JP7217553B2 - In-vehicle equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to onboard equipment having a camera.

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, an increasing number of vehicles are equipped with in-vehicle devices (for example, drive recorders) capable of recording images before and after an automobile accident occurs. Such in-vehicle equipment is generally equipped with a camera that has a video shooting function (some have a still image continuous shooting function). is often attached to the inside of the windshield of the windshield (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Here, when the on-vehicle device is mounted inside the windshield of the vehicle, the mounting position of the on-vehicle device with respect to the windshield is regulated by safety standards for road transportation vehicles and the like. For example, the in-vehicle device must be installed within a range of 20% in the vertical direction from the top edge of the windshield of the vehicle.

JP 2010-105530 A

On the other hand, when installing the in-vehicle device in the above range, it is preferable to install it in a place that does not interfere with the driver's field of vision as much as possible. A preferred location for such attachment is, for example, the space between the rear side of the rearview mirror and the windshield. However, depending on the type of vehicle, an impermeable black ceramic coating is applied to the rear side of the rearview mirror, which is the center of the windshield in the horizontal direction and the area behind the rearview mirror in the vertical direction. There is Therefore, when a conventional drive recorder is attached to the black ceramic paint part, the camera faces the black ceramic paint part, so the front of the vehicle, which is the direction you originally want to shoot, is blocked by the black ceramic paint part. I have a problem that I can't.

Also, in order to avoid the black ceramic paint part, if the in-vehicle equipment is installed on either side of the black ceramic paint part, the sun visor will be positioned on both sides of the black ceramic paint part when using the sun visor. Since there is a sun visor area, when using the sun visor, there is a risk that on-vehicle equipment will interfere with the sun visor, making it impossible to use the sun visor effectively. Furthermore, if the in-vehicle device is installed with a shift so as to avoid the sun visor area, it may fall out of the wiping area of the wiper, making it impossible to photograph the outside of the vehicle on a rainy day.

As described above, when an in-vehicle device equipped with a camera such as a conventional drive recorder is to be installed in a suitable location in a vehicle, there may be obstacles such as accessories in the desired photographing direction, or it may be difficult to install in rainy weather. In some cases, the shooting condition deteriorates. As a result, it may be difficult to take a picture or the desired image may not be obtained from the camera. On the other hand, there is a problem that the installation location where the desired image can be obtained satisfactorily is a location where installation is prohibited, or a location where installation may interfere with the use of the equipment. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an in-vehicle device having a camera, which is capable of suitably taking pictures even when it is installed in an unsuitable area, which is an area suitable for installation but not suitable for taking pictures. aim.

(1) An in-vehicle device that includes an imaging unit and an attachment unit that can be attached to a vehicle, and has an incidence unit that allows light to enter the imaging unit. and a variable arm capable of changing the position and orientation of the incident part so that the incident position of the incident part can avoid the inappropriate area after the attachment part is attached to the inappropriate area. do.

According to this, even if the attachment part is attached to the inappropriate area, the variable arm is deformed to change the position and direction of the incident part so that the incident part is positioned at a place that avoids the inappropriate area and the image is captured by the imaging part. It can be performed. In particular, it is preferable that the mounting portion is attached to the windshield. In this way, even if the attachment to the windshield fails, it is not necessary to attach the mounting portion again by adjusting the position and orientation of the incident portion with the variable arm.

The incident part is a part for allowing light to enter the imaging part such as an imaging device, and is preferably arranged in front of the imaging part in the incident direction of light, and more preferably at the tip of the variable arm. Further, an optical member such as a lens for forming an image of light may be arranged at the incident portion. Although the imaging section may be provided on the base end side of the variable arm, it is more preferable to provide it on the distal end side.

As for the incident position of the incident part, when the incident part is directed in a shooting direction that allows shooting of the desired shooting target (when trying to set the incident position), there is no obstacle reflected in the imaging part in that shooting direction. For example, an area (hereinafter referred to as an "appropriate area") having fewer elements that hinder imaging of the imaging target than the unsuitable area may be selected. For example, when photographing the front of the vehicle from inside the vehicle, the appropriate area may be the area around the black cera-painted portion of the windshield, or the area adjacent to the A-pillar within the wiper wiping area of the windshield.

An unsuitable area is a location that satisfies the safety standards for road transportation vehicles and does not interfere with the driver's field of vision or onboard equipment. An area in which an obstacle that is reflected in the imaging unit in the imaging direction exists and an element that hinders imaging of the imaging target is preferably set as an area. Elements that impede the shooting of the subject do not always exist, such as a place that is outside the wiper wiping area and it becomes impossible to shoot the outside of the vehicle on a rainy day. It is preferable that this occurs on rainy days. Examples of unsuitable areas include, for example, when photographing the front of the vehicle from inside the vehicle, from the always-present black ceramic painted part of the windshield, the A pillar, the ceiling, the sun visor area, and the wiper wiping area that appears on rainy days It is good to set it as a remote place.

In this way, the unsuitable area is suitable for attachment, but if it is directly attached, there are impermeable obstacles, etc. in the imaging direction of the imaging unit. It should be a place where it cannot be done. As avoidable, in particular, it is preferable to be able to reduce the factors that hinder the imaging of the imaging target. In addition, the appropriate area is preferably an area in which the area outside the vehicle can be seen through from inside the vehicle, and there is a high possibility that it will become an unsuitable area due to changes in the environment in which the vehicle is placed, such as weather conditions. It is better to set it as an area that avoids places.

In addition, as places not suitable for installation, for example, both sides of the rearview mirror and the sun visor area when the sun visor is lowered may be used. If installed on both sides of the rearview mirror, it may interfere with the driver's view, and if installed in the sun visor area, it may interfere with the use of the sun visor. These should be places that are suitable for photographing by the imaging unit but not suitable for mounting.

The attachment portion is preferably configured to be attachable to the inappropriate area. In this way, the mounting portion is attached to an inappropriate area suitable for attachment, and the variable arm is deformed to change the position and direction of the incident portion, thereby positioning the incident portion at a location that avoids the inappropriate area unsuitable for photographing. be able to. Attachment means for attaching the attachment portion to the inappropriate area includes an adhesive member such as an adsorption member, a double-sided tape, a clamping member such as a clip, and an engaging member such as a hook.

Moreover, it is preferable that the attachment portion is configured to be attachable to the inappropriate region and also configured to be attachable to the appropriate region. In this way, when the attachment part is attached to the inappropriate area, the incident part can be positioned at a place avoiding the inappropriate area, and when the attachment part is attached to the appropriate area, the variable arm can be used to position the incident part. and orientation can be easily adjusted.

Further, the attachment portion may be configured to be difficult to remove once attached. In such a configuration, if the attachment fails (for example, if the attachment position or orientation is misaligned), it is difficult to remove, making it difficult to readjust the position and orientation of the entrance section. However, in this way, even if the installation of the mounting part fails, the position and direction of the incident part can be adjusted by the variable arm, so it is easy to readjust the position and direction of the incident part without removing the mounting part. Become. As such a configuration, it is preferable to use a material that makes it difficult to reattach (for example, reattach) the attachment portion, such as a double-sided tape.

As the variable arm, for example, a flexible arm that can be freely bent in any direction, a movable part that can change the direction of the incident part, a moving part that can move the position of the incident part, etc. A joint arm or the like made of a member may be used. The movable portion of the joint arm may be, for example, a ball joint or a rotating shaft. In particular, by using a ball joint, it becomes possible to freely change the rotational direction of the incident portion, and fine positional adjustment can be performed. In addition, it is particularly preferable to use a stretchable member as the moving portion.

It is preferable that the variable arm can be directly attached to the vehicle using the base end portion as the attachment portion. In this case, the base end of the variable arm should be attachable to the inappropriate area. Further, it is more preferable to interpose an intermediate member such as a housing between the mounting portion and the variable arm. The intermediate member may be integrated with or separate from the mounting portion. Also in this case, it is preferable to attach the attachment portion to the inappropriate area.

(2) The variable arm has a length that allows the incident position of the incidence section to be avoided from the inappropriate area when the attachment section is attached to the inappropriate area.

In this way, when the attachment portion is attached to the inappropriate area, the position and orientation of the incident portion can be reliably positioned in the appropriate area.

Note that the avoidable length is preferably a length that allows the light incident portion to avoid obstacles and the like and allow light to enter. For example, using a variable arm that is longer than the longitudinal length of the obstacles that make up the unsuitable area, such as the black ceramic painted part and the rearview mirror, it is possible to avoid the incident part from the unsuitable area regardless of where it is installed in the unsuitable area. It's good because it's expensive.

However, in doing so, the length of the variable arm becomes long, and there is a possibility that the variable arm may interfere with the equipment of the vehicle. Therefore, when the attachment portion is attached to the inappropriate area where the attachment portion can be most reliably attached to the vehicle, the length should be such that the inappropriate area where the attachment portion is attached can be avoided. For example, when the mounting member is attached to the center of the unsuitable area, the variable arm is configured such that the light incident portion exceeds the farthest outer circumference from the center of the unsuitable area (for example, the outer circumference farthest from the mounting position). be the length that allows the incidence. Also, the variable arm may have a length that allows light to enter beyond the outer periphery of the inappropriate area in the direction in which the variable arm extends when the mounting portion is attached.

(3) The variable arm is bent to adjust the position and orientation of the incidence section.

In this way, the position and orientation of the incidence section can be easily adjusted. In particular, when the variable arm extends along the inappropriate area or extends from the inappropriate area toward the appropriate area, the bending amount of the variable arm with respect to the extending direction can be within ±90 degrees. . For example, when photographing the front of the vehicle, it is bent forward within 90 degrees with respect to the extension direction, and when photographing the inside of the vehicle, it is photographed when it is bent backward within 90 degrees with respect to the extension direction. be able to. Therefore, the load acting on the bent portion of the variable arm can be reduced. The variable arm may, for example, be configured to be able to adjust the position and orientation of the incident portion by bending, but it is particularly preferable to use a flexible arm configured to bend at any point.

(4) An intermediate member interposed between the mounting portion and the variable arm is provided, and the variable arm extends from the intermediate member along the inappropriate region to which the mounting portion is attached. Characterized by

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the variable arm from becoming unnecessarily long. For example, if the variable arm extends in the normal direction of the mounting portion, and the mounting portion is mounted in an inappropriate area, it is necessary to fold back the variable arm to adjust the position of the incident portion. , the variable arm does not need to be folded back, and it is possible to prevent the length of the variable arm from becoming unnecessarily long.

In addition, the intermediate member may be configured so as not to protrude from the inappropriate area when the attachment portion is attached to the inappropriate area. In particular, the size should be such that it does not protrude from the inappropriate area. Also, the intermediate member may be composed of a plurality of members. In particular, it may be one or two members. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the image will protrude from the inappropriate area. Further, the intermediate member may be separate from the member having the mounting portion, but it is particularly preferable to integrate the intermediate member with the member having the mounting portion. In this way, it can be made less conspicuous.

(5) The variable arm is characterized by extending from the intermediate member so as to extend from the unsuitable area to which the mounting portion is attached toward a suitable area that is not the unsuitable area.

In this way, the route from the inappropriate area to the appropriate area can be shortened, and unnecessary lengthening of the variable arm can be suppressed.

(6) The variable arm is attached to the intermediate member so that the variable arm extends in a direction intersecting the normal direction of the attachment portion.

With this configuration, the variable arm can be extended substantially parallel to the mounting surface, and the length of the variable arm can be shortened. In order to attach the variable arm in this way, it is preferable to form the intermediate member in the shape of a box, or to use a member having an attachment wall erected in the normal direction of the attachment portion.

(7) The variable arm is attached at a position offset in a direction away from the attachment portion from a central portion of the intermediate member in the normal direction of the attachment portion.

In this way, the front area for bending the variable arm can be increased. Therefore, the variable arm can be easily bent forward. This makes it possible to more easily position the incident portion in an appropriate area. Further, when the variable arm is bent, the incident portion can be positioned further forward than the connection position, so there is no need to once bend the variable arm backward and then bend it forward. As a result, the load acting on the variable arm can be reduced. The offset distance should be as far back (in the direction away from the mounting portion) as possible, and it is even better if the incident portion can be positioned in an appropriate area without once bending the variable arm backward. .

(8) The variable arm is detachably attached to the intermediate member.

This facilitates maintenance such as replacement of the variable arm. In addition, variable arms having different lengths can be easily replaced, and variable arms having suitable lengths corresponding to the movement positions can be connected.

(9) At least part of the intermediate member is formed in a box shape.

This makes it easier to hold the intermediate member. This facilitates handling when attaching the attachment portion. In addition, when the mounting portion and the intermediate member are integrated, the mounting surface can be enlarged, and the mountability can be improved. The intermediate member includes a mounting plate having a mounting portion, a body mounting arm extending from the mounting plate, and a box-shaped member located on the other end side of the body mounting arm. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the variable arm is extended. Further, it is particularly preferable to provide a mounting portion on one side of the box-shaped member itself and extend the variable arm from the other side of the box-shaped member.

(10) At least part of the intermediate member is formed so as to accommodate an electronic component.

In this way, the weight of the variable arm and the imaging section can be reduced by housing some of the electronic components originally housed in the variable arm and the electronic parts mounted in the imaging section or the like in the intermediate member. . In particular, as the electronic parts housed in the intermediate member, it is preferable to use electronic parts used for an imaging unit, wireless communication, etc., a recording medium for recording images, and the like. The intermediate member includes a mounting plate having a mounting portion, a body mounting arm extending from the mounting plate, and a box-shaped member located on the other end side of the body mounting arm. It is preferable that the electronic component is accommodated and the variable arm is extended from the box-shaped member. Also, it is particularly preferable to provide a mounting portion on one side of the box-shaped member itself to accommodate the electronic component in the box-shaped member and extend the variable arm from the other side of the box-shaped member.

(11) The intermediate member has a connected portion to which the variable arm can be connected on a surface that intersects with the mounting portion.

In this way, the variable arm can be attached to the plane intersecting with the attachment portion of the intermediate member. Therefore, the variable arm can be easily extended along the inappropriate area. This makes it possible to prevent the length of the variable arm from becoming unnecessarily long.

(12) The intermediate member has a plurality of connected portions to which the variable arms can be connected.

By doing so, it becomes possible to connect a plurality of variable arms. In addition, it becomes possible to easily change the connection position of the variable arm and to select a suitable connection position of the variable arm according to the mounting position of the mounting portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the variable arm from becoming unnecessarily long by selecting a necessary connection position.

(13) The intermediate member has a monitor capable of displaying an image captured by the imaging section.

With this arrangement, the position and orientation of the incident portion can be adjusted while watching the image displayed on the monitor of the intermediate member. Therefore, it becomes easy to adjust the position and direction of the incident portion by the variable arm. In addition, it is possible to check images before and after the occurrence of an accident, scenery during driving, and the like on the spot, thereby improving the convenience and playfulness of the in-vehicle equipment.

(14) A monitor display direction setting unit capable of setting a vertical direction of an image displayed on the monitor is provided.

With this configuration, when the monitor is provided on the intermediate member, the vertical direction of the image displayed on the monitor as seen from the driver may change depending on the orientation of the intermediate member or the imaging unit. By setting the vertical direction of the video in the setting section, it is possible to prevent the vertical direction of the video displayed on the monitor from being changed.

(15) A monitor display direction fixing unit is provided for fixing the vertical direction of the image set by the monitor display direction setting unit as the vertical direction of the imaging unit after the mounting unit is attached.

By doing so, it is possible to shoot an image corresponding to the behavior of the vehicle. For example, when an accident or the like occurs after setting the vertical direction of the image by the monitor display direction setting unit, if the image is rotated due to the rollover of the vehicle, the image can also be recorded as if rotated.

(16) The variable arm is formed so that a cable can be inserted therein.

By doing so, it is possible to eliminate the exposure of cables such as electric wires and optical fibers that connect the imaging unit and electronic components. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cable or the like from unnecessarily obstructing the driver's field of vision. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the safety, and at the same time, it is possible to improve the visual effects such as a better appearance.

(17) The variable arm is configured such that the distal end portion can be freely bent around the proximal end portion so as to be movable in any direction.

By doing so, the degree of freedom in the movable direction in the movable region of the variable arm can be increased. Therefore, for example, when the incident part is attached to the distal end and the base end is connected to the attaching part, the variable arm can be freely bent in any direction, so the position and direction of the incident part can be finely adjusted. become. As a result, the incidence section can be moved to any position desired by the driver within the reach of the variable arm. For example, the layout of the incidence section can be finely adjusted to suit the driver's preference. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the shooting range in the shooting direction in which the desired shooting target exists is blocked by an obstacle or the like, and the shooting target cannot be shot.

As a variable arm having such a configuration, for example, a flexible arm configured to be freely bendable in any direction by connecting a plurality of parts in a rotatable manner, or a bellows configured to be freely extendable and bendable. A bellows shaped arm or the like may be used.

(18) The variable arm is configured to change its shape according to the applied force when a force greater than a predetermined force acts, and to maintain its shape when a force equal to or less than the predetermined force acts. It is characterized by being

In this way, the position and orientation of the incident portion are maintained under conditions where only a force less than the predetermined force is applied, whereas the position and orientation of the incident portion are maintained when a force greater than the predetermined force is applied. can be changed. In particular, the force less than or equal to the predetermined force may be the force generated by vehicle vibration or the like.

For example, when a force less than the force generated by the vibration of the vehicle acts on the variable arm, it maintains its shape (for example, posture), but the driver's hand, etc., exerts a force greater than the force generated by the vibration of the vehicle. A predetermined force may be set such that when a force is applied to the variable arm, the variable arm bends in the direction of the applied force. In this way, the driver can manually change the shape of the variable arm to adjust the position of the incident part only when the position of the incident part needs to be adjusted, and the shape of the incident part can be changed while the vehicle is running. It is possible to shoot the running state etc. In addition, since the shape of the variable arm does not change even if a force caused by vehicle vibration or the like acts after the position of the incident part is adjusted, there is no need to separately provide a member for fixing the incident part after position adjustment. Furthermore, once adjusted, there is no need to adjust the incident position each time. The variable arm may be deformed by applying a force greater than a predetermined force from the inside of the hollow variable arm in addition to the external force applied by the driver's hand.

(19) The variable arm is characterized by having irradiation means capable of irradiating the front of the incidence section.

In this way, when the light quantity is insufficient when photographing the interior of the vehicle with the imaging unit, the light quantity can be added by irradiating the subject. Also, by transforming the variable arm, it can be used as a spotlight when looking or looking for something in the car.

For example, the configurations (1) to (19) described above may be used singly or in arbitrary combination to form a device. Also, the constituent elements described in each of items (1) to (19) may be combined arbitrarily to form a device.

According to the present invention, in an in-vehicle device having an imaging unit, by deforming the variable arm to adjust the position and orientation of the incident portion, even when the device is mounted in an unsuitable area suitable for mounting but not suitable for photographing. , the object to be photographed can be suitably photographed.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a drive recorder according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a drive recorder is attached to a black ceramic coated portion of a windshield of a vehicle; FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive recorder according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a drive recorder according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a drive recorder according to a second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive recorder according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a drive recorder according to a third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the drive recorder according to the third embodiment is attached to the rear surface of the rearview mirror; FIG. 12 is a six-sided view showing an example of the appearance of an integrated device according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which a flexible arm is pulled out from the integrated device according to the fourth embodiment;

An in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The in-vehicle device according to the present embodiment is suitable for attachment, but has a variable arm that enables imaging of an imaging target even when it is attached to an unsuitable area for imaging of the imaging target. In the following embodiments, as an example of such in-vehicle equipment, a drive recorder (first to third embodiments) having a flexible camera unit with a CCD camera attached to its tip (first to third embodiments), and An integrated device (fourth embodiment) having the described drive recorder function and navigation function will be used for explanation.

<First embodiment>
A drive recorder 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, as an example of an unsuitable area for photographing the area in front of the vehicle 100 from the interior of the vehicle, the black ceramic coated portion of the windshield 101 in front of the interior of the vehicle 100 is used. A case where the drive recorder 1 is attached to 102 will be described. First, the schematic configuration of the drive recorder 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive recorder 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2(a) is a front view schematically showing the drive recorder 1, (b) is a right side view, and (c) is a top view. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive recorder 1 includes a drive recorder main body (hereinafter referred to as a "drive recorder main body") 2 for capturing an image and recording the captured video, and a drive recorder main body 2 mounted on the windshield of a vehicle 100. 101 and a bracket 3 for attaching to the black ceramic coated portion 102 (see FIG. 4).

The drive recorder main body 2 includes a housing 20 capable of accommodating electronic components such as various sensors therein, a flexible camera unit (hereinafter simply referred to as "camera unit") 4 capable of photographing an object to be photographed, and a control unit (see FIG. 3). ) 5 and

The housing 20 has a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (approximately 100 mm (longitudinal direction) × approximately 80 mm (lateral direction) × approximately 20 mm) so as not to protrude from the black ceramic painted portion 102 when attached to the black ceramic painted portion 102 . (depth direction)). Further, the housing 20 includes a rectangular display panel 21 capable of displaying an image captured by the camera unit 4, an SD slot 22 into which an SD card 200 can be inserted, and a plurality of camera connections to which the camera unit 4 can be connected. Terminals 23a to 23d, a first connection terminal 24 to which a cigar plug cord can be connected to receive power supply from the vehicle 100, and a second connection terminal 25 to which a personal computer or the like can be connected.

The display panel 21 is provided on the front surface of the housing 20 and is composed of a liquid crystal panel (approximately 3 inches). The SD slot 22 is located on one side W1 in the longitudinal direction (direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the display panel 21) W of the housing 20, and is provided on the first side surface substantially orthogonal to the front surface. The drive recorder body 2 inserts the SD card 200 into the SD slot 22 and records the photographed video on the inserted SD card 200 so that the photographed video can be easily taken out. The camera connection terminals 23a to 23d are positioned on the first side surface of the housing 20 and the other side W2 in the longitudinal direction W of the housing 20, the second side surface substantially orthogonal to the front surface, and the short side direction of the housing 20 (display Positioned on one side H1 in the direction (substantially parallel to the short direction of the panel 21) H, positioned on a third side surface substantially orthogonal to the front surface and on the other side H2, and provided on a fourth side surface substantially orthogonal to the front surface It is formed at a position offset to the front side (front side) D1 from the center in the depth direction (direction substantially parallel to the thickness direction of the display panel) D of the housing 20 .

The first connection terminal 24 is provided on the second side surface of the housing 20 . By connecting a cigar plug cord to the first connection terminal 24 , the drive recorder main body 2 is turned on/off in conjunction with the key operation of the vehicle 100 . The second connection terminal 25 is provided on the second side surface of the housing 20 . The drive recorder main body 2 is connected to a personal computer or the like via the second connection terminal 25 so that the software can be upgraded.

The camera unit 4 includes a flexible arm 40 that can be freely bent and deformed in any direction, and a CCD camera 41 capable of photographing an object to be photographed. The flexible arm 40 has a CCD camera 41 attached to its distal end 40a and a proximal end 40b connectable to a plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d of the housing 20. As shown in FIG. The flexible arm 40 connects the base end 40b to one of the plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, and then bends and deforms the flexible arm 40 so that the CCD camera 41 attached to the tip can be freely moved with respect to the housing 20. can be moved relative to The flexible arm 40 according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of members so as to be relatively angularly deformable. You can do it. That is, the amount of bending deformation can be increased.

In addition, the flexible arm 40 has such rigidity that it deforms according to the applied force when a force greater than a predetermined force acts thereon, and maintains its shape when a force less than the predetermined force acts thereon. For example, the flexible arm 40 deforms when the driver tries to bend it by hand, but maintains its shape even when a force due to vibration of the vehicle 100 or the like acts. In other words, the flexible arm 40 deforms when an artificial force acts on it, and maintains its shape when a force based on the normal operation of the vehicle 100 acts on it. Therefore, when the driver deforms the flexible arm 40, the shape is maintained until the driver deforms the flexible arm 40 next time.

Further, the flexible arm 40 has a length that allows the CCD camera 41 to avoid the black ceramic painted portion 102 and take an image of the outside of the vehicle when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic painted portion 102 . ing. For example, the flexible arm 40 is preferably longer than the maximum length of the black ceramic coated portion 102 . In this way, the flexible arm 40 can take a posture that allows the CCD camera 41 to avoid the black ceramic coating 102 and photograph the outside of the vehicle regardless of where the drive recorder 1 is mounted on the black ceramic coating 102 . Very likely. Further, it is preferable that the flexible arm 40 has a length that allows the CCD camera 41 to pass over the outer peripheral portion of the black ceramic coated portion 102 farthest from the mounting position where the drive recorder 1 can be reliably mounted and take a posture that allows the CCD camera 41 to photograph the outside of the vehicle. . By doing so, it is possible to prevent the flexible arm 40 from becoming unnecessarily long.

In this embodiment, when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the substantially central portion of the black ceramic coated portion 102, the flexible arm 40 allows the CCD camera 41 to pass over the outer peripheral portion of the black ceramic coated portion 102 which is farthest from the substantially central portion. It is long enough to take a posture that allows you to shoot outside the vehicle. By doing so, it is possible to further prevent the flexible arm 40 from becoming unnecessarily long.

Specifically, when the above-described housing 20 is attached to the substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the black ceramic coated portion 102 having a length of 200 mm in the longitudinal direction and a length of 150 mm in the lateral direction, the first In order to allow a CCD camera 41 attached to the tip of a flexible arm 40 connected to a camera connection terminal 23a on one side to photograph the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle beyond the outer peripheral portion of the black ceramic coating 102 on one side in the longitudinal direction. , the distance from the end of one side W1 in the longitudinal direction W of the housing 20 to the end of the one side in the longitudinal direction of the black ceramic coated portion 102 is 50 mm. By using , the outside of the vehicle can be satisfactorily photographed. By selecting and connecting a plurality of flexible arms having different lengths, it is possible to prevent the flexible arms from being unnecessarily long.

The structure of the flexible arm 40 is not particularly limited as long as it is a flexible arm that can be bent and deformed anywhere. Also, as for the CCD camera 41, a general CCD camera can be used, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Further, photographed data photographed by the CCD camera 41 is transmitted to a memory (see FIG. 3) 53 or the like arranged inside the housing 20 via a cable (not shown) inserted through the inside of the flexible arm 40. It has become so.

The control unit 5 is composed of a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the overall operation of the drive recorder 1 . For example, the control unit 5 causes the memory 53 to cyclically temporarily store images (including continuously shot images) shot by the camera unit 4 together with time data, Based on the detection signal, the captured video (including continuously captured images) is stored in the SD card 200 . Regarding the control of the drive recorder 1 (operation of the drive recorder 1) by the control unit 5 when storing images (including continuously shot images) shot based on detection signals from detection sensors such as the G sensor 50, , which will be explained in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 5 includes a camera unit 4, a display panel 21, an SD slot 22, a first connection terminal 24, a second connection terminal 25, a G sensor 50, and a gyro sensor 51. , a GPS receiver 52, a memory 53, a vehicle signal acquisition unit 54, a display direction setting button 55, and a display direction fixing button 56 are connected.

The G sensor 50 detects gravitational acceleration (G data) in two mutually orthogonal directions (X-axis and Y-axis). The control unit 5 receives G data (Gx, Gy) detected by the G sensor 50 and calculates the acceleration value (magnitude) from the input G data. Gx indicates G data in the X-axis direction (the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100), and Gy indicates the G data in the Y-axis direction (the left-right direction of the vehicle 100). Further, the G sensor 50 may be a three-axis sensor that detects acceleration in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction of the vehicle 100). A configuration that does not use the data (Gz) may be used.

The gyro sensor 51 detects changes in the traveling direction of the vehicle 100 (angular acceleration data). The control unit 5 inputs the angular acceleration data detected by the gyro sensor 51 and calculates the value (magnitude) of the angular acceleration from the input angular acceleration data.

The GPS receiver 52 receives a GPS signal through the GPS antenna 52 a , determines the current position from the received GPS signal, and transmits position information (longitude and latitude) of the determined current position to the control unit 5 . Also, the GPS signal includes date and time data, and the GPS receiver 52 transmits the date and time data included in the received GPS signal to the control unit 5 .

The vehicle signal acquisition unit 54 is connected to a vehicle failure diagnosis connector or the like of the vehicle 100 to acquire various signals and information (vehicle data) of the vehicle 100, and a vehicle failure diagnosis system (OBD) (not shown) that wirelessly transmits the acquired vehicle data. A radio signal is received from the adapter, vehicle information is extracted, and the extracted vehicle information can be obtained from the control unit 5 . Vehicle data includes, for example, a signal that detects brake operation during vehicle operation, a signal that detects turn signal operation, a signal that detects accelerator operation, a signal that detects steering wheel rotation, a signal that detects shift lever position, and a side brake operation. , vehicle failure diagnosis information (vehicle speed, engine speed, cooling water temperature, etc.), and various vehicle information (function control data from the ECU, communication data from external networks and other vehicles, etc.). . The control unit 5 acquires these and determines the state of the vehicle 100 .

The display direction setting button 55 can be used to change the vertical direction of the image displayed on the display panel 21 regardless of the orientation of the housing 20 (the longitudinal direction W is the vertical direction or the lateral direction H is the vertical direction). It is for rotating the image so that it is constant. For example, when the housing 20 is attached in the direction shown in FIG. 1 (one side H1 in the short direction H is up), pressing the display direction setting button 55 causes the image captured by the CCD camera 41 to be oriented upward. The image is rotated so as to be on one side H1 in the lateral direction H. FIG. Further, for example, when the housing 20 is mounted with the other side W2 in the longitudinal direction W facing up, by pressing the display direction setting button 55, the top of the image captured by the CCD camera 41 is the other side in the longitudinal direction W. The image is rotated to be on side W2. Control for rotating the image displayed on the display panel 21 is performed by the control unit 5 , and the control unit 5 rotates the housing 20 up and down based on the direction of the gravitational acceleration appearing on the Z-axis obtained from the G sensor 50 . The direction is detected, and the image is rotated based on the detected vertical direction of the housing 20 .

The display direction fixing button 56 is for fixing the display direction of the image set by the display direction setting button 55 . For example, when the vehicle 100 overturns, if the vertical direction is set based on the direction of the gravitational acceleration, the image of the vehicle overturning cannot be captured. By fixing regardless of the direction of gravitational acceleration, it is possible to capture an image corresponding to the behavior of the vehicle 100 . Note that the control for fixing the orientation of the image is performed by the control unit 5 .

As shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c), the bracket 3 includes a first attachment portion 30 to which a double-sided tape is attached for attachment to the rear surface of the housing 20 of the drive recorder main body 2, and a front glass 101 coated with black ceramic. A second attachment portion 31 to which a double-sided tape is attached for attachment to the portion 102, and a connecting portion 32 for connecting the first attachment portion 30 and the second attachment portion 30 are provided. The connecting portion 32 is connected to the first mounting portion 30 so that the display panel 21 of the housing 20 faces the driver when the bracket 3 to which the housing 20 is mounted is attached to the black ceramic coating portion 102 . It connects with the second mounting portion 31 . In this embodiment, the mounting surface of the first mounting portion 30 to the housing 20 is formed at approximately 30 degrees with respect to the mounting surface of the second mounting portion 31 to the black ceramic coated portion 102. .

By adjusting the position of the CCD camera 41 using the flexible arm 40 as in this embodiment, there is no need for an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the housing 20 by means of the bracket 3 after it is attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102. become. Therefore, after the housing 20 is attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102 via the bracket 3, it is possible to prevent the housing 20 from moving unnecessarily by the adjustment mechanism of the bracket. As a result, the mounting state of the housing 20 is stabilized.

Next, how to use the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102 of the windshield 101 of the vehicle 100. As shown in FIG. First, a method of attaching the drive recorder 1 to the black ceramic coated portion 102 will be described.

The drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment is attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102 which is suitable for attachment but not suitable for photographing an object to be photographed. That is, the drive recorder 1 is attached to the inappropriate area. The unsuitable area here is a place that satisfies the safety standards for road transportation vehicles and does not interfere with the driver's field of vision or the in-vehicle equipment. This is an area in which there are elements that hinder the shooting of the shooting target, such as an obstacle that is reflected in the camera in that shooting direction. Elements that hinder the imaging of the object to be imaged include those that always exist and those that appear under specific conditions. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the unsuitable areas include the black ceramic painted part 102, the A pillar part 105, the ceiling part 106, and the area 104 outside the wiper wiping area 103 that appears on a rainy day. be.

The sun visor area 107a where the sun visor 107 is positioned when the sun visor 107 is lowered and both sides of the rearview mirror 108 are suitable for photographing, but are not suitable for installation. This is because if it is attached to both sides of the rearview mirror, it may interfere with the driver's field of vision, and if it is attached to the sun visor area 107a, it may interfere with the sun visor 107 when using it.

If a general drive recorder is directly attached to the unsuitable area, there is an impermeable obstacle in the shooting direction of the camera, so the camera cannot shoot unless the opaque obstacle is avoided. Therefore, as described above, the drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with the flexible arm 40 having the CCD camera 41 attached to its tip, and by deforming the flexible arm 40, the CCD camera 41 can be removed from the impermeable obstacle. By avoiding and positioning in an appropriate area, it is possible to photograph the object to be photographed.

Here, the appropriate area is an area in which there are no obstacles reflected by the CCD camera 41 in the imaging direction, and there are no elements that hinder the imaging of the imaging target. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the suitable area includes the area around the black ceramic coated portion 102 of the windshield 101, the area adjacent to the A-pillar portion 105 in the wiper wiping area 103 of the windshield 101, and the like. be. A case where the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102 and the CCD camera 41 is positioned beyond the outer circumference of the black ceramic coated portion 102 to photograph the front of the vehicle 100 will be described below.

First, the driver attaches the first attachment portion 30 of the bracket 3 to the rear surface of the housing 20 with double-sided tape, and then exposes the double-sided tape attached to the second attachment portion 31 of the bracket 3 . Then, the driver holds the housing 20 so that one side H1 in the lateral direction H of the housing 20 faces upward, and the second mounting portion 31 of the bracket 3 is placed at the substantially center of the black ceramic coated portion 102 in the width direction. paste it on the part. At this time, since the housing 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the driver can easily hold the housing 20 and easily attach the second mounting portion 31 to the black ceramic coated portion 102 .

The driver then attaches the camera unit 4 to the housing 20 . In this embodiment, the base end of the camera unit 4 is inserted into the camera connection terminal 23a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the camera unit 4 extends toward the outer periphery of the black ceramic coated portion 102 substantially parallel to the black ceramic coated portion 102 and substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 20. Become. The attachment of the base end of the camera unit 4 to the camera connection terminal 23a is not limited to insertion, and may be screwed.

The driver then connects the cigar plug cord to the first connection terminal 24 . By connecting the cigar plug cord to the first connection terminal 24 , the power source of the drive recorder 1 is turned on in conjunction with the operation of the key to start driving the vehicle 100 . When the power is turned on, the control section 5 causes the display panel 21 to display the image captured by the CCD camera 41 . An image is captured as needed at a rate of 30 frames per second and displayed on the display panel 21 in real time. Therefore, the driver positions the CCD camera 41 so that the front of the vehicle 100 can be photographed while watching the image displayed on the display panel 21 . Specifically, the driver bends and deforms the flexible arm 40 by hand so that the CCD camera 41 faces the front of the vehicle 100 at a position beyond the outer periphery of the black ceramic coated portion 102 . At this time, since the camera unit 4 extends toward the outer circumference of the black ceramic coated portion 102 along the black ceramic coated portion 102, the amount of bending deformation can be reduced when positioning the CCD camera 41. FIG.

After adjusting the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41, when the driver presses the display direction setting button 55, the top of the image captured by the CCD camera 41 is one side H1 in the short direction H. 5 rotates the image. The control unit 5 detects the vertical direction of the housing 20 based on the direction of the gravitational acceleration, and rotates the image based on the detected vertical direction of the housing 20 . Note that this may be performed automatically without pressing the display direction setting button 55 . After setting the image orientation, the driver then presses the display orientation fixing button 56 to fix the set image orientation. As a result, it becomes possible to shoot an image linked to the behavior of the vehicle 100 .

Next, the operation of the drive recorder 1 when the occurrence of the event that the vehicle 100 is subjected to an impact that may be the impact at the time of an accident after the drive recorder 1 is attached to the vehicle 100 will be described.

When the vehicle 100 is impacted, the value (magnitude) of the G data output from the G sensor 50 rapidly increases. Then, when the value (magnitude) of the G data of the G sensor 50 reaches the threshold acceleration Gs (for example, 0.3 G), the control unit 5 determines that an event has occurred, the CCD camera 41 takes an image, and the image is stored in the memory. 53 is stored in the SD card 200 together with event occurrence time data. For example, the SD card 200 stores video for T seconds from Ta seconds before the event occurrence time to Tb seconds after the event occurrence time. The time T seconds stored when an event occurs can be preset by the driver.

Further, when an event occurs, the control unit 5 controls G data detected by the G sensor 50, angular acceleration data detected by the gyro sensor 51, and vehicle data acquired by the vehicle signal acquisition unit 54 (e.g., braking operation). data, steering wheel operation data, vehicle speed data, etc.) and time data, which is data of the time when the data is acquired from these sensors, are stored in the SD card 200 .

The number of events stored in the SD card 200 can be changed according to the storage capacity of the SD card 200, but it is preferable to store 500 or more events. Also, the control unit 5 preferably creates a folder for each event in the SD card 200 to store the data. Alternatively, a memory such as a non-volatile memory may be provided separately, and the video of the event may be recorded in the non-volatile memory. Simultaneously with the video, these data are cyclically temporarily stored in the memory 53, and these data for T seconds from Ta seconds before the event occurrence time to Tb seconds after the event occurrence time are stored in the SD card 200. You can let it run.

The drive recorder 1 having the configuration as described above has the following effects. The drive recorder 1 has a flexible arm 40 that can freely change the position of the CCD camera 41 relative to the housing 20 . Therefore, even when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coating portion 102, the CCD camera 41 can be moved away from the black ceramic coating portion 102 and ready for photographing. As a result, even when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102 which is suitable for attachment but not suitable for photographing, the CCD camera 41 can photograph the outside of the vehicle.

In addition, even if the drive recorder 1 fails to stick to the windshield 101, the flexible arm 40 adjusts the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41 to cover the failure of sticking. can be done.

Further, the flexible arm 40 has a length that allows the CCD camera 41 to take a posture that allows the outside of the vehicle to be captured beyond the black ceramic coating 102 when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coating 102 . there is Therefore, the drive recorder 1 can reliably position the CCD camera 41 in an appropriate area without making the flexible arm unnecessarily long.

Also, the flexible arm is configured to be bendable and deformable at various locations so that the CCD camera 41 at the distal end portion 40a can be moved in any direction. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the position of the CCD camera 41 in the movable area of the flexible arm 40 is high, and the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41 can be finely adjusted.

In addition, the flexible arm 40 is adapted to be deformed when bent by the driver's hand, and not deformed when a force such as vibration of the vehicle 100 is applied. Therefore, only when it is necessary to adjust the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41, the driver can manually change the shape of the flexible arm 40 to adjust the position of the CCD camera 41. It is possible to shoot the running state etc. without changing the In addition, since the shape of the flexible arm does not change even if a force caused by vibration of the vehicle 100 or the like acts after the position of the CCD camera 41 is adjusted, a separate member is provided to fix the CCD camera 41 after the position adjustment. no longer needed. Furthermore, once adjusted, there is no need to adjust the incident position each time. In addition, the flexible arm 40 may be configured to be deformed by applying force from the inside of the flexible arm 40 instead of applying force from the outside by the hand of the driver.

Further, since the housing 20 of the drive recorder 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the housing 20 is easy to hold. Therefore, for example, attachment when attaching the drive recorder 1 is facilitated. Further, by housing electronic components such as various sensors in the housing 20, the flexible arm 40 can be made lighter and smaller.

In addition, since the flexible arm 40 of the drive recorder 1 is detachably attached to the housing 20, maintenance of the flexible arm 40 is facilitated. Also, the flexible arm can be easily replaced with a flexible arm having an appropriate length according to the mounting location.

In addition, the drive recorder 1 extends the flexible arm 40 in a direction intersecting the normal direction of the black ceramic coated portion 102 of the housing 20 so that the flexible arm 40 can extend along the black ceramic coated portion 102 . are provided with a plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d. Therefore, by changing the connection position of the flexible arm 40, it is possible to prevent the flexible arm 40 from becoming unnecessarily long.

Further, in the drive recorder 1, the plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d are offset to the front side of the housing 20, so that the rear side area of the housing 20 can be increased. In other words, it is possible to enlarge the area on the bending side when photographing the outside of the vehicle. This facilitates bending of the flexible arm 40 and facilitates adjustment of the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41 . In addition, it is preferable to position the offset distance as close to the front side as possible.

In addition, since the drive recorder 1 has a display panel capable of displaying the image captured by the CCD camera 41, the driver adjusts the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41 while viewing the image displayed on the display panel 21. can do. In addition, it is possible to check the scenery before and after the event or while driving. That is, convenience and playability can be improved.

In the drive recorder 1, the cable for transmitting the image data captured by the CCD camera is passed through the flexible arm 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary exposure of the cable and the like. It is possible to prevent obstruction of the field of view. As a result, safety can be improved, and visual effects such as improved appearance can be improved.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a drive recorder 1A according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. A drive recorder 1A according to the second embodiment does not have a display panel, and is different from the first embodiment in that a member having a second mounting portion is integrated with a housing. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the schematic configuration of the drive recorder 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive recorder 1A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6(a) is a front view schematically showing the drive recorder 1A, (b) is a right side view, and (c) is a top view. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a drive recorder 1A according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the drive recorder 1A has a drive recorder body 2A. The drive recorder main body 2A includes a flat rectangular parallelepiped housing 20A, a camera unit 4, and a control section (see FIG. 7) 5A.

The housing 20A is formed in a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so as not to protrude from the black ceramic coated portion 102 when attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102 . Further, the housing 20A includes an SD slot 22, a plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23e, a first connection terminal 24, a second connection terminal 25, and an attachment for attachment to the black ceramic coated portion 102 of the windshield 101. a portion 35; The camera connection terminal 23e is provided on the front surface of the front side D1 in the depth direction D of the housing 20A. The attachment portion 35 is provided integrally with the housing 20A on the rear surface of the housing 20A on the depth side D2 in the depth direction D. As shown in FIG. By integrating the mounting portion 35 with the housing 20A, the mounting portion 35 can be made inconspicuous. A double-faced tape is attached to the attachment portion 35 for attachment to the black ceramic coated portion 102 .

The control unit 5A includes a camera unit 4, an SD slot 22, a first connection terminal 24, a second connection terminal 25, a G sensor 50, a gyro sensor 51, a GPS receiver 52, a memory 53, a vehicle A signal acquisition unit 54, a display direction fixing button 56, and a wireless communication unit 57 are connected. The wireless communication unit 57 is provided to transmit the image captured by the control unit 5A to the smartphone or the navigation device in order to display the image captured by the camera unit 4 on the liquid crystal screen of the smartphone or the navigation device. there is

Next, how to use the drive recorder 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the operation of the drive recorder 1A after the occurrence of the event is the same as that of the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted. Also, in this embodiment, a case where the control unit 5A transmits an image captured by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57 will be described.

First, the driver exposes the double-sided tape attached to the attachment portion 35 on the rear surface of the housing 20A. Then, holding the housing 20A, the attachment portion 35 with the double-sided tape exposed is attached to the substantially central portion of the black ceramic coated portion 102 in the width direction. At this time, since the housing 20A is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the driver can easily hold the housing 20A and attach it to the black ceramic coated portion 102 easily.

Next, the driver attaches the camera unit 4 to the housing 20A. In this embodiment, the camera unit 4 is attached to the camera unit 4 by inserting the base end of the camera unit 4 into the camera connection terminal 23a. By attaching the base end of the camera unit 4 to the camera connection terminal 23a, as shown in FIG. state.

The driver then connects the cigar plug cord to the first connection terminal 24 . When the power of the drive recorder 1 is turned on in conjunction with the operation of the key to start driving the vehicle 100, the control unit 5A transmits the image captured by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57. , displayed on the LCD screen of the smartphone. Therefore, the driver positions the CCD camera 41 so that the front of the vehicle 100 can be photographed while watching the image displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the smart phone. Specifically, the driver bends the flexible arm 40 by hand so that the CCD camera 41 at the tip of the flexible arm 40 faces the front of the vehicle 100 at a position beyond the outer periphery of the black ceramic coating portion 102. Transform.

As described above, in the drive recorder 1A according to the second embodiment, since the control section 5A transmits the image captured by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication section 57, display on the display panel is unnecessary. The housing 20A can be miniaturized.

Further, in the drive recorder 1A, since the mounting portion 35 is integrated with the housing 20A, the mounting surface of the mounting portion 35 can be enlarged, and the mountability of the housing 20A can be improved.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a drive recorder 1B according to a third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. A drive recorder 1B according to the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that it is configured to be attachable to a rearview mirror 108 of a vehicle 100. FIG. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the points different from the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations as in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, FIG. 8, which describes the schematic configuration of the drive recorder 1B with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, is a perspective view schematically showing the drive recorder 1B according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9(a) is a front view schematically showing the drive recorder 1B, (b) is a right side view, and (c) is a top view.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the drive recorder 1B has a drive recorder body 2B. The drive recorder main body 2B includes a flat rectangular parallelepiped housing 20B, a camera unit 4, and a control section (see FIG. 7) 5A.

The housing 20B is formed so that the length in the longitudinal direction W is shorter than the length in the width direction of the rearview mirror 108, and the length in the short direction H is substantially the same as the length in the vertical direction of the rearview mirror. is formed as The housing 20A also includes an SD slot 22, a plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23c, a first connection terminal 24, a second connection terminal 25, and an attachment portion 3B for attachment to the rearview mirror 108. ing.

The mounting portion 3B has a pair of holding portions 36 and 37 that hold the rearview mirror 108 therebetween. The pair of holding portions 36 and 37 includes first locking claws 36a and 37a and second locking claws 36b and 37b. , and the second locking claws 36b and 37b are locked to the lower outer edge of the rearview mirror 108, thereby fixing the housing 20B to the rearview mirror 108. As shown in FIG.

Next, how to use the drive recorder 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the operation of the drive recorder 1B after the occurrence of the event is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted. Also, in this embodiment, a case where the control unit 5A transmits an image captured by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where the drive recorder 1B according to the third embodiment is attached to the rear surface of the rearview mirror 108. As shown in FIG.

First, the driver locks the first locking claws 36a, 37a to the upper edge of the rearview mirror 108, and while maintaining this state, locks the second locking claws 36b, 37b to the lower edge of the rearview mirror 108. Let The drive recorder 1B is thereby fixed to the rearview mirror 108 .

Next, the driver attaches the camera unit 4 to the housing 20B. In this embodiment, the camera unit 4 is attached to the housing 20B by inserting the base end of the camera unit 4 into the camera connection terminal 23a. By inserting the base end of the camera unit 4 into the camera connection terminal 23a, the camera unit 4 extends substantially parallel to the width direction of the rearview mirror 108 as shown in FIG.

The driver then connects the cigar plug cord to the first connection terminal 24 . When the power of the drive recorder 1 is turned on in conjunction with the operation of the key to start driving the vehicle 100, the control unit 5A transmits the image captured by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57. Display it on the LCD screen of your smartphone. Therefore, the driver positions the CCD camera 41 so that the front of the vehicle 100 can be photographed while watching the image displayed on the liquid crystal display of the smart phone. Specifically, the driver bends and deforms the flexible arm 40 by hand so that the CCD camera 41 avoids obstacles such as the support portion of the rearview mirror 108 and the front of the vehicle 100 can be photographed. The arm 40 is bent and deformed for adjustment.

As described above, the drive recorder 1B according to the third embodiment is formed so that it can be attached to the rear surface of the rearview mirror 108, so that it can be attached to the vehicle 100 without interfering with the driver's field of vision or in-vehicle equipment. be able to.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, an in-vehicle device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. The vehicle-mounted device according to the fourth embodiment is an integrated device 1000 having a general navigation function in addition to the drive recorder function having the camera unit 4 described in the first to third embodiments. Note that the drive recorder function of the integrated device 1000 is based on the above description, and the navigation function is based on the function of a conventional navigation device, and a detailed description of the functions will be omitted.

11A and 11B are six views showing an example of the external appearance of the integrated device 1000. FIG. In FIG. 11, the front view is shown on the second stage of the center row. Here, in FIG. 11, the front view is the surface facing the touch panel 110 when the integrated device 1000 is installed. A touch panel 110 is arranged on the front of the integrated device 1000 . Also, the bezel surrounding the touch panel 110 does not have the buttons 140 or the like arranged thereon, so that the touch panel 110 is not obstructed.

A left side view is shown to the left of the front view. As shown in the left side view, the SD slot 180, the notification LED 130b and the USB terminal 320 are arranged on the left side of the integrated device 1000. FIG. An SD card is inserted into the SD slot 180 . The notification LED 130b is an LED that indicates whether power is being supplied to the integrated device 1000, and lights green, for example, while power is being supplied. A cigar plug cord 504 for connecting to a cigar socket capable of supplying power to the integrated device 1000 is connected to the USB terminal 320 . In order to clearly show the shape of the integrated device 1000, FIG. 11 omits illustration of the cord portion extending from the socket of the cigar plug cord.

A right side view is shown to the right of the front view. As shown in the right side view, an SD slot 230 is arranged on the right side of the integrated device 1000 and an SD card is inserted into the SD slot 230 .

A top view is shown above the front view. As shown in the top view, a notification LED 130a, a button 140a, a button 140b, and a button 140c are arranged on the top surface of the integrated device 1000. FIG. The notification LED 130a is used to indicate whether constant recording is being performed by the drive recorder function of the integrated device 1000. For example, the notification LED 130a lights red when constant recording is not being performed. The button 140a is a button 140 for starting manual recording using the drive recorder function, and recording is started when the button 140a is pressed. The button 140b is the button 140 for stopping or restarting the constant recording, and the constant recording is stopped or resumed every time the button 140b is pressed. A button 140c is a button 140 for turning the integrated device 1000 on or off. The body shaping apparatus 1000 is powered on.

The rear view is shown in the third row of the middle row. As shown in the rear view, a CCD camera 41 and a joint section 502 are arranged on the rear side of the integrated device 1000 . Edge 501a, edge 501b, edge 501c, and edge 501d are formed on the rear surface of integrated device 1000. As shown in FIG. The CCD camera 41 is built into the integrated device 1000 by means of a flexible arm 40 that is housed inside the integrated device 1000 so that it can be pulled out. As shown in FIG. By pulling it out, it can be moved to any position.

The flexible arm 40 is formed so as to be freely bendable and deformable in any direction. It can be moved. The flexible arm 40 according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of members so that they can be relatively angularly deformed. is now possible. That is, the amount of bending deformation can be increased.

Further, the flexible arm 40 is deformed when the driver tries to bend it by hand, but is designed to maintain its shape even when a force due to vibration of the vehicle 100 or the like acts. In other words, the flexible arm 40 deforms when an artificial force acts on it, and maintains its shape when a force based on the normal operation of the vehicle 100 acts on it. Therefore, when the driver deforms the flexible arm 40, the shape is maintained until the driver deforms the flexible arm 40 next time.

The flexible arm 40 is housed inside the integrated device 1000 so as to follow the back side of the edge 501b. , an engaging portion (not shown) that engages with the integrated device 1000 is provided. In this way, the flexible arm can be pulled out by the driver when needed and stored inside the integrated device 1000 when not needed.

A cradle 2000 and a base portion 3000 for fixing the integrated device 1000 to the dashboard, center console, or the like of the vehicle 100 are attached to the joint portion 502 . By making the joint part 502 detachable from the cradle 2000, the integrated device 1000 can be used by being installed on the dashboard of the vehicle 100 via the cradle 2000, or can be removed from the cradle 2000 and used as a portable navigation system. You can do it.

Cradle 2000 is connected to base 3000 . The pedestal 3000 supports the cradle 2000 in any posture. The pedestal 3000 is fixed by suction on a dashboard, a center console, or the like with a suction cup, suction sheet, or the like provided on the bottom surface. The base portion 3000 and the cradle 2000 are rotatably connected within a predetermined angular range via a connecting mechanism such as a ball joint. Since they are ball joints, the pedestal 3000 and the cradle 2000 can relatively rotate within an arbitrary angular range in three-dimensional directions, and maintain their position at an arbitrary angular position due to frictional resistance in the joint portion. Therefore, the integrated device 1000 attached to the cradle 2000 can also be placed in any posture on the dashboard or center console.

As described above, in the integrated device 1000 according to the fourth embodiment, on the back side, the CCD camera 41 is incorporated into the integrated device 1000 by the flexible arm 40 accommodated so as to be freely pulled out from the interior of the integrated device 1000. is Therefore, for example, when installing the integrated device 1000 on the dashboard in the vehicle interior, if it is installed at the right end or the left end in the width direction of the dashboard so as not to obstruct the driver's field of vision as much as possible, the position of the CCD camera 41 is set to the position of the wiper. 104 outside the wiping area 103, making it difficult to photograph the outside of the vehicle on a rainy day. Even in this case, for example, by pulling out the flexible arm 40 having a length of about 100 mm, it is possible to easily photograph the outside of the vehicle even on a rainy day. Also, in this case, the movement of the CCD camera 41 can be easily performed by simply pulling out the flexible arm 40 even after the integrated device 1000 is attached to the dashboard, so that the pedestal 3000 does not need to be reattached. Become. For example, even if it is not until it rains that it is found that it is located in the inappropriate area, it is not necessary to attach the pedestal part 3000 again.

Further, for example, when a stepped portion in which the driver side is lowered by about 120 mm is provided on the dashboard, if the integrated device 1000 is attached to the stepped portion so as not to interfere with the driver's field of vision, the height is increased by about 120 mm. It may be difficult to shoot outside the vehicle due to the rear dashboard. In this case also, by drawing out the flexible arm 40 having a length of about 100 mm, the CCD camera 41 can easily photograph the outside of the vehicle.

Further, for example, in the case where an integrated device is attached instead of the audio or the genuine navigation device to the attachment portion formed so as to be able to attach the audio of the center console or the genuine navigation device, the CCD camera 41 is attached to the center console. It may be difficult to shoot outside the vehicle because it faces the other. Even in this case, by pulling out a flexible arm having a length of about 200 mm, the CCD camera 41 can easily photograph the outside of the vehicle.

The integrated device 1000 may be a portable navigation device with a drive recorder function. As the drive recorder function, the one used in the first to third embodiments described above may be used.

<Modifications, etc.>
Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to each embodiment described above. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely enumerations of the most suitable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in each embodiment of the present invention.

For example, in each embodiment, a drive recorder is used as an example of an on-vehicle device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the in-vehicle device may be a portable navigation device. By using it in a portable navigation device, for example, the portable navigation device can have the function of a drive recorder.

Further, in each embodiment, the configuration in which the position of the CCD camera 41 is fixed by the rigidity of the flexible arm 40 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a locking mechanism or the like may be provided for securely fixing the flexible arm 40 at an arbitrary position.

Further, in each embodiment, the bracket 3 that allows the drive recorder body 2 to be attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by using a bracket that can be attached to the A-pillar portion 105, the sun visor 107, the ceiling portion 106, etc. of the vehicle 100, the drive recorder body 2 can be attached to an inappropriate area other than the black ceramic painted portion 102. In this case as well, by moving the position of the CCD camera 41 to an appropriate area with the flexible arm 40, even if the drive recorder main body 2 is attached to an inappropriate area, the CCD camera 41 can take pictures.

Moreover, although each embodiment has been described using a flexible arm as a variable arm, the present invention is not limited to this. The variable arm may be a joint arm or the like composed of a plurality of members having different functions, having a movable portion capable of changing the orientation of the tip portion and a moving portion capable of moving the position of the tip portion. As the movable portion of the joint arm, for example, a ball joint, a rotating shaft, or the like is preferable. In particular, by using a ball joint, it becomes possible to freely change the rotational direction of the incident portion, and fine positional adjustment can be performed. Moreover, as a moving part, an expansion-contraction member is preferable.

Alternatively, the base end portion 40b of the flexible arm 40 may be directly attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102 as an attachment portion. In this case, the base end portion 40b of the flexible arm 40 may be attached to the black ceramic coated portion 102. FIG. Further, the housing 20 may be composed of a plurality of members. In particular, it may be one or two members. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the image will protrude from the inappropriate area. The housing includes a mounting plate having a mounting portion, a body mounting arm extending from the mounting plate, and a box-shaped member positioned on the other end side of the body mounting arm. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the flexible arm is extended. Further, it is particularly preferable to provide a mounting portion on one side of the box-shaped member itself and extend the flexible arm from the other side of the box-shaped member. Note that it is preferable to accommodate electronic components and the like in this box-shaped member.

Further, it is preferable to provide an irradiation means such as an LED lamp capable of irradiating the front at the tip of the flexible arm 40 . In this way, the flexible arm 40 can be used as a spotlight when looking for something in the car. It can also be used as a flash when taking pictures of the inside of a car when the amount of light is insufficient.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the flexible arm is housed inside the integrated device 1000 along the back side of the edge 501b. It may be configured as The flexible arm 40 can be pulled out by a necessary length, for example, by making the flexible arm 40 to be wound on the reel and stopping the rotation of the reel.

The example described in the mode for carrying out the invention is only an example, and it is preferable to apply the configuration and technical idea described in the means for solving the problem to configure a specific embodiment as appropriate.

Also, in the first embodiment, the drive recorder 1 in which the orientation of the housing 20 is fixed by the bracket 3 has been described, but the orientation of the housing 20 may be variable. For example, a ball joint is provided between the bracket 3 and the housing 20, and the posture of the housing 20 with respect to the bracket 3 is maintained in a state where the driver does not apply force to the housing 20 by hand. The posture of the housing 20 with respect to the bracket 3 may be changed when a force is applied by hand, so that the orientation of the housing 20 can be changed in a direction in which the display panel 21 is easy for the driver to see. Further, it is preferable that the coupling portion 32 of the bracket 3 is a ball joint, and a similar configuration is used so that the orientation of the housing 20 can be changed in a direction in which the display panel 21 is easy for the driver to see. Further, it is even better if the relative angle of the display panel 21 with respect to the housing 20 can be changed. For example, between the outer edge of the display panel 21 and the housing 20, a hinge that is normally fixed but can be moved by manual force or a connection mechanism that can change the angle is provided. are connected by a ball joint so that the relative angle of the display panel 21 with respect to the housing 20 can be adjusted. By making only the display panel 21 variable, the mounting state of the housing 20 to the vehicle can be stabilized.

In the first embodiment, the bracket 3 is attached to the housing 20. However, a structure for fitting the bracket 3 to the housing 20 or a structure for inserting the bracket 3 into the housing 20 is provided. should be integrated. In particular, it is preferable to provide a means for holding the state in which they are fitted or inserted. The fixed state of the housing 20 and the bracket 3 may be maintained by engaging the claws provided on the housing 20 and the bracket 3 .

In the first embodiment, the camera unit 4 is attached to the housing 20 by inserting the base end of the camera unit 4 into the camera connection terminal 23a. It is preferable to provide a configuration that regulates the insertion direction of the base end portion of the camera unit 4 with respect to the connection terminal 23a. The insertion direction of the base end of the camera unit 4 is such that when the camera unit 4 is attached to the housing 20 in that direction, the horizontal direction of the image captured by the camera unit 4 matches the horizontal direction of the scenery outside the vehicle. do it. In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 2(b), simply by mounting the housing 20 in the vertical direction, the camera unit 4 extending from the side surface of the housing 20 is simply bent forward 90 degrees. It is possible to shoot an image in which the landscape outside the vehicle and the horizontal direction match. For example, a male connector is provided on the base end of the camera unit 4 and a female connector is provided on the side surface of the housing 20. By fitting these connectors, signals are transmitted between the two, and the directions described above are transmitted. It should be configured so that it is uniquely fixed to

Further, in the first embodiment, the CCD camera 41 fixed to the tip of the flexible arm 40 is used, but if the CCD camera 41 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the flexible arm 40 with the imaging direction as the rotation axis, good. For example, a guide rail is provided in the circumferential direction on one member of the portion where the outer periphery of the distal end of the flexible arm 40 and the inner periphery of the mounting portion of the CCD camera 41 attached to the outer periphery are in contact with each other. It is preferable to employ a configuration in which the other member is engaged and guided within the rail. By doing so, it is possible to easily adjust the horizontal direction of the image captured by the camera unit 4 so as to match the horizontal direction of the scenery outside the vehicle. Therefore, for example, when the recorded video is played back, it is possible to prevent the video from being tilted and causing a sense of incongruity.

Further, in each embodiment, the flexible arm is bent by hand and fixed in the bent state. A flexible arm may be used, and the flexible arm may be twisted to adjust the horizontal and vertical directions of the photographed image with respect to the scenery outside the vehicle. In particular, the flexible arm is preferably made of a flexible tube. The flexible tube may be configured by combining a stainless steel wire for the lower winding and an aluminum wire for the upper winding. In particular, it is better to apply plating, painting, and heat-shrinkable tube covering to each metal wire.

In addition, the flexible arm may be configured with a multi-joint structure, for example, it may be configured by combining a large number of ball joints. It is better to provide For example, it is preferable to provide a through hole through which the signal line connected to the CCD camera 41 passes through a plurality of serially connected ball joint members used for tripod legs described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,160. .

Further, in each embodiment, the portion housing the CCD camera 41 is cylindrical, but it is preferable to provide surfaces parallel to the horizontal and vertical lines of the camera. In particular, it is preferable to use a square shape. Also, a line indicating the horizontal direction of the camera and a line indicating the vertical direction of the camera may be provided on the outer periphery of the housing of the CCD camera 41 . For example, the horizontal direction of the camera can be adjusted by putting a dot at the intersection of the extension line of the vertical center line of the image sensor of the camera and the intersection of this outer periphery, or printing a line that includes this point and is perpendicular to the outer peripheral direction. It should be made visible from the outside.

Further, in each embodiment, the camera unit 4 in which the CCD camera 41 is attached to the tip of the flexible arm 40 toward the axial direction of the flexible arm 40 is used. , it is preferable to provide a side surface (peripheral surface) perpendicular to the axial direction of the flexible arm 40 . By attaching a CCD camera 41 to the side surface, even when the flexible arm 40 extends from the housing 20 in a direction perpendicular to the photographing direction, the front outside of the vehicle can be photographed without bending the flexible arm 40.例文帳に追加Alternatively, a plurality of cameras may be provided so as to photograph both the side surface and the surface described with reference to FIG. 2 .

In addition, in the third embodiment, the housing 20B is attached to the rearview mirror 108 so that the housing 20B is hidden behind the rearview mirror 108. 20B is attached to the rear-view mirror 108, and an operation part such as an operation button may be arranged on the front surface of the protruding portion. In this case, the flexible arm 40 should be attached at a position away from the operation button. For example, the flexible arm 40 may be attached to a surface different from the protruded surface. By connecting the flexible arm 40 to a position separate from the operation button provided in the protruding portion, when the driver operates the operation button, the flexible arm is prevented from contacting the flexible arm and moving unnecessarily. can do.

Further, in the third embodiment, the case 20B whose length in the longitudinal direction is slightly shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction of the room mirror 108 was used, but the case has the length in the longitudinal direction of the room mirror. It is recommended to use the one that is about half the length of the In this case, it is preferable that the mounting portion 3B is not provided and that the mounting portion 3B is attached to the rearview mirror 108 with double-sided tape or the like. In this case, as described above, the driver side of the housing 20B may be slightly protruded, and the operation buttons and the like may be arranged in the protruded portion.

In the protruded portion, for example, a display unit such as an LED lamp may be provided together with the operation button or instead of the operation button. In particular, it is preferable to provide an LED that emits light when power is supplied or when recording is being performed. By doing so, for example, it is possible to prevent the problem that when the power is supplied from the cigar socket, the plug is pulled out from the cigar socket and no recording is made.

Also, when the power is turned on, a voice saying "Recording will start" may be output from the speaker. Also, it has a function to detect whether the flexible arm 40 is attached to any of the camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, and if the flexible arm is not connected to any of the camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, this LED blinks. or output a warning sound such as "the camera arm is not attached" from the speaker. In this way, images of necessary scenes such as accidents can be recorded without realizing that the flexible arm 40 is not connected to any of the camera connection terminals 23a to 23d and no images are recorded. It increases the possibility of preventing the problem of not being

In addition, when the flexible arms 40 are connected to a plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, all the images from the connected flexible arms 40 may be recorded. A configuration may be adopted in which a selection screen for whether to record video from is displayed for selection. It is especially good to keep outputting at least one of the warning screen and warning sound indicating that multiple cameras are connected, and stop the output when one flexible arm 40 is connected. It is better to By doing so, it is possible to prevent a model capable of recording only one camera from traveling with the flexible arm 40 attached due to exceeding the withstand load.

In each embodiment, the flexible arm 40 is bent and deformed so that the CCD camera 41 faces the outside of the vehicle and captures an image of the outside of the vehicle. It is good to configure so that it can be fixed to For example, it is preferable to provide a fixing member capable of fixing the CCD camera 41 to the transparent portion of the windshield. By doing so, it is possible to prevent blurring of the photographed image due to shaking of the flexible arm 40 due to vehicle vibration or the like. As the fixing member, there is a fixed part that is attached to the transparent part of the windshield and fixed, and a flexible arm that is slightly larger in diameter than the flexible arm 40 and protrudes from the fixed part into the vehicle interior to a length equivalent to the length in the axial direction of the CCD camera. It is preferable to have a configuration in which a tubular receiving portion is provided and the CCD camera 41 is inserted inside the tube of the receiving portion. The fixing member is preferably a transparent member, more preferably a resin material.

Further, in each embodiment, the SD slot 22 is provided near the camera connection terminal 23a, but the SD slot 22 may be provided at a position away from the camera connection terminal 23a. By providing the SD slot 22 at a position away from the camera connection terminal 23a, after connecting the camera unit 4 to the camera connection terminal 23a, for example, when inserting or removing an SD card, the driver's hand can be moved by the flexible arm. Unnecessary contact with 40 can be prevented.

In each embodiment, when an event occurs, the SD card 200 stores T seconds of video from Ta seconds before the event occurrence time to Tb seconds after the event occurrence time. It is preferable to set based on the nature of the event that occurs to the extent that the cause of the event can be determined when viewed. For example, if the event is "collision", the time period may be 60 seconds from 30 seconds before the collision to 30 seconds after the collision.

In addition, in each embodiment, recording is performed on the SD card 200 when an event occurs. Alternatively, or in conjunction with this, images are continuously recorded in a non-volatile memory or the like while power is being supplied. It is preferable to have a function of continuous recording (for example, constant recording) (overwriting the old one when the storage capacity is full).

Further, in each embodiment, the non-stretchable flexible arm 40 has been described, but the flexible arm may be stretchable like a rod antenna and have a variable length. The full-length adjusting part such as the expandable part may be provided on the entire flexible arm, but it is preferable to provide it on a part of the flexible arm, particularly on a part of the proximal end of the flexible arm. For example, half of the full length of the flexible arm on the base end side is a three-step rod, and the length of that portion can be extended up to about three times, and the direction of the tip of the rod can be adjusted. good. Of course, it may be configured with a member that has both a function of bending as a flexible arm and a function of adjusting the full length (expansion function) like a rod. By doing so, it is possible to easily avoid the opaque area and position the CCD camera 41 in the transmissive area.

Modifications, constituent elements of the content of each embodiment, elements described in Means for Solving the Problems, and elements to which ideas are applied may be arbitrarily combined to form embodiments.

1 Drive recorder (in-vehicle device)
2 drive recorder main body 3 bracket 4 flexible camera unit 5 control unit 20 housing 21 display unit 23a to 23d camera connection terminal 40 flexible arm 41 CCD camera

Claims (1)

A drive recorder comprising a plurality of camera connection terminals,
Equipped with a function to detect whether the base end of the camera unit is inserted and attached to any of the camera connection terminals, and the base end of the camera unit is inserted and attached to multiple camera connection terminals In such a case, a function shall be provided to continuously output at least one of a warning screen and/or warning sound to the effect that multiple cameras are connected, and to stop the output when one camera is connected. A drive recorder characterized by

Images