JP7274735B2 - Imaging device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device, a program, and the like that can be installed in a vehicle.

As an image capturing device that can be installed in a vehicle, there is a drive recorder that captures and stores an image in front of the vehicle, but there are various restrictions on the installation positions of these image capturing devices. For example, in the case of drive recorders, it is known as a legal restriction that they must be installed within the upper 20% of the windshield.

JP 2014-220803 A

Although the restrictions as described above are generally explained in an instruction manual or the like, there are cases where the installation work is performed without reading the instruction manual or not reading it carefully. Also, even after reading the instruction manual, it is not easy to install to meet various installation constraints. In addition, it is inconvenient for the user to have to use the instruction manual.

In addition, since the drive recorder may be used to record images at the time of an accident, it must be firmly installed, and is often installed by attaching it to the windshield with a strong double-sided adhesive tape. Therefore, once it is pasted, it is difficult to remove it even if it is later found that the position does not satisfy any of the constraints. Moreover, even if it can be peeled off, the adhesive strength is lowered, making re-adhering difficult.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an easy-to-understand and user-friendly guide regarding the installation of the imaging device. In addition, it is desirable to use the image captured by an imaging device such as a drive recorder, not just to record the image at the time of an accident or the like. The present application discloses an invention that addresses all or part of the above problems or other problems, for example.

The present application discloses, for example, the inventions described in the following configuration examples.

<Configuration example 1>
The invention of configuration example 1 is a photographing device that can be installed in a vehicle,
The photographing device is characterized by having a first guide function of notifying a guide regarding installation of the photographing device from a notification means.

With this configuration, the notifying means informs the user of the guide relating to the installation of the first guide function, so that the user can install the photographing device according to the guide. In addition, the user's convenience is improved because the photographing apparatus itself not an instruction manual informs the user of the guide.

The 'capturing device' may be a device that captures an image, for example, a device having a camera. Especially good as a drive recorder. This is because the drive recorder has many matters requiring guidance, such as restrictions on the installation position, and the need for guidance regarding installation is high for the user. In particular, it is preferable that the photographing device is retrofitted to a vehicle by a user such as a driver of the vehicle after purchasing the vehicle. As a device having a camera, it is particularly preferable to use a so-called integrated drive recorder having a single camera and a function of recording an image taken by the camera on a recording medium or the like.

"Installation" may be fixing, attaching, or adhering to a vehicle, for example, adhering with a double-sided adhesive tape. This is because the double-sided adhesive tape is difficult to remove or re-adhere once it has been attached, and it is highly necessary to avoid a situation that requires re-installation. In particular, an excellent effect is exhibited in a configuration in which the installation work is performed by a general vehicle user who is not a vehicle manufacturer or a specialized installer.

The notification means may be display means and/or audio output means, for example. The display means and the audio output means may be composed of a plurality of parts (for example, two screens, etc.). Similarly, each means described herein may be composed of multiple parts. For example, the control means may be configured by connecting a plurality of computers through communication.

"Guide" may be, for example, guidance or explanation. The "guide" is preferably displayed as an image on the display means. If the image contains textual information (for example, text description), the contents can be logically conveyed to the user. So good. The display of the guide may be performed by outputting sound from the sound output means. The imaging device preferably has display means, for example, an image display device (for example, a liquid crystal monitor) and/or an audio output device (for example, a speaker) for displaying the guide.

As the configuration of "notify", for example, the control means may be a process or control content for causing the notification means directly or indirectly connected to the control means to notify. , the drawing process for display on the display means may be performed by the control means.

<Configuration example 2>
The invention of configuration example 2 is the photographing device, wherein the first guide function includes a function of notifying a guide regarding an installation position of the photographing device by a notification means.

In this way, the user can refer to the guide when determining the installation position of the photographing device based on the content of notification by the notification means.

The "guide on installation position" may be information that allows users to recognize guidance and explanations about desirable installation positions, undesirable installation positions, restrictions on installation positions, and the like, for example.

<Configuration example 3>
The invention of configuration example 3 is the photographing device, wherein the guide includes information on restrictions regarding installation of the photographing device.

In this way, the user can recognize the restrictions regarding the installation based on the notification of the photographing apparatus itself, so that the user can satisfy the restrictions without referring to anything other than the photographing apparatus, such as an instruction manual. It is possible to install a camera. Restrictions on installation should be restrictions on the installation position.

The inventors of the present application have found that, when the device is a drive recorder, it is preferable to have, for example, the following restrictions regarding installation.
[1] Legal restrictions. For example, when installing on the windshield, the restriction that it must be installed within the upper 20% of the windshield [2] Movable objects in the vehicle (especially movable objects originally installed in the vehicle. For example, sun visor and room (mirror, etc.)) restrictions [3] Safe driving support braking system (for example, sensors for collision avoidance systems such as EyeSight (registered trademark), etc.), safety equipment such as airbags, Constraints to install so as not to interfere with equipment installed in the vehicle such as head-up display, ETC, etc., or equipment near the windshield such as retrofit equipment. [5] Constraint to install in the wiping range of the wiper [6] Constraint to position where GPS can be received on models with GPS function [7] Radio waves with other devices such as terrestrial digital broadcasting receivers Constraints that are positions where interference does not occur [8] Constraints that are positions where the cigar cable can reach and where the cigar cable can be wired so as not to hinder driving [9] Avoid colored parts of the windshield and vehicle inspection sticker constraint

In the invention of configuration example 3, the guide may include character information or graphic information explaining all or part of the above restrictions. Please install it." should be displayed on the display device. All constraints may be displayed on one screen, or may be displayed on multiple screens.

<Configuration example 4>
The invention of configuration example 4 is the photographing device, wherein the guide includes information on precautions regarding installation of the photographing device.

In this way, the user can know the items that require attention during installation without referring to anything other than the photographing apparatus, such as an instruction manual. The points to note about installation should be points to note about the installation position and points to note about restrictions on installation. The precautions regarding restrictions on installation may include, for example, what the user should do in order to satisfy the restrictions and what should be noted when doing these matters.

It is preferable that the notification of the caution point is made by display, and it is particularly preferable to include character information and graphic information. For example, regarding the restriction of [2], an explanation such as ``Please move the sun visor, rearview mirror, etc. and check that it does not hit the camera.'', and regarding the restriction of [6], ``GPS reception is To check if it is possible, move the car away from a covered garage or other location with obstacles above." All caution points may be displayed on one screen or may be displayed on a plurality of screens.

<Configuration example 5>
In the invention of configuration example 5, the guide distinguishes between information about a range in which installation of the photographing device is prohibited and information about a range in which installation is not prohibited but is not desirable, and notifies them in a user-recognizable manner. This imaging device is characterized by:

In the past, although it was not desirable, there was no concept of clearly distinguishing between the range in which installation was possible and the range in which installation was prohibited, so there was a risk that the two would be treated as the same and installed in prohibited areas. By doing so, the user can recognize the range where installation is prohibited and the range where installation is possible but not desirable, and reduces the possibility of installing in the range where installation is prohibited by confusing the two. be able to.

<Configuration example 6>
The invention of configuration example 6 includes a temporary installation instruction function for instructing a user to temporarily install the imaging device according to the guide;
and a movable object operation instruction function for instructing to operate a movable object of a vehicle after temporary installation.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which it is discovered that the position is inappropriate when the movable object of the vehicle is operated after the main installation, and the installation has to be performed again. becomes easier.

As the movable objects of the vehicle, for example, it is preferable to provide those whose physical positions are actually movable, such as a sun visor, a room mirror, and a wiper. In addition, it is preferable to equip the vehicle with an electrically movable object such as a terrestrial digital reception function or a GPS reception function.

<Configuration example 7>
The invention of configuration example 7 includes a temporary installation determination function for determining the possibility that a temporary installation position when the photographing device is temporarily installed is inappropriate;
The photographing apparatus is characterized by having a second guide function of notifying information indicating that there is a possibility of being inappropriate determined by the temporary installation determination function.

In this way, the user can know that the temporary installation position may be an inappropriate position. Therefore, it is possible to easily check whether the position seems to be really inappropriate before the actual installation, and if the position seems to be inappropriate, it is different from the position indicated to be inappropriate. It is possible to change the temporary installation position of the imaging device or to permanently install it.

In particular, the photographing device may be configured to include the first guide function together with the second guide function, and particularly preferably to perform the second guide function after performing the first guide function.

The display of the possibility of inappropriateness may include the reason for the inappropriateness and an instruction to move the installation position. By doing so, the user can easily understand which position to move to. The display of the possibility of being inappropriate may include character information and graphic information. It is not installed. Please move the installation position.", If it is determined that the restriction in [2] may be inappropriate, please change the installation position so that it does not hit the sun visor or rearview mirror. Please include an explanation such as "Please move." It is preferable to display the possibility of inappropriateness by means of images and/or sounds.

Further, for example, the imaging apparatus has a temporary installation instruction function for instructing the user to temporarily install the imaging apparatus, and the temporary installation determination function performs the determination after the instruction by the temporary installation instruction function. device. In this way, it is possible to determine the possibility that the temporary installation position is inappropriate after the user actually performs the temporary installation. Instructions by the temporary installation instruction function are preferably given by images and/or sounds. The temporary installation instruction function may instruct the user to temporarily install the imaging device according to the guide by the first guide function. In this way, the user is more likely to perform temporary installation at an appropriate position, and the number of times of temporary installation can be reduced. The temporary installation instruction function should preferably display points to note during temporary installation. For example, regarding the restriction of [6], confirm whether GPS reception is possible after moving the car from a place with obstacles above, such as a garage with a roof. Since it takes a certain amount of time, it is preferable to display cautionary points such as confirming whether GPS reception is possible after that time has passed.

<Configuration example 8>
The invention of configuration example 8 has a status input instruction function for instructing the user to input the status at the time of temporary installation to the operation means,
The temporary installation determination function is the photographing apparatus characterized in that the determination is performed based on the operation of the operation means.

In this way, interference by the imaging device may affect the operation of other devices (for example, terrestrial digital broadcasting receivers, etc.), which is difficult to directly detect by the imaging device itself. The presence or absence of can also be determined.

In particular, the photographing device may be configured to have a temporary installation determination function and a second guide function in addition to the situation input instruction function. In particular, the temporary installation determination function and the second guide function may be configured to be executed after the situation input instruction function is executed.

The operating means may be, for example, a push button, a touch panel, or the like.

The situation at the time of temporary installation should be the situation concerning the possibility that the temporary installation position is inappropriate, and the situation concerning whether problems will arise in relation to the movement or operation of the equipment installed in the vehicle or retrofitted. Better. For example, if a vehicle is equipped with a device that is installed or retrofitted on a vehicle and is a movable object, the situation may be whether or not the device hits a temporarily installed photographing device when the device is actually moved. If the retrofitted device is an electric device or an electronic device, the situation should be whether or not there is a problem in the operation of the device when the device is actually operated. Instructions provided by the situation input instruction function may include instructions to move or operate a device equipped or retrofitted to the vehicle. For example, it may include all or part of instructions such as:
(a) Try moving the sun visor or rearview mirror and input whether or not it hits the shooting device (b) Do not interfere with devices such as airbags, head-up displays, ETC, especially retrofitted devices (c) an instruction to input whether other equipment is turned on and operates normally (for example, whether the digital terrestrial television equipment can receive all channels, has GPS function, Whether the device can perform GPS positioning, whether the remote control key works normally, etc.)

When instructing (a), it is advisable to pay special attention to the sun visor on the front passenger side and/or to warn that the position of the rearview mirror may change depending on the driver.

Further, for example, a temporary installation determination function for determining that the imaging device has been temporarily installed is provided, and the temporary installation determination function determines that the temporary installation determination function determines that the imaging device has been temporarily installed. If the photographing device is characterized by making a judgment, it is preferable that the possibility of being inappropriate is judged after judging that it has been temporarily installed.

In particular, the photographing device may be configured to have a temporary installation determination function and a second guide function in addition to the temporary installation determination function. In particular, it is preferable that the temporary installation determination function and the second guide function are executed after the temporary installation determination function is executed.

The determination of the temporary installation is made, for example, by instructing the user to perform a predetermined operation on the operating means of the photographing device after the temporary installation, and when the predetermined operation is performed, the temporary installation is performed. It is better to judge that it has been done. The photographing device further has a function of judging the shaking of the photographing device, and when it is judged that the photographing device has been temporarily installed when the shaking of the photographing device falls below a certain level, it is automatically judged that the photographing device has been temporarily installed. even better. Shaking of the photographing device may be determined, for example, based on a photographed image photographed by the photographing device.

<Configuration example 9>
The invention of configuration example 9 is the imaging device, wherein the temporary installation determination function includes a function of performing the determination based on image recognition using an image captured by the imaging device.

In this way, the user can try temporary installation and let the imaging device determine whether or not the position is appropriate. reduce the difficulty that must be In particular, when there are a plurality of constraints, especially when there are four or more, the user's burden can be greatly reduced. For the determination based on image recognition, for example, the configuration may be such that the determination is performed according to the captured image at the time of temporary installation.

The temporary installation determination function recognizes from the captured image whether or not there is an object or part that may obstruct the shooting, and if it is included, it is possible that the position of the imaging device is inappropriate. It should be determined that there is Objects and portions that may interfere with photographing may be, for example, a sticker such as a vehicle inspection certificate, a colored portion of the windshield, or a portion outside the wiping range of the wiper. If the temporary installation determination function determines that there is a possibility of being inappropriate, the second guide function notifies that the corresponding object or part is included in the shooting range, or instructs to change the installation position. should be displayed.

When recognizing whether a captured image includes a portion outside the wiping range of the wiper, the imaging device has a function of instructing the user to move the wiper, and the temporary installation determination function uses the captured image after the instruction. The movement of the wiper is recognized from , and the possibility of inappropriateness may be determined based on whether or not a portion outside the wiping range of the wiper is included in the captured image or the size of the portion. The photographing device further has a function of displaying a real-time photographed image photographed by the photographing device on a display device, and the wiping range of the wiper recognized by image recognition is displayed on the real-time photographed image by, for example, AR (Augmented Reality) display. Having the function of superimposing and displaying the images makes it easier for the user to recognize the appropriate position for installation in relation to the actually photographed objects inside and outside the vehicle.

The temporary installation determination function recognizes the positional relationship between a specific structure in the vehicle (for example, the windshield) and the temporary installation position based on image recognition, and based on the recognized positional relationship, determines whether the position at the time of temporary installation is incorrect. It is good to judge the possibility of being appropriate. For example, regarding the constraint [1], the possibility of being inappropriate may be determined based on whether the temporary installation position is within the upper 20% of the windshield. When the temporary installation determination function determines that there is a possibility of being inappropriate, the second guide function may display the reason why the installation position is inappropriate, an instruction to change the installation position, or the like.

Recognition of the positional relationship between the specific structure in the vehicle and the photographing device may be performed by comparing a reference image including the specific structure photographed by the photographing device with the photographed image at the time of temporary installation. The reference image is preferably a still image. For example, instruct to press the shooting button at the top position of the windshield, record the image at the top position when the button is pressed, instruct to press the shooting button at the bottom position, and press the button at the bottom position Images may be recorded and these top and bottom position images may be used as reference images. It is even better to use an image of the whole (or a part of) the windshield photographed from a rear seat or the like as the reference image, because it requires less effort to acquire the reference image.

<Configuration example 10>
The invention of configuration example 10 has a safety equipment discrimination function for discriminating the type of safety equipment installed in the vehicle,
In the photographing apparatus, the temporary installation determination function performs the determination according to the type of safety equipment determined by the safety equipment determination function.

In this way, even if the user does not specifically know the safety equipment provided in the vehicle, it is possible to determine the possibility that the temporary installation position is inappropriate. Reduces the need for pre-inspection. It is particularly effective for general citizens users and drivers who are not vehicle-related manufacturers/sellers.

The safety equipment may be, for example, equipment having a prohibited installation range, such as a safe driving support brake system or an air bag. The prohibited installation range may be a range in which installation of the imaging device is prohibited or an undesirable range.

The safety equipment determination function may directly determine the type of safety equipment, but may determine the type of safety equipment based on the vehicle type, for example, in the case of a vehicle model equipped with safety equipment as standard equipment. Further, for example, the photographing apparatus may be provided with a vehicle type discrimination function for simply discriminating a vehicle type, and the temporary installation determination function may perform the determination according to the vehicle type determined by the vehicle type discrimination function. , it is preferable to make a determination based on information acquired from the vehicle side, but it is particularly preferable to focus on safety equipment as in <Configuration Example 10>.

The safety equipment determination function may, for example, determine the type of safety equipment based on the user's operation on the operation means. For example, the photographing device displays a list of safety equipment on the display means, instructs the user to perform an operation to select the type of safety equipment installed in the user's vehicle from the list, and The equipment determination function may determine the type of safety equipment based on the operation on the operation means. The safety equipment discrimination function preferably discriminates the type of safety equipment based on the information acquired from the vehicle side. If the type of safety equipment is automatically discriminated from the signal from the connector, the user's labor can be reduced.

In particular, the photographing device may be configured to have a temporary installation determination function and a second guide function in addition to the safety equipment determination function. In particular, it is preferable that the temporary installation determination function and the second guide function are executed after the safety equipment determination function is executed.

The photographing device further has a prohibited installation range storage means for storing a prohibited installation range for each type of safety equipment, and the temporary installation determination function stores the prohibited installation range storage means for the type of safety equipment determined by the safety equipment determination function. It is preferable to determine the possibility that the temporary installation position is inappropriate based on the stored prohibited installation range. Since the installation prohibited range is posted on the homepages, catalogs, etc. of the vehicle and safety equipment manufacturers, etc., it is preferable to store this information in the installation prohibited range storage means.

For example, if the installation prohibited range includes a range on a specific structure inside the vehicle (for example, the windshield), the temporary installation determination function determines the position of the specific structure inside the vehicle and the temporary installation position based on image recognition. By recognizing the relationship and automatically determining the possibility that the installation position is inappropriate based on whether or not the temporary installation position is within the safety equipment installation prohibited range, it is possible to reduce the user's trouble.

<Configuration example 11>
The invention of configuration example 11 is an imaging apparatus characterized by having an installation position candidate display function for displaying installation position candidates.

In this way, installation position candidates are displayed, so that the user can more easily determine the installation position.

In particular, if the photographing device has a first guide function as well as an installation position candidate display function, the user can confirm whether or not the installation position candidate conforms to the installation guide.

Candidates for the installation position may be positions that are appropriate for the installation position. It is preferable to set an area that does not satisfy the above-mentioned constraints as an inappropriate area, and use an area other than the inappropriate area as a candidate for the installation position.

The installation position candidate display function preferably displays installation position candidates based on information pre-stored in a storage unit of the imaging device. For example, with respect to the constraint [1], information on the upper 20% area of the windshield may be stored in advance in the storage means, and based on the information, the upper 20% of the windshield may be displayed as a candidate for the installation position. . The information is preferably stored as coordinate information. Further, regarding the constraint [3], if the imaging device has the safety equipment determination function of configuration example 10, the installation position candidate display function displays installation position candidates based on the type of safety equipment determined by the safety equipment determination function. should be displayed. The photographing device further has a prohibited installation range storage means for storing a prohibited installation range for each type of safety equipment, and the temporary installation determination function stores the prohibited installation range storage means for the type of safety equipment determined by the safety equipment determination function. Areas other than the stored installation prohibited range may be displayed as candidates for the installation position.

Further, it is preferable that the installation position candidates are divided into a plurality of small areas with different priorities, and the candidate display function displays each small area so that the respective priorities can be understood. Priorities may be set, for example, based on whether each subregion satisfies placement constraints. For example, priority may be set according to the type or number of constraints that each small region satisfies. For example, the installation position candidate area is divided into a small area that satisfies only specific constraints (for example, constraints related to safety such as constraints [1] and/or [3]), specific constraints and other constraints (for example , [2], [4] to [9]) at the same time, and the latter should be given higher priority than the former. Priorities may be set based on criteria other than whether each sub-region satisfies placement constraints. For example, the areas that satisfy the constraints [1] and [3] are divided into a small area on the driver's side and a small area on the passenger's side. This should be set. This is because it is more desirable to set the photographing device at a position that does not interfere with the driver's field of vision.

The installation position candidate display function preferably displays installation position candidates as images. The imaging device further has a function of displaying a real-time captured image captured by the imaging device on the display device, and the installation position candidate display function superimposes the installation position candidate on the real-time captured image by, for example, AR display. It is further preferable to have a function to display the installation position, since the user can easily recognize the installation position candidate.

With the installation position candidate display function, it is preferable to display the area of the installation position candidate in a different color. For coloring, for example, it is preferable to display the installation position candidate area in a color different from that of the inappropriate area. For example, the installation position candidate areas may be displayed in green, and the inappropriate areas may be displayed in red. By dividing the installation position candidate area into a plurality of sub-areas with different priorities and displaying each sub-area in a different color for each priority, the user can easily understand the priority of each sub-area. good. For example, high-priority small areas may be displayed in green, low-priority small areas may be displayed in yellow, and inappropriate areas may be displayed in red.

<Configuration example 12>
In the invention of configuration example 12, the adhesive member for temporary installation and the adhesive member for permanent installation are packaged together,
The adhesive member for temporary installation has an adhesive force weaker than that of the adhesive member for permanent installation.

In this way, the adhesive member for temporary installation has a weaker adhesive force than the adhesive member for permanent installation. Even then, it is easy to remove the imaging device.

Moreover, it is preferable to have a function of notifying that the installation is to be carried out in a procedure of performing the permanent installation after the temporary installation. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user erroneously and abruptly performs the final installation, making re-installation difficult.

Further, it is preferable to have a function of notifying an instruction to perform temporary installation using the adhesive member for temporary installation during temporary installation and to perform permanent installation using the adhesive member for permanent installation during permanent installation. In particular, the adhesive member for temporary installation and the adhesive member for permanent installation have a structure that can be recognized as different members, and the notification function can distinguish between the adhesive member for temporary installation and the adhesive member for permanent installation by notifying the structure. It is preferable to report in a recognizable manner.

The adhesive strength of the adhesive member for temporary installation should be such that it does not come off when temporarily installed, and is strong enough to be removed when pulled by hand. In this way, when the photographing device is temporarily installed, it is possible to confirm that the installation position is appropriate, and the photographing device can be removed after the temporary installation. If the adhesive member for temporary installation has an adhesive strength that allows temporary installation to be performed multiple times, the user can perform temporary installation repeatedly, which facilitates finding an appropriate installation position. . If the adhesive member for permanent installation has such a strong adhesive force that it cannot be removed by pulling it by hand, more stable and/or highly reliable photographing can be performed.

<Configuration example 13>
The invention of configuration example 13 is an imaging device, wherein the adhesive member for temporary installation and the adhesive member for permanent installation are laminated.

In this way, since the adhesive member for temporary installation and the adhesive member for permanent installation are laminated, for example, the user temporarily installs the imaging device using the adhesive member for temporary installation in a laminated state, and then Since the adhesive member for temporary installation can be removed and the photographic device can be permanently installed using the adhesive member for permanent installation, the user's convenience can be improved and/or the installation work can be facilitated. So good. The adhesive member for temporary installation and the adhesive member for permanent installation are preferably packed together with the photographing device in a laminated state. The temporary installation adhesive member and the permanent installation adhesive member are preferably laminated with an adhesive force that allows the user to easily remove the temporary installation adhesive member.

The adhesive member for permanent installation is preferably laminated so as to be closer to the imaging device than the adhesive member for temporary installation, and the adhesive member for temporary installation is peeled off from the adhesive member for permanent installation by the weight of the imaging device. It is preferable that the adhesive member for temporary installation is laminated with the adhesive member for permanent installation with an adhesive force that allows the adhesive member for temporary installation to be peeled off from the adhesive member for permanent installation by hand. The permanent installation adhesive member is preferably adhered to the photographing device with such an adhesive force that it does not separate from the photographing device when the temporary installation adhesive member side is manually peeled off from the permanent installation adhesive member side.

<Configuration example 14>
The invention of configuration example 14 is the photographing device, wherein the temporary installation adhesive member contains transfer ink that is transferred to an installation location when the photographing device is installed by the temporary installation adhesive member.

In this way, for example, when the photographing device is installed by the adhesive member for temporary installation, the photographing device can be permanently installed using the transfer ink transferred to the installation location as a mark, thereby facilitating the installation work. be.

If the transfer ink is ink that can be wiped off with a tissue or the like, the transfer ink can be easily erased even if the installation location is inappropriate when the photographing device is installed with the adhesive member for temporary installation. The transfer ink may be, for example, water-based ink.

<Configuration example 15>
The invention of configuration example 15 is a program for causing a computer to realize the function of the photographing apparatus according to any one of configuration examples 1 to 14.

As the temporary installation determination function described above, images taken by an imaging device such as a drive recorder are simply recorded at the time of an accident, such as the function of performing the determination based on image recognition using the image captured by the imaging device. It is desirable to have a function that is not only used for

In particular, since the camera and image recognition engine are installed for the lane departure detection function and the front vehicle detection function in the drive recorder, it is possible to use these for purposes other than the original purpose such as accident recording and safe driving. I found something good.

(A) It is preferable to provide a function of controlling the state of the vehicle during warming up by the engine starter based on the transmission state of the windshield based on the photographed image of the windshield captured by the photographing device.

According to such a configuration, it is possible for the user to start immediately while the windshield is transparent.

A conventional engine starter has a function to stop the engine when a predetermined time has passed since the engine was started, and to have a temperature sensor to stop the engine when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. .

However, the purpose of warm-up operation by the engine starter is not only to raise the temperature in the passenger compartment before starting driving, but also to prevent the windshield of the vehicle from freezing and frost from starting the vehicle before departure. There is also a purpose to secure forward visibility so that we can start immediately by resolving the situation where it is snowing or snow is piled up, but whether it is in such a state is indirectly determined from sensors and warm-up time. However, there was a problem that it was not possible to know whether the windshield was in a state where visibility could be obtained until one actually rode the car. However, such a configuration more reliably allows the user to start immediately with the windshield transparent.

As for the transparent state of the windshield, for example, if the windshield is transparent, it may be determined that the warm-up can be terminated. Depending on the transmission state of the windshield, for example, it may be determined that the warm-up is not finished in the non-transmission state. For example, depending on whether or not the front view (windshield) is clear (transparent) by the camera, the vehicle state (engine off, air conditioner adjustment) during warming up by the engine starter may be controlled.

As for control of the vehicle state during warm-up, the engine may be turned off when it is determined that warm-up can be terminated, or a signal for adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner according to the degree of transmission may be sent to the vehicle. For example, through an OBD adapter, etc., via an in-vehicle LAN or directly connected to each part of the vehicle, air conditioner control (e.g. temperature, wind direction, etc.), window control (e.g., opening the window slightly, etc.), At least one of moving the wipers (eg, intermittently, early, late) may be performed. Information about the current environment such as the vehicle engine condition, vehicle interior temperature, vehicle exterior temperature, air conditioner set temperature, etc. can be obtained via an in-vehicle LAN connection such as via an OBD adapter, etc., and the warm-up state can be controlled based on this information. .

Alternatively, for example, without providing the engine starter with a conventional sensor or function, the imaging device and the engine starter may be electrically connected, and the vehicle state during warming up may be controlled based on the actual state of the windshield. good.

The engine starter may be, for example, one that starts an internal combustion engine, but is not limited to this, and may also include one that starts warm-up of an electric vehicle.

It is preferable to control the warm-up state by determining whether the fog is due to snow or frost based on the cloudy state of the windshield based on the photographed image of the windshield captured by the photographing device.

It is preferable to determine the amount and/or range of snow or frost from the degree of cloudiness of the windshield based on the photographed image of the windshield captured by the photographing device, and control the warm-up state.

For example, a camera may be used to determine whether fogging on the windshield is due to snow or frost (it is preferable to determine the amount and extent of snow or frost) and control the warm-up state.

(B) It is preferable to provide a function of judging or recording the state of rain based on the photographed image obtained by photographing the operating area of the wipers of the windshield by the photographing device. In this way, it is possible to more reliably judge or record the state of rain in stages. Conventional methods include the method of directly detecting the operating state of the wiper from the signal line of the wiper, the method of acquiring from the operation lever of the wiper, the method of acquiring by ECU connection, and the method of acquiring via in-vehicle LAN such as OBD. However, in either case, there is a problem that wiring to the vehicle is required, but there is no need for such wiring, etc., and installation is extremely easy. It is particularly useful in a configuration that performs big data analysis processing, such as by recording the operating status of wipers in the cloud.

For determination of the rain condition, for example, it is preferable to use the condition of a wiper that traverses the image taken by a drive recorder or the like as an imaging device.

Determination of the rain condition may include, for example, a function of determining the strength of the rain from the operation interval of the wipers. Further, it is preferable to have a function of recording the change point of the wiper operation interval so as to be discriminable. Also, it is particularly good to record the operating state of the wipers together with GPS information (time, position, etc.). It is preferable that the recording be synchronized with the recording of the video and recorded so as to be reproducible. The location of recording may be the main body of the image capturing apparatus or a recording medium detachable from the image capturing apparatus.

(C) It is preferable to provide a function of judging or recording the lighting state of the headlights based on the photographed image of the area in front of the windshield taken by the photographing device. No wiring or the like is required, and the lighting state of the headlight can be determined or recorded with extremely easy installation.

It is preferable to provide a function of using the determination result of the lighting state of the headlights, for example, to detect the lighting timing of the headlights.

Determination of the lighting state of the headlights may be performed, for example, by determining whether the own vehicle has lights on. Also, for example, it may be determined whether or not the vehicle in front has its lights on. Also, it is preferable to use it to determine a dimmer that changes the brightness of the display device.

For recording, for example, it is preferable to have a function of recording the state of the headlights together with GPS information (time, position, etc.).

In addition, it is preferable to detect the amount of light around the vehicle from an image from a photographing device or from another sensor and record it together with the state of the amount of light around the vehicle. The location of recording may be the main body of the image capturing apparatus or a recording medium detachable from the image capturing apparatus.

Although these functions may be provided in a device external to the imaging device and may be realized by electrically connecting the device and the imaging device, it is preferable to provide them inside the imaging device.

A sensor (e.g., temperature sensor, humidity sensor, illuminance sensor, proximity sensor, gesture sensor, etc.) is also provided on the part attached to the windshield, and the sensor information and the captured image of the front area of the windshield captured by the imaging device are captured. The determination or the recording may be performed based on the above.

It is preferable that the determination or the recording is performed based on vehicle type information obtained from a connector such as an OBD provided in the vehicle.

It is preferable to have a function to feed back the result of the determination to the vehicle side via the OBD adapter.

It is preferable to provide a function that enables viewing and/or control of the content of the determination or the record from a smartphone or the like.

It is preferable to construct a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the imaging apparatus described above.

The configurations described in the respective configuration examples and the like described above may be combined to the extent that there is no contradiction. Further, it is preferable to construct a new configuration example by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements described in each configuration example etc. within a range that does not cause contradiction.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the front side of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rear side of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of a bracket. (a) is a diagram showing the structure of an adhesive tape, and (b) is a diagram showing the surface of a gel sheet. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the drive recorder; FIG. 8 is a flowchart of installation guide processing; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a first guide screen 100; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an installation position candidate screen 110; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a temporary installation instruction screen 120; 4 is a diagram showing an example of a message screen 130; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a movable object action instruction screen 140;

(First embodiment)
A drive recorder 1 will be described below as an example of an imaging device according to the present invention. The drive recorder 1 is installed on the windshield of the vehicle. We have found that there are the following restrictions regarding the installation of the drive recorder 1, and as will be described below, the drive recorder 1 has processes, functions, and configurations corresponding to these restrictions.
[1] Legal restrictions. For example, when installing on the windshield, the restriction that it must be installed within the upper 20% of the windshield [2] Movable objects in the vehicle (especially movable objects originally installed in the vehicle. For example, sun visor and room (mirror, etc.)) restrictions [3] Safe driving support braking system (for example, sensors for collision avoidance systems such as EyeSight (registered trademark), etc.), safety equipment such as airbags, Constraints to install so as not to interfere with equipment installed in the vehicle such as head-up display, ETC, etc., or equipment near the windshield such as retrofit equipment. [5] Constraint to install in the wiping range of the wiper [6] Constraint to position where GPS can be received on models with GPS function [7] Radio waves with other devices such as terrestrial digital broadcasting receivers Constraints that are positions where interference does not occur [8] Constraints that are positions where the cigar cable can reach and where the cigar cable can be wired so as not to hinder driving [9] Avoid colored parts of the windshield and vehicle inspection sticker constraint

1 and 2 show the drive recorder 1 from the front and back. The drive recorder 1 is an electronic device that accommodates an electronic board (not shown) inside a housing 2 that has a substantially rectangular front shape. A CCD camera lens 3 for photographing is arranged on the front of the housing 2, and a liquid crystal screen 4 of a liquid crystal display 12 (see FIG. 5) for displaying images and various operation buttons 5 ( An upper button 5a, a lower button 5b, a MODE button 5c and a MENU button 5d) are arranged. On the upper surface of the housing 2, a photographing button 6a and a power button 6b for photographing operation are arranged, and a screw hole 7 for attaching a bracket 20 (see FIG. 3) is drilled. A connection terminal 8 for power supply and a card slot 9 for inserting a microSD card as a recording medium are arranged on the side surface of the housing 2 . Power is supplied to the connection terminal 8 from a cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle through a cigar cable (not shown). It is also possible to connect and supply power to the connection terminal 8 from the OBD connector.

FIG. 3 shows a bracket 20 for installing and fixing the drive recorder 1 to a windshield 40 of a vehicle. The bracket 20 includes an attachment stay 21 attached to the windshield 40 by the adhesive force of an adhesive tape 30 (a double-sided adhesive tape 31 or a gel sheet 32), which will be described later, and a pedestal 22 including screws 22a corresponding to the screw holes 7 of the drive recorder 1. etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sticking stay 21 has a spherical sliding ball 21c at the tip of a curved arm portion 21b extending from the rear surface of an approximately rectangular sticking plate 21a to be stuck to the glass surface of the windshield 40. It is a member that has been

The pedestal 22 is a member provided with a screw 22a on its lower surface and a concave portion (not shown) for accommodating the sliding ball 21c on its upper surface. A peripheral screw 22b into which a peripheral nut 23 is screwed is provided on the outer peripheral side of the recess. By tightening the outer peripheral nut 23 while the sliding ball 21c is accommodated in the recess, the sliding ball 21c can be tightened and fixed, thereby fixing the angle of the sticking stay 21 with respect to the pedestal 22 and the like. By loosening the outer peripheral nut 23, the sliding ball 21c can be loosened and oscillated.

FIG. 4(a) shows an adhesive tape 30 included in the drive recorder 1. FIG. The adhesive tape 30 is composed of a laminate of a double-sided adhesive tape 31 and a gel sheet 32, and has substantially the same shape and size as the sticking plate 21a. Once the double-faced adhesive tape 31 is adhered to the windshield 40, it has such a strong adhesion that it cannot be peeled off by pulling it by hand. The gel sheet 32 has adhesive strength weaker than that of the double-sided adhesive tape 31, and adheres to the windshield 40 with such a strength that the drive recorder 1 does not fall under its own weight and can be easily peeled off by pulling it by hand. can be done. The gel sheet 32 can be easily removed (or peeled off) from the double-sided adhesive tape 31 . The adhesive tape 30 is packaged with the drive recorder 1 with a lower protective film 33 covering the surface of the double-sided adhesive tape 31 and an upper protective film 34 covering the surface of the gel sheet 32 attached.

FIG. 4(b) shows the surface of the gel sheet 32 from which the upper protective film 34 has been removed. As shown, the surface of the gel sheet 32 is printed with a position mark 32a using water-based ink. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the position mark 32a has sides parallel to the outer peripheral sides of the adhesive sheet 30 having substantially the same shape and size as the sticking plate 21a, and is marked so that the position of the intersection of the sides can be recognized. I am printing to The position of this side is printed at the same distance inside in the left and right direction from the outer peripheral position of the adhesive sheet 30 in the left and right direction. Also, in the vertical direction, the printing is performed at the same distance inside the adhesive sheet 30 in the vertical direction from the outer peripheral position of the adhesive sheet 30 in the vertical direction. In the example of FIG. 4, printing is performed at the same distance inside both the top, bottom, left, and right. When the gel sheet 32 is adhered to the windshield 40 or the like and then peeled off, the position mark 32a is transferred to the windshield 40 or the like. The position mark 32a transferred to the windshield 40 can be easily removed by wiping with a tissue or the like.

Since the adhesive tape 30 has a two-layer structure of the double-sided adhesive tape 31 and the gel sheet 32, the user installs the drive recorder 1 on the windshield 40 with the gel sheet 32, confirms whether or not the installation position is appropriate, and then drives the drive recorder 1 once. After removing the recorder 1 from the windshield 40 and removing the gel sheet 32 of the adhesive tape 30, the drive recorder 1 can be installed with the double-sided adhesive tape 31. - 特許庁(Hereinafter, installing the drive recorder 1 with the gel sheet 32 is referred to as "temporary installation," and installation with the double-sided adhesive tape 31 is referred to as "permanent installation.") The position mark 32a remains on the windshield 40 during temporary installation. Therefore, the user can perform final installation of the drive recorder 1 using the position mark 32a as a mark. For example, the user may perform permanent installation of the drive recorder 1 by aligning it with the position mark 32a transferred to the windshield 40 or the like by temporary installation. Alignment may be performed, for example, so that each side of the double-sided adhesive tape 31 (or the sticking plate 21a) is parallel to each side of the transferred position mark 32a and roughly coincides with each other. More strictly speaking, the "substantially matched" means that the left and right sides of the position mark 32a are located inside the same distance in the right and left directions from the left and right sides of the double-sided adhesive tape 31 (or the sticking plate 21a). Also, the upper and lower sides of the position mark 32a should be aligned so that they are positioned inside the upper and lower sides of the double-sided adhesive tape 31 (or the sticking plate 21a) by the same distance in the downward and upward directions. By doing so, it is possible to easily suppress the deviation between the temporarily installed position and the permanently installed position. By suppressing the deviation, it is possible to reduce the possibility of permanently installing the drive recorder 1 in a restricted position.

FIG. 5 shows the hardware configuration of the drive recorder 1. As shown in FIG. Drive recorder 1 includes control unit 10 , CCD camera 11 , liquid crystal display 12 , speaker 13 , GPS receiver 14 , acceleration sensor 15 , SD card reader 16 , storage unit 17 , and operation reception unit 18 .

The control unit 10 is a computer having a CPU, a memory such as ROM and RAM, a timer, etc., and includes a CCD camera 11, a liquid crystal display 12, a speaker 13, a GPS receiver 14, an acceleration sensor 15, an SD card reader 16, and a storage unit 17. , the operation reception unit 18 and the like. In addition to the OS (Operation System), the ROM contains an image recognition program that performs image processing (contour extraction, pattern matching, etc.) using the captured image of the CCD camera 11 to recognize things in the captured image, Various programs such as an installation guide program for executing an installation guide process, which will be described later, are stored.

The CCD camera 11 is imaging means for acquiring data of a photographed image in front of the vehicle through the lens 3 . The CCD camera 11 inputs data to the control unit 10 via an interface capable of data compression and digital conversion. Images captured by the CCD camera 11 can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 12 and can be stored in an SD card inserted into the card slot 9 . The CCD camera 11 can shoot moving images and still images.

The liquid crystal display 12 is a device that displays an image under the control of the control section 10 , and the speaker 13 is a device that outputs sound under the control of the control section 10 . The liquid crystal display 12 and the speaker 13 serve as notification means for notifying the user of a guide regarding installation of the drive recorder 1 .

The GPS receiver 14 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites and outputs current position (longitude/latitude) information to the control unit 10 .

The acceleration sensor 15 is a 3-axis type sensor that measures acceleration and tilt in directions of 3 axes (X, Y, Z).

The SD card reader 16 reads and writes data on the SD card inserted in the card slot 9 under the control of the control section 10 .

The storage unit 17 is configured by a memory such as an EEPROM. The storage unit 17 stores at least notification data 171 and prohibited installation range data 172 as various data used in installation guide processing, which will be described later. A power-on flag 173 is also stored in the storage unit 17 .

The notification data 171 is data for performing notification using notification means such as the liquid crystal display 12 and the speaker 13 . The notification data 171 includes first guide data 171a, second guide data 171b, movable object operation instruction data 171c, and installation position candidate display data 171d.

The first guide data 171a is data for notifying a guide regarding installation in step S1, which will be described later. The first guide data 171a includes text data, image data, etc. for informing the user of the constraints [1] to [9]. The first guide data 171a includes text data for displaying sentences (1) to (9) below corresponding to the constraints [1] to [9] above.
(1) Please install within 20% of the entire windshield from the top of the windshield. (2) Please install in a position where the room mirror does not hit.
(3) Please install so that it does not interfere with devices near the windshield such as the safe driving support braking system and airbags.
(4) Please install in a position where you can shoot all over the left, right, top and bottom in front of the windshield.
(5) Install within the wiping range of the wiper.
(6) Install in a position where GPS can be received. To check whether GPS reception is possible, move the car away from a covered garage or other location with obstacles above.
(7) Install in a position where radio wave interference with other devices such as terrestrial digital broadcasting receivers does not occur.
(8) Install in a position where the cigar cable can be reached and where the cigar cable can be routed so as not to interfere with driving.
(9) Avoid the colored part of the windshield and the vehicle inspection sticker when installing.

The second guide data 171b is data for notifying the second guide in steps S8a, S9a, S10a, S12a, and S14a, which will be described later. The second guide data 171b is composed of text data, image data, and the like. The second guide data 171b has data corresponding to each of steps S8a, S9a, S10a, S12a, and S14a.

More specifically, the second guide data 171b displays the sentence "There is a possibility that the installation is prohibited. Please change the position." There is a possibility. Please change the position." It includes text data for displaying a sentence and displaying a sentence "There is a possibility that the GPS signal cannot be received. Please change the position." in step S12a. The second guide data 171b also includes data for displaying second guides corresponding to each of the plurality of movable object motion instruction screens 140. FIG. For example, the data corresponding to the movable object operation instruction screen 140 shown in FIG. 10 includes text data for displaying the sentence "Please change the position so that it does not hit the sun visor or rearview mirror."

The movable object action instruction data 171c is data for displaying the movable object action instruction screen 140 in step S12 described later. The movable object action instruction data 171c is composed of text data, image data, and the like. The movable object action instruction data 171c includes, for example, data for displaying the following text.
(a) Move the sun visor, rearview mirror, etc., and check that they do not hit you. Pay special attention to the sun visor on the passenger side. Please note that the position of the rearview mirror may change depending on the driver.
(b) Make sure there is no interference with devices such as head-up displays and ETC devices, especially retrofitted devices.
(c) Check whether other devices are turned on and operate normally (whether digital terrestrial TV devices can receive all channels, whether GPS positioning can be performed with devices with GPS functions, and whether remote control keys work normally). please confirm.

The installation position candidate display data 171d is data for displaying an installation position candidate screen 110, which will be described later. The installation position candidate screen 110 is a screen that displays an area on the windshield where the drive recorder 1 is preferably installed. The installation position candidate display data 171d is created in advance in consideration of the above constraints [1] to [9].

The installation prohibited range data 172 is data that defines a range in which installation of the drive recorder 1 on the windshield 40 is prohibited. The installation prohibited range data 172 includes information (common installation prohibited range data) that defines a common installation prohibited range, which is a range in which installation is prohibited in all vehicles, the type of vehicle, and safety equipment installed in the vehicle ( and information (individual installation prohibited range data) that defines an individual installation prohibited range, which is a range in which installation is prohibited, according to the type of safe driving support brake system, etc.). Common installation prohibited range data is created based on laws and regulations, safety viewpoints, and the like. Individual installation prohibited range data is created based on information provided by vehicle manufacturers and safety equipment manufacturers, and individual installation prohibited range data is a list of names of vehicles and safety equipment, and the list included in the list It contains data indicating areas where installation is prohibited, stipulated for each vehicle and safety equipment.

The power-on flag 173 can store "0" or "1" as a flag value. In the factory shipment state, the flag value of the power-on flag 173 is set to "0". When the power of the drive recorder 1 is turned on by operating the power button 6a, the flag value of the power-on flag 173 is rewritten to "1".

The operation reception unit 18 outputs a corresponding operation signal to the control unit 10 when detecting that the operation button 5, the shooting button 6a, and the power button 6b shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have been operated.

The drive recorder 1 has a GPS data acquisition function, a photographed image display function, an image recognition function, and an installation guide function. These functions are realized by the controller 10 executing various programs stored in the ROM of the controller 10 .

The GPS data acquisition function is a function for the control unit 10 to acquire information on the current position of the drive recorder 1 using GPS. In order to realize the GPS position data acquisition function, the control unit 10 receives a signal from the GPS receiver 14 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second), and based on the received signal, determines the current status of the drive recorder 1. Calculate the position. In order to realize the image recognition function, the image captured by the CCD camera 11 is analyzed using image processing techniques such as contour extraction and pattern matching, and pedestrians, vehicles ahead, buildings, terrain, etc. included in the captured image are recognized. I do.

The captured image display function is a function for the control unit 10 to display a captured image captured by the CCD camera 11 on the liquid crystal display 12 .

In the image recognition function, the control unit 10 executes an image recognition program stored in the ROM to perform image processing on the image captured by the CCD camera 11, and recognize objects (pedestrians, forward, etc.) in the captured image. (vehicles, buildings, terrain, etc.).

The installation guide function is implemented by the control unit 10 executing an installation guide program stored in the ROM, and is a function of executing installation guide processing, which will be described later.

The installation guide function has a first guide function, a temporary installation instruction function, a movable object operation instruction function, a temporary installation determination function, a second guide function, a vehicle/safety equipment determination function, and an installation position candidate function.

The first guide function is a function in which the control unit 10 uses the first guide data 171a to notify a first guide (step S1), which will be described later.

The temporary installation instruction function is a function of requesting the user to temporarily install the drive recorder 1 by causing the control unit 10 to display a temporary installation instruction screen 120, which will be described later, on the liquid crystal display 12 (step S6).

In the movable object operation instruction function, the control unit 10 uses the movable object operation instruction data 171c to display a movable object operation instruction screen 140 (step S13), which will be described later, so that the movable object in the vehicle can be operated. This function requires the user to

The temporary installation determination function detects the possibility that the temporary installation position is inappropriate when the control unit 10 temporarily installs the drive recorder 1 in steps S8, S9, S10, S12, and S14, which will be described later. It is a function to make judgments.

The second guide function is a function in which the control unit 10 uses the second guide data 171b to notify the second guide in steps S8a, S9a, S10a, S12a, and S14a, which will be described later. The second guide function uses the data corresponding to each step of the second guide data 171b to notify the second guide in each step of step S8a, step S9a, step S10a, step S12a, and step S14a.

The vehicle/safety equipment determination function is a function for the control unit 10 to determine the types of the vehicle and safety equipment based on the user's operation in step S4, which will be described later.

The installation position candidate display function is a function in which the control unit 10 uses the installation position candidate display data 171d to display the installation position candidate screen 110 displaying the installation position candidates on the liquid crystal display 12 in step S5 described later. .

The installation guide processing executed by the installation guide function will be described below with reference to FIG. The installation guide process can be used by the user when installing the drive recorder 1 in the vehicle.
Alternatively, it is executed when the power is turned on while the MENU button 5c is pressed.

That is, when the power is turned on, the control unit 10 checks the power-on flag 173 of the storage unit 17, and if the flag value is "0", it determines that it is in the state of shipment from the factory. In the case of "1", it is determined that it is not in the state of shipment from the factory. Then, when determining that it is in the factory shipment state, the control unit 10 rewrites the flag value of the power-on flag 173 to "1" and then executes the installation guide processing.

Also, when the power is turned on while the MENU button 5 c is pressed, the control unit 10 executes the installation guide processing regardless of the flag value of the power-on flag 173 . Therefore, when the user wants to reinstall the drive recorder 1, by operating the power button 6a while the operation button 5 is pressed, the drive recorder 1 can be reinstalled according to the installation guide processing.

As illustrated, when the installation guide process is started, in step S1, the control unit 10 notifies the first guide based on the first guide data 171a. FIG. 7 shows an example of the first guide screen 100 displayed on the liquid crystal display 12 by the controller 10 in step S1. As shown in the figure, on the first guide screen 100, restrictions and precautions for installation are explained by sentences, illustrations, and the like.

The first guide screen 100 is composed of a plurality of pages each explaining restrictions and points of caution with different contents. 2, the operation button 5 at the position indicated by the instruction mark 101 on the liquid crystal screen 4. The operation button 5 corresponding to the instruction mark 101 on the first guide screen 100 in FIG. MODE button 5c) is operated, the first guide screen 100 on the next page is displayed. When the first guide screens 100 of all pages are displayed, step S1 ends and the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, the control unit 10 executes a process of acquiring a reference image. Specifically, the control unit 10 displays on the liquid crystal display 12 an instruction requesting the user to press the shooting button 6a while the entire windshield 40 is in the shooting range from the rear seat of the vehicle. A still image captured by the CCD camera 11 when pressed is temporarily stored in the RAM of the control unit 10 as a reference image.

In subsequent steps S3 and S4, the control unit 10 executes a process of setting the installation prohibited range of the drive recorder 1. FIG. The installation-prohibited range is a combined area of the common installation-prohibited range and the individual installation-prohibited range.

In step S3, the control unit 10 acquires the common installation prohibited range data from the installation prohibited range data 172, and stores the acquired common installation prohibited range in the RAM of the control unit 10 as temporary data.

In step S4, the control unit 10 sets the individual installation prohibited range. Specifically, the control unit 10 displays a list of names of vehicles and safety equipment stored in the prohibited installation range data 172 on the liquid crystal display 12, and operates the operation button 5 to select the corresponding vehicle and safety equipment from the list. A message requesting the user to select equipment is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12. - 特許庁Following this message, the user selects the vehicle or safety equipment in which the drive recorder 1 is to be installed from the list using the up button 5a and the down button 5b, and then presses the MODE button 5c. The control unit 10 reads the individual installation prohibited range corresponding to the vehicle type or safety equipment selected when the depression of the MODE button 5c is detected from the installation prohibited range data 172, and stores it in the RAM of the control unit 10 as temporary data. Remember.

In step S4, the control unit 4 causes the liquid crystal display 12 to display the list of the vehicle and the safety equipment and the option of "not applicable". If the vehicle or vehicle equipment does not have an individual prohibition range, the user may select "not applicable". If "not applicable" is selected, the control unit 10 ends step S4 without performing the process of storing the individual installation prohibited range in the RAM.

In step S5, the controller 10 uses the installation position candidate display data 171d to cause the liquid crystal display to display the installation position candidate screen 110 displaying the installation position candidates. FIG. 8 shows an example of the installation position candidate screen 110 displayed in step S5. As shown in the drawing, on the installation position candidate screen 110, areas that are candidates for the installation position are displayed by illustrations. In the illustrated example, the candidate area on the windshield is divided into a plurality of small areas 111 to 113 with different priorities and displayed. In the illustrated example, a small area 111 (area shaded downward to the right) is an area that satisfies the safety constraint (for example, constraint [1]), and a small area 112 (area shaded upward to the right) is a safety constraint. (For example, constraint [1]) and other constraints (for example, constraint [5]) are satisfied. In the figure, a small area 113 is an inappropriate area that does not satisfy the constraint on safety (for example, constraint [1]).

On the installation position candidate screen 110, the small areas 111 to 113 are displayed in different colors so that the order of priority can be understood. The small area 111 is yellow, the small area 112 is green, and the small area 113 is red. is displayed. By looking at the installation position candidate screen 110, the user can easily grasp candidate areas suitable for installation.

Step S5 ends when the user operates the operation button 5 (MODE button 5c) corresponding to the instruction mark 114 displayed on the installation position candidate screen 110, and then proceeds to step S6.

In step S<b>6 , the control unit 10 displays on the liquid crystal display 12 a temporary installation instruction screen requesting the user to temporarily install the drive recorder 1 . FIG. 9 shows an example of the temporary installation instruction screen 120 displayed in step S6. As shown in the figure, on the temporary installation instruction screen 120, the lower protective film 33 is peeled off and the double-sided adhesive tape 31 is attached to the attachment plate 21a. Instructions for requesting the user to temporarily install the device on the wall are explained by sentences, illustrations, or the like. An instruction mark 121 is further displayed on the temporary installation instruction screen 120, and when the user operates the operation button 5 (MODE button 5c) corresponding to the instruction mark 121 displayed on the temporary installation instruction screen 120, the control unit 10 determines that the temporary installation is completed, terminates step S6, and proceeds to step S7.

At step S7, the control unit 10 executes a process of recognizing the temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1. FIG. Specifically, recognition of the temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1 is performed by comparing the real-time captured image of the CCD camera 11 with the reference image obtained in step 2 using the image recognition function. More specifically, the windshield 40 is recognized from the reference image, and common objects (for example, buildings and landforms) are extracted from the images in front of the windshield 40 included in the reference image and the real-time captured image. Then, it is calculated which part of the windshield 40 the temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1 corresponds to based on the positional relationship of common objects in both images.

In steps S8 to S14, the control unit 10 determines the possibility that the temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1 is inappropriate as the installation position. Note that in the description of steps S8 to 14, the control unit 10 determines that it may be inappropriate, simply by determining that it is inappropriate, and determining that it is not. , simply say to determine "appropriate".

In step S8, the control unit 10 makes a determination (first determination) regarding the installation prohibited range. Specifically, the control unit 10 compares the temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1 recognized in step S7 with the prohibited installation range temporarily stored in the RAM in steps S3 and S4, and determines the temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1. If it is out of the installation prohibition range, it is judged as "appropriate", otherwise it is judged as "inappropriate". If the determination in step S7 is "appropriate", the process proceeds to step S8.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S8 is "inappropriate", the process proceeds to step S8a, and the control unit 10 notifies the second guide based on the data corresponding to step S7a of the second guide data 171b. Specifically, the control unit 10 causes the liquid crystal display 12 to display a warning message of "There is a possibility that installation is prohibited. Please change the position."

In step S9, the control unit 10 makes a determination (second determination) regarding the wiping range of the wiper. Specifically, the control unit 10 causes the liquid crystal display 12 to display a message requesting the user to turn on the wiper switch of the vehicle. is subjected to image recognition processing to recognize the area where the wiper has moved in the captured image. For example, the optical flow of the moving object in the captured image is obtained, and the area where the optical flow of the moving object corresponds to the movement of the wiper, which is obtained in advance, is recognized as the area where the wiper moves. Since the movement of the wiper has a certain pattern, the area where the optical flow corresponding to the pattern exists is recognized as the area where the wiper moves. Then, when the ratio of the region in the captured image is a certain value or more (preferably, it is 80% or more in the present embodiment), the control unit 10 determines that it is “appropriate”. Otherwise, it is judged as "inappropriate". If the determination in step S9 is "appropriate", the process proceeds to step S10.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S9 is "inappropriate", the process proceeds to step S9a, and the control unit 10 notifies the second guide based on the data corresponding to step S9a of the second guide data 171b. Specifically, the liquid crystal display 12 is caused to display a warning message of "Possibly outside the wiping range of the wiper. Please change the position."

In step S10, the control unit 10 makes a determination (third determination) as to whether or not an object or part that may hinder imaging is included in the captured image. Specifically, the control unit 10 uses the image recognition function to recognize the colored portion (eg, black ceramic) and the sticker (eg, vehicle inspection certificate) of the windshield 40 from the captured image of the CCD camera 11, If these are not included, the temporary installation position is determined to be "appropriate", otherwise it is determined to be "inappropriate". If the determination in step S10 is "appropriate", the process proceeds to step S11.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S10 is "inappropriate", the process proceeds to step S10a, and the control unit 10 notifies the second guide based on the data corresponding to step S10a of the second guide data 171b. Specifically, the liquid crystal display 12 is caused to display a warning message of "There is a possibility that black ceramics and vehicle inspection certificate are included in the photographing range. Please change the position."

At step S11, the control unit 10 displays a message screen 130 as illustrated in FIG. On the message screen 130, "Check the GPS reception status. Please move the car from a place where there are obstacles above, such as a garage with a roof. When the movement is completed, press the completion button." Such a confirmation message and the instruction mark 131 are displayed. The user can move the vehicle according to this instruction. Then, when the user operates the operation button 5 (MODE button 5c) corresponding to the instruction mark 131, the control unit 10 detects the operation and causes the process to proceed to step S12.

In step S<b>12 , the control unit 10 makes a determination (fourth determination) regarding the GPS signal reception state of the GPS receiver 14 . Specifically, the control unit 10 examines the reception status of GPS signals in the GPS receiver 14, and determines that the temporary installation position is "appropriate" if the GPS signal can be received normally, and continues for a specified period of time. If the GPS signal cannot be received normally by The reason why the GPS signal is determined to be "unsuitable" when the GPS signal cannot be received normally for a specified period of time is that it takes a certain amount of time before the GPS signal can be received. If the determination in step S12 is "appropriate", the process proceeds to step S13.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S12 is "inappropriate", the process proceeds to step S12a, and the control section 10 notifies the second guide based on the data corresponding to step S12a of the second guide data 171b. Specifically, the liquid crystal display 12 is caused to display a warning message "GPS signals may not be received. Please change your location."

In step S13, the control unit 10 uses the movable object operation instruction data 171c to display a movable object operation instruction screen 140 as illustrated in FIG. The movable object operation instruction screen 140 displays a message to instruct the user to operate the movable object of the vehicle and to ask the user to input whether or not there will be a problem when the movable object is operated. Movable parts of the vehicle include, for example, sun visors, rearview mirrors, and wipers that can actually move physically, and terrestrial digital reception functions and GPS reception functions that can be electrically moved by electric power. there is something to do

The movable object action instruction screen 140 is composed of a plurality of pages each having messages 141 with different contents. FIG. 11 is a movable object operation instruction screen 140 displaying a message 141 corresponding to (a) of the movable object operation instruction data 171c. On each page, instruction marks 142 and 143 are displayed that indicate the positions of the operation buttons 5 to be operated when the user determines that there is no problem with the message 141 on each page, and when the user determines that there is a problem. When the user operates the operation button 5 (lower button 5b) corresponding to the instruction mark 142 of "no problem" on each page, the movable object operation instruction screen 140 on the next page is displayed.

In step S14, the control unit 10 makes a determination (fifth determination) regarding the situation when the movable object of the vehicle is operated. Specifically, when the operation button 5 corresponding to the "no problem" instruction mark 142 is operated on the movable object operation instruction screens 140 of all pages, the control unit 10 determines that the temporary installation position is "appropriate." When the operation button 5 (MODE button 5c) corresponding to the "problematic" instruction mark 143 is operated on the movable object operation instruction screen 140 of any page, the control unit 10 moves to the temporary installation position at that time. judged to be “inappropriate”. If the determination in step S14 is "appropriate", the process proceeds to step S15.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S14 is "inappropriate", the process proceeds to step S14a, and the control unit 10 selects the instruction mark 143 indicating "problem" among the data corresponding to step S14a of the second guide data 171b. The second guide is notified based on the data corresponding to the page of the movable object operation instruction screen 140 when the operation button 5 is operated. For example, when the operation button 5 corresponding to the instruction mark 143 is operated on the movable object operation instruction screen 140 of the page shown in FIG. A warning message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12. - 特許庁

In step S15, the control unit 10 confirms that the temporary installation is successful, removes the drive recorder 1 once, removes the gel sheet 32, and then performs permanent installation in accordance with the position mark 32a transferred to the windshield 40. A success message including instructions to the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12 . For example, "I think the temporary installation position is appropriate. We will be permanently installing the drive recorder at the temporary installation position, so please remove the drive recorder from the windshield once. After removing it, peel off the gel sheet, and the adhesive tape for permanent installation will be removed. It will be exposed, so attach it according to the position mark transferred to the windshield at the temporary installation position." is displayed.

The installation guide process ends by executing step S15 or by executing steps S8a, S9a, S10a, S12a, and S14a.

In the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment, the notification of the first guide in the installation guide process (step S1) allows the user to see the guide such as restrictions and precautions regarding installation without referring to the instruction manual or the like. . Further, when the control unit 10 determines the possibility that the temporary installation position when the drive recorder 1 is temporarily installed is inappropriate, the second guide is notified (steps S8a, S9a, S10a, step S12a, step S14a). This allows the user to know that the temporary installation position may be an inappropriate position. Therefore, it is possible to easily check whether the position seems to be really inappropriate before the actual installation, and if the position seems to be inappropriate, it is different from the position indicated to be inappropriate. The temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1 can be changed or permanently installed. Also, when a success message (step S15) is displayed, the user can know that the drive recorder 1 (control unit 10) has determined that it is "appropriate."

In the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment, the possibility that the temporary installation position is inappropriate is determined based on the image recognition using the image captured when the drive recorder 1 was temporarily installed (steps S8 to 10). As a result, the user can temporarily install the drive recorder 1 to determine whether the position is appropriate or not, and the user must try to place the drive recorder 1 while observing all the contents of the notification of the first guide. It can reduce the difficulties that cannot be

Since the drive recorder 1 of the present embodiment can be temporarily installed using the weakly adhesive gel sheet 32, the user can easily attach the drive recorder 1 to the windshield 40 after performing the temporary installation according to the installation guide process. can be removed from

The gel sheet 32 can be used multiple times. Therefore, for example, when the second guide is notified (step S8a, step S9a, step S10a, step S12a, step S14a) in the installation guide process, the user executes the installation guide process again, Temporary installation can be redone. Even if the success message (step S15) is displayed, if the user wishes to install the drive recorder 1 in a better position, the user can re-execute the installation guide process and redo the temporary installation.

Further, the position mark 32a is transferred and remains at the position where the windshield 40 is temporarily installed. Therefore, the user can use the position mark 32a when the success message (step S15) is displayed as a guide to perform the actual installation of the drive recorder 1. FIG. Further, when the notification of the second guide (step S8a, step S9a, step S10a, step S12a, and step S14a) is performed, the user can use the position mark 32a at that time as a guide to guide the user at the same position. It is possible to avoid the waste of performing temporary installation repeatedly. Note that the position mark 32a is preferably made of ink or the like that can be transferred multiple times.

Since the position mark 32a is made of water-based ink, it can be easily erased by wiping it with a tissue or the like. Therefore, even if the temporary installation is to be redone, subsequent cleaning is easy.

Preferred embodiments have been described above. and these are subject to change.

For example, the execution order of each step in the installation guide processing, the display contents on the liquid crystal display 12, and the like can be changed as appropriate as long as the desired functions can be exhibited.

Further, in the first embodiment, in step S2, the case where the captured image including the entire windshield 40 is acquired as the reference image has been described, but it is also possible to use a different captured image as the reference image. . For example, the control unit 10 instructs to press the photographing button 6a at the upper end position of the windshield 40, records the image at the upper end position when the photographing button 6a is pressed, and instructs to press the photographing button 6a at the lower end position. However, it is also possible to record the lower end position image when the photographing button 6a is pressed, and use these upper end position image and lower end position image as reference images.

Further, in the first embodiment, in step S4, the case where the control unit 10 determines the vehicle type and the type of safety equipment based on the user's operation has been described. , the control unit 10 discriminates the vehicle type and the type of safety equipment based on the signal from the OBD connector, and stores the discriminated vehicle type and safety equipment as temporary data in the RAM of the control unit 10 as the individual installation prohibition range of the vehicle. do.

Further, in the first embodiment, a case has been described in which installation position candidates are displayed by displaying image data created in advance as the installation position candidate screen 110 in step S5. However, a real-time photographed image photographed by the CCD camera 11 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12, and the installation position candidate is superimposed on the real-time photographed image by, for example, AR display, and the installation position candidate is displayed. Display is also possible.

Further, in the first embodiment, in step S6, the user's operation (operation of the operation button 5 corresponding to the instruction mark 121) is performed, so that the temporary installation is completed, and the process of step S6 ends. However, the control unit 10 judges the shake of the drive recorder 1 by recognizing the captured image of the CCD camera 11, and when the shake becomes less than a certain amount, it is considered that the temporary installation is completed. It may be determined and the process of step S6 may be ended. Shaking may be determined based on the detection signal of the acceleration sensor 15 .

Further, in the first embodiment, in step S7, common objects (for example, buildings and landforms) are extracted from the images in front of the windshield 40 included in the reference image and the real-time captured image, and both images are extracted. Although the temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1 is recognized based on the positional relationship of common items in the , for example, after step S6 is executed, the drive recorder 1 is temporarily removed from the windshield 40, and the windshield 40 If the temporary installation position of the drive recorder 1 is recognized by using the position mark 32a transferred to the 2 as a marker, the temporary installation position can be recognized more easily. For example, after step S6 is completed, the control unit 10 displays on the liquid crystal display 12 a message requesting the user to temporarily remove the drive recorder 1 and move the drive recorder 1 to a position where the entire windshield 40 is within the shooting range. do. Then, the control unit 10 tries to image-recognize the windshield 40 and the position mark 32a transferred to the windshield 40 from the real-time photographed image of the CCD camera 11. If the image recognition succeeds, the recognized front The temporary installation position is recognized from the positional relationship between the glass 40 and the position mark 32a. After that, the control unit 10 temporarily installs the drive recorder 1 again in alignment with the position mark 32a on the windshield 40, and operates the operation button 5 (for example, the MODE button 5c) when the temporary installation again is completed. A message requesting the user to do so is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12, and when the operation of the operation button 5 (for example, the MODE button 5c) is detected, step S7 is completed and the process proceeds to step S8. It is preferable to display a message requesting the user to move to the same position as when the reference image was obtained in step S2, as the position where the entire windshield 40 is within the shooting range. By performing image recognition using an image taken at the same position and from the same angle as in step S2, it is possible to facilitate the processing related to the recognition of the temporary installation position.

The length of the power cable for receiving power supply from the vehicle to the drive recorder 1 should be such that the image can be captured from the rear seat. Further, it is preferable to have a configuration including a battery or the like so as to operate for a certain period of time even if the power supply from the vehicle is cut off. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the power supply is cut off when the reference image is acquired from the rear seat or the like, or when the temporary installation position is recognized.

The drive recorder 1 may have an AR display function. For example, in step S9, an image captured by the CCD camera 11 in real time is displayed on the liquid crystal display 12, and the wiping range of the wiper recognized by the image recognition in step S9 is superimposed on the real time captured image on the liquid crystal display 12. display them together. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the appropriate position for installation in relation to the actually photographed objects inside and outside the vehicle.

In the first embodiment, in step S1, a case will be described in which the notification of the first guide is performed without distinguishing between a range in which installation of the drive recorder 1 is prohibited and a range in which installation is not prohibited but is not desirable. However, these may be distinguished and the first guide may be notified in a manner that the user can recognize. In the past, although it was not desirable, there was no concept of clearly distinguishing between the range in which installation was possible and the range in which installation was prohibited, so there was a risk that the two would be treated as the same and installed in prohibited areas. By doing so, the user can recognize the range where installation is prohibited and the range where installation is possible but not desirable, and reduces the possibility of installing in the range where installation is prohibited by confusing the two. be able to.

Although the drive recorder 1 is installed on the windshield 40 in the first embodiment, the drive recorder 1 may be installed on the ceiling light or dashboard of the vehicle, for example.

In the first embodiment, the photographing device according to the present invention has been described by taking the drive recorder 1 as an example. It can also be applied to a rear camera or the like.

(Second embodiment)
The drive recorder according to the second embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the drive recorder 1 of the first embodiment except that the connection terminal 8 is connected to the OBD connector of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the drive recorder of the second embodiment will be referred to as "drive recorder 1a". In the description of the second embodiment, the drive recorder 1a is attached to the vehicle so that the CCD camera 11 can capture an image of the outside of the vehicle through the windshield. The description will be made assuming that the engine starter function is provided to start the engine from a position, such as indoors, away from the vehicle.

In the ROM of the control unit 10 of the drive recorder 1a, a program for realizing the transmission state determination function and the vehicle control function is stored in place of the installation guide program or together with the installation guide program. The transparent state determination function and the vehicle control function are implemented by the control unit 10 executing the program.

The transmission state determination function is a function for the control unit 10 to determine the transmission state of the windshield 40 from the image captured by the CCD camera 11 . Specifically, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the forward field of view of the windshield 40 is clear (transparent) by recognizing the image captured by the CCD camera 11 using an image recognition program.

The vehicle control function is a function in which the control unit 10 controls the warm-up state of the vehicle according to the determination result of the transmission state determination function. Specifically, when the transmission state determination function determines that the windshield 40 is clear (transparent), the control unit 10 determines that it is possible to end the warm-up, and the vehicle side through the OBD. to send a control signal to stop the engine. Upon receiving the signal from the vehicle control function, the vehicle stops the engine.

According to the second embodiment, the degree of cloudiness of the windshield 40 is determined based on the image captured by the drive recorder 1a, so that the user can start the vehicle with a good visibility in front of the vehicle. Become. In addition, the engine can be stopped when the windshield 40 becomes clear, thereby preventing wasteful warm-up operation and saving fuel.

Although the second embodiment has been described above, various modifications of the second embodiment are possible.

For example, the transmission state determination function determines whether the cloudiness is due to snow or frost from the degree of cloudiness of the windshield 40 based on the captured image of the CCD camera 11. A range may also be determined. In that case, the vehicle control function may control the warm-up state depending on whether the fog is due to snow or frost, or depending on the vehicle state depending on the amount or extent of snow or frost.

For example, the vehicle control function operates the air conditioner and the window according to the determination result of the transmission state determination function (transmission state, transparency, whether the cloudiness is due to snow or frost, the amount or range of snow or frost, etc.). At least one of device and wiper control should be executed.

The operation control of the air conditioner can be at least one of on/off of the air conditioner, setting temperature, air volume, and heating intensity for the windshield by air blower or the like. The control of the window drive can be the control of opening the window slightly. Wiper control can be wiper on/off or wiper speed control (fast, slow, intermittent switching).

The air conditioner, window driving device, wiper, etc. may be controlled via an in-vehicle LAN such as an OBD adapter, or the drive recorder 1 may be directly connected to the air conditioner, window driving device, wiper, etc. and controlled. .

Information about the current environment such as the vehicle's engine condition, vehicle interior temperature, vehicle exterior temperature, air conditioner set temperature, etc. You may control the warm-up state. By controlling the warm-up state based on the information about the current environment, freezing and the like can be resolved more reliably.

In addition, for example, the drive recorder 1 and the engine starter are electrically connected without providing conventional sensors or functions to the engine starter, and the vehicle state during warming up is controlled based on the actual state of the windshield 40. may be

The engine starter may be, for example, one that starts an internal combustion engine, but is not limited to this, and may also include one that starts warm-up of an electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the control signal for starting and stopping the engine is transmitted to the vehicle via the in-vehicle LAN by connecting to the OBD connector. A configuration may be adopted in which the engine is started/stopped by connecting in an interrupting manner.

(Third Embodiment)
A drive recorder according to the third embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the drive recorder of the third embodiment will be referred to as "drive recorder 1b".

The ROM of the control unit 10 of the drive recorder 1b stores a program for realizing the rain information acquisition function and the rain information storage function in place of the installation guide program or together with the installation guide program. The rain information acquisition function and rain information storage function are implemented by the control unit 10 executing the program.

The rain judgment function is a function for the control unit 10 to recognize the strength of the rain from the image captured by the CCD camera 11 . Specifically, the control unit 10 uses an image recognition program to perform image recognition of the wipers from the image captured by the CCD camera 11, and determines the intensity of the rain from the operation interval of the wipers, thereby obtaining information about rain (rain information). get

The rain information storage function is a function for the controller 10 to store the rain information acquired by the rain information acquisition function in the SD card inserted into the card slot 9 . Specifically, the control unit 10

The user can use the rain information stored by the rain information storage function in various ways including personal use. For example, a user can upload rain information to the cloud. The uploaded rain information can be used as big data.

Conventionally, the operating status of the wiper can be obtained by detecting it directly from the wiper signal line, by acquiring it from the wiper operating lever, by connecting it to an ECU, or by using an in-vehicle LAN such as OBD. However, in each case, there was a problem that it was necessary to provide separate wiring to the vehicle. According to the third embodiment, it is possible to recognize the operating state of the wiper without wiring to the vehicle. Based on the operating state of the wipers it is possible to obtain information about the rain intensity.

Although the third embodiment has been described above, various modifications are possible for the third embodiment.

For example, the rain information acquisition function acquires the change point of the wiper operation interval as rain information, and the rain information storage function can store the change point in the SD card in a distinguishable manner.

In addition, the rain information storage function can store the operating state of the wipers in the SD card together with GPS information such as time and position obtained from the GPS receiver 14 . The operating state of the wiper can be the wiper operating interval (fast, slow, intermittent, etc.) after the change in operating interval.

The drive recorder 1b can further have hardware and software for connecting to a network, and an upload function for uploading rain information stored in the SD card to the cloud. The upload function is implemented by executing a program stored in the ROM or the like by the control unit 10 . The upload function can be configured to upload rain information to the cloud at any time.

(Fourth embodiment)
A drive recorder according to the fourth embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the drive recorder of the fourth embodiment will be referred to as "drive recorder 1c".

The ROM of the control unit 10 of the drive recorder 1c stores a program for realizing the light state detection function and the light state storage function in place of the installation guide program or together with the installation guide program. The light lighting state detection function and the light state storage function are implemented by the control unit 10 executing the program.

The light state detection function is a function for the control unit 10 to detect the lighting state of the headlights. Specifically, the control unit 10 detects, as light information, that the headlights of the vehicle are turned on and/or off from the image captured by the CCD camera 11 by means of an image recognition program.

The light state storage function is a function for the control unit 10 to store the light information of the headlights of the own vehicle detected by the light state detection function in the SD card inserted in the card slot 9 .

The user can use the light information stored by the light state storage function in various ways including personal use. For example, a user can upload lighting information to the cloud. Uploaded lighting information can be used as big data.

Although the fourth embodiment has been described above, various modifications of the fourth embodiment are possible.

For example, in the fourth embodiment, the light state detection function and the light state storage function detect and store as light information that the headlights are turned on and/or off. And/or the timing of turning off the light may be detected and stored. The light state detection function may detect whether the headlights of the preceding vehicle are turned on and/or turned off (or when they are turned on and/or when they are turned off).

Also, the light status storage function can store the light information in the SD card together with the GPS information such as the time and position obtained from the GPS receiver 14 .

The drive recorder 1c can further have hardware and software for connecting to the network, and an upload function for uploading the light information stored in the SD card to the cloud. The upload function is implemented by executing a program stored in the ROM or the like by the control unit 10 . The upload function can be configured to upload lighting information to the cloud at any time.

The drive recorder 1c can further have a function of adjusting the brightness of the liquid crystal display 12 according to the detection result of the light state detection function.

The ambient light intensity of the vehicle may be detected from the image of the CCD camera 11 or another sensor, and the light status storage function may record the light information together with the ambient light intensity status.

In the drive recorders 1a to 1c in the second to fourth embodiments, a sensor (for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a proximity sensor, a gesture sensor, etc.) is provided at the sticking position of the sticking plate 21a on the windshield 40. and the sensors in the drive recorders 1a to 1c (acceleration sensor 15, recognition results of images captured by CCD cameras by an image recognition program, etc.), the above functions of the drive recorders 1a to 1c are integrated. can be controlled to The above functions of the drive recorders 1a to 1c can be controlled based on vehicle type information acquired from OBD or the like. Information detected, judged, stored, etc. in the drive recorders 1a to 1c can be fed back to the vehicle via the OBD connector. Information detected, judged, stored, etc. in the drive recorders 1a to 1c can be configured to be viewable and controllable from a smartphone or the like.

Although rain information and light information are stored in the SD card in the third and fourth embodiments, they may be stored in the main body of the drive recorder 1 (for example, the storage unit 17).

(Fifth embodiment)
In the conventional DMR, etc., the state of acceleration, etc., is obtained by sensors, etc. of on-vehicle equipment, and when this state satisfies predetermined criteria such as dangerous driving standards or eco-driving standards, the state at that time is analyzed. The data is recorded as data during operation of the object, or the data to be recorded at all times is marked and recorded as the data to be analyzed. For example, in a drive recorder, when an acceleration corresponding to a collision is detected, images for several seconds before and after the collision and the acceleration are recorded as data to be analyzed. Then, the recorded data to be analyzed is read by a PC or the like, and the data to be analyzed is displayed (for example, as a graph or the like).

However, in this method, if the predetermined "judgment criteria" such as dangerous driving criteria or eco-driving criteria do not meet the customer's request, it is necessary to change the program on the vehicle-mounted device side. That is, there is a problem that it is impossible to flexibly change the "criteria" for dangerous driving and the like.

The system of the fifth embodiment is a system having the following (1) and (2).
(1) At least one of the state of the vehicle and/or the driver is acquired multiple times at different times (without judging whether or not the criteria are met), and the acquired state can be specified (simply). In-vehicle equipment that records.
(2) Acquisition of the conditions recorded in (1) above, analysis of the acquired conditions, and identification of temporal intervals that meet predetermined judgment criteria such as dangerous driving standards or eco-driving standards. ) is a separate analysis device from the in-vehicle device.

The vehicle-mounted device is, for example, the drive recorder 1 described in the first to fifth embodiments, and the analysis device is, for example, a personal computer.

By doing so, the in-vehicle device side does not make a judgment based on the predetermined dangerous driving standards or eco-driving standards, etc., so that the analysis device side can flexibly change the judgment standards.

The following modifications are possible in the fifth embodiment.

The (1) in-vehicle device in the above system further has a function of announcing an alarm when the condition satisfies a predetermined alarm notification criterion, and the (2) analysis device is provided in the (1) in-vehicle device. The condition is analyzed based on the same criteria as the predetermined alarm notification criteria, and the time interval in which the on-vehicle device issued the warning is specified.

By doing so, it is possible to specify the warning notification section by the analysis device without increasing the amount of data to be recorded.

The analysis equipment of (2) attaches a mark to the time interval for the acquired data.

In the analysis equipment of (2), only the data in the time interval is set as the data to be saved for the data in the acquired state.
By configuring in this way, the problem of an increase in the amount of data can be avoided.

The analysis equipment of (2) evaluates dangerous driving or eco-driving based on the data of the time interval that matches the judgment criteria such as the predetermined dangerous driving standard or eco-driving standard among the acquired state data. .

The in-vehicle device of (1) records the acquired state at regular time intervals so that the time series can be specified, and the recording interval is one second or less.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined within a combinable range. In addition, it is preferable to arbitrarily combine arbitrary constituent elements of each embodiment. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment, any component described in the means for solving the invention, or a component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the invention may be combined arbitrarily within a combinable range.

Below is a copy of the claims as filed.
<Title of Document> Claims <Claim 1>
A photographing device that can be installed in a vehicle,
A photographing device having a first guide function of notifying a guide regarding installation of the photographing device from a notification means.
<Claim 2>
2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first guide function includes a function of notifying a guide regarding an installation position of the photographing apparatus by a notification means.
<Claim 3>
3. The photographing device according to claim 1, wherein the guide includes information on restrictions regarding installation of the photographing device.
<Claim 4>
4. The photographing device according to claim 1, wherein the guide includes information on precautions regarding installation of the photographing device.
<Claim 5>
3. The guide distinguishes between information about a range in which installation of the photographing device is prohibited and information about a range in which installation is not prohibited but is not desirable, and notifies the information in a manner recognizable by the user. 5. The imaging device according to any one of 1 to 4.
<Claim 6>
a temporary installation instruction function for instructing the user to temporarily install the imaging device according to the guide;
6. The photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a movable object operation instruction function for instructing to operate a movable object of the vehicle after temporary installation.
<Claim 7>
a temporary installation determination function for determining the possibility that a temporary installation position when the imaging device is temporarily installed is inappropriate;
7. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second guide function for notifying information indicating that there is a possibility of being inappropriate determined by the temporary installation determining function.
<Claim 8>
having a status input instruction function for instructing the user to input the status at the time of temporary installation to the operation means;
8. The photographing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the temporary installation determination function performs the determination based on an operation to the operation means.
<Claim 9>
9. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the temporary installation determination function includes a function of performing the determination based on image recognition using an image captured by the imaging device.
<Claim 10>
Equipped with a safety equipment identification function that identifies the type of safety equipment installed in the vehicle,
10. The photographing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the temporary installation determination function performs the determination according to the type of safety equipment determined by the safety equipment determination function.
<Claim 11>
11. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an installation position candidate display function for displaying installation position candidates.
<Claim 12>
Adhesive material for temporary installation and adhesive material for permanent installation are included,
The photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the adhesive member for temporary installation has an adhesive force weaker than that of the adhesive member for permanent installation.
<Claim 13>
13. The photographing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive member for temporary installation and the adhesive member for permanent installation are laminated.
<Claim 14>
14. The photographing device according to claim 12, wherein the temporary installation adhesive member contains transfer ink that is transferred to an installation location when the photographing device is installed by the temporary installation adhesive member.
<Claim 15>
A program for causing a computer to implement the functions of the photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Drive recorder 2... Housing 3... CCD camera lens 4... Liquid crystal screen 5... Operation button 6a... Shoot button 6b... Power button 7... Screw hole 8... Connection terminal 9... Card slot 10... Control unit 11... CCD camera 12... Liquid crystal display 13... Speaker 14... GPS receiver 15... Acceleration sensor 16... Card reader 17 Storage unit 18 Operation reception unit 20 Bracket 21 Sticking stay 22 Pedestal 23 Peripheral nut 30 Adhesive tape 31 Both sides Adhesive tape 32 Gel sheet 32a Position mark 33 Lower protective film 34 Upper protective film 40 Windshield 171 Notification data 171a First guide data 171b Second guide data 171b Guide data storage unit 171c Movable object operation instruction data 171d Installation position candidate display data 172 Prohibited installation range data

Claims (3)

A photographing device that can be installed in a vehicle,
an installation position candidate display function for displaying a plurality of candidates for the installation position of the imaging device for the user to decide the installation position of the imaging device;
The installation position candidate display function displays a plurality of installation position candidates of the photographing device so that the priority order of each can be understood ,
The installation position candidate indicates a position where the imaging device can be installed,
The priority order is set according to the number or type of safety constraints that each of the plurality of candidates for the installation position of the imaging device satisfies.
photographic equipment. A photographing device that can be installed in a vehicle,
an installation position candidate display function for displaying a plurality of installation position candidates for the photographing device;
The installation position candidate display function displays a plurality of installation position candidates of the photographing device so that the priority order of each can be understood ,
The installation position candidate indicates a position where the imaging device can be installed,
The priority order is set according to the number or type of safety constraints that each of the plurality of candidates for the installation position of the imaging device satisfies.
photographic equipment. A program for causing a computer to implement the functions of the photographing device according to claim 1 or 2 .

Images