Imaging device, drive recorder and others

Abstract

To provide an imaging device and a drive recorder suitable for widely imaging a desired range.SOLUTION: An imaging device 100 includes: fixing means 112 fixed at a predetermined attachment position; imaging means for imaging by using a wide-angle lens 114; holding means 116 for holding the wide-angle lens and capable of adjusting an angle of an optical axis of the wide-angle lens to a direction in which a user can visually confirm by changing a relative posture to the fixing means; and confirmation means 120 provided in the holding means 116, for allowing the user to visually confirm the normal posture of the holding means 116. In the imaging device 100, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is inclined by a predetermined angle in a different direction from the direction in which the user can visually confirm when the holding means 116 is in the normal posture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a drive recorder, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, drive recorders are attached to the windshields of private cars, commercial cars, etc., and capture images of the area in front of the vehicle for a specified period of time before and after an accident, for example, to provide useful information for investigating traffic accidents, etc.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device, an imaging system, and an imaging method that are capable of imaging the front, left, and right sides of a vehicle with one camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-297405 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional imaging devices and drive recorders, even if equipped with a wide-angle lens for capturing images of the front of the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle including the interior of the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as the "rear of the vehicle"), capture images of the front and rear of the vehicle evenly, and are unable to capture a wide area of ​​the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and a drive recorder suitable for capturing a wide desired range, for example, a wide range including both sides of a direction that a user can visually confirm, or a range including the front direction of a vehicle.

[0007] In addition, the purpose of the present invention is not limited to this, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for configurations that aim to obtain effects from parts of the configurations disclosed in this specification and drawings, etc., by filing a divisional application, amendment, etc. For example, this specification discloses a problem in which the part described as "can be" in this specification is read as "the problem is to be". The problems are described as independent, and the applicant intends to obtain rights for the configurations for solving each problem separately by filing a divisional application, amendment, etc. Even if the problems are implicitly understood from the description in the specification, the applicant intends to include part of the configurations described in this specification in the scope of the patent claim by amendment or divisional application. In addition, the applicant has disclosed a configuration that solves a problem that combines these independent problems, and intends to obtain rights for it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) One embodiment of the present invention provides an imaging device comprising: a fixing means for fixing to a predetermined mounting position; an imaging means for taking images using a wide-angle lens; a holding means for holding the wide-angle lens and for adjusting the angle of the optical axis of the wide-angle lens relative to a direction that can be visually confirmed by a user by changing the relative position with respect to the fixing means; and a confirmation means provided on the holding means for enabling the user to visually confirm that the holding means is in the correct position, wherein the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is tilted by a predetermined angle in a different direction from the direction that can be visually confirmed when the holding means is in the correct position.

[0009] In this way, the photographing device can widen the photographing range by using a wide-angle lens. Also, when the holding means is in the upright position, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is tilted by a predetermined angle in a different direction from the direction that the user can visually confirm, so the photographing device can widely photograph the different direction. Also, since the photographing device has a confirmation means, the user can easily adjust the photographing device to the upright position by visually estimating the confirmation means.

[0010] (2) The direction that can be visually confirmed may be a vertically downward direction, and the optical axis of the wide-angle lens may be tilted by the specified angle from the vertically downward direction to the side opposite to the side on which the confirmation means is located when the holding means is in the correct position.

[0011] In this way, it is possible to capture an image of a wide area that spans both the side where the confirmation means is present and the opposite side, sandwiching the direction in which the user can visually confirm the image.

[0012] (3) When the holding means is in the normal position, the wide-angle lens may have an angle of view greater than 200° on both sides of the direction that can be visually confirmed.

[0013] In this way, it is possible to capture an image of a wide area on both sides of the direction that the user can visually confirm.

[0014] (4) The holding means may be capable of adjusting the angle by rotating a portion connected to the fixing means together with the wide-angle lens about an axis extending in a direction intersecting the visually observable direction.

[0015] In this way, the increase in the size of the imaging device in the direction that the user can visually confirm the size can be suppressed. For example, since the increase in the size of a drive recorder having an imaging device in the direction that the user can visually confirm the size can be suppressed, the drive recorder having the imaging device can be easily attached near the upper end of the windshield of the vehicle (for example, within 20% of the upper end).

[0016] (5) When the holding means is in the normal position, the imaging means may include an area above the horizontal direction in its imaging area.

[0017] In this way, a wide-angle lens can be used to capture an image of a wide area both vertically, including an area higher than the horizontal direction.

[0018] (6) If the angle of view of the wide-angle lens is X°, the predetermined angle may be ((X-200)×0.5)°.

[0019] In this way, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is tilted by ((X-200) x 0.5) degrees in a different direction from the direction that the user can see with the naked eye, making it possible to capture a wide area both vertically and horizontally, including an area (X-190) degrees above the horizontal.

[0020] (7) The X° may be 240°.

[0021] In this way, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is tilted 20 degrees in a different direction from the direction that the user can visually confirm, so that a wide area can be captured vertically, including an area 50 degrees above the horizontal. Since the edge of the captured image is distorted with a wide-angle lens, even if a field angle 10 degrees smaller is set as a field angle that can capture images with less distortion, a wide area can be captured vertically, including an area 40 degrees above the horizontal. For example, a drive recorder having a capture device can capture traffic lights and road signs that are seen diagonally above the driver's perspective.

[0022] (8) The wide-angle lens may be capable of adjusting the angle relative to the holding means within a predetermined variable angle range on both sides of the direction that can be visually confirmed.

[0023] In this way, when the holding means is in the normal position, the optical axis of the wide-angle lens, which is inclined at a predetermined angle in a different direction from the direction that the user can visually confirm, can be adjusted within a predetermined variable angle range relative to the holding means.

[0024] (9) The confirmation means may have a flat surface that faces horizontally when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0025] In this way, by attaching the photographing device so that the flat surface of the confirmation means faces horizontally, the user can visually confirm that the holding means is in the correct position, and can easily attach the photographing device.

[0026] (10) The confirmation means may have an operation means or a display means that faces horizontally when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0027] In this way, the user can visually confirm that the holding means is in the correct position by attaching the photographing device so that the operation means or display means of the confirmation means is oriented horizontally, and can easily attach the photographing device.

[0028] (11) The confirmation means may have a member or marking that faces horizontally when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0029] In this way, the user can visually confirm that the holding means is in the correct position by attaching the photographing device so that the member or mark on the confirmation means is oriented horizontally, and can easily attach the photographing device.

[0030] (12) The camera may further include an antenna module, the photographing means having an imaging element that converts light that has passed through the wide-angle lens into data, and the holding means may be a case that houses the imaging element and the antenna module.

[0031] In this way, data communication is possible between the photographing device and the external device.

[0032] (13) The antenna module may include a GPS antenna module having sensitivity in a direction in which a photographing range of the photographing means exists in the normal attitude.

[0033] In this way, the image capturing device can specify its position using a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and the GPS antenna module can be made into an antenna module with directionality in the direction of the image capturing range.

[0034] (14) The antenna module may include a wireless antenna module disposed closer to the wide-angle lens than the fixing means.

[0035] In this way, since there are no obstacles to photography around the wide-angle lens, the wireless antenna module can be placed away from obstacles to avoid communication interference. For example, in a drive recorder having a photography device, if the wireless LAN antenna module is placed closer to the wide-angle lens than the fixing means, communication interference caused by the ceiling iron plate of the vehicle can be avoided as much as possible. This makes it possible to make the wireless LAN antenna module an antenna module with directionality both outside and inside the vehicle.

[0036] (15) The antenna module may include a first antenna module and further include a second antenna module exposed from the case and capable of protruding in a direction away from the first antenna module.

[0037] In this way, the first antenna module and the second antenna module are spaced apart, and for example, the GND (ground) distance becomes longer, allowing the antenna length to be shortened.

[0038] (16) The first antenna module may be housed on an upper inner surface of the case when the holding means is in the normal position.

[0039] In this way, when the case is in the normal position, the antenna module is accommodated on the upper inner side of the case, which is relatively cool inside the case, thereby reducing the possibility of the antenna module being damaged by heat.

[0040] (17) The case may further include a substrate that is housed in the case and is parallel to a plane to which the optical axis of the wide-angle lens is normal, the case may have heat dissipation holes for heat dissipation on the upper and lower sides of the case when in the upright position, and space may be secured within the case for heat to propagate from the heat dissipation hole on the lower side of the case to the heat dissipation hole on the upper side.

[0041] In this way, the board housed in the case is tilted, and compared to when the board is horizontal, an air flow path is secured for air to escape from the bottom to the top of the case, thereby improving the efficiency of dissipating heat generated when the imaging device is operated and reducing the possibility of the imaging device breaking down due to heat.

[0042] (18) Another aspect of the present invention is a photographing device having a photographing means for photographing using a wide-angle lens, the photographing device being adjustable in posture when attached to the windshield of a vehicle, and having a confirmation means for facing the direction of a specified passenger area of ​​the vehicle when in a predetermined photographing posture, wherein when in the upright posture, the wide-angle lens is in a position that cannot be seen from the position of the passenger area, and the photographing area of ​​the photographing means includes the front direction of the vehicle and the driver's seat.

[0043] In this way, the image capturing device can capture a wide range including the front direction of the vehicle. Also, even if a user in the riding area cannot visually check the position of the wide-angle lens, the user can easily adjust the posture of the image capturing device to the correct posture using the confirmation means as a clue.

[0044] (19) The imaging means may be configured such that an imaging area when in the normal posture is longer in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle than in a width direction of the vehicle.

[0045] In this way, it is possible to capture a wide range of areas that are particularly important to capture while driving a vehicle. For example, when another vehicle is tailgating or driving dangerously, an image of the area in front of the vehicle and the driver's behavior may be useful in dealing with the situation later.

[0046] (20) A drive recorder according to one aspect of the present invention includes any one of the imaging devices described above.

[0047] In this way, it is possible to provide a drive recorder that has any one of the above-mentioned imaging devices and is attached to a predetermined location in a vehicle. The predetermined location may include, for example, the windshield, the ceiling, the sun visor, the rear window, etc. of the vehicle.

[0048] The inventions shown in (1) to (20) above can be arbitrarily combined. For example, at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions after (2) may be added to all or a part of the configuration of the invention shown in (1). In particular, at least a part of the configuration of at least one of the inventions after (2) may be added to the invention shown in (1). In addition, any configuration may be extracted from the inventions shown in (1) to (20) and the extracted configurations may be combined. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to the inventions including these configurations. In addition, even if there is a description such as "in the case of" or "when", it is not intended to describe the configuration as being limited to that case or time. These are examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations other than these cases or times. In addition, the parts described in order are not limited to this order. Configurations in which some parts have been deleted or the order has been changed are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights. Effect of the Invention

[0049] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device and a drive recorder suitable for capturing a wide desired range. For example, it is possible to provide an imaging device and a drive recorder suitable for capturing a wide range including both sides of a direction that a user can visually confirm, or a range including the front direction of a vehicle.

[0050] Furthermore, the effects of the invention of this application are not limited to this, and effects obtained from the configuration disclosed in the present specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to the configuration that achieves the effects by divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, in this specification, the phrase "can" is a description that clearly indicates the effect that is achieved, and there are also parts that show the effect even without the phrase "can". Also, there are effects that can be understood from the configuration even without such a description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1A is a perspective view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear. [Diagram 2] 1A is a front view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1A is a left side view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. [Figure 4] 1A is a plan view of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between an operation surface and the optical axis of a wide-angle lens when the drive recorder of the first embodiment according to the present invention is viewed from the left side. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the drive recorder is provided with a bracket and a case, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the drive recorder is not provided with the bracket and the upper half of the case. [Figure 7]FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view including a cross section passing through the optical axis of a wide-angle lens of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a right side view including a cross section passing through the optical axis of a wide-angle lens of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a drive recorder according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1A is a diagram of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention when it is attached to a windshield tilted upward from the horizontal at an angle φ1, and FIG. 1B is a diagram of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention when it is attached to a windshield tilted upward from the horizontal at an angle φ2, which is greater than the angle φ1, and FIG. [Figure 10] (a) is a view of a drive recorder according to a second embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield of a vehicle as viewed from the left side, (b) is a view of a drive recorder according to a third embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield of a vehicle as viewed from the left side, and (c) is a view of a drive recorder according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield of a vehicle as viewed from the left side. [Figure 11] 13A is a front view of a drive recorder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a rear view of the drive recorder according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 13A is a left side view of a drive recorder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.13B is a right side view of the drive recorder according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13A is a plan view of a drive recorder according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a bottom view of the drive recorder according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a left side view including a cross section passing through a wide-angle lens of a drive recorder according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1A is a diagram showing an example of an image captured by the drive recorder according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an example of an image after correction to reduce distortion of the image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below shows an example of a case where the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration described below. In implementing the present invention, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

[0053] Furthermore, as terms used in the following description, for example, the horizontal direction does not have to be strictly horizontal, but may be substantially horizontal. The same applies to the vertical downward direction, vertical, parallel, normal line, and the like.

[0054] (Configuration of the first embodiment) Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front direction. Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear direction. Figs. 2 to 4 are a front view (Fig. 2(a)), a rear view (Fig. 2(b)), a left side view (Fig. 3(a)), a right side view (Fig. 3(b)), a plan view (Fig. 4(a)), and a bottom view (Fig. 4(b)) of the drive recorder according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] A drive recorder having an image capturing device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "drive recorder 100") includes a bracket 112, a wide-angle lens 114, a case 116, a hole 118, an operation surface 120, an operation button 124, an LTE antenna module 122 (hereinafter also referred to as "second LTE antenna module 122"), and a light emitting unit 129. In the following, a case will be described in which the drive recorder 100 is attached to the windshield inside the vehicle. The drive recorder 100 is attached so that the front direction of the vehicle and the driver's seat are captured. In this embodiment, the vehicle is a general four-wheeled passenger car, but may also be a medium-sized or larger passenger car such as a bus or a freight vehicle such as a truck.

[0056] Bracket 112 is a bracket that fixes drive recorder 100 to a predetermined mounting position. Bracket 112 corresponds to the fixing means of the present invention. Bracket 112 includes ring portion 112A and fixing plate 112B. Ring portion 112A and fixing plate 112B are connected via a connecting portion that stands on the outer circumferential surface of ring portion 112A.

[0057] The case 116 is fitted inside the ring portion 112A. A thread groove (not shown) is formed in a portion of the case 116 on one side of the portion facing the ring portion 112A. The fastening member 113 is attached to this portion. The fastening member 113 is a flat disk-shaped member. A thread groove (not shown) that fits the thread groove formed in the case 116 is formed inside the fastening member 113. A circular through hole is formed in the center of the fastening member 113. The portion of the case 116 where the thread groove is formed is fitted into this through hole. When the fastening member 113 is loosened, the case 116 can rotate with respect to the ring portion 112A. When the fastening member 113 is fastened, the case 116 is prevented from rotating with respect to the ring portion 112A.

[0058] A double-sided tape or other adhesive member is attached to the upper surface of the fixing plate 112B. The drive recorder 100 is fixed and attached to the windshield by adhering the fixing plate 112B to the windshield. The user installs the drive recorder 100 while in an area where the driver's seat or the passenger seat is present, which is a predetermined riding area of ​​the vehicle. When installing, the user brings the upper surface of the fixing plate 112 into contact with the windshield with the fastening member 113 loosened. Next, the user adjusts the position of the case 116 by rotating the case 116 along the inner peripheral surface of the ring portion 112A. Since the case 116 is tubular (cylindrical in this embodiment), the rotation direction of the case 116 is the direction around the axis of the tube. After completing the adjustment of the position of the case 116, the user tightens the fastening member 113. Note that the bracket 112 may include, for example, the fixing plate 112B, and the case 116 may include a ring portion. At this time, a fixing plate 112 B of the bracket 112 may be fitted into a ring portion of the case 116 so that the bracket 112 can rotate with respect to the case 116 .

[0059] The wide-angle lens 114 is a wide-angle lens used for shooting. The wide-angle lens 114 is a lens with a wider angle of view than a standard lens. The wide-angle lens 114 has a shorter focal length than a standard lens. The drive recorder 100 has a shooting means for shooting using the wide-angle lens 114. The shooting means of the drive recorder 100 shoots and generates image data showing the shot image. The image may be either a moving image or a still image, but is typically a moving image. The image shot using the wide-angle lens 114 includes distortion (also called image distortion) caused by the wide-angle lens 114. In this image, the distortion increases as the image approaches the end from the center of the image. In this embodiment, the wide-angle lens 114 has a 240° angle of view on both sides of the vertical downward direction when the case 116 is attached in a posture in which it should be attached to the windshield of the vehicle. This allows the drive recorder 100 to shoot a wide area on both sides of the vertical downward direction. The angle of view of the wide-angle lens is not limited to 240°, and may have an angle of view X° greater than 200° on both sides of the vertically downward direction. The angle of view X° is an angle of view greater than 180°, and may be, for example, 220°, 270°, 360°, or other angles of view. The wide-angle lens 114 may be an ultra-wide-angle lens or a semi-wide-angle lens. The wide-angle lens 114 may be a fisheye lens. The angle of view of the wide-angle lens 114 does not need to be uniform in each direction, and may be, for example, a lens having a characteristic in which the angle of view in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is greater than the angle of view in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0060] The case 116 holds the wide-angle lens 114 and is a case that can adjust the angle of the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 relative to the direction that can be visually confirmed, as indicated by the arrow in Figs. 3(a) and (b), by changing the relative posture with respect to the bracket 112. The case 116 corresponds to the holding means of the present invention. The case 116 can accommodate an image pickup element 130 described later, a first LTE antenna module 126, a second LTE antenna module 122, a GPS antenna module 128, an antenna module such as a wireless LAN antenna module 134, etc. The part of the case 116 that is connected to the bracket 112 can rotate together with the wide-angle lens 114 around an axis that extends in a direction intersecting the vertical downward direction, and in this embodiment, around an axis that extends from the left side surface of the case 116 to the right side surface. This allows the case 116 to adjust the angle of the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 relative to the vertical downward direction.

[0061] Hole 118 is a hole for dissipating heat provided in case 116. Hole 118 corresponds to a heat dissipation hole of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 4(a) and (b), hole 118 is provided on the upper and lower sides of case 116 in the upright position. Since hole 118 is a hole for diffusing heat generated from drive recorder 100, it may be provided on at least one of the left and right sides of case 116, for example. Drive recorder 100 may further include a heat sink or other heat dissipation member to promote heat dissipation.

[0062] The operation surface 120 is provided on the case 116. The operation surface 120 is provided with an operation button 124. The direction in which the operation button 124 is pressed faces the horizontal direction when the case 116 is in the normal position. The normal position is the position in which the case 116 should be attached to the windshield of the vehicle. The normal position is a shooting position that is determined in advance as a position that should be set when the drive recorder 100 is used. The normal position is determined, for example, during the design or manufacturing stage of the drive recorder 100. The normal position will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 5. The operation surface 120 also has a flat surface whose normal faces the horizontal direction when the case 116 is in the normal position. The user can confirm that the case 116 is in the normal position by visually aligning the normal of the flat surface of the operation surface 120 to the horizontal direction. That is, the operation surface 120 corresponds to a confirmation means of the present invention. In the above embodiment, operation surface 120 having a flat surface functions as confirmation means, but the confirmation means may be a display surface provided with a display panel whose normal faces horizontally when case 116 is in the normal position, or may be an operation display surface provided with operation buttons and a display panel. Furthermore, the confirmation means is not limited to a flat surface, and may be a member or marking that faces horizontally when case 116 is in the normal position. A plurality of confirmation means may be provided.

[0063] The second LTE antenna module 122 is a second antenna module used in a communication method using the LTE communication standard. The drive recorder 100 communicates with an external device using the second LTE antenna module 122. The second LTE antenna module 122 is exposed from the case 116 and is provided on the upper surface of the case 116 as shown in FIG. 4(a). Note that the second LTE antenna module 122 can be configured to protrude in a direction away from the first LTE antenna module 126 as shown in FIG. 6 described later.

[0064] The operation button 124 is a button for operating the drive recorder 100. The operation button 124 corresponds to an operation unit of the present invention. Note that the operation button 124 is not limited to a physical button, and may be, for example, a touch panel or the like. Also, a plurality of operation buttons 124 may be provided.

[0065] The light emitting unit 129 emits light according to the state of the drive recorder 100. For example, when the drive recorder 100 is powered on, the left light emitting element of the light emitting unit 129 emits green light, and when the drive recorder 100 is recording, the right light emitting element emits red light. The light emitting element of the light emitting unit 129 is, for example, a light emitting diode, but is not limited to this. There is no restriction on the relationship between the state of the drive recorder 100 and the light emitting pattern.

[0066] 5 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a flat surface of operation panel 120 and optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 when driving recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the left side. In the state shown in FIG. 5, driving recorder 100 is in a normal posture.

[0067] The normal line of the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H, and the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the vertical downward direction toward the opposite side to the side where the operation surface 120 exists. The vertical downward direction is an example of a direction that the user can visually confirm. The "direction that the user can visually confirm" is a direction that the user can visually confirm. The direction that the user can visually confirm is arbitrarily selected from the vertical direction (for example, the vertical downward direction), the horizontal direction, and the direction facing the user sitting in the driver's seat. When the wide-angle lens 114 faces directly downward, the user can confirm that the optical axis 114A faces the vertical downward direction. When the wide-angle lens 114 faces the horizontal direction in either the forward or rearward direction of the vehicle, the user can confirm that the optical axis 114A faces the horizontal direction. In this way, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are absolute directions that the user can visually confirm. Also, for example, when the user is sitting in the driver's seat or the passenger seat and the wide-angle lens 114 faces the user, the user can confirm that the direction of the optical axis 114A is the direction from the light incidence surface of the wide-angle lens 114 toward the user. Such relative directions can also be confirmed by the user's eyes. On the other hand, for example, when the wide-angle lens 114 faces in a direction other than these, the user may not be able to confirm the direction of the optical axis 114A by eye. For example, when the optical axis 114A is tilted 20° upward from the vertical downward direction, the user cannot visually confirm that the magnitude of this angle is 20°. Thus, there are directions that the user can visually confirm and directions that the user cannot.

[0068] In this embodiment, the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ in the forward direction where the windshield of the vehicle is located with respect to the vertical downward direction, which is a direction that the user can visually confirm. This posture when the case 116 is attached to the windshield of the vehicle is the normal posture. The angle of view X1° is the angle of view on the side where the operation surface 120 exists with respect to the vertical downward direction when the case 116 is in the normal posture, and the angle of view X2° is the angle of view on the opposite side to the side where the operation surface 120 exists with respect to the vertical downward direction when the case 116 is in the normal posture. The angle of view X°, the angle of view X1°, and the angle of view X2° satisfy the relationship of X°=X1°+X2°. The angle of the wide-angle lens 114 is fixed with respect to the case 116.

[0069] The predetermined angle θ satisfies the following formula (1) for the angle of view X° of the wide-angle lens 114. θ=((X-200)×0.5)° (1) By setting a predetermined angle θ to satisfy equation (1), the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 of the drive recorder 100 is tilted by ((X-200)×0.5)° in the vertical downward direction toward the opposite side to the side on which the operation surface 120 is located, and the drive recorder 100 can capture a wide area both vertically, including the area of ​​(X-190)° above the horizontal direction 120H.

[0070] For example, when the angle of view X° of the wide-angle lens 114 is 240°, the predetermined angle θ is 20°, the angle of view X1° is 100°, and the angle of view X2° is 140°, and the drive recorder 100 can capture a wide area in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, including a 50° area above the horizontal direction 120H. When the wide-angle lens 114 is used for shooting, the edges of the captured image are distorted. Therefore, even if a 10° smaller angle of view is set as an angle of view that can capture images with less distortion, the drive recorder 100 can capture up to a 40° area above the horizontal direction 120H. As a result, when the drive recorder 100 is in a normal posture, for example, traffic lights and road signs that are seen diagonally upward when the user is driving are also included in the area captured by the drive recorder 100. When the drive recorder 100 is in a normal posture, the shooting area includes the front direction of the vehicle and the driver's seat. The rear direction of the vehicle may also be included, but the proportion of the front direction of the vehicle and the driver's seat is larger. This allows the imaging area to be wider, particularly on the front side of the vehicle. It is even better if the imaging area also includes the side areas of the vehicle.

[0071] The wide-angle lens 114 may be angle-adjustable within a predetermined variable angle range on both sides of the vertical downward direction with respect to the case 116. For example, in the case of the drive recorder 100 attached to the windshield of the vehicle, the both sides of the vertical downward direction may be the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The predetermined variable angle range may be, for example, a variable angle range set in relation to the angle of view X° of the wide-angle lens 114 with the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 as the center so that the drive recorder 100 can capture a wide area vertically. The variable angle range may be, for example, a range of -20°<variable angle≦20° when the angle of view of the wide-angle lens 114 is 240° and the center of the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 is inclined by 20°. In this case, the wide-angle lens 114 is angle-adjustable within a range of 0° to 40° on the opposite side of the side where the operation surface 120 exists with respect to the vertical downward direction with respect to the case 116. The variable angle range may be any range including both sides of the vertically downward direction, and may be, for example, an angle range that is asymmetric between the front and rear of the vehicle with the vertically downward direction in between. Also, the variable angle range may include only the range from the vertically downward direction to the front of the vehicle, and thus, both sides of the vertically downward direction may include a case where one of the both sides is the vertically downward direction.

[0072] Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the drive recorder 100 is provided with the bracket 112 and the case 116. Fig. 6(b) is a perspective view of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the drive recorder 100 does not include the bracket 112 and the upper half of the case 116.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the second LTE antenna module 122 is an antenna module exposed from the case 116 and configured to be foldable. The second LTE antenna module 122 can protrude in a direction away from the first LTE antenna module 126. At this time, the tip of the second LTE antenna module 122 protrudes outward from the side surface of the case 116. The first LTE antenna module 126 is a first antenna module that defines a GND (ground point). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the first LTE antenna module 126 is housed in the upper inner surface of the case 116. Also, the GPS antenna module 128 is housed in the case 116.

[0074] Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view including a cross section passing through optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 of drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7(b) is a right side view including a cross section passing through optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 of drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] 7(a) and (b), the imaging element 130 is disposed at a position where it can convert light passing through the wide-angle lens 114 into data. In this embodiment, the imaging element 130 is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor (hereinafter, the imaging element 130 is also referred to as "CMOS 130"). The imaging element 130 may be, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The imaging means of the drive recorder 100 includes the imaging element 130 and the wide-angle lens 114.

[0076] Also, optical axis 114A of wide-angle lens 114 is tilted at a predetermined angle of 20° with respect to the vertically downward direction toward the side opposite to the side where operation surface 120 exists. Therefore, CMOS 130 and printed circuit boards 132A-D (hereinafter collectively referred to as "printed circuit boards 132") are arranged parallel to a plane to which optical axis 114A is normal. That is, CMOS 130 and printed circuit board 132 are arranged at a predetermined angle of 20° with respect to the horizontal direction when case 116 is in the normal position. As a result, a space is secured within case 116 for heat to propagate from lower hole 118 of case 116 to upper hole 118.

[0077] Moreover, the GPS antenna module 128 is disposed tilted in a direction intersecting the plane on which the printed circuit board 132 is disposed. In this embodiment, the GPS antenna module 128 is perpendicular to the plane on which the printed circuit board 132 is disposed. That is, the GPS antenna module 128 is disposed tilted at a predetermined angle of 20° in the same direction as the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114. Therefore, the GPS antenna module 128 has sensitivity in the direction in which the shooting range exists.

[0078] 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drive recorder 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The drive recorder 100 includes an imaging unit 140, a storage unit 142, and a control unit 144.

[0079] The photographing unit 140 is a photographing device including a wide-angle lens 114 and a CMOS 130. The light passing through the wide-angle lens 114 is converted into data by the CMOS 130. In the drive recorder 100, the light passing through the wide-angle lens 114 forms an image circle with the longitudinal direction of the CMOS 130 as its diameter. This allows the drive recorder 100 to photograph the longitudinal direction more widely than when the light passing through the wide-angle lens 114 forms an image circle with the lateral direction of the CMOS 130 as its diameter. For example, in the drive recorder 100, when the CMOS 130 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of the CMOS 130 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the drive recorder 100 can photograph the longitudinal direction of the vehicle more widely.

[0080] The storage unit 142 is a memory capable of storing data. The memory is, for example, a volatile memory (for example, a random access memory (RAM)) or a non-volatile memory (for example, a read only memory (ROM)). The memory may be, for example, an internal memory such as a hard disc drive (HDD) or an external memory such as an SD memory card or a USB memory. The storage unit 142 stores the program of the drive recorder 100 executed by the control unit 144 and images captured by the drive recorder 100.

[0081] The control unit 144 is a control device that is electrically connected to the operation unit 146 and the communication unit 148 and controls each unit. The control unit 144 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 144 realizes the function of each unit by executing the program of the drive recorder 100 stored in the storage unit 142. Note that the function of each unit may be realized by individual hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0082] The operation unit 146 includes the operation buttons 124 for operating the drive recorder 100. As described above, the operation buttons 124 are not limited to physical buttons, and may be, for example, a touch panel or the like.

[0083] The communication unit 148 includes a GPS antenna module 128, a first LTE antenna module 126, and a second LTE antenna module 122. The drive recorder 100 communicates with an external device via the communication unit 148. Note that the communication unit 148 may include, for example, at least one of the GPS antenna module 128, the first LTE antenna module 126, the second LTE antenna module 122, and a wireless LAN antenna module 134 described later.

[0084] (Example of the first embodiment) An example of the drive recorder 100 realized by the configuration of the first embodiment described above will be described below.

[0085] Fig. 9(a) is a diagram of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left side when it is attached to a windshield 160 tilted upward from the horizontal direction at an angle φ1. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram of the drive recorder 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left side when it is attached to a windshield 162 tilted upward from the horizontal direction at an angle φ2 larger than the angle φ1.

[0086] 9(a), when a user mounts the drive recorder 100 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, the bracket 112 is attached to the windshield 160 of the vehicle, and the case 116 is rotated relative to the bracket 112 so that the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle. If the user visually checks that the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, then the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0087] 9(b), when mounting the drive recorder 100 on a vehicle equipped with a windshield 162 having a larger angle of inclination than the windshield 160 of the vehicle shown in FIG. 9(a), the case 116 is rotated with respect to the bracket 112 more than the case 116 is rotated with respect to the bracket 112 shown in FIG. 9(a) so that the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle. If the user visually checks that the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle, the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0088] As described above, the drive recorder 100 of this embodiment can widen the shooting range by using the wide-angle lens 114. In addition, when the case 116 is in the normal position, the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 is tilted by a predetermined angle toward the opposite side to the side where the operation surface 120 is present with respect to the vertical downward direction, which is a direction that the user can visually confirm, so that the drive recorder 100 can widely shoot the opposite side. In addition, the user adjusts the posture of the drive recorder 100 while in an area where the driver's seat or passenger seat is present, for example, but when the case 116 is in the normal position, the user cannot visually confirm the position of the wide-angle lens 114. When the case 116 is in the normal position, the optical axis 114A faces a direction that the user cannot visually confirm. Even in this case, since the drive recorder 100 has the operation surface 120 as a confirmation means, the user can visually confirm that the case 116 is in the correct position by mounting the drive recorder 100 so that the normal line of the flat surface of the operation surface 120 faces the horizontal direction 120H. This makes it easier for the user to adjust the drive recorder 100 to the correct position. For example, even if the user is unfamiliar with mounting the drive recorder 100, the possibility of the user making an incorrect adjustment, such as pointing the wide-angle lens 114 in a direction where it can be seen, is reduced.

[0089] In addition, the drive recorder 100 of this embodiment can suppress an increase in dimensions in a direction that can be visually confirmed by a user. In the drive recorder 100, a portion of the case 116 connected to the bracket 112 (a portion where a screw groove is formed in this embodiment) rotates, and the direction of the optical axis 114A of the wide-angle lens 114 also provided on the case 116 changes with this rotation. Therefore, an increase in dimensions in the vertical direction is suppressed compared to a case where a mechanism for rotating the wide-angle lens is provided in a portion away from the portion connected to the bracket (for example, a portion below the portion connected to the bracket 112) without the portion of the case rotating. Therefore, the drive recorder 100 can be easily attached near the upper end side of the windshield of the vehicle (for example, within a range of 20% from the upper end side).

[0090] The drive recorder 100 of this embodiment also includes a first LTE antenna module 126, a second LTE antenna module 122, and a GPS antenna module 128 having directivity in the direction of the image capture range. In the direction of the image capture range from the position of the drive recorder 100, there is little possibility that there is an obstacle to image capture, and usually only the windshield is present. Therefore, data communication is possible between the drive recorder 100 and an external device.

[0091] In addition, in the drive recorder 100 of this embodiment, the second LTE antenna module is exposed from the case 116 and protrudes in a direction away from the first LTE antenna module 126, so the antenna length can be shortened. Furthermore, since the first LTE antenna module 126 is housed in the case 116, it can be said that the appearance is better than that of a drive recorder in which the first LTE antenna module 126 is also exposed. Furthermore, since the first LTE antenna module 126 is housed on the inner inner surface of the case 116, when the drive recorder 100 is installed in a vehicle, the LTE antenna module is provided on the upper side of the drive recorder 100, which has a relatively low temperature inside the case 116, and the possibility of the LTE antenna module breaking down due to heat can be reduced. Among the elements of the drive recorder 100 described so far, the LTE antenna module may be the most vulnerable to heat, so such an arrangement is desirable.

[0092] In addition, in the drive recorder 100 of this embodiment, the circuit board housed in the case is tilted, and an air flow path is secured for air to escape from the bottom to the top of the case compared to when the board is horizontal. This improves the efficiency of heat dissipation for heat generated when the drive recorder 100 is operating, and reduces the possibility of the drive recorder 100 breaking down due to heat.

[0093] (Configuration of the second embodiment) The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs in that the confirmation means in the first embodiment is a flat surface of the operation surface 120, whereas the confirmation means in the second embodiment is an operation button 124 provided on the operation surface 120.

[0094] (Example of the second embodiment) FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing a drive recorder (hereinafter also referred to as "drive recorder 200") having an imaging device 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield 160 of a vehicle, as viewed from the left side.

[0095] 10(a), when a user mounts the drive recorder 200 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, the bracket 112 is attached to the windshield 160 of the vehicle, and the case 116 is rotated relative to the bracket 112 so that the direction in which the operation button 124 is pressed is in the horizontal direction 120H. If the user visually checks that the direction in which the operation button 124 is pressed is in the horizontal direction 120H, then the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0096] As described above, the drive recorder 200 of the second embodiment includes the operation button 124 as a confirmation means. The operation button 124 faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle when the case 116 is in the upright position. Therefore, the user can visually confirm that the case 116 is in the upright position by mounting the drive recorder 200 so that the operation button 124 faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle.

[0097] (Configuration of the third embodiment) The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs in that the confirmation means in the first embodiment is a flat surface of the operation surface 120, whereas the confirmation means in the third embodiment is a mark 320 of "ABCXYZ" provided on the left side surface of the case 116. "ABCXYZ" refers to, for example, the manufacturer (e.g., the company name) of the drive recorder 300.

[0098] (Example of the third embodiment) FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing a drive recorder (hereinafter also referred to as "drive recorder 300") having an imaging device 300 of the third embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield 160 of a vehicle, as viewed from the left side.

[0099] 10(b), when the user installs the drive recorder 300 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, the user installs the bracket 112 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, rotates the case 116 relative to the bracket 112, and orients the marking 320, which is the "ABCXYZ" logo, in the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle. If the user visually checks and sees that the marking 320, which is the "ABCXYZ" logo, is orientated in the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, then the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0100] As described above, the drive recorder 300 of the third embodiment includes the mark 320 "ABCXYZ" as a confirmation means. The mark 320 "ABCXYZ" faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle when the case 116 is in the upright position. Therefore, the user can visually confirm that the case 116 is in the upright position by attaching the drive recorder 300 so that the mark 320 "ABCXYZ" faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle. The mark 320 is not limited to the manufacturer (e.g., a company name). The mark 320 may be the product name (e.g., model name) or model number of the drive recorder 300, or a logo of the name of a function of the drive recorder 300, or it may not be a logo. The mark 320 may be any mark that indicates the upside-down direction, and may be any of letters, figures, symbols, or other marks, or a combination of these. The marking 320 may include a sentence explaining how to install the drive recorder 300, such as "Install it so that this side faces horizontally." This makes it easier for the user to adjust the drive recorder 300 to the correct position.

[0101] (Configuration of the Fourth Embodiment) The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs in that the confirmation means in the first embodiment is a flat surface of the operation surface 120, whereas the confirmation means in the configuration of the fourth embodiment is a long and narrow rectangular member 420 provided on the left side surface of the case 116.

[0102] (Example of the fourth embodiment) FIG. 10(c) is a diagram showing a drive recorder (hereinafter also referred to as "drive recorder 400") having an imaging device 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention when attached to the windshield 160 of a vehicle, as viewed from the left side.

[0103] 10(c), when the user installs the drive recorder 400 on the windshield 160 of the vehicle, the user attaches the bracket 112 to the windshield 160 of the vehicle, rotates the case 116 relative to the bracket 112, and orients the member 420 in the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle. If the user visually checks that the member 420 is orientated in the horizontal direction 120H relative to the vehicle, the case 116 is in the correct position.

[0104] As described above, the drive recorder 400 of the fourth embodiment includes the member 420 as a confirmation means. The member 420 faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle when the case 116 is in the correct posture. Therefore, the user can visually confirm that the case 116 is in the correct posture by mounting the drive recorder 400 so that the member 420 faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle.

[0105] (Configuration of the fifth embodiment) The basic configuration of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs from that of the first embodiment in that the configuration of the fifth embodiment does not include the hole 118, the first LTE antenna module 126, and the second LTE antenna module 122, the bracket 112 includes a fixing plate 112B, and the case 116 includes a ring portion. Also, the confirmation means of the first embodiment is a flat surface of the operation surface 120, whereas the confirmation means of the fifth embodiment is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 150 of the display surface 520. The LCD 150 corresponds to a display screen of the drive recorder 500.

[0106] Figures 11 to 13 are a front view (Figure 11(a)), a rear view (Figure 11(b)), a left side view (Figure 12(a)), a right side view (Figure 12(b)), a plan view (Figure 13(a)) and a bottom view (Figure 13(b)) of a drive recorder 500 of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The drive recorder 500 includes a bracket 112 having a fixing plate 112B, a wide-angle lens 114, a case 116, operation buttons 124, and a display surface 520 having an LCD 150.

[0108] Display surface 520 is provided on case 116. Display surface 520 has LCD 150 whose normal faces the horizontal direction when case 116 is in the normal position. LCD 150 is a display that displays data stored in storage unit 142. Note that instead of LCD 150, other displays such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) may be used.

[0109] (Example of the fifth embodiment) Like the flat surface of operation surface 120 in the example of the first embodiment, LCD 150 in the fifth embodiment faces horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle when case 116 is in the normal position. Therefore, when a user mounts drive recorder 500 to windshield 160 of the vehicle, bracket 112 is attached to windshield 160 of the vehicle, and case 116 is rotated with respect to bracket 112 so that LCD 150 faces horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle. If the user visually checks that LCD 150 of confirmation means 520 faces horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle, then case 116 is in the normal position.

[0110] As described above, the drive recorder 500 of the fifth embodiment includes the LCD 150 of the display surface 520. The LCD 150 of the display surface 520 faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle when the case 116 is in the upright position. Therefore, by mounting the drive recorder 500 so that the LCD 150 of the display surface 520 faces the horizontal direction 120H with respect to the vehicle, the user can visually confirm that the case 116 is in the upright position and easily mount the drive recorder 500.

[0111] (Configuration and Example of the Sixth Embodiment) The basic configuration and examples of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, but the antenna module in the first embodiment includes a first LTE antenna module 126, a second LTE antenna module 122, and a GPS antenna module 128, whereas the antenna module in the sixth embodiment is a wireless LAN antenna module. The differences will be described below.

[0112] 14 is a left side view including a cross section passing through wide-angle lens 114 of drive recorder 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Drive recorder 600 includes wide-angle lens 114, case 116, operation surface 120 having a flat surface, image sensor 130, printed circuit board 132, and wireless LAN antenna module 134. Wireless LAN antenna module 134 is disposed at a position closer to wide-angle lens 114 than bracket 112. That is, wireless LAN antenna module 134 is disposed beside wide-angle lens 114.

[0113] As described above, in the drive recorder 600 of the sixth embodiment, since there are no obstacles to imaging around the wide-angle lens 114, the wireless LAN antenna module 134 can be disposed at a position away from obstacles to avoid communication interference. For example, in the drive recorder 600, if the wireless LAN antenna module 134 is disposed at a position closer to the wide-angle lens 114 than the bracket 112, communication interference caused by the ceiling iron plate of the vehicle can be avoided as much as possible. This allows the wireless LAN antenna module 134 to be an antenna module with directionality both to the outside and inside of the vehicle.

[0114] FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing an example of an image captured using the drive recorder 100. FIG. 15(b) is an example of an image after correction to reduce distortion of the image. FIG. 15(b) shows the image of the lower half of the image shown in FIG. 15(a) with the top-bottom direction reversed. As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and (b), the captured area includes the front direction of the vehicle and the driver's seat. The rear area of ​​the vehicle may also be included, but the proportion of the front direction of the vehicle and the driver's seat is larger. This makes the captured area of ​​the front side of the vehicle, which is particularly to be captured, wider. The drive recorder 100 can also capture the sides of the vehicle. The drive recorder 100 is installed so that the longitudinal direction of the CMOS 130 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the lateral direction corresponds to the width direction of the vehicle, so that the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be captured wider than the width direction of the vehicle. As a result, the area that is particularly required to be captured while driving the vehicle can be captured over a wide range. For example, when another vehicle is tailgating or otherwise driving recklessly, an image taken of the area ahead of the vehicle and the driver's condition may be useful in dealing with the situation later.

[0115] (Variation 1) Although the first to fourth embodiments described above do not include the wireless LAN antenna module 134, the wireless LAN antenna module 134 may be provided instead of the GPS antenna module 128, or the wireless LAN antenna module 134 may be provided instead of the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122. Furthermore, the first to fourth embodiments described above may further include the wireless LAN antenna module 134.

[0116] (Variation 2) In the above-described fifth embodiment, the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122, and the WLAN antenna module 134 are not provided, but the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122, or the WLAN antenna module 134 may be provided instead of the GPS antenna module 128. Furthermore, in the above-described fifth embodiment, at least one of the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122, and the WLAN antenna module 134 may be further provided.

[0117] (Variation 3) In the above-described sixth embodiment, the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122 and the GPS antenna module 128 are not provided, but the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122, or the GPS antenna module 128 may be provided instead of the WLAN antenna module 134. Moreover, in the above-described sixth embodiment, at least one of the first LTE antenna module 126 and the second antenna module 122, and the GPS antenna module 128 may be further provided.

[0118] (Variation 4) In the configurations of the first to sixth embodiments described above, the wireless LAN antenna module 134, the first LTE antenna module 126, and the second antenna module 122 may be replaced with antenna modules of other systems (for example, 5G). In addition, the form of the antenna module is not particularly limited, and may be a bar antenna, a whip antenna, or other antennas.

[0119] (Variation 5) In the imaging device and the drive recorder having the imaging device according to the first to sixth embodiments described above, the mounting position in the vehicle is the windshield, but may be, for example, the ceiling, the sun visor, the rear window, etc. When the mounting position in the vehicle is the ceiling or the sun visor, the imaging device and the drive recorder having the imaging device may widely capture the front direction of the vehicle. At this time, the rear direction of the vehicle and the driver's seat are at least included in the shooting area, but the area of ​​the ceiling near the boundary with the windshield may also be included. On the other hand, when the mounting position in the vehicle is the rear window, the rear direction of the vehicle may be widely captured. At this time, the rear area and the rear seat of the vehicle are at least included in the shooting area, but the area of ​​the ceiling near the boundary with the rear window may also be included. In addition, the moving body to which the drive recorder is attached may be a vehicle that runs on a track or a track equivalent thereto, and examples of such vehicles include trains, monorails, linear motor cars, etc. In this case, the drive recorder may be attached to a passenger compartment, a cargo room, etc. Furthermore, the image capturing device 100 is not limited to that included in a drive recorder, and may be included in, for example, a security camera, etc. When used as a security camera, the image capturing device 100 is attached to, for example, a ceiling or nearby to capture the inside of a facility (for example, a house or an office building) while the user is away, or attached near a window to capture the outside of the facility window.

[0120] (Variation 6) The image capturing device and the drive recorder having the image capturing device according to the first to sixth embodiments described above may have a function of notifying the user that the drive recorder has taken the upright position. For example, the drive recorder may notify the user that the drive recorder has taken the upright position by emitting light from the light emitting unit 129, outputting an electronic or mechanical sound, displaying, vibrating, or other methods that can be perceived by humans. In this way, the user can know that the drive recorder has taken the upright position.

[0121] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification. The configurations of the present invention that are to be patented are specified in the attached claims, but it is our intention to include configurations disclosed in this specification in the claims in the future, even if they are not currently specified in the claims.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above-mentioned embodiment. The components of each of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Any components of each of the embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily combined with any components described in the means for solving the invention or any components that embody any components described in the means for solving the invention. We intend to acquire rights to these as well in amendments to this application or divisional applications. Even if there is a description such as "in the case of" or "when", this is not intended to describe the configuration as being limited to that case or time. We also disclose configurations that are not in these cases or times, and we intend to acquire rights. Furthermore, the parts described in order are not limited to this order. We also disclose configurations in which some parts are deleted or the order is changed, and we intend to acquire rights.

[0123] In addition, we intend to obtain rights to the overall design or partial design by converting to a design registration application. The drawings depict the entire device in solid lines, but they include not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for a part of the device. For example, a part of the device may be a partial design, or a part of the part may be a part of the device. We intend to obtain rights to the overall design, as well as partial designs in which any part of the solid line part of the drawing is drawn as a broken line part. In addition, the modules, parts, and components inside the device's casing, all of which are shown in the drawings, are subject to trade independently, and we intend to obtain rights to them by converting to a design registration application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 100~600···Dashcam 112 Bracket 112A···Ring section 112B...Fixing plate 113 Fastening member 114 ···Wide-angle lens 116 ···Case 118 holes 120~520...Verification method 122 Second LTE antenna module 124 Operation button 126 First LTE antenna module 128 ···GPS Antenna Module 129 Light-emitting part 130 Imaging element 132 Printed circuit board 134 ···Wireless LAN antenna module 140 ···Photography Department 142...Storage section 144 Control section 146...Operation unit 148 Communications Department 150···LCD

Claims

1. An imaging device, A fixing means for fixing to a predetermined mounting position; An imaging means for taking an image using a lens; An operation surface having an operation means; a case that holds the lens and is capable of adjusting an angle of an optical axis of the lens by changing a position of the case relative to the fixing means; a substrate that is accommodated in the case and is parallel to a plane to which the optical axis of the lens is normal; Equipped with The substrate parallel to the plane to which the optical axis of the lens is normal is disposed inclined toward the opposite side to the operation surface. An imaging device characterized by:

2. The operation surface is provided with an operation button as the operation means.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1,

3. The substrate parallel to the plane to which the optical axis of the lens is normal is arranged at a predetermined angle of 20° with respect to the horizontal direction.

3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

4. A drive recorder comprising the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images