JP6962712B2 - In-vehicle image recording device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an in-vehicle image recording device capable of recording an image taken inside or outside a vehicle on a vehicle.

For example, a drive recorder and a digital tachograph (operation recorder) are known as an in-vehicle device that takes an image on a vehicle and automatically records the data of the obtained image. In addition, the types of drive recorders include a temporary recording type that records an image only when a specific event such as an impact at the time of a traffic accident is detected, and a constant recording type that constantly records regardless of the occurrence of the event. There is.

Temporary recording type drive recorders automatically record highly useful image data in the event of a traffic accident, and therefore tend to be installed in various vehicles. Further, in a company that operates a commercial vehicle such as a taxi, a bus, or a truck, it is necessary to confirm whether or not the crew is driving safely and to manage the labor of the crew. Therefore, in such a company, a constant recording type drive recorder or a digital tachograph is installed in the vehicle to automatically acquire various data while the vehicle is in operation, which is useful for safe driving management and labor management. ing.

Further, for example, the drive recorder shown in Patent Document 1 shows a technique for achieving both appropriate recording of video information and saving of storage capacity. Specifically, in a drive recorder that records images taken by a plurality of cameras, one or more cameras are selected based on an external signal such as a left turn signal, and the images of the selected cameras are recorded with high quality. do. Also, the images from the cameras that are not selected are recorded with low quality.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-19450

When recording data such as images taken by an in-vehicle camera, it is necessary to record a large amount of data on a memory card or the like, so recording is particularly possible in the case of an in-vehicle device such as a drive recorder that constantly records. It is necessary to thoroughly consider enabling long-term recording in an environment where the recordable capacity of the medium is greatly restricted.

That is, when priority is given to recording for a long time, it is necessary to reduce the data recording capacity per unit time by, for example, lowering the bit rate of the image data to be recorded. Therefore, the quality of the recorded data deteriorates at the cost of accumulating the data for a long time on the recording medium. Further, since the quality of the recorded data is low, the amount of information available per unit time when analyzing the video is insufficient, which makes the analysis difficult.

Further, if the quality of the image data recorded by the drive recorder is improved in order to facilitate the analysis of the recorded data, the storage area on the recording medium becomes free in a relatively short time. Therefore, it is necessary to make it impossible to continue recording in a short time, or to erase old data in time to secure a recordable area. In any case, long-term data recording will not be possible.

Therefore, for example, as in Patent Document 1, it is also necessary to record only the images of a part of the cameras selected from the plurality of cameras with high quality. However, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is adopted, it is not so important because whether or not to record the video with high quality is determined by the level Hi / Lo of the external signal input (see FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1). There is a possibility of recording high-quality images even if they are not, and it is possible that long-term recording will not be possible. On the other hand, it is possible that important video is recorded after the level of the external signal input is switched and the recording quality deteriorates.

In addition, in the operation of certain types of vehicles, there are many inquiries regarding the operation of the vehicle three or four days after the operation of the vehicle. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the image data recorded by the drive recorder for at least one week after the vehicle is operated. However, when the amount of high-quality image data to be recorded increases, the free space on the recording medium runs out, and it becomes necessary to erase or overwrite the old recorded data. Therefore, unless the recording medium of the drive recorder is replaced, for example, it is difficult to keep the recorded data until one week after the operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to record important images with high quality and to record data for a long time in a situation where the recordable data capacity is limited. The purpose is to provide a possible in-vehicle image recording device.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the in-vehicle image recording apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by the following (1) to (4).
(1) An in-vehicle image recording device that constantly or periodically records image data captured by one or more imaging units that image the inside or outside of a vehicle on a predetermined recording medium.
An event detection unit that detects the occurrence of a predetermined and highly important event in the vehicle, and
When the event detection unit detects the event, the recording control unit that improves the quality of the data recorded on the recording medium for a certain period of time more than usual.
A trigger detection unit that detects the occurrence of a predetermined trigger recording event to be recorded in the vehicle, and
With
The event detection unit, as the event,
Event which the vehicle is left turn and the vehicle travels an intersection of roads, or to detect an event that the vehicle is present a person in the traveling direction of and the own vehicle travels in the backward direction,
When the trigger detection unit detects the trigger recording event, the recording control unit executes a predetermined trigger recording operation.
The recording control unit determines whether or not to allow the data quality improvement recording operation when the trigger detection unit does not detect the trigger recording event and the event detection unit detects the event. When the data quality improvement recording operation is permitted by the operation to the operation unit, the operation to improve the quality of the data to be recorded on the recording medium is performed for a certain period of time, and the operation to the operation unit is performed. When the data quality improvement recording operation is not permitted, the operation of improving the quality of the data recorded on the recording medium is not performed.
An in-vehicle image recording device characterized by this.

According to the in-vehicle image recording device having the configuration of (1) above, it is possible to record video data having a higher quality than usual for a certain period of time when the event is detected. As a result, it is possible to prevent recording of less important video with high quality, so that it is possible to record for a long time. In addition, it is possible to avoid recording high-importance video with low quality, which facilitates data analysis.
Further, according to the in-vehicle image recording device having the configuration of (1) above, when an event such as general dangerous driving that does not correspond to a trigger recording event such as when a traffic accident occurs is detected, or a danger is likely to be encountered. Even when a situation is detected, high-quality video can be recorded for a certain period of time.

(2) The recording control unit automatically selects the length of the fixed time according to the type of the event detected by the event detection unit.
The in-vehicle image recording device according to (1) above.

According to the in-vehicle image recording device having the configuration of (2) above, it is possible to optimize the length of time for recording with high quality for each type of the event. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the low-importance video from being recorded with high quality, and at the same time, it is possible to avoid recording the high-importance video with low quality.

( 3 ) The event detection unit has a function of detecting at least one event of near an intersection, back driving, lane deviation, sudden deceleration, insufficient inter-vehicle distance, and sharp turning.
The in-vehicle image recording device according to (1) or (2) above.

According to the in-vehicle image recording device having the configuration of ( 3 ) above, a highly important image can be detected by detecting any of the events of the vicinity of the intersection, back driving, lane deviation, sudden deceleration, insufficient inter-vehicle distance, and sharp turning. It is possible to record with high quality over a certain period of time. That is, even if the video is not triggered and recorded, the video that is likely to be useful for the analysis of a high-risk event can be recorded with high quality.

( 4 ) When the event detection unit detects the event, the recording control unit increases the frame rate of the image data to be recorded on the recording medium more than usual.
The in-vehicle image recording device according to any one of (1) to ( 3) above.

According to the in-vehicle image recording device having the configuration of (4 ) above, by increasing the frame rate of the image data to be recorded, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the change in the situation of the image in a shorter time at the time of data analysis. Analytical work becomes easier.

According to the in-vehicle image recording apparatus of the present invention, in a situation where the recordable data capacity is limited, it is possible to record important images with high quality and record data for a long time. That is, when an event is detected, it is possible to record video data of higher quality than usual for a certain period of time. As a result, it is possible to prevent recording of less important video with high quality, so that it is possible to record for a long time. In addition, it is possible to avoid recording high-importance video with low quality, which facilitates data analysis.

The present invention has been briefly described above. Further, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through the embodiments described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings. ..

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a drive recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of the characteristic operation of the drive recorder shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a specific operation example-1 of the drive recorder shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific operation example-2 of the drive recorder shown in FIG.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the respective figures.

<Configuration example of drive recorder 10>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the drive recorder 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the drive recorder 10 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the in-vehicle image recording device of the present invention. It is also possible to configure another on-board unit having a video data recording function similar to that of a drive recorder as the on-board image recording device of the present invention, such as a digital tachograph (operation recorder).

The drive recorder 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes a microphone 11, an image processing unit 12, a communication module 13, an interface (I / F) 14, 16, a GPS receiver 15, a clock circuit 17, a signal processing unit 18, and an acceleration sensor 19. , Memory (RAM) 21, card interface 22, memory card 23, audio signal processing unit 24, speaker 25, microphone 26, driver 27, display unit 28, and operation unit 29. Further, a plurality of vehicle-mounted cameras 31 and 32 are connected to the input of the image processing unit 12, an antenna 33 is connected to the communication module 13, and an antenna 34 is connected to the GPS receiver 15.

The microcomputer 11 operates according to a program built in in advance, and executes processing for realizing various functions required for the drive recorder 10. That is, the operations shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 are realized by the processing of the microcomputer 11.

The in-vehicle camera 31 is fixed on the vehicle so that, for example, a road surface, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, a landscape, etc. reflected in front of the own vehicle in the traveling direction can be photographed as a subject. Further, the in-vehicle camera 32 is fixed in the vehicle interior so that the state of the crew driving the own vehicle can be photographed in the vehicle interior, or is fixed on the vehicle so that the scenery behind the own vehicle can be photographed. .. The number of in-vehicle cameras connected to the drive recorder 10 may be one or may be increased to three or more.

The image processing unit 12 takes in the video signals output by each of the in-vehicle cameras 31 and 32, converts them into digital signals, and generates image data, for example, in frame units. The image data generated by the image processing unit 12 is input to the microcomputer 11.

Further, the image processing unit 12 can analyze the contents of each image frame and recognize each white line of the road in the image and the position of the own vehicle. Further, it is possible to output an alarm indicating the deviation from the lane of the own vehicle based on the positional relationship between each recognized white line and the own vehicle. Further, the image processing unit 12 can recognize an intersection on the road and an obstacle such as a person existing on the path of the road by analyzing the contents of each image frame.

The communication module 13 provides a wireless communication function for data communication with a server arranged in a data center or the like outside the vehicle via the antenna 33. The communication module 13 is connected to the microcomputer 11 via the interface 14.

The GPS receiver 15 receives radio waves from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites via the antenna 34, and performs a predetermined calculation based on the time of received signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, thereby performing the current state of the vehicle. You can get the latitude / longitude information that represents the position. The GPS receiver 15 is connected to the microcomputer 11 via the interface 16.

The clock circuit 17 constantly counts clock pulse signals having a constant period, and can output information on the current date and time as needed. The clock circuit 17 also has a timer function for counting the elapsed time and the like. By controlling the clock circuit 17, the microcomputer 11 can acquire information on the current date and time, and can acquire information such as elapsed time.

The signal processing unit 18 inputs the vehicle speed pulse signal SG1, the brake signal SG2, the winker signal SG3, and the back signal SG4 output from the vehicle side, and converts them into signals suitable for processing by the microcomputer 11.

Each pulse appearing in the vehicle speed pulse signal SG1 indicates, for example, that the output shaft of the transmission has rotated by a predetermined amount. Therefore, the microcomputer 11 can calculate the mileage and the traveling speed of the own vehicle based on the number of pulses and the pulse period of the vehicle speed pulse signal SG1.

The brake signal SG2 is a binary signal indicating on / off of the stop lamp. The winker signal SG3 is a binary signal indicating on / off of the operation of each of the left and right direction indicators (winkers). The back signal SG4 is a binary signal indicating whether or not the connection state of the transmission of the own vehicle is in the reverse state.

The acceleration sensor 19 is used to detect a very large acceleration in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction applied to the own vehicle in an abnormal situation such as a traffic accident.

The memory (RAM) 21 can freely write and read data by accessing the microcomputer 11. The storage area on the memory 21 is used to temporarily store various data.

The memory card 23 has a built-in non-volatile memory having a relatively large storage capacity. The memory card 23 can be connected to the microcomputer 11 by being installed in the slot of the card interface 22. The microcomputer 11 can sequentially write and record image data input from the image processing unit 12 and data such as audio input from the audio signal processing unit 24 on the memory card 23.

In the present embodiment, the frame rate (number of image frames / second) when the microcomputer 11 writes the image data to the memory card 23 can be selected from two or more types, depending on the situation. The microcomputer 11 automatically switches the frame rate. Increasing the frame rate enables high-quality image recording, and decreasing the frame rate enables long-term image recording.

The voice signal processing unit 24 has a voice output function for generating pseudo voice signals representing various messages related to guidance, alarms, etc., amplifying the signals, and outputting the signals as voice from the speaker 25. It also has a voice input function for converting an electric signal such as voice input from the microphone 26 into a digital signal and outputting it to the microcomputer 11.

The display unit 28 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and has a function of displaying visible information such as characters and numbers. The microcomputer 11 controls the display unit 28 via the driver 27, and can change the display content of the display unit 28 as needed.

The operation unit 29 has a built-in switch that turns on and off according to the operation state of each of the plurality of buttons that can be operated by the driver. By reading the state of each switch in the operation unit 29, the microcomputer 11 can identify the presence or absence of button operation and identify the operated button.

<Outline of characteristic operation of drive recorder 10>
FIG. 2 shows an outline of the characteristic operation of the drive recorder 10 shown in FIG. That is, the microcomputer 11 performs the control shown in FIG.

The drive recorder 10 can execute both the "constant recording mode" and the "trigger recording mode" in parallel. Further, in the "constant recording mode", two types of operations, "standard image quality recording operation" and "image quality improvement recording operation", can be used properly as needed. In addition, the user can determine in advance whether or not to allow the "image quality improvement recording operation" when a predetermined condition is satisfied by operating a button on the operation unit 29 or the like.

That is, by executing the constant image recording in step S11 shown in FIG. 2, the microcomputer 11 can perform the "standard definition image quality recording operation" in the "constant recording mode". In this "standard image quality recording operation", information mainly composed of image data of standard image quality is unconditionally and periodically written and saved in the memory card 23. In this standard image quality, as a typical example, image data of each in-vehicle camera 31 and 32 is recorded at a constant frame rate (5 [fps]) of 5 frames per second.

On the other hand, for example, when a traffic accident occurs, the amount of information is insufficient in the recording quality of the image data recorded in the "always recording mode". Therefore, a "trigger recording mode" is provided to record the image data required in such a case.

In the "trigger recording mode", for example, when the acceleration sensor 19 detects a large acceleration equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the trigger signal generated inside the microcomputer 11 causes high quality, for example, before and after that point, for about several tens of seconds. Image data is continuously recorded on the memory card 23. That is, when the trigger signal is generated, the microcomputer 11 proceeds from steps S12 to S13 in FIG. 2 to execute the trigger image recording.

However, since the above-mentioned trigger signal is not generated in a normal vehicle running state, the "trigger recording mode" is used only in a special case such as when a traffic accident occurs. Also, in the "trigger recording mode", the amount of data recorded by one trigger signal becomes very large, so if the "trigger recording mode" is used frequently, the storage area of the memory card 23 becomes empty immediately. It will disappear.

The drive recorder 10 shown in FIG. 1 can execute the above-mentioned "image quality improvement recording operation" in the "constant recording mode". In this "image quality improvement recording operation", the image of each in-vehicle camera 31 or 32 is of higher quality than the "standard image quality recording operation", for example, at a constant frame rate (10 [fps]) of 10 frames per second. The data is recorded on the memory card 23.

That is, when the microcomputer 11 detects a state indicating a request for the "image quality improvement recording operation", the microcomputer 11 proceeds from steps S14 to S15 in FIG. 2 to execute the "image quality improvement recording operation". Further, the length of time for executing this "image quality improvement recording operation" is a predetermined designated time. In addition, this designated time differs depending on the type of state, and an appropriate time is assigned to each type.

Here, for example, the following (C1) to (C6) are typical examples of a state representing a request for "image quality improvement recording operation".
(C1) When the own vehicle is traveling at an intersection on the road and the state of turning left of the own vehicle is detected.
(C2) When the own vehicle travels in the backward direction and detects the presence of a person in the traveling direction.
(C3) When an alarm for lane departure of the own vehicle is output.
(C4) When a sudden deceleration of the own vehicle is detected.
(C5) When it is detected that the distance between the own vehicles is insufficient.
(C6) When a sharp turn of the own vehicle is detected.

Therefore, even if it is not an abnormal situation such that a trigger signal is generated, for example, when any of the above conditions (C1) to (C6) is satisfied, the microcomputer 11 executes step S15, so that the designated time The image data is recorded on the memory card 23 in a state where the image quality is improved.

For example, when the operation of the own vehicle on the day is completed and the vehicle is in the warehousing state, or when the recording area of the memory card 23 is exhausted, the microcomputer 11 requests "recording end" in S16. Assuming that, the process of FIG. 2 is terminated. Therefore, the constant image recording in step S11 is also completed.

<Specific operation example-1>
A specific operation example-1 of the drive recorder 10 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure when the microcomputer 11 executes the “image quality improvement recording operation” in S15 in accordance with the request corresponding to the above condition (C1). The operation of FIG. 3 will be described below.

By repeatedly executing the constant image recording in step S21 of FIG. 3, the microcomputer 11 usually performs the "standard image quality recording operation" in the above "constant recording mode".

Further, for example, the microcomputer 11 detects in S22 that the own vehicle is traveling at an intersection on the road by using the result of image recognition by the image processing unit 12 based on the image taken by the in-vehicle camera 31 or 32. If so, the microcomputer 11 proceeds from S22 to S23 and refers to the current state of the winker signal SG3. Then, if the left turn signal signal SG3 is on, that is, the own vehicle is in a state of turning left, the microcomputer 11 proceeds from S23 to S24.

Further, if the "image quality improvement recording operation" is permitted by the user's preset setting, the microcomputer 11 proceeds from S24 to S25. In step S25, the microcomputer 11 executes the constant image recording operation in a state where the recording image quality is improved by increasing the frame rate from the standard image quality constant image recording operation in S21.

The constant image recording operation with improved image quality in step S25 continues until the microcomputer 11 detects in S26 that the designated time T1 has elapsed since the process in step S25 was started. Here, the designated time T1 is a constant assigned in advance with respect to the above condition (C1). That is, the expected time length from when the own vehicle turns left at the intersection to the end of the time zone in which an important image is likely to appear is selected by the microcomputer 11 as the designated time T1. Only during the time period, the constant image recording operation with improved image quality is executed in S25.

<Specific operation example-2>
A specific operation example-2 of the drive recorder 10 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 4 shows a processing procedure when the microcomputer 11 executes the “image quality improvement recording operation” in S15 in accordance with the request corresponding to the above condition (C2). The operation of FIG. 4 will be described below.

By repeatedly executing the constant image recording in step S31 of FIG. 4, the microcomputer 11 usually performs the "standard image quality recording operation" in the above "constant recording mode".

Further, when the microcomputer 11 detects in S32 the state in which the own vehicle is traveling in the back direction by referring to the state of the back signal SG4, the process proceeds to the process of S33. Then, for example, using the result of image recognition by the image processing unit 12 based on the image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 32, the microcomputer 11 identifies whether or not a person exists in the traveling direction (rear) of the own vehicle. When the presence of a person is detected, the process proceeds to S34.

Further, if the "image quality improvement recording operation" is permitted by the user's preset setting, the microcomputer 11 proceeds from S34 to S35. In step S35, the microcomputer 11 executes the constant image recording operation in a state where the recording image quality is improved by increasing the frame rate from the standard image quality constant image recording operation in S31.

The constant image recording operation with improved image quality in step S35 continues until the microcomputer 11 detects in S36 that the designated time T2 has elapsed since the process in step S35 was started. Here, the designated time T2 is a constant assigned in advance with respect to the above condition (C2). That is, the expected time length from the detection that the own vehicle is traveling in the back direction and the presence of a person in the traveling direction to the end of the time zone in which an important image is likely to appear is micro. The computer 11 selects the designated time T2, and only during this time period, the constant image recording operation with improved image quality is executed in S35.

<Specific operation example-3>
Although not shown, when the microcomputer 11 executes the “image quality improvement recording operation” in S15 in accordance with the requirements corresponding to the above conditions (C3) to (C6), the procedure is the same as in FIGS. 3 and 4. The process is executed at.

For example, when the image processing unit 12 outputs a lane deviation warning of the own vehicle, the microcomputer 11 considers it as a request corresponding to the above condition (C3), and "image quality improvement recording operation" only during the designated time T3. Is executed. It is desirable to allocate a relatively short time length for this designated time T3. For example, if the driver forgets to perform the direction instruction operation and executes a lane change of the own vehicle, a lane deviation warning is output even though the driver is not actually in the "lane deviation". In addition, the time zone in which important images may appear after the occurrence of "lane deviation" is relatively short. Therefore, the designated time T3 is set to, for example, 15 seconds.

Further, when the microcomputer 11 monitors the brake signal SG2 and the change in the vehicle speed and detects a request corresponding to the above condition (C4), the "image quality improvement recording operation" is executed only during the designated time T4. do.

In a situation where the own vehicle suddenly decelerates, it is highly likely that an important safety event that the driver feels like "hearing, hat" has occurred, so the above condition (C4) is applicable. It is desirable that the designated time T4 of the request to be made is relatively long. Therefore, the designated time T4 is set to, for example, 30 seconds.

Further, when the image processing unit 12 outputs an alarm of insufficient inter-vehicle distance of the own vehicle, the microcomputer 11 considers it as a request corresponding to the above condition (C5), and "image quality improvement record" only during the designated time T5. Perform "action". Regarding the designated time T5, the designated time T3 is set to, for example, 30 seconds because the state of insufficient inter-vehicle distance may continue for a certain period of time. The inter-vehicle distance at which the warning is output is set according to the vehicle speed. Instead of the image processing unit 12, an in-vehicle radar (not shown) for measuring the inter-vehicle distance may output an alarm of insufficient inter-vehicle distance.

Further, when the acceleration sensor 19 outputs an alarm for a sharp turn of the own vehicle, the microcomputer 11 considers it as a request corresponding to the above condition (C6), and "image quality improvement recording operation" only during the designated time T6. To execute. The acceleration sensor 19 warns when the left-right acceleration applied to the own vehicle exceeds a predetermined value and is smaller than the left-right acceleration (trigger recording mode threshold) detected in an abnormal situation such as a traffic accident. Is output. With respect to this designated time T6, since the time for which the turning continues is generally short, it is desirable to allocate a relatively short time length. Therefore, the designated time T6 is set to, for example, 15 seconds.

It is assumed that each of the designated times T1 to T6 is incorporated in advance as a constant in the program of the microcomputer 11 or registered in advance in a constant table that can be referred to by the microcomputer 11. .. As a result, the microcomputer 11 can select an appropriate designated time for each of the above conditions (C1) to (C6) in step S15 of FIG.

<Advantages of drive recorder 10>
The drive recorder 10 that executes the operation shown in FIG. 2 can record image data on the memory card 23 in both the “constant recording mode” and the “trigger recording mode”. Further, in the "constant recording mode", two types of operations, "standard image quality recording operation" and "image quality improvement recording operation", can be automatically selected according to the situation according to the event detected by the microcomputer 11. Therefore, even in a general operating condition of a vehicle in which a trigger signal is not generated, a highly important image can be recorded on the memory card 23 in a state where the image quality is improved. Further, since the image data is recorded in a state where the image quality is improved only for an appropriate specified time (T1 to T6) according to the type of the detected event (C1 to C6), that is, the magnitude of the expected importance, the image data is recorded. The consumption of the recording area on the memory card 23 can be suppressed. Therefore, high-quality image recording that facilitates data analysis and long-term image recording can be realized at the same time.

<Possibility of deformation other than the above>
In step S15 of FIG. 2, it is assumed that the quality of the recorded data is improved by changing the frame rate of the image data to be recorded, but the quality can be adjusted by other methods. For example, the image quality and the data capacity per unit time can be changed by changing the difference in the number of pixels constituting each image frame, the compression rate when compressing the image data, and the like. The number of in-vehicle cameras used and the shooting direction of each camera may be changed as appropriate according to the application.

Here, the features of the in-vehicle image recording apparatus according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention are briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [5], respectively.
[1] A vehicle that constantly or periodically records video data taken by one or more imaging units (vehicle-mounted cameras 31 and 32) that image the inside or outside of a vehicle on a predetermined recording medium (memory card 23). It is an image recording device (drive recorder 10) and
An event detection unit (microcomputer 11, S14) that detects the occurrence of a predetermined and highly important event in the vehicle, and
When the event detection unit detects the event, the recording control unit (microcomputer 11, S15) that improves the quality of the data recorded on the recording medium for a certain period of time more than usual.
An in-vehicle image recording device characterized by being equipped with.

[2] The recording control unit automatically selects the length of the fixed time according to the type of the event detected by the event detection unit.
The in-vehicle image recording device according to the above [1].

[3] A trigger detection unit (microcomputer 11, S12) for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined trigger recording event to be recorded in the vehicle is provided.
When the trigger detection unit detects the trigger recording event, the recording control unit executes a predetermined trigger recording operation (S13), and the trigger detection unit does not detect the trigger recording event, and before When the event detection unit detects the event, the quality of the data recorded on the recording medium is improved more than usual for a certain period of time (S15).
The in-vehicle image recording device according to the above [1] or [2].

[4] The event detection unit has a function (S22, S23, S32, S33) of detecting at least one event of near an intersection, back driving, lane deviation, sudden deceleration, insufficient inter-vehicle distance, and sharp turning.
The vehicle-mounted image recording device according to any one of the above [1] to [3].

[5] When the event detection unit detects the event, the recording control unit raises the frame rate of the image data to be recorded on the recording medium more than usual (S25, S35).
The vehicle-mounted image recording device according to any one of the above [1] to [4].

10 Drive recorder 11 Microcomputer 12 Image processing unit 13 Communication module 14, 16 interface 15 GPS receiver 17 Clock circuit 18 Signal processing unit 19 Acceleration sensor 21 Memory 22 Card interface 23 Memory card 24 Voice signal processing unit 25 Speaker 26 Microphone 27 Driver 28 Display unit 29 Operation unit 31, 32 In-vehicle camera 33, 34 Interface SG1 Vehicle speed pulse signal SG2 Brake signal SG3 Winker signal SG4 Back signal

Claims (4)

An in-vehicle image recording device that constantly or periodically records image data taken by one or more imaging units that image the inside or outside of a vehicle on a predetermined recording medium.
An event detection unit that detects the occurrence of a predetermined and highly important event in the vehicle, and
When the event detection unit detects the event, the recording control unit that improves the quality of the data recorded on the recording medium for a certain period of time more than usual.
A trigger detection unit that detects the occurrence of a predetermined trigger recording event to be recorded in the vehicle, and
With
The event detection unit, as the event,
Event which the vehicle is left turn and the vehicle travels an intersection of roads, or to detect an event that the vehicle is present a person in the traveling direction of and the own vehicle travels in the backward direction,
When the trigger detection unit detects the trigger recording event, the recording control unit executes a predetermined trigger recording operation.
The recording control unit determines whether or not to allow the data quality improvement recording operation when the trigger detection unit does not detect the trigger recording event and the event detection unit detects the event. When the data quality improvement recording operation is permitted by the operation to the operation unit, the operation to improve the quality of the data to be recorded on the recording medium is performed for a certain period of time, and the operation to the operation unit is performed. When the data quality improvement recording operation is not permitted, the operation of improving the quality of the data recorded on the recording medium is not performed.
An in-vehicle image recording device characterized by this. The recording control unit automatically selects the length of the fixed time according to the type of the event detected by the event detection unit.
The vehicle-mounted image recording device according to claim 1. The event detection unit has a function of detecting at least one event of near an intersection, back travel, lane deviation, sudden deceleration, insufficient inter-vehicle distance, and sharp turn.
The vehicle-mounted image recording device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the in-vehicle image recording device is characterized by the above. When the event detection unit detects the event, the recording control unit increases the frame rate of the image data recorded on the recording medium more than usual.
The vehicle-mounted image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the in-vehicle image recording device is characterized.

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