IMAGING SYSTEM

Abstract

Imaging system arranged in a vehicle (101), the imaging system comprising: an imaging device (1) comprising: an image sensor (11); and a power source section (17) supplied with electrical energy from an electrical storage device (7) of the vehicle (101); a trip recorder (3) arranged outside the imaging device (1), the trip recorder (3) comprising: a camera (41) distinct from the image sensor (11), wherein the camera (41) images a scene in front of the vehicle (101), and a storage device (43);wherein the imaging device (1) further comprises: a housing (51), wherein the housing (51) has an opening (115) formed by a side surface thereof, the side surface corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (101), and a power supply section (21, 23) provided in the housing (51) of the imaging device (1) and supplied with electrical energy by the power source section (17) and supplying the electrical energy to the trip recorder (3); wherein: the imaging device (1) is attached to a windshield (103) of the vehicle (101) and is arranged within the housing (51); the imaging device (1) is configured to: image a scene in front of the vehicle (101) by means of the image sensor (11); and, based on an image obtained by the image sensor (11), perform a detection process in front of the vehicle (101);wherein the power supply section (21, 23) further comprises a connection (23) which is to be connected to the trip recorder (3) via a cable (31), wherein both the electrical energy supplied by the power supply section (21, 23) and a result of the recognition process are jointly output to the trip recorder (3) via the connection (23); and wherein the power supply section (21, 23) is arranged in the housing (51) such that it is accessible through the opening (115) and is connected to the trip recorder (3) via the cable (31).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application is based on and claims the priority advantage of Japanese patent application No. 2016-117800 filed on June 14, 2016; full reference is made hereto to the disclosure content therein. BACKGROUND (TECHNICAL AREA)

[0002] The present invention relates to an imaging device which is arranged in a vehicle. (STATE OF THE ART)

[0003] There are known motion recorders that capture a scene, for example in front of a vehicle, and save the images. For example, JP-A-2010-120423 discloses a vehicle-integrated device into which an expansion module is inserted into a predetermined slot to save images obtained by a vehicle camera, thus enabling it to function as a motion recorder.

[0004] A vehicle camera, such as one disclosed in JP-A-2010-120423, which captures a scene around a vehicle, and a camera used for a dashcam have different purposes. To achieve both purposes, it is necessary to provide two cameras. In this case, the wiring becomes more complex compared to a single-camera configuration. SUMMARY

[0005] One embodiment provides an imaging device which simplifies the wiring.

[0006] As one aspect of the embodiment, an imaging device arranged in a vehicle comprises a power source section which is supplied with electrical energy from an electrical storage device of the vehicle, and a power supply section which is supplied with electrical energy by the power source section and supplies the electrical energy to an external device, which is an electronic device located outside the imaging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings show:

[0008] Fig. 1 a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system;

[0009] Fig. 2 a perspective view showing the external appearance of an imaging device;

[0010] Fig. 3 a perspective view showing a state in which the imaging device is attached to a vehicle;

[0011] Fig. 4 a diagram which schematically shows the imaging device from a perspective in front of a windshield; and

[0012] Fig. 5 a diagram which schematically shows the imaging device from a perspective in front of a windshield. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0013] One embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings. (1. embodiment)[1-1. configuration]

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging system. One in Fig. 1 Imaging device shown 1It is positioned and configured within a vehicle to image a scene from outside the vehicle. The imaging device 1 supplies a vehicle-mounted electronic data recorder 3 with electrical energy. Furthermore, the imaging device transmits 1 Information to one or more electronic devices (hereinafter: vehicle-integrated devices) 6 ), which use a vehicle-specific network 5 They are connected, receive information from the electronic devices and transmit the received information to the trip recorder. 3 Each of the vehicle's own devices comprises one or more controllers and one or more sensors.

[0015] The imaging device 1 and the trip recorder 3 are connected via a port and a communication system according to the Universal Serial Bus (hereinafter: USB) standard. The dashcam3 corresponds to an external device.

[0016] The imaging device 1 includes an image sensor 11 , a tax section 13 , a network interface (hereinafter: I / F) 15 , an energy source section 17 , a USB controller 19 , a circuit for supplying electrical energy 21 and a connection 23 .

[0017] The image sensor 11 Images are obtained. The image sensor 11 transforms a motif image that is formed by image generation from incident light, which has been transmitted through one or more lenses that are in Fig. The images (not shown in Figure 1) are converted into an electrical signal using a photosensor array. The image sensor then outputs... 11 the electrical signal to the control section 13 out of.

[0018] The control section 13The imaging device is configured and controlled by a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, which are essential components, and the like. 1 holistically. The tax section 13 It can be configured to perform a detection process for identifying a lane, road shape, obstacle, traffic control device, and the like, based on a signal indicating the image output of the image sensor, and to control the vehicle based on the result of the detection process. The following are the functions of the image sensor. 11 generated images and information about the result of the recognition process of the control section 13 referred to as generation information.

[0019] The generation information is based at least on the data provided by the imaging device. 1 The image obtained includes, in addition to the image itself, the information obtained through the processing of the image.

[0020] The generation information and a control signal for vehicle control are provided by the I / F 15 to the vehicle's own network 5 issued.

[0021] The I / F 15 is an interface for communication with the vehicle's own devices provided in the vehicle. 6 For example, in a case where the I / F 15 with the vehicle's own devices 6 is connected via a communication line that is I / F 15 a connection that is linked to the communication line and an electronic circuit. Furthermore, in a case where the I / F 15 with the vehicle's own devices 6 is connected via radio, the I / F 15 include a radio communication device.

[0022] The I / F 15 obtains a device from the vehicle's own equipment 6 to the vehicle's own network5 outputs the signal and transmits the received signal to the control section. 13 Furthermore, the I / F 15 a signal to the vehicle's own network 5 from which of the tax section 13 to any of the vehicle's own devices 6 was output. The information, which was output by the vehicle's own device 6 The signals output are specified and are subsequently referred to as vehicle information. The I / F 15 and the tax section 13 correspond to an information acquisition phase.

[0023] Vehicle information includes, for example, vehicle speed, yaw rate, gear position, braking signal, collision information, acceleration position, steering angle, operating states of turn signals, and vehicle position information. This information is output by sensors or control units that can acquire it.

[0024] The energy sources section 17 receives electrical energy supplied by a battery located in the vehicle. 7 is supplied and delivers the required electrical energy to each part of the imaging device. 1 In Fig. 1. The power supply lines, which are connected to units other than the circuit for supplying electrical energy, are 21 connected, not shown. The battery 7 corresponds to an electrical storage device. The energy source section 17can be used with the accessory power source or the battery power source of the battery 7 be connected.

[0025] The USB control 19 It performs data communication according to the USB standard. The USB controller 19 gives the through I / F 5 vehicle information obtained and the information obtained through the imaging device 1 generated generation information to the trip recorder 3 out. The tax section 13 and the USB control 19 correspond to an information output section and an external output section.

[0026] The circuit for supplying electrical energy 21 converts from the energy source section 17 supplied electrical energy is converted into electrical energy that is sent to the trip recorder. 3 to be output and delivers the converted electrical energy via the connection 23 to the trip recorder 3 .

[0027] It should be noted that a configuration can be provided in which the electrical energy to be output is modified depending on the target device to which the electrical energy is supplied. In particular, it can be assumed that the control section 13 the circuit for supplying electrical energy 21 dependent on a connected device, which is controlled via USB. 19 is detected, and the voltage is adjusted depending on the detected device.

[0028] The connection 23 is configured to connect to a connection port 31a a cable 31 , which is connected to the trip recorder 3 is connected, to be connectable. In the present embodiment, the connection is 23 A female connector conforming to the USB standard. In a state where the imaging device 1via the connection 23 with the trip recorder 3 When connected, electrical energy can be transferred via the connection. 23 to the trip recorder 3 will be delivered.

[0029] The circuit for supplying electrical energy 21 and the connection 23 This corresponds to a power supply section. It should be noted that the circuit is for supplying electrical power. 21 not necessarily within the imaging device 1 must be located, for example, when electrical energy is combined with the energy source section. 17 set voltage to the drive recorder 3 is delivered. In this case, the connection corresponds to 23 the energy supply section.

[0030] The trip recorder 3 is an electronic device that is located outside the imaging device 1is positioned and not connected to the vehicle's own network 5 is connected. The trip recorder 3 includes a camera 41 , which depicts a scene in front of the vehicle, and a storage device 43 Through the camera 41 The acquired images are stored in a memory area of ​​the storage device. 43 saved.

[0031] Furthermore, the storage area of ​​the storage device stores 43 through the imaging device 1 via the vehicle's own network 5 It obtained vehicle information and transmitted it to the trip recorder. 3 out, and in the imaging device 1 generated generation information. The storage device 43 may include a removable device such as an SD card (Secure Digital Card).

[0032] As it is in Fig. The imaging device shown in 2 is 1 with a case51 covered. The imaging device 1 has a lens part 53 on, which has several lenses to bring light onto the image sensor 11 features the case 51 is with an opening 55 provided, through which the front section of the lens part 53 is exposed. Furthermore, a side surface of the housing is 51 with a connection 23 provided to be used with the ride recorder 3 to be connected.

[0033] As it is in Fig. As shown in 3, the imaging device 1 and the trip recorder 3 on the inside of a windshield 103 of the vehicle 101 attached, that is, to a rear side of the windshield 103 and in positions in front of a rearview mirror 105 , to be arranged in the right-left direction. Both, the imaging device 1and the trip recorder 3 They depict a scene in front of the vehicle. The front-back and right-left directions are directions in relation to the vehicle. 101 .

[0034] Furthermore, the trip recorder 3 , although the imaging device 1 with a cover part 111 is covered, outside the cover part 111 arranged as shown schematically in Fig. As shown in section 4, the cover part 111 an opening 113 , through which the front section of the lens part 53 is exposed, and an opening 115 , through which the cable 31 runs, on. [1-2. Beneficial Effects]

[0035] According to the embodiment described above, the following advantageous effects can be obtained. (1a) The imaging device 1 can be done through the connection 23electrical energy to the trip recorder 3 deliver. So that the speed recorder 3 using a cable with a length between the drive recorder 3 and the connection 23 the imaging device 1 , which can be powered by electrical energy, the wiring becomes simple when the dashcam is used. 3 is located in the vehicle. Furthermore, it prevents the aesthetic appearance from being negatively affected by the placement of a long cable in the vehicle's interior. (1b) The imaging device 1 It sends the vehicle information and the generation information to the trip recorder. 3 This allows, for example, after an accident has occurred and under driving conditions using the data stored in the memory device. 43Once the stored information has been analyzed, detailed analyses can be performed based on a large amount of information. (1c) Since the imaging device 1 with the trip recorder 3 using the connection 23 Connecting devices according to the USB standard increases the overall flexibility of use. For example, not only a dashcam but also a device capable of being powered or charged via USB bus power can be connected. (2. Other embodiments)

[0036] It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the configurations described above, but includes any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements within the scope of the present invention which may be apparent to those skilled in the art. (2a) The embodiment above illustrates a configuration in which the cover part 111 the imaging device 1 and not the trip recorder 3 covers. However, as in a case with a cover part. 121 , which in Fig. As shown in section 5, both the imaging device and the imaging device can be used. 1 and the trip recorder 3 , be covered.

[0037] According to such a configuration, the cable 31 with the cover part 121 It can be covered and the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle's interior can be improved.

[0038] Furthermore, a configuration can be provided in which no cover part is used. (2b) The embodiment above illustrates a configuration in which the imaging device 1 and the trip recorder 3 using a connection 23are connected according to the USB standard and communicate with the dashcam. 3 and energy supply to the trip recorder 3 This can be done. However, a configuration can be provided that performs communication via a connection system other than the USB standard. Furthermore, a configuration can be provided that performs the communication and power supply described above using different cables. (2c) In the above embodiment, the trip recorder 3 as an electronic device, connectable to the imaging device 1 , illustrated. However, a different connectable electronic device than the trip recorder is possible. 3 be provided. Such an electronic device can be configured so that only the power supply comes from the imaging device. 1is carried out or can be configured so that power is supplied and information is obtained. (2d) The above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the connection 23 in the case 51 is formed. However, a connection can be made in the cover part. 111 be educated. (2e) The arrangement of the imaging device 1 and the speed recorder 3 is not limited to the above embodiments and the imaging device 1 and the trip recorder 3 They can be arranged in different positions. (2f) Functions of a component in the above embodiment can be distributed among several components. Functions of several components can be provided by one component. A multitude of functions of several components can be provided by one component. A function provided by several components can be provided by one component. Parts of the configuration of the above embodiment can be omitted. At least one part of the configuration of the embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment or replaced by a configuration of another embodiment. (2g) The present invention can be implemented in various embodiments, in addition to the imaging device 1 , can be achieved, for example, with a system using an imaging device 1as a component, a program which allows a computer to function as the imaging device 1 to function and a non-transient, computer-readable recording medium, such as a semiconductor memory, which stores the program. (2h) Basic functions of a dashcam can be provided in the imaging system, so that the imaging system functions as a dashcam simply by connecting a universal recording drive, such as a standard hard drive. According to the basic functions, the images captured by the camera are continuously stored on an external universal recording drive with overwriting. If sudden acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle is detected, the images captured at that moment are saved.

[0039] The following summarizes one aspect of the embodiments described above.

[0040] One aspect of the embodiment includes an imaging device arranged in a vehicle ( 1 ): an energy source section ( 17 ), which is powered by an electrical storage device ( 7 ) of the vehicle is supplied with electrical energy; and a power supply section ( 21 , 23 ), which is supplied with electrical energy from the energy source section and supplies the electrical energy to an external device ( 3 ) provides, which is an electronic device located outside the imaging device.

[0041] Depending on the configuration, the external device can be powered by the imaging device. This allows for a shorter cable run to the external device, making it easier to mount and preventing any deterioration of the vehicle interior's aesthetic appearance.

[0042] As a further aspect of the embodiment, an imaging system comprises: an imaging device ( 1 ), which is arranged in a vehicle; an external device ( 3 ), which is an electronic device located outside the imaging device; and a cover part ( 111 , 121 ), which covers the imaging device. The imaging device comprises: a power source section ( 17 ), which is powered by electrical energy from an electrical storage device ( 7) of the vehicle; and a power supply section ( 21 , 23 ), which is supplied with electrical energy by the energy source section and delivers the electrical energy to the external device.

[0043] Depending on the configuration, the external device can be powered by the imaging device. This simplifies the wiring and prevents any deterioration of the aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the cover plate can improve the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0044] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0045] JP 2016-117800

[0001] JP 2010-120423 A [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Imaging device which is arranged in a vehicle, wherein the imaging device comprises: an energy source section which is supplied with electrical energy from an electrical storage device of the vehicle; and a power supply section which is supplied with electrical energy by the power source section and supplies the electrical energy to an external device, which is an electronic device located outside the imaging device. [2] Imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is attached to a windshield of the vehicle and images a scene in front of the vehicle. [3] Imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply section is provided on a housing of the imaging device and has a connector to be connectable to the external unit; and The power supply section provides electrical energy through connection to the external device. [4] Imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: an information acquisition section which obtains vehicle information provided by at least one of one or more controllers and one or more sensors on the vehicle; and an information output section that outputs the vehicle information obtained by the information acquisition section to the external device. [5] Imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising an external output section which outputs the generation information generated by the imaging device to the external device. [6] Imaging system, comprising: an imaging device which is arranged in a vehicle; an external device, which is an electronic device located outside the imaging device; and a cover part which covers the imaging device, wherein the imaging device includes: an energy source section which is supplied with electrical energy from an electrical storage device of the vehicle; and a power supply section which is supplied with electrical energy by the power source section and delivers the electrical energy to the external device. [7] Imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the external device is a dashcam; and The cover part covers the imaging device and the drive recorder.

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