident candidate range 51 (step S15).

  If the recorder program 40 determines that at least one of the accelerations in the three directions is within the accident candidate range 51 (Yes in step S15), whether or not a predetermined time (5 seconds) has elapsed since the reference time (time T0). (Step S16). When the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S16), the recorder program 40 stops all the accelerations Ax, Ay, Az measured at the time when the predetermined time has elapsed from the reference time (time T1: operation check time). It is determined whether or not it is within the range 52 (step S17). In the determination table 41, the stop range 52 of the acceleration Ax is set to −5 ≦ Ax <5. Similar ranges are set for the acceleration Ay and the acceleration Az. The stop range 52 may be different in each direction.

  If the total acceleration measured at the operation confirmation time is not within the stop range 52 (No in step S17), the recorder program 40 determines that no traffic accident has occurred, and proceeds to step S19. In this case, it is considered that the acceleration at the reference time is measured by passing through a step or passing through a sharp curve. On the other hand, when the total acceleration measured at the operation confirmation time is within the stop range 52 (Yes in step S17), the recorder program 40 determines that the vehicle has stopped because a traffic accident has occurred at the reference time, and save processing is performed. (Step S18) is executed.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the storage process (step S <b> 18) will be described in detail by taking as an example a case where the recorder program 40 detects the occurrence of a traffic accident using the accident candidate range 51 and the stop range 52. The recorder program 40 determines a storage target period. For example, the recorder program 40 calculates a time T2 10 seconds before the reference time and a time T3 when 10 seconds have elapsed from the reference time. A period from time T2 to time T3 is set as a storage target period. The time (10 seconds) for calculating the times T2 and T3 may be changed as appropriate. The recorder program 40 saves, in the memory 17, the image data 42 captured during the saving target period from the image data 42 stored in the memory 17 as accident data 43. The recorder program 40 transmits the accident data 43 to the management server 3.

  When the occurrence of a traffic accident is detected using the abnormal range 53, the recorder program 40 uses the time when the acceleration is determined to be within the abnormal range 53 as the reference time. The length of the storage target period when it is determined that the acceleration is within the abnormal range 53 may or may not be the same as the time (10 seconds) from time T2 to time T3.

  The recorder program 40 confirms whether or not there is an end instruction after the storage process (step S18) (step S19). The process of step S19 is also executed when it is determined that the acceleration is not within the abnormal range 53 (No at step S14), and when it is determined that the acceleration is not within the accident candidate range 51 (No at step S15). If there is an end instruction (Yes in step S19), the recorder program 40 ends the process shown in FIG. If there is no end instruction (No in step S19), the recorder program 40 returns to step S13.

{Operation of range change program 45}
The weight of the vehicle varies depending on the load of the load. In addition, changes in vehicle acceleration are correlated with changes in vehicle weight. For example, it is assumed that a truck on which no load is loaded is subjected to an impact in which an acceleration within an abnormal range is detected due to a traffic accident. In this case, even if a truck loaded with luggage receives the same impact, the acceleration of the truck loaded with luggage does not become the same as the acceleration of a truck not loaded with luggage.

  As described above, when the characteristics of the vehicle such as the weight change, the recorder program 40 may erroneously determine that a traffic accident has occurred even though no accident has occurred. Conversely, the recorder program 40 may overlook the occurrence of a traffic accident. The range changing program 45 changes the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53 based on the acceleration acquired within a preset period in order to prevent such erroneous detection of a traffic accident.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the range change program 45. Hereinafter, the operation of the range changing program 45 will be described in detail by taking as an example the case where the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53 of the acceleration Ax are changed.

  The range change program 45 is activated together with the recorder program 40 and operates in parallel with the recorder program 40. The range change program 45 executes a count process (step S21). The range changing program 45 counts the number of times that the acceleration Ax is determined to be within the abnormal range 53 (number of abnormal reactions), and counts the number of times that the acceleration Ax is determined to be within the dangerous range 54 (number of dangerous reactions). Referring to FIG. 6, danger range 54 is a range between candidate threshold value B2 and abnormal threshold value A2, and a range between candidate threshold value B3 and abnormal threshold value A3.

  Referring to FIG. 7 again, range change program 45 changes accident candidate range 51 and abnormal range 53 using the number of abnormal reactions and the number of dangerous reactions counted within a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes). Details of step S22 will be described later.

  When the determination table 41 is updated (Yes in step S23), the range change program 45 creates the history data 47 of the determination table 41 and transmits it to the management server 3 (step S24), and ends the processing shown in FIG. To do. On the other hand, when the determination table 41 is not updated, the range change program 45 ends the process shown in FIG. 7 without creating the history data 47.

{Count processing (step S21)}
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the count process (step S21). Referring to FIG. 8, range change program 45 executes an initialization process (step S31). In the initialization process, the range change program 45 records the count start time in the memory. The number of abnormal reactions and the number of dangerous reactions are set to zero.

  The range change program 45 confirms whether or not the acceleration Ax has been acquired (step S32). The content of step S32 is the same as that of step S13 (refer FIG. 4). If the range change program 45 acquires the acceleration Ax (Yes in step S32), the range change program 45 checks whether or not the standby time has elapsed (step S33). If the standby time has not elapsed (No in step S33), the range changing program 45 returns to step S32. The standby time is a parameter set when the number of abnormal reactions or the number of dangerous reactions is incremented. Details of the standby time will be described later.

  If the standby time has elapsed (Yes in step S33), the range change program 45 determines whether or not the acquired acceleration Ax is within the abnormal range 53 (step S34). If the range change program 45 determines that the acceleration Ax is within the abnormal range 53 (Yes in step S34), the range change program 45 increments the number of abnormal reactions (step S35), and proceeds to step S38.

  On the other hand, if the range change program 45 determines that the acquired acceleration Ax is not within the abnormal range 53 (No in step S34), the range change program 45 determines whether the acquired acceleration Ax is within the danger range 54 ( Step S36). When the acquired acceleration Ax is within the danger range 54 (Yes in step S36), the range change program 45 increments the number of dangerous reactions (step S37). If the acquired acceleration Ax is not within the danger range 54 (No in step S36), the range changing program 45 proceeds to step S39.

  The range change program 45 sets the standby time after the abnormal reaction count or the dangerous reaction count is incremented (step S35 or S37) (step S37). For example, the standby time is set as a time five seconds after the time when the acquired acceleration Ax is determined to be within the danger range 54 or the abnormal range 53 (determination time). The standby time is set so that a plurality of steps S35 or S37 are not executed by one impact. The time added to the determination time when the number of abnormal reactions is incremented (step S35) may be different from the time added to the determination time when the number of dangerous reactions is incremented (step S37).

  Note that the range changing program 45 may omit the process of step S37. In this case, the range change program 45 executes step S34 every time the acceleration Ax is acquired (Yes in step S33).

  The range change program 45 checks whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) set in advance has elapsed from the count start time (step S39). If the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S39), the range changing program 45 ends the process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S39), the range changing program 45 returns to step S32.

{Range change processing (step S22)}
The range change program 45 updates the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53 based on the result of the count process (step S21) (step S22).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the range change process (step S22). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the change criterion table 46.

  FIG. 10 schematically shows changes in the acceleration Ax in order to explain the processing in step S22, and does not plot all the accelerations Ax acquired by the range change program 45. The same applies to FIGS. 12 to 15 described later.

  Hereinafter, the range changing process (step S22) will be described in detail while showing a plurality of patterns for the number of abnormal reactions and the number of dangerous reactions.

{When there are too many dangerous reactions and abnormal reactions (case 1)}
With reference to FIGS. 9-11, the range change program 45 confirms whether the frequency | count of dangerous reaction is more than a dangerous reaction upper limit (step S41). The dangerous reaction upper limit value is set in the change reference table 46. Since the dangerous reaction upper limit is “8” and the number of dangerous reactions is “12”, the number of dangerous reactions is greater than or equal to the upper limit of dangerous reactions (Yes in step S41). This indicates that there is a high possibility that the recorder program 40 reacts excessively to the impact of the vehicle, and erroneously determines that the impact during normal travel has occurred as a traffic accident.

  In this case, the range changing program 45 increases the absolute values of the candidate threshold values B1 to B4 (step S42). The accident candidate range 51 set in the determination table 41 is changed by adding the variation value of the preset candidate threshold value to the candidate threshold values B1 to B4. As shown in FIG. 10, the plus-side accident candidate range 51 moves up, and the minus-side accident candidate range 51 moves down.

  Next, the range change program 45 checks whether or not the number of abnormal reactions is equal to or higher than the upper limit of abnormal reactions (step S47). The abnormal reaction upper limit value is set in the change reference table 46. Since the abnormal reaction upper limit is “3” and the number of abnormal reactions is “10”, the number of abnormal reactions is greater than or equal to the upper limit of abnormal reactions (Yes in step S47). This is because, since the acceleration Ax acquired when the vehicle passes through a step or a sharp curve is within the abnormal range 53, the recorder program 40 has caused a traffic accident even though no traffic accident has occurred. This means that the number of times of erroneous determination is large.

  The range change program 45 increases the absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A1 to A4 (step S48). The abnormal range 53 set in the determination table 41 is changed by adding the fluctuation value of the preset abnormal threshold value to the abnormal threshold values A1 to A4. As shown in FIG. 10, the plus-side abnormal range 53 moves up, and the minus-side abnormal range 53 moves down.

  The range change program 45 checks whether or not the abnormal range 53 overlaps the accident candidate range 51 (step S51). As shown in FIG. 10, the changed abnormal range 53 does not overlap with the changed accident candidate range 51 (No in step S51). Therefore, the range change program 45 ends the range change process (step S22) without executing step S52. Details of step S52 will be described later.

{When there are too many dangerous reactions and abnormal reactions are not detected (Case 2)}
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53. Referring to FIGS. 9, 11, and 12, since the number of dangerous reactions (20 times) is equal to or higher than the dangerous reaction upper limit value (8 times) (Yes in step S <b> 41), range change program 45 determines whether or not an accident candidate threshold is present. The absolute values of the values B1 to B4 are increased (step S42).

  Since the number of abnormal reactions (0 times) is less than the upper limit (3 times) of abnormal reactions (No in step S47), the range changing program 45 confirms whether the number of abnormal reactions is smaller than the lower limit of abnormal reactions ( Step S49). Since the number of abnormal reactions (0 times) is the same as the abnormal reaction lower limit (0 times) (No in step S49), the range changing program 45 determines that the abnormal range 53 is appropriate and does not change the abnormal range 53. In addition, with reference to FIG. 11, the abnormal reaction lower limit value is set to 0, but the abnormal reaction lower limit value may be set to a value of 1 or more. An example where the abnormal reaction lower limit is set to a value of 1 or more will be described later.

  As a result, in case 2, as shown in FIG. 12, the plus-side accident candidate range 51 moves down, and the minus-side accident candidate range 51 moves up. The abnormal range 53 does not move.

  The range change program 45 checks whether or not the abnormal range 53 overlaps the accident candidate range 51 (step S51). In Case 2, since only the accident candidate range 51 is changed, the abnormal range 53 may overlap the accident candidate range 51. The range change program 45 changes the abnormal range 53 so that the abnormal range 53 does not overlap the accident candidate range 51 (step S52), and ends the range change process (step S22).

  For example, when candidate threshold value B1 is larger than abnormal threshold value A2, abnormal range 53 overlaps with accident candidate range 51 (Yes in step S51). In this case, the range changing program 45 changes the abnormal threshold A2 so that the abnormal threshold A2 is equal to or greater than the candidate threshold B1. Thereby, even when the accident candidate range 51 or the abnormal range 53 is moved, the abnormal range 53 can be prevented from overlapping the accident candidate range 51.

{When the number of dangerous reactions is an appropriate value and the number of abnormal reactions is 0 (Case 3)}
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53. In the example shown in FIG. 13 (Case 3), it is assumed that the abnormal reaction lower limit is set to one time.

  Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, since the number of dangerous reactions (4 times) is less than the upper limit value of dangerous reactions (8 times) (No in step S41), range change program 45 has a number of dangerous reactions. It is confirmed whether it is less than the dangerous reaction lower limit (step S43). The dangerous reaction lower limit value is set in the change reference table 46. Since the number of dangerous reactions (four times) is equal to or greater than the dangerous reaction lower limit (three times) (No in step S43), the range change program 45 determines that the accident candidate range 51 is appropriate, and sets the accident candidate range 51 as the accident candidate range 51. Not going to change.

  Next, since the number of abnormal reactions (0 times) is less than the upper limit value of abnormal reactions (3 times) (No in step S47), the range change program 45 determines whether or not the number of abnormal reactions is smaller than the lower limit value of abnormal reactions. Confirmation (step S49). The range change program 45 determines that there is a high possibility of overlooking the occurrence of a traffic accident because the number of abnormal reactions (0) is less than the abnormal reaction lower limit (1) (Yes in step S49). The absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A1 to A4 are decreased (step S50). The determination table 41 is updated by subtracting the preset fluctuation value of the abnormal threshold value from the abnormal threshold values A1 to A4.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, in case 3, the accident candidate range 51 does not move. The plus side abnormal range 53 moves down, and the minus side abnormal range 53 moves up.

{When the number of abnormal reactions and the number of dangerous reactions are both 0 (case 4)}
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53. In the example shown in FIG. 14 (Case 4), it is assumed that the abnormal reaction lower limit is set to one time.

  Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 14, the number of dangerous reactions (0 times) is smaller than the upper limit of dangerous reactions (8 times) (No in step S41), and the number of dangerous reactions (0 times) is the lower limit of dangerous reactions. Less than the value (3 times) (Yes in step S43). Therefore, the range changing program 45 checks whether or not the number of abnormal reactions (0 times) is equal to or higher than the abnormal reaction upper limit (3 times) (step S44).

  Since the number of abnormal reactions (0 times) is less than the abnormal reaction upper limit (3 times) (No in step S44), the range change program 45 determines that there is a risk of overlooking the occurrence of a traffic accident with a small impact, The absolute values of candidate threshold values B1 to B4 are decreased (step S45). The preset variation value of the candidate threshold value is subtracted from the candidate threshold values B1 to B4.

  Next, the range changing program 45 has the number of abnormal reactions (0 times) smaller than the upper limit of abnormal reactions (3 times) (No in step S47), and the number of abnormal reactions (0 times) is the lower limit of abnormal reactions (1 time). ) (Yes in step S49). The range changing program 45 decreases the absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A1 to A4 (step S50).

  Thus, when the number of abnormal reactions and the number of dangerous reactions are both 0, the range changing program 45 determines that there is a possibility that the occurrence of a traffic accident may not be detected, and the abnormal thresholds A1 to A4 and the candidate thresholds. The values B1 to B4 are decreased. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the plus-side accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53 move down, and the minus-side accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53 move up.

{When there are too many abnormal reactions and too few dangerous reactions (Case 5)}
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of changes in the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53. Referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 15, the number of dangerous reactions (0 times) is smaller than the upper limit of dangerous reactions (8 times) (No in step S41), and the number of dangerous reactions (0 times) is the lower limit of dangerous reactions. Less than the value (3 times) (Yes in step S43). For this reason, the range change program 45 checks whether or not the number of abnormal reactions (16 times) is equal to or greater than the upper limit of abnormal reactions (3 times) (step S44).

  Since the number of abnormal reactions (16 times) is equal to or greater than the upper limit (3 times) of abnormal reactions (Yes in step S44), the range change program 45 uses the absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A1 to A4 and candidate threshold values B1 to B1. The absolute value of B4 is increased (step S46). In case 5, the range change program 45 determines that the acceleration Ax that should be determined to be within the accident candidate range 51 is within the abnormal range 53 because the absolute values of the candidate threshold values A1 to A4 are too small. Judge that it has been. When the range change program 45 increases the absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A1 to A4 and the candidate threshold values B1 to B4, the positive accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53 move upward, and the negative side The accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53 move downward.

  Thus, the range change program 45 changes the accident candidate range 51 and the abnormal range 53 according to the number of dangerous reactions and the number of abnormal reactions. Therefore, the recorder program 40 can prevent the erroneous detection of the traffic accident and the oversight of the occurrence of the traffic accident even if the characteristics of the vehicle such as the weight change.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the range changing program 45 moves the abnormal range 53 by changing the absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A1 to A4 has been described. However, the range changing program 45 may change only the absolute values of the abnormal thresholds A2 and A3 when moving the abnormal range 53. The range change program 45 increases the absolute values of the abnormal thresholds A2 and A3 when the number of abnormal reactions is equal to or higher than the upper limit of the abnormal reactions (Yes in step S47), and sets the absolute values of the abnormal thresholds A1 and A4. Not going to change. Since the width of the abnormal range 53 is narrowed, the number of abnormal reactions can be reduced. On the other hand, when the number of abnormal reactions is smaller than the abnormal reaction lower limit value (Yes in step S49), the range changing program 45 decreases the absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A2 and A3 and calculates the absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A1 and A4. Do not change the value. Since the width of the abnormal range 53 is widened, the number of abnormal reactions can be increased.

  That is, when the abnormal range 53 includes the first abnormal threshold and the second abnormal threshold having an absolute value larger than the absolute value of the first abnormal threshold, the range changing program 45 It may operate as follows. The range changing program 45 increases the absolute value of the first abnormal threshold value when the number of times counted in the predetermined period (the number of abnormal reactions) in step S35 is greater than a predetermined abnormal reaction upper limit value. The range changing program 45 decreases the absolute value of the first abnormal threshold when the number of abnormal reactions is less than a predetermined abnormal reaction lower limit value.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the range change program 45 moves the accident candidate range 51 by changing the absolute values of the candidate threshold values B1 to B4 has been described. However, the range changing program 45 may change only the absolute values of the candidate threshold values B2 and B3 when moving the accident candidate range 51. The range change program 45 increases the absolute values of the candidate threshold values B2 and B3 and increases the absolute values of the candidate threshold values B1 and B4 when the number of dangerous reactions is greater than or equal to the upper limit value of the dangerous reactions (Yes in step S41). Not going to change. Since the danger range 54 is narrowed, the number of dangerous reactions can be reduced. On the other hand, when the number of dangerous reactions is smaller than the lower limit value of dangerous reactions (Yes in step S43), the range changing program 45 decreases the absolute values of the candidate threshold values B2 and B3 and the absolute values of the candidate threshold values B1 and B4. Do not change the value. Since the danger range 54 is wide, the number of dangerous reactions can be increased.

  That is, when the accident candidate range 51 includes the first candidate threshold and the second candidate threshold having an absolute value larger than the absolute value of the first candidate threshold, the range change program 45 The operation may be as follows. The range changing program 45 increases the absolute value of the first candidate threshold value when the number of times counted in the predetermined period (number of dangerous reactions) in step S37 is greater than a predetermined dangerous reaction upper limit value. The range changing program 45 decreases the absolute value of the first candidate threshold value when the number of dangerous reactions is less than a predetermined dangerous reaction lower limit value.

  In the above embodiment, when the number of dangerous reactions is less than the lower limit of dangerous reactions (Yes in Step S43) and the number of abnormal reactions is equal to or higher than the upper limit of abnormal reactions (Yes in Step S44), abnormal threshold values A1 to A4. The example in which the absolute values of the candidate threshold values B1 to B4 are increased (step S46) has been described. However, in step S46, only the absolute values of the abnormal threshold values A2 and A3 may be increased. Since the width of the abnormal range 53 is narrowed and the width of the dangerous range 54 is widened, the number of abnormal reactions can be reduced and the number of dangerous reactions can be increased. That is, the range changing program 45 increases the absolute value of the first abnormal threshold when the number of dangerous reactions is smaller than the lower limit of dangerous reactions and the number of abnormal reactions is larger than the upper limit of abnormal reactions.

  Although the case where the drive recorder 1 is a mobile communication terminal has been described as an example in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The drive recorder 1 may be a dedicated device installed in the vehicle.

  In the above embodiment, the accident candidate range 51, the stop range 52, and the abnormal range 53 of acceleration in each direction are set in the determination table 41, and any one of the three directions of acceleration is within the accident candidate range 51 or the abnormal range 53. It was determined whether or not. However, the drive recorder 1 may determine whether or not a traffic accident has occurred using the average value of acceleration in each direction. In this case, an accident candidate range 51, a stop range 52, and an abnormal range 53 corresponding to the average value of acceleration are set in the determination table 41.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the recorder program 40 and the range changing program 45 are separate programs has been described. However, the memory 17 may store programs including the recorder program 40 and the range changing program 45 that are modularized.

  While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit thereof.

1 Drive recorder 11 CPU
12 RAM
13 Display Panel 14 Touch Panel 15 Acceleration Sensor 16 Camera 17 Memory 40 Recorder Program 41 Determination Table 42 Image Data 43 Accident Data 45 Range Change Program 46 Change Criteria Table

Claims (3)

A collection unit that collects image data that records the scenery outside or inside the vehicle;
An acquisition unit for periodically acquiring acceleration of the vehicle;
A first determination unit for determining whether or not the acquired acceleration is within a predetermined abnormal range;
When the obtained acceleration is determined to be within the abnormal range by the first determination unit, a storage unit for memorize the image data collected within the first predetermined time period including the time,
A first count unit that counts the number of times the first determination unit determines that the acquired acceleration is within the abnormal range;
A first changing unit that changes the abnormal range when the number of times counted within the second predetermined period by the first counting unit satisfies a first reference;
It is determined whether or not the acquired acceleration is within a predetermined accident candidate range, and when it is determined that the acquired acceleration is within the accident candidate range, a third predetermined period has elapsed from that time. A second determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle is stopped,
When the second determining unit determines that the vehicle is stopped, the storage unit stores image data collected within a first predetermined period including the time,
The abnormal range includes a first abnormal threshold and a second abnormal threshold having an absolute value greater than the absolute value of the first abnormal threshold;
The accident candidate range includes a first candidate threshold having an absolute value smaller than the absolute value of the first abnormal threshold, and a second having an absolute value smaller than the absolute value of the first candidate threshold. And a candidate threshold
The drive recorder further includes:
A third determination unit that determines whether or not the acquired acceleration is within a danger range between the first abnormal threshold value and the second candidate threshold value;
A second count unit that counts the number of times the third determination unit determines that the acquired acceleration is within the danger range;
A drive recorder comprising: a second changing unit that changes the accident candidate range when the number of times counted within the fourth predetermined period by the second counting unit satisfies a second criterion . The drive recorder according to claim 1 ,
When the abnormal range overlaps with the accident candidate range, the first changing unit changes the abnormal range so that the abnormal range does not overlap with the accident candidate range. Collecting image data recording the scenery outside or inside the vehicle;
Periodically acquiring vehicle acceleration;
Whether the acquired acceleration is within a predetermined abnormality range including a first abnormality threshold value and a second abnormality threshold value having an absolute value larger than the absolute value of the first abnormality threshold value. Determining whether or not
When the obtained acceleration is determined to be within the abnormal range, and storing the image data acquired in a first predetermined time period including the time the memory,
Counting the number of times the acquired acceleration is determined to be within the abnormal range;
When the number of times counted within the second predetermined period satisfies the first criterion, the step of changing the abnormal range;
A first candidate threshold having an absolute value that the acquired acceleration is smaller than the first abnormal threshold and a second candidate threshold having an absolute value smaller than the absolute value of the first candidate threshold Determining whether it is within a predetermined accident candidate range including:
When it is determined that the acquired acceleration is within the accident candidate range, a step of determining whether or not the vehicle is stopped after a third predetermined period from that time; and
When it is determined that the vehicle is stopped, storing image data collected in a first predetermined period including the time in a memory;
Determining whether the acquired acceleration is within a danger range between the first abnormal threshold and the second candidate threshold;
Counting the number of times the acquired acceleration is determined to be within the danger range;
A program for causing a computer to execute the step of changing the accident candidate range when the number of times counted within a fourth predetermined period satisfies the second standard .

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