WO2022074704A1

WO2022074704A1 - On-board camera unit, on-board camera unit inner-mirror composite, and in-vehicle surveillance system

Info

Publication number: WO2022074704A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/037681
Authority: WO
Inventors: 雄城煤孫
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2020-10-05
Filing date: 2020-10-05
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Also published as: JPWO2022074704A1; JP7391236B2

Abstract

An on-board camera unit (1) comprises: an on-board camera (10); and a camera retaining unit (11) that moveably retains the on-board camera (10). The camera retaining unit (11) includes an impelling member (20) that, if a force acts upon the on-board camera (10), impels the on-board camera (10) in a direction opposite the direction in which the on-board camera moves in response to said force.

Description

In-vehicle camera unit, in-vehicle camera unit inner mirror complex, and in-vehicle monitoring system

This disclosure relates to an in-vehicle camera unit.

Conventionally, for example, in the technique of monitoring the occupants of a vehicle, a camera is installed in the interior of the vehicle.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes a drive recorder installed on the windshield of a vehicle. The drive recorder includes a camera unit and a main body unit, and the camera unit is rotatably held by the main body unit so that the shooting direction can be changed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-32720

Since the in-vehicle camera installed in the vehicle interior may protrude inside the vehicle interior, the occupant may come into contact with the in-vehicle camera. When the occupant comes into contact with the vehicle-mounted camera, an impact is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera, which causes a problem such as damage to the vehicle-mounted camera. For example, in the above-mentioned technique of Patent Document 1, since the contact of the occupant with the in-vehicle camera is not taken into consideration, the problem cannot be solved.
The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for reducing an impact applied to an in-vehicle camera.

The in-vehicle camera according to the present disclosure includes an in-vehicle camera and a camera holding unit that movably holds the in-vehicle camera, and the camera holding unit moves the in-vehicle camera by the force when a force is applied to the in-vehicle camera. It has an urging member that urges the in-vehicle camera in the direction opposite to the direction.

According to this disclosure, the impact applied to the in-vehicle camera is reduced.

The front view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror complex including the vehicle-mounted camera unit according to the first embodiment is shown. The side view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror complex 100 including the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. It is a figure which shows the example of the interior of the vehicle photographed by the vehicle-mounted camera which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4A shows a front view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B shows a side view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4C shows a partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit according to the first embodiment. It is a front view and the side view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror complex for explaining a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a front view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit for explaining a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a side view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit for explaining a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit according to the first embodiment. It is a front view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit for explaining a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit according to the first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of the effect which the vehicle-mounted camera unit which concerns on Embodiment 1 has. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle interior monitoring system which concerns on Embodiment 2. A specific example of the structure inside the vehicle in the photographed image is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the in-vehicle monitoring method by the in-vehicle monitoring device which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 12A is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration that realizes the function of the in-vehicle monitoring device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12B is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for executing software that realizes the functions of the in-vehicle monitoring device according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, in order to explain the present disclosure in more detail, a mode for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 shows a front view of an in-vehicle camera unit inner mirror complex 100 including the in-vehicle camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror complex 100 including the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the in-vehicle camera unit inner mirror composite 100 includes an inner mirror fixing portion 2, an inner mirror 3 of the vehicle 101, and an in-vehicle camera unit 1. In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror complex 100 includes the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 will be described, but the location where the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 is installed is not particularly limited as long as it is inside the vehicle. .. For example, the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 may be installed on a windshield, an instrument panel, a dashboard, an overhead console, or the like.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the inner mirror 3 and the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 have a separate structure. When the inner mirror 3 and the in-vehicle camera unit 1 are integrated, the in-vehicle camera unit 1 is adjusted when the driver of the vehicle 101 adjusts the angle with respect to the inner mirror 3 according to his / her physique or seat position. There is a problem that the shooting range of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 also moves by moving the position or the angle at the same time. Therefore, it is necessary to widen the angle of view of the in-vehicle camera unit 1 in advance and add a sensing function assuming that the in-vehicle camera unit 1 moves, which leads to an increase in development load or product cost. In the first embodiment, the inner mirror 3 and the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 have a separate structure.

The inner mirror fixing portion 2 fixes the inner mirror 3 to the vehicle 101 behind the inner mirror 3. The back of the inner mirror 3 here means the surface side opposite to the mirror surface of the inner mirror 3.

The in-vehicle camera unit 1 includes an in-vehicle camera 10 and a camera holding unit 11. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 has a lens 12. In the first embodiment, the portion of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 that the occupant may come into contact with has an R shape in order to reduce the impact on the occupant.

The camera holding unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 movably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10. The details of the configuration in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is movably held by the camera holding unit 11 will be described later. Further, the camera holding portion 11 of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 is fixed to the inner mirror fixing portion 2 behind the inner mirror 3 so that the position of the lens 12 of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is a position capable of photographing the interior of the vehicle 101. ing. More specifically, the camera holding unit 11 is set so that the position of the lens 12 of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is a position capable of photographing at least one of the driver's seat, the passenger seat, and the rear seat in the interior of the vehicle 101. In addition, it is fixed to the inner mirror fixing portion 2 behind the inner mirror 3.

More specifically, in the first embodiment, one end of the camera holding portion 11 is fixed to the inner mirror fixing portion 2 behind the inner mirror 3, and the other end holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 movably. are doing. Further, the optical axis of the lens 12 of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 faces the indoor direction of the vehicle 101. That is, the optical axis of the lens 12 of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is not covered by the inner mirror 3, and when the vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror composite 100 is viewed from the driver's seat, passenger seat, or rear seat of the vehicle 101, it is inner. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 appears to protrude from the lower part of the mirror 3. As a result, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can capture a wide range of the interior of the vehicle 101 without blocking the monitoring area in front of the driver.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the interior of the vehicle 101 taken by the vehicle-mounted camera 10. As shown in FIG. 3, in this example, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 photographs the driver's seat, the passenger seat, and the rear seat. That is, in this example, the camera holding portion 11 is behind the inner mirror 3 so that the position of the lens 12 of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is a position where the driver's seat, the passenger seat, and the rear seat can be photographed in the interior of the vehicle 101. Is fixed to the inner mirror fixing portion 2.

The captured image obtained by the vehicle-mounted camera 10 photographing the interior of the vehicle 101 as described above is used, for example, to detect the driver's eye condition or face orientation. Alternatively, the captured image is used, for example, to detect a driver's inattentiveness or doze. Alternatively, the captured image is used for device operation by gesture, for example, recognizing the shape of a hand and operating the device. Alternatively, the captured image is used to estimate the behavior of the occupant from the position of the head, body, arm, or the like.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the configuration in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is installed at a position where the inside of the vehicle 101 can be photographed will be described, but the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is located at a position where the outside of the vehicle 101 can be photographed. It may be installed. That is, the camera holding portion 11 may be fixed to the inner mirror fixing portion 2 behind the inner mirror 3 so that the position of the lens 12 of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is a position where the outside of the vehicle 101 can be photographed. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 may be installed at a position where the inside and outside of the vehicle 101 can be photographed. That is, for example, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 may be a camera capable of shooting 360 degrees.

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4A shows a front view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B shows a side view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4C shows a partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment. The partial cross-sectional view is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 cut along the dotted line AA'in FIG. 4A.

The camera holding unit 11 has an urging member 20 that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 moves due to the force applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10. In other words, the urging member 20 urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10 so that when a force is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 returns from the position moved by the force to the original position.

More specifically, in the first embodiment, the camera holding unit 11 further has a rotating shaft unit 21 that rotatably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10, thereby holding the vehicle-mounted camera 10 movably. When a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 around the rotation shaft of the rotating shaft portion 21 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the urging member 20 is in the direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is rotated by the force. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 is urged in the direction. In other words, when a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 around the rotation shaft of the rotating shaft portion 21 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the urging member 20 is moved from the position where the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is moved by the force. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 is urged to return to the original position.

More specifically, in the first embodiment, the urging member 20 is a tension spring. The camera holding portion 11 has a protrusion 22, and the vehicle-mounted camera 10 has a protrusion 23. One end of the urging member 20 is fixed to the protrusion 22 of the camera holding portion 11, and the other end of the urging member 20 is fixed to the protrusion 23 of the vehicle-mounted camera 10. As a result, the urging member 20 is arranged at an angle such that the urging force is applied in the two directions of the X direction and the Y direction of FIG. 4B. The rotation shaft portion 21 projects to the side opposite to the protrusion 22 in the camera holding portion 11. When a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 around the rotation shaft of the rotating shaft portion 21 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the urging member 20 is rotated by the force, and the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is rotated with the protrusion 22. It extends as the distance between it and the protrusion 23 increases. As a result, the urging member 20 generates a restoring force (arrow B in FIG. 4B) that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10.

Further, in the first embodiment, the camera holding unit 11 further includes a braking unit 24 that brakes the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotated by the urging by the urging member 20. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the braking portion 24 is a protrusion further included in the camera holding portion 11, and protrudes so as to be orthogonal to the rotation surface centered on the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion 21. ing. The braking unit 24 stops the vehicle-mounted camera 10 by coming into contact with the vehicle-mounted camera 10 that has been rotated by the urging member 20 and returned to the original position.

More specifically, in the first embodiment, the rotation shaft portion 21 of the camera holding portion 11 is such that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be further rotated on a surface different from the rotation surface centered on the rotation axis. It holds the in-vehicle camera 10. Further, when a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 on a surface different from the rotating surface of the rotating shaft unit 21 centered on the rotation axis, the camera holding unit 11 is mounted on the vehicle by the force. It further has another urging member 25 that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the camera 10 rotates. In other words, when the force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 on a surface different from the rotating surface centered on the rotation axis of the rotating shaft portion 21, the other urging member 25 The vehicle-mounted camera 10 is urged so that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 returns from the position moved by the force to the original position.

More specifically, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4C, in the vehicle-mounted camera 10, one width is equal to the diameter of the rotating shaft portion 21 and the other width is the diameter of the rotating shaft portion 21. It has a longer through hole 26. Since the rotation shaft portion 21 of the camera holding portion 11 penetrates the through hole 26, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can rotate on the rotation surface centered on the rotation shaft, and the rotation shaft portion is centered on the rotation shaft. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 is held so that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be further rotated on a surface different from the rotating surface. That is, when the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotates on a surface different from the rotation surface centered on the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion 21 (a surface perpendicular to the rotation surface in the first embodiment), the through hole 26 Since the other width of the rotating shaft portion 21 is longer than the diameter of the rotating shaft portion 21, the rotating shaft portion 21 does not collide with the inner wall of the through hole 26. As a result, the rotation shaft portion 21 of the camera holding portion 11 holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 so that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be further rotated on a surface different from the rotation surface centered on the rotation shaft. ..

More specifically, in the first embodiment, another urging member 25 is a compression spring wound around the rotating shaft portion 21. The rotating shaft portion 21 has a fixing portion 27 at the tip end for fixing one end portion of another urging member 25. The other end of the other urging member 25 is in contact with the end of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 opposite to the end on which the lens 12 is installed. That is, another urging member 25 is sandwiched between the fixed portion 27 and the vehicle-mounted camera 10. Another urging member 25 has a force (force in the depth direction of FIGS. 4B and 4C) for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 on a surface different from the rotation surface centered on the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion 21. When the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is joined, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotates and contracts by shortening the distance between the fixed portion 27 and the vehicle-mounted camera 10. As a result, another urging member 25 generates a restoring force that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10.

Hereinafter, a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a front view (left side view) and a side view (right side view) of the vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror complex 100 for explaining a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1. FIG. 6A is a front view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 for explaining a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1. FIG. 6B is a side view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 for explaining a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1. More specifically, FIG. 6A shows the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 before the force is applied, and FIG. 6B shows the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 after the force in the arrow direction is applied. FIG. 7 is a front view of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 for explaining a specific example of the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1. More specifically, the figure in the middle of FIG. 7 shows the in-vehicle camera unit 1 before the force is applied, and the figure on the left side of FIG. 7 shows the in-vehicle camera unit after the force is applied in the right-to-left direction of the figure. 1 is shown, and the figure on the right side of FIG. 7 shows the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 after a force is applied from the left to the right of the figure.

As shown in the right side view of FIG. 5 and the right side view of FIG. 6, the optical axis of the lens 12 is oriented as a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 around the rotation axis of the rotation axis portion 21. When a force in the direction opposite to the direction is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is oriented due to the force. Then, the urging member 20 extends as the distance between the protrusion 22 and the protrusion 23 increases. As a result, the urging member 20 generates a restoring force that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 faces. When the force in the direction opposite to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is oriented disappears, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotates in the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is oriented due to the restoring force. The braking unit 24 stops the vehicle-mounted camera 10 by coming into contact with the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotated by the urging by the urging member 20. That is, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 returns to the original position before the force is applied in the direction opposite to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is facing.

On the other hand, as shown in the figure on the left side of FIG. 5, the figure on the right side and the figure on the left side of FIG. 7, the in-vehicle camera 10 is different from the rotation surface centered on the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion 21. As a force for rotating the camera, a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is directed and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the in-vehicle camera 10 (in the left side view of FIG. 5 and the right side view and the left side view of FIG. 7). When a force (leftward or rightward) is applied to the in-vehicle camera 10, the in-vehicle camera 10 rotates in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is facing and in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the in-vehicle camera 10. .. Another urging member 25 contracts as the distance between the fixing portion 27 and the vehicle-mounted camera 10 becomes shorter. As a result, another urging member 25 generates a restoring force that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is rotated (leftward or rightward in FIG. 7). The vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotates in the opposite direction due to the restoring force. Then, the in-vehicle camera 10 returns to the original position before the force is applied in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is facing and in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the in-vehicle camera 10.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the effect of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure on the right side of FIG. 8, when the head of the occupant of the vehicle 101 touches the in-vehicle camera 10 by moving from the front to the back of the inner mirror 3 for some reason, the optical axis of the lens 12 A force is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the lens is facing. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 faces due to the force. At that time, the urging member 20 generates a restoring force that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 faces. As a result, the urging member 20 functions as a cushioning material and reduces the impact applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10. Similarly, the impact applied to the head of the occupant of the vehicle 101 is reduced. Further, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can return to the original position before the head of the occupant of the vehicle 101 touches. When a portion other than the occupant's head (for example, a hand or the like) comes into contact with the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the same effects as those described above are obtained.

On the other hand, as shown in the figure on the left side of FIG. 8, the head of the occupant of the vehicle 101 moves in the direction from one side surface of the inner mirror 3 toward the other side surface for some reason, and thus contacts the in-vehicle camera 10. If this is the case, a force in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is facing and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10. The in-vehicle camera 10 is rotated by the force in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 12 is directed and in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the in-vehicle camera 10. At that time, another urging member 25 generates a restoring force that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is rotated. As a result, the other urging member 25 functions as a cushioning material and reduces the impact applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10. Similarly, the impact applied to the head of the occupant of the vehicle 101 is reduced. Further, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can return to the original position before the head of the occupant of the vehicle 101 touches. When a portion other than the occupant's head (for example, a hand or the like) comes into contact with the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the same effects as those described above are obtained.

Although the configuration in which the camera holding unit 11 rotatably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 has been described in the first embodiment, the camera holding unit 11 may hold the vehicle-mounted camera 10 so as to be able to move directly. In that case, for example, when a force that directly moves the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the urging member 20 attaches the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 directly moves due to the force. Momentum.
Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration in which the camera holding unit 11 has the urging member 20 and another urging member 25 has been described, but the camera holding unit 11 has three or more urging members. You may. In that case, for example, in the configuration having the urging member 20 and another urging member 25, the camera holding portion 11 can further rotate the vehicle-mounted camera 10 on a surface different from the surface on which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can rotate. You may hold the vehicle-mounted camera 10 as there is. Further, in the further another urging member, in a configuration having the urging member 20 and another urging member 25, the force for rotating the in-vehicle camera 10 on a surface different from the surface on which the in-vehicle camera 10 can rotate is mounted on the vehicle. When applied to the camera 10, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 may be urged in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotates due to the force.

Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration in which the camera holding unit 11 rotatably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in two directions has been described, but the camera holding unit 11 holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in one direction or in three or more directions. May be held rotatably. When the camera holding unit 11 rotatably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in one direction, the camera holding unit 11 does not have to have the other urging member 25 described above. When the camera holding unit 11 rotatably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in three or more directions, the camera holding unit 11 may have three or more urging members as described above. .. In that case, for example, the width of one of the above-mentioned through holes 26 may be longer than the diameter of the rotation shaft portion 21. As a result, the rotation shaft portion 21 of the camera holding portion 11 penetrates the through hole 26 so that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be rotated three-dimensionally even if the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is held. good. That is, when the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotates three-dimensionally, the width of one of the through holes 26 and the width of the other are longer than the diameter of the rotation shaft portion 21, so that the rotation shaft portion 21 has the through hole 26. Does not collide with the inner wall of. As a result, the rotation shaft portion 21 of the camera holding portion 11 holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 so that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can rotate three-dimensionally.

As described above, the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment includes the vehicle-mounted camera 10 and the camera holding unit 11 that movably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10, and the camera holding unit 11 is attached to the vehicle-mounted camera 10. When a force is applied, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 has an urging member 20 that urges the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 moves.

According to the above configuration, even when a force is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 that moves by the force can be decelerated by the urging of the urging member 20, so that the impact applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be decelerated. Reduce. Further, for example, when the vehicle occupant comes into contact with the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the impact applied to the vehicle occupant is similarly reduced.

The camera holding unit 11 in the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment further has a rotating shaft unit 21 that rotatably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10, thereby holding the vehicle-mounted camera 10 movably and urging it. When a force for rotating the in-vehicle camera 10 around the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion 21 is applied to the in-vehicle camera 10, the member 20 is in a direction opposite to the direction in which the in-vehicle camera 10 is rotated by the force. The in-vehicle camera 10 is urged.

According to the above configuration, even when a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 around the rotation shaft of the rotation shaft portion 21 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the rotation shaft of the rotation shaft portion 21 is applied by the force. Since the vehicle-mounted camera 10 that rotates around the vehicle can be decelerated by the urging of the urging member 20, the impact applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is reduced. Further, for example, when the vehicle occupant comes into contact with the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the impact applied to the vehicle occupant is similarly reduced.

The camera holding unit 11 in the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a braking unit 24 that brakes the vehicle-mounted camera 10 rotated by the urging by the urging member 20.
According to the above configuration, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 that rotates by the urging of the urging member 20 can be braked. For example, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be returned to the original position by appropriately installing the urging member 20 so that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 stands still at the original position before the force is applied.

The rotation shaft portion 21 in the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10 so that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be further rotated on a surface different from the rotation surface centered on the rotation shaft. When a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 on a surface different from the rotating surface centered on the rotation axis, the camera holding unit 11 rotates the vehicle-mounted camera 10 by the force. Further, another urging member 25 for urging the vehicle-mounted camera 10 in the direction opposite to the direction is provided.

According to the above configuration, even when a force for rotating the in-vehicle camera 10 is applied to the in-vehicle camera 10 on a surface different from the rotation surface centered on the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion 21, the force causes the in-vehicle camera 10. Since the in-vehicle camera 10 that rotates on a surface different from the rotating surface centered on the rotating shaft of the rotating shaft portion 21 can be decelerated by the urging of another urging member 25, the in-vehicle camera 10 can be used. Reduces the impact applied. Further, for example, when the vehicle occupant comes into contact with the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the impact applied to the vehicle occupant is similarly reduced.

The vehicle-mounted camera 10 in the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment has a through hole 26 in which one width is equal to the diameter of the rotating shaft portion 21 and the other width is longer than the diameter of the rotating shaft portion 21. Since the rotating shaft portion 21 penetrates the through hole 26 of the in-vehicle camera 10, the in-vehicle camera 10 can rotate on the rotating surface centered on the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft can be rotated. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 is held so that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be further rotated on a surface different from the centered rotating surface.

According to the above configuration, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is rotatable on the rotating surface of the rotating shaft portion 21 around the rotating shaft, and the rotating surface around the rotating shaft of the rotating shaft portion 21. It is possible to suitably realize the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 in which the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be further rotated in a different aspect from the above.

The vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror composite 100 according to the first embodiment has the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 according to the first embodiment, the inner mirror 3 of the vehicle 101, and the inner mirror 3 fixed to the vehicle 101 behind the inner mirror 3. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 has a lens 12, and the camera holding unit 11 is provided with an inner mirror fixing portion 2 so that the position of the lens 12 of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is a position capable of photographing the interior of the vehicle. It is fixed to the inner mirror fixing portion 2 behind the inner mirror 3.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to photograph the interior of the vehicle without obstructing the view of the driver of the vehicle.

For example, the instrument panel is equipped with information equipment such as a display, and the dashboard is equipped with information equipment such as a display and air conditioning equipment, so it is difficult to secure a mounting space for the in-vehicle camera 10 depending on the vehicle. In some cases. Further, for example, since the overhead console captures images from a position considerably higher than the line of sight of the occupant, it becomes difficult to detect the state of the eyes (determination of opening / closing of the eyes, etc.) when the occupant faces downward. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera unit inner mirror composite 100 described above, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 can be installed in the vehicle together with the inner mirror 3, and the vehicle occupants of the vehicle can be installed without obstructing the view of the driver of the vehicle. Can be suitably photographed.

Embodiment 2.
In the first embodiment, the configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 has been described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 including the in-vehicle camera unit 1 will be described.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 includes an in-vehicle camera unit 1, an in-vehicle monitoring device 30, a speaker 40, and a microphone 50 according to the first embodiment. Although not shown, the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 is assumed to include the vehicle-mounted camera 10 and the camera holding unit 11 as described above.

The in-vehicle monitoring device 30 includes a captured image acquisition unit 31, a camera movement determination unit 32, an occupant state determination unit 33, an inquiry information generation unit 34, a response information acquisition unit 35, an abnormality determination unit 36, and an instruction information generation unit 37. There is.
The captured image acquisition unit 31 acquires a captured image obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle with the vehicle-mounted camera 10. The captured image acquisition unit 31 outputs the acquired captured image to the camera movement determination unit 32 and the occupant state determination unit 33, respectively.

The camera movement determination unit 32 determines the movement of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 based on the captured image acquired by the captured image acquisition unit 31. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the camera movement determination unit 32 determines whether or not the position of the structure inside the vehicle in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31 has changed. Further, when the camera movement determination unit 32 determines that the position of the structure has changed, whether or not the position of the structure in the vehicle interior in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31 has returned to the original position is determined. judge. The "original position" here means the position of the structure before the position changes. The camera movement determination unit 32 outputs the determination result to the occupant state determination unit 33 and the inquiry information generation unit 34, respectively.

As described in the first embodiment, in the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1, the camera holding unit 11 movably holds the vehicle-mounted camera 10, and when a force is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, the vehicle-mounted camera 10 has the force. The vehicle-mounted camera 10 is urged so as to return from the position moved by the vehicle to the original position. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the camera movement determination unit 32 applies force to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 by determining whether or not the position of the structure inside the vehicle in the photographed image has changed, as described above. It can be determined whether or not it is. That is, it is possible to detect that an abnormality such as applying a force to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 has occurred in the vehicle. Further, the camera movement determination unit 32 attaches an in-vehicle camera 10 by the camera holding unit 11 of the in-vehicle camera unit 1 by determining whether or not the position of the structure in the vehicle interior in the captured image has returned to the original position. It is possible to determine whether or not a powerful function is working.

Examples of the structure inside the vehicle in the photographed image used by the camera movement determination unit 32 to make the above determination include a frame such as an A pillar or a B pillar in the vehicle. FIG. 10 shows a specific example of the structure inside the vehicle in the photographed image. For example, the camera movement determination unit 32 determines the movement of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 by detecting the locus of the frame C of the vehicle in the captured image shown in FIG.

The occupant state determination unit 33 determines the state of the occupant of the vehicle based on the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31. More specifically, in the second embodiment, when the occupant state determination unit 33 determines that the camera movement determination unit 32 has returned the position of the structure to the original position, the photographed image acquired by the image acquisition unit 31 The number of occupants of the vehicle in the vehicle is counted, and it is determined whether or not the counted number of passengers has changed from the original number of passengers. The "original number of people" here means the number of occupants before the position of the above-mentioned structure is changed. The occupant state determination unit 33 outputs the determination result to the inquiry information generation unit 34.

That is, the occupant state determination unit 33 determines the change in the number of occupants as described above, and as a result, it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle. In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the occupant state determination unit 33 determines the change in the number of occupants will be described, but at least the occupant state determination unit 33 determines the state of the occupants of the vehicle as a result. It suffices if it can be determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle.

The inquiry information generation unit 34 generates inquiry information for inquiring the occupants of the vehicle whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle based on the determination result by the camera movement determination unit 32 and the determination result by the occupant state determination unit 33. More specifically, in the second embodiment, when the inquiry information generation unit 34 determines that the number of occupants has changed after the determination result by the camera movement determination unit 32, the occupant state determination unit 33 is the occupant of the vehicle. Generates inquiry information inquiring about the presence or absence of an abnormality in the vehicle. An example of the "abnormality in a vehicle" here is a vehicle accident or the like. The inquiry information generation unit 34 outputs the generated inquiry information to the speaker 40.

The speaker 40 outputs the inquiry information generated by the inquiry information generation unit 34 by voice. The microphone 50 receives the response of the occupant of the vehicle to the inquiry information output by the speaker 40. The microphone 50 outputs the response information obtained by receiving the response of the occupant of the vehicle to the response information acquisition unit 35. In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 includes the microphone 50 will be described, but the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 may include a push button instead of the microphone 50. In that case, the push button receives the response (pressing on the push button) of the vehicle occupant to the inquiry information output by the speaker 40.

The response information acquisition unit 35 acquires response information regarding the response of the vehicle occupant to the inquiry information generated by the inquiry information generation unit 34. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the response information acquisition unit 35 acquires the response information obtained by the microphone 50 receiving the response of the occupant of the vehicle. The response information acquisition unit 35 outputs the acquired response information to the abnormality determination unit 36. When the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 includes a push button instead of the microphone 50, the response information acquisition unit 35 is obtained by receiving the response (pressing on the push button) of the occupant of the vehicle. Acquire response information (for example, there is an abnormality).

The abnormality determination unit 36 determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the vehicle based on the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit 35. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the abnormality determination unit 36 determines whether or not the occupant of the vehicle responds that there is no abnormality based on the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit 35. The abnormality determination unit 36 outputs the determination result to the instruction information generation unit 37.

The instruction information generation unit 37 generates instruction information instructing a response to an abnormality in the vehicle based on the determination result by the abnormality determination unit 36. More specifically, in the second embodiment, when the abnormality determination unit 36 determines that the occupant of the vehicle has not responded that there is no abnormality, the instruction information generation unit 37 provides instruction information for instructing the response to the abnormality in the vehicle. Generate. Examples of "response" here include stopping the vehicle or reporting an accident. For example, when the response is to stop the vehicle, the instruction information instructs the automatic braking of the vehicle to stop the vehicle. For example, when the response is an accident report, the instruction information instructs the vehicle's automatic notification system to report the accident.

Hereinafter, the operation of the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an in-vehicle monitoring method by the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 according to the second embodiment. It is assumed that the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is photographing the interior of the vehicle while each step described below is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 11, the captured image acquisition unit 31 acquires a captured image obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle with the vehicle-mounted camera 10 (step ST1). The captured image acquisition unit 31 outputs to the camera movement determination unit 32 and the occupant state determination unit 33, respectively.

Next, the camera movement determination unit 32 determines whether or not the position of the structure in the vehicle interior has changed in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31 (step ST2).
When the camera movement determination unit 32 determines that the position of the structure has changed (YES in step ST2), the vehicle interior monitoring device 30 proceeds to the process of step ST3. When the camera movement determination unit 32 determines that the position of the structure has not changed (NO in step ST2), the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 returns to the process of step ST1.

In step ST3, the camera movement determination unit 32 determines whether or not the position of the structure in the vehicle interior in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31 has returned to the original position.
When the camera movement determination unit 32 determines that the position of the structure has returned to the original position (YES in step ST3), the occupant state determination unit 33 is the occupant of the vehicle in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31. Count the number of people (step ST4). When the camera movement determination unit 32 determines that the position of the structure has not returned to the original position (NO in step ST3), the vehicle-mounted camera 10 controls to stop shooting (step ST5). That is, since the function of encouraging the vehicle-mounted camera 10 by the camera holding unit 11 of the vehicle-mounted camera unit 1 is not working and the camera holding unit 11 may have failed, shooting by the vehicle-mounted camera 10 is stopped.

As the next step of step ST4, the occupant state determination unit 33 determines whether or not the number of occupants counted in step ST4 has changed from the number of occupants before the position of the structure has changed (step ST6).

When the occupant state determination unit 33 determines that the counted number of people has changed (YES in step ST6), the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 proceeds to the process of step ST7. When the occupant state determination unit 33 determines that the number of occupants has not changed from the original number (NO in step ST6), the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 returns to the process of step ST1.

In step ST7, the inquiry information generation unit 34 generates inquiry information inquiring the occupants of the vehicle whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle. The inquiry information generation unit 34 outputs the generated inquiry information to the speaker 40.

The speaker 40 outputs the inquiry information generated by the inquiry information generation unit 34 by voice. The microphone 50 receives the response of the occupant of the vehicle to the inquiry information output by the speaker 40. The microphone 50 outputs the response information obtained by receiving the response of the occupant of the vehicle to the response information acquisition unit 35.

Next, the response information acquisition unit 35 acquires the response information obtained by the microphone 50 receiving the response of the occupant of the vehicle (step ST8). The response information acquisition unit 35 outputs the acquired response information to the abnormality determination unit 36.

Next, the abnormality determination unit 36 determines whether or not the occupant of the vehicle responds that there is no abnormality based on the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit 35 (step ST9).
When the abnormality determination unit 36 determines that the occupant of the vehicle responds that there is no abnormality (YES in step ST9), the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 ends the process. When the abnormality determination unit 36 determines that the occupant of the vehicle has not responded that there is no abnormality (NO in step ST9), the instruction information generation unit 37 generates instruction information instructing the response to the abnormality in the vehicle (step ST10). ).

The functions of the captured image acquisition unit 31, the camera movement determination unit 32, the occupant state determination unit 33, the inquiry information generation unit 34, the response information acquisition unit 35, the abnormality determination unit 36, and the instruction information generation unit 37 in the vehicle interior monitoring device 30 are , Realized by the processing circuit. That is, the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 includes a processing circuit for executing the processing of each step shown in FIG. This processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in the memory.

FIG. 12A is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration that realizes the functions of the in-vehicle monitoring device 30. FIG. 12B is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for executing software that realizes the functions of the in-vehicle monitoring device 30.

When the processing circuit is the processing circuit 60 of the dedicated hardware shown in FIG. 12A, the processing circuit 60 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuitd). Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a combination thereof is applicable.

Each function of the photographed image acquisition unit 31, the camera movement determination unit 32, the occupant state determination unit 33, the inquiry information generation unit 34, the response information acquisition unit 35, the abnormality determination unit 36, and the instruction information generation unit 37 in the vehicle interior monitoring device 30. It may be realized by a separate processing circuit, or these functions may be collectively realized by one processing circuit.

When the processing circuit is the processor 61 shown in FIG. 12B, the captured image acquisition unit 31, the camera movement determination unit 32, the occupant state determination unit 33, the inquiry information generation unit 34, and the response information acquisition unit 35 in the in-vehicle monitoring device 30. Each function of the abnormality determination unit 36 and the instruction information generation unit 37 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.
The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 62.

By reading and executing the program stored in the memory 62, the processor 61 reads and executes the captured image acquisition unit 31, the camera movement determination unit 32, the occupant state determination unit 33, the inquiry information generation unit 34, and the response in the vehicle interior monitoring device 30. Each function of the information acquisition unit 35, the abnormality determination unit 36, and the instruction information generation unit 37 is realized. That is, the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 includes a memory 62 for storing a program in which the processing of each step shown in FIG. 11 is executed as a result when each of these functions is executed by the processor 61.

These programs include a photographed image acquisition unit 31, a camera movement determination unit 32, an occupant state determination unit 33, an inquiry information generation unit 34, a response information acquisition unit 35, an abnormality determination unit 36, and an instruction information generation unit in the in-vehicle monitoring device 30. Have the computer perform each of the steps or methods of 37. The memory 62 uses the computer as a photographed image acquisition unit 31, a camera movement determination unit 32, an occupant state determination unit 33, an inquiry information generation unit 34, a response information acquisition unit 35, an abnormality determination unit 36, and instruction information in the in-vehicle monitoring device 30. It may be a computer-readable storage medium in which a program for functioning as a generation unit 37 is stored.

The processor 61 corresponds to, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic unit, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like.

The memory 62 may include, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Electrically-volatile) semiconductor, or an EPROM (Electrically-EPROM). This includes hard disks, magnetic disks such as flexible disks, flexible disks, optical discs, compact disks, mini disks, CDs (Compact Disc), DVDs (Digital Versailles Disc), and the like.

About each function of the photographed image acquisition unit 31, the camera movement determination unit 32, the occupant state determination unit 33, the inquiry information generation unit 34, the response information acquisition unit 35, the abnormality determination unit 36, and the instruction information generation unit 37 in the vehicle interior monitoring device 30. A part may be realized by dedicated hardware, and a part may be realized by software or firmware.

For example, each function of the captured image acquisition unit 31, the camera movement determination unit 32, and the occupant state determination unit 33 is realized by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware. The functions of the inquiry information generation unit 34, the response information acquisition unit 35, the abnormality determination unit 36, and the instruction information generation unit 37 may be realized by the processor 61 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 62.
As described above, the processing circuit can realize each of the above functions by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof.

As described above, the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 according to the second embodiment includes the in-vehicle camera unit 1 and the in-vehicle monitoring device 30 according to the first embodiment, and in the in-vehicle monitoring device 30, the in-vehicle camera 10 is a vehicle. A photographed image acquisition unit 31 that acquires a photographed image obtained by photographing a room, a camera movement determination unit 32 that determines the movement of the vehicle-mounted camera 10 based on the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31, and a camera movement determination unit 32. It is equipped with.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a force is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10 by determining the movement of the vehicle-mounted camera 10. Therefore, for example, when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle such that a force is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera 10, it is possible to detect that the abnormality has occurred.

The vehicle interior monitoring system 102 according to the second embodiment further includes an occupant state determination unit 33 that determines the state of the occupant of the vehicle based on the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31.
According to the above configuration, by determining the state of the occupants of the vehicle, it is possible to further determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle.

The in-vehicle monitoring system 102 according to the second embodiment generates inquiry information for inquiring the occupants of the vehicle whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle based on the determination result by the camera movement determination unit 32 and the determination result by the occupant state determination unit 33. Based on the inquiry information generation unit 34, the response information acquisition unit 35 that acquires the response information regarding the response of the vehicle occupant to the inquiry information generated by the inquiry information generation unit 34, and the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit 35. Further, an abnormality determination unit 36 for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality in the vehicle is provided.
According to the above configuration, by inquiring the occupants of the vehicle whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle, it is possible to further determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the vehicle.

The in-vehicle monitoring system 102 according to the second embodiment further includes an instruction information generation unit 37 that generates instruction information for instructing a response to an abnormality in the vehicle based on the determination result by the abnormality determination unit 36.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to respond to an abnormality in the vehicle by appropriately based on the instruction information.

The camera movement determination unit 32 in the vehicle interior monitoring system 102 according to the second embodiment determines whether or not the position of the structure in the vehicle interior in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31 has changed, and determines whether or not the position of the structure has changed. When it is determined that the position of the vehicle has changed, it is determined whether or not the position of the structure in the vehicle interior in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31 has returned to the original position, and the occupant state determination unit 33 determines whether or not the position has returned to the original position. When the movement determination unit 32 determines that the position of the structure has returned to the original position, the movement determination unit 32 counts the number of vehicle occupants in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit 31, and the counted number is the position of the structure. Determines whether or not the number of occupants has changed from the number of occupants before the change, and the inquiry information generation unit 34 generates inquiry information when the occupant state determination unit 33 determines that the counted number of occupants has changed. The determination unit 36 determines whether or not the occupant of the vehicle responds that there is no abnormality based on the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit 35, and the instruction information generation unit 37 determines whether the abnormality determination unit 36 is the vehicle. If it is determined that the occupant did not respond with no abnormality, instruction information is generated.
According to the above configuration, each of the above-mentioned effects by the in-vehicle monitoring system 102 can be suitably realized.
It should be noted that any combination of the embodiments can be freely combined, any component of the embodiment can be modified, or any component can be omitted in each embodiment.

The in-vehicle camera unit according to the present disclosure can be used in a vehicle in order to reduce the impact applied to the in-vehicle camera.

1 in-vehicle camera unit, 2 inner mirror fixing part, 3 inner mirror, 10 in-vehicle camera, 11 camera holding part, 12 lens, 20 urging member, 21 rotation shaft part, 22 protrusion part, 23 protrusion part, 24 braking part, 25 Separate urging member, 26 through hole, 27 fixed part, 30 in-vehicle monitoring device, 31 photographed image acquisition unit, 32 camera movement determination unit, 33 occupant status determination unit, 34 inquiry information generation unit, 35 response information acquisition unit, 36 abnormality judgment unit, 37 instruction information generation unit, 40 speaker, 50 microphone, 60 processing circuit, 61 processor, 62 memory, 100 in-vehicle camera unit inner mirror complex, 101 vehicle, 102 in-vehicle monitoring system.

Claims

In-vehicle camera and
A camera holding unit for holding the in-vehicle camera so as to be movable is provided.
The camera holding portion is characterized by having an urging member that urges the vehicle-mounted camera in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera moves due to the force applied to the vehicle-mounted camera. In-vehicle camera unit.
The camera holding portion further includes a rotating shaft portion that rotatably holds the vehicle-mounted camera, thereby holding the vehicle-mounted camera movably.
When a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera around the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera, the urging member is in the direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera is rotated by the force. The vehicle-mounted camera unit according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle-mounted camera is urged in a direction.
The vehicle-mounted camera unit according to claim 2, wherein the camera holding unit further includes a braking unit that brakes the vehicle-mounted camera rotated by the urging member.
The rotation shaft portion holds the vehicle-mounted camera so that the vehicle-mounted camera can be further rotated on a surface different from the rotation surface centered on the rotation shaft.
When a force for rotating the vehicle-mounted camera is applied to the vehicle-mounted camera on the different surface, the camera holding unit urges the vehicle-mounted camera in a direction opposite to the direction in which the vehicle-mounted camera rotates due to the force. The vehicle-mounted camera unit according to claim 2, further comprising another urging member.
The vehicle-mounted camera has a through hole in which one width is equal to the diameter of the rotating shaft portion and the other width is longer than the diameter of the rotating shaft portion.
Since the rotation shaft portion penetrates the through hole, the vehicle-mounted camera can rotate on the rotation surface centered on the rotation shaft, and the rotation shaft portion rotates around the rotation shaft. The vehicle-mounted camera unit according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle-mounted camera is held so that the vehicle-mounted camera can be further rotated on a surface different from the surface.
The vehicle-mounted camera unit according to claim 1 and
The inner mirror of the vehicle and
Behind the inner mirror, an inner mirror fixing portion for fixing the inner mirror to the vehicle is provided.
The vehicle-mounted camera has a lens and has a lens.
The camera holding portion is characterized in that it is fixed to the inner mirror fixing portion behind the inner mirror so that the position of the lens of the vehicle-mounted camera is a position capable of photographing the interior of the vehicle. , In-vehicle camera unit inner mirror complex.
The vehicle-mounted camera unit according to claim 1 and
Including in-vehicle monitoring device,
The in-vehicle monitoring device is
A captured image acquisition unit that acquires a captured image obtained by photographing the interior of the vehicle with the in-vehicle camera, and a captured image acquisition unit.
An in-vehicle monitoring system including a camera movement determination unit that determines the movement of the vehicle-mounted camera based on the captured image acquired by the captured image acquisition unit.
The vehicle interior monitoring system according to claim 7, further comprising a occupant state determination unit that determines the state of the occupant of the vehicle based on the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit.
An inquiry information generation unit that generates inquiry information for inquiring the occupant whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle based on the determination result by the camera movement determination unit and the determination result by the occupant state determination unit.
A response information acquisition unit that acquires response information regarding the response of the occupant to the inquiry information generated by the inquiry information generation unit, and a response information acquisition unit.
The vehicle interior monitoring system according to claim 8, further comprising an abnormality determination unit for determining the presence or absence of the abnormality based on the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit.
The in-vehicle monitoring system according to claim 9, further comprising an instruction information generation unit that generates instruction information instructing a response to the abnormality based on a determination result by the abnormality determination unit.
The camera movement determination unit determines whether or not the position of the structure in the interior of the vehicle has changed in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit, and when it is determined that the position of the structure has changed, the camera movement determination unit determines. It is determined whether or not the position of the structure in the interior of the vehicle in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit has returned to the original position.
When the camera movement determination unit determines that the position of the structure has returned to the original position, the occupant state determination unit counts and counts the number of occupants in the photographed image acquired by the photographed image acquisition unit. It is determined whether or not the number of people has changed from the number of occupants before the position of the structure has changed.
When the occupant state determination unit determines that the counted number of people has changed, the inquiry information generation unit generates the inquiry information.
The abnormality determination unit determines whether or not the occupant responds that there is no abnormality based on the response information acquired by the response information acquisition unit.
The in-vehicle monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein the instruction information generation unit generates the instruction information when the abnormality determination unit determines that the occupant has not responded that there is no abnormality.