MXPA06009768A - Automatic collision triggered video system - Google Patents

Abstract

A video recording system is responsive to an automotive controls system. The video recording system includes a video camera, capable of capturing either still photos or video footage. The video camera may be integral to the interior of a vehicle, for example in a navigation unit, or may be coupled to a detachable electronic device like a cellular telephone. The video recording system communicates with the controls system by either hard wire link or wireless link. The controls system includes one or more sensors capable of detecting when a collision has occurred. One such sensor is an airbag deployment sensor. When the controls system detects that a collision has occurred, it sends an actuation signal to the video recording system, thereby causing the video recording system to begin capturing either photos or video footage. This video footage may then be stored locally or transmitted to a remote server. In one application, the video footage may be used by emergency personnel to determine the conditions inside the vehicle immediately following an accident.

Description

AUTOMATIC VIDEO SYSTEM ACTIVATED BY COLLISION FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to video recording systems for use in vehicles, and more particularly to a video or audio recording system that is activated when a vehicular collision is detected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As anyone who has ever been in a serious car accident knows, once the accident has occurred, the response time of emergency personnel can become a matter of life or death. When emergency personnel arrive quickly, people still seriously injured have a great chance of surviving. However, if there is a delay in notifying the authorities, the chances of survival are greatly diminished. In addition to the response time, the accuracy of information is critical. In other words, it is imperative that emergency personnel know exactly what type of accident has occurred so that they can deploy the proper emergency equipment. For example, a person who has suffered a concussion can be adequately treated by a single ambulance. A person who is trapped in a crushed car, and happens to be bleeding profusely, may require additional equipment that includes a helicopter and pinching jaws. In summary, it is essential that authorities know exactly which injuries have been sustained before dispatching emergency equipment. In dispute with this need for urgent accurate information is the condition of the accident victim that immediately follows the accident. In many accidents motorists may be unconscious, and therefore be unable to describe the scene of the accident to the authorities. Although OnStar® vehicle navigation systems can quickly transmit the time and location of an accident, those systems are unable to transmit the information regarding the severity or type of accident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A solution of the prior art for this lack of information is the "black box". Similar to recording devices found in airplanes, the solution of the prior art is to equip the vehicle with cameras that continuously record video sequences. The video recordings are stored in a non-volatile, collision-resistant memory device secured in the black box. When an accident occurs, the black box "freezes" the video data stored in the box, and then optionally transmits this data to a central server. The problem with this solution of the prior art is threefold: first, it is expensive. Camcorders must be mounted on the car, and they must continuously record video sequences. Additionally, the black box is required to store the sequences. Such a system can add significant cost to the general price of the car. For this reason, consumers may be tempted to forget the purchase option, thus preventing emergency personnel from obtaining the information they so desperately need. Second, such a system can be personally intrusive. People often make up or comb their hair while in the car. They may not want a camcorder to record them before cleaning. Third, the system constantly consumes energy, thus reducing the useful life of the batteries. This is especially true when the vehicle's engine is not running. Video cameras that work constantly act as a constant charge on the battery. Such a constant reduction of the battery will reduce the life cycle of the battery, and will increase the overall cost of the system since a user must replace the batteries more frequently. This increased expense, as well as decreased efficiency, can cause consumers to reject the purchase option. Thus, there is a need for an improved accident information system that is lower in cost, less intrusive and does not detract from the vehicle's efficiency value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. FIGURE 1 illustrates a block diagram of a video recording system according to the invention. FIGURE 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a video recording system according to the invention. FIGURE 3 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle navigation unit according to the invention. FIGURE 4 illustrates a vehicle equipped with a video recording system according to the invention. FIGURE 5 illustrates a network through which video sequences can be transferred to a remote server with the activation resulting from a collision being detected. FIGURE 6 illustrates the interior of a vehicle that has been equipped with a video recording system according to the invention. FIGURE 7 illustrates the interior of the vehicle of FIGURE 6 after an accident has occurred. FIGURE 8 illustrates a method for recording video sequences according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail. With reference to the drawings, similar numbers indicate similar parts through the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the explicitly associated meanings herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of "a", "an" and "the" "includes the plural reference, the meaning of" en "includes" en "and" sobre ". This invention includes a video recording system that is activated by a vehicular collision detection system. For example, in a vehicle equipped with airbags, when the vehicle experiences a collision the airbags deploy. This deployment is detected by the vehicle control system, which includes control circuitry, and may include a microcomputer. In an embodiment of this invention, when such an event occurs, the vehicle control system transmits a video activation signal to a video recording system that includes a video camera. Note that although the invention, as described herein, talks about recording "video sequences", the audio sequences can be captured simultaneously as well. The video recording system can be arranged either integrally with the car or a detachable device such as a cell phone. Once this video activation signal is received, the camcorder begins recording video sequences. Where the camera is positioned so that the lens is directed towards the inside of the car, the video sequences will include the condition of the vehicle cabin, as well as the visible condition of the passengers. These video sequences can then be stored locally or transmitted via wireless link to a remote server. When they are transmitted to a remote server, the video sequences will be accessible by the appropriate emergency authorities. As it is established, it is the activation of a collision sensor which initiates the recording of the sequences in video. By delaying the recording until after the accident has occurred, energy is saved in the video recording unit. Additionally, only the sequences of the scene of the accident are recorded, thus saving the task of the emergency personnel of classifying unnecessary sequences, of pre-accidents and without accidents. This results in a more timely, efficient and effective distribution of information when compared to the prior art. Any number of collision detection mechanisms can be used to activate the video recording system. As noted in the above, the deployment of airbags works well as a means of activation. Other possible alternatives include the following: first, safety belt monitors can be used. When an accident occurs, inertia usually causes the passenger to be thrown from the seat. This launch action causes the safety belt to be released quickly. This quick release stops, thus preventing the passenger from becoming a projectile, by means of a retention mechanism. The activation of the seat belt retention mechanism in this way can be used as an activator for the video recording system. Second, an accelerometer can be used. Accelerometers are electronic devices that detect sudden changes in acceleration. By coupling the accelerometer either to the vehicle's microcomputer to the camcorder itself, the accelerometer can be used as an activator. Third, the speedometer can be used as an activator. When an accident occurs, the speed of a vehicle often goes from a certain non-zero to zero value in a very short amount of time. Such sudden changes in speed, which can be detected by the vehicle's microcomputer, can be used as the activation mechanism for the camcorder. Firmware filters can be added to prevent false activation. Fourth, acoustic sensors can be used. When accidents occur, usually two things happen. There is often a loud "shock" sound, be it metal bending, plastic cracking or glass breaking. Additionally, acoustic vibrations propagate from the metal that deforms through the various parts of the automobile. By including acoustic sensors that detect sudden changes in acoustic vibrations either from the air or from vehicle parts, these sensors can be used to activate the video recording system. Fifth, the engine sensors can be used. The vehicle's microcomputer in most cars includes a tachometer sensor to measure the speed per revolution of the drive shaft. When an accident occurs that affects the operation of the engine, the tachometer quickly changes from a non-zero value to a null value. Additionally, the key remains in the "on" position, thus alerting the vehicle's microcomputer to the fact that the driver did not shut off the engine. Such situations can be used to activate the video recording system, since they are indicative of an accident having occurred. Sixth, the automotive system sensors can be used as an activation mechanism. The vehicle's microcomputer monitors the various vehicle systems such as the cooling system, the oil system and the fuel system. When accidents occur, such systems are often punctured or destroyed, resulting in a sudden loss of antifreeze, oil or gas. When the vehicle's microcomputer detects a sudden loss of fluid, it can activate the video recording system. Additionally, newer vehicles come equipped with specially designed collision sensors. These collision sensors, where they are included, serve as an excellent means of activation. Seventh, a gyroscopic sensor can also be used. Gyroscopes are known in the art for being able to detect changes in alignment in relation to speed. Such devices are thus capable of detecting when a vehicle has "overturned" as a result of an accident. Such sudden unexpected changes in the alignment can be used to activate the video recording system. Referring now to FIGURE 1, a block diagram of a video recording system according to the invention is illustrated herein. The electronic system 101 of the automobile transmits an activation signal 104 to the video recording system 100. The transmission of the activation signal 104 can be through a conductor, such as a wire, where the video recording system 100 is integrally mounted on the carriage. Such an integral assembly is when the video recording system 100 is integrated into a vehicle system such as an on-board navigation unit or other electronic system. In an alternative modality, the video recording system 100 can be included with a detachable device, such as a cell phone for example. In this situation, the transmission of the activation signal 104 may be either through a wired link or wireless link. A wired link can be used when the cellular phone is coupled to a vehicle support that is coupled to the electronic vehicle control system. On the other hand, if the system is freely arranged within the carriage, the transmission of the activation signal 104 may be via a Bluetooth wireless type radio frequency (RF) communication link, for example. Within the automobile system 101, a means is provided for detecting when a vehicle collision occurs. The means for detecting when a vehicle collision occurs 117 can be any of the triggers listed in the foregoing. In other words, the means for detecting when a vehicle collision occurs 117 can be selected from the group consisting of accelerometers, air bag activation mechanism, speedometers, collision sensors, safety filter monitors, acoustic sensors, engine sensors. , gyroscopic sensors and automotive system sensors. These devices can be used either independently or in combination. The various sensors 117 are coupled to the microcomputer 102 which serves as the vehicle's nervous system or control center. When one of the sensors 117 is activated, the microcomputer 102 detects that a collision has occurred. The microcomputer 102 then activates a means for transmitting a video activation signal 103. As noted in the above, this transmitter 103 can be as simple as a copper wire that couples the automobile system 101 to the video recording system 100. Alternatively, where a wireless link is reqd, the transmitter 103 may include a frequency modulation device, power amplification and an antenna. There is a corresponding means for receiving a video activation signal 115 in the video recording system 100. This receiver 115 receives the activation signal from the automobile or the vehicle control system 101 and passes it along a microprocessor 112 disposed within the video recording system 100. Within the microprocessor 112, an electronic switch that serves as an activation means that couples the means for detecting when a vehicle collision has occurred 117 in the camcorder 114. When the video activation signal 104 is received, the switch is activated, thus causing the camcorder 114 to start recording the sequences in video. In other words, when the means is activated to detect when a vehicle collision occurs 117, the camcorder (note that there may be only one camera or a plurality) begins to record the sequences in video. The camcorder 114 may also include a control mechanism that can be activated remotely, so that the alignment and direction can be controlled remotely, and thus the visible subject matter.

The video recording system 100 further includes a memory device 116 which serves as a means for storing a predetermined amount of video sequences recorded by the video camera 114. Where the video recording system 100 comprises a vehicle navigation unit that has transmission capabilities or a cell phone, a transmission device 113 will be present to allow the device to connect to a cellular or other wireless network. In such situations, the video recording system 100 can transmit a stream of video sequences to a remote server. The remote server can store the stream of sequences in video or can simply display the video sequences in a medium to display the sequences in video, such as a television or computer, arranged in the remote location. In that case, the memory 116 may need to contain only a portion of the video sequences, thus acting as a buffer between the outputs of the video camera 114 and the transmission device 113. When the transmission device 113 is not present, the memory 116 will be larger to contain a sufficiently large stretch of video sequences to obtain accident relevant information. Note that although the microprocessor 112 can be shared between the camera 114 and other devices, the memory 116 and the microprocessor 112 can be incorporated within the video camera 114 when the video camera 114 is a separate unit. Returning now to FIGURE 2, an exemplary embodiment of a video recording system according to the invention is illustrated herein. A cellular telephone 200 is provided having a camera 201 coupled thereto. The camera may be able to take still photos or video sequences in motion. Arranged within the telephone are the transmitter 113, the microprocessor 112 and the memory 116 as described in FIGURE 1. With a cellular telephone 200, the means of reception and transmission are achieved both through an antenna 202 where the communication is Wireless If the telephone 200 is coupled to a support, an electrical connector arranged in the base 203 of the telephone 200 facilitates wired communication to and from the telephone 200. Returning now to FIGURE 3, a block diagram of a unit 300 of vehicle navigation according to the invention. Many modern-day automobiles, such as the Honda Accord® with its Navi ™ system for example, offer conventional navigation systems. Such systems are usually mounted in the center of the vehicle dashboard. These conventional navigation systems have input devices, microprocessors, and wireless transmitters and receivers to upload and download information to a remote server. The navigation unit 300 according to the invention includes a video camera 301 that can be activated by the collision detection means. When the devices are mounted in the center of the instrument panel, the camera 301 of the navigation unit 300 can be positioned so that a clear panoramic view of the interior can be observed. The camera 301 may be mounted behind a display screen of the navigation unit 300, or may be additionally included as a feature near the screen. In any case, the camera 301 is preferably placed within the confines of the housing of the navigation unit to protect itself in case the entire vehicle is damaged in a collision. At the heart of the navigation unit 300 is a microcomputer 302. The navigation unit 300 may further include a wireless communication device 303, a GPS module 304, a memory 305, a memory 306 for navigation information and maps downloaded from a service center, a camera 301, a memory for storing video information 310, an on / off button 307 for activating / deactivating the system and a microphone 308 and the output 309 for hands-free operation. In a modality, the wireless communication device 303 includes a transmitter for transmitting cellular wireless communication such as AMPS, CDMA, GSM or TDMA. The wireless communication device 303 can also be configured to transmit by another wireless communication such as a satellite communication. The wireless communication device 303 includes a receiver for receiving and decoding the digital data transmitted by the service center. The receiver can be configured to receive digital cellular communication such as CDMA, GSM or TDMA. The receiver can also be configured to receive other types of wireless communication such as those transmitted by satellites. The navigation unit 300 may further include sensors 311 or inputs from various sensors that already exist in the vehicle. The types of sensors 311 that may be applicable for the navigation unit 300 are the speed sensor and a direction or orientation sensor. Additionally, the collision sensors mentioned in the above may be coupled to the navigation unit to activate the camera 301. Returning now to FIGURE 4, a vehicle 400 equipped with a video recording system according to the present invention is illustrated herein. invention. The vehicle 400 includes an automobile control unit 401 that is coupled to at least one collision sensor. In the embodiment of FIGURE 4, the control unit 401 is coupled to a plurality of sensors 402, 404. These sensors may be selected from any of the collision sensors described in the foregoing, which include airbag deployment sensors and Accelerometers, to name a few. Additionally, the sensors may be coupled to the windshield 402 or windows 406 to detect broken or crashed glass. When the sensors 402, 404 cause the control unit 401 to detect a collision, the control unit 401 activates a video camera 405 disposed within the vehicle. As mentioned in the foregoing, the video camera 405 can be integrated with a detachable device, such as a cellular phone and can be freely arranged within the carriage or coupled to a support. In addition, the camcorder can be an integral part of an automobile system such as the navigation unit, in which case it can be an integral part of the automobile. Returning now to FIGURE 5, a network is illustrated through which video sequences can be transferred to a remote server with the activation resulting from a collision being detected.

Generally, the network 520 includes the video recording system 522 and a remote service center 524. The video recording system 522 and the service center 524 can communicate with each other by wireless communication, illustrated by communication arrows A and B. The communication can take place as follows: communication A is a cellular wireless communication that is transmitted to a base station antenna 526, through a cellular network 528 and a public switched telephone network 530 (PSTN), and to the center 524 of service. Those of ordinary skill in the art, who have the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that many possible methods of wireless communication can be utilized for communication from the video recording system 522 to the service center 524. In one embodiment, the communication is through cellular wireless communication such as AMPS, CDMA, GSMA or TDMA. The transmission from the video recording system 522 to the service center 524 can also be done by another wireless communication such as a satellite communication. The communication B is a cellular wireless communication that is sent through the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 530 and the cellular network 528 and is transmitted by the base station antenna 526 to the video recording system 522. Again, those of ordinary skill in the art, who have the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that many possible methods of wireless communication can be used for communication from the service center 524 to the video recording system 522. In one embodiment, the communication is through a digital cellular wireless communication such as CDMA, GSM or TDMA. The transmission from the service center 524 to the video recording system 522 can also be done by another wireless communication such as a satellite communication. Additionally, the network 520 may be set to allow alarms to be activated by activating the camcorder via the Internet 534 and a remote device 536. For example, live video feeds can be distributed to emergency personnel. Such video sequence communication can allow emergency personnel to be more prepared for the scene of the accident. Returning now to FIGURE 6, the interior of a vehicle 600 that has been equipped with a video recording system according to the invention is illustrated herein. FIGURE 6 illustrates three of many possible locations for the camcorder to be activated with the vehicle that detects that a collision has occurred. In an exemplary location, a camcorder arranged in a cell phone 601 is freely arranged in the seat 605. Note that the user has strategically placed the cell phone / camera combination 601 so that the camera 604 is face up of the seat 605, to be able to capture video footage of the interior. In this particular configuration, the communication between the cell phone and the camcorder 601 and the control of the vehicle in the sensor system will be through the wireless link since there is no wired link between the two. In an alternative location, a cell phone with a camcorder 600 has been coupled to a support 602 inside the vehicle. The support 602 is designed so that the camera 607 is facing the interior of the vehicle, to adequately record the interior conditions when activated by a collision that is detected. In this particular configuration, the communication between the cell phone and the camcorder 606 and the control of the vehicle and the sensor system can be either through the wireless link or the wired connection, since there may be a wired link from the control system from the car to support 602 to telephone 606.

In a third alternative location, the 608 camera has been incorporated into the vehicle's electronics. In FIGURE 6, the embodiment electronics includes the navigation unit 603. It is advantageous, since not only the navigation unit 603 can record video sequences from inside the car, but it can also indicate the location of the accident from its GPS unit. In this particular configuration, the communication between the camcorder 603 and the control of the vehicle and the sensor system will be via wired link, since the unit is an integral part of the electronic system of the vehicle. Referring now to FIGURE 7, the interior of the vehicle 600 of FIGURE 6 is illustrated herein after an accident has occurred. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor that triggers the activation of the video camera is the deployment of the air bag. As shown, the air bag 705 has been deployed as a result of the accident. This deployment has activated an air bag sensor 701 within the control unit 700. The control unit 700, in turn, then activates the video recording by means of the video recording system. As with FIGURE 6, three exemplary locations for the camera have been illustrated. In practice, it is more of a problem that the user can select a location only, although multiple locations can be used simultaneously. Additionally, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that they have the benefit of this disclosure that locations other than those shown may be equally employed. With respect to the freely placed cellular telephone 601, the activation signal 702 is transmitted from the control unit 700 to the cellular telephone 601. This signal 702 activates the camcorder 604. The camcorder 604 then begins to record the video sequences, freely represented by the light rays 706. Similarly, an activation signal 703, transmitted by the wired link or wireless link, causes the telephone / camera combination 606 to begin recording the sequences in video. Similarly, the activation signal 704 causes the integral camera 608 to start recording the sequences in video. Referring now to FIGURE 8, a method for recording video sequences according to the invention is illustrated herein. In step 800, the video recording system of the invention waits for an activation signal. If all goes well, and the vehicle avoids having a collision - something good for the driver and passengers - the camcorder never leaves stage 800. This monitoring stage is shown as stage 801. However, if an unfortunate series of events results in a collision, the camera is activated by the vehicle control system in step 802. The video sequences are stored, either remotely or locally or both, in step 803. The video recording system checks for see if there is a communication link to a remote server in step 804. If so, the video streams can be transmitted to it in step 804. If not, the video streams will be stored locally in step 803. Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not limited in this way. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be presented to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims is claimed as property. CLAIMS 1. A video recording system, characterized in that it comprises: a means to detect when a vehicular collision occurs; at least one camcorder; means for storing a predetermined amount of video sequences recorded by at least one video camera; and an activation means that couples the means to detect when a vehicular collision occurs and at least one video camera, because when the means is activated to detect when a vehicular collision occurs, at least one video camera starts recording the sequences in video.
2. 2. A video recording system for capturing video sequences of an accident scene, the system characterized in that it comprises: a video camera comprising: at least one microprocessor; a memory for storing at least a portion of the video sequences therein; and a means for receiving a video activation signal; and a vehicle control system comprising: means for detecting a collision; and means for transmitting a video activation signal, because when the means for detecting a collision detects that a collision has occurred, the means for enabling a video activation signal transmits a video activation signal, and with the means for receiving a video activation signal that receives the video activation signal, the microprocessor causes the camcorder to start recording the sequences in video.
3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for detecting when a vehicular collision has occurred is selected from the group consisting of accelerometers, air bag activation mechanisms, speedometers, collision sensors, safety belt, acoustic sensors, engine sensors, gyroscopic sensors and sensors of the automobile system.
4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the means for storing the predetermined amount of video sequences is coupled to at least one camcorder via a wired link or via a wireless link.
5. The system according to claim 4, further characterized in that it comprises at least a second means for storing video sequences, wherein at least a second means for storing video sequences is arranged at a remote location.
6. The system according to claim 4, further characterized in that it comprises a means for displaying the video sequences, where the means for displaying the video sequences is arranged at a remote location.
7. The system according to claim 3, further characterized in that it comprises a microphone for recording audio sequences.
8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the video camera comprises at least one cell phone or a vehicle navigation unit.
9. 9. A method for recording video sequences of an accident scene, the method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: with the occurrence of a vehicular collision, receiving a video activation signal from a vehicle diagnostic system capable of detecting that it has the collision of the vehicle occurred; start a video recording system; and store the sequences in video recorded by the video recording system. The method according to claim 9, further characterized in that it comprises the step of transmitting the video sequences to a server.