Image recording system and image recording method

Abstract

The invention provides an image recording system and an image recording method. Even when a communication interruption may occur between a moving body and an external device, the external device can receive images around the moving body without missing. A video recording system includes: a recording unit that stores a video file around a moving body; a transmission control unit that transmits the video file to an external device; and a management unit that manages the transfer of the video file. The recording unit associates the ascending file numbers with the video files in the order of imaging times from the morning to the evening, and stores the video files and the file numbers in a storage device. The transmission control unit adds the file number to the video file and transmits the video file to an external device. The management unit instructs the transmission control unit to transmit a video file that is not received by the external device at a predetermined timing on the basis of a file number associated with a video file that is last transmitted by the transmission control unit and a file number added to a video file that is last received by the external device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an image recording system and an image recording method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development related to the safety of vehicles has been conducted, which further improves the safety of traffic and can contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a broadcast data storage system having a server that receives and stores broadcast data from each vehicle that receives and records the broadcast data. In this system, in response to a request from a vehicle that has lost part of its broadcast data due to movement outside the broadcast range, the server sends the missing part of the broadcast data to the vehicle.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an information providing device in which, when a vehicle is about to enter outside the communication range of a network, a map distribution server transmits proposal information extracted according to a predetermined extraction condition to the vehicle.

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 3 discloses a vehicle theft detection device. This device notifies a monitoring center through a notification unit using a mobile phone system when a vehicle-mounted sensor detects theft. In addition, in this device, when the vehicle is parked, if the parking position is outside the range of the mobile phone system and the notification unit cannot be used, a notification sound is output to the user through a vehicle-mounted siren.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-77038

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-224242

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-34236 Summary of the invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] In addition, in terms of improving vehicle safety, there is also a problem of reliably providing the user with an image of the surroundings of the vehicle in an abnormal situation such as vehicle theft.

[0013] The present application is used to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to enable the external device to receive the surrounding images without omission even when the communication between the mobile body and the external device may be interrupted when the surrounding images of the mobile body are sent from the mobile body to the external device. This will further improve the safety of traffic and contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0014] Means for solving problems

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention is an image recording system, which comprises: a recording unit, which stores an image file including an image of the surroundings of a moving body in a storage device mounted on the moving body; a sending control unit, which sends the image file to an external device arranged outside the moving body; and a management unit, which manages the transmission of the image file, wherein the recording unit associates ascending file numbers with the image files in order from earliest to latest shooting time, and stores the image files and the file numbers in the storage device, the sending control unit attaches the file number associated with the image file to the image file, and sends the image file attached with the file number to the external device, and the management unit determines, at a predetermined specified time, unreceived image files that have not been received by the external device based on the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device, and instructs the sending control unit to send the unreceived image files.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the recording unit and the management unit are provided in the moving body.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sending control unit communicates with the external device via a communication network provided outside the mobile body, and the prescribed timing is when the power of the mobile body is switched from an on state to an off state and the sending control unit and the communication network are in a state capable of communicating.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, the storage device is a memory connected to a device mounted on the mobile body in a detachable manner.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the management unit receives the file number attached to the image file received by the external device, which is replied by the external device when the sending control unit sends the image file to the external device, and the management unit determines the image file that has not been received by the external device based on the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit and the file number last replied from the external device.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the management unit obtains information about the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device from the external device at the specified timing, and determines the image file that has not been received by the external device based on the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device obtained from the external device.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is an image recording method executed by a computer of an image recording system, comprising: a first step of storing an image file including an image of the surroundings of a moving body in a storage device mounted on the moving body; a second step of sending the image file to an external device disposed outside the moving body; and a third step of managing the transmission of the image file, wherein in the first step, ascending file numbers are associated with the image files in order from earliest to latest in terms of shooting time, and the image files and the file numbers are stored in the storage device, wherein in the second step, the file number associated with the image file is attached to the image file, and the image file attached with the file number is sent to the external device, and in the third step, at a predetermined prescribed time, unreceived image files that have not been received by the external device are determined based on the file number associated with the image file last sent in the second step and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device, and the unreceived image files are sent to the external device.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, when a surrounding image of a moving object is transmitted from the moving object to an external device, the surrounding image can be received without omission in the external device even when there is a possibility that communication interruption may occur between the moving object and the external device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of a video recording system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an image acquisition device included in a mobile object that constitutes the image recording system.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a recording server as an external device constituting the video recording system.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a terminal device constituting the video recording system.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the video recording system.

[0029] Description of Reference Numerals

[0030] 1: Image recording system, 2: Mobile body, 3: Image acquisition device, 4: Recording server (external device), 5: First communication device, 6: Communication network, 7: Camera, 7a: Front left camera, 7b: Front right camera, 7c: Rear left camera, 7d: Rear right camera, 8: Audio-visual device, 9: Storage device, 10: Security device, 11: Terminal device, 12: Power switch, 20: First processor, 21: First memory, 22: First program, 23: Recording unit, 24: Transmission control unit, 25: Management unit, 30: Second processor, 31: Second memory, 32: Storage device, 33: Second communication device, 34: Second program, 35: Reception control unit, 36: Image providing unit, 40: Third processor, 41: Third memory, 42: Touch panel, 43: Third communication device, 44: Third program, 45: Image receiving unit, 46: Image reproducing unit, U: User. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] [1. Example]

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] [1.1 Structure of the video recording system]

[0034] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the structure of an image recording system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image recording system 1 includes a recording server 4 and an image acquisition device 3 provided in a mobile body 2. The image acquisition device 3 is connected to the recording server 4 in a communicable manner via a communication network 6, for example, through a first communication device 5 provided in the mobile body 2. Here, the recording server 4 corresponds to an external device provided outside the mobile body in this embodiment.

[0035] In this embodiment, the moving body 2 is, for example, a vehicle. However, the moving body 2 is not limited to a vehicle, and may be any moving body. The moving body 2 may be, for example, a land moving body such as a passenger car, a bus, or a taxi, or may be a marine moving body such as a ship or a submarine, an air moving body such as an aircraft including an eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft), or a space moving body such as a spacecraft or an artificial satellite.

[0036] The image acquisition device 3 acquires an image of the surroundings of the mobile body 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as a surrounding image). In the present embodiment, the image acquisition device 3 includes a front left camera 7a, a front right camera 7b, a rear left camera 7c, and a rear right camera 7d provided by the mobile body 2. The front left camera 7a, the front right camera 7b, the rear left camera 7c, and the rear right camera 7d are respectively arranged on the main body of the mobile body 2, and shoot the surrounding areas of the front left side, the front right side, the rear left side, and the rear right side of the mobile body 2. Hereinafter, the front left camera 7a, the front right camera 7b, the rear left camera 7c, and the rear right camera 7d are collectively referred to as cameras 7.

[0037] In addition, when a predetermined event occurs, the image acquisition device 3 stores the acquired surrounding image as an image file in the storage device. In this embodiment, the storage device is, for example, a storage device 9 that is detachably mounted on the audio-visual device 8 provided in the mobile body 2. The audio-visual device 8 is, for example, a so-called display speaker, and the storage device 9 is, for example, a USB memory.

[0038] In addition, in the present embodiment, the predetermined event is, for example, the theft of the mobile body 2. More specifically, the predetermined event is the output of a security alarm from the security device 10 provided in the mobile body 2. For example, the security device 10 has an anti-theft function and / or a vehicle body impact detection function, and when the improper use of a vehicle key, impact and / or vibration to the vehicle body, which is associated with the theft of the mobile body 2, is detected according to the prior art, the security alarm is output.

[0039] The image acquisition device 3 stores the image file in the storage device 9 in time series every time the predetermined event occurs.

[0040] The video acquisition device 3 stores the video file in the storage device 9 and transmits the video file to the recording server 4. The recording server 4 stores the received video file in a storage device (described later) provided in the recording server 4.

[0041] When receiving the video file from the video acquisition device 3 of the mobile body 2, the recording server 4 sends a notification to the terminal device 11 of the user U of the mobile body 2. The notification may be an alarm notification notifying the possibility of theft of the mobile body 2. The terminal device 11 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone.

[0042] In response to the fact that the terminal device 11 receives the alarm notification from the recording server 4, the user U sends a request to send the surrounding image of the mobile body 2 from the terminal device 11 to the recording server 4. In response to receiving the above-mentioned sending request, the recording server 4 sends the image file received and stored from the image acquisition device 3 of the mobile body 2 to the terminal device 11. The user U can play the image file received from the recording server 4 through the terminal device 11 and browse the surrounding image of the mobile body 2. Here, the communication between the recording server 4 and the terminal device 11 can be performed via the communication network 6.

[0043] [1.2 Structure of the image acquisition device]

[0044] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the image acquisition device 3 mounted on the moving object 2 .

[0045] The image acquisition device 3 includes a first processor 20 and a first memory 21. The first memory 21 is composed of, for example, a volatile and / or non-volatile semiconductor memory. The first processor 20 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, etc. The first processor 20 may also be a structure including a ROM in which a program is written, a RAM for temporarily storing data, etc. In addition, the first processor 20 includes a recording unit 23, a transmission control unit 24, and a management unit 25 as functional elements or functional units.

[0046] These functional elements of the first processor 20 are realized, for example, by the first processor 20 as a computer executing the first program 22 stored in the first memory 21. In addition, the first program 22 can be pre-stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the above functional elements of the first processor 20 may be constituted by hardware each including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0047] The recording unit 23 stores an image file including an image of the surroundings of the moving object 2 in a storage device mounted on the moving object 2. In the present embodiment, the storage device is a storage device 9 which is a memory detachably connected to the audio-visual device 8.

[0048] Thus, by replacing the detachable storage device 9, it is possible to always ensure the storage capacity for storing the video files.

[0049] Specifically, the recording unit 23 receives an image of the surroundings of the mobile body 2, that is, a surrounding image, from the camera 7 mounted on the mobile body 2. Then, when a predetermined event occurs, the recording unit 23 stores the surrounding image received from the camera 7 in the storage device 9 as an image file in a time series. As described above, in this embodiment, the predetermined event is, for example, the theft of the mobile body 2, specifically, the case where a security alarm is received from the security device 10 provided in the mobile body 2. The audio-visual device 8 can save the image file in the storage device 9 according to the instruction from the recording unit 23.

[0050] Here, the surrounding images stored in the storage device 9 as the image file may be images captured during a predetermined time period (eg, 10 minutes) after the security alarm from the security device 10 is received, for example.

[0051] In this embodiment, in particular, the recording unit 23 associates the ascending file numbers with the image files in the order of shooting time from early to late, and stores the image files and the file numbers in the storage device 9. For example, when the recording unit 23 saves a new image file in the storage device 9, it adds 1 to the file number of the image file just saved before to generate a new file number, and associates the new file number with the new image file. Then, the recording unit 23 saves the new image file and the new file number in the storage device 9.

[0052] The transmission control unit 24 transmits the image file stored in the storage device 9 by the recording unit 23 to the recording server 4 via the first communication device 5 provided in the mobile body 2. For example, when the recording unit 23 stores the image file in the storage device 9, the transmission control unit 24 transmits the stored image file to the recording server 4.

[0053] In the present embodiment, in particular, the transmission control unit 24 adds a file number stored in the storage device 9 in association with the video file to the video file, and transmits the video file to which the file number is added to the recording server 4 .

[0054] As described above, the video acquisition device 3 including the transmission control unit 24 and the recording server 4 are connected to each other so as to be communicable via the communication network 6. That is, the transmission control unit 24 transmits the video file to the recording server 4 via the communication network 6.

[0055] On the other hand, the mobile body 2 equipped with the image acquisition device 3 may move to a place where it cannot communicate well with the communication network 6 (for example, inside a building where radio waves are difficult to reach, or a place far from a radio tower). As a result, depending on the location of the mobile body 2, it may happen that the image file cannot be transmitted from the transmission control unit 24 or the recording server 4 cannot properly receive the image file transmitted by the transmission control unit 24.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, in particular, the management unit 25 manages the transmission of the image files so that the record server 4 receives and stores all the image files sent by the sending control unit 24. Specifically, the management unit 25 determines the unreceived image files that the record server 4 has not received, based on the file number attached to the image file last sent by the sending control unit 24 and the file number attached to the image file last received by the record server 4, at a predetermined timing. Then, the management unit 25 instructs the sending control unit 24 to send the unreceived image files.

[0057] Here, the above-mentioned predetermined timing is, for example, when the power of the mobile body 2 is switched from the on state to the off state and the transmission control unit 24 is in a state where communication with the communication network 6 is possible. "When the power of the mobile body 2 is switched from the on state to the off state" specifically refers to when the power switch 12 ( Figure 2 ) is switched from the on state to the off state. In addition, "when the sending control unit 24 and the communication network 6 are in a state where they can communicate" specifically refers to when the mobile body 2 equipped with the sending control unit 24 is within the communication range of the communication network 6. Here, the communication range refers to a geographical area where the intensity of the communication radio waves of the communication network 6 is strong enough to enable normal or good communication. For example, the sending control unit 24 measures the radio wave intensity of the radio waves received from the communication network 6, and the management unit 25 can determine that the sending control unit 24 and the communication network 6 are in a state where they can communicate when the radio wave intensity is above a specified threshold.

[0058] Therefore, although there may be a period of communication interruption between the mobile body 2 and the recording server 4, the image files that have not been received by the recording server 4 can be easily determined at a specified time, allowing the recording server 4 to receive the surrounding images of the mobile body 2 without omission.

[0059] Specifically, the management unit 25 can identify the unreceived video files in the recording server 4 in the following manner.

[0060] For example, the management unit 25 receives information of a file number attached to an image file received by the record server 4, which is replied by the record server 4 when the transmission control unit 24 transmits an image file to the record server 4. Then, the management unit 25 determines the unreceived image file that the record server 4 has not received, based on the file number attached to the image file last transmitted by the transmission control unit 24 and the file number last replied by the record server 4.

[0061] More specifically, the management unit 25 specifies, among the video files stored in the storage device 9 , a video file associated with a file number greater than the file number last replied from the recording server 4 as a video file not received by the recording server 4 .

[0062] Thus, when a predetermined timing comes, it is possible to identify video files that have not been received by the recording server 4 without having to communicate with the recording server 4 again.

[0063] Alternatively, the management unit 25 may also obtain the information of the file number attached to the image file last received by the recording server 4 from the recording server 4 at the above-mentioned specified timing. For example, when the above-mentioned specified timing arrives, the management unit 25 sends a file number information request to the recording server 4, and the recording server 4 responds to the image acquisition device 3 with the information of the file number attached to the image file last received by the recording server 4 in response to receiving the file number information request.

[0064] Then, the management unit 25 determines the unreceived image files that the recording server 4 has not received, based on the file number attached to the image file last sent by the sending control unit 24 and the file number attached to the image file last received by the recording server 4 obtained from the recording server 4, in the same manner as described above.

[0065] Thus, through communication with the recording server 4, it is possible to more reliably identify a video file that has not been received by the recording server 4.

[0066] In addition, the transmission control unit 24 may store in advance in the first memory the file number added to the last transmitted image file, and the management unit 25 may read out the file number and use it as needed.

[0067] [1.3 Structure of the Recording Server]

[0068] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the structure of the recording server 4.

[0069] The recording server 4 includes a second processor 30, a second memory 31, a storage device 32, and a second communication device 33. The second memory 31 is composed of, for example, a volatile and / or non-volatile semiconductor memory. The storage device 32 is composed of, for example, a hard disk device (HDD) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The second communication device 33 is a transceiver for communicating with the image acquisition device 3 of the mobile body 2 and the terminal device 11 via the communication network 6.

[0070] The second processor 30 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, etc. The second processor 30 may also be a structure including a ROM in which a program is written, a RAM for temporary storage of data, etc. Furthermore, the second processor 30 includes a reception control unit 35 and an image providing unit 36 ​​as functional elements or functional units.

[0071] These functional elements of the second processor 30 are realized, for example, by the second processor 30 as a computer executing the second program 34 stored in the second memory 31. In addition, the second program 34 can be pre-stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the above functional elements of the second processor 30 may be constituted by hardware each including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0072] The receiving control unit 35 receives an image file and a file number attached to the image file from the image acquisition device 3 of the mobile body 2, and stores the received image file in association with the file number in the storage device 32. When receiving an image file from the image acquisition device 3 of the mobile body 2, the receiving control unit 35 may also reply to the image acquisition device 3 as the transmission source of the image file with information on the file number attached to the received image file.

[0073] When receiving an image file from the image acquisition device 3 of the mobile object 2, the reception control unit 35 sends a notification to the terminal device 11 of the user U of the mobile object 2. As described above, the notification may be an alarm notification notifying that the mobile object 2 may be stolen.

[0074] Furthermore, when receiving a file number information request from the video acquisition device 3 of the mobile object 2 , the reception control unit 35 may transmit information of a file number added to the video file last received by the recording server 4 to the video acquisition device 3 .

[0075] When receiving a request to transmit the surrounding image of the moving object 2 from the terminal device 11 of the user U, the image providing unit 36 ​​reads the image file last received from the image acquisition device 3 of the moving object 2 from the storage device 32 and transmits it to the terminal device 11 .

[0076] [1.4 Structure of terminal equipment]

[0077] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the terminal device 11. As described above, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 11 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone.

[0078] The terminal device 11 includes a third processor 40, a third memory 41, a touch panel 42, and a third communication device 43. The third memory 41 is composed of, for example, a volatile and / or nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The third communication device 43 is a transceiver used by the terminal device 11 to communicate with other devices via the communication network 6.

[0079] The third processor 40 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, etc. The third processor 40 may have a ROM in which a program is written, a RAM for temporarily storing data, etc. Furthermore, the third processor 40 has an image receiving unit 45 and an image reproducing unit 46 as functional elements or functional units.

[0080] These functional elements of the third processor 40 are realized, for example, by the third processor 40 as a computer executing the third program 44 stored in the third memory 41. In addition, the third program 44 can be pre-stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, the third program 44 can be downloaded from a server device (not shown) connected to the communication network 6.

[0081] The third program 44 is, for example, an application for playing image information. Hereinafter, the application started by executing the third program 44 is referred to as an image reproduction application. According to the prior art, the terminal device 11 displays a startup icon of the image reproduction application on the touch panel 42, and when the corresponding startup icon is operated, the third program 44 is executed, and the image receiving unit 45 and the image reproduction unit 46 are implemented in the third processor 40.

[0082] The terminal device 11 receives a notification (e.g., an alarm notification) sent by the recording server 4 when receiving an image file. For example, the terminal device 11, which is a portable terminal such as a smartphone, receives the above notification before starting the third program 44, and displays the notification as a push notification on the touch panel 42. The push notification can be executed as a process of a resident program executed in the terminal device 11 according to the conventional technology.

[0083] In response to the push notification being displayed, the user U operates the activation icon displayed on the touch panel 42 to activate the video playback application, thereby causing the terminal device 11 to execute the third program 44 .

[0084] The video receiving unit 45 requests the recording server 4 to send the latest video file (ie, the video file last received by the recording server 4 from the video acquisition device 3 ) according to the reception instruction input by the user U via the touch panel 42 , and receives the latest video file.

[0085] The video playback unit 46 displays the surrounding video of the moving object 2 included in the received latest video file on the touch panel 42 in accordance with the playback instruction input by the user U via the touch panel 42 .

[0086] [1.5 Operation of the video recording system]

[0087] Next, the operation sequence of the video recording system 1 will be described. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the steps of a video recording method executed in cooperation between the first processor 20 of the video acquisition device 3 and the second processor 30 of the recording server 4 which are computers of the video recording system 1 . Figure 5 The processing shown is started when the power of the image acquisition device 3 of the mobile body 2 and the recording server 4 is turned on, and is repeatedly executed. The image acquisition device 3 is turned on when the mobile body 2 is shipped, and the operation is continued even when the power switch 12 of the mobile body 2 is turned off. Figure 5 While the processing shown is being performed, the surrounding images of the moving object 2 are always received from the camera 7.

[0088] When the process starts, first, the recording unit 23 of the image acquisition device 3 determines whether a predetermined event has occurred ( S100 ). In this embodiment, specifically, the recording unit 23 determines whether a security alarm has been received from the security device 10 .

[0089] Then, when the predetermined event has not occurred (S100, No), the recording unit 23 returns to step S100 and repeatedly executes the process to wait for the predetermined event to occur.

[0090] On the other hand, when a predetermined event occurs (S100, yes), the recording unit 23 starts recording the surrounding images of the mobile object 2 obtained from the camera 7, and generates an image file containing the surrounding images of a predetermined period (for example, 10 minutes) since the occurrence of the predetermined event (in this embodiment, the receipt of a security alarm from the security device 10) (S102). In addition, the recording unit 23 may also send a notification to the terminal device 11 of the user U when a predetermined event occurs.

[0091] Next, the recording unit 23 generates a file number for the image file generated in step S102, associates the image file with the generated file number, and stores it in the storage device 9 (S104). As described above, the recording unit 23 generates ascending file numbers in the order of shooting time from earliest to latest and associates them with the image files.

[0092] In addition, the recording unit 23 may also store the generated file number in the first memory 21. When the recording unit 23 saves a new image file in the storage device 9 later, it can read the stored file number from the first memory 21 and generate a number obtained by adding 1 to the read file number as the file number of the new image file.

[0093] Next, the transmission control unit 24 determines whether the communication connection with the communication network 6 is normal (i.e., whether the communication connection is disconnected) (S106). Then, when the communication connection is not disconnected, i.e., when the communication connection is normal (S106, yes), the transmission control unit 24 reads the image file and the file number stored by the recording unit 23 in step S104 from the storage device 9, adds the read file number to the read image file, and sends it to the recording server 4 (S108). The reception control unit 35 of the recording server 4 receives the image file and the file number, and stores the received image file and the file number in the storage device 32 (S110). In addition, the reception control unit 35 replies the file number attached to the received image file to the image acquisition device 3 of the mobile body 2 (S112).

[0094] Next, the reception control unit 35 transmits an alarm notification to the terminal device 11 of the user U (S114). Next, the reception control unit 35 transmits the stored video file to the terminal device 11 in accordance with the transmission request from the terminal device 11 (S116), and ends the process.

[0095] On the other hand, in step S106, when the transmission control unit 24 determines that the communication connection with the communication network 6 is disconnected (S106, No), the management unit 25 determines whether a predetermined timing has arrived (S118). As described above, the predetermined timing may be when the power switch 12 of the mobile body 2 is switched from the on state to the off state and the transmission control unit 24 is in a state where communication with the communication network 6 is possible.

[0096] Then, when the predetermined timing has not arrived (S118, No), the management unit 25 repeats step S118 and waits for the predetermined timing to arrive.

[0097] On the other hand, when the predetermined timing comes (S118, Yes), the management unit 25 identifies the unreceived image file that has not been received by the recording server 4 among the image files stored in the storage device 9 (S120). As described above, the unreceived image file is identified based on the file number associated with the image file last transmitted by the transmission control unit 24 and the file number attached to the image file last received by the recording server 4.

[0098] Next, the management unit 25 instructs the transmission control unit 24 to transmit the above-identified unreceived video file, and the transmission control unit 24 transmits the instructed unreceived video file to the recording server 4 (S122). After that, the recording server 4 executes the above-mentioned steps S110, S112, S114, and S116, and ends this process.

[0099] Here, in Figure 5 In the embodiment, steps S102 and S108 correspond to the first step and the second step in the present disclosure, respectively. In addition, steps S118 to S122 correspond to the third step in the present disclosure.

[0100] [2. Other embodiments]

[0101] The "prescribed event" that is a trigger for the recording unit 23 to store the surrounding image as an image file is, in this embodiment, a theft of the mobile body 2, but the prescribed event is not limited to theft. The prescribed event may be any event that may have some impact on the mobile body 2 within the shooting range of the camera mounted on the mobile body 2. In addition to the theft mentioned above, such events may also include contact or collision with an object that may cause damage to the main body of the mobile body 2 or other structures, being poured with liquid that may contaminate the structure, and unexpected movement of the mobile body 2. The recording unit 23 can detect the occurrence of the above-mentioned prescribed event based on signals from various sensors corresponding to the types of the above-mentioned prescribed events, or information from a device that processes the signals from these sensors.

[0102] In addition, the management unit 25 may determine the prescribed timing of recording the unreceived video files of the server 4 regardless of whether the power switch 12 of the mobile body 2 is turned on or off, as long as it is when the communication connection between the transmission control unit 24 and the communication network 6 is restored after being disconnected. Whether the communication connection between the transmission control unit 24 and the communication network 6 is disconnected or restored can be determined based on whether the radio wave strength of the radio wave transmitted by the wireless communication device constituting the communication network 6 is less than a prescribed threshold value and whether the radio wave strength is greater than a prescribed threshold value, respectively.

[0103] However, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, by switching the power of the mobile body 2 from the on state to the off state and setting the predetermined timing as the time when the sending control unit 24 and the communication network 6 are in a state capable of communicating, for example, in the case where the mobile body 2 is stolen and moved, when the mobile body 2 stops at a place with a good communication environment, the above-mentioned unreceived image file can be immediately determined and the determined image file can be sent to the external device.

[0104] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management unit 25 is provided in the image acquisition device 3 mounted on the mobile body 2, but it may be provided in the recording server 4. However, when the management unit 25 is provided in the mobile body 2 as in the above-mentioned embodiment, the transmission management of the image file can be performed in the mobile body 2 which is the transmission source of the image file of the surrounding image, so that the image file that has not been received by the recording server 4 can be quickly determined according to the state of the communication environment of the mobile body 2, and the determined image file can be sent to the recording server 4.

[0105] In addition, when the recording server 4 includes the management unit 25, the management unit 25 receives a notification from the image acquisition device 3 indicating that the power switch 12 of the mobile body 2 has been switched from the on state to the off state, and upon receiving the notification, it can be determined that the above-mentioned predetermined timing has arrived. In addition, in this case, when the above-mentioned predetermined timing arrives, the management unit 25 can obtain the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit 24 from the image acquisition device 3, and identify the image file that has not been received. Thereafter, the management unit 25 can instruct the image acquisition device 3 to send the identified unreceived image file.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various forms within the scope of the present invention.

[0107] [3. Structure supported by the above embodiments]

[0108] The above-described embodiments support the following structures.

[0109] (Structure 1) An image recording system, comprising: a recording unit, which stores an image file including an image of the surroundings of a moving body in a storage device mounted on the moving body; a sending control unit, which sends the image file to an external device arranged outside the moving body; and a management unit, which manages the transmission of the image file, wherein the recording unit associates ascending file numbers with the image files in order from earliest to latest shooting time, and stores the image files and the file numbers in the storage device, the sending control unit attaches the file number associated with the image file to the image file, and sends the image file attached with the file number to the external device, and the management unit determines, at a predetermined specified time, unreceived image files that have not been received by the external device based on the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device, and instructs the sending control unit to send the unreceived image files.

[0110] According to the image recording system of structure 1, although there may be a period of communication interruption between the mobile body and the external device, the image files that have not been received in the external device can be easily determined at a specified time, so that the external device can receive surrounding images without omission.

[0111] (Configuration 2) In the video recording system according to Configuration 1, the recording unit and the management unit are provided in the moving body.

[0112] According to the image recording system of structure 2, since the transmission management of the image file is performed in the mobile body which is the sending source of the image file of the surrounding image, it is possible to quickly determine the image file that has not been received by the external device according to the state of the communication environment of the mobile body, and send the determined image file to the external device.

[0113] (Structure 3) An image recording system according to Structure 1 or 2, wherein the sending control unit communicates with the external device via a communication network provided outside the mobile body, and the prescribed timing is when the power of the mobile body is switched from an on state to an off state and the sending control unit and the communication network are in a state capable of communicating.

[0114] According to the video recording system of Configuration 3, when the mobile body stops at a place with a good communication environment, the unreceived video file can be immediately identified and the identified video file can be sent to the external device.

[0115] (Structure 4) The video recording system according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the storage device is a memory connected to a device mounted on the mobile body in a detachable manner.

[0116] According to the video recording system of configuration 4, by replacing the detachable memory, it is possible to always ensure the storage capacity for storing video files.

[0117] (Structure 5) An image recording system according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein the management unit receives the file number attached to the image file received by the external device, which is replied by the external device when the sending control unit sends the image file to the external device, and the management unit determines the unreceived image file that the external device has not received based on the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit and the file number last replied from the external device.

[0118] According to the video recording system of Configuration 5, it is possible to identify unreceived video files in the external device without communicating with the external device.

[0119] (Structure 6) An image recording system according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein the management unit obtains information on the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device from the external device at the specified time, and determines the unreceived image file that the external device has not received based on the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device obtained from the external device.

[0120] According to the image recording system of Configuration 6, by communicating with the external device, it is possible to more reliably identify the unreceived image files in the external device.

[0121] (Structure 7) An image recording method, executed by a computer of an image recording system, comprising: a first step of storing an image file containing an image of the surroundings of a moving body in a storage device mounted on the moving body; a second step of sending the image file to an external device disposed outside the moving body; and a third step of managing the transmission of the image file, wherein in the first step, ascending file numbers are associated with the image files in order from earliest to latest in terms of shooting time, and the image files and the file numbers are stored in the storage device, wherein in the second step, the file number associated with the image file is attached to the image file, and the image file to which the file number is attached is sent to the external device, and in the third step, at a predetermined prescribed time, unreceived image files that have not been received by the external device are determined based on the file number associated with the image file last sent in the second step and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device, and the unreceived image files are sent to the external device.

[0122] According to the image recording method of structure 7, although there is a situation where communication interruption may occur between the mobile body and the external device, the image files that have not been received in the external device can be easily determined at a specified time, so that the external device can receive the surrounding images without omission.

Claims

1. An image recording system, comprising: a recording unit that stores an image file including an image of the surroundings of the moving object in a storage device mounted on the moving object; a transmission control unit that transmits the image file to an external device disposed outside the mobile body; and A management unit, which manages the transmission of the image files. The recording unit associates the image files with file numbers in ascending order in the order of shooting time from earliest to latest, and stores the image files and the file numbers in the storage device. The transmission control unit adds the file number associated with the image file to the image file, and transmits the image file to which the file number is added to the external device. The management unit determines, at a predetermined timing, an unreceived image file that has not been received by the external device based on the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device, and instructs the sending control unit to send the unreceived image file.

2. The image recording system according to claim 1, wherein: The recording unit and the management unit are provided in the moving body.

3. The image recording system according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission control unit communicates with the external device via a communication network provided outside the mobile body. The predetermined timing is when the power of the mobile object is switched from the on state to the off state and the transmission control unit is in a state capable of communicating with the communication network.

4. The image recording system according to claim 1, wherein: The storage device is a memory connected to a device mounted on the mobile body in a detachable manner.

5. The image recording system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The management unit receives the file number added to the image file received by the external device and replied by the external device when the transmission control unit transmits the image file to the external device, The management unit identifies the unreceived image file that the external device has not received, based on the file number associated with the image file last transmitted by the transmission control unit and the file number last replied from the external device.

6. The image recording system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The management unit obtains information on the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device from the external device at the specified timing, and determines the image file that has not been received by the external device based on the file number associated with the image file last sent by the sending control unit and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device obtained from the external device.

7. An image recording method, executed by a computer of an image recording system, comprising: In a first step, an image file including an image of the surroundings of a moving object is stored in a storage device mounted on the moving object; The second step is to send the image file to an external device disposed outside the mobile body; as well as The third step is to manage the transmission of the image file. In the first step, ascending file numbers are associated with the image files in the order of shooting time from earliest to latest, and the image files and the file numbers are stored in the storage device. In the second step, the file number associated with the image file is added to the image file, and the image file to which the file number is added is sent to the external device. In the third step, at a predetermined time, based on the file number associated with the image file last sent in the second step and the file number attached to the image file last received by the external device, the unreceived image file that has not been received by the external device is determined, and the unreceived image file is sent to the external device.

Images