JP7418043B2 - In-vehicle equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to vehicle-mounted equipment having a camera.

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

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

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-105530

On the other hand, when installing in-vehicle equipment in the above-mentioned range, it is preferable to install it in a location that does not obstruct the driver's field of view. A preferred location for such attachment is, for example, the space between the rear side of the rearview mirror and the windshield. However, depending on the car model, an opaque black ceramic coating is applied to areas such as the rear side of the rearview mirror, which is in the center of the windshield in the left and right direction, and the area behind the rearview mirror at the top and bottom of the windshield. There is. Therefore, when a conventional drive recorder is attached to a part painted with Black Ceramic, the camera faces towards the painted part of Black Ceramic, so the direction in which you originally wanted to photograph, the front of the vehicle, is blocked by the painted part of Black Ceramic, and the camera is blocked by the painted part. The problem is that it cannot be done.

Also, in order to avoid the black ceramic painted part, if you install the in-vehicle equipment off to either side of the black ceramic painted part, the sun visor will be located on both sides of the black ceramic painted part when using the sun visor. Since there is a sun visor area, there is a risk that in-vehicle equipment may interfere with the sun visor when the sun visor is used, making it impossible to use the sun visor properly. Furthermore, if the in-vehicle equipment is installed in a shifted manner so as to avoid the sun visor area, it may be removed from the area wiped by the wiper, and there is a risk that it will not be possible to properly photograph the outside of the car on rainy days.

In this way, with conventional in-vehicle devices equipped with cameras such as drive recorders, when attempting to install them in a suitable location in the vehicle, there may be obstacles such as equipment in the desired shooting direction, or there may be problems such as during rainy days, etc. In some cases, the shooting conditions may deteriorate. Therefore, it may be difficult to take pictures or the desired image may not be obtained from the camera. On the other hand, there have been problems in that the mounting location where the desired image can be obtained satisfactorily may be a location where mounting is prohibited, or where mounting may interfere with the use of equipment, etc. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an in-vehicle device that can suitably take pictures using a camera even when it is attached to an unsuitable area, which is an area suitable for attachment but not suitable for taking pictures. purpose.

(1) An in-vehicle device that includes an imaging section and a mounting section that can be attached to a vehicle, and has an entrance section that allows light to enter the imaging section, and is suitable for mounting but not suitable for photographing a subject. The invention is characterized by comprising a variable arm capable of changing the position and direction of the incident part so that the incident position of the incident part can avoid the inappropriate area after the attachment part is attached to the inappropriate area where the incident part is located. do.

According to this, even if the attachment part is attached to an unsuitable area, by deforming the variable arm and changing the position and direction of the entrance part, the entrance part can be positioned in a place that avoids the unsuitable area, and the imaging part can take images. It can be performed. In particular, the attachment portion may be configured to be pasted on the windshield. In this way, even if attachment to the windshield fails, the position and orientation of the incident portion can be adjusted using the variable arm, making it unnecessary to reattach the attachment portion again.

The entrance part is a part for injecting light toward an imaging part such as an image sensor, and is preferably disposed in front of the imaging part in the direction of light incidence, and more preferably at the tip of the variable arm. Further, it is preferable to arrange an optical member such as a lens that forms an image of the light in the incident part. The imaging section may be provided on the proximal end side of the variable arm, but it is even better to provide it on the distal end side.

The entrance position of the entrance section is such that when the entrance section is directed in a direction in which the desired subject can be photographed (when attempting to set the incidence position), there are no obstacles that will be reflected in the imaging section in that direction. It is preferable to use an area (hereinafter referred to as an "appropriate area") in which there are fewer factors that impede imaging of the object, such as, than an inappropriate area. For example, when photographing the front of the vehicle from inside the vehicle, the appropriate area may be the area around the black ceramic coating of the windshield, the area adjacent to the A-pillar within the wiper wiping area of the windshield, or the like.

An unsuitable area is a place that satisfies safety standards for road transport vehicles and does not obstruct the driver's field of view or the in-vehicle equipment. It is preferable to select an area where there is an element that obstructs the photographing of the object, such as an obstacle reflected in the imaging unit in the photographing direction. Factors that impede the ability to photograph the subject are those that do not always exist and appear under specific conditions, such as a location that is outside the area wiped by the wiper and makes it impossible to properly photograph the exterior of the vehicle on rainy days. In particular, it is preferable to make it appear on a rainy day. Inappropriate areas include, for example, when photographing the front of the vehicle from inside the car, from the always-present black ceramic coating of the windshield, the A-pillar, the ceiling, the sun visor area, and the wiper wipe area that occurs on rainy days. It is best to set it in a remote location.

In this way, the unsuitable area is suitable for installation, but if it is directly installed, there will be opaque obstacles etc. in the imaging direction of the imaging unit, so unless the opaque obstacles are avoided, the imaging unit will not be able to take pictures. It is best to choose a location where it is not possible to do so. In particular, it is preferable to make it possible to reduce the factors that hinder photographing of the photographing target. In addition, the appropriate area should be an area where the outside of the vehicle can be seen through the inside of the vehicle, and is likely to become an unsuitable area due to changes in the environment in which the vehicle is located, such as weather conditions. It is recommended that the area be kept away from the location.

Note that locations that are not suitable for attachment include, for example, both sides of the rearview mirror or the sun visor area when the sun visor is lowered. If it is attached to either side of the rearview mirror, it may obstruct the driver's view, and if it is attached to the sun visor area, it may interfere with the use of the sun visor. These locations may be suitable for photographing the imaging unit, but not suitable for mounting.

The attachment portion may be configured to be attachable to an inappropriate area. In this way, by attaching the attachment part to an unsuitable area suitable for attachment and changing the position and orientation of the entrance part by deforming the variable arm, the entrance part can be positioned in a place avoiding unsuitable areas unsuitable for photographing. be able to. As attachment means for attaching the attachment portion to the inappropriate area, there are suction members, adhesive members such as double-sided tape, holding members such as clips, and engagement members such as hooks, and it is preferable to use these for attachment.

Further, it is preferable that the attachment part is configured so that it can be attached to the inappropriate area, and also configured to be attached to the appropriate area. In this way, if the mounting part is installed in an unsuitable area, the entrance part can be positioned in a place that avoids the unsuitable area, and if it is installed in an appropriate area, the variable arm can be used to position the entrance part. and the orientation can be easily adjusted.

Furthermore, the attachment portion may be configured to be difficult to remove once attached. In such a configuration, if the attachment fails (for example, if the attachment position or orientation is misaligned), it is difficult to remove it, making it difficult to readjust the position and orientation of the incident section. However, with this method, even if the mounting part fails to attach, the position and orientation of the entrance part can be adjusted using the variable arm, making it easy to readjust the position and orientation of the entrance part without removing the mounting part. Become. For such a configuration, it is preferable to use a material that makes it difficult to reattach (for example, reattach) the attaching portion, and for example, attach with double-sided tape or the like.

Examples of the variable arm include a flexible arm that can be bent freely in any direction, a movable part that can change the direction of the incident part, and a movable part that can move the position of the incident part, etc. It is preferable to use a joint arm or the like made up of members. The movable part of the joint arm may be, for example, a ball joint or a rotation shaft. In particular, by using a ball joint, the direction of rotation of the incidence section can be freely changed, allowing fine positional adjustments. Further, as the moving part, it is particularly preferable to use a telescopic member.

Preferably, the variable arm can be directly attached to a vehicle by using its base end as an attachment portion. In this case, it is preferable to allow the base end of the variable arm to be attached to the inappropriate area. Further, it is even better if an intermediate member such as a casing is interposed between the attachment portion and the variable arm. The intermediate member may be integrated with the attachment portion or may be separate. In this case as well, it is preferable to attach the attachment part to the inappropriate area.

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

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

Note that the length that can be avoided is preferably a length that allows the incident section to avoid obstacles and allow light to enter. For example, by using a variable arm that is longer than the longitudinal length of the obstacles that make up the unsuitable area, such as the black ceramic painted part or the rearview mirror, it is possible to avoid the incident part from the unsuitable area no matter where it is attached within the unsuitable area. It's good because it's expensive.

However, if this is done, the length of the variable arm becomes long, and there is a risk that the variable arm may interfere with the equipment of the vehicle. Therefore, when the attachment part is attached to a site in the inappropriate area where the attachment part can be most reliably attached to the vehicle, the length may be set such that the inappropriate area where the attachment part is attached can be avoided. For example, when attaching a mounting member to the center of an unsuitable area, the variable arm allows light to pass beyond the outer periphery of the unsuitable area that is farthest from the center (e.g., the outer periphery farthest from the attachment position). It is preferable to set the length to allow incidence. Further, the variable arm may have a length that allows light to enter beyond the outer circumference of the unsuitable area in the direction in which the variable arm extends when the attachment portion is attached.

(3) The variable arm may be bent to adjust the position and direction of the incident portion.

In this way, the position and orientation of the incident section can be easily adjusted. In particular, when the variable arm extends along an unsuitable area or extends from an unsuitable area toward an appropriate area, the amount of bending of the variable arm with respect to the extending direction can be within ±90 degrees. . For example, if you want to photograph the front of the vehicle, bend it within 90 degrees forward in the direction of extension, and if you want to photograph the inside of the vehicle, bend it within 90 degrees backwards in the direction of extension. be able to. Therefore, the load acting on the bending portion of the variable arm can be reduced. The variable arm may have a configuration in which the position and direction of the incident portion can be adjusted by bending, for example, but it is particularly preferable to use a variable arm that can be bent at any point, such as a flexible arm.

(4) An intermediate member is provided between the attachment portion and the variable arm, and the variable arm extends from the intermediate member along the inappropriate area to which the attachment portion is attached. Features.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the variable arm from becoming unnecessarily long. For example, if the variable arm extends in the normal direction of the attachment part and the attachment part is attached to an inappropriate area, it is necessary to fold back the variable arm and adjust the position of the entrance part. There is no need to fold back the variable arm, and the length of the variable arm can be prevented from becoming unnecessarily long.

Note that the intermediate member may be configured so that it does not protrude from the unsuitable area when the attachment portion is attached to the unsuitable area. In particular, it is preferable to make the size so that it does not protrude from the unsuitable area. Further, the intermediate member may be composed of a plurality of members. In particular, it is preferable to use one or two members. In this way, the possibility of protruding from the inappropriate area can be reduced. Further, the intermediate member may be separate from the member having the attachment portion, but it is particularly preferable to integrate the intermediate member with the member having the attachment portion. In this way, it can be made less noticeable.

(5) The variable arm is characterized in that it extends from the intermediate member so as to move from the unsuitable area to which the attachment portion is attached to an appropriate area that is not the unsuitable area.

In this way, the route from the inappropriate area to the appropriate area can be shortened, and the variable arm can be prevented from becoming unnecessarily long.

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

In this way, the variable arm can be extended substantially parallel to the mounting surface, and the length of the variable arm can be shortened. In order to attach the variable arm in this manner, it is preferable to make the intermediate member box-shaped, or to make the intermediate member a member having a mounting wall that stands upright in the normal direction of the mounting portion.

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

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

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

In this way, maintenance such as replacement of the variable arm becomes easy. Further, it becomes possible to easily replace variable arms with different lengths, and it is possible to connect a variable arm with a suitable length corresponding to the movement position.

(9) At least a portion of the intermediate member is box-shaped.

This makes it easier to hold the intermediate member. Therefore, handling when attaching the attachment part becomes easier. Moreover, when the attachment portion and the intermediate member are integrated, it is possible to enlarge the attachment surface, and the ease of attachment can be improved. Further, the intermediate member includes a mounting plate having a mounting portion, a main body mounting arm extending from the mounting plate, and a box-shaped member located on the other end side of the main body mounting arm, and the intermediate member includes It is preferable to have a configuration in which the variable arm extends. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable to provide a mounting portion on one side of the box-shaped member itself and to extend the variable arm from the other side of the box-shaped member.

(10) At least a portion of the intermediate member is formed to be able to accommodate electronic components.

In this way, the weight of the variable arm and imaging section can be reduced by housing some of the electronic components that would normally be accommodated in the variable arm and the electronic components mounted on the imaging section, etc., in the intermediate member. . In particular, the electronic components to be housed in the intermediate member may be electronic components used for imaging units, wireless communications, etc., recording media for recording images, and the like. Further, the intermediate member includes a mounting plate having a mounting portion, a main body mounting arm extending from the mounting plate, and a box-shaped member located on the other end side of the main body mounting arm. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which electronic components are housed and a variable arm extends from the box-shaped member. Further, it is particularly preferable to provide a mounting portion on one side of the box-shaped member itself, to accommodate the electronic component in the box-shaped member, and to extend the variable arm from the other side of the box-shaped member.

(11) The intermediate member is characterized in that it has a connected portion to which the variable arm can be connected, on a surface intersecting the attachment portion.

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

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

In this way, a plurality of variable arms can be connected. Further, the connection position of the variable arm can be easily changed, and a suitable connection position of the variable arm can be selected depending on the attachment position of the attachment part. Therefore, by selecting the necessary connection position, it is possible to prevent the variable arm from becoming unnecessarily long.

(13) The intermediate member is characterized in that it has a monitor capable of displaying an image photographed by the imaging section.

In this way, the position and orientation of the incident section can be adjusted while viewing the image displayed on the monitor of the intermediate member. Therefore, the position and orientation of the incident section can be easily adjusted by the variable arm. In addition, images before and after the accident, scenery while driving, etc. can be checked on the spot, and the convenience and playability of in-vehicle equipment can be improved.

(14) The present invention is characterized by comprising a monitor display direction setting section capable of setting the vertical direction of the image displayed on the monitor.

In this way, when a monitor is installed on an intermediate member, the vertical direction of the image displayed on the monitor as seen from the driver may change depending on the orientation of the intermediate member or the imaging unit. By setting the vertical direction of the image in the setting section, it is possible to prevent the vertical direction of the image displayed on the monitor from changing.

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

In this way, it is possible to capture a video that corresponds to the behavior of the vehicle. For example, if an accident occurs after the vertical direction of the image is set using the monitor display direction setting unit, and the image is rotated due to the vehicle rolling over, the image can be recorded as if it had rotated as well.

(16) The variable arm is characterized in that a cable can be inserted into the variable arm.

In this way, it is possible to eliminate the exposure of cables such as electric wires and optical fibers that connect the imaging section and electronic components. Therefore, it is possible to prevent cables and the like from unnecessarily obstructing the driver's view. This makes it possible to improve safety as well as improve visual effects such as improved appearance.

(17) The variable arm is characterized in that the variable arm is configured to be bendable so that the distal end thereof can be moved in any direction around the base end.

In this way, the degree of freedom in the movable direction in the movable region of the variable arm can be increased. Therefore, for example, if the input section is attached to the distal end and the proximal end is connected to the attachment section, the variable arm can be bent freely in any direction, making it possible to finely adjust the position and orientation of the input section. become. As a result, the entrance section can be moved to any position desired by the driver within the reach of the variable arm, and, for example, the layout of the entrance section can be finely adjusted to suit the driver's preference. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the photographing range in the photographing direction in which the desired photographic subject exists is obstructed by an obstacle or the like and the photographic subject cannot be photographed.

Variable arms with such a configuration include, for example, flexible arms that are configured to rotatably connect multiple parts and can be freely bent in any direction, and bellows that are configured to be freely extendable and bendable. It is preferable to use a bellows-shaped arm or the like.

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

In this way, the position and orientation of the entrance part will be maintained when a force less than a predetermined force is applied, whereas the position and orientation of the entrance part will be maintained when a force greater than the predetermined force is applied. can be changed. In particular, the force below the predetermined force may be a force generated by vibrations of the vehicle or the like.

For example, if a force less than the force generated by vehicle vibration is applied to the variable arm, it will maintain its shape (e.g. posture), but if the driver's hand or the like acts on the variable arm, a force greater than the force generated by vehicle vibration, etc. It is preferable to set a predetermined force so that when a force is applied to the variable arm, the variable arm bends in the direction of the applied force. In this way, only when the position of the entrance part needs to be adjusted, the driver can manually change the shape of the variable arm to adjust the position of the entrance part, and the shape of the entrance part can be changed while driving. It is possible to take pictures of driving conditions etc. without any problems. Further, since the shape of the variable arm does not change even if a force generated by vehicle vibration or the like is applied after adjusting the position of the input part, there is no need to separately provide a member for fixing the input part after position adjustment. Furthermore, once adjusted, there is no need to adjust the incident position every time. Note that the variable arm may be deformed by applying a force greater than a predetermined force from the inside of the hollow variable arm, instead of applying force from the outside by the driver's hand.

(19) The variable arm is characterized in that it has an irradiation means capable of irradiating the front side of the entrance portion.

In this way, when the amount of light is insufficient when photographing the inside of a car with the imaging unit, the amount of light can be added by irradiating the subject. In addition, by changing the shape of the variable arm, it can be used as a spotlight when looking or searching for something inside the car.

For example, the configurations (1) to (19) described above may be used alone or in any combination to configure the device. Further, the components described in each of the sections (1) to (19) may be arbitrarily combined to configure the device.

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

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a drive recorder according to a first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of a drive recorder concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a drive recorder is attached to a black ceramic painted part of a windshield of a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive recorder according to a second embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the drive recorder based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of a drive recorder concerning a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a drive recorder according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the drive recorder based on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a drive recorder according to a third embodiment is attached to the back surface of a rearview mirror. FIG. 6 is a six-sided view showing an example of the appearance of an integrated device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the flexible arm is pulled out from the integrated device according to the fourth embodiment.

An in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The in-vehicle device according to the present embodiment is equipped with a variable arm that allows the object to be photographed even when it is installed in an unsuitable area that is suitable for attachment but not suitable for photographing the object. In the following embodiments, as an example of such in-vehicle equipment, a drive recorder (first to third embodiments) equipped with a flexible camera unit having a CCD camera attached to its tip; An explanation will be given using an integrated device (fourth embodiment) having a drive recorder function and a navigation function.

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive recorder 1 includes a drive recorder main body (hereinafter referred to as a "drive recorder main body") 2 that shoots images and records the captured images, and a drive recorder main body 2 that is attached to the windshield of a vehicle 100. 101, and a bracket 3 for attachment to the black ceramic coating portion 102 (see FIG. 4).

The drive recorder main body 2 includes a housing 20 that can house electronic components such as various sensors, a flexible camera unit (hereinafter simply referred to as "camera unit") 4 that can photograph a subject, and a control section (see FIG. 3). )5.

The housing 20 has a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (approximately 100 mm (longitudinal direction) x approximately 80 mm (width direction) x approximately 20 mm) so that it does not protrude from the black ceramic coating section 102 when it is attached to the black ceramic coating section 102. (depth direction)). The housing 20 also includes a rectangular display panel 21 capable of displaying images shot by the camera unit 4, an SD slot 22 into which an SD card 200 can be inserted, and a plurality of camera connections to which the camera unit 4 can be connected. It includes terminals 23a to 23d, a first connection terminal 24 to which a cigarette plug cord can be connected in order to receive power supply from the vehicle 100, and a second connection terminal 25 to which a personal computer or the like can be connected.

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

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

The camera unit 4 includes a flexible arm 40 that can be freely bent and deformed in any direction, and a CCD camera 41 that can photograph an object. The flexible arm 40 has a CCD camera 41 attached to its distal end 40a, and its base end 40b is formed so as to be connectable to the plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d of the housing 20. After connecting the base end 40b to one of the plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, the flexible arm 40 bends and deforms various parts to freely move the CCD camera 41 attached to the tip with respect to the housing 20. It is now possible to move relative to. The flexible arm 40 according to this embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of members so that they can be relatively angularly deformed, and the more members that are angularly deformable in the same direction, the larger the overall bending angle becomes It is now possible to do so. That is, the amount of bending deformation can be increased.

Furthermore, the flexible arm 40 has such rigidity that it deforms in accordance with the applied force when a force greater than a predetermined force is applied, and maintains its shape when a force equal to or less than the predetermined force is applied. For example, the flexible arm 40 deforms when the driver tries to bend it by hand, but it maintains its shape even if force from vibrations of the vehicle 100 or the like is applied. That is, the flexible arm 40 deforms when an artificial force is applied to it, and maintains its shape when a force based on normal operation of the vehicle 100 is applied to it. Therefore, when the driver deforms the flexible arm 40, the shape is maintained until the driver deforms the flexible arm 40 next time.

Furthermore, the flexible arm 40 has a length that allows the CCD camera 41 to avoid the black ceramic coating part 102 and assume a posture in which it can photograph the outside of the vehicle when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coating part 102. ing. For example, the flexible arm 40 may be made longer than the maximum length of the black ceramic coating portion 102. In this way, no matter where the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic painted part 102, the flexible arm 40 can take a position that allows the CCD camera 41 to avoid the black ceramic painted part 102 and take pictures of the outside of the vehicle. There is a high possibility that you can. Further, it is preferable that the flexible arm 40 has a length that allows the CCD camera 41 to cross over the outer periphery of the black ceramic coating part 102 that is farthest from the mounting position where the drive recorder 1 can be securely mounted and assume a posture that allows the CCD camera 41 to take pictures of the outside of the vehicle. . In this way, the flexible arm 40 can be prevented from becoming unnecessarily long.

In the present embodiment, the flexible arm 40 allows the CCD camera 41 to cross over the outer periphery of the black ceramic coating section 102 that is farthest from the approximate center when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the approximate center of the black ceramic coating section 102. It is long enough to take a position that allows you to take pictures of the outside of the vehicle. In this way, it is possible to further prevent the flexible arm 40 from becoming unnecessarily long.

Specifically, when the above-mentioned housing 20 is attached to the approximate center in the longitudinal direction of the black ceramic coating portion 102, which has a length of 200 mm in the longitudinal direction and a length of 150 mm in the transverse direction, To enable a CCD camera 41 attached to the tip of a flexible arm 40 connected to a camera connection terminal 23a on one side to photograph the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle beyond the outer periphery of one longitudinal side of the black ceramic coating section 102. Since the distance from the end of one side W1 in the longitudinal direction W of the housing 20 to the end of one side in the longitudinal direction of the black ceramic coating part 102 is 50 mm, considering the amount of bending, the flexible arm 40 is 80 mm long. By using this, it is possible to get into a position where the outside of the vehicle can be photographed in a good manner. Note that by selecting and connecting a plurality of flexible arms with different lengths, it is possible to prevent the flexible arms from becoming unnecessarily long.

The structure of the flexible arm 40 is not particularly limited as long as it is flexible enough to bend and deform at any location. Further, as for the CCD camera 41, a general CCD camera can be used, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here. Furthermore, the photographic data taken by the CCD camera 41 is transmitted to a memory (see FIG. 3) 53 or the like disposed inside the housing 20 via a cable (not shown) that passes through the inside of the flexible arm 40. It has become so.

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

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

The G sensor 50 detects gravitational acceleration (G data) in two axial directions (X-axis and Y-axis) that are orthogonal to each other. The control unit 5 inputs the G data (Gx, Gy) detected by the G sensor 50, and calculates the value (magnitude) of acceleration from the input G data. Note that Gx indicates G data in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100), and Gy indicates the G data in the Y-axis direction (the left-right direction of the vehicle 100). Further, the G sensor 50 may be a 3-axis sensor that detects acceleration in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction of the vehicle 100), and a G sensor that detects acceleration in the 3-axis direction may be used to detect G in the Z-axis direction. A configuration that does not use data (Gz) may also be used.

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

The GPS receiver 52 receives a GPS signal with a GPS antenna 52a, calculates the current position from the received GPS signal, and transmits the position information (latitude and latitude) of the calculated current position to the control unit 5. Further, the GPS signal includes date and time data, and the GPS receiver 52 transmits the date and time data included in the received GPS signal to the control unit 5.

The vehicle signal acquisition unit 54 is a vehicle failure diagnosis system (OBD) (not shown) that connects to a failure diagnosis connector of the vehicle 100, acquires various signals and information (vehicle data) of the vehicle 100, and wirelessly transmits the acquired vehicle data. The configuration is such that a wireless signal from an adapter is received, vehicle information is extracted, and the extracted vehicle information can be acquired from the control unit 5. Vehicle data includes, for example, a signal that detects brake operation when driving a vehicle, a signal that detects turn signal operation, a signal that detects accelerator operation, a signal that detects steering wheel rotation, a signal that detects shift lever position, and a handbrake operation. Detected signals, vehicle failure diagnosis information (vehicle speed, engine speed, coolant temperature, etc.), and various vehicle information (function control data from the ECU, communication data from networks outside the vehicle and other vehicles, etc.) . The control unit 5 acquires these and determines the state of the vehicle 100.

The display direction setting button 55 is used to set the vertical direction of the image displayed on the display panel 21 regardless of the orientation of the housing 20 (the longitudinal direction W is the vertical direction or the lateral direction H is the vertical direction). This is to rotate the image so that it remains constant. For example, if the housing 20 is installed in the orientation shown in FIG. The image is rotated so that it is on one side H1 in the lateral direction H. Further, for example, if the housing 20 is attached with the other side W2 in the longitudinal direction W facing upward, by pressing the display direction setting button 55, the top of the image taken by the CCD camera 41 will be placed on the other side W2 in the longitudinal direction W. The image is rotated so that it is on side W2. Note that control to rotate the image displayed on the display panel 21 is performed by the control unit 5, and the control unit 5 rotates the vertical direction of the housing 20 based on the direction of the gravitational acceleration appearing on the Z axis obtained from the G sensor 50. The direction is detected and the image is rotated based on the detected vertical direction of the casing 20.

The display direction fixing button 56 is used to fix the display direction of the image set by the display direction setting button 55. For example, if the vehicle 100 rolls over, if you set the vertical direction based on the direction of gravitational acceleration, you will not be able to capture an image of the vehicle 100 rolling over. By fixing the gravitational acceleration regardless of the direction, it becomes possible to capture an image according to the behavior of the vehicle 100. Note that control for fixing the orientation of the image is performed by the control unit 5.

As shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c), the bracket 3 includes a first mounting portion 30 to which double-sided tape is attached for mounting to the back of the housing 20 of the drive recorder body 2, and a black ceramic coating on the windshield 101. It includes a second attachment part 31 to which a double-sided tape for attachment to the part 102 is attached, and a connection part 32 that connects the first attachment part 30 and the second attachment part 30. The connecting part 32 is connected to the first mounting part 30 so that when the bracket 3 with the housing 20 attached is attached to the black ceramic coating part 102, the display panel 21 of the housing 20 faces the driver. The second mounting portion 31 is connected to the second mounting portion 31 . In this embodiment, the mounting surface of the first mounting portion 30 to the housing 20 is formed at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the mounting surface of the second mounting portion 31 to the black ceramic coating portion 102. .

By adjusting the position of the CCD camera 41 using the flexible arm 40 as in this embodiment, there is no need for an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the housing 20 using the bracket 3 after it is attached to the black ceramic coating part 102. become. Therefore, after the casing 20 is attached to the black ceramic coating part 102 via the bracket 3, it is possible to prevent the casing 20 from being moved unnecessarily by the adjusting mechanism of the bracket. This stabilizes the mounting state of the housing 20.

Next, a method of using the drive recorder 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coating portion 102 of the windshield 101 of the vehicle 100. First, a method for attaching the drive recorder 1 to the black ceramic coating section 102 will be explained.

The drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment is attached to a black ceramic coating part 102 that is suitable for attachment but not suitable for photographing an object. That is, the drive recorder 1 is attached to an inappropriate area. Note that the unsuitable area here is a place that satisfies the safety standards for road transport vehicles and does not obstruct the driver's field of view or the in-vehicle equipment. This is an area where there are elements that would hinder the photographing of the subject, such as an obstacle that would be reflected in the camera's image in the photographing direction. In addition to factors that always exist, there are also factors that appear under certain conditions as factors that impede the photographing of an object. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the unsuitable areas include the black ceramic coating part 102, the A-pillar part 105, the ceiling part 106, and the area 104 outside the wiper wiping area 103 that occurs on rainy days. be.

Note that the sun visor area 107a where the sun visor 107 is located when the sun visor 107 is lowered and both sides of the room mirror 108 are suitable for photographing, but are not suitable for attachment. This is because if it is attached to both sides of the room mirror, it may obstruct the driver's view, and if it is attached to the sun visor area 107a, it may obstruct the sun visor 107 when it is used.

If a general drive recorder is directly attached to an unsuitable area, there will be an opaque obstacle in the camera's photographing direction, so the camera will not be able to take a picture unless the opaque obstacle is avoided. Therefore, as described above, the drive recorder 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a flexible arm 40 having a CCD camera 41 attached to its tip, and by deforming the flexible arm 40, the CCD camera 41 can be moved away from impermeable obstacles. By avoiding the camera and positioning it in an appropriate area, it is possible to photograph the object.

In this case, the appropriate area is an area where there are no obstacles that are reflected in the CCD camera 41 in the photographing direction, or where there are no factors that would impede photographing the object. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, suitable areas include the area around the black ceramic coating part 102 of the windshield 101, the area adjacent to the A-pillar part 105 in the wiper wiping area 103 of the windshield 101, etc. be. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coating section 102 and the CCD camera 41 is positioned beyond the outer periphery of the black ceramic coating section 102 to photograph the front of the vehicle 100.

First, the driver attaches the first attaching part 30 of the bracket 3 to the back surface of the housing 20 with double-sided tape, and then exposes the double-sided tape attached to the second attaching part 31 of the bracket 3. Then, the driver holds the casing 20 so that one side H1 in the lateral direction H of the casing 20 is on top, and attaches the second mounting part 31 of the bracket 3 to approximately the center of the black ceramic coating part 102 in the width direction. Paste it on the section. At this time, since the housing 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the driver can easily hold the housing 20 and can easily attach the second attachment part 31 to the black ceramic coating part 102.

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

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

After adjusting the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41, when the driver presses the display direction setting button 55, the control unit adjusts the image taken by the CCD camera 41 so that one side H1 in the lateral direction H is on top. 5 rotates the image. The control unit 5 detects the vertical direction of the housing 20 based on the direction of gravitational acceleration, and rotates the image based on the detected vertical direction of the housing 20. Note that this may be done automatically without pressing the display direction setting button 55. After setting the image orientation, the driver then presses the display direction fixing button 56 to fix the set image orientation. This makes it possible to capture images linked to the behavior of the vehicle 100.

Next, the operation of the drive recorder 1 will be described when an event occurs when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the vehicle 100 and then an impact, which may be an impact at the time of an accident, is applied to the vehicle 100.

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

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

The number of events stored in the SD card 200 can be changed depending on the storage capacity of the SD card 200, but it is preferable that 500 or more events can be stored. Further, the control unit 5 may create a folder for each event in the SD card 200 to store data therein. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a memory such as a non-volatile memory is separately provided and the video of the event is recorded in the non-volatile memory. Further, at the same time as the video, these data are temporarily stored in the memory 53 in a circular manner, and these data for T seconds from Ta seconds before the event occurrence time to Tb seconds after the event occurrence time are stored in the SD card 200. You may also do so.

According to the drive recorder 1 having the above configuration, the following effects are achieved. The drive recorder 1 includes a flexible arm 40 that can freely change the relative position of the CCD camera 41 with respect to the housing 20. Therefore, even when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic coating section 102, the CCD camera 41 can be avoided from the black ceramic coating section 102 and can be in a state where it can take pictures. As a result, even when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic painted part 102 which is suitable for attachment but not suitable for photographing, it is possible to photograph the outside of the vehicle with the CCD camera 41.

Furthermore, even if the drive recorder 1 fails to attach to the windshield 101, the flexible arm 40 adjusts the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41, thereby covering up the attachment failure. Can be done.

Furthermore, the flexible arm 40 has a length that allows the CCD camera 41 to take a position beyond the black ceramic painting part 102 to take pictures of the outside of the vehicle when the drive recorder 1 is attached to the black ceramic painting part 102. There is. Therefore, the drive recorder 1 can reliably position the CCD camera 41 in an appropriate area without making the flexible arm unnecessarily long.

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

Furthermore, the flexible arm 40 deforms when bent by the driver's hand, but does not deform when a force due to vibration of the vehicle 100 or the like acts on it. Therefore, only when it is necessary to adjust the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41, the driver can manually change the shape of the flexible arm 40 to adjust the position of the CCD camera 41, etc. It is possible to photograph driving conditions, etc. without changing the vehicle. Furthermore, since the shape of the flexible arm does not change even if force generated by vibrations of the vehicle 100 is applied after adjusting the position of the CCD camera 41, a separate member is provided to fix the CCD camera 41 after the position is adjusted. There will be no need for it. Furthermore, once adjusted, there is no need to adjust the incident position every time. Note that the flexible arm 40 may be deformed by applying force from the inside of the flexible arm 40 instead of applying force from the outside by the driver's hand.

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

Furthermore, since the drive recorder 1 is configured such that the flexible arm 40 is detachable from the housing 20, maintenance of the flexible arm 40 is facilitated. Furthermore, the flexible arm can be easily replaced with a flexible arm of an appropriate length depending on the installation location.

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

Further, in the drive recorder 1, since the plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d are provided offset to the front side of the casing 20, the area on the back side of the casing 20 can be enlarged. In other words, the area on the side to be bent when photographing the outside of the vehicle can be increased. This makes it easy to bend the flexible arm 40 and adjust the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41. Note that it is preferable to set the distance to be offset as close to the front side as possible, and for example, it is preferable to secure an area where the flexible arm 40 does not need to be warped to the front side.

Furthermore, since the drive recorder 1 includes a display panel that can display images taken by the CCD camera 41, the driver adjusts the position and orientation of the CCD camera 41 while viewing the image displayed on the display panel 21. can do. You can also check the scenery before and after an event occurs, as well as while driving, on the spot. In other words, convenience and playability can be improved.

In addition, since the drive recorder 1 has a cable for transmitting image data taken by a CCD camera inserted through the flexible arm 40, it is possible to prevent unnecessary exposure of the cable, etc. It is possible to prevent obstruction of visibility. As a result, safety can be improved, and visual effects such as improved appearance can also be improved.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a drive recorder 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. The drive recorder 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the drive recorder 1A does not have a display panel and the member having the second attachment portion is integrated with the casing. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the points that are different from the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and the same components as in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

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

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

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

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

Next, a method of using the drive recorder 1A according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. Note that the operation of the drive recorder 1A after an event occurs is the same as that in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Further, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the control unit 5A transmits an image taken by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57.

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

Next, the driver attaches the camera unit 4 to the housing 20A. In this embodiment, the camera unit 4 is attached to the camera unit 4 by inserting the base end of the camera unit 4 into the camera connection terminal 23a. By attaching the base end of the camera unit 4 to the camera connection terminal 23a, the camera unit 4 extends toward the outer periphery of the black ceramic coating section 102, approximately parallel to the black ceramic coating section 102, as shown in FIG. It becomes a state.

Next, the driver connects the cigarette plug cord to the first connection terminal 24. When the drive recorder 1 is powered on in conjunction with a key operation to start driving the vehicle 100, the control unit 5A transmits the image captured by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57. , displayed on the smartphone's LCD screen. Therefore, the driver positions the CCD camera 41 so that the front of the vehicle 100 can be photographed while viewing the image displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the smartphone. Specifically, the driver manually bends various parts of the flexible arm 40 so that the CCD camera 41 at the tip of the flexible arm 40 faces the front of the vehicle 100 at a position beyond the outer periphery of the black ceramic coating part 102. Transform.

As explained above, in the drive recorder 1A according to the second embodiment, the control unit 5A transmits the image taken by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57, so there is no need for a front panel display. The housing 20A can be downsized.

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

<Third embodiment>
Next, a drive recorder 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. The drive recorder 1B according to the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that it is configured to be attachable to the rearview mirror 108 of the vehicle 100. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the points that are different from the second embodiment will be mainly explained, and the same components as in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

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

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

The casing 20B is formed such that the length in the longitudinal direction W is shorter than the length in the width direction of the rearview mirror 108, and the length in the lateral direction H is approximately the same as the length in the vertical direction of the rearview mirror. It is formed like this. The housing 20A also includes an SD slot 22, a plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23c, a first connection terminal 24, a second connection terminal 25, and a mounting portion 3B for mounting on the rearview mirror 108. ing.

The attachment part 3B includes a pair of clamping parts 36 and 37 that clamp the rearview mirror 108. The pair of clamping parts 36 and 37 include first locking claws 36a and 37a and second locking claws 36b and 37b. By locking the second locking claws 36b and 37b to the lower outer edge of the rearview mirror 108, the housing 20B is fixed to the rearview mirror 108.

Next, a method of using the drive recorder 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Note that the operation of the drive recorder 1B after an event occurs is the same as that in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Further, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the control unit 5A transmits an image taken by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the drive recorder 1B according to the third embodiment is attached to the back surface of the rearview mirror 108.

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

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

Next, the driver connects the cigarette plug cord to the first connection terminal 24. When the power of the drive recorder 1 is turned on in conjunction with a key operation to start driving the vehicle 100, the control unit 5A transmits the image captured by the CCD camera 41 to the smartphone via the wireless communication unit 57, Display it on the smartphone's LCD screen. Therefore, the driver positions the CCD camera 41 so that the front of the vehicle 100 can be photographed while viewing the image displayed on the liquid crystal display of the smartphone. Specifically, the driver bends and deforms the flexible arm 40 by hand, and bends the flexible arm 40 so that the CCD camera 41 can avoid obstacles such as the support part of the rearview mirror 108 and take pictures of the front of the vehicle 100. Adjustments are made by bending and deforming the arm 40.

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

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

FIG. 11 is a six-sided view showing an example of the external appearance of the integrated device 1000. In FIG. 11, the front view is shown in the second row of the center row. Here, FIG. 11 shows a front view of the surface directly facing the touch panel 110 when the integrated device 1000 is installed. A touch panel 110 is arranged on the front of the integrated device 1000. Moreover, the buttons 140 and the like are not arranged on the bezel surrounding the touch panel 110, so that visual viewing of the touch panel 110 is not obstructed.

A left side view is shown to the left of the front view. As shown in the left side view, an SD slot 180, a notification LED 130b, and a USB terminal 320 are arranged on the left side of the integrated device 1000. An SD card is inserted into the SD slot 180. The notification LED 130b is an LED that indicates whether or not power is being supplied to the integrated device 1000, and lights up, for example, in green while power is being supplied. A cigarette plug cord 504 for connecting to a cigarette socket that can supply power to the integrated device 1000 is connected to the USB terminal 320. Note that, in order to clearly show the shape of the integrated device 1000, the cord portion extending from the socket of the cigarette plug cord is not shown in FIG.

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

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

The rear view is shown in the third row of the center row. As shown in the rear view, a CCD camera 41 and a joint section 502 are arranged on the rear side of the integrated device 1000. Furthermore, an edge 501a, an edge 501b, an edge 501c, and an edge 501d are formed on the back surface of the integrated device 1000. The CCD camera 41 is incorporated into the integrated device 1000 by a flexible arm 40 that is housed inside the integrated device 1000 so as to be freely drawn out.As shown in FIG. By pulling it out, you can move it to any position.

The flexible arm 40 is formed to be able to freely bend and deform in any direction, and by bending and deforming the various parts, the flexible arm 40 can freely move the CCD camera 41 attached to the tip relative to the integrated device 1000. It is now possible to move it. The flexible arm 40 according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of members so that they can be relatively angularly deformed, and the bending angle can be increased as the number of members that are angularly deformed relatively in the same direction increases. is now possible. That is, the amount of bending deformation can be increased.

Further, the flexible arm 40 deforms when the driver tries to bend it by hand, but maintains its shape even if force from vibrations of the vehicle 100 or the like is applied. That is, the flexible arm 40 deforms when an artificial force is applied to it, and maintains its shape when a force based on normal operation of the vehicle 100 is applied to it. Therefore, when the driver deforms the flexible arm 40, the shape is maintained until the driver deforms the flexible arm 40 next time.

The flexible arm 40 is housed inside the integrated device 1000 along the back side of the edge 501b, and a base end is provided to prevent it from coming off from the integrated device 1000 when the flexible arm 40 is pulled out. An engaging portion (not shown) that engages with the integrated device 1000 is provided. In this way, the flexible arm can be pulled out by the driver when needed, and stored inside the integrated device 1000 when not needed.

A cradle 2000 and a pedestal part 3000 for fixing the integrated device 1000 to a dashboard, center console, etc. of the vehicle 100 are attached to the joint part 502. By making the joint part 502 detachable from the cradle 2000, the integrated device 1000 can be used by installing it on the dashboard of the vehicle 100 via the cradle 2000, or can be removed from the cradle 2000 and used as a portable navigation system. It is now possible to do so.

Cradle 2000 is connected to pedestal section 3000. Pedestal section 3000 supports cradle 2000 in any posture. The pedestal portion 3000 is suctioned and fixed onto a dashboard, center console, etc. using a suction cup, a suction sheet, or the like provided on the bottom surface. The pedestal portion 3000 and the cradle 2000 are rotatably connected within a predetermined angular range via a connection mechanism such as a ball joint. Since they are ball joints, the pedestal 3000 and the cradle 2000 rotate relative to each other within an arbitrary angular range in three-dimensional directions, and remain at an arbitrary angular position due to frictional resistance at the joint portion. Therefore, the integrated device 1000 attached to the cradle 2000 can also be placed in any position on the dashboard or center console.

As described above, in the integrated device 1000 according to the fourth embodiment, the CCD camera 41 is incorporated into the integrated device 1000 on the back side by the flexible arm 40 housed in a manner that can be freely pulled out from inside the integrated device 1000. It is. Therefore, for example, when the integrated device 1000 is installed on a dashboard inside a vehicle, it is recommended that the CCD camera 41 be positioned at the right or left end in the width direction of the dashboard so as not to obstruct the driver's view as much as possible. The area 104 is located outside the wiping area 103, which is an unsuitable area, and it may be difficult to photograph the outside of the vehicle on rainy days. Even in this case, for example, by pulling out the flexible arm 40 with a length of about 100 mm, it becomes possible to easily take pictures of the outside of the vehicle even on rainy days. Furthermore, in this case, the CCD camera 41 can be easily moved by simply pulling out the flexible arm 40 even after the integrated device 1000 is attached to the dashboard, so there is no need to reattach the pedestal section 3000. Become. For example, even if it is noticed that the user is located in an unsuitable area for the first time on a rainy day, there is no need to reattach the pedestal 3000.

Further, for example, if the dashboard has a stepped part that is about 120 mm lower on the driver side, if the integrated device 1000 is attached to the stepped part so as not to obstruct the driver's view as much as possible, the height will be about 120 mm lower. It may be difficult to take pictures of the outside of the vehicle due to the rear dashboard. Even in this case, by pulling out the flexible arm 40 with a length of about 100 mm, the outside of the vehicle can be easily photographed using the CCD camera 41.

Furthermore, for example, when an integrated device is installed in place of the audio system, genuine navigation system, etc., in a mounting part formed to allow installation of an audio system, a genuine navigation system, etc. on the center console, the CCD camera 41 is connected to the center console. This may make it difficult to take pictures of the outside of the vehicle. Even in this case, by pulling out the flexible arm with a length of about 200 mm, the outside of the vehicle can be easily photographed using the CCD camera 41.

Note that the integrated device 1000 is preferably a portable navigation device with a drive recorder function. As the drive recorder function, it is preferable to use the one used in the first to third embodiments described above.

<Modified examples, etc.>
Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to each embodiment described above. Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in each embodiment of the present invention.

For example, although each embodiment has been described using a drive recorder as an example of in-vehicle equipment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the in-vehicle device may be a portable navigation device. By using the present invention in a portable navigation device, for example, the portable navigation device can be provided with a drive recorder function.

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

Moreover, in each embodiment, although the bracket 3 which can attach the drive record main body 2 to the black ceramic coating part 102 was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this. For example, by using a bracket that can be attached to the A-pillar section 105, sun visor 107, ceiling section 106, etc. of the vehicle 100, it becomes possible to attach the drive recorder main body 2 to an inappropriate area other than the black ceramic coating section 102. In this case as well, by moving the position of the CCD camera 41 to an appropriate area using the flexible arm 40, even if the drive recorder body 2 is attached to an inappropriate area, the CCD camera 41 can take pictures.

Further, although each embodiment has been described using a flexible arm as the variable arm, the present invention is not limited thereto. The variable arm may be a joint arm or the like made up of a plurality of members with different functions, including a movable part that can change the direction of the tip and a moving part that can move the position of the tip. The movable part of the joint arm is preferably, for example, a ball joint, a rotation shaft, or the like. In particular, by using a ball joint, the direction of rotation of the incidence section can be freely changed, allowing fine positional adjustments. Moreover, as the moving part, a telescopic member is preferable.

Alternatively, the base end portion 40b of the flexible arm 40 may be directly attached to the black ceramic coating portion 102 as an attachment portion. In this case, it may be possible to attach the base end 40b of the flexible arm 40 to the black ceramic coated portion 102. Moreover, the housing 20 may be composed of a plurality of members. In particular, it is preferable to use one or two members. In this way, the possibility of protruding from the inappropriate area can be reduced. Further, the casing includes a mounting plate having a mounting portion, a main body mounting arm extending from the mounting plate, and a box-shaped member located at the other end of the main body mounting arm. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the flexible arm extends. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable to provide a mounting portion on one side of the box-shaped member itself, and to extend the flexible arm from the other side of the box-shaped member. Note that it is preferable to house electronic components and the like in this box-shaped member.

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

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the flexible arm is accommodated inside the integrated device 1000 along the back side of the edge 501b, but for example, a reel is provided inside the integrated device and the flexible arm is wound onto the reel. It may be configured as follows. By configuring the flexible arm 40 to be wound onto a reel and to be able to stop the rotation of the reel, for example, the flexible arm 40 can be pulled out by a required length.

The examples described in the detailed description are merely examples, and appropriate embodiments may be constructed by applying the configurations and technical ideas described in the means for solving the problems.

Further, in the first embodiment, the drive recorder 1 in which the orientation of the housing 20 is fixed by the bracket 3 has been described, but it is preferable to have a configuration in which the orientation of the housing 20 is variable. For example, if a ball joint is provided between the bracket 3 and the housing 20, and the driver does not apply force to the housing 20 with his/her hand, the posture of the housing 20 with respect to the bracket 3 is maintained; It is preferable to make it possible to change the orientation of the housing 20 in a direction in which the driver can easily view the display panel 21 by, for example, having a configuration in which the posture of the housing 20 with respect to the bracket 3 is changed when force is applied by hand. Further, it is preferable that the connecting portion 32 of the bracket 3 be a ball joint, and with a similar configuration, the orientation of the housing 20 can be changed in a direction in which the driver can easily view the display panel 21. Further, it is even better if the relative angle of the display panel 21 with respect to the housing 20 can be changed. For example, between the outer edge of the display panel 21 and the casing 20, a hinge or a connecting mechanism that can change the angle may be provided, which is usually fixed but can be moved by applying force by hand, or a connecting mechanism that can change the angle of the display panel 21 and the casing 20. It is preferable that the relative angle of the display panel 21 with respect to the housing 20 can be adjusted by connecting them with a ball joint. By making only the display panel 21 variable, the state in which the housing 20 is attached to the vehicle can be stabilized.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the bracket 3 is attached to the housing 20, but a structure for fitting or inserting the bracket 3 into the housing 20 is provided, and the housing 20 and the bracket 3 are connected to each other. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which these are integrated. In particular, it is preferable to provide means for maintaining the state when the housing 20 and the bracket 3 are fitted together or inserted. It is preferable to maintain a fixed state between the housing 20 and the bracket 3 by fitting the claws provided therein.

Further, in the first embodiment, the camera unit 4 is attached to the housing 20 by inserting the base end of the camera unit 4 into the camera connection terminal 23a, but when attaching the camera unit 4 to the housing 20, the camera unit 4 is attached to the housing 20. It is preferable to include a structure that restricts the direction in which the base end of the camera unit 4 is inserted into the connection terminal 23a. The insertion direction of the base end of the camera unit 4 is such that when the camera unit 4 is attached to the housing 20 in that direction, the horizontal direction of the image taken by the camera unit 4 matches the horizontal direction of the scenery outside the vehicle. It's good to do that. In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 2(b), by simply attaching the housing 20 in the vertical direction, the camera unit 4 extending from the side surface of the housing 20 can be simply bent forward by 90 degrees. It is possible to take an image in which the landscape outside the vehicle and the horizontal direction match. For example, a male connector is provided at the base end of the camera unit 4 and a female connector is provided on the side surface of the housing 20, and by fitting these connectors together, signals are transmitted between the two, and the direction described above is transmitted. It is preferable to configure it so that it is fixed uniquely.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the CCD camera 41 is fixed to the tip of the flexible arm 40. However, the CCD camera 41 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the flexible arm 40 with the photographing direction as the rotation axis. good. For example, a guide rail may be provided in the circumferential direction on one member of the portion where the outer circumferential portion of the tip of the flexible arm 40 and the inner circumferential portion of the attachment portion of the CCD camera 41 attached to the outer circumferential portion are in contact with each other. It is preferable that the other member is engaged and guided within the rail. In this way, it is possible to easily adjust the horizontal direction of the image taken by the camera unit 4 to match the horizontal direction of the scenery outside the vehicle. Therefore, for example, when a recorded video is played back, it is possible to prevent the video from being tilted and causing an unnatural feeling.

In addition, each embodiment has been described using a configuration in which the flexible arm can be bent and deformed by hand and fixed in the bent and deformed state, but for example, it can be fixed in the twisted state by twisting it in the circumferential direction by hand. A configuration may also be adopted in which a flexible arm is used and the horizontal and vertical directions of the photographed image relative to the scenery outside the vehicle are adjusted by twisting the flexible arm. In particular, the flexible arm may be constructed from a flexible tube. The flexible tube is preferably constructed by combining a stainless steel wire for the lower winding and an aluminum wire for the upper winding. In particular, it is better to plate, paint, or cover each metal wire with a heat shrinkable tube.

Further, the flexible arm may be configured with a multi-joint structure, for example, it may be configured by combining a large number of ball joints, and the ball joint has a through hole so that a signal line connected to the CCD camera 41 passes through the inside of the ball joint. It is even better if For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a through hole is provided inside a plurality of ball joint members connected in series used in the legs of a tripod described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,160 so that a signal line connected to the CCD camera 41 passes through. .

Further, in each embodiment, the portion housing the CCD camera 41 is cylindrical, but it is preferable to provide a surface parallel to the horizontal line and the vertical line of the camera. In particular, it is good to have a square shape. Further, it is preferable to provide a line indicating the horizontal direction of the camera and a line indicating the vertical direction on the outer periphery of the housing of the CCD camera 41. For example, by placing a dot at the intersection of the extended line of the vertical center line of the camera's image sensor and this outer periphery, or by printing a line perpendicular to the outer periphery including this point, the horizontal direction of the camera can be adjusted. It is best to make it visible from the outside.

Furthermore, in each embodiment, the camera unit 4 has been described using the camera unit 4 in which the CCD camera 41 is attached to the tip of the flexible arm 40 in the axial direction of the flexible arm 40. In this case, it is preferable that the flexible arm 40 be provided on a side surface (peripheral surface) perpendicular to the axial direction of the flexible arm 40. By attaching the CCD camera 41 to the side surface, even when the flexible arm 40 extends from the casing 20 in a direction perpendicular to the photographing direction, it is possible to photograph the outside front of the vehicle without bending the flexible arm 40. Further, it may be configured to be provided only on the side surface, or a plurality of cameras may be provided so as to photograph both the side surface and the surface shown and explained in FIG. 2.

Further, in the third embodiment, the housing 20B is attached to the rearview mirror 108 so that the housing 20B is hidden behind the rearview mirror 108, but the housing 20B is attached to the rearview mirror 108 so that the housing 20B protrudes from the rearview mirror 108 toward the driver side. 20B may be attached to the room mirror 108, and an operating section such as an operating button may be arranged in front of the protruding portion. In this case, the flexible arm 40 may be attached at a position away from the operation button. For example, the flexible arm 40 may be attached to a surface different from the protruding side. By connecting the flexible arm 40 at a position away from the operation button provided on the protruding part, when the driver operates the operation button, the flexible arm is prevented from coming into contact with the flexible arm and moving unnecessarily. can do.

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

For example, a display section such as an LED lamp may be provided in the protruding portion along with or in place of the operation button. In particular, it is preferable to provide an LED that emits light when power is being supplied or when recording is being performed. In this way, for example, when power is supplied from the cigarette lighter socket, it is possible to prevent the problem of the plug being pulled out from the cigarette lighter socket and recording not being made.

Furthermore, when the power is turned on, a voice saying "Recording will start" may be output from the speaker. It also has a function to detect whether the flexible arm 40 is attached to any of the camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, and if no flexible arm is connected to any of the camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, this LED blinks. It may be a good idea to have the camera arm not attached or output a warning sound from the speaker, such as "Camera arm not attached." In this way, the flexible arm 40 is not connected to any of the camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, and the user does not realize that no video is recorded, but the video of the necessary scene such as an accident is recorded. This increases the possibility of preventing the problem of not being used.

Further, when the flexible arms 40 are connected to a plurality of camera connection terminals 23a to 23d, the video from all the connected flexible arms 40 may be recorded, or the video from any of the flexible arms 40 may be recorded. It may also be configured to display a selection screen for selecting whether to record a video from. It is particularly good to continue outputting at least one of a warning screen or a warning sound that indicates that multiple cameras are connected, and to stop outputting when one flexible arm 40 is connected. It is a good idea to do so. In this way, it is possible to prevent a model that can record data from only one camera from exceeding its load capacity and traveling with the flexible arm 40 attached.

In each of the embodiments, the flexible arm 40 is bent and deformed to direct the CCD camera 41 toward the front outside the vehicle to take pictures of the front outside the vehicle. It is preferable to configure it so that it can be fixed to. For example, it is preferable to provide a fixing member that can fix the CCD camera 41 to the transparent part of the windshield. In this way, it is possible to prevent blurring of the photographed image due to shaking of the flexible arm 40 due to vehicle vibration or the like. The fixing members include a fixing part that is pasted and fixed to the transparent part of the windshield, and a part that has a slightly larger diameter than the flexible arm 40 and protrudes from the fixing part to the inside of the vehicle cabin to an extent equivalent to the axial length of the CCD camera. It is preferable to have a structure in which a cylindrical receiving part is provided and the CCD camera 41 is inserted inside the cylinder of the receiving part. The fixing member is preferably made of a transparent member, and more preferably made of a resin material.

Furthermore, although each embodiment has been described using a configuration in which the SD slot 22 is provided near the camera connection terminal 23a, the SD slot 22 may be provided at a position away from the camera connection terminal 23a. By providing the SD slot 22 at a position separate from the camera connection terminal 23a, the driver's hand can be attached to the flexible arm when inserting or removing an SD card after connecting the camera unit 4 to the camera connection terminal 23a. Unnecessary contact with 40 can be prevented.

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

Further, in each embodiment, the configuration is such that recording is performed on the SD card 200 when an event occurs, but instead of this, or in addition to this, video continues to be recorded on a non-volatile memory etc. while power is supplied. It is preferable to have a continuous recording (for example, constant recording) function (overwriting the old one when the storage capacity is full).

Furthermore, although each embodiment has been described using the flexible arm 40 that cannot be extended or contracted, the flexible arm may be configured to be extendable or contractible like a rod antenna and have a variable overall length. The full length adjusting section such as the extendable section may be provided on the entire flexible arm, but it is preferably provided on a portion of the flexible arm, and particularly preferably on a portion of the base end of the flexible arm. For example, the proximal half of the total length of the flexible arm is a three-stage rod, and the length of that part can be extended up to about three times, and the direction of the part beyond it can be adjusted. good. Of course, it may be constructed of a member that has both the bending function as a flexible arm and the full length adjustment function (extensible function) like a rod. In this way, it is possible to easily avoid the opaque area and adjust the CCD camera 41 to be located in the transparent area.

The constituent elements of the modified examples, the contents of each embodiment, and the elements to which the elements and ideas described in the means for solving the problems are applied may be arbitrarily combined to form the embodiment.

1 Drive recorder (vehicle equipment)
2 Drive recorder body 3 Bracket 4 Flexible camera unit 5 Control section 20 Housing 21 Display section 23a to 23d Camera connection terminal 40 Flexible arm 41 CCD camera

Claims (4)

A drive recorder that has a function of recording images taken by a camera from a vehicle to which it is attached, and that can be attached to a windshield inside the vehicle to which it is attached ,
a drive recorder main body having a display panel on the front side of the housing that can display images from the camera;
comprising a bracket for attaching the drive recorder main body to the windshield,
The bracket includes a mounting part having a pasting surface to which double-sided tape is pasted for mounting on the windshield, and when the pasting surface is pasted to the windshield with the double-sided tape, the pasting surface of the mounting part and the casing are attached to each other. Equipped with a connecting part that connects to the body at an angle,
A flexible arm having a length that allows the camera to avoid the black ceramic painted part and take pictures of the outside of the vehicle when the pasting surface is pasted on the black ceramic painted part of the vehicle to which it is attached. A drive recorder comprising: the camera connected to a housing via a drive recorder. The drive recorder according to claim 1, wherein the flexible arm is longer than a maximum length of a black ceramic painted part of the vehicle to which the flexible arm is attached . When the drive recorder is attached to the approximate center of the black ceramic painted part of the target vehicle , the flexible arm extends around the outer periphery of the black ceramic painted part of the target vehicle that is farthest from the approximate center. The drive recorder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the camera is such that the camera can take pictures of the outside of the vehicle. The drive recorder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the camera is configured to be connectable to a surface other than the top surface of the housing via a flexible arm .

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