Communication System

Abstract

The present invention provides a communication system capable of reducing the communication cost when transmitting images captured by a mobile object to the outside of the mobile object. The communication system comprises: an external communication unit that communicates with an external communication device located outside the mobile object via a first communication network; a communication relay unit that communicates with a mobile communication terminal via a second communication network and relays communications between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device via the first and second communication networks; and a communication control unit that performs captured image transmission processing and mobile object communication relay processing. In the captured image transmission processing, the external communication unit transmits images captured by a camera to the external communication device. In the mobile object communication relay processing, the communication relay unit performs communications between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to communication systems. Background Art

[0002] Previously, a system has been proposed in which a dashcam mounted on a mobile object is equipped with a function to communicate with an image collection device external to the mobile object, thereby transmitting images captured by the dashcam to the image collection device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition to using the captured images for accident detection, these systems also utilize them for purposes such as fixed-point observation, missing person searches, and fire scene status verification.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-177677 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] As described above, in order to collect images captured by a communication system equipped with a camera, such as a dashcam, and utilize these images for various purposes, it is necessary to increase the number of times the communication system captures images, thereby transmitting more images to an image collection device. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the communication costs incurred by users when transmitting images from the communication system, so that these costs do not hinder the transmission of images.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object thereof is to provide a communication system capable of reducing communication costs when transmitting captured images of a moving object to the outside of the moving object.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] As a method for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a communication system can be cited, wherein the communication system comprises: a camera; an external communication unit, which communicates with an external communication device via a first communication network; a communication relay unit, which communicates with a mobile communication terminal via a second communication network and relays the communication between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device via the first communication network and the second communication network; and a communication control unit, which performs captured image sending processing and mobile communication relay processing, in which the external communication unit is used to send the captured image captured by the camera to the external communication device, and in the mobile communication relay processing, the communication relay unit is used to perform communication between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device.

[0011] In the above-mentioned communication system, it can also be constructed to include a speed identification unit that identifies the moving speed of the mobile body using the communication system, and the communication control unit determines which of the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission processing and the communication based on the mobile body communication relay processing is to be performed according to the moving speed of the mobile body.

[0012] In the above-mentioned communication system, it can also be constructed to include a speed identification unit that identifies the moving speed of the mobile body using the communication system, and the communication control unit determines the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission processing and the communication volume allocated to the communication based on the mobile body communication relay processing according to the moving speed of the mobile body.

[0013] In the communication system, the communication control unit may be configured to reduce a ratio of communication traffic allocated to transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission process as the moving speed of the moving object increases.

[0014] In the communication system described above, the speed identification unit may be configured to identify the moving speed of the moving object by acquiring information on the moving speed of the moving object detected by a speed sensor included in the moving object.

[0015] In the above-mentioned communication system, it can also be constructed to include a radio wave strength identification unit, which identifies the radio wave strength in the communication performed by the external communication unit via the first communication network, and the communication control unit determines which of the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image sending processing and the communication based on the mobile body communication relay processing to perform according to the radio wave strength.

[0016] In the above-mentioned communication system, it can also be constructed to include a radio wave strength identification unit, which identifies the radio wave strength in the communication performed by the external communication unit via the first communication network, and the communication control unit determines the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the sending of the captured image based on the captured image sending processing and the communication volume allocated to the communication based on the mobile body communication relay processing based on the radio wave strength.

[0017] In the communication system described above, the communication control unit may be configured to reduce a ratio of communication traffic allocated to transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission process as the radio wave intensity becomes weaker.

[0018] In the above-mentioned communication system, it can also be constructed that the external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network through packet communication, the communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending processing and the data sent through the mobile communication relay processing, and uses the external communication unit to send the packetized data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending processing and the mobile communication relay processing.

[0019] In the above-mentioned communication system, it can also be constructed that the external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network through packet communication, and the communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending processing and the data sent through the mobile body communication relay processing according to the ratio determined based on the moving speed of the mobile body, and uses the external communication unit to send the packetized data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending processing and the mobile body communication relay processing.

[0020] In the above-mentioned communication system, it can also be constructed that the external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network through packet communication, and the communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending processing and the data sent through the mobile communication relay processing according to the ratio determined based on the radio wave intensity, and uses the external communication unit to send the grouped data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending processing and the mobile communication relay processing.

[0021] The communication system may be constituted by a drive recorder that is mounted on a moving object for use and includes the camera that captures at least one of the periphery and the interior of the moving object.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] The communication system includes a communication relay unit that utilizes the external communication unit to simultaneously perform communication between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device and transmission of captured images to the external communication device within a single communication system. This reduces the amount of overhead data used for communication control related to information data such as captured images, thereby lowering the communication cost of transmitting captured images of a mobile object to the outside of the mobile object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1This diagram shows how to use a driving recorder.

[0025] Figure 2 This is the structural diagram of the driving recorder.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a flowchart for sending captured images and in-car Wi-Fi communication.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a setting table showing the ratio of communication volume according to driving speed and radio wave strength.

[0028] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the amount of data that can be transmitted while communication is established between a router serving as a Wi-Fi hotspot and a drive recorder.

[0029] Description of Reference Numerals

[0030] 1: Driving recorder; 10: Processor; 11: Shooting control unit; 12: Speed ​​identification unit; 13: Radio wave intensity identification unit; 14: Communication control unit; 15: Timing unit; 20: Memory; 30: NAD; 31: Antenna; 32: Front camera; 33: Rear camera; 34: GNSS sensor; 35: Acceleration sensor; 36: Switch; 37: Display; 51, 52: Mobile communication terminal; 100: Vehicle (mobile object); 300: Cellular communication base station; 310: Router serving as Wi-Fi hotspot; 500: Wide area network; 510: Image management server; 520: Information provision server; U1, U2: Users. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] [1. How to use the dashcam]

[0032] Reference Figure 1 The following describes how to use a drive recorder 1 according to this embodiment, which is an example of the structure of the communication system of the present invention. The drive recorder 1 is installed in a vehicle 100 and has the function of using a camera to capture the surroundings of the vehicle 100 and the interior of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 100 is equivalent to the mobile object of the present invention.

[0033] The driving recorder 1 has the function of performing cellular communication and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication. The driving recorder 1 communicates with external communication devices via the wide area network 500 by performing cellular communication with the base station 300 of each cell or performing Wi-Fi communication with the router 310 set as a Wi-Fi hotspot near the road. Figure 1 , an image management server 510 and an information providing server 520 are exemplified as external communication devices. The wide area network 500 corresponds to the first communication network of the present invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the drive recorder 1 functions as a Wi-Fi router, establishing Wi-Fi communication with mobile communication terminals 51 and 52 used by users U1 and U2 in the vehicle 100, thereby realizing an in-vehicle Wi-Fi network environment. The in-vehicle Wi-Fi network corresponds to the second communication network of the present invention. Mobile communication terminals 51 and 52 are smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, portable game consoles, and the like equipped with Wi-Fi communication capabilities.

[0035] The dashcam 1 functions as a Wi-Fi router, enabling communication with external communication devices such as mobile communication terminals 51 and 52, the image management server 510, and the information provision server 520 via the in-vehicle Wi-Fi network and the wide area network 500. Even if the mobile communication terminals 51 and 52 lack cellular communication capabilities, users U1 and U2 can utilize the in-vehicle Wi-Fi environment provided by the dashcam 1 to, for example, communicate with the information provision server 520 and obtain information. Furthermore, the dashcam 1's in-vehicle Wi-Fi network environment allows for relay communication between mobile communication terminals outside the vehicle 100 and external communication devices, for example, when the vehicle 100 is parked or stopped.

[0036] Furthermore, the drive recorder 1 transmits images captured by the camera to the image management server 510 via the wide area network 500. The image management server 510 uses the images received from the drive recorder 1 to perform processes such as accident analysis, fixed-point observation, and road equipment inspection.

[0037] [2. Structure of the driving recorder]

[0038] Reference Figure 2 The structure of the drive recorder 1 will be described. The drive recorder 1 includes a processor 10, a memory 20, a NAD (Network Access Device) 30, an antenna 31, a front camera 32, a rear camera 33, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor 34, an acceleration sensor 35, a switch 36, and a display 37.

[0039] NAD 30 is a chip that integrates a cellular communication module and a Wi-Fi communication module. Antenna 31 is a dual-purpose antenna that supports both cellular and Wi-Fi communications. The function of enabling communication between the drive recorder 1 and an external communication device via the wide area network 500 through NAD 30 and antenna 31 corresponds to the external communication unit of the present invention. Furthermore, the Wi-Fi router that relays the in-vehicle Wi-Fi and the wide area network through NAD 30 and antenna 31 corresponds to the communication relay unit of the present invention.

[0040] The front camera 32 captures images of the surrounding area in front of the vehicle 100 and outputs the captured images to the processor 10. The rear camera 33 captures images of the surrounding area behind the vehicle 100 and outputs the captured images to the processor 10. Furthermore, in addition to the front camera 32 and the rear camera 33, side cameras for capturing images of the sides of the vehicle 100 and an interior camera for capturing images of the interior of the vehicle 100 may also be provided. Furthermore, a configuration may also be provided with only the front camera 32.

[0041] The GNSS sensor 34 receives radio waves from positioning satellites to detect the current location (latitude and longitude) of the dashcam 1 and outputs a position detection signal to the processor 10. The acceleration sensor 35 detects acceleration generated in the dashcam 1 and outputs an acceleration detection signal to the processor 10. The acceleration sensor 35 detects acceleration in the directions of three orthogonal axes, for example. The switch 36 outputs an operation signal corresponding to an operation by users U1 or U2 to the processor 10. The display 37 displays the operating status of the dashcam 1, etc., based on control input from the processor 10.

[0042] The processor 10 reads and executes a control program for the drive recorder 1 stored in the memory 20 , thereby functioning as an imaging control unit 11 , a speed recognition unit 12 , a radio frequency intensity recognition unit 13 , a communication control unit 14 , and a timer unit 15 .

[0043] The imaging control unit 11 captures images at a predetermined imaging timing using at least one of the front camera 32 and the rear camera 33 and stores the captured images in a memory. For example, the following timings (1) to (3) are set as imaging timings.

[0044] (1) When the vehicle 100 encounters an accident.

[0045] The imaging control unit 11 recognizes that the vehicle 100 has been in an accident based on the acceleration sensor 35 detecting an acceleration level greater than a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the vehicle 100 may recognize that the vehicle 100 has been in an accident based on an impact detection signal from an impact sensor such as an airbag installed in the vehicle 100.

[0046] (2) When the vehicle 100 is traveling at a fixed point.

[0047] The imaging control unit 11 recognizes that the vehicle 100 is traveling at a predetermined fixed point based on the current position of the drive recorder 1 detected by the GNSS sensor 34. For example, a fixed point may be a location prone to traffic congestion, a location where road equipment (road signs, utility poles, etc.) requiring maintenance is located, or a tourist attraction.

[0048] (3) When the vehicle 100 is traveling at the requested shooting location.

[0049] The imaging control unit 11 receives the requested imaging location information transmitted from the image management server 510 to identify the requested imaging location, and recognizes that the vehicle 100 is traveling at the requested imaging location based on the current position of the drive recorder 1 detected by the GNSS sensor 34. For example, the requested imaging location may be the scene of an accident involving another vehicle, the scene of a fire, or the scene of a missing person.

[0050] The speed recognition unit 12 identifies the traveling speed (moving speed) of the vehicle 100 by receiving a speed detection signal Vcar from a vehicle speed sensor included in the vehicle 100. The drive recorder 1 receives the speed detection signal Vcar through wired or wireless communication with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) included in the vehicle 100. The speed recognition unit 12 may also identify the traveling speed (moving speed) of the vehicle 100 by performing predetermined image processing on the captured image. The radio wave strength recognition unit 13 identifies the radio wave strength when accessing the wide area network 500 via cellular or Wi-Fi based on the communication status of the NAD 30. For example, the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is used as the radio wave strength indicator.

[0051] The communication control unit 14 performs captured image transmission processing. In this processing, the captured image, captured by the imaging control unit 11 and stored in the memory 20, is transmitted to the image management server 510 via the wide area network 500 using the NAD 30. Furthermore, the communication control unit 14 performs in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication processing. In this processing, the NAD 30 relays the in-vehicle Wi-Fi network and the wide area network 500, thereby enabling communication between the mobile communication terminals 51 and 52 and external communication devices such as the information provision server 520. The in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication processing corresponds to the mobile communication relay processing of the present invention.

[0052] The communication control unit 14 packets the combined data of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi information data and the captured image data, and communicates with the external communication device via the wide area network 500 using packet communication. This process reduces the amount of control data overhead added to the information data such as the captured image data transmitted via packets, thereby reducing the communication volume and thus lowering the communication costs borne by users U1 and U2.

[0053] The timer 15 counts the current date and time. The image capture control unit 11 adds the date and time information of the capture time counted by the timer 15 to the images captured by the front camera 32 and the rear camera 33 and stores the captured images in the memory 20.

[0054] [3. Captured image transmission processing and in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication processing]

[0055] according to Figure 3 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the captured image transmission process and the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication process executed by the communication control unit 14 .

[0056] exist Figure 3 In step S1, the communication control unit 14 determines whether the timing for transmitting the captured image has arrived. If so, the process proceeds to step S2. The timing for transmitting the captured image is, for example, when the amount of captured image data stored in the memory 20 reaches a predetermined amount or more. Alternatively, the captured image can be immediately transmitted to the image management server 510 in an emergency, such as when the vehicle 100 is involved in an accident.

[0057] In step S2, the speed recognition unit 12 recognizes the speed of the vehicle 100. In the following step S3, the radio wave strength recognition unit 13 recognizes the radio wave strength when connected to the wide area network 500. In the following step S4, the communication control unit 14 determines the ratio of the traffic allocated to transmitting captured images to the traffic allocated to in-vehicle Wi-Fi communications based on the vehicle 100's speed and the radio wave strength when connected to the wide area network 500. The communication control unit 14 sets the traffic allocated to transmitting captured images or in-vehicle Wi-Fi communications to zero based on the vehicle 100's speed or radio wave strength.

[0058] The faster the vehicle 100 travels, the lower the proportion of traffic allocated to the transmission of captured images. Furthermore, the weaker the radio wave strength during access to the wide area network 500, the lower the proportion of traffic allocated to the transmission of captured images. This allows the transmission of captured images to be suppressed in situations where communication with the wide area network 500 is likely to become unstable due to high vehicle speed or low radio wave strength, thereby preventing errors in the transmission of captured images.

[0059] Here, refer to Figure 4 The setting table shown here will explain a setting example of the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image and the communication volume allocated to the relay communication of the in-vehicle Wi-Fi. Figure 4 Vth is a determination threshold value of the moving speed V, and Eth is a determination threshold value of the radio field intensity E. α is a predetermined value for adjustment described later.

[0060] As shown by a comparison between conditions A and C, the faster the vehicle 100's moving speed V, the more the communication control unit 14 reduces the proportion of the communication traffic allocated to the transmission of captured images based on the captured image transmission process. Furthermore, as shown by a comparison between conditions A and B, the weaker the radio wave intensity E, the more the communication control unit 14 reduces the proportion of the communication traffic allocated to the transmission of captured images based on the captured image transmission process. Furthermore, under conditions such as condition C, where the radio wave intensity E is high and the moving speed V is low, the communication control unit 14 may simply set the proportion of the communication traffic allocated to the transmission of captured images based on the captured image transmission process to be higher than under other conditions.

[0061] in addition, Figure 4 The numerical values ​​of the ratios under the conditions A to D shown are examples.

[0062] For example, under condition B, the traffic allocated to in-car Wi-Fi relay communications could be set to 100%, while the traffic allocated to captured image transmission could be set to 0%. Furthermore, under condition C, the traffic allocated to in-car Wi-Fi relay communications could be set to 0%, while the traffic allocated to captured image transmission could be set to 100%. Setting the traffic for one of the two to 100% and the other to 0% is an example of how the communication control unit 14 determines whether to transmit captured images or use in-car Wi-Fi relay communications based on the moving object's speed and radio wave strength.

[0063] Alternatively, the amount of captured image data to be transmitted to the external device as needed (for example, the amount of data stored in the memory 20 of the drive recorder 1, hereinafter referred to as the required transmission data capacity) and the number of nodes located in the same base station 300 or the same router 310 (see FIG. Figure 1) is used to set the ratio of the communication volume allocated to sending captured images and the communication volume allocated to the in-vehicle Wi-Fi relay, and to decide which party will communicate.

[0064] Here, use Figure 5 An example of how to calculate the amount of data that can be transmitted is explained below. Figure 5 In FIG, a circle Ar represents an area where communication between the router 310 as a Wi-Fi hotspot and the drive recorder 1 mounted on the vehicle 100 is possible, and the vehicle 100 is shown as an example of traveling within Ar. Figure 5 In the example, Pa represents the location of router 310, which serves as a Wi-Fi hotspot. P1 represents the location where vehicle 100 enters Ar. P2 represents the current location of vehicle 100. P3 represents the location where vehicle 100 leaves Ar. Assume that Pa is the center of Ar. The triangle connecting Pa, P1, and P3 is an isosceles triangle, with the distance between Pa and P1 and the distance between Pa and P3 both being d2.

[0065] exist Figure 5 Under the condition of , the transmittable data capacity A during the period when the vehicle 100 travels from P2 to P3 within Ar can be calculated by the following equations (1) to (10).

[0066]

Mathematical formula 1

[0067] A=s×t…(1)

[0068] Here, A is the transmittable data capacity, s is the communication speed with the router 310 serving as a Wi-Fi hotspot, and t is the estimated time required for the vehicle 100 to reach P3 from P2.

[0069]

Mathematical formula 2

[0070] d=v×t…(2)

[0071] Here, d is the distance between P2 and P3, and v is the moving speed of the vehicle 100.

[0072] According to the law of cosines, the following equation (3) holds.

[0073]

Mathematical formula 3

[0074] d1 2 =d 2 +d2 2 -2×d×d2×cosθ…(3)

[0075] Here, d1 is the distance between Pa and P2, d2 is the distance between Pa and P3, and θ is the direction in which the radio waves at P1 and P3 come from the router 310 to the vehicle 100, that is, the direction in which the radio waves arrive.

[0076] d2×cosθ can be calculated by the following formula (4).

[0077]

Mathematical formula 4

[0078]

[0079] Where D is the distance between P1 and P2.

[0080] The relationship between the radio wave intensity Ns at P2 and the radio wave intensity Ls at P1 and P3 can be expressed by the following equation (5) based on the distance d1 between the position Pa of the router 310 and P2, and the distance d2 between the position Pa of the router 310 and P1 and P3.

[0081]

Mathematical formula 5

[0082]

[0083] Wherein, Ls is the radio wave intensity at P1 and P3, Ns is the radio wave intensity at P2, λ is the wavelength of the radio wave, and π is the circumference of the circle.

[0084] The above formula (3) is transformed to obtain the following formula (6).

[0085]

Mathematical formula 6

[0086] d2 2 -d1 2 =-d 2 +2×d×d2×cosθ…(6)

[0087] Substituting the above equation (4) into equation (6) yields the following equation (7).

[0088]

Mathematical formula 7

[0089] d2 2 -d1 2 =-d 2 +d×(D+d)=dD…(7)

[0090] The above formula (5) is transformed to obtain the following formula (8).

[0091]

Mathematical formula 8

[0092]

[0093] Subtracting both sides of the above equations (7) and (8) yields the following equation (9).

[0094]

Mathematical formula 9

[0095]

[0096] The transmittable data capacity A can be calculated from the following equation (10) obtained by substituting equations (2) and (9) into the above equation (1).

[0097]

Mathematical formula 10

[0098]

[0099] When communication is established between the router 310 serving as a Wi-Fi hotspot and the driving recorder 1 at P1, the communication control unit 14 stores the radio wave intensity (maximum radio wave intensity) Ls and the radio wave arrival direction θ identified by the radio wave intensity identification unit 13, thereby calculating the transmittable data capacity A based on the above-mentioned equations (1) to (10).

[0100] exist Figure 4 The α shown in the setting table is a prescribed value for adjustment. Figure 4 In the settings table shown, the communication control unit 14 can, for example, adjust (increase or decrease) the numerical value of the ratio in the table by an amount α, which is determined based on the required transmission data capacity. Alternatively, the communication control unit 14 can add a specified value α to the numerical value of the ratio in the table when the required transmission data capacity exceeds a specified value (or subtract the specified value α for in-vehicle Wi-Fi relay communication). Alternatively, the communication control unit 14 can determine which communication channel to execute based on the required transmission data capacity. This determination can be achieved by designing the value of α so that the ratio adjustment results in a transmission ratio of 100% for captured images under condition C or other conditions, while conversely, a transmission ratio of 100% for in-vehicle Wi-Fi relay communication under condition D or other conditions (in this case, α takes a negative value).

[0101] Similarly, the communication control unit 14 may adjust (increase or decrease) the numerical value of the ratio in the table by an amount α, which is determined based on the transmittable data capacity. Alternatively, the communication control unit 14 may add a specified value α to the numerical value of the ratio in the table (or subtract a specified value α for the mobile communication relay) when the transmittable data capacity exceeds a specified value. Alternatively, the communication control unit 14 may determine which communication channel to execute based on the transmittable data capacity. This determination of which communication channel to execute can be achieved by designing the value of α so that the ratio adjustment results in a transmission ratio of 100% for captured images under condition C or other conditions, and conversely, a communication ratio of 100% for the in-vehicle Wi-Fi relay under condition D or other conditions (in this case, α takes a negative value).

[0102] Furthermore, the communication control unit 14 may determine the ratio, a correction value for the ratio, and which communication to perform based on a comparison between the transmittable data capacity and the required transmittable data capacity. For example, if the transmittable data capacity is greater than the required transmittable data capacity, the captured image may be transmitted, and the ratio value may be set to increase the ratio for transmitting the captured image, or may be set to increase the predetermined value α.

[0103] In the following step S5, the communication control unit 14 combines the captured image data with the in-vehicle Wi-Fi data as described above, based on the ratio determined in step S4, thereby reducing the total communication volume. This reduces the communication cost of transmitting the captured images. In the following step S6, the communication control unit 14 transmits the data combined in step S5 to external communication devices such as the image management server 510 and the information provision server 520 via the wide area network 500, thereby completing the captured image transmission process and the in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication process.

[0104] [4. Other Implementations]

[0105] In the above embodiment, the four-wheeled vehicle 100 is exemplified as the mobile object on which the drive recorder 1 is mounted. However, the mobile object on which the drive recorder 1 is mounted may be a two-wheeled vehicle, an aircraft, a ship, or the like.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the speed recognition unit 12 and the radio wave strength recognition unit 13 are provided, and the ratio of the communication volume allocated for sending captured images to the communication volume allocated for in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication is determined based on the driving speed of the vehicle 100 and the radio wave strength when connected to the wide area network 500. In other embodiments, the ratio of the communication volume allocated for sending captured images to the communication volume allocated for in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication may be determined based on only one of the driving speed of the vehicle 100 or the radio wave strength. Alternatively, the process of determining the ratio of the communication volume allocated for sending captured images to the communication volume allocated for in-vehicle Wi-Fi communication based on the driving speed of the vehicle 100 or the radio wave strength may be omitted.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the captured image data and the in-car Wi-Fi data are merged according to the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image and the communication volume allocated to the in-car Wi-Fi communication. Figure 3 In addition to or in lieu of this, the ratio of the communication volume (total amount) of captured image data transmitted in communications within a predetermined unit time period accompanying multiple communications to the communication volume (total amount) of in-vehicle Wi-Fi data may be set to a ratio determined by the communication control unit 14.

[0108] In the above embodiment, access to the wide area network (equivalent to the first communication network of the present invention) is achieved through cellular or Wi-Fi communication, but other communication methods may also be used. Furthermore, communication between the mobile communication terminals 51 and 52 used by the users U1 and U2 of the vehicle 100 and the drive recorder 1 is achieved through in-vehicle Wi-Fi (equivalent to the second communication network of the present invention), but other communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may also be used.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the communication system of the present invention is constituted by the drive recorder 1. However, the communication system of the present invention may be constituted by a communication terminal (smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, etc.) equipped with a camera.

[0110] in addition, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the driving recorder 1 according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The structure of the driving recorder 1 can also be configured by other classifications. In addition, the processing of each structural element can be performed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Figure 3 The processing of each component of the flowchart shown may be executed by one program or by a plurality of programs.

[0111] [5. Structure supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0112] The above-described embodiment supports the following structure.

[0113] (Structure 1) A communication system, wherein the communication system comprises: a camera; an external communication unit that communicates with an external communication device via a first communication network; a communication relay unit that communicates with a mobile communication terminal via a second communication network and relays communication between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device via the first communication network and the second communication network; and a communication control unit that performs captured image sending processing and mobile communication relay processing, in which the external communication unit is used to send the captured image captured by the camera to the external communication device in the captured image sending processing, and in which the communication relay unit is used to perform communication between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device in the mobile communication relay processing.

[0114] According to the communication system of structure 1, there is a communication relay unit, which uses the external communication unit to perform communication between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device and sending of the captured image to the external communication device in one communication system, thereby reducing the overhead of communication control data for information data such as captured images, thereby reducing the communication cost when sending the captured image of the mobile body to the outside of the mobile body.

[0115] (Structure 2) According to the communication system described in Structure 1, the communication system includes a speed identification unit that identifies the moving speed of the mobile body using the communication system, and the communication control unit determines which of the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission processing and the communication based on the mobile body communication relay processing to perform according to the moving speed of the mobile body.

[0116] According to the communication system of structure 2, it is possible to determine which of the transmission of captured images based on captured image transmission processing and the communication based on mobile body communication relay processing to perform based on the moving speed of the mobile body that affects the stability of communication between the communication system and the external communication device.

[0117] (Structure 3) A communication system according to Structure 1, wherein the communication system includes a speed identification unit that identifies the moving speed of a mobile body using the communication system, and the communication control unit determines the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission processing to the communication volume allocated to the communication based on the mobile body communication relay processing based on the moving speed of the mobile body.

[0118] According to the communication system of Configuration 3, the ratio of the communication traffic allocated to transmission of captured images can be determined based on the moving speed of the moving object that affects the stability of communication between the communication system and the external communication device.

[0119] (Structure 4) The communication system according to Structure 3, wherein the faster the moving speed of the mobile object is, the more the communication control unit reduces the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission process.

[0120] According to the communication system of structure 4, when the moving speed of the mobile body is fast and the communication between the communication system and the external communication device is in an unstable state, it is possible to suppress the transmission error of the captured image that is assumed to be larger than the communication data of the mobile communication terminal by reducing the proportion of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image.

[0121] (Configuration 5) In the communication system according to any one of Configurations 2 to 4, the speed identification unit identifies the moving speed of the moving object by acquiring information on the moving speed of the moving object detected by a speed sensor included in the moving object.

[0122] According to the communication system of Configuration 5, the moving speed of the moving object can be recognized with high accuracy by using information on the moving speed detected by the speed sensor included in the moving object.

[0123] (Structure 6) A communication system according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein the communication system comprises a radio wave strength identification unit that identifies the radio wave strength in the communication performed by the external communication unit via the first communication network, and the communication control unit determines which of the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission processing and the communication based on the mobile communication relay processing to perform based on the radio wave strength.

[0124] According to the communication system of structure 6, it is possible to determine which of the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission processing and the communication based on the mobile communication relay processing to perform based on the radio wave strength that affects the stability of communication between the communication system and the external communication device.

[0125] (Structure 7) A communication system according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein the communication system comprises a radio wave strength identification unit that identifies the radio wave strength in the communication performed by the external communication unit via the first communication network, and the communication control unit determines the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission processing to the communication volume allocated to the communication based on the mobile communication relay processing based on the radio wave strength.

[0126] According to the communication system of Configuration 7, the ratio of the communication traffic allocated to the transmission of the captured image can be determined based on the radio wave intensity that affects the stability of communication between the communication system and the external communication device.

[0127] (Structure 8) The communication system according to Structure 7, wherein the communication control unit reduces the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission process as the radio wave intensity becomes weaker.

[0128] According to the communication system of structure 8, when the radio wave strength is weak and the communication between the communication system and the external communication device is in an unstable state, it is possible to suppress the transmission error of the captured image that is assumed to be larger than the communication data of the mobile communication terminal by reducing the proportion of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image.

[0129] (Structure 9) A communication system according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein the external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network through packet communication, the communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending processing and the data sent through the mobile communication relay processing, and uses the external communication unit to send the packetized data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending processing and the mobile communication relay processing.

[0130] According to the communication system of structure 9, the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending process and the data sent through the mobile communication relay processing is grouped, thereby reducing the proportion of control data for information data such as the captured image in the group, thereby reducing the cost of sending the captured image.

[0131] (Structure 10) A communication system according to Structure 3 or 4, wherein the external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network through packet communication, and the communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending process and the data sent through the mobile body communication relay process according to the ratio determined based on the moving speed of the mobile body, and uses the external communication unit to send the packetized data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending process and the mobile body communication relay process.

[0132] According to the communication system of structure 10, data obtained by merging data of captured images sent through captured image sending processing and data sent through mobile body communication relay processing are grouped according to a ratio determined based on the moving speed of the mobile body, thereby reducing the ratio of control data for information data such as captured images in the group, thereby reducing the cost of sending captured images.

[0133] (Structure 11) A communication system according to Structure 7 or 8, wherein the external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network through packet communication, and the communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending process and the data sent through the mobile communication relay process according to the ratio determined based on the radio wave intensity, and uses the external communication unit to send the packetized data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending process and the mobile communication relay process.

[0134] According to the communication system of structure 11, the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending processing and the data sent through the mobile communication relay processing are grouped according to the ratio determined based on the radio wave strength, thereby reducing the proportion of control data for information data such as the captured image in the group, thereby reducing the cost of sending the captured image.

[0135] (Structure 12) A communication system according to any one of Structures 1 to 9, wherein the communication system is composed of a driving recorder that is installed on a moving body for use and has the camera that captures at least any one of the periphery and interior of the moving body.

[0136] According to the communication system of Configuration 12, the functions of the drive recorder mounted on a mobile object for use can be expanded to constitute the communication system of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication system, wherein: The communication system comprises: Camera; an external communication unit for communicating with an external communication device via a first communication network; a communication relay unit that communicates with the mobile communication terminal via the second communication network and relays communication between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device via the first communication network and the second communication network; a communication control unit that performs captured image transmission processing and mobile communication relay processing, wherein the captured image transmission processing uses the external communication unit to transmit the captured image captured by the camera to the external communication device, and the mobile communication relay processing uses the communication relay unit to perform communication between the mobile communication terminal and the external communication device; as well as a speed recognition unit for recognizing a moving speed of a moving object using the communication system; The communication control unit determines whether to perform transmission of the captured image by the captured image transmission process or communication by the mobile communication relay process based on the moving speed of the mobile object. The communication control unit determines a ratio of the communication volume allocated to transmission of the captured image by the captured image transmission process and the communication volume allocated to communication by the mobile communication relay process according to the moving speed of the mobile object.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein The communication control unit is configured to reduce the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission process as the moving speed of the moving object increases.

3. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The speed recognition unit recognizes the moving speed of the moving object by acquiring information on the moving speed of the moving object detected by a speed sensor included in the moving object.

4. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication system includes a radio wave strength identification unit that identifies radio wave strength during communication performed by the external communication unit via the first communication network. The communication control unit determines whether to perform transmission of the captured image by the captured image transmission process or communication by the mobile communication relay process based on the radio wave intensity.

5. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication system includes a radio wave strength identification unit that identifies radio wave strength during communication performed by the external communication unit via the first communication network. The communication control unit determines a ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image by the captured image transmission process and the communication volume allocated to the communication by the mobile communication relay process based on the radio wave intensity. The communication system according to claim 5 , wherein: The communication control unit reduces the ratio of the communication volume allocated to the transmission of the captured image based on the captured image transmission process as the radio wave intensity becomes weaker.

7. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network by packet communication. The communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending processing and the data sent through the mobile communication relay processing, and uses the external communication unit to send the grouped data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending processing and the mobile communication relay processing.

8. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network by packet communication. The communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending processing and the data sent through the mobile body communication relay processing according to the ratio determined based on the moving speed of the mobile body, and uses the external communication unit to send the packetized data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending processing and the mobile body communication relay processing.

9. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein: The external communication unit communicates with the external communication device via the first communication network by packet communication. The communication control unit groups the data obtained by merging the data of the captured image sent through the captured image sending process and the data sent through the mobile communication relay process according to the ratio determined based on the radio wave intensity, and uses the external communication unit to send the grouped data to the external communication device through the packet communication, thereby executing the captured image sending process and the mobile communication relay process.

10. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication system is constituted by a drive recorder that is mounted on a moving object for use and includes the camera. The camera captures at least one of the periphery and the interior of the moving object.

Images