Vehicle image control device, vehicle image system, image control method and program

Abstract

The vehicle image control device (20) comprises: a support control unit (2) for controlling left and right support units (35, 36) for supporting left and right camera devices (33, 34) provided on a vehicle (50) so that the left and right support units (35, 36) can be arranged at a first position facing the left and right rear of the vehicle (50) and a second position facing the left and right directions of the vehicle (50); and a display control unit (10) for displaying images captured by the camera devices (33, 34) on a display area visible to a driver of the vehicle (50). a recording control unit (7) for using the image captured by the camera (33, 34) as monitoring information for monitoring the vehicle (50); and a mode changing unit (11) for displaying the image captured by the camera (33, 34) on the monitor (43, 44) when the left and right support units (35, 36) are arranged at a first position, and for using the image captured by the camera (33, 34) as monitoring information when the left and right support units (35, 36) are arranged at a second position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on the invention with application number 201980042299.8, application date November 1, 2019, applicant JVC KENWOOD CORPORATION, and invention name “Vehicle image control device, vehicle image system, image control method and program”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle image control device, a vehicle image system, an image control method and a program, and in particular to a vehicle image control device, a vehicle image system, an image control method and a program for a vehicle equipped with a camera. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a drive recorder is configured to capture images with a focus on the front-rear direction, which is the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0004] In order to record the cause of an event occurring in the lateral direction of the vehicle in the parking monitoring mode, a driving recorder with a hemispherical camera is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In addition, in recent years, electronic rearview mirrors are provided instead of side mirrors of vehicles, and the electronic rearview mirror displays an image of a camera that takes pictures of the side and rear of the vehicle.

[0005] Prior art documents

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Document No. 2018-196066. Summary of the invention

[0008] The driving recorder is expected to capture images in the front and rear directions of the vehicle and record the captured images during the use of the vehicle including the vehicle traveling. On the other hand, the driving recorder is required to monitor not only the front and rear directions but also the front and rear directions and the left and right directions of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked, but the hemispherical camera disclosed in Patent Document 1 is difficult to appropriately record images outside the vehicle. Furthermore, if the camera for monitoring the left and right directions is installed on the vehicle, the cost may increase.

[0009] The present invention provides a vehicle image control device, a vehicle image system, an image control method and a program which can suppress cost increase and perform appropriate parking monitoring.

[0010] The vehicle image control device according to the present embodiment includes:

[0011] a support control unit that controls a left support unit and a right support unit so that the left support unit and the right support unit can be configured in a first position and a second position, the left support unit is provided on a left side of the vehicle and supports a left camera that photographs the left side of the vehicle, the right support unit is provided on a right side of the vehicle and supports a right camera that photographs the right side of the vehicle, the first position is a position where the left camera faces the left rear of the vehicle and the right camera faces the right rear of the vehicle, and the second position is a position where the left camera faces the left side of the vehicle and the right camera faces the right side of the vehicle;

[0012] a display control unit that causes the images captured by the left camera and the right camera to be displayed on a monitor that can be visually recognized by the driver of the vehicle;

[0013] a recording control unit that uses the images captured by the left camera and the right camera as monitoring information for monitoring the vehicle; and

[0014] A mode changing unit, when the left supporting unit and the right supporting unit are arranged at the first position by the supporting control unit, causes the display control unit to display the images captured by the left camera and the right camera on a monitor that can be visually confirmed by the driver of the vehicle, and when the left supporting unit and the right supporting unit are arranged at the second position by the supporting control unit, causes the recording control unit to use the images captured by the left camera and the right camera as monitoring information, and the monitoring information is used to monitor the vehicle.

[0015] In addition, the vehicle imaging system according to the present embodiment includes:

[0016] The above-mentioned vehicle image control device; and

[0017] The left camera and the right camera,

[0018] The left camera and the right camera respectively have a first camera and a second camera.

[0019] When the left support portion and the right support portion are arranged in the first position, the first camera faces the left rear and the right rear of the vehicle,

[0020] When the left support portion and the right support portion are arranged in the second position, the second camera faces the left and right directions of the vehicle,

[0021] The field of view angle of the image captured by the second camera is greater than the field of view angle of the image captured by the first camera.

[0022] In addition, the image control method involved in this embodiment includes:

[0023] a support control step of controlling a left support portion and a right support portion so that the left support portion and the right support portion can be configured in a first position and a second position, the left support portion being provided on a left side of the vehicle and supporting a left camera for photographing a left side of the vehicle, the right support portion being provided on a right side of the vehicle and supporting a right camera for photographing a right side of the vehicle, the first position being a position in which the left camera faces the left rear of the vehicle and the right camera faces the right rear of the vehicle, the second position being a position in which the left camera faces the left side of the vehicle and the right camera faces the right side of the vehicle; and

[0024] A mode changing step, when the left supporting part and the right supporting part are arranged at the first position through the supporting control step, the images captured by the left camera and the right camera are displayed on a monitor that can be visually confirmed by the driver of the vehicle, and when the left supporting part and the right supporting part are arranged at the second position through the supporting control step, the images captured by the left camera and the right camera are used as monitoring information, and the monitoring information is used to monitor the vehicle.

[0025] In addition, the image control program according to the present embodiment causes a computer operating as a vehicle image control device to execute the following steps:

[0026] a support control step of controlling a left support portion and a right support portion so that the left support portion and the right support portion can be configured in a first position and a second position, the left support portion being provided on a left side of the vehicle and supporting a left camera for photographing a left side of the vehicle, the right support portion being provided on a right side of the vehicle and supporting a right camera for photographing a right side of the vehicle, the first position being a position in which the left camera faces the left rear of the vehicle and the right camera faces the right rear of the vehicle, the second position being a position in which the left camera faces the left side of the vehicle and the right camera faces the right side of the vehicle; and

[0027] A mode changing step, when the left supporting part and the right supporting part are arranged at the first position through the supporting control step, the images captured by the left camera and the right camera are displayed on a monitor that can be visually confirmed by the driver of the vehicle, and when the left supporting part and the right supporting part are arranged at the second position through the supporting control step, the images captured by the left camera and the right camera are used as monitoring information, and the monitoring information is used to monitor the vehicle.

[0028] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle image control device, a vehicle image system, an image control method, and a program that can suppress cost increase and perform appropriate parking monitoring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle imaging system according to Embodiment 1;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example in front of a driver's seat of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle imaging system according to the first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the vehicle imaging system according to the first embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the vehicle imaging system according to the first embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle imaging system according to Embodiment 2;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the vehicle imaging system according to the second embodiment;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of a modification of the vehicle imaging system according to the second embodiment;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration included in a vehicle imaging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] (Implementation Method 1)

[0038] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 4 Implementation method 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the vehicle imaging system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example in front of a driver's seat of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle imaging system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the vehicle imaging system according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the vehicle imaging system according to the first embodiment.

[0039] In addition, of course, Figure 2The three-dimensional orthogonal coordinates shown in the other drawings show the up-down direction, left-right direction and front-back direction to facilitate the description of the positional relationship of the components. Usually, the top is vertically upward, and the plane extending along the front-back left-right direction is the horizontal plane, which is common among the drawings. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the vehicle 50 as viewed from the interior of the vehicle. Figure 3 This is a diagram of a left side surface 50a of a vehicle 50 as viewed from above.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle imaging system 100 includes a vehicle imaging control device 20, a front camera 31, a rear camera 32, a left camera 33, a right camera 34, a left support portion 35, a right support portion 36, an operation portion 37, a GPS receiving portion 38, a recording portion 41, a sensor 42, a left monitor 43, a right monitor 44, and an information monitor 45. The vehicle imaging system 100 is mounted on Figure 2 On the vehicle 50 shown.

[0041] The front camera 31, the rear camera 32, the left camera 33, and the right camera 34 may be any imaging device. That is, the front camera 31 is a front imaging device, the rear camera 32 is a rear imaging device, the left camera 33 is a left imaging device, and the right camera 34 is a right imaging device. The front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 may also be cameras used in a common driving recorder. In addition, the left camera 33 and the right camera 34 may also be cameras used in a common electronic rearview mirror.

[0042] The front camera 31 is disposed on the front side of the vehicle 50 so as to face the front of the vehicle 50, and photographs the front of the vehicle 50. The rear camera 32 is disposed on the rear side of the vehicle 50 so as to face the rear of the vehicle 50, and photographs the rear of the vehicle 50. The front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 output the photographed image data to the photographed data acquisition unit 1.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the left support portion 35 includes a base 35a and an arm 35b. The base 35a is provided on the left side 50a of the vehicle 50. The arm 35b is provided on the base 35a in a manner that it can rotate around an axis 35c. The axis 35c extends linearly in the vertical direction of the vehicle 50. Therefore, when the arm 35b rotates around the axis 35c, the arm 35b rotates and moves on the horizontal plane of the vehicle 50. The left support portion 35 rotates and moves the arm 35b based on the control signal received from the support control unit 2.

[0044] The left camera 33 is provided at the rear side of the tip end portion of the arm 35b. The left camera 33 faces a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm 35b on the horizontal plane of the vehicle 50.

[0045] The arm 35b rotates around the axis 35c, whereby the left camera 33 is arranged in the first position or the second position. When the length direction of the arm 35b is substantially orthogonal to the left side 50a of the vehicle 50, the left camera 33 is located in the first position. The left camera 33 photographs the left rear of the vehicle 50. When the left camera 33 is in the first position, the vehicle 50 is driven by the driver in most cases, and the left camera 33 is used as an electronic rearview mirror.

[0046] When the front side of the top end of the arm 35b faces the left side 50a of the vehicle 50, the left camera 33 is located at the second position. The left camera 33 captures the left side of the vehicle 50. The left camera 33 outputs the captured image data to the captured data acquisition unit 1. When the left camera 33 is located at the second position, the vehicle 50 is usually parked, and the left camera 33 functions as a driving recorder.

[0047] Figure 1 The right support portion 36 shown in the figure has the same structure as the left support portion 35, and is bilaterally symmetrical with the left support portion 35 with respect to the center line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 50. The detailed structure of the right support portion 36 is not shown in the figure. Specifically, the right support portion 36 is Figure 3 The figure mark 35 in the figure is replaced with 36 to form a structure that is symmetrical on both sides. The right support part 36 has a base 36a and an arm 36b in the same manner as the left support part 35. The base 36a is provided on the right side of the vehicle 50. The arm 36b is provided on the base 36a in a manner that can rotate around an axis 36c. The axis 36c extends linearly in the up-down direction of the vehicle 50. Therefore, when the arm 36b rotates around the axis 36c, the arm 36b rotates and moves on the horizontal plane of the vehicle 50. The right support part 36 rotates and moves the arm 36b based on the control signal received from the support control unit 2.

[0048] The right camera 34 is provided on the rear side of the tip end portion of the arm 36b of the right support portion 36. The right camera 34 is oriented on the horizontal plane of the vehicle 50 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arm 36b.

[0049] The arms 35b and 36b rotate around the shafts 35c and 36c, so that the right camera 34 is arranged at the first position or the second position together with the left camera 33. When the long side direction of the arms 35b and 36b is substantially orthogonal to the right side of the vehicle 50, the right camera 34 is located at the first position. The right camera 34 captures the right rear of the vehicle 50.

[0050] When the front side of the tip of the arm 36b faces the right side of the vehicle 50, the right camera 34 is located at the second position. The right camera 34 captures the right side of the vehicle 50. The right camera 34 outputs captured image data to the captured data acquisition unit 1.

[0051] The operation unit 37 is an interface that receives an operation input from an operator such as a driver, generates a signal indicating the operation, and outputs the signal to the operation control unit 3 .

[0052] The GPS receiving unit 38 receives a signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System), and outputs the received signal to the position information acquiring unit 4 .

[0053] The recording unit 41 stores the shooting data acquired by the recording control unit 7 from the shooting data acquisition unit 1. The recording unit 41 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as an EPROM (Erasable PROM), a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, a memory card, or an external storage device via a network. The recording unit 41 may also be an external storage device wirelessly connected via a communication device not shown. The recording unit 41 is read out or recorded additionally by the recording control unit 7 and the reproduction control unit 8.

[0054] The sensor 42 is a sensor that appropriately measures various measurement objects, and is, for example, an acceleration sensor that measures acceleration. The sensor 42 outputs the measured result to the event detection unit 9 .

[0055] The left monitor 43 is a display device including, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The left monitor 43 displays an image captured by the left camera 33 of the vehicle 50 based on an image signal output from the display control unit 10 .

[0056] The right monitor 44 is a display device including, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The right monitor 44 displays an image captured by the right camera 34 of the vehicle 50 based on an image signal output from the display control unit 10 .

[0057] The information monitor 45 is a display device including, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The information monitor 45 displays various images based on the image signal output from the display control unit 10. The information monitor 45 may be dedicated to the vehicle image system 100 or may be shared with other systems including, for example, a navigation system.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle image control device 20 includes: a shooting data acquisition unit 1, a support control unit 2, an operation control unit 3, a position information acquisition unit 4, a buffer memory 5, a shooting data processing unit 6, a recording control unit 7, a reproduction control unit 8, an event detection unit 9, a display control unit 10, and a mode change unit 11.

[0059] The vehicle image control device 20 can be composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). That is, the vehicle image control device 20 can have the function of a computer. The vehicle image control device 20 can execute the program stored in the storage device and perform various processes. In addition, the vehicle image control device 20 realizes the shooting data acquisition unit 1, the support control unit 2, the operation control unit 3, the position information acquisition unit 4, the shooting data processing unit 6, the recording control unit 7, the reproduction control unit 8, the event detection unit 9, the display control unit 10 and the mode change unit 11 by executing the program.

[0060] The storage device may be, for example, a DDR (Double Data Rate) memory, a Flash memory, etc., which may be a part of the vehicle image control device 20 or may be provided outside the vehicle image control device 20. In addition, the vehicle image system 100 may be provided with an EEPROM, which may be a part of the vehicle image control device 20 or may be provided outside the vehicle image control device 20. The storage device may also be the recording unit 41.

[0061] In addition, the components of the vehicle image system 100 are not limited to being implemented by programs, but can also be implemented by hardware, or a combination of hardware and programs. In addition, the components of the vehicle image control device 20 can also be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcomputer. In this way, the vehicle image control device 20 can also use the integrated circuit to implement the functions of the components of the vehicle image control device 20.

[0062] The components constituting the vehicle image control device 20, such as the shooting data acquisition unit 1, the support control unit 2, the operation control unit 3, the position information acquisition unit 4, the shooting data processing unit 6, the recording control unit 7, the reproduction control unit 8, the event detection unit 9, the display control unit 10, and the mode change unit 11, may also be software or modules that execute processing by executing a program stored in a memory by a processor. Alternatively, the components constituting the vehicle image control device 20 may also be hardware such as circuits or chips.

[0063] The shooting data acquisition unit 1 acquires image data generated in the front camera 31, the rear camera 32, the left camera 33, and the right camera 34. Data including image data may be referred to as shooting data. In other words, the shooting data acquisition unit 1 may also acquire shooting data from the front camera 31, the rear camera 32, the left camera 33, and the right camera 34. The shooting data may include sound data in addition to the image data.

[0064] The operation control unit 3 generates operation input information based on the signal from the operation unit 37 and outputs it to the support control unit 2. The operation input information generated by the operation control unit 3 indicates, for example, an operation of switching the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​to either the first position or the second position.

[0065] The support control unit 2 obtains the operation input information from the operation control unit 3. In addition, the support control unit 2 obtains power ON / OFF information indicating whether the power of the vehicle 50 is ON (connected) or OFF (disconnected). The support control unit 2 may also obtain the power ON / OFF information of the vehicle 50 via, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network). In addition, the support control unit 2 may also obtain various detection information from various sensors 42 such as acceleration sensors, and calculate the various detection information obtained to derive the power ON / OFF information of the vehicle 50. When the operation input information and the power ON / OFF information indicate that the power of the vehicle 50 is in the ON state, the vehicle 50 is in a state driven by the driver. When the operation input information and the power ON / OFF information indicate that the power of the vehicle 50 is in the OFF state, the vehicle 50 is in a parked state.

[0066] The support control unit 2 sends a control signal corresponding to the operation input information or the power ON / OFF information from the operation control unit 3 to the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36. When the operation input information and the power ON / OFF information indicate that the power of the vehicle 50 is in the ON state, the support control unit 2 sends a control signal to configure the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​in the first position. When the operation input information and the power ON / OFF information indicate that the power of the vehicle 50 is in the OFF state, the support control unit 2 sends a control signal to configure the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​in the second position.

[0067] The position information acquisition unit 4 acquires the signal received by the GPS receiving unit 38, and generates the current position information of the vehicle 50. The buffer memory 5 temporarily stores the outputted imaging data, for example.

[0068] The captured data processing section 6 generates captured data as a data file of a predetermined period of time using an arbitrary method such as H.264 or MPEG-4 (Moving Picture Experts Group) for the captured data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 5 .

[0069] The recording control unit 7 records the captured data generated by the captured data processing unit 6 as overwritable data or overwritable data in the recording unit 41. For example, the recording control unit 7 may specify the address of the memory area of ​​the data in the recording unit 41 where overwritable data or overwritable data is prohibited, and record the captured data in the recording unit 41. Alternatively, the recording control unit 7 may set flag information indicating overwritable or overwritable prohibition in the header or payload of the captured data. In the case where the event detection unit 9 outputs information indicating that an event has occurred to the recording control unit 7, the recording control unit 7 records the captured data of a specified period before and after the time when the event occurred as overwritable data in the recording unit 41.

[0070] The reproduction control unit 8 acquires the imaging data recorded in the recording unit 41 , and outputs video data based on the acquired imaging data to the display control unit 10 .

[0071] The event detection unit 9 detects the occurrence of an event using information output from the sensor 42. For example, when the acceleration detected by the sensor 42 operating as an acceleration sensor exceeds a specified value, the event detection unit 9 detects that an event has occurred. The acceleration exceeding the specified value can also be said to be an impact applied to the vehicle 50 equivalent to an accident. In addition, while the vehicle 50 is in a parked state, the event detection unit 9 can detect a moving body from the image data acquired by the shooting data acquisition unit in addition to the acceleration-based event detection, and regard the detection of the moving body as the occurrence of an event. When the event detection unit 9 detects the occurrence of an event, it outputs information indicating the occurrence of the event to the recording control unit 7. The information indicating the occurrence of the event includes the time when the event occurred. In addition, the information indicating the occurrence of the event may include the content of the event that occurred.

[0072] The display control unit 10 displays images based on the image data obtained from the reproduction control unit 8 or the buffer memory 5 on the left monitor 43 , the right monitor 44 , the information monitor 45 , and the like.

[0073] The display control unit 10 cuts out a predetermined area from the image data captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34, and generates image data to be displayed on the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44. For example, when the field of view angle captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34 is 150 to 180 degrees in the horizontal direction and 90 to 120 degrees in the vertical direction, the display control unit 10 cuts out a range of 60 to 90 degrees in the horizontal direction and 45 to 60 degrees in the vertical direction from the image data captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34, and displays them on the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44, respectively.

[0074] When the support control unit 2 arranges the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​in the first position, the mode change unit 11 causes the display control unit 10 to display the image data captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34 on the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44. In addition, when the support control unit 2 arranges the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​in the second position, the mode change unit 11 causes the recording control unit 7 to use the image data captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34 as monitoring information for monitoring the vehicle 50. In other words, when the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​are arranged in the first position, the mode change unit 11 causes the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44 as electronic rearview mirrors to display images for checking the left and right rear of the vehicle 50. When the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​are arranged in the second position, the mode change unit 11 causes the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44 as drive recorders to record images in the left and right directions of the vehicle 50. That is, the mode change unit 11 switches between the electronic rearview mirror mode and the drive recorder mode.

[0075] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration in front of a driver's seat of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle imaging system 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 In the vehicle 50 shown in FIG. 1 , an image is displayed on a horizontally long information monitor 45 disposed on a center console 54. Figure 2 In front of the driver's seat in the vehicle shown, in addition to the information monitor 45 and the center console 54, there are also a left monitor 43, a right monitor 44, a dashboard 51 (Dashboard), an instrument panel (instrument panel) 52, a steering wheel 53, a windshield 55 and a rear view monitor 56.

[0076] The left monitor 43, the right monitor 44 and the information monitor 45 are arranged at positions where the driver can visually check them. Figure 2 In the example shown, the left monitor 43 is arranged on the left side of the instrument panel 51 of the vehicle 50 in the left-right direction. The right monitor 44 is arranged on the right side of the instrument panel 51 of the vehicle 50 in the left-right direction. The information monitor 45 is arranged on the center console 54 located near the center of the instrument panel 51 in the left-right direction.

[0077] The instrument panel 52 is disposed on the instrument panel 51 below the windshield 55 and displays a speedometer, an engine tachometer, and the like.

[0078] The steering wheel 53 is a member for the driver to perform steering operations. According to the steering operation of the steering wheel 53, the steering direction of the vehicle is changed.

[0079] The rear view monitor 56 is a monitor for the driver to confirm the rear of the vehicle, and is, for example, an electronic interior rearview mirror, or a display device including a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. The rear view monitor 56 can display an image of the rear of the vehicle 50 based on the image signal from the display control unit 10. The rear view monitor 56 is set at a position where the driver can visually confirm. The rear view monitor 56 involved in this embodiment is set on the upper center side of the windshield 55 in the left-right direction.

[0080] (action)

[0081] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , an operation example of the vehicle imaging system 100 is described.

[0082] The mode changing unit 11 determines whether an instruction to operate the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​has been received in the operation control unit 3 (support unit operation instruction determination step ST1 ).

[0083] When an instruction to operate the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 is received (support part operation instruction determination step ST1: yes), it is determined whether the received instruction is an instruction to configure the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 from the first position to the second position (second position configuration instruction determination step ST2).

[0084] If the instruction received in step ST1 indicates that the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 are configured from the first position to the second position (second position configuration instruction determination step ST2: Yes), the electronic rearview mirror mode is switched to the drive recorder mode (drive recorder mode switching step ST3).

[0085] When the mode is switched to the drive recorder mode, the support control unit 2 sends a control signal to the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​to rotate the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​from the first position to the left side 50a of the vehicle 50, thereby moving the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​in a close manner and arranging them in the second position. When the left support unit 35 and the right support unit 36 ​​are arranged in the second position, the images captured by the left camera 33, the right camera 34, the front camera 31, and the rear camera 32 are recorded in the recording unit 41 as a function of the drive recorder. The recording control unit 7 records the images captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34 as image data of the field of view angle α1 in the recording unit 41. The field of view angle α1 may be any range as long as the images captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34 are within an appropriate range as the recorded images of the drive recorder, and may be the maximum field of view angle of the left camera 33 and the right camera 34. The viewing angle α1 is, for example, 150 to 180 degrees in the horizontal direction and 90 to 120 degrees in the vertical direction. The video recorded in the recording unit 41 can be used as monitoring information.

[0086] On the other hand, when the received instruction does not indicate that the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 are configured from the first position to the second position, that is, when the received instruction indicates that the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 are configured from the second position to the first position (second position configuration instruction determination step ST2: No), switch from the driving recorder mode to the electronic rearview mirror mode (electronic rearview mirror mode switching step ST4).

[0087] When the electronic rearview mirror mode is switched, the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 are located at the first position. In the first position, the image captured by the left camera 33 is displayed on the left monitor 43, and the image captured by the right camera 34 is displayed on the right monitor 44.

[0088] Specifically, the shooting data acquisition unit 1 acquires the images shot by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34, and the display control unit 10 displays the images on the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44. At this time, the display control unit 10 displays the images obtained by cutting out a part of the field of view angle α1 of the images shot by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34 on the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44. The field of view angle α2 of the display image displayed on the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44 is, for example, 60 degrees to 90 degrees in the horizontal direction. The field of view angle α2 can be narrower than the field of view angle α1. The field of view angle α2 can be a range in which the display image is suitable for use in an electronic rearview mirror. The field of view angle α2 is, for example, 60 degrees to 90 degrees in the horizontal direction and 45 degrees to 60 degrees in the vertical direction.

[0089] In addition, when the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 are configured in the first position, the images captured by the front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 are recorded in the recording unit 41 as a function of the driving recorder. Specifically, the shooting data based on the images captured by the front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 are temporarily stored in the buffer memory 5, processed in the shooting data processing unit 6, and a specified file is generated. The shooting data processing unit 6 encodes the acquired shooting data by using a codec in any format such as H.264 or MPEG-4. The specified file is an arbitrary file format such as MP4 format, and the time of the shooting image shown in the specified file is an arbitrary length such as 60 seconds. The recording control unit 7 records the file generated by the shooting data processing unit 6 in the recording unit 41 in an overwritable manner.

[0090] Furthermore, when the event detection unit 9 acquires the output of the sensor 42 that can be determined as an event, the recording control unit 7 stores the video of a predetermined period before and after the event detection in the recording unit 41 as data prohibited from being overwritten.

[0091] That is, when the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 are arranged at the first position, the images captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34 are used as the electronic rearview mirror, and the images captured by the front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 are used as the images of the driving recorder. And, when the left support part 35 and the right support part 36 are arranged at the second position, in addition to the images captured by the left camera 33 and the right camera 34, the images captured by the front camera 31 and the rear camera 32 are also used as the images of the driving recorder.

[0092] As described above, according to the vehicle imaging system 100, the front and rear directions of the vehicle 50 can be photographed during the use or driving of the vehicle 50, and the photographed images can be recorded. On the other hand, when in a parking state, it is not limited to the front and rear directions. In addition to photographing the front and rear directions of the vehicle 50, it is also possible to photograph the left and right directions, and the photographed images can be recorded. The recorded images can be used as monitoring information to monitor the left and right directions of the vehicle 50 in the parking state. In addition, the vehicle imaging system 100 can use the front camera 31, the rear camera 32, etc. used for a common driving recorder, and the left camera 33, the right camera 34, etc. used for a common electronic rearview mirror to exert the above-mentioned effects. That is, the vehicle imaging system 100 does not use other hardware structures, but can exert the above-mentioned effects by using the hardware structures used in the common driving recorder and the electronic rearview mirror, thereby suppressing the cost increase.

[0093] (Implementation Method 2)

[0094] Below, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Implementation method 2 is described. Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a vehicle imaging system according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of the vehicle imaging system according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing the left side 50a of the vehicle 50 as viewed from above. The vehicle imaging system 200 according to the second embodiment includes, in addition to the left support, the right support, the left camera, and the right camera, Figure 1 The vehicle imaging system 100 shown has the same structure.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle imaging system 200 includes a left first camera 33 a , a left second camera 33 b , a right first camera 34 a , a right second camera 34 b , a left support portion 235 , and a right support portion 236 .

[0096] The first left camera 33a, the second left camera 33b, the first right camera 34a, and the second right camera 34b may be any photographing device. That is, the first left camera 33a and the second left camera 33b constitute a left photographing device, and the first right camera 34a and the second right camera 34b constitute a right photographing device. The first left camera 33a, the second left camera 33b, the first right camera 34a, and the second right camera 34b may be cameras used for a general electronic rearview mirror.

[0097] The left support part 235 has the following functions in addition to the operation of the arm 35b: Figure 1 and Figure 3 The left support portion 35 shown in FIG. 5 is the same structure. The left first camera 33a is arranged at the rear side of the top end portion of the arm 35b. The left second camera 33b is arranged at the front side of the top end portion of the arm 35b. The left first camera 33a faces a direction substantially orthogonal to the length direction of the arm 35b on the horizontal plane of the vehicle 50, and the left second camera 33b faces a direction opposite to the direction faced by the left first camera 33a.

[0098] Figure 6 The arm 35b shown is rotated about the axis 35c, whereby the left first camera 33a and the left second camera 33b are arranged in the first position or the second position.

[0099] When the length direction of the arm 35b is substantially orthogonal to the left side surface 50a of the vehicle 50, the left first camera 33a and the left second camera 33b are located at the first position. In this case, the left first camera 33a captures the left rear of the vehicle 50. The left first camera 33a outputs the captured image data to the captured data acquisition unit 1.

[0100] When the rear side of the top end of the arm 35b faces the left side surface 50a of the vehicle 50, the left first camera 33a and the left second camera 33b are located at the second position. In this case, the left second camera 33b captures the left side of the vehicle 50. The left second camera 33b outputs the captured image data to the captured data acquisition unit 1.

[0101] The left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b are preferably capable of capturing images with a larger field of view angle than the left first camera 33a and the right first camera 34a. The left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b are cameras that capture a field of view angle α4 of, for example, 150 to 180 degrees in the horizontal direction and 90 to 120 degrees in the vertical direction. The left first camera 33a and the right first camera 34a are cameras that capture a field of view angle α3 of, for example, 60 to 90 degrees in the horizontal direction and 45 to 60 degrees in the vertical direction. The field of view angle α3 may be narrower than the field of view angle α4. The field of view angle α3 is the range in which the images captured by the left first camera 33a and the right first camera 34a are suitable for use in an electronic rearview mirror. The field of view angle α4 may be the size of the images captured by the left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b that are suitable as images recorded by the driving recorder.

[0102] Figure 5 The right support portion 236 shown has the same structure as the left support portion 235, and is disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 50. Similarly, the right first camera 34a has the same structure as the left first camera 33a, and is disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 50. Similarly, the right second camera 34b has the same structure as the left second camera 33b, and is disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 50.

[0103] (action)

[0104] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 , an example of the operation of the vehicle imaging system 200 is described. The example of the operation of the vehicle imaging system 200 has the same structure as the example of the operation of the vehicle imaging system 100 except for the driving recorder mode switching step ST3 and the electronic rearview mirror mode switching step ST4.

[0105] Implementation Figure 4 The support part operation indication determination step ST1 and the second position configuration indication determination step ST2 are shown, and the driving recorder mode switching step ST3 or the electronic rearview mirror mode switching step ST4 is entered.

[0106] When entering the dash cam mode switching step ST3 and switching to the dash cam mode, the support control unit 2 sends a control signal to the left support unit 235 and the right support unit 236 to configure the left first camera 33a, the left second camera 33b, the right first camera 34a and the right second camera 34b in the second position.

[0107] The images captured by the left second camera 33b, the right second camera 34b, the front camera 31, and the rear camera 32 are recorded in the recording unit 41 as a driving recorder. The display control unit 10 records the images captured by the left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b in the recording unit 41.

[0108] On the other hand, when the electronic rearview mirror mode switching step ST4 is entered and the electronic rearview mirror mode is switched, the support control unit 2 sends a control signal to the left support unit 235 and the right support unit 236. The left support unit 235 and the right support unit 236 configure the left first camera 33a, the left second camera 33b, the right first camera 34a, and the right second camera 34b at the first position.

[0109] When the left first camera 33a, the left second camera 33b, the right first camera 34a and the right second camera 34b are arranged in the first position, the image captured by the left first camera 33a is displayed on the left monitor 43. In addition, in this case, the image captured by the right first camera 34a is also displayed on the right monitor 44. The images captured by the left first camera 33a and the right first camera 34a have a field of view angle α3, which is suitable for use as an electronic rearview mirror. Therefore, the display control unit 10 of the vehicle imaging system 200 does not need to cut out a specified range from the images captured by the left first camera 33a and the right first camera 34a to generate display image data. The display control unit 10 of the vehicle imaging system 200 and Figure 1 The vehicle imaging system 200 shown is different and may be of a simple configuration.

[0110] When the electronic rearview mirror mode is used, the left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b may not be used for shooting. In addition, when the electronic rearview mirror mode is used, the left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b may be used for shooting, and the image may be processed to identify people or other vehicles. The vehicle imaging system 200 may also monitor obstacles in front of the vehicle 50 based on the information obtained by the processing, and appropriately use the left monitor 43, the right monitor 44 or the information monitor 45 to notify the driver. The image shot by the left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b may be appropriately recorded in the recording unit 41. The image shot by the front camera 31, the left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b has a wider field of view than the image shot by the front camera 31 alone. Therefore, the image shot by the front camera 31, the left second camera 33b and the right second camera 34b can be used to monitor a larger area in front of the vehicle 50.

[0111] As described above, according to the vehicle imaging system 200, similarly to the vehicle imaging system 100, during the use or driving of the vehicle 50, the front and rear directions of the vehicle 50 can be photographed and the photographed images can be recorded. On the other hand, when in a parking state, it is not limited to the front and rear directions. In addition to photographing the front and rear directions of the vehicle 50, it is also possible to photograph the left and right directions and record the photographed images. The recorded images can be used as monitoring information to monitor the left and right directions of the vehicle 50 in the parking state. In addition, the vehicle imaging system 200 can use the front camera 31, the rear camera 32, etc. used for a common driving recorder, the left first camera 33a, the left second camera 33b, the right first camera 34a, and the right second camera 34b, etc. used for a common electronic rearview mirror to exert the above-mentioned effects. That is, the vehicle imaging system 200 does not use other hardware structures, but uses the hardware structures used in the common driving recorder and the electronic rearview mirror to exert the above-mentioned effects, thereby suppressing the cost increase.

[0112] (Variant 1)

[0113] Next, refer to Figure 7 A vehicle imaging system 201 which is a modified example of the vehicle imaging system 200 will be described. Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation example of a modification of the main part of the vehicle imaging system according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing the left side 50a of the vehicle 50 as viewed from the upper side. The vehicle imaging system 201 includes the left camera 33c and the right camera (not shown) and the like. Figure 5 The vehicle imaging system 200 shown has the same structure.

[0114] like Figure 7As shown, the left camera 33c can be any imaging device. The left camera 33c can also be a camera used in a common electronic rearview mirror or a drive recorder.

[0115] The left camera 33c is provided at the top end of the arm 35b so as to be rotatable around the axis 33d. The axis 33d extends in the vertical direction. The left camera 33c may include a power source such as a motor, and the left camera 33c may be rotated around the axis 33d in a predetermined direction by the power source.

[0116] Figure 7 The arm 35b shown rotates around the axis 35c, whereby the left camera 33c is configured in the first position or the second position. When the arm 35b rotates around the axis 35c, the left camera 33c rotates around the axis 35c and faces other directions relative to the arm 35b.

[0117] When the longitudinal direction of the arm 35b is substantially perpendicular to the left side surface 50a of the vehicle 50, the left camera 33c is located at the first position. In this case, the left camera 33c captures the left rear of the vehicle 50. The left camera 33c outputs the captured image data to the captured data acquisition unit 1.

[0118] When the rear side of the tip of the arm 35b faces the left side surface 50a of the vehicle 50, the left camera 33c is located at the second position. In this case, the left camera 33c captures the left side of the vehicle 50. The left camera 33 outputs the captured image data to the captured data acquisition unit 1.

[0119] The right camera (not shown) has the same structure as the left camera 33 c and is provided symmetrically with respect to a center line extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 50 .

[0120] (action)

[0121] Next, an operation example of the vehicle imaging system 201 is described. The operation example of the vehicle imaging system 201 has the same structure as the operation example of the vehicle imaging system 200 except for the driving recorder mode switching step ST3 and the electronic rearview mirror mode switching step ST4.

[0122] Implementation Figure 4 The support part operation indication determination step ST1 and the second position configuration indication determination step ST2 are shown, and the driving recorder mode switching step ST3 or the electronic rearview mirror mode switching step ST4 is entered.

[0123] When the dashcam mode switching step ST3 is entered and the dashcam mode is switched, the support control unit 2 sends a control signal to the left support unit 235 and the right support unit 236 to arrange the left camera 33c and the right camera (not shown) at the second position. In addition, the left camera 33c is appropriately rotated around the axis 33d to face the rear side of the top end of the arm 35b. The right camera (not shown) is also rotated in the same manner as the left camera 33c to change its direction.

[0124] The images captured by the left camera 33c, the right camera (not shown), the front camera 31, and the rear camera 32 are recorded in the recording unit 41 as a function of a driving recorder. The display control unit 10 records the images captured by the left camera 33c and the right camera (not shown) in the recording unit 41. The images captured by the left camera 33c and the right camera (not shown) have a field of view angle α1. The field of view angle α1 may have a range in which the images captured by the left camera 33c and the right camera (not shown) are suitable as images recorded by the driving recorder.

[0125] On the other hand, when the electronic rearview mirror mode switching step ST4 is entered and the electronic rearview mirror mode is switched, the support control unit 2 sends a control signal to the left support unit 235 and the right support unit 236. The left support unit 235 and the right support unit 236 arrange the left camera 33c and the right camera (not shown) in the first position. In addition, the left camera 33c is appropriately rotated around the axis 33d to face the front side of the top end of the arm 35b. The right camera (not shown) is also rotated in the same manner as the left camera 33c to change its direction.

[0126] When the left camera 33c and the right camera (not shown) are arranged at the first position, the image captured by the left camera 33c is displayed on the left monitor 43. In addition, in this case, the image captured by the right camera (not shown) is also displayed on the right monitor 44. At this time, the display control unit 10 cuts out an image of a predetermined range from the field of view angle α1 of the image captured by the left camera 33c and the right camera (not shown) to display it on the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44. The field of view angle α2 of the display image displayed on the left monitor 43 and the right monitor 44 is, for example, greater than 60 degrees and less than 90 degrees in the horizontal direction. The field of view angle α2 can be narrower than the field of view angle α1. The field of view angle α2 is a width suitable for using the display image in the electronic rearview mirror.

[0127] As described above, according to the vehicle imaging system 201, similarly to the vehicle imaging system 200, the front and rear directions of the vehicle 50 can be photographed and the photographed images can be recorded during the use or driving of the vehicle 50. On the other hand, when in a parking state, it is not limited to the front and rear directions. In addition to photographing the front and rear directions of the vehicle 50, it is also possible to photograph the left and right directions and record the photographed images. The recorded images can be used as monitoring information to monitor the left and right directions of the vehicle 50 in the parking state. In addition, the vehicle imaging system 201 can use the front camera 31, the rear camera 32, etc. used for a common driving recorder, and the camera used for a common electronic rearview mirror or driving recorder, etc. to exert the above-mentioned effects. That is, the vehicle imaging system 201 does not use other hardware structures, but can exert the above-mentioned effects by using the hardware structures used in the common driving recorder and the electronic rearview mirror, thereby suppressing the cost increase.

[0128] According to the vehicle imaging system 201, the number of left cameras and right cameras is less than that of the vehicle imaging system 200. Compared with the vehicle imaging system 200, the configuration of the left cameras and right cameras of the vehicle imaging system 201 is simpler.

[0129] (Other Implementations, etc.)

[0130] In the above embodiment, Figure 1 to Figure 7 Although the functions of the respective parts of the vehicle imaging systems 100 , 200 , and 201 are described, the vehicle imaging systems 100 , 200 , and 201 only need to realize these functions.

[0131] In addition, the vehicle imaging systems 100 , 200 , and 201 according to the above-mentioned embodiments may have the following hardware configuration. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration included in the vehicle imaging systems 100 , 200 , and 201 .

[0132] Figure 8 The vehicle image system 110 shown in the figure has an interface 103 such as an interface for the operation unit 37, and further has a processor 101 and a memory 102. The vehicle image control device 20 described in the above embodiment is implemented by the processor 101 reading and executing a control program stored in the memory 102. That is, the control program is used to make the processor 101 Figure 1 The control program can be said to be a program for making the vehicle image control device 20 or a part thereof function. Figure 1 The vehicle image system 100 executes a program for processing in the vehicle image control device 20 or a part thereof.

[0133] The above program can be saved using various types of non-transitory computer readable media (non-transitorycomputer readable medium) and provided to a computer (a computer including an information notification device). Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible recording media (tangible storage medium). Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, etc.), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks). In addition, the example includes CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W. In addition, the example includes semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, flash ROM, RAM). In addition, the program can also be provided to the computer via various types of transitory computer readable media (transitory computer readable medium). Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer readable medium can provide the program to the computer via a wired communication path (such as wires and optical fibers) or a wireless communication path.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned various embodiments, as described above, the processing steps in the vehicle imaging systems 100, 200, and 201 are described, and the present invention can also be implemented as an imaging control method. The imaging control method includes the following first and second steps.

[0135] The first step is a support control step, in which the left support part and the right support part are controlled so that the left support part and the right support part can be configured in a first position and a second position, the left support part is arranged on the left side of the vehicle and supports a left camera for photographing the left side of the vehicle, the right support part is arranged on the right side of the vehicle and supports a right camera for photographing the right side of the vehicle, the first position is a position in which the left camera is facing the left rear of the vehicle and the right camera is facing the right rear of the vehicle, and the second position is a position in which the left camera is facing the left side of the vehicle and the right camera is facing the right side of the vehicle.

[0136] The second step is a mode changing step, in which, when the left support portion and the right support portion are arranged at the first position in the support control step, the images captured by the left camera and the right camera are displayed on a monitor that can be visually confirmed by the driver of the vehicle, and when the left support portion and the right support portion are arranged at the second position in the support control step, the images captured by the left camera and the right camera are used as monitoring information, and the monitoring information is used to monitor the vehicle.

[0137] In addition, other examples are as described in the above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, the above-mentioned control program can be said to be an image control program for causing the vehicle image system to execute such an image control method.

[0138] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the present invention can also be implemented by appropriately combining the embodiment or one example thereof.

[0139] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2019-023319, filed on February 13, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0140] Industrial Applicability

[0141] The present invention can be used, for example, for a vehicle image control device equipped with a camera, a vehicle image system, an image control method, and a program.

[0142] Explanation of symbols

[0143] 100, 110, 200, 201 Vehicle Image Systems

[0144] 20Vehicle image control device

[0145] 1 Shooting data acquisition unit 2 Support control unit

[0146] 3 Operation control unit 4 Position information acquisition unit

[0147] 5 Buffer memory 6 Photographing data processing unit

[0148] 7 Recording control unit 8 Reproduction control unit

[0149] 9 event detection unit 10 display control unit

[0150] 11Mode Change Department

[0151] 21 Shooting data acquisition unit

[0152] 31 front camera 32 rear camera

[0153] 33, 33c left camera

[0154] 33a Left first camera 33b Left second camera

[0155] 33d axis

[0156] 34Right Camera

[0157] 34a right first camera 34b right second camera

[0158] 35, 235 left support

[0159] 35a base 35b arm

[0160] 35c shaft

[0161] 36, 236 right support portion 37 operating portion

[0162] 38 GPS receiving unit

[0163] 41 recording unit 42 sensor

[0164] 43 Left monitor 44 Right monitor

[0165] 45 Information Monitor

[0166] 50 Vehicle 50a Left side

[0167] 51 instrument panel 52 instrument panel

[0168] 53 Steering wheel 54 Central console

[0169] 55 Windshield 56 Rear View Monitor

[0170] 101 processor 102 memory

[0171] 103 Interface

[0172] ST1 Support unit operation instruction determination step ST2 Position configuration instruction determination step

[0173] ST3 Driving Recorder Mode Switching Steps ST4 Electronic Rearview Mirror Mode Switching Steps

[0174] α1, α2, α3, α4 field of view

Claims

1. A vehicle image control device, comprising: An electronic rearview mirror, comprising: a left camera, arranged on the left side of a vehicle, capable of photographing the left side and the left rear of the vehicle and capable of rotating around an axis arranged on the vehicle; and a right camera, arranged on the right side of the vehicle, capable of photographing the right side and the right rear of the vehicle and capable of rotating around an axis arranged on the vehicle; a display control unit that causes the images captured by the left camera and the right camera to be displayed on a monitor that can be visually recognized by the driver of the vehicle; a recording control unit that uses the images captured by the left camera and the right camera as monitoring information for monitoring the vehicle; as well as a mode changing unit that, when the image captured by the left camera and the image captured by the right camera are used as an electronic rearview mirror mode, causes the display control unit to display the image of the left rear of the vehicle captured by the left camera and the image of the right rear of the vehicle captured by the right camera on a monitor that can be visually confirmed by the driver of the vehicle; and, when the image captured by the left camera and the image captured by the right camera are used as a driving recorder mode, causes the recording control unit to use the image of the left side of the vehicle captured by the left camera and the image of the right side of the vehicle captured by the right camera as the monitoring information, The vehicle image control device further includes a front camera and a rear camera, wherein the front camera captures the front of the vehicle and the rear camera captures the rear of the vehicle. When the mode changing unit is in the driving recorder mode, the recording control unit uses the images captured by the left camera and the right camera as the monitoring information in addition to the images captured by the front camera and the rear camera. When entering the driving recorder mode, the left camera and the right camera are arranged in a first position, and when entering the electronic rearview mirror mode, the left camera and the right camera are arranged in a second position, the left camera can change its direction by rotating around an axis in the first position and the second position, and the right camera can change its direction by rotating around an axis in the first position and the second position, The display control unit displays an image with the following field of view angle: the field of view angle of the image captured by the left camera and the right camera displayed on the monitor that can be visually confirmed by the driver of the vehicle is smaller than the field of view angle of the image captured by the left camera and the right camera used by the recording control unit as the monitoring information.

2. The vehicle image control device according to claim 1, wherein: When the power of the vehicle is in the on state, the mode change unit uses the image captured by the left camera and the image captured by the right camera as the electronic rearview mirror mode. When the power of the vehicle is in the off state, the mode change unit uses the image captured by the left camera and the image captured by the right camera as the driving recorder mode.

3. An image control method, executed by an image control device for a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: When the images captured by the left camera and the right camera of the electronic rearview mirror are used as the electronic rearview mirror mode, the image of the left rear of the vehicle captured by the left camera and the image of the right rear of the vehicle captured by the right camera are displayed on a monitor that can be visually confirmed by the driver of the vehicle, the left camera being provided on the left side of the vehicle and capable of capturing the left side and the left rear of the vehicle, and the right camera being provided on the right side of the vehicle and capable of capturing the right side and the right rear of the vehicle; and When the image captured by the left camera and the image captured by the right camera are used as a driving recorder mode, the image of the left side of the vehicle captured by the left camera and the image of the right side of the vehicle captured by the right camera are used as monitoring information, and the monitoring information is used to monitor the vehicle. The method further includes: in the driving recorder mode, in addition to using the images captured by the front camera and the rear camera, also using the images captured by the left camera and the right camera as the monitoring information, The front camera captures the front of the vehicle, and the rear camera captures the rear of the vehicle. The left camera and the right camera can rotate around axes arranged on them respectively. When entering the driving recorder mode, the left camera and the right camera are arranged in a first position, and when entering the electronic rearview mirror mode, the left camera and the right camera are arranged in a second position, the left camera can change its direction by rotating around an axis in the first position and the second position, and the right camera can change its direction by rotating around an axis in the first position and the second position, The field of view angle of the images captured by the left camera and the right camera displayed on the monitor that can be visually confirmed by the driver of the vehicle is smaller than the field of view angle of the images captured by the left camera and the right camera used as the monitoring information.

Images