JPH10210395A - Image-recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact image-recording device which can be mounted on a vehicle and also can continuously photograph the forward or backward situation of the vehicle for recording and reproducing the photographed situation as a dynamic images. SOLUTION: An image-pickup device 25 containing a TV camera for an image-recording device 20 continuously picks up image of the forward or backward situation of a vehicle. A record control means 23 successively records the photographed situations in a semiconductor memory M. If an abnormality detection means 22, consisting of an impact sensor detects the occurrence of a traffic accident, a recording operation stop command means 24 stops the recording of new images. Thereafter, the power is supplied from a standby power supply 212. Therefore, plural screens obtained immediately prior to the occurrence of the traffic accident and recorded in the memory M are kept as they are, and accordingly the state of the accident is known when these kept screens are reproduced. The memory M and the supply 212 are contained in an especially strong protective case and in a waterproof state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus capable of recording, as a moving image, a state immediately before occurrence of an abnormality, in particular, a state in front of or behind a vehicle immediately before a traffic accident occurs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 1, an obstacle sensor 1, a road surface sensor 2, an acceleration sensor 3, and a vehicle speed sensor are used to avoid a traffic accident by making full use of electronic control technology. 4. It has been proposed to mount a fire detection sensor 5, an airbag 6, a vehicle position sensor 7, an obstacle sensor 8, an air pressure sensor 9, an inter-vehicle sensor 10, and the like. Also,
A device has been devised that uses an imaging device or a TV monitor device to enable the driver to check the safety of the rear when the vehicle is backed.

[0003]

However, no matter how much measures are taken to avoid a traffic accident as described above, it is not possible to completely prevent the occurrence of an accident, and if a traffic accident occurs, Since the situation cannot be objectively proved, there is a problem that a great deal of labor is often required for processing after the accident.

In order to solve such a problem, a method of continuously photographing a state in front of or behind the vehicle and recording it in a time series is conceivable. However, such a method requires continuous recording of a large amount of image data, which leads to an increase in the size of the apparatus, which is unsuitable for use in a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. Even though the device is so small that it can be used in a vehicle, it continues to photograph the front or rear of the vehicle. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of recording and reproducing a moving image.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in an image recording apparatus according to the present invention, a semiconductor memory capable of recording an image signal from an image pickup apparatus for a plurality of screens, and an old screen replaced with a new screen Recording control means for repeating an operation of sequentially recording an image signal from the imaging device in the semiconductor memory one screen at a time so as to update the imaging device, and an abnormality detection for detecting whether an abnormality has occurred in an imaging target of the imaging device Means,
Stopping a recording operation for instructing the recording control unit to stop recording a new image signal in the semiconductor memory when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the imaging target based on a detection result of the abnormality detection unit. Command means, and a power supply unit that continues to supply power to the semiconductor memory even after the recording operation stop command means stops the recording operation of a new screen in the semiconductor memory.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the old screen is continuously updated with a new screen until an abnormality such as an accident occurs in the semiconductor memory, and updating of the screen is stopped when an accident occurs. Therefore, unlike the case where a large number of images are continuously recorded in vain, it is possible to reduce the size so that it can be configured for use in a vehicle. Moreover, since the semiconductor memory is used, the current consumption for recording is small in spite of the large recording capacity, so that even if a battery is used for power supply in the standby state, it can be operated for a long time. No problem.

When the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is configured for use in a vehicle, an impact sensor for detecting the occurrence of a traffic accident as an impact is provided as the abnormality detecting means, and the impact sensor detects the occurrence of a traffic accident. Up to this point, a plurality of screens outside the vehicle captured by the image capturing device mounted on the vehicle are recorded.

In this case, a battery and a backup power supply are provided as the power supply unit, and power supply switching means is provided for switching the power supply from the battery to the backup power supply when the impact sensor detects the occurrence of a traffic accident. Is preferred. With this configuration, when a traffic accident occurs, there is a high possibility that the power supply from the battery becomes impossible, but in that case, the power supply is forcibly switched to a backup power supply using a battery or the like. Record contents can be protected.

[0010] In the vehicle-mounted image recording apparatus, at least the semiconductor memory and the auxiliary power supply are housed in a protective case having at least one of waterproof, fireproof and shockproof functions. It is preferable that the recorded contents of the semiconductor memory are not damaged by rain or rain. When monitoring a fire, it is preferable that the semiconductor memory and the standby power supply be housed in a protective case having a fireproof structure.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an automobile equipped with an image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image recording apparatus.

In FIG. 1, there is a method of mounting an obstacle sensor 1 or the like on an automobile to prevent an accident in order to avoid a traffic accident by making full use of electronic control technology. According to the present invention, an image recording device 20 capable of photographing the front or rear of a vehicle immediately before the occurrence of an accident and recording and reproducing the moving image as a moving image is mounted on a small device to perform processing after the occurrence of the accident. Be easy.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image recording apparatus 20 includes an image pickup device 25 and a power supply unit 2 using a battery 211.
1. It comprises an impact sensor as the abnormality detection means 22 and a recording apparatus main body 200. The recording apparatus main body 200 is equipped with a microcomputer that operates based on a program stored in a ROM or the like. The functions of the microcomputer enable the recording control unit 23, the recording operation stop instruction unit 24, and the power supply Switching means 26 is realized.

In FIG. 2, a recording apparatus main body 200 includes:
First, a semiconductor memory M such as a C-MOS static memory capable of recording an image signal from the imaging device 25 composed of a TV camera for a plurality of screens and an image from the imaging device 25 such that an old screen is updated to a new screen. Recording control means 23 is configured to repeat an operation of sequentially recording signals in the semiconductor memory M one screen at a time. Here, the image signal Video output from the imaging device 25 is subjected to pre-processing 28 for adjustment to increase contrast,
The data is converted into a digital signal by the D conversion unit 27, and the image data P is generated. On the other hand, the synchronization separation circuit 31 separates the vertical synchronization signal VSync and the horizontal synchronization signal HSync from the image signal Video. In this embodiment, since the interlaced scanning method is employed, the image signal Vi is used.
The frame signal FRAME is also generated from deo. The image data P, the vertical synchronization signal VSync, the horizontal synchronization signal HSync, and the frame signal FRAME are all input to the recording control unit 23, and the recording control unit 23 uses the vertical synchronization signal VSync and the horizontal synchronization signal HSync as memory addresses, Using the frame signal FRAME as a write signal,
The image signal Video from the imaging device 25 is converted into image data P
Is sequentially recorded in the semiconductor memory M one screen at a time.

The image recording device 20 includes an image pickup device 2
5 is provided with an abnormality detecting means 22 for detecting whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the imaging target, and the apparatus main body 200 has a function to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the imaging target based on the detection result of the abnormality detecting means 22. A recording operation stop command unit 24 functioning as a switch SW for commanding the recording control unit 23 to stop recording new image data P in the semiconductor memory M is configured. In the present embodiment, the state of the front of the vehicle or the rear of the vehicle immediately before the traffic accident occurs is recorded as a moving image composed of a plurality of screens.
As 2, a shock sensor that detects the occurrence of a traffic accident as a shock is used. Note that a reset switch 221 is provided for resetting when the abnormality detecting means 22 operates erroneously.

Further, the apparatus main body 200 is provided with a power supply section 21 which continues to supply power to the semiconductor memory M even after the recording operation stop command means 24 stops the operation of recording a new screen in the semiconductor memory M. ing. That is, even after the occurrence of a traffic accident, a power supply is required to keep supplying power to the semiconductor memory M and to keep the recorded image recorded there just before the accident. Therefore, the power supply unit 21
The vehicle-mounted battery 211 conventionally mounted
Is provided as a normal power supply, and a backup power supply 212 composed of a backup battery that is resistant to shocks and the like is also used. Further, when a traffic accident occurs, there is a high possibility that the power supply from the battery 211 becomes impossible. Power supply switching means 26 functioning as a switch SW for forcibly switching the supply of power from the battery 211 to the standby power supply 212. Furthermore, when a traffic accident occurs, it is necessary to protect the semiconductor memory M and the auxiliary power supply 212 from shocks and rain at that time, and therefore, in this embodiment, at least the semiconductor memory M and the auxiliary power supply 212 are specially waterproof. It is housed in a case (not shown) having a structure.

In the image recording apparatus 20 configured as described above, the imaging device 25 including a TV camera continuously captures an image in front of or behind the vehicle. The image signal Video output from the imaging device 25 is supplied to the pre-processing 28, the A / D conversion circuit 27, and the synchronization separation circuit 31, and the image data P obtained from the image signal Video, the vertical synchronization signal VSync, the horizontal Synchronization signal HSync and frame signal FR
Based on the AME, the recording control means 23
Is sequentially recorded as image data P in the semiconductor memory M one screen at a time. Here, the semiconductor memory M is composed of memory areas M1, M2,... MN. In this embodiment, one screen is composed of image data P recorded in two memory areas to perform interlaced scanning. You.

As described above, in the semiconductor memory M, the old screen is continuously updated with the new screen, and the latest plural screens are always recorded. At this time, it is assumed that a traffic accident has occurred. At that time, the abnormality detecting means 22 comprising an impact sensor detects that fact, and based on the detection result, the recording operation stop commanding means 24 stops the output of the frame signal FRAME to the recording control means 23. here,
Since the recording control unit 23 has performed the memory write control using the frame signal FRAME as the write signal, the recording control unit 23 stops recording new image data P in the semiconductor memory M. As a result, a plurality of screens immediately before the occurrence of a traffic accident remain recorded in the semiconductor memory M. At the same time as the occurrence of a traffic accident, the power supply switching means 26
Is forcibly switched from the battery 211 to the standby power supply 212. Therefore, even if power cannot be supplied from the battery 211 due to a traffic accident, a plurality of screens immediately before the occurrence of the traffic accident remain recorded in the semiconductor memory M. In addition, since the semiconductor memory M and the backup power supply 212 are stored in a waterproof state in a specially strong protective case, the contents recorded in the semiconductor memory M can be stored even if an accidental shock or rain occurs. Is not impaired.

Therefore, when reproducing the situation of the traffic accident, the reproduction of the semiconductor memory M
An address signal and a read control signal are input to the TV monitor, and a plurality of screens recorded in the semiconductor memory M immediately before the occurrence of the accident can be displayed on the TV monitor as moving images. Also, 1
Each screen can be printed as a still image. Therefore, according to the on-vehicle image recording apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the cause of the traffic accident can be objectively grasped, and the accident processing can be smoothly performed.

As described above, the image recording apparatus 20 according to this embodiment
Then, in the semiconductor memory M, the old screen is updated to the new screen and the latest plural screens are always recorded.
The screen update is stopped when a traffic accident occurs. Therefore, unlike the case where a large number of images are continuously recorded in vain,
The size can be reduced so that it can be configured for in-vehicle use. Moreover, since the semiconductor memory M is used, the current consumption for recording is small in spite of the large recording capacity, so that there is no problem even if the battery 211 is used for power supply in the standby state.

In the above embodiment, the state immediately before the occurrence of the traffic accident is recorded. Therefore, the shock sensor for detecting the occurrence of the traffic accident as an impact is used as the abnormality detection means 22. A fire detection sensor that detects smoke and smoke may be used and installed in a room.
In this case, it is preferable to store the semiconductor memory M and the standby power supply 212 in a fireproof case. Further, the image recording device may be used as a device for monitoring the intrusion of a suspicious person by using an abnormality detection sensor that detects an abnormal sound near the door or the like as the abnormality detection unit 22.

[0023]

As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the old screen is continuously updated to the new screen until an abnormality such as an accident occurs in the semiconductor memory. Stop updating. Therefore, unlike the case where a large number of images are continuously recorded in vain, it is possible to reduce the size so that it can be configured for use in a vehicle. In addition, since the semiconductor memory is used, the current consumption for recording is small in spite of the large recording capacity, so that there is no problem even if a battery is used for power supply in the standby state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an in-vehicle image recording apparatus of the present embodiment is mounted on an automobile.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle-mounted image recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 image recording device 21 power supply unit 22 abnormality detection means 23 recording control means 24 recording operation stop instruction means 26 power supply switching means 25 imaging device 28 preprocessing 27 A / D conversion unit 200 recording device main body 211 battery 212 standby power supply P image data M Semiconductor memory Video Image signal VSync Vertical synchronization signal HSync Horizontal synchronization signal FRAME Frame signal

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image signal from an image pickup device for a plurality of screens,
Recordable semiconductor memory, recording control means for repeating an operation of sequentially recording an image signal from the imaging device in the semiconductor memory one screen at a time so as to update an old screen to a new screen, and an imaging target of the imaging device Abnormality detecting means for detecting whether an abnormality has occurred in the semiconductor memory, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the imaging target based on the detection result of the abnormality detecting means, Recording operation stop instructing means for instructing to stop recording of a new image signal; and power supply to the semiconductor memory even after the recording operation stop instructing means stops the operation of recording a new screen in the semiconductor memory. An image recording apparatus, comprising: a power supply unit that continuously supplies power. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an impact sensor configured to detect occurrence of a traffic accident as an impact as the abnormality detection means.
An on-vehicle image recording apparatus, characterized in that the on-vehicle image recording apparatus is configured to record a plurality of screens outside the vehicle captured by the imaging apparatus mounted on the vehicle. 3. A power supply switching means according to claim 2, further comprising a battery and a standby power supply as said power supply unit, and switching the power supply from said battery to said standby power supply when said impact sensor detects the occurrence of a traffic accident. An on-vehicle image recording apparatus comprising: 4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein at least the semiconductor memory and the auxiliary power supply are housed in a protective case having at least one of waterproof, fireproof and shockproof functions. Image recording device.